May 26 16 issue

Independent News | May 26, 2016 | Volume 17 | Number 22 | inweekly.net

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winners & losers 4

outtakes 5

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publisher Rick Outzen

art director Richard Humphreys

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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. Š 2015 Inweekly Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

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UNIVERSITY OF WEST FLORIDA The UWF Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, in partnership with colleagues in the UWF Department of Chemistry and Office of Undergraduate Research, has been awarded a $294,000 grant from the National Science Foundation. The grant will provide funding over a three-year period to support summer research stipends for students, as well as equipment costs to support their research. The grant will also provide opportunities for travel, as students and faculty from Earth and Environmental Sciences and other departments will be able to travel to nationallevel geoscience conferences.

GREG URBAN The owner of Wild Greg’s Saloon has a plan to bring back Gallery Nights to downtown Pensacola after the Downtown Improvement Board ends its sponsorship of the program in September. Urban proposes to create a corporation that will run the new Gallery Nights once a month. He wants to shrink the event to cover only the first block of South Palafox Place between Garden and Romana streets.

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losers FLORIDA POWER & LIGHT The Florida

Supreme Court ruled on May 19 that utility regulators exceeded their authority in allowing Florida Power & Light to invest ratepayers' money in a controversial Oklahoma natural-gas project. The court, in a 6-1 decision, said the Florida Public Service Commission didn't have legal authority in 2014 to approve FPL's request to invest in the drilling and production of natural gas in what is known as the Woodford Gas Reserves Project.

PENSACOLA CITY HALL A new entanglement has risen in city government over how the Architectural Review Board (ARB) handles its agenda. For years, the board has tabled applications that either didn’t have enough information or were considered incomplete. City attorney Lysia Bowling had rendered an opinion that tabling of an item by the ARB does not constitute taking action on it. The ARB disagreed and tabled several projects at its meeting on May 19, setting the stage for another round of legal wrangling at city hall.

FLORIDA CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM While most everyone agrees the state’s criminal justice system is too costly and ineffective, the Florida Legislature has failed to work out any solutions. Florida TaxWatch recently issued a new report that proposes solutions that would reduce recidivism, keep the public safe, save taxpayer dollars, and most importantly, give non-violent inmates a second chance. Let’s hope state lawmakers are listening.

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outtakes

by Rick Outzen

LET’S TALK In this issue, I wrote an article on my conversation with fellow Ole Miss grad Dr. Michael Butler on News Talk 1370 WCOA’s “Pensacola Speaks.” His new book, “Beyond Integration: The Black Freedom Struggle in Escambia County, Florida, 1960-1980,” pushed me to consider why our community still has a problem dealing with race.

Butler believes the issue is communication.

For many whites, the passage of the Civil Rights legislation, integration of public schools and the election of a handful of African-American officials signaled that racial discrimination was over. However, black leaders point to the low graduation rates, lack of services in their neighborhoods, and lower household incomes and say the struggle for equality hasn’t ended.

Any black leader who speaks of discrimination is often dismissed as “playing the race card,” which immediately cuts off any meaningful discussion. Without any dialogue, wounds can’t heal, change can’t take place and our community can’t improve.

Pensacola and Escambia County aren’t outliers when it comes to the lack of dialogue between its black and white neighborhoods.

“I realized that Escambia County's story is not unique in the South, that what happens in Escambia County, what happens in Pensacola, is very similar to what many other Southern communities had to go through in the period beyond integration,” said Butler.

The legislation that forced integration in the sixties didn’t necessarily change attitudes.

Butler believes it fostered lingering resentments that surfaced in the following decades and still bubbles to the surface now. He points to the riots at Escambia High School over the Rebel mascot and Confederate flag and the imprisonment of Rev. H. K. Matthews for protests over the death of a young black man killed by a sheriff’s deputy as two examples of how those resentments bubbled up in the seventies.

Some of those hard feelings surfaced last summer when the Escambia Board of County Commissioners voted to take down the Confederate flag that flew at the Pensacola Bay Center. Whites spoke out against the change, criticizing the commissioners for being “politically correct.” Others asked that all flags be removed because of atrocities done when they flew over Pensacola. Blacks asked the reminder of slavery be taken down.

