March 5 2015 issue by Inweekly

FIGHTING TO BE HEARD

—The Deaf and the Law— Independent News | March 5, 2015 | Volume 16 | Number 10 | inweekly.net

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winners & losers

outtakes

news

buzz 9

6, 8

Floridians believe in second chances.

cover story 11

publisher Rick Outzen

art director Samantha Crooke

editor & creative director Joani Delezen

contributing writers Jason Leger, Jennifer Leigh, Sarah McCartan, Chuck Shepherd

a&e 15

calendar 21

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

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winners & losers

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The Winners in Pensacola are far surpassing the Losers. In order to return some sense of balance to the universe, the Winners & Losers cubicle of the Inweekly news and media empire created an all winners column and then they went out to play beer pong with some Ewoks and Zombies.

PAMELA HOMYAK She has been

selected the 2015 Big Sister of the Year for the state of Florida. Besides being an outstanding big sister, Homyak started and later chaired the 2013 and 2014 Big Brother Big Sister’s Gala, which raised over $300,000 total net for Big Brother and Big Sisters.

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JULIE DECESARE An HPV vaccination

awareness program led by Dr. DeCesare, OB/GYN residency program director for Sacred Heart Hospital Pensacola, has received national recognition from the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). As the chair of the Healthcare for Underserved Women Committee for ACOG District XII (Florida), she spearheaded a project to increase statewide awareness and to improve the low rates of HPV vaccination.

PETER NOWAK The owner of six local McDonald’s created a hi-tech, creative solution to help pre-schoolers prepare for kindergarten, “Ernie the Ant.” He donated

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GUS BRANDT The Pensacola native was

named Road Warrior Of The Year at the 2015 Pollstar Awards in Nashville, Tennessee for his work with the Foo Fighters and Pharrell Williams.

BARBARA MAYALL Thanks to Mayall’s efforts, the Florida-Alabama Transportation Planning Organization voted to restore the intersection of 12th Avenue and Bayou Boulevard to its original configuration. NEWS TALK 1370 AM WCOA The Cumulus Pensacola station has resurrected Pensacola Speaks. Since 1960, the call-in show was where people went to hear the stories behind the headlines and voice their opinions. Pensacola Speaks is on the air weekdays from 5-6 p.m. EMILY ECHEVARRIA The Ballinger

Publishing editor won the inaugural Press Battle edition of Staremaster, beating out PNJ reporter Troy Moon, The Daily Brew co-host Carly Borden and Inweekly publisher Rick Outzen. Her first round battle lasted nearly six minutes before Moon blinked. Echevarria easily dispatched Outzen in the championship.

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outtakes

by Rick Outzen

THE INNOCENCE OF PENSACON I like Pensacon. This odd assortment of celebrities, panel discussions, workshops, parties and costumed visitors is the perfect event for Pensacola. For years, the local hospitality industry has tried to find something to fill hotels and restaurants during the winter months. Pensacola Mardi Gras and the Double Bridge Run have helped, but something more was needed. Enter Mike Ensley and his crew with Pensacon. In its first year, the event, which is based on the popular Comic-Con in San Diego, attracted an estimated 11,000 attendees who contributed $1,408,108 to the local economy. Over a third of the participants were from out of town and generated an estimated 5,183 room nights. There was no sophomore jinx at Pensacon 2015. While the final numbers have yet to be released, the event appeared to have doubled its economic impact. On Saturday, attendees waited over 90 minutes to get on the Pensacola Bay Center floor for the vendor exhibits. At 3 p.m. Pensacon issued a press release that the Pensacola Bay Center had reached maximum capacity. It essentially had sold out for the day. “We knew this year was going to be even bigger and busier than last year, and we were ready to sell out,” said Manda Manning, Pensacon’s director of marketing. “This is

a very big moment for the entire team who has worked so diligently preparing for this.” Ben Galecki, Pensacon and Kinematic Entertainment CEO said, “We are blown away by the response this year.” The huge numbers were impressive, but what hooked me were the people. Families in costumes eating at Hopjack’s, Hub Stacey’s and New York Nick’s. I saw an entire family dressed as “The Incredibles” and another father and daughter who were old man Carl Fredricksons and the scout Russell from the Disney movie “Up.” It’s that playful innocence that makes Pensacon special. Most of us have a geeky side whether it is Star Trek, Dr. Who, Harry Potter, Power Rangers, Game of Thrones or some other genre. Several times I saw strangers greet and hug one another. The only common denominator was their characters. Vulcans waved at Klingons, Jedi Knights at Stormtroopers and Gryffindors at Slytherins. And all of them enjoyed being photographed. The good news is there will be a Pensacon 2016. It’s set for the weekend of Feb. 19-21, and they have already signed up Peter Mayhew, who played Chewbacca in Star Wars, and Peter Prowse, who was Darth Vader, to appear. A year may be just the right amount of time for me to come with my Cyclops X-Men costume. Maybe. {in}rick@inweekly.net

A year may be just the right amount of time for me to come with my Cyclops X-Men costume.

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EARNING THEIR VOTE BACK

By Shelby Smithey Florida is one of only three states in the country that has a lifetime ban on voting for people with prior felony convictions. This means that more than 1.5 million people in Florida do not have the ability to vote, even after completing the terms of their sentence. The ACLU of Florida and a state coalition called Floridians for a Fair Democracy are working to campaign and collect enough petitions for an amendment on the 2016 ballot that would end this ban. “The amendment has been a long-time in the making in allowing people who have been convicted of a felony to earn back their right to vote,” said Sara Latshaw, director of the ACLU Northwest Florida regional office. The proposed amendment would not apply to those convicted of murder or sexual offenses, who would continue to be permanently banned from voting. “Because the rules change so often, it’s a priority for us to see a policy put in place that gives people a chance to engage once they have paid their debt to society,” Latshaw said. “The way that happens doesn’t need to change every four years.” 66

In 2011, the Florida rules of Executive Clemency were toughened. People with felony convictions must now apply to the Executive Clemency Board on an individual basis to have their rights restored. There is a five to seven year waiting period before an individual can apply for rights restoration. Currently, the board has a backlog of approximately 20,000 applications. Latshaw said the Clemency Board has only approved 1,534 applications in the last four years. “When someone is convicted of a felony and they are just coming out of the criminal justice system, regardless of the severity of the crime committed, they are restricted access from certain professional permits and public housing,” Latshaw said. “They are immediately saddled with court costs, fines, restitution, and at the very same time they are faced with employment discrimination. Should they not pay back those fines, then they are faced with the loss of their driver’s license. All of these

things are, in a way, putting them in a place where reoffending is more likely.” Blayne Bryson of Gulf Breeze was charged with a felony four years ago for aggravated battery and is currently close to completing the terms of his probation. At 27, Bryson is now banned from voting in Florida. “This should not follow me around for the rest of my life,” he said. At 16, Bryson was a juvenile at the time of his first arrest and under 21 when he was charged a second time. Bryson was 24 when he was charged with a felony, the most likely reason being that it was his third offense. “They decided to charge me with a felony,” Bryson said. “I thought my adjudication was going to be withheld.” Bryson said he often does his part in advocating the importance of voting, even though he is denied that right. “It feels demoralizing,” Bryson said. “It’s hard to describe how that feels. You become an outcast for making a mistake that happened in a split second even after you have learned from that mistake.” Studies by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement show that people returning from prison who can vote are less likely to commit crimes in the future. One Florida Parole Commission study found that over a three year period, the recidivism rate of all formerly incarcerated people was 33 percent, while the rate for those whose voting rights was restored was 11 percent. “Floridians believe in second chances,” Latshaw said. “It’s not just about what’s good for that person. It’s about what’s good for the community as a whole. Allowing someone a chance at redemption and a chance to earn back their voting rights through completing their probation is so important.” Florida, Iowa and Kentucky are among the only states that have a lifetime ban on voting for people with felony convictions. At the opposite end of the spectrum, Maine and Vermont allow people to vote while still in prison. In 38 states and the District of Columbia, most former felony offenders automatically gain the right to vote upon the completion of their sentence.

“As a community, allowing someone a second chance to have a stake and to be engaged is clearly a way to help fix some of the current woes we are facing in the criminal justice system.” Sara Latshaw

“It’s time for us to modernize the system and get in line with the rest of the country,” Latshaw said. “As a community, allowing someone a second chance to have a stake and to be engaged is clearly a way to help fix some of the current woes we are facing in the criminal justice system.” The proposed amendment would affect millions—the largest disenfranchised group of citizens in Florida—and would update the state’s criminal justice system to match the standards in other states. “I would say that for a lot of people, it’s not that they oppose it, but that they don’t see it as a priority,” Latshaw said. “Our phone rings with people who have completed the terms of their sentence and have paid their debt to society and are pretty surprised to find out that they are no longer welcome to participate in the democratic process.” Submitting an application to the Board of Clemency is a difficult and lengthy process, not to mention people must wait five to seven years after finishing the terms of their sentence to apply. A lack of a set policy means that every four years, the rules of clemency are left to the whim of politicians, which further complicates the process. “This issue should be handled in the legislative process, and until that has been exhausted I am not in support of an amendment,” said Florida Sen. Greg Evers. “Give the legislative process a chance to do what it needs to do. Folks just need to go through the process and fill out their paperwork.” Latshaw said that people on both sides of the aisle can see that felony offenders are not just getting their rights back. “These individuals are earning their rights back by completing the terms of their sentence,” Latshaw said. “Once someone has shown commitment in completing those terms, as a community, it’s beneficial for us to welcome them back.” Although people with felony convictions cannot sign the petitions because they are not registered voters, Latshaw is working hard to spread the message of redemption and getting the community on board with rights restoration. “The focus of this year is petition gathering,” Latshaw said. “After that we will begin working on the campaign for the amendment. It’s a daunting task. At least we are starting the conversation.” The rights restoration petition can be downloaded at floridiansforafairdemocracy.com. {in} inweekly.net

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FIGURING OUT SPORTS TOURISM By Duwayne Escobedo Picture a multi-purpose, indoor sportsplex located in the central part of Escambia County. Perhaps one with eight basketball courts, 14 volleyball courts, the ability to roll out an ice rink for the Pensacola Ice Flyers to practice, and plenty of room to conduct gymnastics, martial arts, wrestling, boxing or you name it. Make sure the indoor complex is built to Olympic and NCAA Division I athletic standards. Like the Gulf Shores, Alabama sportsplex, surround it with football, soccer, lacrosse, baseball and softball fields and top-notch collegiate and high school track facilities. Let your imagination run free. Is this needed in Pensacola? What would it look like? How much would it add to the nearly $23 million annually that amateur sports tourism already contributes to the local economy’s $1.4 billion tourism industry, according to a 2012 study by the University of West Florida’s Haas Center for Business Research and Economic Development? Well, Escambia County taxpayers are about to find out the possibilities in an estimated $350,000, three-phase study slated to start in April, pending Escambia County commissioners’ approval. The strategic plan will look at what Northwest Florida has, what it needs and what it can afford. Spearheaded by Pensacola Sports Association Executive Director Ray Palmer, he and others in the community are convinced that a unique indoor facility and outdoor venues would only grow the area’s sports tourism.

