Inweekly Jan 24 2019 Issue

RISING STARS 2019

Independent News | January 24, 2019 | Volume 20 | Number 4 | inweekly.net | Photos by Grant Tyson

winners & losers

outtakes

4

5

news 6, 8

Plus, I have a lot of neighborhood cats relying on me.

rising stars

a&e

13

37

publisher Rick Outzen

graphic designer Michael Daw

contact us info@inweekly.net

editor & creative director Joani Delezen

contributing writers Duwayne Escobedo, Jennie McKeon, Jeremy Morrison, Shelby Nalepa, C.S. Satterwhite

music 40

Independent News is published by Inweekly Media, Inc., P.O. Box 12082, Pensacola, FL 32591. (850)438-8115. All materials published in Independent News are copyrighted. © 2015 Inweekly Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

“Holding careless drivers accountable makes Pensacola safer for us all.”

JOE ZARZAUR BOARD CERTIFIED CIVIL TRIAL ATTORNEY

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P E N S A C O L A inweekly.net

Our stars are breaking more than barriers.

THEY’RE BREAKING ORBIT. Our spirited community of learners is blazing past old ways of thinking and illuminating new paths, new frontiers and new horizons to transform our community.

There are no limits to what we can achieve together. What impact will you make?

uwf.edu/NoLimits

AMY BOWMAN-MCELHONE

JEFFREY DJERLEK

Assistant Vice President of the UWF Historic Trust Museums

Associate Controller for the Office of University Budgets

January 24, 2019

TIMOTHY MOORE Associate Director of Career Education for the Office of Career Development and Community Engagement

JENNIE MCKEON

FELICIA E. GAIL

Digital Content Producer and Reporter for WUWF

Curator of Exhibitions for the Pensacola Museum of Art

3

Congratulations to our Rising Star

winners & losers

Clay Ingram / Courtesy Photo

winners

CLAY INGRAM It didn't take long for the

Brady Adcox

Financial Specialist

former Florida representative to return to politics. Governor Ron DeSantis has appointed Ingram, who has served as the Greater Pensacola Chamber's CEO since 2014, to be his Volunteer Florida CEO. Volunteer Florida coordinates volunteer organizations across the state and administers more than $30 million in federal and state funding for national service and volunteer programs.

MARIA GOLDBERG The director of mar-

2200 Airport Blvd Second Floor, Pensacola, FL 32504 | 850.416.4660 GiveSacredHeart.org

Help her Career Take off!

Your High School and Middle School student can begin training right now for high paying jobs here in Pensacola and Escambia County!

Help them get a head start on great jobs in Aviation Maintenance, Cyber Security, Construction Trades and Advanced Manufacturing while still in school by visiting the website below, asking their school’s guidance counselor or calling Jeff Dyer at FloridaWest at 850.898.2201

greaterpensacolacareerpathways.com 44

keting, public relations for Great Southern Restaurants led the successful effort to get a Mississippi Blue Trail Marker for BelmontDeVilliers, only the second marker along the trail in Florida. Goldberg worked with the Belmont-DeVilliers Neighborhood Association and local African-American historians to complete the application that documented the area's rich musical heritage. She even met with Gussie Streeter, who operated Gussie's Record Shop on the site of the Five Sisters Blues Cafe, and her sons to include their family's history.

TANYA KENT Sacred Heart Health System recently recognized the registered nurse in the pediatric intensive care unit with the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. Kent is the first nurse at the Studer Family Children's Hospital at Sacred Heart to be selected for the honor. The DAISY Award program is an international recognition program that honors the skillful, compassionate care that nurses provide daily. It is administered by The DAISY Foundation, a not-for-profit established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, who died from complications associated with an autoimmune disease.

losers

BOOKER T. WASHINGTON HIGH This

hasn't been a good year for the school. The football and boys' basketball teams have struggled under new coaches, leading to the firing of the head football coach. The Department of Juvenile Justice reported the school had the sixth most on-campus arrests in the state. A video of a student "donkey kicking" a classmate when viral. And last week, a teacher was arrested for allegedly convincing a student to send him a sexually inappropriate video of herself, according to police.

FLORIDA CONSTITUTION REVISION COMMISSION Although the panel saw its

proposed constitutional amendments passed in 2018, Sen. Jeff Brandes, R-St. Petersburg, and Rep. Brad Drake, R-Eucheeanna, want to abolish the CRC, which meets every 20 years to propose changes to the state constitution for voters to consider. The commission drew controversy and legal challenges, in part because it lumped together seemingly unrelated issues into single-ballot proposals. The proposed abolishment would go on the 2020 ballot if passed by the House and Senate.

JOHN GAUGER The Wall Street Journal reported that Michael Cohen, President Donald Trump's former personal attorney, promised to pay $50,000 to Gauger's RedFinch Solutions to rig online polls on CNBC and the Drudge Report. It's also claimed Cohen asked Gauger to create the @WomenForCohen Twitter account in May 2016 that praised the attorney as a "sex symbol." Gauger is also the chief information officer at Liberty University, the evangelical college run by Jerry Falwell, Jr.

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

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outtakes

by Rick Outzen

THE TRAIL TO THE BLUES MARKER Last Friday, the Mississippi Blues Commission recognized the blues contributions of Pensacola with the unveiling of its 203rd Mississippi Blues Trail Marker at the corner of Belmont and DeVilliers streets.

Maria Goldberg deserves much of the credit for the event. She worked for nearly three years with Robin Reshard and others to document the musical history of the BelmontDeVilliers area and Abe's 506 Club, the Savoy, Tom's Tavern, Elks Lodge, Odd Fellows Hall, Club Rum Boogie, Harlem Club, Cotton Club, Saber Club, Bunny Club, WBOP radio and Gussie's Record Shop.

The process began with my conversation with Goldberg and her boss Collier Merrill almost three years ago.

Inweekly had long had an interest in the blues and jazz heritage of BelmontDeVilliers, and our reporter Jessica Forbes had spent weeks researching the musical history of the neighborhood. Her article (Inweekly, "Generations of Sound," 3/1/13) received a lot of accolades.

In April 2015, I interviewed Mary Margaret Miller, the manager for creative economy and culture with Visit Mississippi, about the Mississippi Blues Trail, a series of interpretive markers at the most notable historical sites related to the birth, growth and influence of the blues throughout the state of Mississippi and beyond.

I learned that Tallahassee had a marker at the site of the Bradford Blues Club, where

B.B. King, Bo Diddley and John Lee Hooker performed. Any musician playing in Tallahassee mostly also played here, I surmised. Why shouldn't Pensacola also have a marker?

Knowing that Great Southern Restaurant Group and Fish House General Manager Jean Pierre N'Dione were in negotiations with Five Sisters Blues Café founder Cecil Johnson, I approached Maria and Collier with my brainstorm. Five Sisters was built in 2010 on the site of Gussie's Record Shop by Quint and Rishy Studer and had become a cornerstone for the neighborhood's revitalization.

Across the street, the Studers and Eddie Todd had completed the renovation of DeVilliers Square that housed the University of West Florida Innovation Institute and 19 businesses and nonprofits. The BelmontDeVilliers Neighborhood Association was active, and new houses were being built on the surrounding streets.

I argued with Maria and Collier that the Mississippi Blues Trail marker would take the revitalization of Belmont-DeVilliers to another level. They fortunately agreed, and Pensacola got its marker on Jan. 18.

What are my next bright ideas for Belmont-DeVilliers that will build upon its musical heritage? A Belmont Blues Hall would be an excellent addition—think a smaller Vinyl Music Hall that focuses on blues and jazz—and a national museum on Reconstruction. I will write more about them later. Stay tuned. {in}rick@inweekly.net

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$3 MILLION IN LIMBO

Don Gaetz / Photo by Jertemy Morisson

By Duwayne Escobedo Nearly nine months ago, the Triumph Gulf Coast board set aside a little more than $3 million for the Escambia County School District to train the students of today for the workforce of tomorrow in industries vital to the Northwest Florida economy.

However, negotiations have stalled with Escambia County School Superintendent Malcolm Thomas. Triumph board chairman Don Gaetz said the money is in jeopardy. He warned that Triumph would look for another educational organization to fund instead.

The hang-up is Triumph's "clawback" mandate that requires entities to return the funds if they fail to meet performance standards, Gaetz said.

"Performance requirements are counter to the culture of traditional public education," said Gaetz, a former Florida Senate president and Okaloosa County School District superintendent. He said public education is used to

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receiving money with no strings attached. "We are not like the Legislature. We don't just send money and hope it all works out. We want students to be qualified for the jobs they are trained for."

Inweekly tried several times to reach Escambia County Superintendent Malcolm Thomas. However, after three days, Thomas passed the newspaper's inquiry to Michelle Taylor.

Taylor, who helped draft the application, said the school district would like to resume negotiations with Triumph. However, it takes issue with the clawbacks if it falls short of producing enough aerospace, aviation, cybersecurity, information technology and commercial drivers. If it meets two-thirds of a Triumph performance requirement, then the school district should pay back one-third of the funding, not all of it, Taylor argued.

"Let's make it proportional to what we didn't meet," she said. "We're optimistic we can get it resolved in the next few months."

Triumph funding comes from BP for its 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Oil damaged the unique Northwest Florida coastline, regularly recognized for the beauty of its white sand beaches. BP and Florida agreed to a $2 billion payment over the next 18 years with $1.5 billion earmarked for economic development projects for Bay, Escambia, Franklin, Gulf, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton and Wakulla counties.

Other school districts have jumped at the funding, despite the possibility of having to return the money if they miss the performance goals.

For example, Wakulla County School District received more than $3.9 million for its Career and Technical Education Center. To keep the money, it must have 300 students in grades K-5, and 50 middle school students must earn digital tool certificates. Also, the school system must graduate 30 students in both the HVAC and automotive industries.

Once in the workforce, 50 percent must obtain an average entry wage, and 70 percent must complete a certification program.

Sunny Chancy, Wakulla's chief academic officer, said the school system found the clawback goals doable.

"We have very high performing schools," she said. "If we get funding, we take it very seriously. That's what we signed up for, and that's what we are going to do."

Wakulla isn't the only school system to receive funding either. Walton, Franklin and Gulf counties have also entered into agreements with Triumph for money to help develop its future workforce.

Walton County and Emerald Coast Technical College will receive more than $2.2 million for tech education and certification programs. Franklin County received about $2.3 million for industry certifications in medical, welding and computer technology fields. Gulf County received $750,000 and over five years must have a minimum of 200 students earn industry certifications in unmanned aircraft systems, or drones, for safety, agricultural use or as a Visual Line of Sight Operator (VOS).

Gaetz said the Triumph performance standards for Escambia "were set low."

Triumph demands certificates over a three-year period for 210 K-5 students for science, technology, engineering and math (STEM); 70 middle school students for information technology; 20 high school students for aircraft assembly; 20 high school students for manufacturing; 100 high school students for cybersecurity; 50 post-secondary students at George Stone Technical College for airframe and powerplant; 30 post-secondary students for cybersecurity; and 25 post-secondary students for commercial driving.

In Triumph meeting minutes on its website, board members expressed the importance of Escambia County developing its workforce. For example, ST Engineering Aerospace by the end of this years will have 300 Pensacola area residents doing aircraft maintenance at its hangar that opened last year at the Pensacola International Airport.

Triumph board member Frank Fuller expressed that "the proposal is so significant that it is worth pushing forward." Fellow board member Jason Shoaf added that "building a workforce pipeline is critical to the future of the region."

Meanwhile, the Escambia County School District continues to operate Escambia High School's ACE National Flight Academy, Booker T. Washington Aviation Technology Academy, Warrington Middle School National Flight Academy and George Stone's aviation program.

"It's important to us the (Triumph funds) come to fruition," Taylor said. "We need to train and educate our students for the jobs of the future."

Gaetz said the Triumph board would like to work with Superintendent Thomas.

"We are ready, willing and able to cut a check to the Escambia County School District," the board chairman said. "If we can't, there are other education providers that we may be working with who are used to delivering based on performance." {in}

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OLF 8 REALITY SHOW, SEASON 3

OLF 8 / Courtesy Photo

By Duwayne Escobedo More than 13 years after U.S. Navy and Pensacola leaders first raised the idea of a land swap for the 636-acre Outlying Landing Field (OLF) 8, Escambia County finally looks to benefit.

The five-member county commission entertained two buyers, who would pay a combined $22.2 million for the property.

That would equal a $4.9 million profit for the site the county bought for $17.3 million. Navy Federal Credit Union committed to paying $4.2 million, or market value, for the 100 acres adjacent to its Heritage Oaks campus. Meanwhile, a partnership involving Hemmer Consulting and 68 Ventures offered recently to give the county $18 million cash for the remaining 536 acres.

The offers have commissioners debating whether to make money or wait until the county creates a master plan for the site before entertaining further offers.

FloridaWest CEO Scott Luth cautioned the commissioners on moving forward since the parcel has become the largest tract that exists in the county left for economic development near Interstate 10.

"I highly recommend going through the master plan process before you make any determination to sell," Luth said. "This is a great amenity overall for the community."

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A master plan could help the county split up the property and sell various parcels, depending on the highest and best use, Luth said. For instance, it may decide to break off land along Nine Mile Road and sell it for restaurants or retail.

The county must develop a master plan for the site before becoming eligible for $30 million in Triumph Gulf Coast funds for development. About 474 of the 636 acres can have structures built on them, with the rest either wetlands or low-lying areas.

District 1 County Commissioner Jeff Bergosh, whose district contains OLF 8, said he wants to avoid the property being overrun with housing. Plus, he wants to see amenities along the Nine Mile corridor, the main commercial artery in the Beulah community. That's why Bergosh said he favors going through the master plan process.

"Tom Thumb is the only place you can get hot food," Bergosh said.

However, District 2 County Commissioner Doug Underhill took the opposite view. He said the government gets in the way of private development.

"We have to figure out a way to invite the private sector, which has the resources, skills and can risk capital, and let them profit within the framework of the public goals we've stated," Underhill said.

Escambia County Chairman Lumon May said he would schedule a special

meeting to iron out differences and decide on how to proceed with the development of the grassy lands.

The Navy has used it for flight training since it bought the tract for $9,150 in 1940 to generate pilots as it ramped up for World War II. The idea for a land swap between Escambia County and the Navy first came up in 2006 when OLF 8 used

by NAS Whiting Field began to suffer encroachment as more and more houses popped up there. Pensacola contractor Jim Cronley and Robert Kelly, a retired fourstar U.S. Navy admiral, then spearheaded the plan about five years ago. Back then, an appraisal by Hoffman & Associates valued the property at $4.75 million.