Butler saw the debate over the Confederate flag a continuation of what happened at Escambia High School over 40 years ago. He was pleased that the discussion, though heated at times, stayed civil and was resolved peacefully.

He hopes his book will evoke more conversations that will lead to more understanding of the issues. Butler said, “If we don't learn from the past, we will repeat it.”

That it’s true for most issues facing our nation’s first settlement. Let’s talk. {in} rick@inweekly.net

Pensacola and Escambia County aren’t outliers when it comes to the lack of dialogue between its black and white neighborhoods.

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RACE: CAN WE FINALLY DISCUSS IT?

By Rick Outzen Race is a non-starter for most conversations in Pensacola. Whites’ eyes glaze over when they think anyone is “playing the race card.” For them, racism ended with integration of the public schools. Blacks see it differently, but what’s the use in talking to a brick wall.

Dr. Michael Butler, a history professor at Flager College, thinks it’s time we have an open, honest conversation about race, not only in Escambia County, but across the South.

His latest book, “Beyond Integration: The Black Freedom Struggle in Escambia County, Florida, 1960-1980,” is definitely a conversation starter. The book, which was published this month, offers a new perspective on the years after the Civil Rights era and discusses why the gains in racial equality have not fulfilled the early promises of the movement.

Butler appeared on News Talk 1370 WCOA’s “Pensacola Speaks” to talk about 66

the book and why he chose to research Escambia County.

“Escambia County has a unique story to tell,” said Butler.

“As I started digging into the history that was behind a federal report that I found on police brutality in Escambia County in 1980, I realized that Escambia County's story is not unique in the South, that what happens in Escambia County, what happens in Pensacola, is very similar to what many other Southern communities had to go through in the period beyond integration.”

Butler researched to find out what happened in communities after the reporters left, after the civil rights laws were passed, after activists went to the next place where they were summoned. How do black and white communities in a town live with each other? How do they pick up the pieces, and how do they move forward in the aftermath of this period of integration?

“Escambia County I think encapsulated a lot of what I suspected happened during that period, but I think it's for those reasons that this particular book, and Escambia County specifically, that I took it into the project that it ultimately became,” he said.

Newcomers to Pensacola, both AfricanAmericans and whites, often joke that parts of Pensacola and Escambia seem to be10 years behind the rest of the country when it comes to race relations.

Butler said, “I've learned that the violent confrontations that we read about and saw in places like Birmingham and Selma and Little Rock, for the most part, those

were the exceptions and not the rules. Most of the places during this period that had to integrate, it wasn't incredibly smooth, but it was relatively peaceful. That's exactly what happened in Pensacola.”

The history professor said the sit-in in downtown Pensacola that was commemorated with a marker last year wasn’t peaceful, but it was relatively smooth and over quickly. However, Butler believes the sit-ins and other peaceful protests of the sixties created lingering resentments that bubbled to the surface a decade later.

Two episodes represent the pinnacle of a lot of those animosities: the riots at Escambia High School over the Rebel mascot and the shooting of a black man, Wendall Blackwell, by an Escambia County deputy that led to the conviction of Rev. H.K. Matthews for leading the protests (Inweekly, “A Cycle of Injustice,” 3/15/10).

The Escambia High riots drew national attention.

“Walter Cronkite actually covered it on the CBS Evening News,” said Butler. “It reached national proportions. Not only did you have one riot where four people were shot, not only do you have beatings, not only do you have intimidation, not only do you have all of the negative, nasty things that go along with racial unrest, but you also had a rejuvenation of the United Klans of America (UKA) during that period.”

The shooting of Blackwell also sparked tempers that Butler believes led to an overreaction by the white power structure.

“I found in Pensacola that the Blackwell shooting was not one episode in which the SCLC (Southern Christian Leadership Conference) and NAACP were looking for something to complain about, as was often said, but it was the latest and the most egregious episode in a series of conflicts between local blacks, and particularly the Escambia County Sheriff's Department,” he said.

When blacks staged a protest rally outside the sheriff’s office, Rev. H. K. Matthews and Rev. B. J. Brooks were charged with felony extortion. Brooks agreed to discontinue protests and got five years probation, but Matthews was sentenced to five years hard labor in state prison because he refused to the stipulation. Later Gov. Reuben Askew granted both men clemency.

