June20issue

“I wanted in on the secret.”

“If you don’t have this album yet, you’re doing it wrong.”

“The community has been good to us; we want to be good to the community.”

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Independent News | June 20, 2013 | Volume 14 | Number 25 | inweekly.net

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publisher & editor Rick Outzen production manager Joani Delezen art director Samantha Crooke staff writers Jessica Forbes Sarah McCartan Jeremy Morrison contributing writers Joani Delezen, Hana Frenette, Brett Hutchins, Jason Leger, Chuck Shepherd intern Amanda Nelson contact us 438.8115

E r i c D. Ste v e n s on Personal Injur y | Criminal Justice 919 N. 12th Avenue Pensacola, Florida 32501

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winners & losers Gene Valentino

Patty Hightower

winners

losers

PATTY HIGHTOWER The Escambia Coun-

GENE VALENTINO It appears the

NATHAN GREEN The founder and CEO of The Green-Simmons Company, Inc. recently initiated a $35,000 fundraising challenge, where he has committed to match every dollar donated, up to $35,000, toward the University of West Florida’s Community Outreach Research and Education Initiative (C.O.R.E.).

The funds raised during Green’s challenge will go toward the advancement of the proposed renovation of Building 80, the home of the C.O.R.E Initiative.

GEORGE TOUART His favorite line is “I

ty School Board member representing District 4 has been installed as president of the Florida School Boards Association. Hightower has served on the board since 2004. She is also a past President of the Florida PTA. The Florida School Boards Association is the voice of its member school boards working closely with governmental, educational and community agencies to improve education in Florida.

FAMILIESFIRST NETWORK The

Lakeview Center agency is the recipient of the Presidential Award given by the Junior League of Pensacola. FamiliesFirst Network is the lead agency in a network responsible for providing foster care and related services to children who have experienced abuse or neglect in Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Walton counties.

June 20, 2013

District 2 commissioner is destined to battle Sheriff David Morgan. The Escambia County Commissioner displays a remarkable inability to discern friend from foe, expert from scam artist. Rather than work with Sheriff Morgan, Valentino chose to seek counsel on the county jail’s future from Ron McNesby, his goons and a convicted felon. We can’t make this stuff up.

would never lie to you.” My dad told me that anybody who starts his conversations with such a statement is lying. It’s time to pull the plug on the Touart experiment and bring a professional to run the county. Touart now has his pension.

Adios, Georgie.

ASHTON HAYWARD In his 2012 State of the City address, the Pensacola mayor let it be known that he wanted to own the former Main Street Sewage Treatment plant across from the Maritime Park. On Jan. 29, he sent a letter asking ECUA for the right of first refusal. Twenty-two days later, he rescinded the request. Oops, he must have reconciled the city bank statements and found that he didn’t have $5,000 to bind the deal. Perception met reality.

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outtakes

by Rick Outzen

CITY HALL AND THE TRUTH For 14 years, this paper has covered the City of Pensacola. For the first dozen or so years, we never doubted what city officials told us. Record requests were answered in a matter of days. No one at city hall lied to our reporters.

We might have disagreed with the decisions of city managers and mayors but we knew that they did what they believed was good for the city.

Tom Bonfield and Al Coby never lied to us or hid public records.

The same high standards applied to mayors John Fogg and Mike Wiggins.

We could agree to disagree, but the public was never fed false information.

Yes, their take on a series of events could be very different from mine, but this paper was never punished or denied access to city staff because it questioned the status quo at city hall.

Mayor Ashton Hayward’s press secretary has thrown those principles out the window, and because this paper has caught him lying, we are denied access, our websites are blocked and our record requests are held up for weeks.

Derek Cosson lied to Diane Mack, Joe Vinson, Pensacola City Council and this paper last June when all of us requested information on The Zimmerman Agency.

He told all of us that he didn’t have the new logo or any information regarding the

mayor’s new brand. He had them. The city had already installed the new sign for the airport.

When we discovered that a person was posting anonymously from the same IP address as Cosson to my blog, he denied that it was him.

“Without exception, any time I have a comment about something on your blog it will be posted under my name or sent from this email address,” Cosson emailed me.

He lied. When he got caught by the city MIS department, he lied again, claiming that it was John Asmar who made him do it. He dug up an email from November 2011 where Asmar tells him and Travis Peterson to respond to false information on the blog—a far cry from what Cosson was doing.

When we posted that the mayor had requested CMPA chairman Collier Merrill to pull Randy Oliver’s report off the CMPA agenda, Cosson wrote us again, telling us that there was no truth to it.

He knew it was the truth because he was in the room when Tamara Fountain made the call to Merrill. He lied again to us.

Hayward has rewarded Cosson by promoting him from public information officer to his press secretary.

What does that tell us about Mayor Hayward? {in} rick@inweekly.net

What does that tell us about Mayor Hayward?

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Difference Maker Pensacola Energy Presented SEE Awards to Local Students Pensacola Energy presented its annual 2013 SEE Programs awards on Thursday, May 23, 2013, to 14 local 4th and 6th grade students.

The SEE Programs (Saving Energy is Easy, Sustainability & Energy Education, and Smart Energy Education) are free educational programs provided for 2nd, 4th and 6th grade students in local public and private schools. Natasha Reynolds, Pensacola Energy’s Green Energy Specialist, has developed and implemented these programs. Since the inception of these programs, presentations have been made to over 6,000 students, and more than 50 students have received awards in the programs’ annual drawing and essay contests. This year’s 14 winners were selected by Kathryn Daniel of WEAR-TV 3 and Erin Kourkounis of the Pensacola News Journal.

The students and their families, as well as school administrators and Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction from the School District, Mr. Steve Marcanio, joined Pensacola Mayor Ashton Hayward for photos. Afterward, the students were recognized by the City Council and presented with certificates of award at the Council’s meeting.

“As we continue to “green” our city, it’s important to teach young people about conservation and energy efficiency,” said Mayor Hayward. “The SEE Programs are a great way to make that information accessible and engaging for students.”

“Contributing to our schools and community in our field of expertise; energy and sustainability, is extremely important to us. Natural gas is the best energy choice as it is efficient, sustainable, affordable, domestic and reliable,” said Don Suarez, Director of Pensacola Energy, the city’s natural gas provider serving residents and businesses in Escambia County.

Pensacola Energy will establish a $100 savings account in the name of each student at Members First Credit Union, the credit union is also contributing an additional $25 to each student’s account.

Congratulations to our 2013 winners: Jadon Fryman - Molino Park Elementary School Jenalynn Fernandez – Pleasant Grove Elementary School Kody Kimberl – Workman Middle School Kyle Kizilbash – Creative Learning Academy Madalyn Singleton – West Pensacola Elementary School Margaret Churchill – Little Flower School Mathew David Puglisi – Escambia Christian School Miah Do-Malden – N.B. Cook Elementary School Michayla Haber – Marcus Pointe Christian School Nevaeh Vaughn – Blue Angel Elementary School Sandy Waters – A.K. Suter Elementary School Sharon Pearson – Escambia Christian School Vanessa Gross – Little Flower School Wesley Andrews – Ensley Elementary School To view the students’ winning drawings and essays, visit pensacolaenergy.com.

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THE GULF COAST'S BIG PLAN "I would ask you to place the highest value on projects that improve water quality," Wagley said. "The reason for that is that when we restore, when we do restoration projects—let's say seagrass beds or oyster reefs—those projects are always going to be limited if the water quality is not sufficient to support them. And using our local bay system as an example, unfortunately, our Pensacola Bay system is one of the most degraded, if not the most degraded systems in the state of Florida."

THE FRAMEWORK

RESTORE Advisory Committee members Bentina Terry, Alvin Coby and Christian Wagley / photo by Samantha Crooke

Drawing Up the RESTOREation Blueprint

by Jeremy Morrison The federal government and BP are still entrenched in the courtroom in New Orleans and it remains to be seen what bounty eventual Clean Water Act penalties will amount to.

Whatever the final dollar amount, the RESTORE Act mandates that 80 percent of it stays in the five states most impacted by the 2010 oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Locally, officials have been salivating over hypothetical estimates ranging from $100 to $200 million.

As BP and the government plod toward a final number in Louisiana, plans for spending the economic windfall—the "game changer" as its often referred to—are continually unfolding. Most recently, the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council made a lap around the region collecting public input on its Draft Initial Comprehensive Plan: Restoring the Gulf Coast's Ecosystem and Economy.

The council was established by the RESTORE Act, and oversees the allocation of funds collected through the Clean Water Act penalties. The comprehensive plan—a final version of which will be released in July—is meant to offer a framework for implementing a coordinated, region-wide restoration effort.

The council's first stop on its public input tour was earlier this month in Pensacola. The house was packed. It was Justin Ehrenwerth's first day on the job.

"Thank you for giving us some of your time to help get this thing right," said Ehrenwerth, the recently seated director of the council.

The director noted some stickers he saw circulating amongst the Pensacola audience. The stickers stated “RESTORING Our Environment RESTORES Our Economy.” A 9-year-old from Biloxi had mailed Ehrenwerth some—"it was just adorable, I have that framed in my office"—and he said the council's plan was guided by such a philosophy.

"That's something that we very much embrace, that concept, and really like the button," the director said.

PITCHING THE PLAN

The restoration council got a good bit of feed back during their Pensacola town hall.

Local officials, environmentalists and area business leaders all weighed in.

"Just like our other sister gulf states, we're trying to define what does restoration mean to us and how are we going to solve the problems that are within the Gulf of Mexico?" Escambia County Commissioner Grover Robinson told the council. "We realize the impact we took in 2010, we realize what RESTORE is going to mean to us."

The local reception of the draft plan, with its focus on researchbased ecosystem restoration efforts, was overall positive. People urged the council to focus on the gulf's fisheries, long-term research efforts and a region-wide approach.

Council members were encouraged to take advantage of local knowledge and agencies.

And to avoid "analysis paralysis."

Christian Wagley—local environmentalist and member of the Escambia County RESTORE Advisory Committee—voiced a concern shared by a number of speakers at the Pensacola meeting. He joined them in asking the council to put priority on efforts that address water quality issues throughout the region.

“I would ask you to place the highest value on projects that improve water quality.”

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Once an agreement or settlement is reached between the government and BP, 80 percent of that amount is allocated to the Gulf Coast. Of that amount, the restoration council is responsible for about 60 percent of it.

The council's draft plan, and ultimately its final plan, provides a formula for restoration. It details goals, objectives and criteria.

The draft follows the release in January of this year of The Path Forward to Restoring the Gulf Coast, and builds on the work of the council's predecessor, the Gulf Cost Ecosystem Restoration Task Force.

The draft plan lists five goals: restoring and conserving habitat; restoring water quality; replenishing and protecting living coastal and marine resources; enhancing community resilience; and revitalizing the gulf economy.