“What we don’t have in my mind is some type of indoor facility,” Palmer said. “One centralized facility could relieve a lot of pressure on Friday nights. It could attract an Olympic-type training center. We need to find out, if you’re going to do it this is, how.” Visit Pensacola President Steve Hayes moved here from Tampa, which knows a thing or two about sports tourism from the youth to professional level. Hayes gets it. His questions run the gamut from the standards of the current facilities to what sports Northwest Florida can attract. He is on board with an indoor sports center. Hayes said on a recent trip to Tampa, 1, 400 youth were competing in a volleyball tournament and were seemingly everywhere. “I see growth in our future and believe we can fulfill a niche,” Hayes said. “We’re not building something someone else has down the road. We have to be different and go another direction.” The Florida Sports Association analyzed Pensacola’s sports infrastructure. It concluded that the University of West Florida is the only venue that can host several different sporting events and they are often booked. In August 2012, Escambia County completed the $9 million Southwest Sportsplex, which features lighted baseball, softball, soccer and football fields, an open play area, walking trails, playgrounds, covered pavilions and parking. It proved an instant contributor to sports tourism, producing several thousand

visitors and $1.1 million in economic impact, the PSA reports, from regional spring and fall soccer tournaments. The new Pensacola Blue Wahoos’ ballpark on Pensacola Bay led to the PSA attracting college baseball games, including this year’s recently completed fiveteam, three-day Cox Diamond Invitational. Auburn, Southern Mississippi, Troy and a fourth team are being sought for 2016. This year’s tourney also had the added benefit of being broadcast live and replayed three times in 5 million homes. “It’s a new initiative that we like,” Palmer said. “We’re putting ourselves on the map with college baseball today.” And don’t forget the impact from 40plus events scheduled throughout 2015. PSA estimates more than 40,000 visitors will attend or participate in locally sponsored sporting events this year, such as standard events like the Pensacola Marathon, Santa Rosa Island Triathlon, Pensacola Double Bridge Run and Gulf Coast Winter Horse Show. Plus, there are the Florida College System Association state fast pitch softball championships, the Pro Watercross Tour and the Wavefest Volleyball Tournament, which attracted 4, 400 visitors and $1.3 million in economic impact last March, the PSA reported. This year’s Pro Watercross Tour, which is scheduled for May 16-17, features 150 racers and produces a 30-minute TV broadcast to 93.5 million homes. “The impact and expense to Pensacola Beach area is really small for an investment

“In our world, it’s all about venues. We can’t continue to grow if we don’t have quality venues.” Ray Palmer

that is pretty significant,” Palmer said. “This is a very professional circuit.” Now, what about an Escambia County, first-class sportsplex? “In our world, it’s all about venues,” Palmer said. “We can’t continue to grow if we don’t have quality venues.” Of course, for Escambia County Commission Vice Chairman Grover Robinson, his vote comes down to demand and cost. He would also like to see the Pensacola Bay Center—the current home of the Ice Flyers—analyzed. “Do we have enough demand that justifies the cost?” Robinson asked. “I’ve heard we need an indoor sports center to do larger volleyball tournaments and other stuff.” Hayes likes beginning the sports tourism discussion. “Can we host bigger and better tournaments with more teams?” Hayes asked. “It comes down to do [if] we have enough of the right facilities for larger groups to come to town.” Pensacola is about to find out. {in}

University Of West Florida Haas Center For Business Research And Economic Development 2012 Study •Amateur sports tourism contributes about $22 million annually to Pensacola’s local economy. •It supports nearly 300 full-time jobs. •Sports tourism produces more than $55,000 in annual local option sales tax revenues.

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INGRAM ON GAMING On Feb. 23, News Talk 1370 WCOA brought back the iconic afternoon call-in show Pensacola Speaks with Inweekly publisher Rick Outzen. The topic of casino gambling coming to Escambia County was discussed several times. State Rep. Clay Ingram was asked what he thought about the Poarch Creek Indians wanting to open a bingo-style slot machine casino in Escambia County. “I’ll start off and say this. I’ve always politically been opposed to, and still am opposed to the proliferation or expansion of gaming in the state of Florida,” Ingram said. “Looking at the whole situation, from a pragmatic point of view, it’s disingenuous for the state to say that we’re not a gaming state, when the state—through the lottery and obviously the parimutuels—is involved in gaming of some sort in a big way.” He said the key is the agreement Gov. Rick Scott works out with the Seminole Tribe, which pays the state $100 million a year to operate six casinos in Florida. “Again, this is a crystal ball scenario, but the governor is obligated to deal with the Seminole Tribe,” he said. “It’s up in the air right now as to whether or not he strikes a new compact. Then, that would come to the legislature for approval.” Rep. Ingram added, “Depending on what happens with the Seminole Tribe and the

governor, if they enter into a new compact. I think anything to do with the Poarch Creek Tribe here would be dependent on, first of all, the governor striking that compact.” Meanwhile, the Escambia Board of County Commissioners is left on the sidelines. Commissioner Lumon May told the WCOA listeners, “The casinos are a state issue, and it's completely in the hands of the governor and state legislature. All we can do is wait for their decision.”

DJJ RESOLUTION SOUGHT Escambia

County Commissioner Grover Robinson sat down with Inweekly to discuss the efforts of the Florida Association of Counties (FAC) to reach some resolution on how the state bills the counties for juvenile justices costs. Robinson is the FAC president. According to FAC, the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) owes Florida county governments about $170 million from overcharging them for the costs. Escambia County is owed $6.6 million, Santa Rosa County $962,000. In 2004, the Florida Legislature mandated that counties share in the costs for juvenile secure detention. In the beginning, the breakdown was relatively simple: counties paid for secure detention days prior

to a juvenile’s final court disposition and the state paid for days after their case was resolved. Since 2008, DJJ has tinkered with the cost-share ratios, placing more burden on the counties. In June 2013, the First District Court of Appeal invalidated DJJ’s rules and held that, for years, DJJ improperly shifted financial responsibility for detention days to the counties. However, they refused to reimburse the counties of the overcharges. “We need to resolve how to split the costs going forward, what to pay back to the counties, and how long it will take DJJ to pay it back,” Robinson said. “I think it’s wrong for the state to take ad valorem dollars from Escambia County taxpayers and give them to the state,” he said. “FAC wants to end the billing disputes so the state and counties can better focus on prevention, treatment and rehabilitation programs.” He said the courts had found the DJJ rules to be “internally inconsistent and not supported by facts or logic.” FAC supports allowing counties to pay actual costs on a monthly reimbursement basis. Currently the state pre-bills for the year. Robinson said, “And they don’t send back any money, if the actual costs are less.”

DIPLOMACY’S IMPACT Six members of

the Gulf Coast Citizen Diplomacy Council recently returned from Washington, D.C., where they attended a meeting sponsored by the U.S. Department of State focusing on citizen diplomacy. Executive Director Jena Melancon cochaired the event that had over 800 attendees. She said, “One distinct takeaway from this four-day event was that exchanges not only build bridges between cultures and have an impact on U.S. foreign policy, but that they also have an impact on local economies.” According to its research, the Gulf Coast Citizen Diplomacy Council and its professional exchanges contributed $429,208 to the local economy in 2014. Very impressive for an office that only has two full-time employees. Melancon said, “We put heads in beds, take visitors to local restaurants, stores and cultural events. We book transportation and make sure that their experience is a positive one. People leave with good memories, professional connections and a better understanding of the United States. We know our members and volunteers are making an intangible impact on the visitors and that the visitors, in turn, are making an impression on the locals they meet. These numbers show us that we’re making a tangible impact in the local economy as well.” {in}

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FIGHTING TO BE HEARD

The Deaf and the Law | By Rick Outzen The tables in the large room at the Center for Independent Living formed a rectangle. Several deaf people and their advocates sat, waiting to share their stories. A certified sign language interpreter was in the center of the formation to translate their unspoken words and ask the reporter’s questions. Pensacola Councilwoman Sherri Myers,

March 5, 2015

an advocacy outreach coordinator at the center, facilitated the two-hour discussion. “We asked you to come and listen to the problems we've had with law enforcement when they stop people who are deaf,” she said, “and how deaf people are not getting services they're required to have under the law when they're incarcerated and in the court system.”