The violent overreaction by whites in both incidents happened because the black freedom struggle didn’t end with passage of a few laws, according to Butler.

“When laws are passed, it doesn't mean that racism dies.” Michael Butler

“When laws are passed, it doesn't mean that racism dies,” he said. “I think that's not just Escambia County's problem, that's not just Florida's problem. That is a national problem.”

He added, “There are a lot of people who fail to recognize that, and that's one of the reasons, the subtitle of my book is not, ‘The Civil Rights Movement of Escambia County, Florida.” It's ‘The Black Freedom Struggle’ because freedom is a constant struggle. It doesn't end with legislation. It doesn't end with the death of Dr. King. It doesn't even end with the sentence of Reverend Matthews. All of these are definitely watershed moments in a continuous black freedom struggle, but it's not the end of the movement.”

Butler believes that with the passage of the Civil Rights legislation in the sixties that the white power structure basically said to the black community, "The movement's over. You people got what you wanted. You got laws passed. You have affirmative action plans. You have all of these opportunities. What else is there for you to complain about? The movement's over. Get over it."

However, the African-American community sees it differently, according to the history professor. The passage of the laws was just one step towards rectifying a lot of discrepancies that exist in society.

“It's not the end,” he said. “It's actually the beginning, so you have two groups of people who are both in some ways very, very genuine in what they believe, but particularly those in power tend to believe that there's no racism.”

The whites point out that more African Americans are being hired as sheriff's deputies. The fire department is integrated, so are the public schools. Blacks talk about the differences in the graduation rates between white students and black students, as well as income, housing and wage discrepancies.

Butler said he hopes his book will start a dialogue between whites and blacks about these issues.

“That's the purpose of the book,” he said. “One of the things I wanted to do with actually finishing the book was to stress the need for dialogue, to stress the need for understanding.”

He said, “You don't have to agree, but you have to listen. Just because we talk about race doesn't mean we're playing the racial card, right? What happened in Pensacola last summer with the Confederate flag is a continuation of what happened at Escambia High School in 1974, '75, ’76.”

Butler added, “If we don't learn from the past, we will repeat it.” {in}

“Just because we talk about race doesn't mean we're playing the racial card, right?” Butler

inweekly.net

CITY DROPS BALL ON JOB EVALUATIONS tially exceeds expectations, objectives, and results; demonstrates outstanding level of expertise and skills; employee consistently exceeds departmental and city-wide goals and objectives of teamwork, initiative,

“We can’t address behavior properly without first setting goals and implementing an objective system.” Quint Studer

City Hall / Courtesy Photo

By Rick Outzen The city of Pensacola has not done a written job performance evaluation of its administrative staff in four years, according to records obtained by Inweekly. The most recent evaluation of a department head was October 2009.

According to the personnel records of 14 city departments, Mayor Ashton Hayward has hired five department heads since he was sworn into office in January 2011-City Administrator Eric Olson, City Attorney Lysia Bowling, Housing Administrator Marcie Whitaker, Parks & Recreation Director Brian Cooper, and Chief Human Resources Ed Sisson. None have had annual evaluations.

Three department heads were last evaluated in 2008 and another five in 2007.

Several, such as Port Director Amy Miller and Interim Airport Director Dan Flynn, did not head departments when they were last evaluated. The annual salaries for these 14 city leaders total $1,446,634.

The City’s Human Resource manual states that performance evaluation shall be done by supervisors on an annually on the anniversary of entry into the person’s job classification. It recommends “new employees should be introduced to the rating criteria within the first two weeks of employment.

Supervisors should use this time to explain specific responsibilities and expectations so there are no surprises when the first evaluation occurs.”

With the department heads no longer being evaluated, administrative staff has been hired, promoted and given raises without any written evaluations. Public records show that May 26, 2016

30 employees listed in the staff directory have never been evaluated. No one working in the mayor’s office has been evaluated.

Why are job performance evaluations important?

In his book “Results That Last,” Quint Studer talks about the importance of having an objective evaluation to hold leaders accountable.

“Implementing an objective evaluation system—one that includes weighted components, progress reports, and 90-day plans—is crucial to ensuring that results

last,” wrote Studer. “We can’t address behavior properly without first setting goals and implementing an objective system. “ He added, “To do otherwise is to be like a ship leaving the shore without knowing the longitude and latitude of its destination.”