The plan implies that the council intends to focus on restoring dunes, wetlands and oyster reefs. It is looking for projects that tend to fisheries, reduce nutrient and pollutant discharge into local waterways, and promote environmental education. The council also stresses that decisions will be made based on scientific findings.

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RESTORE in Escambia A portion of the funds collected via the Clean Water Act penalties will be divided up among the five Gulf Coast states. In Florida, some of that money is headed directly to the eight counties most impacted by the oil spill. Escambia, effectively Florida's frontline during the spill, will be receiving the largest amount of that pool of funds.

The Escambia County Commission—which has the final say on the local funds—has been discussing the ramifications of RESTORE funds since before the act was passed into law. Local officials appear to lean toward using the money to fund economic development and infrastructure projects, noting that state and federal pots (or “buckets,” as Ehrenwerth calls them) of the RESTORE funds are geared toward environmental efforts.

In an effort to guide their decision regarding the funding, the commission has formed an advisory committee. It meets regularly in anticipation of the money.

The plan outlines four criteria that the council will use when evaluating proposed projects. The restoration council will consider which projects offer the "greatest contribution to restoring and protecting the natural resources ... without regard to

“I think it’s going great, so far,” said Bentina Terry, who chairs the advisory committee.

Some of the conversation locally has revolved around the "vision" vs. "shovel ready" debate. The advisory committee continually hears from various camps.

The Pensacola Bay Area Chamber of Commerce is lobbying for up to $60 million to be spent buying land and preparing turnkey industrial sites, while others are pushing for projects that focus on water quality, or bigger picture issues such as community health and educational needs.

The commission's advisory committee has begun slowly and methodically.

After receiving tutorials on the intricacies of the RESTORE framework and its multiple layers—lots of charts and graphs—the committee is now hearing from community stakeholders. The onslaught of specific projects awaits on the horizon.

Terry describes the committee’s process as “thoughtful”—“there won’t be this

geographic location within the Gulf Coast region; which ones involve large-scale programs aimed at restoring and protecting natural resources; which are also included in states' comprehensive plans; and which strive to restore long-term

rush”—and said she’s expecting its work to continue for quite a while.

“My gut is longer than people think it should, but not long enough for us,” she said.

The month of May was devoted to hearing from the area's business community. Presentations were made by a collection of regional chambers of commerce. This month, members heard a presentation from Brice Harris, associate director of the University of West Florida's Office of Economic Development and Engagement.

The advisory committee has slated environmental presentations for July.

Area environmentalists are currently working to craft their message.

"We're hoping that with every project that's presented, they'll have a set of criteria that asks the important environmental questions that need to be asked," said 350 Pensacola's Elaine Sargent, who has been active in coordinating local environmental groups in the context of the RESTORE conversation.

resiliency of the natural resources most impacted by the spill.

The list of proposed projects in line for the RESTORE money continues to grow. As of mid-June, there have been nearly 800 projects, with an estimated total cost of $13

billion, submitted to the state of Florida.

Proposals are being submitted by state and local governmental agencies, as well as by private citizens.

The council's draft plan may be viewed at restorethegulf.gov. Public comment may also be made online. The restoration council has not yet set up an avenue to accept project proposals, but the state of Florida is accepting proposals at dep.state.fl.us/deepwaterhorizon.

With the draft plan having made its public debut and initial tour of the Gulf Coast, the restoration council plans to incorporate the input gathered and release a final plan in July. After that it will be selecting and publishing a Funded Priority List, a list of projects and programs the council intends to fund over the next three years, and also adopting a Ten-Year Funding Strategy, a description of how RESTORE funds will be allocated. {in}

ESCAMBIA COUNTY RESTORE ACT ADVISORY COMMITTEE

WHAT: The local RESTORE committee will be focusing on environmental concerns during July.

WHEN: 4 p.m. Monday, July 1 and 15 WHERE: Escambia County Government Building, 221 Palafox Pl. DETAILS: myescambia.com/restore

In 1913, we opened our doors to provide legal services to the people of Pensacola. And this has been our home ever since. In celebration of our 100th anniversary, we continue our commitment to Pensacola through the support of the Fiesta of Five Flags, Pensacola Children’s Chorus, Pensacola Seafood Festival 5K, Evenings in Olde Seville Square and more.

For 100 years now, we’ve been right by your side with friendship, dedication and quality legal services for businesses and individuals.

And we thank you, Pensacola, for being right by our side.

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June 20, 2013

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A SOILED SITUATION

“The sampling shows over time they’ve met the cleanup goals and contamination has been reduced,” stated EPA site manager, Scott Miller.

A MOVING TARGET

Now, years after the 1999 inaction of the “clean up” remedy, the plume continues to spread further to the east and southeast moving toward Bayou Texar, where the intent was for it to make its way into Pensacola Bay in a much less concentrated state.

In 2008, a suit was filed by the Pensacola law firm of Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis & Overholtz. Five years later, a circuit judge has given preliminary approval to award a $9.5 million lawsuit settlement that is to be disbursed to current homeowners within the East Hill area.

The first batch of notices has been distributed to property owners living within the affected area, notifying them of the settlement and providing the option to partake.

“The chemicals are unwanted and potentially toxic, but this really is just about the rights of property owners to have clean and undisturbed ground water that flows beneath their property,” said Attorney Nathan Bess.

An Environmental Consulting Firm used modeling similar to the methodology that Conoco and Agrico’s consultants used when they lobbied the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for a site remedy. With enhanced technologies, they were able to map where the plume moved and saw that it had migrated much farther than what was originally anticipated.

Two emerging classes were established based on current and further expected migration. The Thomas Sub-Class and the Rabin Sub-Class include those properties that are either sitting over the plume, or are in the plume’s calculated migration path.

This migration was part of the EPA’s remedy, which initially saved the involved companies millions of dollars from having to pump the water out of the ground. A previous estimation showed that the natural migration will take 70 years, but Bess confirms that their experts have considered it may take 140-150 years, or maybe even longer.

“Over time you can see the center of the mass of the plume migrate away from the site toward Bayou Texar. I think what we’ve accomplished with the settlement reflects that. We are removed in proximity to the site and we are also removed in time from the actually toxic exposure,” said Bess.

The settlement amounts are expected to range from $2,500 to $3,000 for those in the Thomas Sub-Cass, and $150 - $250 in the secondary Rabin Sub-Class. Checks could come as early as the end of the year.

“Our settlement is not a perfect solution by far. The constituents are still there.

To at least give property owners some type of closure with some type of reparation for what has happened is not a bad result,” said Bess.

“The chemicals are unwanted and potentially toxic, but his really is just about the rights of property owners to have clean and undisturbed ground water that flows beneath their property.”

Attorney Nathan Bess

map courtesy of Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis & Overholtz

East Hill Residents Receive Notice of Class Action Lawsuit Settlement

by Sarah McCartan

If you live in the centralized portion of the generally health-conscious and progressive East Hill neighborhood, you may have received a notice regarding a class action settlement five years in the making, concerning a potentially toxic plume migrating underneath your property.

The plume dates back to a seeping site. Situated on the Northwest Corner of Fairfield Drive and Interstate 110, approximately one and a half miles west of Bayou Texar, is the ghost of a late fertilizer plant where chemical production took place by ConocoPhillips, Inc. and Agrico Chemical Company between 1889 and 1975.

During operations, what is now referred to as the “Agrico Site” has been cited with 88

causing groundwater contamination through the release of a number of “constituents,” including fluoride, chloride, nitrates and radium 226 and 228.

In 1989, the site was added to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) National Priorities list due to the discovery of contaminated groundwater, sludge and soil resulting from facility operations. As of May 1997, sources of contamination related to the former fertilizer manufacturing operations were “cleaned up” under the EPA’s Superfund Program.

In 1999, the selected remediation for the site and monitoring plan was implemented. Currently, the site remains in a long-term natural attenuation monitoring program for groundwater. Phillips 66, a ConocoPhillips spinoff, remains responsible for annual reporting.

EYEBROWS (AND QUESTIONS) RAISED

The question remains—what about the drinking water in the area?

“Here’s the problem with ECUA and drinking water,” explains Bess. “No one’s able to really calculate where your drinking water comes from.”

ECUA Executive Director Steve Sorrell provided the following statement regarding the current suit: “I do not think there is any impact on the ECUA. We are not part of the suit and none of our water supply has been impacted recently.”

ECUA also confirmed that their latest water quality report is to be released soon.

“Maybe the best thing about this lawsuit is that it brings these issues to the forefront of everyone’s consciousness. It’s going to create synergies in terms of people talking about air quality and water quality in other parts of Escambia County,” said Bess. “We all want Pensacola to grow in the right way, and in the responsible way. And I promise you one thing that is a significant barrier for that are the environmental problems we have here.” {in} inweekly.net

buzz

all the political news and gossip fit to print

BIPARTISANSHIP AT STATE CAPITAL

Florida Senate President Don Gaetz (R-Niceville) stopped by the Independent News offices on June 13.

Don Gaetz When asked about the leadership surprises of the past legislative session, Gaetz shared the often-repeated stories of his friendship with Florida House Speaker Will Weatherford (R-Wesley Chapel), but he also praised an unlikely state senator—Senate Democratic Leader Chris Smith (D-Ft. Lauderdale).

“Chris Smith and I worked very closely together,” Gaetz said. “Democrats held more committee chairmanships than any previous [Republican] administration. Chris responded by being a constructive partner.”

He said that, thanks to Smith’s leadership, the Democrats didn’t “demagogue” issues.

“They were either constructive critics or helpful supporters,” Gaetz said.

DROP IN DJJ REFERRALS The Escambia Juvenile Justice Council held a town hall meeting on June 13 to discuss juvenile crime in Escambia County. The council is responsible for helping develop a threeyear delinquency-prevention plan for the First Circuit based on the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice’s Roadmap to System Excellence.

During the 2010-2011 fiscal year, the statewide average was 12 school-related delinquency referrals to the DJJ for every 1,000 students. Escambia County School District’s referral rate was 20 per 1000.

There appears to be a significant change in the number of juveniles placed into long-term programs in Escambia County between the current fiscal year and the previous one. During 2011-2012, 249 juveniles were placed into long-term programs in the county. If estimates are correct, that number was greatly reduced this fiscal year, which ends June 30.

“So far this year, it looks as if we’re going to be somewhere in the neighborhood of 130 to 150 so that’s down significantly,” said Paul Wallis, chief probation officer for Circuit 1. “We’ll know better those numbers in a few weeks.”

Increased use of civil citations could reduce the number of incarcerated juveniles even further. Wallis said parents and youth need to be educated on the benefits of civil citations, which offer first-time juvenile offenders, who have committed a non-violent misdemeanor, the chance to avoid entering the juvenile justice system.