Myers has a long history of civil rights work. For nearly 50 years, the attorney has fought for those that society shuns and ignores—the poor, homeless and disabled. The Center for Independent Living Disability Resource Center, where she works, is a nonprofit agency that is designed and operated by individuals with disabilities and

provides an array of independent living services. Its goal is to secure for all people with disabilities the opportunity to choose and realize their goals of where and how they live, learn, work and play. The deaf people in room asked their real names not be used. Inweekly honored that request. 11

TRYING TO BE UNDERSTOOD

Ned was arrested for battery against his girlfriend and her daughter and for battery on an officer. He is completely deaf and couldn’t get across to the officers what was happening. “I had been given two types of medication by my doctor and was having an adverse reaction,” he said. “The officers arrived at the home, and I couldn’t communicate with them and requested an interpreter.” His girlfriend, Karen, is also deaf. She knew about the medications and was concerned that he wasn’t acting right. Myers explained, “Karen was wanting him to be helped, maybe Baker Act him. She wanted to get that across to the police officers. Because of the lack of communication, the officers had no idea what was going on.” Ned said, “The officers did not try to communicate with Karen. They did not try to get an interpreter when I asked for one. The officer grabbed her daughter, age 17, and asked her to interpret.” Karen became very upset. “The officers looked at me like ‘You're deaf’ and ignored me,” she said. “My daughter’s not a certified interpreter, she has limited signing skills, she’s not that qualified to interpret. They put my daughter in harm’s way.” Ned added, “I was trying to sign and her daughter was trying to tell them what I was saying but they didn’t understand. I was requesting for a certified interpreter and they were speaking and I didn’t understand what she was trying to sign.” Myers explained when a deaf person signs, their motions may appear violent. Just how some people raise their voices when they want to make a point, a deaf person’s signing comes more demonstrative. They may appear to be combative. “I didn’t understand what they wanted,” Ned said. “I didn’t know if I should turn around, get on my knees, put my hands on my head, put my hands behind, or what movement am I supposed to do. I didn’t

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want to make wrong movements or I was probably going to get shot.” According to Ned and Karen, the officers mistook his signing for threatening the teen and them. They thought he was resisting arrest because he didn’t follow their commands. “I was also confused and then I saw all these officers jump on him and they beat him up. I kept thinking, why is this happening?” Karen said. “I felt this is not right,” she said. “The officers saw him and they immediately charged him because of his muscular build. They didn’t know deaf people need to have a big signing space. The way he signs, his arms are out and that’s part of our body language and expressions that are used to go with our signs. Many people don’t understand that.” Ned was taken to a hospital, bleeding from his nose and mouth. He was restrained in a bed with one arm over his head, the other down by his body. It left him unable to communicate with the medical staff. He said, “They were trying to talk to me. I tried to make motions that I was deaf.” It wasn’t until Jonnie Caraway, a sign language interpreter, arrived that he was able to communicate. “She came in and started interpreting and she saw what was going on, I couldn’t sign,” Ned said. “She told them to remove the restraints so that I could communicate.” Myers provided a copy of the arrest report. “The reason the arrest report is important is because it shows that his rights were violated. Because the officers knew he was deaf and still they say in the report he would not respond to verbal commands.”

The report stated that officers thought Ned understood what they were saying because he “started shaking his head and backing up toward the kitchen.” The deputies repeatedly ordered him to come toward them, but according to the report, he refused and continued toward the kitchen. When they punched and tried to subdue him, the report said that Ned “continued to resist, ignoring several verbal commands.” Myers said the deputies knew he was deaf. Yet they became upset when he would not respond to their verbal commends—words that Ned could not hear or understand. The incident could have been avoided had the deputies used a sign interpreter, according to Myers.

“The reason the arrest report is important is because it shows that his rights were violated. Because the officers knew he was deaf and still they say in the report he would not respond to verbal commands.” Sherri Myers

CAB FARE DISASTER

Dr. John Veasley, past president of the Pensacola branch of the NA ACP, told the story of a deaf woman that he and Myers had helped. The woman lives in Century and works in Pensacola. She usually uses community transportation services for the commute, which costs about $7.50 each trip. One evening, community transportation services couldn’t give her a ride home. She took a cab instead. When he pulled up to her house, the cab driver wanted $25 for the trip, which was more than she had in her purse. “She had the cab driver wait while she went inside the house to get the money from her mother, but she did not have the money either so she asked the cab driver to take her to the mother’s sister house about

two miles down the road,” Veasley said. The aunt gave $100 to the cab driver, who took the money and drove off without giving her any change. While driving to the aunt’s house, the cab driver called in to the dispatch that he had a nonpayer—something the young woman could not hear. Dispatch contacted the sheriff’s office. The cab driver did not notify dispatch later that he had been paid. “ When the officers got there, she was trying to sign. They could not understand so they arrested her,” Veasley said. “ When they took her to jail, she still didn’t have an interpreter.” The public defender wanted the woman to agree to pre-trial intervention, which required that she enter a guilty plea to the theft. “John and I felt like she did not understand what was going on and we knew she wasn’t guilty,” Myers said. They explained the situation to her and advised her not to plead guilty. Myers said, “When she went into the court room, the prosecutor who then had all the facts before him said, ‘She's not guilty of anything.’ He dropped the charges.” She said, “Had we not been there, the woman would now have a criminal record.”

LANGUAGE BARRIER

Communication with a deaf person isn’t as simple as handing him or her a pen and paper. The deaf advocates explained the deaf have difficulties comprehending some written words. Myers said, “That’s one reason written communication is not the most effective form of communication for people who are deaf.” The sign interpreter took a break and added, “Deaf people don’t read that well. A lot of them probably don’t get maybe 20 percent of what they're reading.” He said the deaf don’t necessarily fully understand their Miranda Rights when they read them.

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He said, “The card is written in English. In America, sign language and English are not equivalent. The America sign language has its grassroots coming from the French sign language, the grammatical structure is vastly different. Those who sign English may have a little more comprehension.” A deaf person might misunderstand the Miranda Rights when an officer gives him the card to read. He said, “When you try and use this card, you give it to a deaf person who communicates in America sign language especially if it’s old America sign language, you have certain phrases like ‘you have the right to have an attorney appointed.’ Well the word ‘appointment’ is really going to throw them off.” He said the word “right” has several meanings that a deaf person might not comprehend. “In their language, R-I-G-H-T could mean you're right. OK, so they're looking at the card that says, ‘You have the right, you are right.’ They're thinking, ‘Oh, okay, this is letting me know I'm right, something about I can get an attorney, something about a lawyer.’ There's a lot of confusion just in that card. By using the card officers are not mirandizing a deaf person.”

Ned said he did understand how some may confuse his signs for something more ominous. “Deaf people, they sign like this (waving his arms) when they try to get each other’s attention,” he said. “I’m very exuberant when I sign and I'm loud when I sign.” He admitted that he doesn’t realize when he is being “loud” because he’s excited, upset or something is very serious. He said, “The officers give me this odd look. They think that I'm crazy. They don’t understand that the deaf culture and their way.”

TRAFFIC STOP NIGHTMARE

Beth was out with her hearing friends. On her way home, her purse fell off the seat and she swerved the car and hit the curb when she went to grab it. Officers pulled her over. “They thought I was just playing with them, being silly,” she said. “I tried to explain to them that I'm deaf, but because I have some speech they just thought I was just silly or weird. Pointing toward Myers, Beth said, “Well she’s right, our speech isn’t perfect. When there are two words that are very similar, it’s hard to tell the difference when you're trying to read lips, too.” The officers gave Beth a field sobriety test. “I couldn’t see what he wanted me to do. When you're deaf and they're trying to give verbal orders that you can’t hear, they had to be right in front of me for me to understand what they were saying.” She was afraid. She was not given an interpreter at the scene or in the jail. The officers did eventually let her use a TDD, a telecommunications device for the deaf for text communication over a telephone line, to contact her father, who bonded her out of the jail. The judge ordered Beth to take a class as part of her sentence. The company offering the class would not provide an interpreter. The judge eventually dropped the requirement.

“They thought I was just playing with them, being silly. I tried to explain to them that I'm deaf, but because I have some speech they just thought I was just silly or weird.” Beth

Interview with Public Defender Bruce Miller Bruce Miller, the Public Defender for the First Judicial Circuit, said that his agency treats deaf similar to how it handles clients that speak a foreign language. He said, “We have two or three certified sign interpreters that we use for office interviews.” Miller had no statistics on how many deaf people they have served, but the public defender’s office currently has two deaf clients in Santa Rosa County.

March 5, 2015

NO ACCESS TO CLASSES

Jonnie Caraway, who also consults with Deaf and Hard Hearing Services in Pensacola, said, “We had a situation similar to that, a deaf client needed to take a parenting class as a part of his divorce. When he contacted the private companies, the private companies just said they would not provide an interpreter.”