Prior to the Hayward administration, the City used a written form, titled “Annual Performance Evaluation,” to rate the performance of employees. The employee was rated on a scale of 1to 5.

A “5” means the employee is an “exceptional performer; consistently and substan-

dependability, and communication.”

An employee with a 5 or 4 rating was eligible to receive a more-than-standard annual increase. The supervisor often attached a letter of recommendation to the form. An employee with a 2 or 1 rating did not meet expectation and was not eligible to receive a standard annual increase.

The public records obtained by Inweekly show that city employees were given raises this fiscal year without a recent Annual Performance Evaluation form in their personnel folders. The annual payroll for the 14 departments reviewed by Inweekly totaled nearly $5 million.

Inweekly asked City Public Information Officer Vernon Stewart why the City was not doing annual job performance evaluations. He didn’t give a reason, but said the City had plans to do them in the future.

“We are working with Civic Plus, a government software as a service provider, to develop a new evaluation process,” said Stewart. “We intend to roll the new system out in October of this year.” {in}

Most Recent Evaluations of City of Pensacola Department Heads Employee Names

Title

Salary

Olson, Eric Barker, Jr., Richard Burnett, Ericka Wineki, Steve Flynn, Dan Bowling, Lysia H. Whitaker, Marcie Sisson, Edward Weeks, Bill Cooper, Brian Suarez, Don Morris, Sherry Miller, Amy Owens, L. Derrik

City Administrator Chief Financial Officer City Clerk Code Enforcement Administrator Interim Airport Director City Attorney Housing Administrator Chief Human Resources Officer Inspections Parks & Rec Director Pensacola Energy Director Planning Administrator Port Director Public Works

$133,016 $123,219 $76,980 $75,171 $99,382 $154,980 $86,611 $99,694 $83,449 $92,684 $127,732 $84,240 $98,155 $111,321

Last Evaluation None 10/01/07 10/01/07 10/08/09 9/30/08 None None None 8/30/07 None 9/2/08 8/30/07 9/29/08 9/24/07

Total : $1, 446,634

7

MORE PAY FOR EXTRA HOURS On May

17, the U.S. Department of Labor issued its final rule regarding overtime regulations.

The final rule, which becomes effective Dec. 1, raises the salary threshold indicating eligibility for overtime pay from $455/ week to $913 ($47, 476 per year), ensuring protections to 4.2 million workers. It automatically updates the salary threshold every three years, based on wage growth over time.

Clark Partington attorney Richard Sherrill gave background on the rule on News Talk 1370 WCOA’s “Pensacola Speaks.”

“President Obama directed the Department of Labor last year to issue regulations and a final rule, as it’s called, to the Fair Labor Standards Act, the FLSA, dealing with overtime for salaried employees below a certain threshold,” Sherrill explained.

“The threshold had not been updated since 2004. So over a decade, the threshold for

a “highly compensated employee” was set at $23,000 a year so that anyone making above that amount was not subject to overtime, essentially.”

He added, “The final rule, effective beginning December, provides that that amount is essentially doubled from $23,000 to $47, 476, so that anyone who’s a salaried employee making making $47, 476 or less and who works more than 40 hours a week is entitled to overtime.”

According to the Department of Labor, the December 1 deadline gives employers more than six months to prepare. The

final rule does not make any changes to the duties test for executive, administrative and professional employees.

The Florida Retail Federation isn’t happy with the final rule. The group said the rule was another example of the federal government attempting to help the lower and middle class by extending the overtime rules, but it believes the rule will do the exact opposite and hurt those same people by reducing the number of hours they’re allowed to work, thereby reducing their incomes.

“This rule will also cost Florida retailers millions of dollars in administrative costs, and thousands of employees would be changed to hourly, thereby negatively impacting their pay, their benefits and their families,” said FRF President/CEO Randy Miller. “We are extremely concerned about the impact this rule will have on Florida’s businesses and economy, and we are working with our state and federal partners to identify any possible options for recourse on this drastic decision.”

Sherrill talked about the positives and negatives of the rule.