“They go through and do what the program asks them to do and in the end, there’s not even an arrest record that they have to answer for,” he said. “So, it presents a huge opportunity for kids in the future but it’s just a matter of educating people and letting them know.”

MAYOR’S MOUTHPIECE Derek Cosson has been promoted to Mayor Ashton Hayward’s Press Secretary. The press secretary is a much more important position than Cosson’s former position, public information officer. He is now the official voice of Mayor Ashton Hayward. His

words and actions are to be taken as coming directly from the mayor. In essence, Cosson is the mayor when he speaks or writes.

TAR BALL BRIGADE At its June 12

meeting, the Santa Rosa Island Authority Board approved a motion to send letters to Pensacola Beach residents asking them to volunteer for oil monitoring duty now that the Coast Guard has pulled out.

According to SRIA Manager Buck Lee, the U.S. Coast Guard has extricated itself because they're tired of monitoring. It's not a financial issue because BP reimburses them.

The BP response team waits for calls. Those calls go through D.C. to Gulf Shores, then to their group. Often, according to SRIA staff, the oil can be washed away or buried by the time the information goes through the various channels, which can't be circumvented.

Lee said they are finding at least 10 pounds of tar a week on SRIA's eight miles of beach. Tourists are finding it as well, which concerns Lee. {in} ▶ For the whole story everyday check out ricksblog.biz

Yes, I was one of those kids who grew up as a reluctant public radio back-seat-listener. I also have a vivid memory of my mom waking me up to ‘make me listen’ to news about the Berlin Wall coming down and telling me what an important event it was. Listening to long form news and information, one develops a preference for in-depth coverage rather than misleading sound bites.

In addition to news, public radio programming keeps me informed of contemporary culture. As I raise another public radio listener, it’s important to me that our community’s resource is still here for him. That’s why

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Greater Pensacola is the birthplace to more than 20 nationally renowned athletes. The Levin Papantonio Law Firm is presenting a charity dinner to both celebrate and honor these Pensacola champions and raise funds for two Pensacola non-profit organizations. Attendees will have the opportunity to mingle with Pensacola s sports legends and the event will be filmed and featured in an upcoming documentary.

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They say there is no happier cyclist than a Dutch cyclist, which for many may come as no surprise. If you’ve ever stepped foot in Holland and failed to look before you cross, you’ve most likely been nearly run down—not by car, but by bicycle. With more than 25,000 miles of high quality, traffic-free cycle routes in the modest-sized country, on many occasions, cyclists take priority over motorized traffic.

Although for some cyclists it’s a joy ride, for the majority it’s a way of everyday life—from dawn until well after dusk. Fietsersbond, the Dutch Cyclists’ Union, throws out some pretty startling numbers when it comes to an hour-by-hour breakdown of the Dutch and their daily cycling. Prior to the 9 a.m. hour, between the number of June 20, 2013

adults going to work, and children heading to school, 2.5 million trips have been made.

And by the end of the day, after adding up everything from lunch outings and rush hour commutes, to shopping and after work fun, numbers total at 5 million cyclists, making more than 14 million bicycle journeys.

That’s a lot of bicycles.

As cycling culture has spread around the world, it’s not only the Dutch, nor is cycling limited to athletes or even individuals who own, operate and maintain their own bicycles, thanks to bicycle sharing programs that have been popping up in larger cities. In the United States (U.S.), sharing programs have being springing up from Washington D.C. all the way to Portland, and trickling outward. Most recently, N.Y.C.

has gotten on board. These programs present cycling opportunities for area residents, bike commuters and tourists alike—making cycling that much more visible and accessible to the masses.

And then there’s Pensacola. Back home on the local front, if you look outside of your office window and attempt to count the number of cyclists, you will find this is certainly not a daunting task—because there aren’t many. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that as a city, we’ve remained a bit behind the curve with our lack of cycling culture. Yes, there are some dedicated cyclists and we’ve had our fair share of mass rides over the years, but on the whole, underground efforts have yet to stand strong enough to get an entire com-

munity to hop on board and place emphasis or value on cycling, at least, until now.

Just up ahead it seems we have reached a clearing—an alignment of stars if you will—between the enthusiasm of active city council members, planning committees, volunteer groups, local movers and shakers, longtime commuters and cycling advocates, who are coming together, taking visible strides and making valiant pushes to foster a community that is more cyclist, as well as pedestrian, centered.

Sometimes it takes waving your arms, screaming and shouting to take a stand and make a push for something. But most of the time, it simply takes thinking beyond. It’s about time that the city of Pensacola thinks beyond—and gets “Bike Curious.”

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Mona Amodeo and Jared Granger of idgroup / photo by Samantha Crooke

THINKING BEYOND

The newly launched “Bikes at Work” initiative is the first project facilitated by the sustainability-minded group of local innovators known as Think Beyond.

“Think Beyond puts ideas out there and people gravitate toward them,” said Chair of Think Beyond Mona Amodeo.

The “Bikes at Work” project grew out of a discussion surrounding crafting a bike sharing program, modeled after larger cities.

These sharing programs allow you to readily swipe your credit card, hop on a bike for the duration of your trek, and then drop off the bike at another designated location and head on your merry way. It’s a concept that while despite certain limitations, generally proves to be workable, and as a result, is getting more cheeks on seats, more butts on bikes. Still, it takes infrastructure, and of course, like most things, dollar bills.

Christian Wagley, Think Beyond board member and longtime commuting cyclist, coaxed that Pensacola wasn’t quite ready for a full-fledged bike sharing program—at least not just yet.

“Let’s figure out a way that we can get more people bicycling in a way that works for Pensacola,” suggested Wagley.

Wagley pointed out that in many ways downtown Pensacola is set up to be friendly to bicycling since it was laid out before the automobile, with narrow streets that keep traffic slow. Things downtown are close together. Distances are short. It has the skin and bones. All it needs are the cyclists and the visible support for it.

“You have all these businesses down here. And people are literally driving three and four blocks to get to things when they could be walking or bicycling,” said Wagley.

Wagley and fellow Think Beyond board members Jessica Bell and Kelly Wieczorek saw an opportunity to act as project facilitators, encouraging downtown businesses to purchase bikes for the workplace for their employees to use during the day to go to lunch, meetings, the post office, or simply to get out for a breath of fresh air.

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Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition (IHMC) staff / photo by Samantha Crooke

“Wouldn’t you rather have a chance to ride a bicycle down to the park, or to go pick up lunch or run an errand, than drive your car?” Wagley asked.

And so “Bikes at Work” was born, in an effort to add quality of life to the workplace experience, offer up more parking spots for tourists, and forge a feasible start—the grassroots beginnings—of a bike sharing program.

“We’re all committed to sustainability.

No one should get in their car to go two to three blocks, period,” said Vice Chair of

Think Beyond Teresa Dos Santos. “This is our grassroots way of getting a bike share program.”

Right away the “Bikes at Work” project was met with a great deal of enthusiasm and excitement. The group quickly picked up early adopters—businesses willing to purchase bikes to have onsite for use by their employees.

“It was like there was this latent demand out there—people wanted an opportunity to do something like this but it just wasn’t happening,” said Wagley.

“Seeing people on bicycles having an enjoyable experience makes more people want to do it. It will help create more of the culture we need here.”

Christian Wagley

“Bikes at Work” identified models of bikes that would work well downtown, and priced them at local bike shops. They communicated the need for functionality—citing a basket or other storage compartment as a must have.

“We want people to be able to bring back lunch to the office or take packages to the post office to mail. We really want to defer those car trips,” said Wagley.

Functionality is part of the culture shift that goes along with the project, and with thinking beyond—viewing bikes as true modes of transportation.

“This is an incremental path on the way to creating a more cycling friendly city—a city with bike culture. Seeing people on bicycles having an enjoyable experience makes more people want to do it. It will help create more of the culture we need here,” said Wagley. “Success follows success.”

The “Bikes at Work” project presents a

bike social

by Jessica Forbes

After setting them up with bikes, Truly Spokin’s Mark Wilson often receives questions from new bike owners as to what local clubs are around and organizing group rides. “Once they get the bike, they then try to find a safe place to ride, people to ride with, and so forth, to make their riding experience more enjoyable.”

If you are looking to join a group of fellow cycling enthusiasts, there are several options in the Pensacola area.

west florida wheelmen

wfw-pensacola.com Founded in the early 1990s, this club—don’t be fooled by the name!—welcomes men and women cyclists to join their regular group rides. Wednesday evenings the group meets

at the WSRE parking lot at Pensacola State College. Sunday morning rides depart from Bagelhead’s on Gregory Street.

pensacola off-road cyclists (porc)

porc.org This group of trail riders meets regularly on Wednesday evenings at UWF or Blackwater trails. Check out the website to join their forum and receive additional information about group rides, local trails and PORC’s trail maintenance efforts.

blackwater cyclists blackwatercyclists.com Blackwater Cyclists meet behind Truly Spokin’s Milton store at 7:30 a.m. on Sat-

urdays. There are short and long distance routes each week. Though they depart from near the Blackwater Trailhead, this club sticks strictly to the roads of Santa Rosa County.

the firestone and summit cycling group

firestoneandsummit.blogspot.com An offshoot of West Florida Wheelmen, this group meets for rides at Firestone and Summit, or in East Hill. Regular rides take place on Sunday afternoons, Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings. Pace and distance are set according to the day, with Sundays suggested for those just getting started. {in} inweekly.net

know your bikes

by Jessica Forbes

Urban hybrids are almost the same as a comfort bike, but have a taller 29-inch/700c wheel like a racing bike. “Still very comfortable, but definitely faster for people who want to have a more sporty bike,” said Simms. These can be equipped with front suspension or without.

Fitness hybrids also have a 700c wheel, but no suspension. “Almost like a road bike with a straight bar, they’re really fast and you can do a lot of miles on them,” Simms said.

“I call them an urban assault vehicle,” said Stone, who regards fitness hybrids as true commuter bikes. “They’re faster, put you in a down-over position, have a skinnier seat, flatter handlebar, more gearing, and multi-surface tires.”

“The hybrids are for those of us who do a little bit of both,” said Simms. “We don’t go too crazy for speed or distance, we don’t go too crazy on the trails.”

road bikes Bikes Plus downtown / photo by Samantha Crooke Before investing in a bicycle, most folks in the know encourage people to consider how they will use a bike to make the best decision comfort- and money-wise.

To get the bike facts straight, we spoke with three area stores about the various types of bikes available for adults.

“I always start by asking what their cycling goals are,” said Mark Wilson, owner of Truly Spokin’.