Originally, Pensacola leaders envisioned a commerce park on the outlying landing field because it is so close to a major interstate.

Because no more easily developable public sites exist near I-10, FloridaWest's Luth said he passed up on a company recently offering 150 to 175 jobs.

Despite Bergosh's staunch opposition to residential development there, Theresa Blackwell of the Beulah Coalition, which represents residents in the area, likes the idea of people living there and working nearby. She said the Beulah area would grow to 35,000 residents in the next three years.

"We have to look forward and not to the past for solutions. We have to figure out how to make that work." Theresa Blackwell "We have to look forward and not to the past for solutions," she argued. "We have to figure out how to make that work."

The county is increasing Nine Mile to four lanes by next year, developing a new interchange at Beulah Road, and installing a traffic light at the intersection of Mobile Highway and Beulah Road, as well as making other improvements to help alleviate congestion.

Commissioners mentioned working closely with Navy Federal. They want to look at eliminating the 300-foot frontage on Nine Mile Road that Navy Federal proposed as part of its offer to buy 100 acres and create 300 more jobs in addition to the 10,000 it has already promised. OLF 8 possesses about 2,900 feet of frontage along Nine Mile.

Navy Federal spokesman Bill Pearson pointed out that Navy Federal supports the master plan process. The company even offered to pay the estimated $2 million cost for the county. But Pearson said company leaders would have to work with county officials to decide ultimately.

"We see benefits to having frontage." Bill Pearson "We see benefits to having frontage," Pearson said, such as maintaining the look of the campus.

But he added that the major Pensacola employer supports the master plan process. "Quality of life and amenities are important to us," he said.

Will Stokes, a Clark Partington attorney representing the private developers, said the group never planned on building "thousands" of residential properties. Instead, it would develop a mixed-use plan that includes both residential and commercial sites. He said the company would even help to put in public amenities, such as a walking path, park and fields to play sports.

Fred Hemmer, Hemmer Consulting president, said the large tract presents many opportunities for growth of the area in the northwest part of Escambia County.

"It's a big deal, and it has to be done right," he said. {in}

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9

MORE MEETINGS ADDED The Pensacola

City Council is upping the number of meetings it holds, with members deciding to move to two sessions per months, each preceded earlier in the week by an agenda conference.

"I've never met one citizen that's said, 'Wow, I'm glad y'all only meet once a month,'" Councilwoman Sherri Myers chided her cohorts during the council's Jan. 17 meeting.

Myers said she supported Council President Andy Terhaar's suggestion of moving to two meetings per month because it gave the council additional opportunities to address municipal issues. She also said she had a problem with the fact that the council's salaries had been raised from $14,000 to $21,500 at the same time meetings were being scaled back.

"Three years ago, the council decided to give themselves raises," Myers said. "They gave themselves a more than 50 percent raise and then cut the number of meetings they have. Really?"

Other council members took a different view. Councilman P.C. Wu noted that council members typically sit on other community boards as part of their service and also attend council workshops.

"It seems like every time someone turns around, it's, 'Why don't we have a workshop?'" Wu said.

Councilman Jared Moore compared and contrasted past council meetings, some of which were the lone meeting during a month and others that were held during a twomeeting month. At times, he pointed out, the lone meetings wrapped up quickly, whereas the others stretched late into the night.

"My only concern is the solution doesn't fix the problem," Moore said, suggesting that council just schedule special meetings when needed.

On the salary front, Councilwoman Jewel Cannada-Wynn said that people should take into consideration that a councilperson has to

pay for events like individual town halls with money out of their salary.

"All of these things come out of the salary of the councilperson," she said.

Myers responded that councilpersons faced the same schedule they did while getting a lower salary, except they had twice as many meetings. Besides, she said, most elected officials found themselves obligated beyond official meetings.

"And they're not complaining about it," Myers said.

Councilwoman Ann Hill pointed to the mayor's transition team and said she expected its work to yield a lot of work for the council to do.

"I tend to think our council is going to be very active," Hill said. "I hope we have so many great ideas that even two meetings won't fit them."

Councilmembers ended up voting 5-2 in favor of moving to two meetings per month, with Wu and Moore voting against the measure. Beginning in February, city council will meet on the second and fourth Mondays for agenda review sessions and on the second and fourth Thursdays for its regular meeting. The council will only meet once during the summer months as well as in November and December.

ST ADDING MORE JOBS ST Engineering

is forecasting job growth for its operations at the Pensacola airport, even as city officials continue to search for the funding needed to keep the jobs-project on track.

Pensacola Mayor Grover Robinson recently toured the ST hangar and got a look at the company's work repairing UPS planes.

He met with representatives, who reported that the company expected to bring on 169 employees this year in addition to the 131 currently working at the site.

"So, they'll be at 300 at the end of the year," Robinson said, adding that ST intends to eventually employee 1,700 people. "They just need

to have the hangars up, and that's why it's important that we get this money secured and we begin the process of moving forward with the hangars."

On his recent tour of ST's operations at the existing hangar, Mayor Robinson took a look at the list of employees currently employed, broken down by zip code.

"It was interesting," the mayor noted.

"They had several zip codes that were codes we've been looking—I know at least from the county perspective—to get jobs in. There was only one person for 32504, which is where the airport is."

SCHOOL SECURITY When the Florida Board of Education held its monthly meeting at Pensacola State College on Jan. 16, Escambia County Superintendent Malcolm Thomas, representing the Florida Association of District School Superintendents, was asked about armed security on school campuses.

The meeting was the first for Board member Andy Pollack, whose daughter Meadow was among 17 students and faculty members killed last February during a mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.

Florida House and Senate education committees have received presentations on a report by the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Commission, which was created by the Legislature and spent months delving into the shooting incident and ways to improve security.

The commission recommended that classroom teachers be allowed to carry guns.

The law passed last year allows the use of armed school "guardians"—trained school personnel whose primary job duties are outside the classroom.

According to a report by the News Service of Florida, School Superintendent Thomas said the issue of school security "remains a challenge." When asked by Pollack for further explanation, Thomas

said, for example, that his district chose to use off-duty law enforcement officers to provide security rather than guardians.

But he said the Escambia County sheriff "can't afford to give up 32 deputies to go to 32 elementary schools, as much as he would like to." Thomas suggested possibilities such as employing private security firms and using a centralized training system for guardians across the state to ease local training burdens.

ACQUISITION AND MERGER FEVER Zix

Corporation, security technology company based in Dallas, Texas, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire AppRiver, the Gulf Breeze-based channel-first provider of cloud-based cybersecurity and productivity services, for $275 million in cash.

"This acquisition builds on those efforts in a monumental way—we're combining two email security companies that can drive great synergies and higher growth together by leveraging Zix's superior product delivery and AppRiver's exceptional customer service and support," said David Wagner, Zix's Chief Executive Officer.

He added, "Financially, we expect to be able to realize approximately $8 million of cost savings from the combined business within approximately the first 12 to 18 months after closing while also achieving significant scale and a larger footprint."

Joel Smith, AppRiver co-founder and chief technology officer, said, "We're incredibly excited about AppRiver joining forces with the publicly traded Zix Corporation."

He added, "That gives us the ability to offer a more complete suite of security services to our 4,500-strong reseller community and makes the combined company a powerful force in the market."

On Wednesday, Jan. 16, SmartFinancial, Inc., the parent company of SmartBank, and Entegra Financial Corp., the parent company of Entegra Bank, jointly announced today

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inweekly.net

the signing of a definitive merger agreement pursuant to which Entegra will combine with SmartFinancial in a strategic merger of equals.

The combination, an all-stock transaction, will create an approximate $4 billion-asset bank holding company with 47 branches across Tennessee, North Carolina, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and Florida, serving many key Southeastern growth markets. SmartBank moved into the Pensacola market with the acquisition of GulfSouth Private Bank in 2012.

The combined company will be headquartered in Knoxville, Tenn. SmartFinancial's Billy Carroll and Miller Welborn will continue to lead the combined company as president & CEO and chairman, respectively.

GUN PERMIT CZAR Florida Commissioner

of Agriculture Nikki Fried has selected Mary Barzee Flores to be her deputy commissioner for Consumer Affairs. Barzee Flores campaigned last year for gun control reforms in her unsuccessful attempt to unseat U.S. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Miami. In her new job, she will be tasked with overseeing Florida's concealed weapons licensing process.

"Mary's extensive experience with consumer protection issues, as both an attorney and a judge, make her a perfect fit as we strengthen our department's consumer services and protect Florida taxpayers," Fried said of her appointment.

SWITCH TO APPOINTED PYP is hosting a

Q&A event about the switch to an appointed superintendent of schools with Escambia County School Board Chair Patty Hightower, 5:45-7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 31, at the Pensacola News Journal, 2 N. Palafox St. The public will learn more on the school board's process for the conversion that will take place in 2020, the change from an elected to an appointed superintendent and what the school board's process will be in that switch over the next two years.

MAKING GULF POWER NERVOUS Citi-

zens for Energy Choices is closing in on gathering enough petition to get on the 2020 ballot its pro-consumer amendment that would revamp Florida's electric utility industry.

The political committee submitted 60,880 signatures as of Tuesday, Jan. 15, drawing closer to a 76,632-signature threshold that would trigger a review of the proposed ballot language by the Florida Supreme Court, according to the Division of Elections website.

The proposal calls for wholesale and retail electricity markets to "be fully competitive so that electricity customers are afforded meaningful choices among a wide variety of competing electricity providers."

January 24, 2019

It would establish a right for customers to choose electricity providers and would limit the role of investor-owned electric utilities, such as Gulf Power, to constructing, operating and repairing transmission and distribution systems.

STARTUP WEEKEND RETURNS Pensac-

ola entrepreneurs, designers and developers, start your pitches! The sixth Startup Weekend Pensacola will take place Feb. 8-10 at Pensacola Socialdesk, 3695 N. L St. Startup Weekend Pensacola 2019 will kick off with dinner on Friday night followed by attendees pitching ideas they think could be the next big thing. Teams will form around the most popular ideas, and each team will spend the next two days developing a prototype, validating the business model and getting feedback from experienced entrepreneurs and experts.

The winning team will receive helpful resources for building their startup from TechStars, Google for Startups and other Startup Weekend partners.

Early bird tickets are $50 until Jan. 25, after which the registration cost increases to $99. Student tickets are $30. Registration includes meals for the weekend plus a Startup Weekend T-shirt and other swag.

To get tickets, visit bit.ly/swpensacola2019.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR Women for Responsible Legislation will hold its monthly meeting 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 24, at Pensacola City Hall. January is Respect Life Month, so this month WRL will host nationally-recognized speakers Vicky Conroy and Anna Higgins. WRL meetings are open to the public.

Mayoral Transition Team meets on Internal/Governance 9-10 a.m., Friday, Jan. 25, in Hagler Mason Conference Room, Pensacola City Hall.

City of Pensacola Mayoral Transition Team will tour of the Port of Pensacola 1011 a.m., Friday, Jan. 25, 700 S. Barracks St. Mayoral Transition Team meets on Finance/Airport 3-4:30 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 29, in Whibbs Conference Room, Pensacola City Hall.

State Rep. Alex Andrade will host a delegation meeting to discuss the proposed legislative amendment to the Pensacola-Escambia Promotion and Development Commission's (PEDC) bylaws 5:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 28 in the Escambia County Commission Chamber.

Escambia County Building Services and Development Services are hosting a free "Home How-to Workshop for Residents" beginning at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 29, at the Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place. {in} 11

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL

INWEEKLY RISING STARS

DOUGLAS A. BATES

KEITH L. BELL, JR.

2019 Rising Star LAURA ARENDSEN BRANCH

WILLIAM E. BOND, JR.

JUDSON C. BRANDT

WILLIAM J. DUNAWAY

JAMES R. GREEN, JR.

W. CHRISTOPHER HART

CHARLES F. JAMES, IV

MELISSA H. PAINTER

BRUCE D. PARTINGTON

JESSE W. RIGBY

MICHAEL J. SCHOFIELD

HARRY B. STACKHOUSE

H. LEE STRAYHAN

2019 Rising Star KELSEY K. STONE

8 Rising Stars InWeekly JEREMY C. BRANNING

SCOTT M. CAMPBELL

DANIEL E. HARRELL

ROBERT D. HART, JR.

2018 Rising Star CAMERON TOWNES GORE

2017 Rising Star WILLIAM D. STOKES

23 AV Preeminent® Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings™

DENNIS K. LARRY

A. ALAN MANNING

2016 Rising Star GLENN E. LOVETT JASON W. PETERSON

SCOTT A. REMINGTON

2015 Rising Star VALERIE A. WATSON

21 Super Lawyers Super Lawyers Magazine

RICHARD N. SHERRILL

ANDREW M. SPENCER

2011 Rising Star ROBERT J. POWELL

2010 Rising Star MEGAN F. FRY

18 Legal Elite or Up and Comers TREVOR A. THOMPSON

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CHARLES P. YOUNG

Florida Trend Magazine

COMMITTED. COLLABORATIVE. CREATIVE. RESPONSIVE. PROVEN. inweekly.net

RISING S TA R S

2019

When Inweekly published its first issue in July 1999, Pensacola was a very different place. A handful of people called the shots without much accountability for the results of their decisions. Success was determined more by a person's last name and generational wealth than talent.

We saw some of our best and brightest seek opportunity elsewhere.Young professionals were frustrated with doors being shut in their face and being told to wait their turns.

Inweekly refused to accept the status quo.

While Pensacola debated the merits of the Community Maritime Park, we pushed for those under the age of 40 to involved in the effort that we believed would catapult our community to next level of growth and

January 24, 2019

economic success. We facilitated the creation of the Pensacola Young Professionals (PYP) so our young leaders would have a vehicle to have a seat at the decision-making table.

After the park referendum passed and PYP became a viable political influencer, Inweekly took another step. In 2008, we created Rising Stars to single out those young leaders seen by their peers, clients and bosses as up-and-coming leaders in their fields and the community.

Since its inception, over 610 men and women have been named Rising Stars, and many have surpassed our expectations.

They had been elected to office—like Megan Pratt, Clay Ingram, Jayer Williamson and Alex Andrade. They have made a name for

themselves as successful entrepreneurs— like Susan Campbell Hatler, MariCarmen Josephs and Kylie and Bill Manning.