Interview with Chief Deputy Haines Inweekly asked Chief Deputy Eric Haines of the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office about how his deputies are instructed to handle deaf people when they are involved in an incident. Haines said that the deputies initially treat them the same as they would anyone else, but upon recognition of the person being deaf, things change. “If it's a critical situation where they're a threat to the officer, there's not a whole lot going through the officer's mind at that point as to why they're not following instructions. Those have a propensity to end in tragedy if it gets taken to the extreme.” The level of crime impacts the encounter. Haines said, “If it's a minor crime, once they're hand-cuffed, and you understand they're deaf, you can tone things down because they're no longer a threat to the officer. The worst case scenario is when they would be deaf and as a threat to the officer, and there's no time for an attempt at communication.” He said, “I'm not really considering, ‘Do they speak English? Are they deaf?’—all these other things. I'm worried about self-protection right then as an officer.” If the victim is deaf, the deputy has normally the time and resources available to get a deaf interpreter to

The client had to take the class through Pensacola State College that does provide interpreters. She said, “He couldn’t go to the one he wanted to go to, which was more convenient for him because they wouldn’t provide the interpreter.” Sherri Myers said that most classes assigned by the criminal justice system don’t have sign interpreters. “In jail, you can attended anger management, substance abuse and other classes that will let you earn time off your sentence,” she said. “The deaf cannot do it because the classes don’t have interpreters.”

the scene. He said, “A lot of the deaf people, specifically in my encounters, have had good support networks where someone that they lived with, or a neighbor, or a relative comes and helps them to interpret when it's time to do a report of a crime or they need help with something.” The sheriff’s office has one volunteer for sign language. If that person is unavailable, the agency contacts EMS, who has a separate list of sign language interpreters. Haines said, “I've never had to call an interpreter out for the deaf because normally they can read and write. I've sat there and just wrote on my pad conversations back and forth. I've let them read the Miranda card, if they know how to read. Those are all things that get argued in court later, but we're worried about basic communication at the time of these incidents.” The sheriff’s office does not track deafness in its reporting system so Haines could not tell Inweekly how deaf people have been arrested in recent years. “We don't have a specific flag for the deaf,” he said. “If there's something in the report that would identify that person, like we needed an interpreter, we could check that special needs box, but that’s not mandatory.” Haines said that deputies usually go above and beyond when they encounter a special needs person. “Most of them get into this job because they're good people and want to help people,” he said. “I would be surprised that they would treat a deaf person rudely or something else like that. That is something that Sheriff Morgan would not take kindly to if our deputies were not sympathetic when they had the opportunity to be to a special needs person.”

Ned said while he was in the county jail he requested anger management and parenting classes. “They told me that I was in special housing and I couldn’t attend because of where I was locked up.” He said, “Deaf people can’t avail themselves of classes that would earn 10 days off for their sentence. Hearing people are allowed to do that and get gain time but a deaf person isn’t allowed that. We have to suffer even more. Deaf people should be able to take any of those to better themselves just as a hearing person can do.” 13

“Deaf people can’t avail themselves of classes that would earn 10 days off for their sentence. Hearing people are allowed to do that and get gain time but a deaf person isn’t allowed that.” Ned The deaf people also felt they are disrespected when they witness an accident or crime. A woman hit Ann’s car. Being deaf she needed an interpreter to explain to the Florida Highway Patrol what happened. “The officer arrived and I tried to explain to him what had happened,” Ann said, “Then the woman who hit my car started speaking to him and he agreed with her.” Ann was able to get an interpreter to come to the accident scene, but the officer wouldn’t listen. She said about the officer, “He got an attitude with me. He took her

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Inweekly submitted several questions to the Escambia County Public Information Office about how deaf prisoners are treated in the Escambia County Jail.

Kathleen Dough-Castro, the county’s Public Information manager, said that deaf persons are kept in special housing in the jail. She said, “They are placed in special housing unit, which is primarily because it is close to the video relay system that replaced the old TTY machines. It’s not segregated or anything like that.” Some of the deaf people that Inweekly interviewed said that they were not given their arrest reports and didn’t understand what were the charges against them. Dough-Castro said, “All inmates should be given a copy of their arrest report, unless they bond out, without regard to any sort of physical issues.” She said that the jail has no certified sign interpreters. “We do have some

side of the story, did not even listen to me and then gave me a ticket. He didn’t even communicate with me and hear my side of the story and was very rude. “ John Shiver, a deaf advocate for Deaf

and Hard of Hearing Services, asked that Inweekly readers try an experiment to understand what it is like to not be able to hear. “How would you feel if you had like ear

Answers from Escambia County

medical staff and some staff that may have some knowledge of it, but nobody who’s certified,” she said. “We do have 24-hour access to sign language through the video relay system.” The county jail currently has one deaf inmate. She said, “We’ve been told by his family that he can read lips. He has hearing aids, which at some point, were taken away from him but now he has them.” She said it was Sherri Myers who contacted County Administrator Jack Brown about the hearing aids. The jail staff quickly rectified the situation. When asked about how often the jail has deaf prisoners, Dough-Castro said, “They’re telling me it’s not a common issue, but we do have someone with us right now who is deaf.”

muffs on and you couldn’t hear? Try that,” he said. “You can’t hear anything, you can’t communicate. Now you will know what it is like to be deaf 24-hours a day. It will make a big difference in how you see things.” {in}

inweekly.net

WEEK OF MARCH 5-12

Arts & Entertainment See You At The Movies art, film, music, stage, books and other signs of civilization...

by Jennifer Leigh

Two years ago when Jim Norton sold the small movie theater Gulf Breeze Cinema 4, he thought he was going to retire. But it wasn’t long before he found a new way to introduce independent film to local viewers. “I just turned 65 and needed something to do,” he said. That new venture became Pensacola Cinema Art, a nonprofit theater located inside the 300-year-old Voices of Pensacola Building, a multicultural center downtown. The building, which is owned by UWF Historic Trust, opened the center in October 2014 thanks to a $605,000 gift from Gulf Power Company and Southern Company. Norton acts as the main volunteer for the theater, booking films and continuing his popular film festivals, which he hosted twice a year at Cinema 4. This year’s festival features independent movies, short films and documentaries—one of which was an Oscar-winner at this year’s award ceremony. “Movies like ‘American Sniper’ and ‘50 Shades of Grey’ are a great way to make money,” he said. “But when I’m looking at films to book, I want to show a good movie with a great story.” Although it’s a small venue—the conference-room-turned-theater only seats 50—Pensacola Cinema Art brings

Showing Friday And Saturday ▶Voices of Pensacola Building

1 p.m. Russian Ark—A 19th century French aristocrat, notorious for his scathing memoirs about life in Russia, travels through the Russian State Hermitage Museum and encounters historical figures from the last 200plus years. 4 p.m. Ida—Anna, a young novitiate March 5, 2015

“I just hope people walk away with a good story and a smile on their face.” Jim Norton

something new to the downtown area. “People asked me to do something like this 10 years ago here, but I didn’t think it was ready,” Norton explained. But now, he said, with its revitalization over the past few years, Norton felt confident the space would be successful and add to the mix of offerings downtown. Norton said he doesn’t want to take away from other small businesses and organizations in the area, but add to the movie experience. Just a few blocks away, the REX Theater is currently being renovated by Harvest Church. The cinema

nun in 1960s Poland, is on the verge of taking her vows when she discovers a dark family secret dating back to the years of the Nazi occupation. 7 p.m. The Two Faces of January—A thriller centered on a con artist, his wife, and a stranger who flee Athens after one of them is caught up in the death of a private detective.

▶J. Earle Bowden Building, Conference Room 1. 1 p.m.

“I don’t see it as competition— it’s expanding the independent film market,” Norton said. This weekend’s film festival will feature 12 different movies shown Friday and Saturday. Free parking will be offered behind the T.T. Wentworth Museum. And as always, free wine samples will be available at the Voices of Pensacola Building. Norton does get excited about offering locals and out of town guests something new to discover. “I just hope people walk away with a good story and a smile on their face,” he said. {in}

My Old Lady—An American inherits an apartment in Paris that comes with an unexpected resident. 4 p.m. Art and Craft (documentary)—When one of the most prolific art forgers in US history is finally exposed, he must confront the legacy of his 30-year con. 7 p.m. Chef—A chef who loses his restaurant job starts up a food truck in an effort to reclaim his creative promise, while piecing back together

turned church will be a part of the weekend’s film festival showing pre-approved flicks. In the future, Norton said, REX will be a regular spot to watch classic familyfriendly movies. Norton admits Pensacola Cinema Art is small. It doesn’t even have a concession stand. Instead guests are offered bottles of water and bags of pre-popped popcorn with the purchase of a movie ticket. Proceeds from ticket sales WHEN: 1, 4 and 7 p.m. March 6 and 7 pay for rent. WHERE: Voices of Pensacola, J. Earle He doesn’t try to compare Bowden Building and REX Theatre COST: $5 per movie or $20 for a weekend himself to his old stomping grounds pass. Purchase tickets at Voices of Pensacoin Gulf Breeze—what is now known la, 117 E. Government St. as Treehouse Cinema. He comDETAILS: pensacolacinemaart.com mends the new owner on doing a “great job.”

PENSACOLA FILM FESTIVAL

his estranged family.

▶J. Earl Bowden Building, Conference Room 2.

1 p.m. At Any Price—A farming family's business is threatened by an unexpected crisis, further testing the relationship between a father and his rebellious son. 4 p.m. The German Doctor—The true story of an Argentine family who lived with Josef Mengele without knowing his true identity, and of a girl who fell in love with one of the

biggest criminals of all time.

dozens of parrots.

7 p.m. Elsa and Fred—The story of two people who at the end of the road, discover that it's never too late to love and make dreams come true.

4 p.m. Alive Inside (documentary)—A nonprofit organization, Music & Memory, fights against a broken healthcare system to demonstrate music's ability to combat memory loss and restore a deep sense of self to those suffering from it.

▶The Rex Theatre, 3rd floor screening room 1 p.m. Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill (documentary)—A homeless musician finds meaning to his life when he starts a friendship with

7 p.m. Why We Ride (documentary)—The passion of the riders and the soul of their machines.

calendar

Ears & Fingers by Jason Leger

appeal. Combine that with a couple of hot risers like Danny Brown (‘Six Degrees’), MF Doom (‘Ray Gun’), and Tree (‘Street Knowledge’), and “Sour Soul” has the ability to not only keep a legendary rapper relevant, but also to establish BADBADNOTGOOD as a unique force to be reckoned with when it comes to hip hop music. “Sour Soul” is out now via Lex Records. Fans of Wu-Tang and its independent members should also keep an eye out for a solo album from Raekwon in April and probably something from GZA sometime this spring.