Karen Simms, manager at Bikes Plus downtown, explained, “Every bike is different for different kinds of terrain, style, mileage, and so forth.” Elements like the height of the frame and placement of the seat also affect overall comfort.

Brian Stone, co-owner of Cycle Sports said sitting on and test riding bikes is key for customers. “Basically I call it the Butt Test—I want you to try everything possible, even if it’s a little bit outside what you think you want.”

comfort bikes

beach cruisers

Brian Stone

Beach cruisers, as their name implies, are the most easy-going of bikes. With their long wheel bases, Stone likens these to town cars. “Since we’re the home of the Blue Angels I call it ‘low and slow.’”

Characterized by fat 26-inch tires, wide seats and pedal placement that allows riders a more leaned back riding posture, or geometry, many beach cruisers are accessorized with baskets, racks, maybe even a cup holder. Multi-speed options are available, depending on the model.

Simms said she’d recommend trips of a few miles tops on a beach cruiser, “They’re good for going around the neighborhood, on the beach, short distances,” but recommends other bikes for people planning on travelling farther.

June 20, 2013

Comfort bikes are considered a cross between a beach cruiser and a mountain bike. “We call them comfort bikes because just like a beach cruiser, they’re very recreational, very upright, very comfortable, but the gears make them a little easier to ride,” explains Simms.

“Basically I call it the Butt Test—I want you to try everything possible, even if it’s a little bit outside what you think you want.”

There are two varieties of comfort bikes based on wheel size, Stone explained, but all have a medium-width seat, upright geometry, wider tires, adjustable handlebars, with suspension on some models. “Primarily these are recreational bikes, I call them family bikes,” said Stone of one of the most popular styles at his store, as they are good for people expecting slightly longer, casual rides.

hybrids

Depending on how you slice it, according to Stone, there are two varieties of hybrid or “active recreation,” bikes.

If you have a need for speed and/or are interested in long distance rides, road bikes are likely for you. "Designed to be super light, these have a very leaned-over geometry so that you can get aerodynamic, and skinny tires with really high pressure," explained Simms, "Because of that you get hardly any contact with the ground, so there's very little resistance."

Road bikes have the widest ratio of gears to accommodate speed. Triathlon bikes are considered road bikes, with modifications to the handlebars. “Kind of like drag racers,” said Stone of tri bikes, “they put you in a very aggressive aerodynamic position.”

mountain bikes

Though popular, mountain bikes aren’t very comfortable on the street, Simms has found, as they are designed specifically for going off-road. “We get people coming in all of the time with mountain bikes saying, “This is so uncomfortable, can the handlebars come up?”

Always equipped with suspension and gears, mountain bikes also have “fat tires with really aggressive tread, so you’ve got lots of grip on the loose dirt and corners.

The geometry of those frames have you very stretched out, designed to pull you up on the pedals.” For that reason, Simms recommends limiting street rides and sticking to trails with mountain bikes.

single-speed bikes

Often the choice of bike messengers in larger cities, single-speed or fixed-gear bikes are all the rage in many circles. With no gears, many also aren’t equipped with breaks, requiring the rider to slow down pedal motion or skid the bike to stop.

These have taller wheels and usually look like a road bike or hybrid. {in} 13

Joe Zarzaur and team / photo by Samantha Crooke piece to the puzzle that is making our city increasingly cycle aware, cycle cultured.

It’s not a culture shift that can happen overnight, but the “Bikes at Work” project shows that it can happen over time with support and increased visibility.

EARLY ADOPTION

Think Beyond members, early project adopters and community supporters were on bike and in attendance at the “Bikes at Work” kickoff event, earlier this month.

So who is on board, or on bikes rather?

Amodeo rode up to the event on her bright purple cruiser, one of two bikes that her firm, idgroup, has purchased. This bike was purchased locally, recycled if you will, from an idgroup employee.

“Sustainability is a mindset,” said Amodeo. “Riding a bike starts to raise awareness of alternative means of moving from point A to point B. You see the world differ-

ently and notice things you’ve never noticed before. Plus, it’s fun and it’s healthy.”

Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition (IHMC) has five sleek cruisers that have already been receiving a great deal of use between downtown locations by employees, purchased from local bike shop Truly Spokin’.

Meanwhile, lawyer Joe Zarzaur and his staff members are sporting snazzy orange cruisers that are proving to double as a community outreach tool, becoming quite the conversation piece.

“The firm tries to promote health. Health and fitness are important to me. This is a natural extension of what’s important,” said Zarzaur. “[Plus] if you are on a bike you have a better chance of communicating with the public.”

While the “Bikes at Work” team has and continues to identify businesses to target, it’s also proving to work the other way around.

“Quint Studer reached out to us which

was exciting,” said Bell. “We are hoping more people will come to us.”

“Most people want to feel the vibrancy of the area they live, learn, work and play in.

‘Bikes at Work’ is another action to create such vibrancy, and even creates better health,” said Quint Studer.

Bodacious Olive employee on a Studer bike / photo by The Studers have desSamantha Crooke ignated a bike onsite at the Rhodes building, available to a sharing program. all building employees. Down the street at “More will come as the Artisan Buildthe Bodacious locations—Bodacious Brew ing is completed and the Maritime Place and Bodacious Olive—an olive green bike Office Building,” said Quint Studer. “We is currently in use. Rishy Studer confirms are all in.” that a second bike, a smaller women’s Equally as important as having bikes frame, is also on its way. As they increase at work, is having a safe, secure, and of the number of bikes available, the Studers course, city approved, place to house plan to make these onsite bikes accessible them. Next up on the agenda for “Bikes at to customers—fostering their own idea of Work,” on top of scheduling a group ride to a Wahoo’s game, is the purchase of bike racks.

Wagley worked with the Downtown Improvement Board (DIB) to arrive at a map outlining where racks are most needed. From there the plan is to get businesses to team up and go in together on a bulk purchase to lower the price. The inside a convenient store only to return city has agreed to install and maintain the to an empty telephone pole.” Eric Jones, racks. owner of Revolver Records Although “Bikes at Work” is a new On having a backup route: “It’s always initiative, the concept of biking at, or to, good to know alternative routes for the work for downtown business owners like destinations you ride to the most. I reEric Jones of Revolver Records, is far from cently encountered some severe flooding a novelty, nor is it a new idea. and got lost trying to get my bearings. A Jones has been commuting by bike lot of areas flood so you never know.” Lilia since the 1980s and cites the biggest issue Del Bosque Oakey Whitehouse, IN writer he continues to face, to be the area’s moOn following the rules: “Technically you tor vehicle traffic. shouldn’t ride on the sidewalk. It’s actu“While I do see more people riding ally against the law, but downtown espebikes as more attractions and businesses cially people do anyway.” Karen Simms, come to the downtown area and the manager at Bikes Plus downtown parking crunch worsens, I think the long (Hint Hint: For more rules, visit floridingrained car culture in both the U.S. and abicycle.org) fairly conservative Southern towns such as ours is not going to get the boot anytime On going with the flow: “You are a soon. Cars will be king here for generavehicle—go with the flow of traffic, obey tions to come, despite rising fuel prices street signs, be intentional, indicate to and global temperatures, but I try not to drivers what it is you’re doing,” Brian lose sleep over things out of my control,” Stone, co-owner of Cycle Sports. {in} said Jones.

bike smart

by Sarah McCartan

Before you take off and pedal down the road this summer, here are a few more practical tips and helpful insights from seasoned cyclists.

On choosing the right bike: “Whatever bike gets you riding, that’s the perfect bike.” Stephen Hyde, Professional Cyclist On functionality: “You’ve got to have a basket, or a way to carry things.” Christian Wagley, Bikes at Work Project Coordinator

Sure we’ve all heard your standard cycling tips—wear a helmet, remain aware of your surroundings, and so forth.

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On keeping yourself (and your bike) safe: “Bright lights are a must. You never know when you’ll overstay your welcome at that Super Bowl party and have to pedal home after sunset. A bike lock is essential. I’ve had friends leave their ride unattended for 45 seconds while

inweekly.net

COMPLETING THE STREETS

“It’s becoming clearer every day that the communities that are investing in walkability and bike-ability are the communities that are getting ahead economically and are attracting and maintaining young people and entrepreneurial businesses,” said Wagley.

“Hopefully the city and county will see more and more people wanting it and they’ll put the infrastructure in place to have it,” said Kelly Wieczorek.

Wieczorek is a member of the City’s Complete Streets Committee, an ad-hoc group chaired by City Council Member Megan Pratt.

While “Bikes at Work” is currently promoting the increase of cycling downtown, the Complete Streets Committee is looking at the bigger picture of interconnectedness of the city, not only keeping the cyclist in mind, but also pedestrians.

“Complete Streets is going to help create the safe streets for cycling and ‘Bikes at Work’ is going to help put the bikes out on the street that aren’t there now,” said Wieczorek. “These efforts are complementary.”

“My feeling is that we have to start in an area [like downtown] where people are already biking so we can train traffic,” said Committee Member Jehan Clark.

Last fall the committee posed the question “Where do we want to see ourselves in ten years?” They also asked things like, “How do you get to Roger Scott on a bike from East Hill, and how can we make that something safe and visible to drivers?”

In an attempt to answer these questions, and others, the committee implemented a survey inviting community feedback. According to Pratt, the open ended question survey itself indicated safety concerns and an overall desire for increased connectivity, although some requests extended to issues that span beyond the city’s purview, such as greater bike connectivity from Pensacola to Navarre.

Along with the survey, the committee spoke with planners in areas that have implemented successful projects to improve bike-and walkability, including out of state areas as close in proximity as Orange Beach, Ala. From here, the committee worked with the City’s Public Works staff to establish a map outlining current and prospective bike paths, as well as preliminary costs for additional lanes and other projects.

While certain ideas and items are less time consuming and financially demanding than others, items on the table include “sharrows,” shared lanes between bicycles and cars. They are also exploring the options of implementing “shareways,” roads that are redesigned for cyclists.

“It is successful when people recognize it’s a multi-year project that requires people being educated. You have to increase incrementally and have the funding to change the street infrastructure,” said Brian Spencer, fellow city council member.

Pratt encourages that there are various means as far as funding goes—between available grants, as well as the reposition-

moving forward. If we have a plan in place each year we can do a couple of things—the idea is to make sure it’s targeted.”

Still, change takes education and like everything else, is a process.

“A bike friendly community has more than a path designated with white stripes. It must recognize cycling as a form of transportation that merits separation of vehicles with curbing and cycling lanes,” said Spencer.

Pratt notes that the Complete Streets initiatives are both supplementary and complimentary to several state improvements that are currently underway, as well as planning by the West Florida Regional Planning Council. Community member of the Planning Council’s Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC), Mike Kilmer, has raised an active voice in the matter.

Kilmer has vested interest in the idea of shareways, or “Bicycle Boulevards.”