One might think that after 12 years, we might run out of young professionals to honor. Fortunately, the nominations haven't dwindled. We received 277 nominations and chose 64 people for the 2019 Rising Stars class. Just like their predecessors, they have a wide variety of professions—including dentists, nurses, lawyers, accountants, artists, teachers and another crop of young entrepreneurs—and are shaping the future of Pensacola.

The 2019 Rising Stars class will be difference makers. We look forward to seeing how they help Pensacola grow and improve. {in}

13

RISING STARS BRADY ADCOX

Financial Specialist, Sacred Heart Foundation

What makes your job 'click' for you?

I have a unique opportunity to manage our fund balance accounting and databases while also providing stewardship and advocating on behalf of our community. I thrive for the challenge of analyzing troves of data to create meaningful reports that can positively influence outcomes.

What's the best advice you've ever been given?

A pair of quotes have always stood out to

me and given me a sense of motivation and curiosity—"Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude." Zig Ziglar; "The best leaders ask the best questions." -John Maxwell Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on.

Fundraising alongside a carefully crafted team of inspiring women and seeing five years of our efforts come to fruition in the Studer Family Children's Hospital at Sacred Heart has been the most gratifying experience of my career. My job is easy knowing the difference we can make in kids' lives.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on.

Collaborating with Felicia Gail and Carrie Fonder to curate the exhibition "Stone's Throw: On Borders, Boundaries and the Beyond." It was an amazing, but very large and challenging, project. We followed our ideas and did our best to bring compelling and thoughtful art to the community.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on.

Undoubtedly, helping with Amendment 4 this past election cycle was one of the most rewarding. I am still humbled by those who volunteered and championed the passing of this historical moment. As the leaders of this movement stated, it was the exclamation point on the Civil Rights Movement for Florida.

LENICHA 'LEN' BELL Live! Juice Bar & more

What makes your job 'click' for you?

I get to be myself. All of my jobs, past and present, have allowed me to be myself. Being able to express myself while helping others will always be a job requirement for me.

What's the best advice you've ever been given?

Treat others as you want to be treated. My

What keeps you in Pensacola?

Family and friends, of course, but also the fact that Pensacola has evolved so much since my high school years, and it just keeps growing. I am fascinated by it and want to help it grow in the right direction. Plus, I love that the people always surprise me.

LAURA BRANCH

Business Development Coordinator, Clark Partington What makes your job 'click' for you?

Daily opportunities to make connections within the community that move us forward.

What's the best advice you've ever been given?

"Keep your chin up." - my Mom.

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What keeps you in Pensacola?

I was born in Pensacola and have lived here nearly my entire life. I love the character and history of our city, the access to pristine and revitalizing nature and the tangible progress and innovation I've had the opportunity to witness in my lifetime.

What's the best advice you've ever been given?

Chill out.

mother taught anyone who would listen that giving of yourself is the best thing to give to yourself. Before saying no to someone or ignoring their needs, put yourself in their shoes.

What's on your regular reading list?

Volunteering at Open Books means everything is on my reading list: newspaper articles, magazines, books on anything from black history, health, spiritual, fiction, etc.

What's on your regular reading list?

The Verge, TechCrunch, Ars Technica, WIRED, Inweekly, PNJ, The Atlantic and whatever George R.R. Martin keeps writing as an excuse for not finishing "The Winds of Winter."

AMY BOWMANMCELHONE

Assistant Vice President and Chief Curator of Art, UWF Historic Trust Museums / UWF Pensacola Museum of Arts What makes your job 'click' for you?

Working collaboratively with brilliant people to create museums that function as inclusive learning communities where curiosity, discovery and joy for all who visit can be cultivated.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on.

Partnering with fantastic local contributors to create a sustainable food pantry program at AMIkids Pensacola, providing students and their families with healthy food options.

What's on your regular reading list?

New York Times, Artforum, OnCurating, Hyperallergic, Journal of Curatorial Studies, Vulture and any writing that provides hot takes on pop culture.

What keeps you in Pensacola?

The amazing downtown, great parks, proximity to New Orleans and the University of West Florida.

What keeps you in Pensacola?

The lack of snow (I'm a recovering Midwesterner); family (Rusty, Emma, Elizabeth and Allen); and the accessibility of our community leaders.

What's on your regular reading list?

The Morning Shakeout, Boss Files, HBR Women at Work podcast, Inweekly, The Wall Street Journal, Julianna Zobrist.

inweekly.net

2019 What's the best advice you've ever been given?

"Try to learn something about everything and everything about something."

-Thomas Huxley

What's the best advice you've ever been given?

"People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

-Maya Angelou

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on.

I was raised in Pensacola. As a youth, I was influenced by Lumon May and Myra Williams to give yourself to the community you call home. Currently, my wife and I coach at the E.S. Cobb Resource Center. It's rewarding to give and teach the youth life skills.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on.

The most rewarding "project" I'm still working on is raising three incredible children and being a loving wife. My family brings joy to my life.

MICHELLE BROOKS

Corporate Director of Case Management, Baptist Health Care What makes your job 'click' for you?

My passion is to serve others. As a nurse leader, my role is challenging, rewarding and makes a difference in people's lives.

What makes my job "click" is the amazing team members I work with that strive for excellent patient care.

January 24, 2019

What's on your regular reading list?

Journal of AHIMA, Healthcare Executive, CNBC and Pinterest.

What keeps you in Pensacola?

My family, career and community involvement. I've been very fortunate to have great mentors who have helped me build a home at Baptist Hospital. Also, being a former UWF Argonaut, I'm able to share my love for basketball with the youth at E.S. Cobb Resource Center.

TAVARIS BROOKS

Family Nurse Practitioner, West Florida Medical Group—Pine Forest What makes your job 'click' for you?

"For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." - Mark 10:45. I have dedicated my life to serving. Helping patients reach goals and milestones that they set for themselves, that's what makes my job click.

What's on your regular reading list?

Pensacola News Journal, Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, Inweekly, ESPN, Bleacher Report. I also love to read a lot about history.

What keeps you in Pensacola?

I was raised in Pensacola; most of my family still reside in the area. My wife and kids love how vibrant the city has become.

My wife was born and raised in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. She misses the snow, so I make sure that we attend Winterfest yearly.

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RISING STARS What's the best advice you've ever been given?

Respect and treat every pet as you would expect your own beloved pet to be respected and treated in return.

What's the best advice you've ever been given?

What you focus on expands.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on.

Aside from the creative work I collaborated on while working in NYC for over a decade, conceptualizing and building Ride Society has by far been the most rewarding project of my life.

CLAIRE CAMPBELL

Owner/Creative Director, Ride Society What makes your job 'click' for you?

Creating a brand from scratch and cultivating a culture that champions inclusivity, physical and spiritual wellbeing inspires me to hustle hard. Doing it right here in my hometown is the icing on the cake.

What's on your regular reading list?

I regularly consume content on entrepreneurship, advertising, music, health and spiritual growth. Mostly I'm discovering music new and old curating classes for Ride Society.

What keeps you in Pensacola?

The same things that inspired me to return—the renewed energy of the city and my amazing family.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on.

In veterinary school, I joined a team of veterinarians to provide free medical care and spay/ neuter surgeries for low-income families in Roatan, Honduras. People would walk barefoot for miles just to have their pets examined and helped. It was a very humbling experience and a true example of love.

MARY DEAVER

Associate Veterinarian, Parkway Animal Hospital What makes your job 'click' for you?

I love not only forming close relationships and bonds with my animal patients but with their human counterparts as well. My clients and patients feel like my own family, and I feel fortunate to be able to serve them with my veterinary skills, compassion and expertise.

What's on your regular reading list?

Aside from veterinary medicine, I love cooking, so I am constantly reading up on new recipes and food articles in magazines such as Bon Appetit.

What keeps you in Pensacola?

As a native, I love seeing the progress and change that has swept the area over the past 10 years. From great food, endless social events, active running culture and beautiful beaches to friendly, welcoming people, Pensacola has developed a bigger city feel that is still so easily accessible.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR

2019 RISING STARS!

Maegan Leonard Baptist Health Care Foundation

Erica Jenkins Baptist Health Care

Michelle Brooks Baptist Health Care

Jenn Petion FamiliesFirst Network of Lakeview Center

850.434.4080 / e BAPTISTHEALTHCARE.ORG 616 1

inweekly.net

2019 What's the best advice you've ever been given?

"You cannot be great at everything, but that should not stop you from aspiring to do your best. I did not raise a quitter."

-K. Djerlek, mom.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on.

At UWF, I had the opportunity to volunteer at an alumni event and serve food to graduating seniors. Their smiles and joy of accomplishment still brings a smile to me today.

JEFFREY DJERLEK

Associate Controller of Reporting, University of West Florida What makes your job 'click' for you?

One of the great parts about working in education is having the opportunity to help someone else grow and succeed.

When the details of work get you down, you can always volunteer on campus to remind yourself of the impact education has.

What's on your regular reading list?

The Pensacola News Journal, The Atlantic, NACUBO and The Business Insider What keeps you in Pensacola?

This is home and has been for 30-plus years. I love seeing how it has changed and what it still can become. Go Argos.

PRESENTS

What's the best advice you've ever been given?

To close the bar for at least one day a week.

It helps to get all the behind-the-scenes work done. It also gives me some time to attempt a little self-care.

JACK E. DAVIS

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. chizuko is by far the best and most rewarding project I have ever worked on. Every party and event we host is entirely different from the next. It keeps me on my toes, and I get to learn something new every day.

DAISY DOYLE Owner, chizuko

What's on your regular reading list?

Autobiographies, restaurant menus and Inweekly.

What makes your job 'click' for you?

I really enjoy bringing people together. It "clicks" when the bar is slammed and everyone is connecting, having a great time.

I love that chizuko is a place where people can let loose and let their guards down.

What keeps you in Pensacola?

It's exciting to experience the growth of the city and see people creating opportunities here. I love all the hard work, motivation and positivity. Plus, I have a lot of neighborhood cats relying on me.

“Florida and the Gulf of Mexico: History, Wisdom, and Hope�

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jack Davis will talk about the role the Gulf of Mexico has played in the course of U.S. history.

7pm Tuesday, February 5 WSRE Jean & Paul Amos Performance Studio Pensacola State College Admission is free! Register: wsre.org/speakers

The Florida Humanities Council partners with community organizations around the state.

Support for the Florida Humanities Speaker Series is provided by the Florida Humanities Council with funds from the Florida Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs.

January 24, 2019

46836-0119 WSRE Inweekly-PS-Davis.indd 1

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1/14/19 3:20 PM

RISING STARS JENNIFER EATON Owner, Big Jerk Soda

What makes your job 'click' for you?

Our place in the community. Big Jerk wouldn't be here without all the people who have been excited about our product or those who lent a helping hand.

It's incredible to feel so entwined in the energy this city has.

What's the best advice you've ever been given?

Fake it till you make it. On those bad

RYAN EATON Owner, Big Jerk Soda

What makes your job 'click' for you?

Big Jerk is like a puzzle piece. It's surrounded by innumerable other pieces that had to fit together first. It clicks for me because it's the sum of all of my life experience so far. I draw from past success and failure and the things I've learned every day.

What's on your regular reading list?

Live Planted, Cultured Guru and Apartment Therapy blogs, Inweekly, Downtown Crowd and any turn of the century soda/cocktail book I can find.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on.

The Hundred Years Tour. Ryan and I quit our jobs to live in a van and visit National Park Service sites. It was before #vanlife was a huge thing, and everybody thought we were crazy. It was hard; it was fun; it changed me for the better.

What keeps you in Pensacola?

You can almost have it all here. Pensacola is a vibrant combination of all the best things about small towns and big cities. I love the enthusiasm this city operates with.

What's the best advice you've ever been given?

The keys to mental health are diet, exercise and sleep. I rarely live by that advice, but it's good to know in case I decide to get my act together.

What's the best advice you've ever been given?

Be happy with and appreciate the success you've realized, but always stay hungry for bigger and better things; complacency kills.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on.

Big Jerk definitely takes the cake. I've never felt more proud of anything I've been a part of. Starting this company with my wife and the support of this city is a dream come true. It's hard work, but that is eclipsed by the excitement of what we are creating.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on.

One of my first major projects at Saltmarsh was redesigning and implementing a new accounting system for our IT department. The project not only exposed me to new ideas and software but also had me working with people throughout the firm I wouldn't have otherwise gotten to interact with.

What's on your regular reading list?

Lately, I mostly read cookbooks. Reading about charcuterie or ramen or crafting perfect breads and pastries relaxes me. All my favorite authors are chefs.

What keeps you in Pensacola?

Pensacola is a beautiful city where people are getting outside of the box. It's my hometown, and I think it's better to make new things happen here and grow and work with this community rather than work on something someone else created somewhere else.

FELICIA E. GAIL

Curator of Exhibitions, Pensacola Museum of Art, UWF Historic Trust What makes your job 'click' for you?

When I see and hear feedback from those experiencing moments of authenticity and wonder as they encounter artwork, I realize the purpose of what art can do to communicate these ineffable occurrences. When speaking doesn't work, art can take over.

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days when self-doubt attempts to take over, I still put my best foot forward.

Those days usually end up being the most productive and most rewarding when all is said and done.

MICHAEL EGAN

Senior, Tax & Accounting, Saltmarsh, Cleaveland & Gund What makes your job 'click' for you?

One of the greatest things about working in public accounting is getting to interact with a wide variety of people and businesses every day. Alongside my extremely talented colleagues, I get to spend my days helping people strategize and grow their businesses in creative ways.

What's the best advice you've ever been given?

Always speak your truth. Always look which way the other person's wheels are turned. Go to the water.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on.

Any time I can work with local communities as well as international artists simultaneously, I find moments of fulfillment in the joy that comes from those newly formed connections. Hustle: Museum of Spectacle was an exhibition that worked that way for

What's on your regular reading list?

NYT, PNJ and The Pulse for news; going Concern and Journal of Accountancy for accounting topics; NAIOP's Development Magazine and CFMA's Building Profits for construction.

What keeps you in Pensacola?

I was born and raised here; Pensacola is all I know. My beautiful wife and her family help keep us tethered here, along with the booming downtown area where we just bought our first home.

me. Weirdos meeting other weirdos, offering accessibility to everyone.

What's on your regular reading list?

Patti Smith, William Carlos Williams, Rebecca Solnit, Claire Bishop, Art Papers, Artforum, Panhandler, Hurricane Review, Inweekly, NY Times, PNJ, Dust to Digital, Cycle World What keeps you in Pensacola?

Family, friends, art, back roads, chance

inweekly.net

2019 Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on.

Professionally, the most rewarding project in recent memory would be working on UWF's brand campaign. The goal was to create a national-level commercial, and I couldn't be prouder of how it turned out.