“Certainly for any employee who’s working more than 40 hours, under $47,000 salary, that employee’s going to

“This rule will also cost Florida retailers millions of dollars in administrative costs, and thousands of employees would be changed to hourly, thereby negatively impacting their pay, their benefits and their families.” Randy Miller

cost more per hour for any overtime,” he said. “Wage expense will go up.”

However, he added, “Now, the counter to that is that the Department of Labor believes that that will cause employers to identify that overtime, cap the overtime, for which the employee’s not being paid anything more, and then push that work to additional employees. That has a benefit on the overall economy of chipping away at unemployment, putting more people to work, and spreading out the tasks that the Department of Labor says should be worth more overtime to other employees at regular wages.”

Sherrill said, “The Department of Labor’s response is that it’s going to make businesses more efficient, and it’s going to increase employment.”

OPEN DISAGREEMENT In an unprec-

edented open letter to the citizens of Pensacola posted on the city’s website, Mayor Ashton Hayward called a special council meeting to discuss his termination of Fire Chief Matt Schmitt and Deputy Fire Chief Joe Glover “ill-advised” and “a staged rally for the terminated employees.” He said that his firing of the two men with a combined 50+ years service with the Pensacola Fire Department was “an irrevocable decision.”

Since he announced his decision, Mayor Hayward has not held a press conference or given any specifics on his analysis of the investigation or the report by Beggs & Lane attorney Russell Van Sickle. He did not meet with the fire chiefs when he placed them on paid administrative leave or when he dismissed them. He did not attend the May 12 council meeting to hear from the public about his decision.

The mayor pointed out in his letter that the city charter gives him “the power to appoint, discipline and remove all officers

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Pensacola Fire Station No. 1 / Courtesy Photo and employees” and “to suspend, discipline or remove a department head with or without cause and without the consent of City Council members.”

Though he and his staff have not met with individual council members about the investigation and subsequent termination of the chiefs, the mayor said he would answer questions from council members if asked “to the best of my ability.”

“I have always responded to concerns any Council member has expressed to me,” said Hayward. “However, holding a staged rally for the terminated employees is beneath the dignity of the Council and is not a constructive way to discuss anything.”

He added, “Conduct of the terminated employees that I find unacceptable, a council member may believe is acceptable, but there is no power provided under the Charter to second-guess the decision to terminate an employee.”

The mayor had not told the media, public or fire chiefs what conduct that he found unacceptable. However, he believed that he has been treated unfairly.

“It’s unfortunate that some Council members have attributed to me illicit, unfair or mean-spirited motives that do not exist and never will,” said Hayward.

He said the Council has not displayed a “mutual respect for our roles under the Charter.”

The mayor closed, “Dissent is good, and vigorous disagreement is healthy to assure that the best decisions are made; created discord and divisiveness, however,

are not, and the citizens do not like it and do not want it to continue.”

INNOVATION FOR MENTALLY-ILL

The Sarasota City Commission recently voted to help fund a pilot program, Comprehensive Treatment Court, that aims to divert low-level, non-violent offenders with mental illness from the county jail and providing them with services and treatment. The paper first wrote about this program in March (Inweekly, “Criminal Justice System and the Mentally Ill,” March 10).

The city, Sarasota County, and three local foundations— Community Foundation of Sarasota, Gulf Coast Community Foundation and Charles and Margery Barancik Foundation— have committed to funding the pilot program for three years. The City and County each will budget $442,000 over the period–one-third of the cost. The three foundations will split the remaining $442,000.

According to news reports, the city’s threeyear commitment allows organizers to pursue a Florida Department of Children and Families’ Criminal Justice Mental Health Reinvestment Grant, which will require about $1.2 million in matching funds during the three-year pilot.

In Escambia County, the Escambia County Jail spends roughly $105 on each mentally ill inmate per day. If one of those persons is incarcerated for one year, the total cost equals more than $38,000.

Escambia County could pay for a Comprehensive Treatment Court if the program could divert each year 12 mentally ill inmates from year-long stays at the county jail. {in}

www.basker villedonovan.com

PENSACOLA . MOBILE . PANAMA CITY . TALLAHASSEE . MELBOURNE

“Holding a staged rally for the terminated employees is beneath the dignity of the Council and is not a constructive way to discuss anything.” Ashton Hayward

May 26, 2016

9

A C E L E B R AT I O N O F D I F F E R E N C E M A K E R S I N P E N S ACO L A

The Rich Family’s local beginnings can be traced to a Jewish Progress Club dance in 1942.