“Most people want to feel the vibrancy of the area they live, learn, work and play in. ‘Bikes at Work’ is another action to create such vibrancy, and even creates better health.”

Quint Studer

June 20, 2013

ing of transportation priorities and dollars.

She encourages that where there is a will, there is a way.

“Initially there were outside forces that conspired against us,” she said. “We have a clear plan of how to attack this. It’s about regrouping, clarifying where we need to go, and

“I began thinking of roads in Pensacola that run parallel to other roads that can hold a good bit of traffic,” Kilmer explained.

One road in particular that caught his mind was his own stomping ground of W. Jackson Street, as it runs parallel to Cervantes, a road that the traffic from Jackson Street could readily be shifted to, allowing Jackson to be dedicated almost solely to cyclists. Kilmer has presented to the Council’s Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) as well as the Complete Streets Committee.

Having seen the success of shareways in other locations, Kilmer affirms that although your standard bike lane can serve as a welcomed addition on the road and allow breathing room for those already cycling, it takes separation of traffic and offering something that looks fun, as well as safe, to encourage new riders.

“When you’ve got a comfortable bike path separated by several feet of median, that’s something attractive that gets people on bikes. People say, ‘Hey that looks like fun,’” he said.

buying bicycles

by Jessica Forbes

Cycle Sports / photo by Samantha Crooke When considering where to buy a bicycle, it may seem like the least expensive option is going down to a big box retailer and picking up whichever bike looks the sportiest.

But cheaper bikes can wind up costing more in the long run, many have seen.

“A lot of times, people will be unhappy with a bike because it’s not fitting them right.

Big box stores don’t sell bikes that are sized— their approach is one size fits any, but in reality they don’t fit most,” said Mark Wilson, owner of Truly Spokin’.

“They’re not trained mechanics, they’re assembly people.”

In all styles but beach cruisers, bicycles come in sizes from extra small to extra large. Big boxes carry only medium bikes, so if you are not average size, often mass merchandized bikes wind up being an uncomfortable ride.

“You can buy the most expensive bike in the world, but if it’s not your size, it’s never going to be comfortable,” said Karen Simms, manager at Bikes Plus downtown.

“Sometimes we’ve even told people that they’re better off going on Craigslist and getting a used bike shop bike,” said Simms.

“We get the Wal-Mart bikes in all the time, and there are always issues with them, we’re always fixing them.”

“It’s an issue of value for the money,” Brian Stone, co-owner of Cycle Sports

has seen, saying bikes sold at specialty shops are “in general a better quality bike. The parts and pieces are lighter in general, put together the way they’re supposed to be together.”

Simms and Stone both recognize that for some people, the bikes in their stores are too expensive, even with layaways.

“The least expensive bike I have is about $220 and some people just can’t afford it,” said Stone, who adds that his store offers two free tune ups for bikes purchased there.

All local shops offer repair services.

“I always encourage if they buy a massmerchandised bike to come in and get it tuned up, because they can be serviceable,” said Stone.

So whether you can afford a bike store bike or not, keep in mind that the local stores will tune up or repair bikes no matter where they’re purchased and can offer expertise for getting maintenance right. {in}

BIKES PLUS DOWNTOWN 194 N. Palafox St. 850-455-4369 bikesplus.com

CYCLE SPORTS

2125 N. Palafox St. 850-434-8100 cyclesportsbicycles.com

TRULY SPOKIN' PENSACOLA 6103 Tippin Ave. 850-505-0092 trulyspokin.com

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SPELLING IT OUT

But fancy lanes, bells, whistles, funding needs, timelines and incremental steps aside, is there a simpler, quick fix, or bottom line? If you ask the professionals, the answer is all in how you spell it out.

“Pensacola is set up for cycling.

It’s a grid. You can’t get lost.

It’s super scenic.

There’s no reason Pensacola is not a cycling mecca,” said Stephen Hyde.

This area native and professional cyclist who returns home yearly from the Northeast for base training shared that the one thing that makes him scared for his life when he comes home, like no other place that he rides, is the traffic. That is, the drivers in the community that remain uneducated and uninformed, an issue that he notes as being widespread, especially across the South, but particularly in Pensacola.

“Rather than put a bike lane on a busy road—why not encourage bikes to use roads where traffic is slower,” said Hyde.

“The point is to get people on roads that are 25-35 MPH.” Hyde warned that communities spend so much time getting caught up “hemming

and hawing” over lanes, when signage can create a much-needed symbiotic relationship between traffic and cyclists.

“All the most beautiful roads have no bike lanes. They have signs that say ‘Bikes on Roadway,’” he said. “People in cars do whatever they want—until there’s a sign that says they can’t.

You are forced into communication with signage.”

He also noted awareness of state cycling and pedestrian laws to be key to this communication between cyclists, cars and pedestrians, while shaking his head at cities and states who haven’t educated people on things seemingly as simple as right of way.

For example, we live in a state that gives pedestrians the right of way in crosswalks—yet cars don’t stop. Anyone who steps out in front of Ever’man on Garden Street at rush hour, despite the “protection” of a cross walk with painted lines, can certainly attest to the potential horror.

Lanes, signs and laws aside, there still remains an evident need for a shift in recognizing cyclists (and pedestrians) for who they actually are, eliminating barriers between those doing it for sport and for

“Pensacola is set up for cycling. It’s a grid. You can’t get lost. It’s super scenic.

There’s no reason Pensacola is not a cycling mecca.”

Stephen Hyde.

leisure, erasing the imaginary line that exists between perception and reality.

From a car window you still have people yelling at commuting cyclists, “Get a Job.” It’s happened to Hyde several times while he was riding his bike—to work.

And Hyde isn’t the only one. Likewise, Wagley notes that in the years he has cycled, he has countlessly been misidentified as homeless.

“Lanes are trivial but can be an empowering thing for the city, encouraging people to say, “This is my street, I have the right to be here,” said Hyde. “I have never been to a city that was built for a cycling community more than Pensacola. Pensacola doesn’t take advantage of its own city.”

inweekly.net

And of course, the community, people like you and me—getting out there on bikes.

Thanks to “Bikes at Work” and committees such as Complete Streets, as well as state and regional planning groups, the conversations are getting louder and more frequent. Still, as they say, actions speak louder than words.

It’s time to see if Pensacola can figure out how to spell it out, so that there can truly be, all for one and once for all—a twowheel takeover.

It’s time to stop backpedaling. {in}

TAKING OVER

So, what does it take for the city to take advantage of itself, its streets and encourage a two-wheel takeover? Perhaps this can be answered in just a few words—concern, commitment and above all, conversation.

It takes concern for the future of our city, recognizing this as another piece of completing the puzzle to make the city more sustainable; commitment to implementing a plan that is feasible without getting caught up in manmade fears and politics; and conversations between stakeholders, coordinating committees and city officials.

For more information on Think Beyond and the “Bikes at Work” project, visit thinkbeyond.org or facebook.com/BikesAtWork.

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June 20, 2013

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WEEK OF JUNE20-27

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

Rockin’ Headphones, Droppin’ Beats

by Sarah McCartan

photos courtesy of Headphone Disco If you walk into Vinyl Music Hall Saturday night, you will be greeted with a sea of bodies dancing in what appears from the outside in to look at lot like silence.

It’s not silence, but rather, a “silent disco,” that is, people sporting headphones and rocking all sorts of one of a kind dance moves on what one can only hope will be a packed dance floor. Hosted by Headphone Disco—a.k.a. “the silent party people”—this dance party event is anything but silent.

What music is everyone listening to?

Could be anything from hip hop, to “indie” mash-ups, to house or even old time rock and roll—and this barely scrapes the surface.

How does it work? When participants arrive, they check in with a photo ID and in exchange are provided a set of wireless headphones. Then it’s time to party. Of course there is always the option to spectate—which offers a whole different level of party in itself.

Where did such a concept come from?

Headphone Disco organizers consider themselves to be the pioneers who turned this European-born concept into a worldwide phenomenon.

“It was born out of necessity really, not out of any burning desire we had to put headphones on people at a dance party,” said Josh Koker, Head of Promotions at Headphone Disco.

participated in, or at least witnessed the similar “silent” dance party event that has become a growing part of Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival over the last several years.

“I just found myself wanting to know what the heck those people were listening to that was making them dance and have a good time. I wanted in on the secret. I think the exclusivity of it is my favorite part of the concept,” said Chelsea Powell, previous Bonnaroo attendee and silent disco participant.

Although the silent disco has become an integral part of Bonnaroo and other events where domestic companies have certainly replicated this model on a smaller scale—organizers assured me, Europe gets not just some of the credit, but all of it.

“We’ve modeled nothing on anything that’s happened in the U.S. It’s been the other way Pride event out there. Our DJ pool extends around,” said Koker. “As far and wide and the DJs we’ll place at the with a lot of ‘scenes’ the Vinyl Music Hall are Florida-based, one U.S. came pretty late to the even just outside Pensacola [DJ David Tayparty, a good few years after lor]. These guys not only know Headphone ourselves and the Dutch Disco, they also know the local scene inside guys had been running these out and will be able to tell what works and shows across Europe.” what doesn’t,” said Koker.

Unlike the setup at And there you have it. If you’re eager to Bonnaroo, Headphone put some headphones on and practice your Disco distinguishes itself moves before Saturday, Headphone Disco by offering multiple DJs, released a mix-tape available for download boasting distinct channels of music so that on their website. participants can switch back and forth to Still the party is so diversely based on constantly change the pace of the everegions it’s impossible to capture it all on ning—taking the energy up, down and all one 60-minute “tape.” With that, I must around. add, that thanks to my inquiry about the “This is the whole ‘dynamic’ of Headregional mix tape, they are dabbling with phone Disco. Without being able to select the idea, so be on the lookout. a DJ it’s just people in a club wearing headBut for now, get ready to put on some phones. We don’t do and never have done headphones Saturday night, and in the a show with only one DJ. It’s not what the words of Lady Gaga, “Just Dance!” {in} concept is all about,” said Koker.

Headphone Disco innately understands that different continents and even regions of countries favor different music trends, and faithfully adapts to meet the tastes WHEN: 9:00 p.m. Saturday, June 22 and preferences of a wide array of WHERE: Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox audiences.

COST: $10; advance tickets available (18 “The set our guys will play in and up) Pensacola is going to be very difDETAILS: vinylmusichall.com, headphoneferent to what our residents will disco.com be playing in Moscow, Russia this coming weekend at the massive Gay

“It was born out of necessity really, not out of any burning desire we had to put headphones on people at a dance party.”

Josh Koker According to Koker, the idea of using headphones in a party setting was originally developed by the Dutch. Back in 2006, in the U.K., Headphone Disco organizers were approached to meet an isolated need to find a way for a club that lost its license to be able to keep their dance tents going without the noise.