Ghostface Killah & BADBADNOTGOOD “Sour Soul”

“My thoughts are so heavy, I could change a generation.” Dennis Coles, or as you may know him, Ghostface Killah, is a part of a generation that is nearing non-buzz and may not be able to have much sway over a generation younger than his. Granted, Ghostface is not a person we would look to when times are tough or when we are in need of change. However, place him on an album with an up-and-coming jazz-fusion trio who are making a name for themselves by making tasteful hip-hop instrumentals and a couple of new generation rap’s shiniest stars, and Ghostface can make quite an appealing impact. “Sour Soul,” the collaboration between Ghostface Killah and BADBADNOTGOOD, makes just such an impact. It bridges the gap between the legendary and the hip by placing everyone involved in what could be considered an awkward situation. The idea of having an aging MC rhyme over a live band may sound either really good or really bad on paper, and traditionally leans toward the ‘really bad’ column. However, these two powers come out swinging and provide effervescent life, introspective lyrics and infectious

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IF YOU HAVEN’T HEARD:

The Districts

When you get into your 30s, the people writing and recording music seem to get younger and younger. 2014 saw The Orwells make their “old enough to go to war, but not old enough to drink” mark on the music world. Also last year, Sony Records signed Unlocking the Truth, a metal band comprised of three 13 year olds. It’s really strange to know that the people making music I dig are becoming more and more distant as peers. Pennsylvania up-and-comers The Districts fi t this mold perfectly. All four members are under 21, while the music they play has the grit and grime to add backdrop to a seedy bar poolroom. The attitude and pomp of The Districts is reminiscent of The Strokes, another group that was quite young when they got their start (in an era of Kid Rocks and Limp Bizkits no less), and have helped to reinvent their genre over the past 14 years or so. I can’t foresee if a The Districts

band this young will have the same impact as The Strokes have had over the span of their career, however the band are making aggressive strides with their recently released second album, “A Flourish and A Spoil.” While the band don’t quite live up to the chops or the hooks of a young Hammond Jr. or Casablancas, The Districts have created enough atmosphere, raucous choruses, and young rage to relive early 2000’s New York rock attitude. I highly recommend keeping an eye on these cats in the coming year as they continue to grow in swagger and cohesion. “A Flourish and A Spoil” is out now via Fat Possum Records.

TRACK OF THE WEEK:

M83 featuring Haim ‘Holes in the Sky’

M83 provided a jam with ‘I Need You’ from last year’s “Divergent” soundtrack. With the sequel being released later this year, M83 has already released his contribution to the follow-up soundtrack. ‘Holes in the Sky’ featuring the voices of Haim is equal in the drama that made ‘I Need You’ so infectious. Check it out on MTV.com right now, and be on the lookout for the sound track which will be released March 17 via Interscope Records. {in}

THURSDAY 3.5

WINE TASTING AT AWM 5 p.m. Try some-

thing new every week at Aragon Wine Market’s regular wine tasting, only a few blocks from downtown. 27 S. 9th Ave. aragonwinemarket.com “BOISSET WINE DINNER” 6-8 p.m. The Boisset collection unites old and new worlds of wine with its Franco-American spirit and wineries on two continents. SoGourmet above Bodacious Olive, 407 S. Palafox. $65. sogourmetpensacola.com RADIO LIVE 6 p.m. Musical guests include: Ed Gerhard, Louise Mosrie, and Cliff Eberhardt. Donations of non-perishable items for Manna Food Pantries are accepted at the door. Museum of Commerce, 201 E Zaragoza St. wuwf.org. UWF JAZZ BAND CONCERT 7 p.m. The UWF Jazz Band will be performing a spring concert. Free and open to the public. Great Hall at UWF Main Campus, University Commons Bldg. 22, 11000 University Pkwy. uwf.edu/cfpa THE GREEN 7 p.m. The Green with Through the Roots. Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox. $18-20. vinylmusichall.com

PANHANDLE COMMUNITY THEATRE PRESENTS: NIGHT WATCH 7:30 p.m. In an upscale

apartment in New York City, heiress Elaine Wheeler suspects that everyone she knows is plotting against her: the butcher who delivers her meats, her housekeeper, the neighborhood police officer, her personal nurse, various neighbors, and of course her husband John. She is a chronic insomniac and sees things take place outside her window that, when investigated, do not appear to have happened. Every character in this thriller is under suspicion and until the end of the play, the audience cannot be certain of what is real and what is created by Elaine's paranoia. Panhandle Community Theatre, 4646 Woodbine Rd., Storage Masters Center, Pace. $9. For ticket reservations, call 221-7599 or email panhandle_community_theatre@yahoo.com.

FRIDAY 3.6

SMOKING IN THE SQUARE: BARBECUE KICKOFF noon-9 p.m. Professional barbe-

cue teams from around the U.S. will gather

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calendar to compete at the first barbecue contest locally to be sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbecue Society (KSBS). Professional teams will be competing for prize money and points. Local barbecue enthusiasts also will be competing for prize money and bragging rights in the Backyard competition. Great family fun, entertainment, and food. Proceeds go to local charities. Free event, open to the public. Seville Square in Downtown Pensacola. smokinginthesquare.com PENSACOLA FILM FESTIVAL SPRING SCREEN SERIES 1- 8 p.m. Downtown Pensacola’s

newest theater, Pensacola Cinema Art, is the primary venue for the Pensacola Film Festival. Now in its 10th year, the festival presents a mix of new and recent films for straight up film buffs and the rest of us. Pensacola Film Festival will use several downtown venues to show 12 films in two days. Admission: $5 per film or $20 for weekend pass. Pensacola Cinema Art, inside the Voices of Pensacola Building, 117 E. Government Street, pensacolacinemaart.com

“WINE WITH HILARY: WINE TASTING AND EDUCATION GATHERING 4-5 p.m. SoGour-

met above Bodacious Olive, 407 S. Palafox. $15. sogourmetpensacola.com WINE TASTING AT CITY GROCERY 5-7 p.m. Out and about in East Hill on Friday night? Stop by City Grocery for their free weekly wine tasting before settling in or heading out for the night. 2050 N. 12th Ave. ANDY GRAMMA R 7 p.m. Andy Grammar, Alex and Sierra. Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox. $20. vinylmusichall.com PLT TREEHOUSE PRODUCTIONS: YOU’RE A GOOD MAN CHARLIE BROWN 7:30 p.m.

Though considered a "good man" by his friends, Charlie Brown can't seem to win the heart of the Little Red-Haired Girl, nor can his friend, Lucy, catch a glance from the young piano-playing Schroeder, her crush. Meanwhile, Snoopy and Linus daydream and the rest of the friends battle with kites, school, baseball and misunderstandings, before finally coming to realize what makes them truly happy. Mainstage at the Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson. $14-30. pensacolalittletheatre.com PANHANDLE COMMUNITY THEATRE PRESENTS: NIGHT WATCH 7:30 p.m. In an upscale

apartment in New York City, heiress Elaine Wheeler suspects that everyone she knows is plotting against her: the butcher who delivers her meats, her housekeeper, the neighborhood police officer, her personal nurse, various neighbors, and of course her husband John. She is a chronic insomniac and sees things take place outside her window that, when investigated, do not appear to have happened. Every character in this thriller is under suspicion and until the end of the play, the audience cannot be certain of what is real - and what is created by Elaine's paranoia. Panhandle Community Theatre, 4646 Woodbine Rd., Storage Masters Center, Pace. $12. For ticket reservations, call 221-7599 or email panhandle_ community_theatre@yahoo.com. MONSTER JAM 7:30 p.m. As one of the country’s premier live motorsport events, Monster Jam features the biggest, baddest March 5, 2015

monster trucks in the business going at it in bone-crushing races and freestyles. Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory. $5-33. pensacolabaycenter.com

SATURDAY 3.7

BAYOU HILLS RUN 5K/10K 7:30 a.m. Begin and end at Bayview Park as you over look a sunrise on Bayou Texar. Choose a 10K or 5K distance. The event includes a fun run for the kids. Bayview Park, 20th Ave. and Blount. $20-45. bayouhillsrun.org PALAFOX MARKET 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Fresh produce, live plants, baked goods, fine art and antiques are just a few of the items offered at the weekly Palafox Market in Downtown Pensacola. Items originate directly from participating vendors, including dozens of local farmers, home gardeners and area artists. Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza, N. Palafox. palafoxmarket.com LUMBERJACK FESTIVAL AT PSC 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. Get your jeans and flannel shirts ready. Bluegrass music, nature and wildlife exhibits, firefighting equipment demonstrations, food and children’s activities. Learn about the environmental degree programs offered by Pensacola State and the University of Florida at the Milton campus. Forestry competitions include knife throwing, axe throwing, log roll, bow sawing, cross cut, pulpwood toss and more. Free Tree Seedlings All Day. Pensacola State College Milton Campus, 5988 Highway 90, Milton. Free admission. lumberjack.pensacolastate.edu UKULELE CLASS 9:30 a.m. The Pensacola Ukulele Players Society (PUPS) meets every Saturday morning at Blues Angel Music, offering free ukulele lessons for both beginners and seasoned musicians. Loaner ukuleles are available for the sessions, which usually last an hour. Blues Angel Music, 657 N. Pace Blvd. bluesangelmusic.com GULF COAST RENAISSANCE FAIRE 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. Meet Their Majesties, see fabulous characters and experience a historically good time. Armored combat, the thunderous clash of jousters, the swirl of a dancer's costume and sample the wares of merchants from afar. Rain or shine event. Pensacola Interstate Fairgrounds, 6655 Mobile Hwy. gcrf.us

Marital and Family Law New Location: 127 Palafox Place Suite 100 Pensacola, Florida | 466-3115