Personally, there's nothing like the process of making an album. I've released one EP and two LPs. What's on your regular reading list?

I keep up with current events via Apple News and Twitter. Otherwise, I'm checking out cinemablend.com for recent movie and gaming news.

NICK GRAY

Creative Producer & Video Editor, idgroup What makes your job 'click' for you?

Being creative is just who am I. I'm grateful for the fact that I get to call that my job without having to move to a bigger city. We all wear a lot of hats at idgroup, and that keeps things challenging but fun.

What keeps you in Pensacola?

My wife and I have moved away twice. It took doing that to realize how unique and special Pensacola truly is: the food, the scenery, the people. Nowhere beats it.

What's the best advice you've ever been given?

"Believe in yourself. Dream. Try. Do good" -Mr. Feeny ("Boy Meets World")

What's the best advice you've ever been given?

One piece of advice that I have carried with me throughout my educational and professional journeys is to never stop learning.

Self-growth is an important part of finding success and maximizing every opportunity.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on.

My most rewarding project has been teaching in university. Through that experience, I became a better active listener and communicator, attributes I constantly need in my job.

TERRY GRINER

Legal Assistant, Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis & Overholtz PLLC

What's on your regular reading list?

I regularly read Inweekly and the Pensacola News Journal. My personal goal is to read at least two books per month.

What makes your job 'click' for you?

I am constantly seeking ways to broaden my knowledge and create new relationships. Working in mass torts allows me to learn from extremely talented people and, most importantly, be part of something much bigger than myself.

What keeps you in Pensacola?

My friends and the exciting, engaging community. Pensacola has so much to offer, and there are so many opportunities to give back to the community through outreach and charitable organizations.

January 24, 2019

19

RISING STARS KELSI GULIG

Senior Marketing Specialist, Sacred Heart Health System What makes your job 'click' for you?

I started in public relations because I love writing, but I've specifically focused on healthcare because the hospital setting is incredibly rewarding. Our mission is to serve others, often during some of life's greatest challenges. Plus, as a mother, I've gained new appreciation for my healthy children and family.

What's the best advice you've ever been given?

My parents often said, "Do your best.

That's all you can do!" To me, this means focusing on factors I can control and, despite the outcome, finding peace in knowing I gave my fullest effort.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on.

In April, Sacred Heart will open our new four-story children's hospital. Because the children's hospital is the only one of its kind on the Gulf Coast, this project has enabled me to connect with a wide variety of community partners and to witness firsthand a historic milestone for our region.

What's the best advice you've ever been given?

Brush your teeth.

NICKLAUS HEATH

Dentist, Gibson, Renfroe, and Zieman Family Dentistry What makes your job 'click' for you?

Having previously studied architecture, dentistry allows me to fuse my passion of art, science, form and function. I have the privilege of providing care and comfort each day to patients of all ages...all while making them smile.

What keeps you in Pensacola?

The very things that brought me back after dental school. Pensacola is thriving—in arts, culture, cuisine, design, landscape, opportunity and progression. The people sealed the deal, though. Family and friends that are savvy and supportive welcomed me and my husband with open arms. Southern hospitality at its finest.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on.

The most rewarding project I had to work on was the developing and planning of the first annual Super Bowl Bonanza fundraiser with Tia Robbins, co-founder of Mr. Robbins' Neighborhood, to help fund the organization's year-long program, The Playbook. We had raised enough money to cover the entire program year.

JAYDE HERMAN

Program Director, Mr. Robbins' Neighborhood

What's on your regular reading list?

Harvard Business Review, Forbes, New Yorker, The Economist and Huffington Post.

What makes your job 'click' for you?

What makes my job click is the ability to create programming to guide the youth to realize each one's potential and success in life and to position, prepare and develop underserved youth for future opportunities not only in the educational and professional world but also in life.

What keeps you in Pensacola?

I've lived in fast pace cities like NYC and Orlando, and what keeps me in Pensacola is the lifestyle pace. Other reasons—to be closer to my parents and the fact that I truly enjoy my position as program director for Mr. Robbins' Neighborhood.

RYAN HESS

that is meaningful to you rather than following in another's path simply because it's already there and is easier.

What makes your job 'click' for you?

In my role, I'm able to connect passionate education leaders with great people and resources to improve the results that are most meaningful to the students and communities they serve. A quality education provides children with life opportunities they wouldn't have otherwise, which is something I'm energized to support.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on.

Being part of the growth of Studer Group's education division has been incredibly rewarding. I've been humbled to play a role in our business development work, which enabled us to expand the number of school districts, higher education and other institutions we serve by over 600 percent since 2014.

Director of Partner Development‚ Studer Group/Huron Consulting

What keeps you in Pensacola?

My husband and I moved here to be close to family. Our loved ones' support has been invaluable in our parenting journey. But the longer we live here, the prouder I am to call Pensacola home.

Our community is on an exciting path. I look forward to seeing what's next.

What's the best advice you've ever been given?

"Plan your work; work your plan."

-Deborah Moss

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on.

I met my 10-year-old patient following a car crash that killed his mother, left him paralyzed and knocked out his front teeth. Giving this child his smile back will always remain a career milestone. The patient said I changed his life forever; he actually changed mine.

What's on your regular reading list?

Professionally, dental journals, including JADA. Personally, anything by Rick Bragg, Garden & Gun, Southern Living, Architectural Digest, PNJ and all things Inweekly.

What's on your regular reading list?

PNJ, Daily Skimm, Bella Magazine, Pensacola Magazine and, of course, Inweekly and Rick's Blog. For on-the-go news, I also love podcasts, especially NPR.

What's on your regular reading list?

Harvard Business Review, Gallup, Rhythm Blog, Education Week and Education Drive are key publications I read and reference frequently.

What keeps you in Pensacola?

Pensacola is a beautiful and vibrant city, which I've seen grow and flourish since moving here to start a family in 2004. At this point, Pensacola is home, and I hope to find ways to contribute to making this city a great place to live, learn, work and play.

What's the best advice you've ever been given?

Be your own person and blaze the trail

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inweekly.net

2019

Our team creates brands that outshine the competition...

What's the best advice you've ever been given?

Life is going to happen. It's our actions that follow that determine if we will be happy or miserable.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on.

The time I spent at George Artisan gave me the opportunity to introduce Pensacola to my desserts, so I would have to equate my time there to the reward of opening my own place.

JORDAN HEWES

Chef & Owner, Craft Gourmet Bakery What makes your job 'click' for you?

Being able to share and interact with the community through my baking and business while letting my creativity shine.

What's on your regular reading list?

Bake magazine and Fundbox blog are my go-to for quick reading. "The Untethered Soul" is a book that I revisit often.

What keeps you in Pensacola?

I love the small-town vibes of Pensacola. I have always felt so at home here. But also, it is easy to see that Pensacola is becoming a unique city of its own, and it is so exciting to be a part of its booming growth.

Nick Gray, 2019 Rising Star

Because our team shines just as bright.

What's the best advice you've ever been given?

One of my mentors while in college told me, "Confidence is everything. Even when you don't feel it, act it, and it will come."

Those words have resonated with me, and I have passed them on to many students I have worked with over the years.

JENNIFER HILL FARON

Director of Student Services, Pensacola State College-Milton Campus What makes your job 'click' for you?

Every day I get to work with students and help them achieve their dreams and goals.

Being able to guide them through the college process, and also sometimes navigate and overcome difficult life situations, is so rewarding, especially when I get to see them walk across the graduation stage.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on.

Working with students every day is highly rewarding, but the most rewarding project I've ever worked on is being a mom to my wonderful daughter. I love spending time with her and watching her grow and learn every day. She will always be my most important and fulfilling project.

What's on your regular reading list?

I regularly read articles on trending topics in student affairs and higher education. I also take time every day to read our local news sources.

At idgroup, building people is as important as building brands. We are honored that for six years, seven current idgroup team members have been recognized as Independent News Rising Stars.

The idgroup All-Star Team: Nick Gray 2019 Rising Star Erin Wachtel Stubbs & Danielle Kelly 2018 Rising Stars Mariah Singerman Crawford 2017 Rising Star Somi Choi 2015 Rising Star Kris Poore 2014 Rising Star Lindsey Braxton Shook 2013 Rising Star

What keeps you in Pensacola?

Being born and raised here, the Pensacola area is home. I love being able to give back to the community I was raised in and support others living here. Living close to family and the beach is a wonderful perk as well.

I DG ROUP B RAN DIN G .CO M

January 24, 2019

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21

RISING STARS CORY HOGUE

Manager, Analytics, Ascension Sacred Heart What makes your job 'click' for you?

Healthcare supply chain works for me because I love to solve complex problems. Any challenge can seem overwhelming at first, but if you turn over enough rocks, there is always an opportunity to make something better.

What's the best advice you've ever been given?

A quote attributed to Abraham Lincoln that I live by is, "Folks are usually about

as happy as they make their minds up to be." Life is complex, and we can't control other people, only our own state of mind.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on.

This fall, Sacred Heart converted to a new Electronic Health Records system. I was only a small part of the implementation, but it was an honor to work alongside so many healthcare professionals on a project that impacted thousands of patients.

What's the best advice you've ever been given?

You have to be willing to put the time in if you want to get better.

RICHARD HUMPHREYS

Graphic Designer, Navy Federal Credit Union

What keeps you in Pensacola?

Family, friends and career opportunities.

What makes your job 'click' for you?

Getting to work with such a talented group of designers and communication specialists who are part of a company that puts so much focus on the wellbeing of its employees.

Advancement & External Relations, Pensacola Symphony Orchestra What makes your job 'click' for you?

Working in the arts and combining my love of people and business makes my job a dream come true. I work with an amazing team, and together, we help share beautiful music. I love using my experience to assist in the creation of something that can bring others joy.

What's the best advice you've ever been given?

A dear friend once told me, "Put your

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Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on.

Working through my hotel's full renovation during my first year as a GM was pretty trying and rewarding. It's great to look back and think, "I did it." So many lessons learned.

JASMINE HUNT

General Manager, Holiday Inn Express, Innisfree Hotels What makes your job 'click' for you?

At Innisfree, we create fun and memorable experiences. There is truly nothing more valuable than time well spent and the memories that come with that. I get to do that for my team and guests alike every day. The people will always make it 'click' for me.

JESSICA HYCHE

What keeps you in Pensacola?

I was born in Pensacola and have lived here my entire life. Now as a professional, I choose to stay in Pensacola because of the progress I have seen our city make and the opportunity for me to be a small part of its future success.

What's the best advice you've ever been given?

I've received many great pieces of advice over the years, but what has stuck out the most is something I often say to myself, which is to remain human. This keeps me grounded in life and in leadership.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on.

I occasionally get the opportunity to work with bands like Kurt Vile, Tame Impala and Wilco, designing posters and merchandise for their tours.

What's on your regular reading list?

New York Times, Pensacola News Journal, Print Magazine, The Smudge, creativebloq. com and Inweekly

What's on your regular reading list?

I start my day with The Morning Brew email newsletter and stay caught up with podcasts like Planet Money, 99% Invisible, and Stuff You Should Know.

oxygen mask on first." In striving to balance life, career and family, I often need the reminder that I'm at my best when I find my center first.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on.

I previously worked for the Blue Angels Foundation, an organization that supports injured veterans returning from war. Many suffer from PTSD and medical complications. Through the Foundation, I had the opportunity to meet the vets we assisted and listen to their stories. It had a huge impact on me.

What's on your regular reading list?

On my nightstand currently—"Hillbilly Elegy"

by J.D. Vance and "Sapiens" by Yuval Harari. I really like to mix it up and expand my thinking.

What keeps you in Pensacola?

In Pensacola, I was able to find myself, work toward a great career and buy a house. There is always fun to be had just a bike ride away; I love that.

What's on your regular reading list?

I always have a revolving stack of books on my nightstand. I also love coffee and a magazine on weekend mornings—Garden & Gun, Smithsonian, Domino.

What keeps you in Pensacola?

Community. I love that I've put down roots in a place where my girls can ride bikes to their grandparents' house and my neighbors are more like family. From the beach to the ballpark, we always manage to find friends, and I wouldn't want it any other way.

inweekly.net

2019 about passing the ball and trusting others to make the goal, too.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on.

At Baptist, I've created programs that develop our leaders through real-life scenarios that challenge them to apply Baptist's values, even under the most trying circumstances. I love watching our leaders examine the scenarios, listen to each other's opinions and, ultimately, collaborate on a decision that aligns with our culture.

ERICA JENKINS

What's on your regular reading list?

If it has words, I'm reading it. National news, fiction books, research articles and celebrity gossip blogs are all in my daily reading mix.

What makes your job 'click' for you?

My job is to deliberately help people become better. When I'm trusted to help someone grow, that's the moment I'm working for.

What keeps you in Pensacola?

"For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." - Matthew 6:21. My treasures are stationed here—the kiddos who call me Aunt Erica and my brother and sister-in-law who are both in the Air Force.

Organizational Development Manager, Baptist Health Care

What's the best advice you've ever been given?

Pass the ball. I've always been a high achiever, but a good friend taught me that teamwork isn't about my achievements. It's

Congratulations What's the best advice you've ever been given?

Before you start a project, think with the end in mind. Before beginning any worthwhile project, I visualize the outcome. Sometimes I'll even write a press release about a new project before I begin so I can keep that energy with me as I work through the nitty-gritty.

MARGARETTE JOHNSON

Development Manager, The Arc Gateway, Inc. What makes your job 'click' for you?

The combination of connecting with longtime family, friends and mentors while supporting a cause close to my heart lights me up. I am very fortunate to have found a position that utilizes my talents and skills in a way that benefits our community.

January 24, 2019

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on.

When I was employed with Studer Group, I was in charge of the Community Boards, which illustrated our company values in each department. This project gave me leadership experience, and I got to use my craft genius.

RISING STAR DAKOTA LEE Box Office and Sales Manager Blue Wahoos

What's on your regular reading list?

I begin the day with my coffee and news highlights. Aside from that, it's all beach reads for me.

What keeps you in Pensacola?

My family has a rich history here, and they have always been my number one priority. Though I've gotten to experience several big cities such as D.C and Atlanta, you can't beat Pensacola's Southern charm. Pensacola is continuously evolving, which I like to think I am as well.

bluewahoos.com 23

RISING STARS

MICHAEL JOHNSTON

Director of Institutional Research, Pensacola State College What makes your job 'click' for you?