From there it caught on. It took off. And it continues to make its way around the world.

“We popularized it by using our already extensive experience as event promoters and DJs to drag it into the public consciousness and make it what it is today. We’ve taken our show and our brand all around the world whereas a lot of the U.S.-based companies have barely made it out of their own state,” said Koker.

In addition to Saturday’s club show at Vinyl Music Hall, Headphone Disco DJs will be set up at Firefly Festival in Delaware providing both day and nighttime dance sessions.

Speaking of festivals, you may have

SILENT DISCO: THE MOST UNIQUE DANCE PARTY IN TOWN

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happenings THURSDAY 6.20

GENEALOGY RESEARCH ASSISTANCE 9 a.m.-noon Thursdays in June. Library volunteers are available to give general genealogy research guidance; one-on-one assistance in using online and print resources for family researchers; and will help in filling out ancestral charts and family group records. Navarre Library, 8484 James M. Harvell Rd., Navarre. 981-7323.

MESS HALL 10 a.m. The Pensacola MESS Hall (Math, Engineering, Science & Stuff) offers hands-on opportunities for children and young people to have a summer of science. Weekly themes, special activities and workshops will captivate curious minds of all ages and inspire a lifetime of discovery. 116 N. Tarragona Street (behind Caldwell Associates Architects). For information visit call 1-877-YES-MESS (1-877937-6377 or visit PensacolaMESShall.org.

QUAYSIDE ART GALLERY 10 a.m. through July 15 ‘Together At Last’ brings together two longtime friends, Darlene Homrighausen and Jerry Lewis. 17 E. Zaragoza St, 438-2363 or quaysidegallery.com.

BLUE MORNING GALLERY 10 a.m. A visiting artist show featuring the work of noted local artist Margaret Biggs will be on exhibit through Saturday, June 15. Composition, color and the play between positive and negative space are hallmarks of Biggs' art as she bridges realism and imagination in art that has been described as both modern and surrealistic. 21 Palafox Place.

429-9100 or bluemorninggallery.com.

DRAGONFLY GALLERY 10 a.m. The gallery’s feature room is a favorite site for artists from

throughout Santa Rosa County. 5188 Escambia St., Milton. 981-1100 or thedragonflygallery.com.

ARTEL GALLERY 10 a.m. Artel Gallery presents "Time”, a juried exhibit, through July 12. Works in this exhibit were selected by juror Nicholas Croghan. The placement winners are: Best of Show, Richard Rodriguez; First Place, Chip Spirson; Second Place, Joseph Smith; Third Place, Ann Hemard; Edgiest, Jim Eustace; Honorable Mentions, Sheila Courtney, Bill Silhan and Andrea Sutrick.223 Palafox, Old County Courthouse. 432-3080 or artelgallery.org.

DAUMIER: ART FOR THE MASSES 10 a.m.

Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S. Jefferson St. 432-6247 or pensacolamuseumofart.com.

HISTORIC PENSACOLA TROLLEY TOUR 10 a.m.& 2 p.m. Pensacola Visitor Center, 1401 E. Gregory St. 941-2876 or beachbumtrolley.com.

DIG INTO READING-PRESCHOOLERS 10:30 a.m. Stories, weird noises, shadow puppets, magic, reptiles and more. West Florida Public Library Tryon Branch, 1200 Langley Ave. free.

471-6980 or mywfpl.com.

EMAIL HOW TO 11 a.m. Learn how to create an email account, send email and receive email.

Westside Branch Library, 1580 West Cervantes St. free. 595-1047 or mywfpl.com.

JAPANESE CULTURAL VISUAL ANIMATION CLUB MEETING 12 p.m. Pensacola State College, 1000 College Blvd Building 14, Room 1466.

484-1000 or pensacolastate.edu.

TABLE TOP GAMING MEETING 3 p.m. Pensacola State College, 1000 College Blvd. Building 14, Room 1466 484-1000 or pensacolastate.edu.

PLAY HAPPY HOUR 4 p.m. Play, 16 S. Palafox, Suite 100. 466-3080 or iplaypensacola.com.

WINE TASTING AT AWM 5 p.m. Aragon Wine Market, 27 S. Ninth Ave. 433-9463 or araonwinemarket.com.

WINE & GLIDE SEGWAY TOUR 5:30-7:30 p.m.

This one-hour Segway tour is followed by a stop at the East Hill Yard for a wine tasting. Emerald Coast Tours, 701 S. Palafox. $45. 417-9292 or emeraldcoasttours.net.

VEGAN DINNER AT EOTL 6 p.m. End of the Line Café, 610 E. Wright St. 429-0336 or eotlcafe.com.

CUT, COPY & PASTE 6 p.m. Learn the secrets of moving information from one software to another such as text, photos, and graphics.

Westside Branch Library, 1580 West Cervantes St. free. 595-1047 or mywfpl.com.

THURSDAYS IN THE PARK 6-8 p.m. The Navarre Chamber of Commerce presents this weekly concert series. This week features Freeway 98 Band. Navarre Park, 813 Navarre Pkwy, Navarre. 939-3267 or navarrechamber.com.

MOVIE NIGHT: OLYMPUS HAS FALLEN 6:30 p.m. Pensacola State College, 1000 College Blvd.

Building 5, Student Center. Free. 484-1000 or pensacolastate.edu.

EVENINGS IN OLDE SEVILLE 7 p.m. This longrunning summer concert series features this week The Sawmill Band. Seville Square, downtown Pensacola. sevilleconcerts.com.

live music

VICTOR WAINWRIGHT 6 p.m. Paradise Bar & Grill, 21 Via de Luna. 916-5087 or paradisebargrill.com.

THE DAVENPORTS 6 p.m. The Leisure Club, 126 S. Palafox. 912-4229 or tlcdowntown.com.

LUCAS CRUTCHFIELD 6 p.m. The Deck at The

Fish House, 600 S. Barracks St. 470-0003 or fishhouse.goodgrits.com.

LEE YANKIE BAND 7 p.m. Bamboo Willies, 400 Quietwater Beach, Pensacola Beach. 916-9888 or bamboowillies.com.

JAMES & FRIENDS 7 p.m. Hub Stacey’s Downtown, 312 E. Government St. 469-1001 or hubstaceys.com.

LATIN NIGHT DJ 7 p.m. Malibu Lounge & Package Store, 1000 Gulf Beach Hwy. 456-2090.

BRAD BARNES OPEN COLLEGE JAM 7:30 p.m. Goat Lips Beer Garden, 2811 Copter Rd. 474-1919.

KARAOKE WITH BECKY 7:30 p.m. Sabine Sandbar, 715 Pensacola Beach Blvd. Pensacola Beach. 934-3141 or dalesbigdeck.com.

COWBOY-TRIBUTE TO KID ROCK 7:30 p.m.

Vinyl Music Hall, S. Palafox $10 435-9849 or vinylmusichall.com.

BUCK NASTY BAND 8 p.m. Sandshaker, 713 Pensacola Beach Blvd. Pensacola Beach, 9322211 or sandshaker.com.

KRAZY GEORGE’S KARAOKE 8 p.m. Lili Marlene’s at Seville Quarter, Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. 434-6211 or sevillequarter.com.

DUELLING PIANOS 8 p.m. Rosie O’ Grady’s at Seville Quarter, Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. 434-6211 or sevillequarter.com.

KARAOKE WITH KEVIN SUTTON 8 p.m. Sam’s Lounge, 1225 N. Old Corry Field Rd. 458-0472.

DJ LAO COLLEGE NIGHT 9 p.m. Pensacola’s original College Night is still the place to be on Thursday night. Hang out with your fraternity or sorority friends, dancing to the coolest beats.

Seville Quarter, 130 East Government St. 4346211 or sevillequarter.com.

19

June 20, 2013

Ten Albums from 2013 You Should Already Own

by Jason Leger

These 10 albums are the cream of the crop for me so far in 2013. I wish I had room to write a top 20, because there are several other artists—including Thundercat, Youth Lagoon, Savages and the Black Angels—that have put out albums deserving of your time.

However, these are the top 10 so far, and we have half a year to go. Obviously, if your record collection is shy of any of these, I highly recommend any and all.

• UNKNOWN MORTAL ORCHESTRA – “II” For their second album, UMO pour on the sweet funk and souled-out psychedelic rock that made us love them in the first place, but they also leave plenty of

room for guitar bravado and just a pinch of higher fidelity.

• LOCAL NATIVES – “HUMMINGBIRD” Local Natives made the 3+ year wait more than worthwhile. “Hummingbird” is a shimmering beauty of an album, with all of the soaring harmonies, intriguing drum patterns and jangling guitar we have come to expect from these guys.

• MY BLOODY VALENTINE – “MBV” What is there to even say about this album that hasn’t been said? Shoegaze archetypes, My Bloody Valentine benched albums amid struggles and made their audience wait patiently on new material for 21 years. This year, they made it up to us all in a big way. If you don’t have this album yet, you’re doing it wrong.

• PHOSPHORESCENT – “MUCHACHO” A decade into his career as the creative force behind Phosphorescent, Matthew Houck has streamlined his sound and made his most accessible album to date, while simultaneously staying true to himself and his fans.

• WAVVES – “AFRAID OF HEIGHTS” On “Afraid of Heights,” California surf-rockers Wavves take their love of ‘90s punk and grunge and their penchance for self-deprecation and churn out 42 minutes of distorted

goodness. While sticking true to the punk roots which helped them gain notoriety, Wavves have taken their raw sound and put a layer of polish on it, making this album more accessible to a wider audience.

• THE NATIONAL – “TROUBLE WILL FIND ME” The National is undoubtedly a band who has become more and more refined as time passes. Every album finds them leaps and bounds better as musicians and skilled artists than before, while at the same time singer Matt Berninger seems to fall further into confusion and depression.

“Trouble Will Find Me” displays the artisanship of a group of perfectionists alongside the confusion of an aging romantic.

• VAMPIRE WEEKEND – “MODERN VAMPIRES OF THE CITY” Our ivy-leaguers are all grown up and displaying a very refined and dynamic sound on their third long-player for XL Records. While maintaining the approach that originally made them loveable, Vampire Weekend have made an album which also bleeds somber and, at times, disdainful tones, making this their most emotionally balanced album yet.

• FOALS – “HOLY FIRE” British band Foals have allowed themselves to breathe and have created the most relaxed and fully defined album of their eight-year career.

Displaying an undeniably direct approach to the band’s concise and catchy style of rock, “Holy Fire” demands and deserves attention.