SMOKING IN THE SQUARE BARBECUE KICKOFF 10 a.m. -7 p.m. Professional barbecue

teams from around the U.S. will gather to compete at the first barbecue contest locally to be sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbecue Society (KSBS). Professional teams will be competing for prize money and points. Local barbecue enthusiasts also will be competing for prize money and bragging rights in the Backyard competition. Great family fun, entertainment, and food. Proceeds go to local charities. Seville Square in Downtown Pensacola. Free and open to the public. smokinginthesquare.com

PENSACOLA FILM FESTIVAL SPRING SCREEN SERIES 1- 8 p.m. Downtown Pensacola’s

newest theater, Pensacola Cinema Art, is the venue for the Pensacola Film Festival. Now in its 10th year, the festival presents a mix of new and recent films for straight 17

calendar up film buffs and the rest of us. Pensacola Film Festival will use several downtown venues to show 12 films in two days. Admission: $5 per film or $20 for weekend pass. Pensacola Cinema Art, inside the Voices of Pensacola Building, 117 E. Government Street, pensacolacinemaart.com

monster trucks in the business going at it in bone-crushing races and freestyles. Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory. $5-33. pensacolabaycenter.com.

year’s event is “My Fair Lady.” Guests are invited to come in theme or evening attire. Individual seats at $75 or reserve a table for eight, for $500. Reserve your seat by calling 455-0330 or emailing rlsgala@hotmail.com. Mustin Beach Club, NAS Pensacola, 190 Radford Blvd. Bldg. 253. rlsschool.org

RELLO’N HOG 9:30 p.m. Rello’N Hog with

REDEEMER LUTHERAN ANNUAL GALA: DINNER AND AUCTION 5 p.m. The theme of this

PENSACOLA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: DON QUIXOTE 8 p.m. Pensacola Saenger, 118 S.

Palafox. $19-85. pensacolasymphony.com

BIG K.R.I.T. 9 p.m. Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S.

Palafox. $15-35. vinylmusichall.com

Johnny Panic, and Madlove. Sluggo’s Vegetarian Restaurant, 101 S. Jefferson St. $5. sluggospensacola.com

good time. Armored combat, the thunderous clash of jousters, the swirl of a dancer's costume and sample the wares of merchants from afar. Rain or shine event. Pensacola Interstate Fairgrounds, 6655 Mobile Hwy. gcrf.us PLT TREEHOUSE PRODUCTIONS: YOU’RE A GOOD MAN CHARLIE BROWN 2:30 p.m.

PANHANDLE COMMUNITY THEATRE PRESENTS: NIGHT WATCH 7:30 p.m. In an upscale

MONDAY 3.9

apartment in New York City, heiress Elaine Wheeler suspects that everyone she knows is plotting against her: the butcher who delivers her meats, her housekeeper, the neighborhood police officer, her personal nurse, various neighbors, and of course her husband John. She is a chronic insomniac and sees things take place outside her window that, when investigated, do not appear to have happened. Every character in this thriller is under suspicion and until the end of the play, the audience cannot be certain of what is real and what is created by Elaine's paranoia. Panhandle Community Theatre, 4646 Woodbine Rd., Storage Masters Center, Pace. $12. For ticket reservations, call 221-7599 or email panhandle_community_theatre@yahoo.com.

PLT TREEHOUSE PRODUCTIONS: YOU’RE A GOOD MAN CHARLIE BROWN 7:30 p.m.

Though considered a "good man" by his friends, Charlie Brown can't seem to win the heart of the Little Red-Haired Girl, nor can his friend, Lucy, catch a glance from the young piano-playing Schroeder, her crush. Meanwhile, Snoopy and Linus daydream and the rest of the friends battle with kites, school, baseball and misunderstandings, before finally coming to realize what makes them truly happy. Mainstage at the Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson. $14-30. pensacolalittletheatre.com MONSTER JAM 7:30 p.m. As one of the country’s premier live motorsport events, Monster Jam features the biggest, baddest

various neighbors, and of course her husband John. She is a chronic insomniac and sees things take place outside her window that, when investigated, do not appear to have happened. Every character in this thriller is under suspicion and until the end of the play, the audience cannot be certain of what is real and what is created by Elaine's paranoia. Panhandle Community Theatre, 4646 Woodbine Rd., Storage Masters Center, Pace. $12. Limited seating. For ticket reservations, call 221-7599 or email panhandle_community_ theatre@yahoo.com. GENERATIONALS 7 p.m. Generationals with Rose Quartz. Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox. $10. vinylmusichall.com

JAZZ SOCIETY OF PENSACOLA’S JAZZ JAM

6:30 p.m. This First Monday Jazz Jam features Roger Villines, trumpeter and director of the Pensacola State College Jazz Ensemble, leading the session. Members of the house band include: Burt Kimberl (piano), Steve Gilmore (bass), and Fred Domulot (drums). Arrive early for best seats. Special menu and full bar available. Admission: Performing musicians are invited to sit-in and are admitted free. $10 each for JSOP members and guests; $15 for non-members; $5 for students with ID. LaBrisa Cafe, 51 Gulf Breeze Pkwy. (Inside Quality Inn, just across the 3-mole bridge from Pensacola). jazzpensacola.com METH DAD 9:30 p.m. Meth Dad with Boyfriend, Jpegasus and Michael Parallax. The Handlebar, 319 Tarragona St. $8. pensacolahandlebar.com

Generationals / press photo IMPROVABLE CAUSE 10:30 p.m. Improvable Cause, an improvisational comedy troupe, performs unscripted theatre the first Saturday of every month, creating dialogue instantaneously in scenes that forgo rehearsal. M.C. Blanchard Courtroom Theatre in the Pensacola Cultural Center, 400 S. Jefferson St. pensacolalittletheatre.com

SUNDAY 3.8

GULF COAST RENAISSANCE FAIRE 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Meet Their Majesties, see fabulous characters and experience a historically

her crush. Meanwhile, Snoopy and Linus daydream and the rest of the friends battle with kites, school, baseball and misunderstandings, before finally coming to realize what makes them truly happy. Mainstage at the Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson. $14-30. pensacolalittletheatre.com

PANHANDLE COMMUNITY THEATRE PRESENTS: NIGHT WATC H 2:30 p.m. In an upscale

TUESDAY 3.10

SAUCES WITH SUE DEMONSTRATION 2-3 p.m.

Featuring breakfast gravies with samples. SoGourmet above Bodacious Olive, 407 S. Palafox. $10. sogourmetpensacola.com STRUT YOUR MUTT 6:45 p.m. Join fellow dog owners for a 45-minute leisurely stroll in East Hill. Dogs must be leashed and well behaved. Owners should be prepared to pick up after the pets. Meet at the entrance of Bayview Park, 20th Ave. and E. Mallory St. TUESDAY NIGHT POETRY NIGHT AT SLUGGO’S 7 p.m. Free open mic poetry event every

Tuesday. Sluggo’s Vegetarian Restaurant, 101

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calendar S. Jefferson St. facebook.com/TNPNS DANCECRAFT SWING CLASS 7:30-9 p.m. This class teaches the skills necessary to become a practitioner of West Coast Swing, a popular partner dance that can be enjoyed with virtually any kind of music. Additional classes and a social dance are held each Wednesday for a chance to put your skills to use. Tuesday class fee is $10 per person or free for people 30 years of age and younger. DanceCraft, 8618 Pensacola Blvd. dancecraftfl.com THE OARSMAN 9:30 p.m. The Oarsman (Chicago) with Bear With Me and Kevin Koontz. Sluggo’s Vegetarian Restaurant, 101 S. Jefferson St. $5. sluggospensacola.com

WEDNESDAY 3.11

LUNCH WITH THE JUNIOR LEAGUE noon-

1:30 p.m. Guest Chef Terry Smith of the Pensacola Junior League designed this lunch menu around their latest cookbook,

arts & culture

≥exhibits

“VISITING ARTIST SHOW” AT BLUE MORNING GALLERY This visiting

artist show features the works of Dharbinder Singh Bamrah. Bamrah is world renowned for capturing the spirit of African wildlife in his work. Bamrah, born in Kenya and raised in India and the UK, began skipping school at age 14 to spend time in central London galleries and museums. An article about the massacre of a herd of elephants in Africa, butchered for their tusks, inspired him to paint wildlife. After becoming a full time artist at age 24, he exhibited and sold paintings all over the world, raising and donating tens of thousands of dollars to wildlife preservation. Exhibit on display through March 28. Gallery hours and location: Monday-Wednesday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m; Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 8:30 pm; and Sunday 12:30 - 4:00 March 5, 2015

p.m. Blue Morning Gallery, 21 Palafox Place, bluemorninggallery.com

“TAGGED, STUDENT ART AND DESIGN EXHIBITION” AT TAG UWF This exhi-

bition is an annual juried exhibition of UWF student work. Every year TAG and the Department of Art host this show in an effort to foster passion in the arts and the pursuit of artistic endeavor. Juried exhibitions are critical in an artist’s practice and development. On display through March 13. Gallery hours and location: Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday, 12 - 4 p.m. TAG UWF, Building 82, 11000 University Pkwy. tag82uwf. wordpress.com

PENSACOLA’S KREWE OF LAFITTE ILLUMINATED MARDI GRAS PARADE EXHIBIT AT THE WRIGHT PLACE GALLERY A Fine

Art Photographic Exhibit displaying the work of photographer and Pace native, Frank Brueske. Brueske has captured the sights of the 2014 Krewe of Lafitte