I serve as the chief data scientist and oversee a department at Pensacola State College identifying anomalies and structure in big data. Pinpointing even the smallest nuances can have a monumental impact on processes and direction. I do math and data every day.

What's the best advice you've ever been given?

If you're the smartest person in the room, you're in the wrong room.

What's the best advice you've ever been given?

A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way and shows the way.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on.

In my best professional project, I developed a program replicated by dozens of colleges that brings free, live tutoring to students in subjects like math, chemistry, physics and writing. My most compelling personal project is providing curative treatment at no cost for people afflicted with hepatitis C.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on.

A pro bono representation of a widow with young children. We were able to help them achieve a goal they otherwise would have struggled to accomplish.

What's on your regular reading list?

I follow SmartData Collective, data.gov, Kaggle, 33 Charts, GeriPal and On Medicine.

I enjoy articles with the hashtags #data, #datascience, #bigdata, #insulin, #diabetes and #freemedicine.

What keeps you in Pensacola?

My family and I moved here three years ago. We love the area, the beaches, the history and the people.

What keeps you in Pensacola?

It's frenetic and indelible.

What's on your regular reading list?

WSJ, Bible, PNJ, historical biographies

ROBERT L. JONES, III Partner, Beggs & Lane, RLLP

What makes your job 'click' for you?

The ability to help people solve unique problems.

Aliza Ray IS A 2019

Rising Star

Congratulations from your family at Fishbein Orthodontics

850-477-1089 FishOrtho.com

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inweekly.net

2019 ness is a marathon, not a sprint, and it's very true. Working around leading chefs in New York and New Orleans has also been a real education. You get ideas and advice from them every day; you learn a lot.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on.

Building and operating Kingfisher is the best and most rewarding project for me and my wife, Amanda. It's a project we've been preparing for our entire careers and is off to a great start.

BRIAN KADERAVEK Chef/Owner, Kingfisher

What makes your job 'click' for you?

It's the creativity of owning and operating a restaurant that I love. In Pensacola, I'm cooking great quality ingredients from start to finish from scratch, teaching and sharing this passion and making people happy through food and hospitality.

What's on your regular reading list?

We get Inweekly from the Apple Market. We follow the Pensacola News Journal, plus we like Pensacola Magazine and WSRE-TV. What keeps you in Pensacola?

There's an abundance of farms, fresh fish and suppliers here that are terrific for a restaurant like ours. The restaurant community has been very helpful. The Bay and Pensacola Beach are beautiful. This is a great vacation area, plus we have family, friends and community here.

What's the best advice you've ever been given?

My first chef in Chicago told me this busi-

What's the best advice you've ever been given?

The best advice I have ever given was to my little brother the last year of dental school. He asked me what drives me to improve. I told him the best thing you can do is try your best and give it your all. The results will come.

TAULAND KRUJA Dentist, Victus Dental

What makes your job 'click' for you?

Growing up, I always had a sketchbook and pencil in my hands. When I looked for a profession in the medical field, I wanted to keep that passion alive. Dentistry helped me find the art in sculpting a beautiful smile and making a positive difference in someone's life.

January 24, 2019

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on.

The best/most rewarding project I worked on was fixing a large fractured tooth on a blind man. Even though he could not see it, he somehow knew I had done a great job. He thanked and congratulated me before his wife saw him or said anything.

What's on your regular reading list?

As a new dentist, I still have a lot to learn. My readings include dental blogs, and podcasts such as Dental Guys, Dental Hacks and CE. What keeps you in Pensacola?

My wife and I received an unexpected job opportunity in Pensacola. Last year when we visited the area, we instantly fell in love with the city. Between the charm of downtown and friendly personalities in the community, we had found our new home.

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RISING STARS KAYCEE LAGARDE

Senior Community and Media Relations Specialist, Escambia County What makes your job 'click' for you?

Working in a political environment is a constant challenge and learning experience, which I love. Government public relations is so multi-faceted that it's never boring.

My job also gives me an opportunity to use my background in journalism through writing, photography and providing information to the media.

What's the best advice you've ever been given?

Always be kind, even when it isn't easy.

You never know what struggles someone is facing, and those who are unkind are often the ones who need to be shown kindness the most.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on.

Most recently, I worked on promotion and marketing for the Escambia County Youth Employment Program, which provides local youth paid work experience in county departments. It was rewarding to help spread the word about the program and play a

DAKOTA LEE

Box Office Manager, Pensacola Blue Wahoos What makes your job 'click' for you?

Service and impacting others in a positive way.

My role is to sell as many tickets as possible.

By doing this, we get an opportunity to have a positive impact on our community through baseball. It embodies our mission statement to improve the quality of life for others.

What's the best advice you've ever been given?

"To celebrate your wins but not over celebrate

What's on your regular reading list?

Recently, I have been reading leadership books that I learned about through EntreCon this year. A regular blog is Quint Studer's weekly column.

What keeps you in Pensacola?

Pensacola has been great to me over the last seven years. The community continues to grow, and working for the Studer Family of Companies makes me feel that I have a direct impact on many of the initiatives currently going on.

MATT LOTHER Owner, Lother Co.

What makes your job 'click' for you?

I get to create art every single day.

What's the best advice you've ever been given?

If you spend your life trying to become wellrounded, the best you'll ever be is average.

Stick to your strengths and find people whose strengths are your weaknesses.

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What's on your regular reading list?

Pensacola News Journal, Inweekly and most local media outlets, along with The New Yorker.

Outside of news, I gravitate toward anything suspenseful or criminal justice related.

What keeps you in Pensacola?

Pensacola is a special place in that it continues to grow and change but still manages to retain a bit of a small-town feel. I love the beaches, downtown and the area's rich history, but most of all, having my friends and family nearby has kept me from leaving.

That really stuck with me. I truly believe that the energy you put out is the energy you attract, so I try to have a positive attitude in every aspect of my life, even when times are tough.

and miss the next opportunity. To reflect on tough times or losses but never get too low.

Winners move on to the next challenge or opportunity immediately; losers get weighed down by hard times and let it continue to affect them." -Papa Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on.

The most rewarding project I have ever worked on was finishing my portfolio in order to receive a master's degree in Business Administration from the University of West Florida College of Business. It was a twoyear project, and hopefully it will continue to open up doors in my career.

small role in helping young people as they start their careers.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on.

I manage the C.A. Weis Elementary School Christmas Project. Baptist team members provide Christmas parties and gifts for all the children before break. It is the most rewarding day of the year to see those children experience the joy and magic of Christmas because they are so deserving of it.

MAEGAN LEONARD

Development Specialist, Baptist Health Care Foundation What makes your job 'click' for you?

I love being able to help people. The best part about the Baptist Health Care Foundation is that 100 percent of our donations stay local, so we get to see firsthand the impact our efforts have on people who are living right here in our community.

What's the best advice you've ever been given?

You're only as happy as you want to be.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on.

In 2018, I filmed a wedding of bride who beat cancer. She said to me, "Matt, I want you to celebrate my wedding day with us because I truly did not think I would live long enough to even have a wedding." It's stories like hers that keep me inspired.

What's on your regular reading list?

All the local publications: Inweekly, PNJ, Pensacola Magazine, Downtown Crowd, etc. Nutrition and health/fitness blogs. My favorite author right now is Karin Slaughter.

What keeps you in Pensacola?

Pensacola is a hugely philanthropic city.

It's very unique to see so many different organizations, businesses, volunteers and public officials all come together to help build, strengthen and grow our community.

You don't find that in every community, and it's exciting to be a part of that.

What keeps you in Pensacola?

I believe Pensacola has so much to offer creatives in our area, and there's no other place I'd rather have my business than right here. Pensacola has barely scratched the surface with the art and talents it has to offer.

What's on your regular reading list?

The Bible, "How to Lead When You're Not in Charge," "The Heart of an Executive."

inweekly.net

2019 relationships and my outlook on life. If you give others the benefit of the doubt and seek to understand different perspectives, you will uncover new ways to partner with others and accomplish your goals.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on.

Becoming a leader. It requires a lot of selfdiscipline and self-development. Work as a leader is never done, which means you have the constant opportunity to be a positive force to others, guiding and helping them reach their potential. What an incredible never-ending reward.

ELIJAH LUTH

Supervisor of Design & Training Communication, Navy Federal Credit Union What makes your job 'click' for you?

It always clicks for me when I can connect my actions to the bigger picture. By understanding the impact that my team and I help to make on millions of members at Navy Federal, I am given purpose every day.

What's the best advice you've ever been given?

Assume good intentions. This advice drastically changed the way I approach

What's on your regular reading list?

Blue Ocean Brain, Mintel, and TED Talks.

My favorites reads from 2018 are "Dare to Lead" by Brene Brown and "The Culture Code" by Daniel Coyle.

What keeps you in Pensacola?

Although we've made huge strides around LGBTQ rights in the past few years, there is still a long way to go. I see a great opportunity for Pensacola to be a part of that positive growth, and I want to be here to contribute to that movement.

answer is someone telling you no, then just go for it. Sales did not come naturally to me but getting over the fear of "no" opened a whole new confidence for me.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on.

I helped spearhead a new resource management software for one of our customers. It focused on training resources and incorporated a learning management system. It was fascinating going through our standard operating procedures and dissecting them into step-by-step software. I even learned a little about coding.

ERIN LUTTRELL

President, Key Innovations, Inc. What makes your job 'click' for you?

Education and training have always been passions of mine. Helping someone further themselves, their career or just discovering a new interest is so rewarding. Now, doing this through my own business has created a whole new personal drive for me and my family.

What's on your regular reading list?

I really enjoy the local prints that Pensacola has to offer for families, social life and health.

What keeps you in Pensacola?

I grew up here. After being a part of Leadership Pensacola and Junior League, I realized that my goal was not to leave again but to help make Pensacola a place that my kids are proud to be a part of.

What's the best advice you've ever been given?

What's the worst that can happen? If the

January 24, 2019

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RISING STARS have to work a day in your life. I'd rather see a sermon than to hear one any day. Running from it won't save you. See it through.

live. Create the one you were made for." Jason Kotecki encourages people to uncover rules that don't exist, such as hating Mondays, and challenges you to create new perspectives.

LAURA MASSIMINO

Financial Analyst, Pen Air Federal Credit Union What makes your job 'click' for you?

Data and service. I get to work with data to create and analyze reports that drive decision making, allowing us to better serve our membership. I am fortunate to work for an organization that encourages me to play an active role in the community through volunteering.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on.

Last year, I co-founded the League of Southeastern Credit Unions Young Professionals Group for Northwest Florida. The support I was given by my CEO to pursue this endeavor was incredible, and the connections I have made will last a lifetime. I can't wait to see what amazing things we accomplish.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on.

My most rewarding project is working with the Omega Lamplighters. Lamplighters is an organization dedicated to helping young men of middle and high school age grow and develop their leadership talents in every phase of human endeavor. The organization strives to produce active leaders and achievers in the community.

What's on your regular reading list?

PNJ, Escape Adulthood and credit union publications such as CUNA News, CreditUnions.com, and Credit Union Times.

What's on your regular reading list?

CNN news. I'm kinda of a political junkie.

Also, African American History and leadership books.

What keeps you in Pensacola?

I'm a fan of the sunshine; moving here from the Northeast, I'm not sure I can go back to shoveling snow. I also find that between sporting events, festivals, parades, beaches, street parties and everything else, there's always something to do.

What's the best advice you've ever been given?

"Don't settle for the life you've been told to

ANDREW MAXWELL II Executive Director, Camelot Academy

What makes your job 'click' for you?

As the director of Camelot Academy, I'm able to bridge my passion for working with at-risk youth and building my community. When I come to Camelot, it's not just a job. Each day is a new opportunity to change lives.

What keeps you in Pensacola?

I am deeply rooted and invested in Pensacola through family, work and friends.

I have a passion to better my community and enjoying its success.

What's the best advice you've ever been given?

Choose a job you love, and you will never

Congratulations to our Rising Star

Tauland Kruja, DMD

Nom Sushi Izakaya Congratulates the Rising Stars of 2019!

Victus Dental 2850 Monroe St. 828 2

850-484-4844 victusdental.com

850.466.3125 | nomsushi.com inweekly.net

2019 in being able to, "Listen and understand the message; speak and convey your message; read and understand the meaning; write and convey your meaning." It's a family joke now, but it's stuck with me, and I believe it's a good reminder to connect.

ELIZABETH MCDANIEL JONES Owner & General Manager, Nom Sushi Izakaya

What makes your job 'click' for you?

From childhood on, I've loved entertaining and cooking for loved ones. Owning a restaurant lets me take that to the next level. I get to interact with our guests and serve food I'm proud of to new friends every night. When people enjoy what we're doing, there's no better feeling.

What's the best advice you've ever been given?

My grandfather has always said success lies

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on.

Opening/running our restaurant, Nom Sushi Izakaya, with my husband/creative force/chef, Brad Jones, has been the most rewarding experience so far. Working side by side has taught us a lot about ourselves and what it takes to make progress and be successful. We're constantly learning, and I'm grateful for our partnership.

What's on your regular reading list?

Currently, I'm reading "My Brilliant Friend," "Killers of the Flower Moon," and "Shantaram." Also podcasts like "Reply All" and all-true-crime-everything.

What keeps you in Pensacola?

When I think Pensacola, I think community and opportunity. We've been overjoyed with the support this community has shown Nom. This city is opening up and coming into its own, and it's exciting to be a part of that. That environment keeps us here, and the beach doesn't hurt either.

On behalf of our sta, board members, volunteers and students, we would like to congratulate What's the best advice you've ever been given?

A mentor of mine always concludes our conversations with, "Keep hitting the singles and doubles and the home runs will take care of themselves." In a fast-paced world, home runs often make headlines, but consistent singles and doubles achieve the same (or better) outcome.

BRANDON MCFARREN

Market President, Catalyst Healthcare Real Estate What makes your job 'click' for you?

I have the opportunity to wake up each morning with a mission to create better access to healthcare by developing new medical office buildings. Creating the physical environment for physicians to provide quality care within the communities we serve is what it's all about.

January 24, 2019

You've always been a star to us! ~Mom & Dad

Jayde Herman

on being named a 2019

Rising Star!

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on.

Being part of the rapid growth of a niche business. What was a small, local start-up only a handful of years ago is now a nationally recognized and respected industry leader. It's been an indescribable experience.

What's on your regular reading list?

"Little Blue Truck" and "Goodnight Baseball."

When I'm not reading to our boys, I am reading Healthcare Real Estate Insights, Modern Healthcare and triathlon blogs.

You ARE a star in our book! Congratulations!

What keeps you in Pensacola?