• FOXYGEN – “WE ARE THE 21ST CENTURY AMBASSADORS OF PEACE & MAGIC” For the most part, Foxygen are still flying undeservedly under the radar for many music fans. The L.A. duo are very new to the attention that they have received since the release of “We Are the 21st Century Ambassadors of Peace & Magic,” their impressive debut record. Playful, sexy, emotive, and in the spirit of early rock and soul, one listen to “We Are…” is certain to prompt many repeats.

• DAFT PUNK – “RANDOM ACCESS MEMORIES” As I’m writing this, “Random Access Memories” is in its third week on Billboard’s top ten albums, now resting at number two, after spending two weeks at the top of the chart. Considering the pomp surrounding this album, a number one debut is not surprising by any means. The energy surrounding the album is necessary, because the music is so fervent, breathing a mix of disco, R&B, and techno, as well as providing an all-star cast of cameo appearances. “Random Access Memories” is arguably the best album of Daft Punk’s already impressive career. {in}

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happenings

OPEN MIC NIGHT 9 p.m. Chan’s Nightclub, 610 E. Nine Mile Rd. 477-9961 or chanspensacola.com.

EXTREME KARAOKE WITH G.C.P.C. 10 p.m. play, 16 S. Palafox, Suite 100. 466-3080 or gulfcoastpartycrew.com.

FRIDAY 6.21

TAI CHI AT FLORIDA BLUE 8:30 a.m. Free.

Florida Blue, 1680 Airport Blvd. For information, call 202-4188.

MESS HALL 10 a.m. The Pensacola MESS Hall (Math, Engineering, Science & Stuff) offers hands-on opportunities for children and young people to have a summer of science. Weekly themes, special activities and workshops will captivate curious minds of all ages and inspire a lifetime of discovery. 116 N. Tarragona Street

(behind Caldwell Associates Architects). For information visit call 1-877-YES-MESS (1-877937-6377 or visit PensacolaMESShall.org.

QUAYSIDE ART GALLERY 10 a.m. through July 15 ‘Together At Last’ brings together two longtime friends, Darlene Homrighausen and Jerry Lewis. 17 E. Zaragoza St, 438-2363 or quaysidegallery.com.

BLUE MORNING GALLERY 10 a.m. A visiting artist show featuring the work of noted local artist Margaret Biggs will be on exhibit through Saturday, June 15. Composition, color and the play between positive and negative space are hallmarks of Biggs' art as she bridges realism and imagination in art that has been described as both modern and surrealistic. 21 Palafox Place.

429-9100 or bluemorninggallery.com.

DRAGONFLY GALLERY 10 a.m. The gallery’s feature room is a favorite site for artists from throughout Santa Rosa County. 5188 Escambia St., Milton. 981-1100 or thedragonflygallery.com.

DAUMIER: ART FOR THE MASSES 10 a.m.

Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S. Jefferson St. 432-6247 or pensacolamuseumofart.org.

COLONIAL COOKING & TRADES 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Learn early 19th century cooking techniques and trade-skills from costumed living history interpreters. $6 for adults; $5 for AAA members, military and ages 65 and older; $3 for children ages 4 to 16; free for UWF students with student ID. Historic Pensacola Village, 205 E. Zaragoza St. historicpensacola.org.

FOLEY FARMERS MARKET 3-6 p.m. Fridays through June 28. Local farmers and vendors offer everything from fruits and vegetables to honey, wine, seafood, farm-fresh eggs, baked

goods, ice cream and plants. Foley Heritage Park, U.S. 59 and U.S. 98. Foley, Ala. visitfoley.org.

PLAY HAPPY HOUR 4 p.m. Play, 16 S. Palafox, Suite 100. 466-3080 or iplaypensacola.com.

WINE TASTING AT SEVILLE QUARTER 5 p.m., Palace Café at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. 434-6211 or sevillequarter.com.

WINE TASTING AT CITY GROCERY 5:15 p.m.

City Grocery, 2050 N. 12th Ave. 469-8100.

WINE TASTING AT EAST HILL MARKET 5:30 p.m. 1216 N. Ninth Ave. BANDS ON BLACKWATER 6 p.m. Reunion Band is performing this week. After a big 2012 with four originally scheduled concerts, the City of Milton Downtown Redevelopment Board and the Milton Parks Department has grown the event into a nine-week free concert series every Friday night during the months of May and June. South of the Milton Riverwalk, downtown Milton. 983-5466 or ci.milton.fl.us.

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF 7:30 p.m. When Tevye's eldest daughter, Tzeitel, begs him to let her marry a poor tailor rather than the middleaged butcher that he has already chosen for her, Tevye must choose between his own daughter's happiness and those beloved traditions that keep the outside world at bay. Meanwhile, there are other forces at work in Anatevka, dangerous forces which threaten to destroy the very life he is trying to preserve. Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson St. $14-$30. 434-0257 or pensacolalittletheatre.com.

AUTO RACING 8 p.m. Five Flags Speedway, 7451 Pine Forest Rd.$5-$15. 944-8400 or 5flagsspeedway.com.

GHOST HUNT 8 p.m. Bring your own equipment

or share ours (some items available for purchase in the Gift Shop before tours commence.) Tours are two hours in duration. This tour does include a trip to the top of the Lighthouse for a look across Pensacola Bay, weather permitting. Per Coast Guard Safety Regulations backless/open toed shoes are not permitted to climb the tower stairs. We recommend this tour for children 12 and over only.

Pensacola Lighthouse and Museum, 2081 Radford Blvd. 393-1561 or pensacolalighthouse.org.

3 GAME SPECIAL 8:30 p.m. $12, includes shoes.

DeLuna Lanes, 590 E. 9 Mile Road. 478-9522 or delunalanes.com.

SWING DANCING 8:30 p.m. $5. American Legion, 1401 Intendencia St. 437-5465 or pensacolaswing.com.

STAND UP COMEDY SHOW 9:30 p.m. Big Easy Tavern, 710 N. Palafox. Bigeasytavern.com or 208-5976.

COSMIC BOWLING 11 p.m. DeLuna Lanes, 590 E. 9 Mile Road. 478-9522 or delunalanes.com.

live music

THE DAVE & JOE SHOW 3 p.m. Bamboo Willies, 400 Quietwater Beach, Pensacola Beach. 9169888 or bamboowillies.com.

LUCAS CRUTCHFIELD 5 p.m. The Deck at The Fish House, 600 S. Barracks St. 470-0003 or fishhouse.goodgrits.com.

TOMMY TALTON 6 p.m. Paradise Bar & Grill, 21 Via de Luna, Pensacola Beach. 916-5087 or paradisebar-grill.com.

AL MARTIN 6 p.m. Quality Inn & Suites every Friday and Saturday night in the Cliffhanger Lounge, Quality Inn & Suites, 7601 Scenic Hwy. 477-7155.

21

June 20, 2013

happenings DOWNTOWN BIG BAND 6:30 p.m. Gregory Street Assembly Hall, 501 E. Gregory St. 307-8633.

THE REZ 9 p.m. Bamboo Willies, 400 Quietwater Beach, Pensacola Beach. 916-9888 or bamboowillies.com.

KARAOKE WITH BECKY 7:30 p.m. Sabine Sandbar, 715 Pensacola Beach Blvd., Pensacola Beach Blvd., Pensacola Beach. 934-3141 or dalesbigdeck.com.

RICKY PHELPS & DENNIS GOSSMAN 8 p.m. The Grand Marlin, 400 Pensacola Beach Blvd., Pensacola Beach. 677-9153 or thegrandmarlin.com.

BUZZ CUT 8 p.m. Sandshaker, 713 Pensacola Beach Blvd. Pensacola Beach, 932-2211 or sandshaker.com.

DUELLING PIANOS 8 p.m. Rosie O’Grady’s at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St.434-6211 or sevillequarter.com.

CHRIS THOMAS KING-KING OF 21 CENURY BLUES BETSY BADWATER 8 p.m. Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox $10 435-9849 or vinylmusichall.com.

KNEE DEEP BAND 8 p.m. HopJacks Nine Mile, 204 East Nine Mile Rd. Free. 497-6076 or hopjacks.com.

DAMIEN LOUVIERE 8:30 p.m. The Tin Cow, 102 South Palafox. 466-2103 or thetincow.com.

SCHOFIELD 9 p.m. Seville Quarter, 130 East Government St. Free. 434-6211 or sevillequarter.com.

GRAND THEFT AUDIO 9 p.m. Seville Quarter, 130 East Government St. Free. 434-6211 or sevillequarter.com.

KARAOKE WITH ANGIE & SHAGGY 9 p.m.

The Blind Mule 2, 937 N. New Warrington Rd. 332-6533.

KARAOKE WITH KEVIN SUTTON 9 p.m. Sam’s Lounge, 1225 N. Old Corry Field Rd. 458-0472.

MAJOR MOVES & BLACKWATER 9 p.m. Chan’s Nightclub, 610 E Nine Mile Rd. 477-9961 or chanspensacola.com.

ANOTHER HERO 9 p.m. Bamboo Willies, 400 Quietwater Beach, Pensacola Beach. 916-9888 or bamboowillies.com.

LIVE MUSIC 9 p.m. The Deck at The Fish House, 600 S. Barracks St. 470-0003 or fishhouse. goodgrits.com.

DJ MR. LAO 9 p.m. Phineas Phogg’s at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. 434-6211 or sevillequarter.com.

THE STEAM BOARS 9:30 p.m. HopJacks, 10 South Palafox. Free. 497-6076 or hopjacks.com.

DJ J. ROCK 9:30 p.m. O’Riley’s Irish Pub, 3728 Creighton Rd. 474-0522.

DJ BUNNIE HOPSON midnight, Top of the Town, 15 E. Intendencia St. 434-8779.

SATURDAY 6.22

HAPPENINGS PALAFOX MARKET 8 a.m. Marin Luther King Jr. Plaza, N. Palafox St. palafoxmarket.com.

JUNE FEST 10 a.m. Bring the family for a day of music, good food and, arts & crafts. Bartram Park, Bayfront Pkwy. Downtown Pensacola. Free to public. 602-3292 DISCOVERY SATURDAY 10 a.m. Naval Aviation Museum, 1750 Radford Blvd. 453-2389 or navalaviationmuseum.org.

KIDS: READ TO THE DOGS 10 a.m. Reading Education Assistance Dogs Reading is fundamental. But sometimes it can be a little scary when you first begin. That’s where R.E.A.D. comes to the rescue. By signing your child up to read with a dog, you can improve your child’s reading skills

WE

and make a new friend. The therapy dogs and handlers are specially trained to ensure fun for everyone. While a reservation is not required, it is recommended to ensure a timely spot for your child to read to a dog. West Florida Public Library Southwest Branch Library, 12248 Gulf Beach Hwy. Free. 453-7780 or mywfpl.com.