"By Invitation Only." Cost includes a copy of the cookbook. On the menu: Bruschetta, Dilled Shrimp, Grilled Vegetables with Parsley Vinaigrette, Berry Topped Chocolate Fudge Cake, Sangria. SoGourmet above Bodacious Olive, 407 S. Palafox. $45. sogourmetpensacola.com WEST COAST WEDNESDAYS 6:30 p.m. Learn the West Coast Swing at this weekly class, which is followed by a social dance at 8:30 p.m. DanceCraft instructors are among the foremost experts in West Coast Swing in the Pensacola area. Wednesday classes are $10 per person and the social dance is $5 per. DanceCraft, 8618 Pensacola Blvd. dancecraftfl.com WACKA FLOCKA FLAME 8 p.m. Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox. $25-30. vinylmusichall.com TRIATHALON 9:30 p.m. Triathalon (Georgia) with local acts Nebular Theory, Pool Shark, and Jacyln Kerry. Sluggo’s Vegetarian Restaurant, 101 S. Jefferson St. $5. sluggospensacola.com

parade in more than 30 color prints. This is Brueske’s 15th solo exhibit, and his first entirely in color. On display through March 16. The Wright Place Gallery, 80 E. Wright St. frankbrueske.com “METAMORPHOSIS: THE WORK OF CINDY MATHIS LEWIS”AT MAINLINE ART HOUSE Cindy

Mathis (Lewis) is a self-taught, multidisciplinary artist with an extensive background in both visual and applied arts. Best known for her sought-after skills as a decorative artist, Cindy has executed murals, faux finishes and custom artwork for private residences and commercial entities across the United States, Costa Rica and Paris, France. Gallery hours and location: Tuesday - Friday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Mainline Art House, 442 S. Palafox. mainlinearthouse.com

“OBJECT: SCULPTURES, PRINTS, AND DRAWINGS” AT PMA

Michael Boles, Pensacola State College Professor of Art and active member of

our community’s art scene, is exhibiting his body of work at the Pensacola Museum of Art through April 18. Exhibit includes work from the past ten years of Boles’s life. “Color of Freedom: Journey Along the Underground Railroad” also remains on display through April 4. This exhibit displays a collection of 49 paintings, etchings and drawings by painter and printmaker, Joseph Holston. These works capture the remarkable courage and determination of individuals during this period of American history. Gallery hours and location: TuesdaySaturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults; $8 for members, children 17 and under, seniors and active duty military. Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S. Jefferson St. pensacolamuseum.org

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“SKETCHES OF SPAIN BY NINA FRITZ” ALSO AT PMA

This exhibition leads the viewer through painted memories of local portrait art-

calendar ist, Nina Fritz, and her travels to Spain. The region is close to the artist’s heart due to dear friend, and Honorary Consult to Spain, Maria Davis. In 2013 Fritz was commissioned to paint the granddaughters of King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia of Spain. The Queen was so taken with the talented artist that she invited her to court to meet. This exhibition is a visual postcard through oil and watercolor of this trip and the beauty of the region and the people she encountered whilst there. Exhibition on display through April 18. Gallery hours and location: Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults; $8 for members, children 17 and under, seniors and active duty military. Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S. Jefferson St. pensacolamuseum.org “HISTORIC CIVIL RIGHTS PHOTOGRAPHS & ART FACULTY WORKS” AT PSC Historic Civil

Rights photographs by acclaimed photojournalist Art Shay and eclectic works by the Pensacola State College Visual Arts faculty are on display at the Anna Lamar Switzer Center for Visual Arts. A world class, street photographer and writer, Shay spent more than 70 years as a Chicago-based freelance photographer for national magazines such as Life, Time, Sports Illustrated. His gripping Civil Rights images from the 1960s are on display, accompanied by narratives produced by PSC History Department faculty

020 2

and students. Also on display is the PSC Art Faculty Exhibition. This exhibit includes a variety of mediums such as ceramics, sculpture, jewelry, drawing, digital imaging, graphic design, painting, photography and video. Both exhibits on display through March 13. Gallery hours and location: Anna Lamar Switzer Center for Visual Arts, 9th Ave. and Airport Blvd. Admission is free and the gallery is open Monday – Thursday, 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. and Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tours are available with prior arrangements.

“SHOWCASING ART IN YOUR HOME” AT QUAYSIDE ART GALLERY A one-

of-a-kind feature event for all who enjoy decorating and living with art. Are you a decorator, designer, realtor, condo owner? Do you enjoy decorating your home? Quayside Gallery is transformed with living venues on the first floor. This special event is an all gallery artist highlight. On display through March 23. Gallery hours and location: MondaySaturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, 1-5 p.m. Quayside Art Gallery, 17 E. Zaragoza St. quaysidegallery.com

≥exhibits ending soon

“MASK” AT ARTEL

Artel is excited to host its eighth annual "Mask” exhibit by Escambia County Schools students. Artel exhibits over

130 masks from 20 area schools. Two judges, Mary Anne Staples and Donna Harper, will select placement winners. On display through March 6. Gallery hours and location: TuesdaySaturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Artel Gallery, 223 S. Palafox, Old County Courthouse. artelgallery.org

Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. First City Art Center, 1060 N. Guillemard St. firstcityart.org.

≥gallery talk

GALLERY TALK AT PMA: THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE 3

p.m. Sunday, March 8. Free event. Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S. Jefferson St. pensacolamuseum.org

≥call for art

THE GO SHOW: MARCH MADNESS AT ARTEL Due to a

“NOVA 13” AT FCAC

The Gallery at First City Art Center presents “Nova 13” featuring new works by the thirteen studio artists, including five artists new to the Gallery: Georgia Beliech, Karin Gudmudson, Jean Harris, Leanne Payne, and Paula Perdue. The five join artists Kim Brungraber, Diane Collins, Jennifer Fleming, Pat Hayes, Sherrie Mitchell, Joseph Thompson, Margaret Warren and Glass Artistin-Residence John Shoemaker. “Nova 13” encompasses a wide spectrum of artistic media, showcasing mixed media sculpture, glassworking, pottery, lithography, collage, painting, photography and fiberwork. Exhibit on display through March 11. Gallery hours and location: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and

last minute change in scheduling at Artel, the gallery has a unique opportunity to offer this show as a chance to exhibit your most outrageously creative works. Go crazy, go innovative, experience and go nuts. Let go and go to the “Go Show!” Each artist is invited to submit one piece. Entry fee is $10 for members; $20 for non-members. This is not juried so all submitted works will be exhibited. Drop off dates: March 7-8. Email info@ artelgallery.org for more information and guidelines, or call 432-3080. Artel Gallery, 223 S. Palafox, Old County Courthouse. artelgallery.org “FOR THE LOVE OF BROWNSVILLE” The

Escambia County Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), in partnership with Lamar Advertising and Artel Gallery, is proud to bring urban art to the Brownsville area. Our goal is to plant a seed of pride within the community by creating an outdoor urban art gallery throughout the Brownsville area. This art gallery will display large-scale images from local artists

and will become an ongoing gallery. The theme of this year’s competition is “For the Love of Brownsville.” Artists are invited to create a work of art that shows a loving, artful and united side of the Brownsville Community. Drop off deadline is Friday, April 10, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Artel Gallery. Submissions will be juried by a panel of artists, business leaders, and community leaders. Email info@ artelgallery.org for more information and guidelines, or call 432-3080. Artel Gallery, 223 S. Palafox, Old County Courthouse. artelgallery.org

≥classes & workshops

“COLOR YOUR ART” WITH MELINDA GIRON 5:30-8:30

p.m. Thursday, March 5. For those with some painting experience Melinda Giron facilitates this refresher class to introduce new ideas/ techniques, open to watercolor, oils and acrylics. Students are invited to bring their own clear image for reference or a piece currently in progress. $100 per student for 4 class sessions. Blue Morning Gallery, 21 S. Palafox. For more information call 686-5151. To register for class, visit: bluemorninggallery. com/classes. “MAKE-YOUROWN-GLASS” CLASS

10a.m.-3 p.m. Friday, March 6 and Saturday, March 7. Held weekly on Friday and Saturdays, First City Art Center offers weekly “MakeYour-Own-Glass” classes, no previous glassblowing skills necessary. The classes are open to

anyone age 8 and older and range in price from $25-$45. Pre-registration and pre-payment is required and can be made by calling 429-1222. First City Art Center, 1060 N. Guillemard St. firstcityart.org PORTRAIT IMPRESSION AND DEMONSTRATION WITH ARTIST NINA FRITZ

9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday, March 7. In conjunction with her exhibition at the PMA, artist Nina Fritz will be teaching this workshop on the process of creating a portrait from life. With a live model on hand, Nina will instruct students on the tools and techniques of her craft and provide insight on how to capture the spirit of the subject. $75 for members and $90 for non-members plus $40 for materials (unless you supply your own). Must pre-register by phone or email. 432-6247 ext. 204 or cglover@pensacolamuseum.org. Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S. Jefferson St. pensacolamuseum.org INTRODUCTION TO POTTERY ON THE WHEEL 6-8:30 p.m.