Pensacola is our home. My wife and I made the conscious effort to plant roots and raise our family here. It's the perfect size. We're home to amenities, attractions and diverse industries that larger cities have, while maintaining a sense of place and connectivity.

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RISING STARS JENNIE MCKEON

Digital Content Producer/Reporter, WUWF What makes your job 'click' for you?

I was a volunteer at WUWF years before I was lucky enough to work for the station. Public media enriches our lives. It's a great source for news and interesting stories. And local NPR affiliates, such as WUWF, are great community resources for local news and information.

What's the best advice you've ever been given?

Don't overthink it. Although, some-

times that's easier said than done. For example, this survey‚ I've written and rewritten most of my answers on here.

Daily News, PNJ, theSkimm, NPR, Washington Post, New York Times, New York Magazine and comic books.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on.

So far, the most rewarding project for WUWF was covering the free Thanksgiving dinner at Harbor Docks in Destin.

People from all walks of life have their Thanksgiving meal there and pay what they can. All donations go to charity. It was heartwarming to witness.

What keeps you in Pensacola?

I love the people. The friends I've made here are literally the best people ever.

Also, I hate being cold, so the warmer weather helps, too.

What's on your regular reading list?

WUWF.org, Inweekly, Northwest Florida

What's the best advice you've ever been given?

Don't measure your success by others. Focus on yourself, believe in your work and have confidence in the decisions you have made. Otherwise, you will face certain disappointment.

What's the best advice you've ever been given?

"When everything constantly needs approval, you create a culture of nonthinkers."

-Jason Fried Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on.

The first one that always comes to mind is being part of the team that lead the restoration of the Rex Theatre.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on.

So much of what I do is rewarding and allows me to positively impact students.

It is hard to choose just one program, but helping students and alumni find affordable, new professional clothing at the annual Argos Suit Up! event is extremely rewarding.

TIMOTHY MOORE

Associate Director of Career Education, University of West Florida What makes your job 'click' for you?

There is so much about my job that I love!

Every day offers a unique set of experiences that not only challenge me but also allow me to grow. Furthermore, I can use what I have learned to help empower students to discover who they are by finding their purpose.

What's on your regular reading list?

Beyond a daily news and sports updates, and the occasional work of fiction, I regularly read articles discussing topics in higher education and career development.

What keeps you in Pensacola?

Pensacola has so much to offer and just keeps getting better! I have lived in other towns in Florida, and nowhere have I seen such beautiful beaches, enjoyed such a vibrant downtown or met such genuinely friendly people. And of course, UWF is an amazing place to work.

JOSH NEWBY

Marketing/Communications Director, Council on Aging of West Florida What makes your job 'click' for you?

Raising awareness of and advocating for vulnerable populations is a job not without its challenges and disappointments, but the knowledge that we are making tangible improvements in people's lives, while applying some of the most important lessons I have learned, makes each and every day so rewarding.

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ANDREW MYERS

Director of Innovation, Ideaworks What makes your job 'click' for you?

Being able to face new challenges and situations each day. I refuse to accept stagnation in my life, so having a career that allows for constant problem solving is perfect.

What's on your regular reading list?

I do more listening than reading these days: Up First, 1A, FiveThirtyEight Politics, etc. I do check in with Hacker News every day, though.

What keeps you in Pensacola?

I believe Pensacola has the potential to really be a hub of innovation and technology.

The key is leadership willing to drive investment in the infrastructure and support structure to ensure flexible growth options for start-ups.

What's the best advice you've ever been given?

It takes just as much effort to respond with kindness as it does to respond in anger. Everyone is doing their best with what they have been given and treating them as such will ensure positivity and success for both parties.

expertise and abilities while helping those who cannot help themselves.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on.

Working with statewide partners to successfully advocate for increased funding from our public officials in 2017-2018, even during periods of ever-tightening budget constraints, validated my own

What keeps you in Pensacola?

Much has been said about the "good old boys' club" in this town, and yet I have never lived anywhere so generous or filled with people so willing to listen to and value the contributions and opinions of young people.

The food doesn't hurt either.

What's on your regular reading list?

Vanity Fair, GQ, The Economist, Independent News, Pensacola Magazine, Balder and Dash, Adweek

inweekly.net

2019

Congratulations Laura!

What's the best advice you've ever been given?

Sometimes the best way to solve your own problems is to help someone else.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on.

Serving and helping those who were in need in the wake of Hurricane Michael was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

What's on your regular reading list?

The Economist, the latest from arXiv, Netflix Tech Blog and daily advice from my dad.

REED ODENEAL

Director of Brewing Operations, Perfect Plain Brewing Co. What makes your job 'click' for you?

I am grateful for having the opportunity to be a part of this community. Knowing that our events, programming and ultimately our beer is contributing to the enrichment of Pensacola's culture is what makes me passionate about my job.

What keeps you in Pensacola?

Opportunities to add to our culture, collaborations with our local creative minds and the rare opportunity to help create incredible experiences that make our beer, our brewery and our hometown, Pensacola, unforgettable.

You help make our company a great place to work!

tagwfm.com applying this mantra to challenges in my career, personal fitness and relationships.

Taking a moment to step back and change my perspective has helped me figure out how to tackle complex problems.

GEOFF PECK

Sales Representative, Spectrum Systems, Inc.; Owner, Recycled Saints What makes your job 'click' for you?

My current position allows me to utilize all of the skills I've gained throughout my professional life. I'm using not only my technical knowledge from being a service technician but also my networking, project management, marketing and communication skills from my experience with music production and promotion and entrepreneurial endeavors.

What's the best advice you've ever been given?

"It's only as hard as you think." I've started

January 24, 2019

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on.

The Recycled Saints Analog Queue Kickstarter was my most demanding and rewarding project. This project included prototyping, fundraising, business plans, budget management, market research, collaboration with graphic designers, writers and videographers and, eventually, negotiations with major retailers. We were able to fully fund the idea and bring it to life.

What's on your regular reading list?

Read: Wired Magazine, reddit.com, blog. landr.com, Listen: Tim Ferriss Podcast, JRE, Freakonomics Podcast. YouTube: Cuckoo Music, Andrew Huang, Reverb, H3H3

Congratulations to FloridaWest's Rising Star

Melissa Stoker

Operations Manager

What keeps you in Pensacola?

Pensacola is a beautiful, unique city filled with personality and talent. I have never felt compelled to leave because it is consistently evolving into the place I need it to be at each phase of my life.

floridawesteda.com | 850.898.2201 31

RISING STARS JENN PETION

Director of Administration and External Affairs, FamiliesFirst Network of Lakeview What makes your job 'click' for you?

Child welfare is my passion. It provides a critical safety net for our community's most vulnerable. In my current position, I'm able to combine many of the things I have loved about past roles while leveraging the experience and connections I've made along the way to make a greater impact.

What's the best advice you've ever been given?

Focus on your strengths. You'll never be a

ALIZA RAY

Director of Marketing, Fishbein Orthodontics What makes your job 'click' for you?

Working for FishOrtho isn't just a job; it's being part of a family. Not only do I get to do what I love, but I get to do it in a warm and welcoming environment. Our business is making people smile (literally). It's as simple as that.

What's the best advice you've ever been given?

If you do what you love, you'll never work a

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on.

Change scares a lot of people, but I enjoy the opportunities I've had to change systems for the better. Whether it's helping rewrite child welfare legislation or shaping organizational program improvements, I enjoy working on system change that ultimately benefits children in foster care and their families.

What's on your regular reading list?

Local and national news outlets, such as the PNJ, CNN and MSNBC, and legislative and policy briefings as well as anything related to foster care/adoption.

What keeps you in Pensacola?

We moved here a little more than two years ago for my position and fell in love with the community. There's a lot of family-friendly events, and the beaches cannot be beat.

We plan to stay for as long as we feel we have something to contribute here.

day in your life. I've been blessed with amazing opportunities that paid well but worked me to death. Now, it doesn't even feel like work. I've been successful because my team is successful, and we all love what we do.

What's the best advice you've ever been given?

You either walk inside your story and own it or you stand outside your story and hustle for your worthiness.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on.

FishOrtho also has a nonprofit called the Fishbein Foundation. The Foundation's biggest campaign is EmBraces where we award full orthodontic treatment to chosen applicants who share their story of overcoming a bullyingrelated struggle and made a positive impact for themselves or others. This issue is very close to my heart.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on.

Trusting my ability and taking the leap to invest in new equipment and a new process for my little growing mug printing business.

I closed shop for a few months while I took the time to improve everything for my customers (and myself) for a more efficient and positive experience.

What's on your regular reading list?

I actually like to read horror and suspense novels to distract me from the outside world. You couldn't drag me to a scary movie though.

What keeps you in Pensacola?

I've lived in Pensacola most of my life. I moved to Nashville for about eight years, but Pensacola was thriving and calling me home. My family and best friends are here. I also appreciate the beach more than ever after being stuck inland for so long.

STEPHANIE SHARP

Marketing and Member Services Manager, Ever'man Cooperative Grocery and Cafe What makes your job 'click' for you?

My current role "clicked" for me because it combined personal passions with professional fulfillment. Creating high volumes of quality content for our community with a solid foundation of values and plenty of room to grow? It's basically the dream job I was trying to create in my entrepreneurial journey.

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'10' on your weaknesses, but by focusing your energy on making what you're already good at the best it can be, you may near a '10' there. Build your team to offset those weaknesses with people who excel in areas you don't.

BETH SCHWEIGERT Owner, The Maple Pen

What makes your job 'click' for you?

I love creating something so simple yet just as unique as the people that purchase them. Coffee mugs are a universal image of comfort, so it's a dream come true to combine my passion of taking care of others alongside a fun and creative outlet.

What's on your regular reading list?

TED Talks, anything by Brene Brown, Beer Advocate, Inweekly What keeps you in Pensacola?

The evolving culture and creativity in Pensacola has been so inspiring to witness and be a part of. I am surrounded by some of the best people I know, and I love raising our daughter here near family, beautiful beaches and a thriving community.

What's the best advice you've ever been given?

Tell the truth. Do your best. Have fun. That's what my dad would say to me and my sister before he dropped us off at school growing up.

What's on your regular reading list?

Obviously, Inweekly. The Bitter Southerner.

NPR/WUWF/WFSU. Sarah Von Bargen's blog, Yes and Yes. Cait Flander's newsletter.

The Washington Post. PolitiFact.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on.

Writing for and working with the Inweekly team since high school, from compiling the community calendar, researching investigative pieces, working on feature stories, interviewing creatives for Arts & Entertainment coverage—being a part of this paper is something I will always treasure.

What keeps you in Pensacola?

In 2018, I moved back home after eight years in Tallahassee. While I miss the canopy roads, Pensacola is putting in the work to grow into something amazing, and I knew I had to be a part of it. Also, cliche as it may be, there's no place like home.

inweekly.net

2019 greatest power afforded to man, so use it wisely. For your influence can be a fertilizer to a blooming flower or a weed choking it out."

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on.

Last year, I had a student who came from a single-parent home, low socioeconomic and high violence community. I explained my similar background, which encouraged her. Then I helped her get enrolled, and this fall she will graduate. Her story and others alike are always extremely rewarding.

Recruiter, Pensacola State College

What's on your regular reading list?

John Maxwell, "How Successful People Think"; Quint Studer, "Results that Last"; Willie Spears, "Culture Creators"; The Bible

What makes your job 'click' for you?

The fact that every day I get the opportunity to impact and guide a young person's future. The information I provide pertaining to post-secondary educational opportunities creates the path and foundation to help them achieve their goals and dreams.

The investment and impact is priceless.

What keeps you in Pensacola?

It's where my heart is. There is nothing better than touching and investing in people who come from my community. I try to be a role model to the next generation and guide them. I want to exemplify that small inkling of hope needed to ignite change in other's life.

DONTE SHEPPARD

What's the best advice you've ever been given?

A mentor once told me, "Influence is the

What's the best advice you've ever been given?

When I was younger, I was told, "You can eat an elephant one bite at a time." And this has stuck with me throughout my life. Regardless of the task size or the amount of work, take it one step at a time and you will succeed.

M. MELISSA SMITH Associate Attorney, Spencer Law, P.A.

What makes your job 'click' for you?

I enjoy the intellectual challenge that my job presents. I enjoy being able to help families in some of their most difficult times. While my job can often times be emotionally taxing, there is fulfillment in achieving the correct and just result.

January 24, 2019

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on.

On the personal side, raising my children tops the list. I love watching my son play soccer and watching my daughter at ballet. It's the little things. On the professional side, it's working hard for a client and receiving the best possible result for them and sharing in their feats.

What's on your regular reading list?

I enjoy Yahoo News, interior design blogs, Pensacola News Journal. I also spend most evenings reading several children's books.

What keeps you in Pensacola?

I choose to live in Pensacola because it is my hometown. I grew up here and my family lives here. I enjoy the small-town feel that Pensacola provides. I want my children to grow up in this area and be able to enjoy life in such a wonderful place.

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RISING STARS ASHLEY SOUTH

What's the best advice you've ever been given?

In a world full of darkness, be the light.

What's on your regular reading list?

I enjoy listening to leadership podcasts and reading parenting blogs.

What makes your job 'click' for you?

Serving, learning and leading is why I love my job. I am able to serve my community, I am able to learn something new and I am able to lead an amazing team every day. I am humbled by this opportunity.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on.

The building, development and continued growth of the Pediatric Subspecialty Service at The Studer Family Children's Hospital has been the most rewarding project I have been a part of. Being able to work in collaboration with physicians, nurses and staff to comprehensively treat thousands of children has been awe-inspiring.

What keeps you in Pensacola?

Pensacola has always been and will always be home for me. I moved away in my early adult years, but I quickly realized how important my family, the Pensacola community and the beautiful white sands of Pensacola Beach are to me.

Charge Nurse, Pediatric Subspecialty, Sacred Heart Medical Group

What's the best advice you've ever been given?

My father, Hiram Bernard Davis, always told me to keep God first, work hard and always look for ways to help people in all you do.

I apply that every time I work to keep the culture relevant and respected.

JAMAL STEELE

Recording artist/SquaDD Lead, Dream Defenders Pensacola What makes your job 'click' for you?

Being able to have a hand in helping to empower and motivate Black and Brown people toward greatness here in Pensacola and the state of Florida. I take pride in destroying the narrative Governor DeSantis placed during the election and showing the great work DD does in Florida.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on.

Last February, I partnered with organizations in Panama City and Pensacola to take 100 kids in both cities to view "Black Panther." Through donations from GoFundMe, we were able to expose STEM research, an uncolonized Africa and Diaspora relations to the next generation.