COLONIAL COOKING & TRADES 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Learn early 19th century cooking techniques and trade-skills from costumed living history interpreters. $6 for adults; $5 for AAA members, military and ages 65 and older; $3 for children ages 4 to 16; free for UWF students with student ID. Historic Pensacola Village, 205 E. Zaragoza St. historicpensacola.org.

MESS HALL 10 a.m. The Pensacola MESS Hall (Math, Engineering, Science & Stuff) offers hands-on opportunities for children and young people to have a summer of science. Weekly themes, special activities and workshops will captivate curious minds of all ages and inspire a lifetime of discovery. 116 N. Tarragona Street (behind Caldwell Associates Architects). For information visit call 1-877-YES-MESS (1-877937-6377 or visit PensacolaMESShall.org.

QUAYSIDE ART GALLERY 10 a.m. through July 15 ‘Together At Last’ brings together two long-time friends, Darlene Homrighausen and Jerry Lewis. 17 E. Zaragoza St, 438-2363 or quaysidegallery.com.

BLUE MORNING GALLERY 10 a.m. A visiting artist show featuring the work of noted local artist Margaret Biggs will be on exhibit through Saturday, June 15. Composition, color and the play between positive and negative space are hallmarks of Biggs' art as she bridges realism and imagination in art that has been described

as both modern and surrealistic. 21 Palafox Place.

429-9100 or bluemorninggallery.com.

DRAGONFLY GALLERY 10 a.m. The gallery’s feature room is a favorite site for artists from throughout Santa Rosa County. 5188 Escambia St., Milton. 981-1100 or thedragonflygallery.com.

ARTEL GALLERY 10 a.m. Artel Gallery presents "Time”, a juried exhibit, through July 12. Works in this exhibit were selected by juror Nicholas Croghan. The placement winners are: Best of Show, Richard Rodriguez; First Place, Chip Spirson; Second Place, Joseph Smith; Third Place, Ann Hemard; Edgiest, Jim Eustace; Honorable Mentions, Sheila Courtney, Bill Silhan and Andrea Sutrick.223 Palafox, Old County Courthouse. 432-3080 or artelgallery.org.

INTRO TO KEYBOARDING 10:30 a.m. Explore functions of the computer keyboard. Make your computer experience more enjoyable by learning to effectively input information. Main Library, 239 North Spring St. 436-5060 or mywfpl.com.

PET ADOPTIONS noon-4 p.m. The Junior Humane Society conducts a pet adoption featuring dogs, puppies, cats and kittens. PetSmart, 6251 N. Davis Hwy. ART DEMONSTRATION 1 p.m. Local artist & teacher Joan Blackburn will do an art demonstration of watercolor painting. She will also have her book ‘Exploring The Abstract’ for sale and she will be happy to sign it for you. Southwest Branch Public Library, 12248 Gulf Beach Hwy. Free. 453-7780 or mywfpl.com.

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HAVE MORE THAN EXPERIENCED LAWYERS ON OUR STAFF. We have Super Lawyers.

Congratulations to our fine attorneys for being included in the 2013 list of Super Lawyers.

Since 1913, Emmanuel, Sheppard & Condon has proudly served Pensacola in a variety of areas from construction to commercial law, real estate to personal injury.

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JOHN W. MONROE, JR.,

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by Jessica Forbes

Emmanuel, Sheppard and Condon Turns 100 “We have a lot of people here who are very long term employees—we’ve got at least 15 people who have been here more than 20 years,” Bookman notes. “I think we’re a little bit unique because we have a great number of our employees who have been with us long term, simply because this is a very pleasant, caring place.”

The firm’s founder, as well as its namesakes, set the pace for the high level of involvement in bar associations and charitable organizations that the firm’s current attorneys continue.

Leroy Holsberry, who died in 1958, served as the first president of the Pensacola Kiwanis Club. SubseAlan C. Sheppard, Al G. Condon and Patrick G. Emmanuel / quently, the firm’s attorneys courtesy photo have remained active as members and leaders in the One hundred years ago, Leroy V. Holslocal Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Association, berry relocated his family and law practhe Florida Bar Association, and multiple tice to Pensacola from his native West charities, churches and synagogues. Several Virginia. This year marks the centennial of in the firm have served on the board of Fiesta the law firm he established here, which for the of Five Flags, and the firm became the sponlast several decades has been known as Emsor of the celebration’s opening event in the manuel, Sheppard and Condon. early 2000s.

Patrick G. Emmanuel has been with the After working for decades in a number firm for 67 years, two-thirds of its operation. of capacities with the state bar, Emmanuel After earning a law degree at the Universiserved as president of the Florida Bar Associaty of Florida and serving in World War II, Emtion from 1985 to 1986. Emmanuel also served manuel returned to Pensacola to start what as the Chairman of the Federal Judicial Nomibecame a long and prestigious legal career. nating Commission of Florida. When asked “At that time, Pensacola was a small town. I if he ever considered a judgeship, Emmanuel was looking for a job and J.E.D. Yonge, head shook his head, “I wasn’t interested in that, I of Yonge, Beggs, and Lane, recommended—I just liked practicing law.” was single—he recommended I go to Miami,” “The culture and philosophy of this firm Emmanuel remembered with a chuckle. “Foris that we want to give back to the community tunately, I didn’t take his advice.” and the bar associations,” said Bookman, who, At the time Emmanuel joined in 1946, from 2005 to 2006, became the second lawthe firm was named Holsberry & Holsberry, yer from the firm to serve as President of the as Leroy’s son Edwin had joined the pracFlorida Bar Association, which now has over tice. Emmanuel became a partner within 100,000 members. “We’re very lucky, very one year, and his name has been attached to fortunate. The community has been good to the firm since. us; we want to be good to the community.”

Alan Sheppard, also a veteran of World Now with 26 attorneys on staff, the firm War II, joined the firm in 1952; Alphonse G. has maintained gradual growth since EmmanCondon Jr., was hired in 1965. By 1975 the firm uel became partner in the late 1940s. Gradual was named Holsberry, Emmanuel, Sheppard, is how Mr. Emmanuel, now 92, said he would Mitchell and Condon. Wilmer Mitchell left like to see future growth progress as well. the firm to operate Seville Quarter and Edwin Currently planning for a centennial Holsberry, who had been with the firm since party in October, Bookman looks forward to 1929, retired not long after. continuing the firm’s tradition of service to At that point, “We decided to change the the law and the community. “We expect to name and forever keep the name Emmanuel, be here another hundred years, at least. We Sheppard and Condon,” explained current have grown with Pensacola, and we want to firm president Alan Bookman, who joined the continue to grow with Pensacola and Northfirm in 1975 as the tenth attorney on staff. west Florida.” {in}

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June 20, 2013

news of the weird VERY PERSONAL HYGIENE Orestes De La Paz's exhibit at the Frost Art Museum in Miami in May recalled Chuck Palahniuk's novel and film "Fight Club," in which lead character Tyler Durden's principal income source was making upscale soap using discarded liposuctioned fat fetched from the garbage of cosmetic surgeons (thus closing the loop of fat from rich ladies recycled back to rich ladies). De La Paz told his mentor at Florida International University that he wanted only to display his own liposuctioned fat provocatively, but decided to make soap when he realized that the fat would otherwise quickly rot. Some visitors to the exhibit were able to wash their hands with the engineered soap, which De La Paz offered for sale at $1,000 a bar.

THE ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT As recently as mid-May, people with disabilities had been earning hefty black-market fees by taking strangers into Disneyland and Disney World using the parks' own liberal "disability" passes (which allow for up to five relatives or guests at a time to accompany the disabled person in skipping the sometimes-hours-long lines and having immediate access to the rides). The pass-holding "guide," according to NBC's "Today" show, could charge as much as $200 through advertising on CraigsList and via word-of-mouth to some travel agents.

Following reports in the New York Post and other outlets, Disney was said in late May to be warning disabled permit-holders not to abuse the privilege.

• "Ambulance-chasing" lawyers are less the cliche than they formerly were because of bar association crackdowns, but fire truck-chasing contractors and "public adjusters" are still a problem—at least in Florida, where the state Supreme Court tossed out a "48-hour" time- out rule that would have given casualty victims space to reflect on their losses before being overwhelmed by home-restoration salesmen. Consequently, as firefighters told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel in May, the contractors are usually "right behind" them on the scene, pestering anxious or griefstricken victims. The Sun-Sentinel found one woman being begged to sign up while she was still crying out for her dog that remained trapped in the blaze.

UNCONVENTIONAL TREATMENTS Researchers writing recently in the journal PLoS ONE disclosed that they had found certain types of dirt that contain antimicrobial agents capable of killing E. coli and the antibiotic-resistant MRSA. According to the article, medical "texts" back to 3000 B.C. mentioned clays that, when rubbed on wounds, reduce inflammation and pain.

• Researchers writing in May in the journal Pediatrics found that some infants whose parents regularly sucked their

by Chuck Shepherd

babies' pacifiers to clean them (rather than rinsing or boiling them) developed fewer allergies and cases of asthma. (On the other hand, parental-cleansing might make other maladies more likely, such as tooth decay.)

LEADING ECONOMIC INDICATORS Until recently, apparently, gene mutations were considered merely freaks of nature, but that was before Myriad Genetics obtained binding U.S. patents for mutations it discovered—now known as BRCA-1 and BRCA-2. Those mutations were in the news in May when actor Angelina Jolie announced that she had chosen to have a double mastectomy based on the presence of the cancer-causing mutations, which she had learned of through a Myriad Genetics test costing about $4,000. There is no price competition for the test, due to the patent, and Jolie, along with oncologists and OB-GYN doctors, fret that the test is too expensive for tens of millions of women around the world whose lives could be saved by knowing their status.

• Archeologists discovered in May that a construction company had bulldozed 2,300-year-old Mayan ruins in northern Belize—simply to mine the rocks for road fill to build a highway. A researcher said it could hardly have been an accident, for the ruins were 100 feet high in an otherwise flat landscape, and a Tulane University anthropologist estimated that Mayan ruins are being mined for road fill an average of once a day in their ancient habitats.

Said another, "(T)o realize" that Mayans created these structures using only stone tools and then "carried these materials on their heads" to build them—and then that bulldozers can almost instantly destroy them—is "mind-boggling."

FINE POINTS OF LAW A woman in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood reported to a local news blog in May that she had seen (and her husband briefly conversed with) a man who was operating a "drone" from a sidewalk, guiding the noisy device to a point just outside a third-floor window in a private home. The pilot said he was "doing research" and, perhaps protected by a 1946 U.S. Supreme Court decision, asserted that he was not violating anyone's privacy because he, himself, was on a public sidewalk while the drone was in public airspace. The couple called for a police officer, but by the time one arrived, the pilot and his drone had departed, according to a report on the Capitol Hill Seattle blog. {in}

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