Monday, March 9. During this weekly workshop held on Monday evenings at First City Art Center, instructor Pearl VanHoove works individually with students to develop consistency in throwing on the wheel. Participants receive and introduction to materials, equipment and throwing techniques. Each session begins with a brief demonstrations followed by hands-on time at the wheel. The inweekly.net

calendar class is $40 and open to individuals age 14 and up. Pre-registration and pre-payment is required and can be made by calling 429-1222. Class is limited to two participants. First City Art Center, 1060 N. Guillemard St. firstcityart.org

bars & nightlife

≥bar games Thursdays

POKER 8 p.m. The

Ticket 1, 7250 Plantation Rd., ticketsportsbar.com POOL TOURNAMENT 8 p.m. The

Ticket 2, 2115 W. 9 Mile Rd., ticketsportsbar.com Fridays

DRAG BINGO 6-8

p.m. Ages 21 and over. Emerald City’s The Other Side, 406 E. Wright St. emeraldci-

March 5, 2015

typensacola.com

POOL TOURNAMENT 8 p.m. The

Ticket 1, 7250 Plantation Rd., ticketsportsbar.com Mondays

TEXAS HOLD ‘EM FOR FUN AND TRIVIA 7

p.m. The Sandshaker Lounge, 731 Pensacola Beach Blvd. sandshaker.com TRIVIA NIGHT 7-9 p.m. World of Beer, 200 S. Palafox. wobusa.com/locations/Palafox BAR BINGO 8 p.m. Apple Annie’s at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. sevillequarter.com MONDAY NIGHT TRIVIA 9:30-10:30

p.m. Mugs and Jugs, 12080 Scenic Highway. facebook.com/ MugsJugs

Tuesdays

TUESDAY TRIVIA 8

p.m. The Bridge Bar and Sunset Lounge, 33 Gulf Breeze

Parkway. facebook. com/thebridgebargb

TICKET TEAM TRIVIA 8 p.m. The Ticket

1, 7250 Plantation Rd., ticketsportsbar. com POKER 8 p.m. The Ticket 2, 2115 W. 9 Mile Rd., ticketsportsbar.com DRAG BINGO 10 p.m.-Midnight. Ages 18 and over. Emerald City’s The Other Side, 406 E. Wright St. emeraldcitypensacola.com Wednesdays

PUB TRIVIA NIGHT

7-9:30 p.m. Goat Lips Beer Garden, 2811 Copter Road. facebook.com/ goatlipsdeli

WEDNESDAY QUIZ TRIVIA 8 p.m. The

Cabaret, 101 S. Jefferson St. cabaretpensacola.com

TICKET BAR BINGO

8 p.m. The Ticket 1, 7250 Plantation Rd.,

ticketsportsbar.com TEAM TRIVIA 8 p.m. Hopjacks. 10 S. Palafox. hopjacks. com BAR BINGO 10 p.m. Play, 16 S. Palafox, Suite 200. iplaypensacola.com

≥karaoke Thursdays

VFW Post 706, 6 p.m. 5000 Lillian Highway. vfw706. org Lili Marlene’s at Seville Quarter, 8 p.m. 130 E. Government St. sevillequarter. com The Cabaret, 9 p.m. 101 S. Jefferson St. cabaretpensacola. com Hub Stacey’s At the Point, 9 p.m. 5851 Galvez Road. hubstaceys.com Saturdays

Hub Stacey’s Downtown, 9 p.m. 312 E. Government St. hubstaceys.com Sundays

Lili Marlene’s at Seville Quarter, 8 p.m. 130 E. Government St. sevillequarter. com The Sandshaker Lounge, 9 p.m. 731 Pensacola Beach Blvd. sandshaker. com Mondays

The Cabaret, 9 p.m. 101 S. Jefferson St. 607-2020 or cabaretpensacola.com Tuesdays

The Sandshaker Lounge, 8 p.m. 731 Pensacola Beach Blvd. sandshaker. com Play, 9 p.m. 16 S. Palafox, Suite 200. iplaypensacola.com

≥live music

THURSDAY 3.5 AL MARTIN 6 p.m.

The Piano Bar, Quality Inn, 7601 Scenic Highway. facebook.com/ QualityInnScenicHwy

LUCAS CRUTCHFIELD 6 p.m. The

Deck at The Fish House, 600 S. Barracks St. fishhouse. goodgrits.com BRYAN LEE 6 p.m. Paradise Bar and Grill, 21 Via De Luna Dr. paradisebargrill.com GREG LYON 7 p.m. Hub Stacey's Downtown, 312 E. Government St. hubstaceys.com DJ LAO COLLEGE NIGHT 9 p.m.

Phineas Phogg’s at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. sevillequarter.com

SHAM ROCKER KELLY 9 p.m.

Traditional Irish folk, Rebel Songs. McGuire's Irish Pub, 600 E. Gregory St. mcguiresirishpub. com

FRIDAY 3.6

LUCAS CRUTCHFIELD 5 p.m. The

House, 600 S. Barracks St. fishhouse. goodgrits.com AL MARTIN 6 p.m. The Piano Bar, Quality Inn, 7601 Scenic Highway. facebook.com/ QualityInnScenicHwy

St. sevillequarter. com

O’ Grady’s at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. sevillequarter.com THE BLENDERS 8:30 p.m. Hub Stacey's Downtown, 312 E. Government St. hubstaceys.com

Annie’s at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. sevillequarter.com

DUELING PIANO SHOW 8 p.m. Rosie

DJ ORLANDO RICARDO 9 p.m.

Emerald City, 406 E. Wright St. emeraldcitypensacola.com THE REDFIELD 9 p.m. Lili Marlene’s at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government

SHAMROCKER KELLY 9 p.m.

Traditional Irish folk, Rebel Songs. McGuire's Irish Pub, 600 E. Gregory St. mcguiresirishpub. com

GRAND THEFT AUTO 9 p.m. Apple

SATURDAY 3.7 AL MARTIN 6 p.m.

The Piano Bar, Quality Inn, 7601 Scenic Highway. facebook.com/ QualityInnScenicHwy

BISCUIT MILLER & THE MIX 6 p.m.

Paradise Bar and Grill, 21 Via De Luna Dr. paradisebargrill.com

for more listings visit inweekly.net

Deck at The Fish

222 2

inweekly.net

news of the weird THE UNHONEYMOON A Saratoga Springs, New York, resort has begun accepting totally defeated husbands and wives for a relaxed weekend that includes divorce, bringing to America a concept already successful in six European cities. The Gideon Putnam Resort & Spa charges $5,000 for a couple to check in on a Friday, married, but leave Sunday officially single (complete with all legal niceties and various resort amenities, including, of course, separate rooms). Even though the couple must be fairly level-headed to accept this approach, the facility manager expressed concern that since the resort also books weddings, the "uncouplers" might inadvertently witness difficult scenes. (Gideon Putnam has hosted four divorces so far, but, said the European founder of the package service, "hundreds" of couples have used the services in Europe.) WEIRD SCIENCE Another Animal With a Worse Sex Life Than Yours: No organism has it tougher than the male South-East Asian coin spider, according to research reported by New Scientist in January. It is somehow driven to mate with a female up to four times larger who is almost as driven to eat the male as to mate. After insemination, the male impulsively fights off other males' attempts to disrupt the conception, and that means becoming a more nimble fighter, achieved, according to Matjaz Kuntner of the Slovenian Academy of the Arts and Sciences, by biting off its own genitals, since that organ comprises about one-tenth the spider's body weight. • Because We Can: Scientists at the University of California, Irvine (with Australian partners) announced in January that they had figured out how to unboil a hen's egg. (After boiling, the egg's proteins become "tangled," but the scientists' device can untangle them, allowing the egg white to return to its previous state.) Actually, the researchers' paper promises dramatically reduced costs in several applications, from cancer treatments to food production, where similar, clean untanglings might take "thousands" of times longer. POLICE REPORT (1) The Knoxville (Tennessee) Police Department reminded motorists (via its Facebook page) that all vehicles need working headlights for night driving. Included was a recent department photo of the car of a Sweetwater, Tennessee, motorist who was ticketed twice the same evening with no headlights but only flashlights tied to his bumper with bungee cords. (2) A forlorn-appearing Anneliese Young, 82, was arrested at a CVS pharmacy in Augusta, Georgia, in February after store security allegedly caught her shoplifting a container of "Sexiest Fantasies" body spray that, according to the packaging, "provides a burst of sensuality ... as addictive and se-

by Chuck Shepherd

ductive as the woman who wears it," "sure to drive any man wild." BRIGHT IDEAS The Jeju Island Korean restaurant in Zhengzhou, China, staged a promotion last month to pick up lunch tabs for the 50 "most handsome" people to dine there every day. Judging was by a panel of cosmetic surgeons (who were partnering with the restaurant) and, as contestant-diners posed for photographs, they were evaluated on "quality of " eyes, noses, mouths and especially foreheads (better if "protruding"). • The owner of the Kingsland Vegetarian Restaurant in a suburb of Canberra, Australia, apologized in February for the cockroach infestation that contributed to a $16,000 fine, explaining that, for moral reasons, he could not bring himself to exterminate living things—even cockroaches. (Less welldefended were Kingsland's toilet, grease and food-storage shortcomings.) PEOPLE WITH ISSUES Sorry, Ladies, He's Taken: In yet another chilling episode of body modification, the otherwise handsome Henry Damon, 37, married father of two, appeared in January at the Caracas (Venezuela) International Tattoo Expo as Red Skull (archenemy of Captain America), who has somehow fascinated Damon for years. The exhibiting of his idolatry began with subdermal forehead implants (ultimately replacing his eyebrows with prominent ridges), followed by going all-in for Red Skull by allowing a medical school dropout to lop off what looks like half of his nose. (How his deep red color was achieved was not mentioned in news reports.) For the record, the "surgeon" called Damon "a physically and intellectually healthy person." LEAST COMPETENT CRIMINALS Mastering the Technology: (1) Donald Harrison, 22, wanted for assault in Ambridge, Pennsylvania, made police aware of his whereabouts when he posted a "selfie" on Facebook from a Greyhound bus with the notation, "It's Time to Leave Pa." He was picked up at a stop in nearby Youngstown, Ohio. (2) Police in Houston arrested Dorian Walker-Gaines, 20, and Dillian Thompson, 22, after they posted selfies on Facebook of themselves enjoying a handful of $100 bills—photos they took on an iPad they had stolen on Jan. 8 and whose photos automatically uploaded to the victim's iCloud account. (Incidentally, Walker-Gaines has, tattooed across his chest, "BRILLIANT.") {in}

Send your weird news to Chuck Shepherd, P.O. Box 18737, Tampa, Fla., 33679 or weirdnews@earthlink.net, or go to newsoftheweird.com March 5, 2015

Independent News | March 5, 2015 | inweekly.net