What's on your regular reading list?

Bell Hooks, "The Will To Change"; Michelle Alexander, "The New Jim Crow"; Ta-Nehisi Coates, "Between The World and Me" What keeps you in Pensacola?

Out of all the cities I've lived in here in Florida, Pensacola has felt like home. Building a community has placed me at ease, and I have a support system to feed off of creatively for my music or to speak to regarding social justice and mental health.

KELSEY STONE

Associate Attorney, Clark Partington Law Firm What makes your job 'click' for you?

I love that my job provides me the opportunity to advocate for my clients and help them through what is quite often the most stressful time of their life.

What's the best advice you've ever been given?

I always try to remember Theodore Roosevelt's advice to "do what you can, with what you have, where you are."

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you'll get more for the money every single time. Change and accountability are not dirty words. And I've been fortunate to have profound relationships where actions impacted more than words ever could.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on.

That would easily be my precious kiddos, Evan and Claire. They are my proudest accomplishments! Evan is thoughtful, charming and funny. Claire is vivacious, creative and cheerful. Both are incredibly bright and sweet natured, and I'm a better person for knowing them. ClichĂŠ, I know; still true.

MELISSA STOKER

Operations Manager, FloridaWest Economic Development Alliance What makes your job 'click' for you?

It's a gift to wake up every day and contribute towards the success of this city as a part of the dynamic FloridaWest team. Our efforts extend towards a vibrant and fulfilling future for my kids in a place we love. I feel like I've come home.

What's the best advice you've ever been given?

Invest in experiences rather than things,

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on.

I am so grateful to be on the board of the Ronald McDonald House of Northwest Florida. It is by far the most rewarding thing I have ever done because I know that my time directly benefits local families in their time of need.

What's on your regular reading list?

Gobs of emails, books on servant leadership and professional development, memoirs, biographies, various news outlets, travel blogs and more emails.

What keeps you in Pensacola?

I've lived many places, and Pensacola has provided the best quality of life, the widest variety of activities and weather that promotes outdoor activities year-round.

Ultimately, it's allowed me to create a life I love with the people I adore.

student at UWF. When I returned to Pensacola after law school, I was captivated at how it had blossomed into a vibrant city with even more to offer than before.

I cannot wait to see what the future holds for Pensacola.

What's on your regular reading list?

Inweekly, the New York Times What keeps you in Pensacola?

Pensacola won my heart when I was a

inweekly.net

2019 What's the best advice you've ever been given?

My father's entrepreneurial wisdom is most valuable to me. Both of my parents instilled in me to always work hard, be kind to strangers and never apologize for being yourself/different and, lastly, not to sweat the small stuff. Thanks, Mom and Dad.

LAURA TATE, M.A.

Human Resource Generalist, The Analyst Group (TAG) What makes your job 'click' for you?

I never wanted the same routine every day.

Some days, I am HR manager, supporting a team of ambitious doers. Other days, I am a recruiter, hiring for an exciting new position or visiting potential clients. Lastly, I am a designer, updating our historic building to boost workplace pride.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on.

Over two years ago, I was fresh out of grad school and trusted to help TAG grow to the next level. With my help, TAG has grown over 500 percent and supports some of the largest companies in the world. We have so many talented and kind people under one roof.

What's on your regular reading list?

Everything about I/O Psychology and Organizational Development. Travel + Leisure, The New Yorker, Inc., Scientific American and all of Dave Ramsey.

What keeps you in Pensacola?

At heart, I am a fast-paced, world-traveling optimist. Pensacola has grown in ways my childhood self would have never believed. I now get to enjoy the culture and food of a big city while still having my family, friends and my roots within reach. Also, I love living in EH.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on.

In 2019, we're celebrating Saltmarsh's 75th Anniversary with a year packed full of special events and initiatives across our five regional offices. It's an honor to lead the efforts for such an exciting and important milestone in the life of the firm.

What's on your regular reading list? theSkimm, Cooking Light, blogs around accounting marketing, leadership and personal development, novels by Liane Moriarty and others.

JAYME TERRELL

Marketing Manager, Saltmarsh Cleaveland & Gund What makes your job 'click' for you?

The people—no question. Their trust in me and my abilities is what drives me every day.

What keeps you in Pensacola?

Honestly, I moved to Pensacola with little intention of staying. Nearly 10 years later, I've been able to see firsthand the development that's taken place, and I'm so glad to be here.

It has the charm of a small town with plenty of room for growth and opportunity.

What's the best advice you've ever been given?

In all you do, aim to make an impact.

January 24, 2019

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RISING STARS DEIRDRA(DEE DEE) THOMPKINS Associate, Studer Group/Huron Consulting Group

What makes your job 'click' for you?

I have the opportunity to impact healthcare on a national level. Re-engaging leaders who may be burned out, finding solutions to issues and being a trusted advisor to clients enable me to connect to my purpose. When you do what you love, you'll never work a day in your life.

What's the best advice you've ever been given?

From childhood, my parents have instilled

in me that to whom much is given, much is required. This inspired my passion for community service, mentoring and living a purpose-driven life. I, in turn, drill this into my sons. Ultimately, it's important to have an attitude of gratitude.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on.

I'm currently on the selection committee for Escambia County's Teacher of the Year.

Reading about and observing the passion of our educators is filling my bucket.

Education is so critical to success, and witnessing the best of the best is encouraging. Our future young professionals are in good hands.

HOLIDAY WHISENANT, LMHC, MCAP Account Manager, Millennium Health

What makes your job 'click' for you?

My position provides the opportunity to continue my passion of helping those struggling with mental health and addiction issues by working for a health solutions company that delivers clinically actionable information to providers to determine the right treatment decisions for each patient, helping people get better quicker and maintain success.

What's on your regular reading list?

Vanity Fair, New York Times, true crime, Wikipedia and whatever books my seven-year-old is wanting at bedtime.

What keeps you in Pensacola?

As a native of Gulf Breeze, I am fortunate to have witnessed the growth and development of our area, and I want my family and myself to be part of that continued experience.

VERONIQUE ZAYAS Founder and Creative Director, HatchMark Studio

What makes your job 'click' for you?

In branding, I'm at this intersection of strategy and creative. I dig deep with clients to uncover the goals and vision and then run with it. It's a very human business.

The details, stories and "why" vary, but it's a very collaborative journey you're on together. It's always fresh.

What's the best advice you've ever been given?

To trust and let go of things that you 636 3

What keeps you in Pensacola?

Leaders and visionaries such as Quint and Rishy Studer, Debbie Ritchie and Rev. LuTimothy May reassure me that Pensacola is a thriving community for young professionals. Healthcare, quality education for my sons, prosperous businesses and a healthy religious community are important to me, and Pensacola encompasses each of these.

What's the best advice you've ever been given?

I questioned whether to continue my education beyond the master's level. A mentor, who encouraged me to pursue a doctorate, shared that people spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on homes and cars, which are all things that can be taken away. This is not true for a person's education.

What's the best advice you've ever been given?

Mr. Rogers said that as a child, when he would see scary things in the news, his mother would say, "Look for the helpers.

You will always find people who are helping." I've tried to live my life as a helper and surround myself with like-minded people.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on.

Three years ago, a friend asked myself and seven others if we wanted to help start a nonprofit called onbikes Pensacola. As of December 2018, we have given away 1, 400plus bikes to deserving children in the Pensacola area. I am so proud and thankful to be part of OBP's success.

What's on your regular reading list?

"Becoming" by Michelle Obama, Inweekly, PNJ, Harvard Business Review, Essence, social media

KEYA WIGGINS

Licensed Psychologist and Certified Group Psychotherapist in Private Practice and Visiting Assistant Professor at the University of West Florida

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on.

I consider every therapeutic relationship that I develop with clients as a project of personal growth. Each feels rewarding in its own right. It's amazing to see the progress that people can make when given the opportunity to understand themselves and to be open, vulnerable and authentic.

What's on your regular reading list?

I am a huge fan of Toni Morrison. Anything that she writes is amazing.

What makes your job 'click' for you?

I enjoy helping people work through selfesteem and relationship issues. There's usually a point in therapy where things click for clients and they develop a true realization of how their past impacts their present view of themselves and of their relationships. It's shortly thereafter that the real work begins.

What keeps you in Pensacola?

I like that Pensacola has a relaxed and unpretentious atmosphere. It's truly a beach city where people don't take themselves too seriously, the beach is a short drive away from any point in the city and the seafood is abundant.

shouldn't be leading or stressing over.

Most business owners are type A, and we hesitate to ask for, or take, help. When you let go and allow others to do what they do best, things fall into place.

What's on your regular reading list?

Blogs: Brand New, The Dieline, awwwards, Mirador. I'm big into podcasts/audio for every day or The Futur vlogs in the background on YouTube.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on.

The startups and small businesses. It's often someone working to build a business they've dreamt of for years, that they've poured their heart and soul into. Helping bring that vision to life and giving them the tools to break into the scene at their best never gets old.

What keeps you in Pensacola?

My family moved to Pensacola five years ago and hasn't looked back. We've fallen into this special moment in time in this town. It's growing, businesses are opening and thriving and there's this buzz and energy that you can't fake. It's contagious, and I love being a part of it. {in}

inweekly.net

WEEK OF JANUARY 24-30

Arts & Entertainment art, film, music, stage, books and other signs of civilization...

Translating the Siege of Leningrad

By C. S. Satterwhite

"All great betrayals move in daylight, pass like kin into the widest roads, burn fields and crops and salt the earth, burn homes to usher out the living. Nothing lasts."

These lines are from Jonathan Fink's most recent book poetry, "Barbarossa," a collection of sonnets about the 1941 Siege of Leningrad. Collaborating with violinist Leonid Yanovskiy, the two University of West Florida professors are the minds behind "Art as Grit: Siege of Leningrad in Music and Poetry," the latest installment in the Experience UWF Downtown Lecture Series.

The title for Fink's book comes from the code name for Nazi Germany's surprise invasion launched against the Soviet Union toward the beginning of the war. Fink's book of sonnets is a historical overview of the infamous siege, one of the longest and most costly in human history, told in poetic form.

Fink said he was inspired to write this book after a visit to the Museum of the Defense and Siege of Leningrad, located in the former Leningrad, which was renamed St. Petersburg after the Soviet period.

The challenge for Fink was to create an artistic image of the siege, where over a million people died, and translate this carnage into poetry.

"Capturing the horror of the siege was definitely a central focus of the collection and to be as factually and artistically accurate as possible about the effects of the siege on the citizens of Leningrad," said Fink.

In "Barbarossa," Fink recreates scenes from the siege with sonnets detailing the fear and grotesque spectacle taking place in the birthplace of the Bolshevik Revolution. Featured

prominently in Fink's book are the heartwrenching poems describing the surprise of invasion, the starvation of the Soviet citizenry and even the desperation that turned hundreds of citizens to cannibalism within a year.

"My hope was to think of each of these sonnets as entry points into individual experiences of the personae," said Fink, "whether that individual experience reflects a moment of horror, joy, tenacity, compassion, cruelty, etc.," he said.

Fink used the 14-line poems as a means to provide "form and structure to a project that would be otherwise unwieldy in scope."

The collaboration between Fink and Yanovskiy came after the two colleagues served together on various university committees. Knowing Yanovskiy grew up and studied in Russia, Fink gave the worldrenown violinist a copy of his book.

"The idea to combine the reading of the poems and musical performance came to me as soon as I started reading Jon's sonnets," said Yanovskiy.

Yanovskiy thought to pair Fink's sonnets with a work by the great Soviet composer Dmitri Shostakovich, a firsthand witness to the Siege of Leningrad.

"After having survived many months of living hell of the Leningrad siege," said Yanovskiy, "Shostakovich became the most outspoken [in his music] eyewitness to one of the most horrific human tragedies in contemporary history."

"As a great humanist and artist, in his music, Shostakovich gave the most astonishing account of the war and its effects on human race," said Yanovskiy.

The choice to perform Shostakovich's

contemporary culture." Fink hopes the event "Piano Trio Number 2" was natural, as the will give the audience and "appreciation for the composer first performed the piece in Lendynamic sense of art" and "serve as an expresingrad in November 1944—the same year sion of and vehicle for tenacity and resilience." the siege ended.

"Additionally, I hope the audience takes "Like Jon's sonnets, the music of the Trio is away a deeper understanding of the history full of paradoxes," said Yanovskiy. "It is simulof the siege as well as an appreciation for taneously objective and personal, profoundly the ways in which multiple genres of art can tragic and miraculously uplifting." speak together to a historical or current While Fink's focus was not on the music moment," said Fink. itself but on the "musicality, rhythms and Evans also has high expectations for tonality of the language of the poem," the event. he admitted to being captivated by the "I have seen more meaningful conversastory told by Shostakovich's piece. "I have tion across generational divides, ethnic divides, been amazed," said Fink, "at the ways in political divides and socioeconomic divides which Shostakovich's Piano Trio Number 2 happen as a result of these events than as a captures its historical moment and the narresult of anything else the university provides rative‌as relayed to me by Leonid." to the Pensacola community," said Evans.

Fink and Yanovskiy's performance is a Following the performance, Fink and part of UWF's popular Downtown Lecture Yanovskiy, along with historian Daniel Series, a program hosted by UWF highlightMiller and musicologist Victoria Yanovskiy, ing faculty in the liberal arts. will engage with the audience in a talkback "One of the wonderful benefits of living session about the event. in a university town is the learning oppor"We have wonderful faculty who love to tunities the campus provides," said Jocelyn engage in conversations about their fields Evans, associate dean of the UWF College of of study," said Evans. "The series showArts, Social Sciences and Humanities. "The cases that talent." {in} UWF Downtown Lecture Series brings these opportunities off campus and to our downtown district so that more people can enjoy and benefit from the experience," said Evans.

Previous lectures in the series WHAT: The third installment of this season's featured discussions on public art, Experience UWF Downtown lecture series Spanish colonialism and foreign affairs.

WHEN: 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 31 "Through our events, we hope to WHERE: Old Christ Church, 405 S. Adams St. positively impact our community by showcasing the relevance of the arts DETAILS: uwf.edu/downtownlectures and sciences to building and sustaining

ART AS GRIT: SIEGE OF LENINGRAD IN MUSIC AND POETRY

EATS, DRINKS & SMILES BIG ASS SMILES @THEMAGNOLIAEPH NOW OPEN ON SUNDAYS January 24, 2019

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calendar THURSDAY 1.24

YOGA WITHIN REACH 9-10 a.m. Free. Community Health Northwest Florida, 2315 W. Jackson St., Room A. healthcarewithinreach.org SNOWBIRD BEACH BASH 9-11 a.m. Free.

Pensacola Beach Community Church, 920 Panferio Drive.

ONE-ON-ONE TECH HELP 11 a.m. Molino Branch Library, 6450-A Highway 95A. mywfpl.com PILATES MAT 12:30 p.m. Free. Ever'man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden St. everman.org 'SHOPLIFTERS' SCREENING 1 p.m. $5. (cash only). Bowden Building, 120 Church St. pensacolacinemaart.com 'TEA WITH THE DAMES' SCREENING 1 p.m. $5. (cash only). Bowden Building, 120 Church St. pensacolacinemaart.com LATIN DANCE CLASSES 6:30-9 p.m. $10. Salsa, Bachata, Cha Cha and more. Professional dance instruction for all skill levels. No partner required. DanceCraft, 8618 Pensacola Blvd. dancecraftstudios.com GREAT SOUTHERN RESTAURANTS' RESTAURANT WEEK 5 p.m. All locations.

Three-course, fixed price dinners for $33. greatsouthernrestaurants.com AWM WINE TASTING 5-7 p.m. Free. Aragon Wine Market, 27 S. 9th Ave. facebook.com/ aragonwine GLOBAL FOOD TRENDS OF 2019 6 p.m. $30 per adult. Pensacola Cooks, 3670 Barrancas Ave. pensacolacooks.rezclick.com MEDITATION AND ENERGY HEALING 6 p.m.

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Free. Ever'man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden St. everman.org END OF THE LINE THURSDAY DINNER 6-9 p.m.

End of the Line Café, 610 E. Wright St. Sign up for the newsletter for menu. eotlcafe.com DRIVE-BY TRUCKERS 7 p.m. $25-$30. Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox. vinylmusichall.com 'FOOD CHAINS' SCREENING 7 p.m. Free. Open Books, 1040 N. Guillemard St. THE CEMETERY CLUB 7:30 p.m. $16. Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson St. pensacolalittletheatre.com

FRIDAY 1.25

ONE-ON-ONE TECH HELP 10 a.m. Pensacola

Library, 239 N. Spring St. mywfpl.com HAPPY HOUR COOKOUTS 5 p.m. Drink specials, free cookout. Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. sevillequarter.com GREAT SOUTHERN RESTAURANTS' RESTAURANT WEEK 5 p.m. All locations. Three-

course, fixed price dinners for $33. greatsouthernrestaurants.com

EVER'MAN COOKS: HEALTHY FRENCH COOKING 6-8 p.m. Ever'man Educational Center, 327

W. Garden St. everman.org

DATE NIGHT DANCE CLASSES 6:30-8 p.m. $8.

Learn several romantic ballroom dance styles in unique group classes. DanceCraft, 8618 Pensacola Blvd. dancecraftstudios.com FRUITION 7 p.m. $12-$15. Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox. vinylmusichall.com OPEN MIC 7-11 p.m. Café Single Fin, 380 N. 9th Ave. facebook.com/cafesinglefin

PENSACOLA OPERA PRESENTS: ROMEO AND JULIET 7:30 p.m. $24 and up. Pensacola

Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox. pensacolasaenger.com THE CEMETERY CLUB 7:30 p.m. $31. Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson St. pensacolalittletheatre.com ICE FLYERS VS. PEORIA RIVERMEN 7:35 p.m. $15 and up. Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St. pensacolabaycenter.com POST-GAME PUBLIC SKATE 10 p.m. $9-$12.

Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St. pensacolabaycenter.com

SATURDAY 1.26

PALAFOX MARKET 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Fresh produce,

live plants, baked goods, fine art and antiques.

Items originate directly from participating vendors, including dozens of local farmers, home gardeners and area artists. Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza, N. Palafox. palafoxmarket.com SANTA ROSA FARMERS MARKET 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Fresh local produce, honey, baked goods and live music. Pace Presbyterian Church, Woodbine Road.

OCEAN HOUR CLEAN-UPS 9-10 a.m. Quietwater Beach, 400 Quietwater Beach Road (at the clamshell); Bruce Beach, 601 W. Main St. oceanhourfl.com NATURALLY SIMPLE WEIGHT LOSS 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Ever'man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden St. everman.org COMPUTER BASICS Noon. Pensacola Library, 239 N. Spring St. mywfpl.com

NATURAL HEALING/CANCER STUDY 2-4 p.m.

Free. Ever'man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden St. everman.org BOURBON, BACON, BREWS & CIGARS 3-5 p.m. $25. O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox. eventbrite.com SEVILLE QUARTER CHILI COOK-OFF 4-6 p.m. $10. Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. sevillequarter.com GREAT SOUTHERN RESTAURANTS' RESTAURANT WEEK 5 p.m. All locations. Three-

course, fixed price dinners for $33. greatsouthernrestaurants.com WALKING CEMETERY TOURS 5:30 p.m. $12 plus tax. St. John's Historic Cemetery, 301 N. G St. goretro.us DANCE PARTY 7 p.m.-midnight. $10 for workshop/$10 for party. One-hour workshop followed by a mix of swing, country and ballroom music. No partner required. DanceCraft, 8618 Pensacola Blvd. dancecraftstudios.com ICE FLYERS VS. PEORIA RIVERMEN 7:05 p.m. $15 and up. Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St. pensacolabaycenter.com 13TH ANNUAL ALL-STEINWAY SCHOOL COMPETITION 7:30 p.m. Music Hall, Bldg.

82, University of West Florida, 11000 University Parkway. uwf.edu THE CEMETERY CLUB 7:30 p.m. $31. Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson St. pensacolalittletheatre.com for more listings visit inweekly.net

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January 24, 2019

BOD0304 Weddings Events ad IN.indd 1

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1/11/19 11:12 AM

Congrats, Josh!

music

By Sydney Robinson

CHEW It Up

"I look forward to seeing them play any venue any time for the rest of my life on into infinity," Garcia proclaimed. chizuko co-owner Jess Laws expressed similar sentiment.

"We love having CHEW at chizuko.

They totally match our vibe," she said.

Speaking of energy, Wilson says anyone who attends their show won't be bored.

"We are definitely very high energy. We don't just stand there. We are all moving, we have lights and our music creates a fun high energy mood and vibe. We're all about having a good time and letting loose, and we hope people will dance and have a good time with us," Wilson told Inweekly.

"We're all about having a good time and letting loose, and we hope people will dance and have a good time with us." Sarah Wilson

Marketing/Communications Director, Council on Aging of West Florida

coawfla.org 850.432.1475

Photo by Jamey McDaniel It's almost all the way through the first month of 2019, and what have you done?

Worked, ate sad 'new year, new me' salads and stared out the window at the dreary weather? If that sounds a bit too close to home, it's time to cut loose and try something a bit more weird.

Funkadelic Atlanta-based band CHEW will be coming back to Pensacola this weekend, and it's a visit that fans won't want to miss.

Brett Reagan and Sarah Wilson's instrumental brainchild will be setting up shop at chizuko on Saturday evening, where they have become as well known as the boiled peanuts.

For the uninitiated, CHEW describes their sound as "fuzz-laden psych" and their shows are anything but ordinary, evoking Tim-and-Eric style visuals and an energetic sound that will have you on your feet. The group has toured all over the United States, played some music festivals and have appeared on Adult Swim's "Bloodfeast."

CHEW is capping off the Florida leg of their Mind Abduction Tour with a return to Pensacola—which they now consider to be a home away from home.

040 4

The show will also feature some new material from the group's soon-to-bereleased third EP, "Darque Tan"—which Wilson describes as a bit more "dreamy" than previous releases from them.

Guitarist/electronicist Reagan and drummer Wilson have been writing, playing and performing since the founding of the band in December of 2015. In that time, the duo, along with a plethora of bassists—currently "Young" Jamie Austin—have released two EPs and are currently recording their third.

Now in their fourth year as a band, the group feels that their sound is maturing a bit. "['Darque Tan' is] maybe not quite as heavy as the last ones and maybe a little more.

I wouldn't say chill but different," said Wilson.

"We have evolved and matured musically."

The band sees lots of musical exploration for the new year.

"We have lots of tricks up our sleeves for a proper full-length album," said Reagan.

In the meantime, Reagan and Wilson both say they want to tour as much as possible, hitting spots in the U.S. they have missed in previous years and even performing internationally in Canada and Mexico.

"We'd love to stay on the road and kind of continue with that and tour everywhere all the time," said Reagan. "We want to be the first band to play the International Space Station." {in}

"We love playing Pensacola. It's probably one of our favorite cities to play," said Wilson. "The audience is a ton of fun, and they really support us out there."

CHEW played at Sluggo's before its 2016 closing and have played five or more shows at chizuko as well as private events around town.

When asked why the band has returned to Pensacola again and again, Reagan replied, "We're treated like family."

According to local artist Poppy Garcia, who has been instrumental in booking CHEW for some of their recent local shows, the fuzzy feelings are mutual.

"CHEW is one of the most dynamic groups to come through Pensacola in a long time—not only because of their sound but the energy that comes along with their live performances."

WHAT: CHEW with Faux/Fox and Action Doug Garcia continues, "CHEW is WHEN: 9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 26 one of the few bands to have played inside the Pensacola Museum of WHERE: chizuko, 506 W. Belmont St. Art thanks to Matt Pham. It was DETAILS: facebook.com/chizukopensacola or one of the greatest shows I've seen facebook.com/3dchew in this town ever."

CHEW

inweekly.net

January 24, 2019

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inweekly.net

news of the weird FIRST-WORLD SOLUTION When Victoria Amith, 18, headed to college last fall, she couldn't take along her beloved cats, Tina and Louise. And her dad, Troy Good, 43, couldn't keep them at his new apartment in San Jose, California. So rather than abandon them, Good did what any doting daddy would do: He rented them an apartment of their own. Tina and Louise now live the good life in a 400-squarefoot studio apartment behind the Willow Glen home of David Callisch, who told The San Jose Mercury News: "They're very quiet, obviously.

The only problem is they stink up the place."

Good pays $1,500 a month rent, and Callisch stops in every day to feed and play with the kitties. Sounds puuuurrrr-fect.

RECURRING THEMES The first clue for police that Craig Wistar, 51, of Warren, Ohio, shouldn't have been driving was that he was behind the wheel of a car facing east in a westbound lane around 2 a.m. on Dec. 4. The second was the woman in the back seat, who mouthed "Help me" to officers as they questioned Wistar, who had a bottle of vodka at his feet. When asked what he was doing, Wistar replied, "I'm Ubering," reported WFMJ-TV. Officers moved the passenger to their patrol car and administered a field sobriety test, during which Wistar admitted, "I'm plastered. I'm talking hammered. I confess I'm drunk." Wistar's Uber passenger got a ride home from police, and he pleaded guilty on Jan. 14 to driving under the influence. Most important, he will no longer be able to drive for ride-sharing apps.

•Sunita Jairam, 48, of Lexington, Kentucky, was arrested for driving under the influence at about 1 a.m. on Jan. 13, which she explained to police by saying she did it for her son. According to the Lexington Herald Leader, Jairam told police she had been drinking all day and "drank a bunch of beer and got in her car to drive to teach her son a lesson." Her son, whose age was not reported, told police he had tried several times to get out of the BMW X1 "due to his mother's driving," but the doors were locked.

Jairam was also charged with endangering the welfare of a minor.

•In the category of Straining Logic, Jana Moschgat's defense attorney suggested at her drunk-driving hearing on Jan. 8 in Berwick, Pennsylvania, that the results of her breath test might have been compromised by the fact that, according to the arresting officer, she was nibbling on her coat before the test was administered. Moschgat, 47, smelled of alcohol, the officer testified, and failed a field sobriety test; her blood alcohol level was tested at 0.151 percent, almost twice the legal limit. Attorney Travis Petty questioned the officer about his knowledge of the fabric content of her coat, reported The (Bloomsburg) Press Enterprise, saying certain materials can alter the results of breath tests. The judge wasn't buying the argument and sent the case to trial.

By the Editors at Andrews McMeel

PROMISES, PROMISES On Jan. 1, Curtis Brooner filed a lawsuit claiming a Burger King in Wood Village, Oregon, reneged on its promise following a traumatic incident on Dec. 15. KATU-TV reports Brooner was having lunch at the fast-food joint that day when he became locked in the restroom.

Employees provided him with a flyswatter to use to wrench the door open, but Brooner cut his hand on it, and the lawsuit says employees laughed at Brooner from the other side of the door. It wasn't until an hour later, when a locksmith arrived, that he was set free. "To make things right," said Brooner's attorney, Michael Fuller, "the Burger King manager offered (Brooner) free food for the rest of his life" at that restaurant—and followed through for a few weeks. But eventually the regional manager stepped in and ended it. Brooner's suit seeks damages of $9,026.16—the price of one burger meal per week for the next 22 years. "There are funny elements of the case," Fuller told KATU, "but there is nothing funny about being locked in a dank bathroom for an hour."

GREAT ART! Namibian artist Max Siedentopf, 27, has placed an installation in the ancient Namib Desert, consisting of six speakers attached to an MP3 player projecting the song "Africa" by Toto—over and over and over, for all eternity. The song, released in 1982, has enjoyed a resurgence of popularity, and was one of Spotify's "Top Throwback Songs" in 2018. Siedentopf told the BBC that solar batteries will keep the song playing forever: "I wanted to pay the song the ultimate homage and physically exhibit 'Africa' in Africa ... but I'm sure the harsh environment of the desert will devour the installation eventually."

INEXPLICABLE Mmmm, breakfast! Around 7 a.m. on Jan. 6, at a McDonald's in San Francisco, a man carried a dead raccoon into the restaurant and lay it on a table, then sat down with it. Restaurant patron Chris Brooks captured the spectacle on Facebook Live, recording as the man stood from his seat and walked around the restaurant, talking with people. Another man, wearing gloves, then picked the raccoon up by its tail and took it outside to a garbage can, trailing blood on the floor. Fox News reported San Francisco police responded to the restaurant and released the unidentified raccoon owner after speaking with him. McDonald's closed the store immediately and reopened two hours later after sanitizing the dining room. One patron wrote on Twitter: "I've seen worse than a dead raccoon at that same McDonald's." {in}

From Andrews McMeel Syndication News Of The Weird © 2018 Andrews McMeel

Send your weird news items to WeirdNewsTips@amuniversal.com January 24, 2019

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Independent News | January 24, 2019 | inweekly.net