In attendance were Leo Rich and Sarah Elizabeth Greenhut, known as “Bootsie.” Romance kindled, but Leo was soon off to Germany for World War II. The pair kept the relationship alive via mail and were married soon after Leo’s military discharge. They had two sons: Rodney was born in 1946, and Greg arrived in 1955.

After five years in Birmingham, the Rich Family was encouraged to relocate to Pensacola

by Bootsie’s brothers, Dudley and Jack Greenhut. In 1950, the couple opened Rich’s Boys and Varsity Shop in the San Carlos Hotel. The new enterprise was a family affair, for from Day One Bootsie was deeply involved, morning to night.

Working with youth, Leo and Gordon Towne of WCOA radio sponsored Golden Helmet awards for the area’s outstanding high school football players.

The original shop was eventually relocated to 26 North Palafox Street, next to another landmark, Bell’s Café. When a blaze swept the premises, a new space was located at 16 South Palafox. The Riches The first Rich business location was in a narrow shop in the San Carlos Hotel. became backers of the Fiesta, aided organizations within the Community Chest, and periodically the store presented fashion shows with earnings benefitting worthy causes. Leo became a Kiwanian; the family became part of Scenic Hills Country Club.

Rodney Rich shared his memories from this time period: “My dad and Abe Levin were passengers on the 6:00 a.m. bus to downtown, six days a week. My dad enjoyed coffee with other merchants in Harrell’s Drug Store, and then often an interesting lunch hour at The Child. Mother and dad made sure that my brother and I had our jobs in the stores, after school and on Saturdays. I believe that my dad was the first local merchant to bring employee diversity into his store. A number of prominent Pensacola men began their business careers as afternoon salesmen in the store, among them Jerry Maygarden.”

The Riches continued to expand their business. When University and Westwood malls were established, they opened two new shops with the well-remembered name Rich’s Britches. Both operated for over a decade. The downtown location continued into the 1970s, until a fire destroyed the building, prompting Leo and Bootsie to retire.

In 1976, Rodney founded Rodney Rich & Company, an employee benefits and investment service. He and his wife, Kricket, have two children, Chad, who is part of the service businesses, and Rebekah, who lives in Jacksonville.

Announcing retirement, Leo and Bootsie are all smiles.

From their arrival in Pensacola, the Rich Family have been closely aligned with Temple Beth-El. In 2015, Rodney Rich led the financial campaign for the restoration of the Temple.

When Leo and Bootsie Rich chose to settle in Pensacola, they brought with them an entrepreneurial spirit and love of community that has inspired future generations to stay here and start families, careers and businesses of their own. As the Rich Family legacy grows, they continue making a difference and benefitting us all in ways large and small.

Saluting 1st Generation Difference Makers: If you have a suggestion for a family to feature, email Quint@quintstuder.com.

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QS0541 Rich Family IN.indd 1

inweekly.net

5/19/16 8:52 AM

May 26, 2016

11

Advocacy from A to Z

A guide to local groups, events and resources helping to improve LGBT quality of life

By Jennifer Leigh

GAY STRAIGHT ALLIANCE

The University of West Florida-based advocacy group aims to bridge the gap between gay and straight communities. The club hosts regular meetings and events at the UWF campus and supports other organizations in Pensacola.

Gay Straight Alliance uwf.edu/gsa/ally.html

HOLY CROSS METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCH

Stamped LGBT Film Festival Board Members / Courtesy Photo There are plenty of reasons to celebrate and enjoy the traditional Memorial Day festivities on Pensacola Beach. But when the party is over and you’re packing up the beach chairs and flags, you can continue to show your pride through these local organizations that not only support LGBT folks, but the Pensacola community as a whole.

AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION OF FLORIDA NORTHWEST (ACLU)

The local chapter of the ACLU is always on the forefront for human rights organizing and supporting progress like the domestic partnership registry in 2013, which granted couples (heterosexual and same-sex) the right to make important financial, medical and emergency decisions. Currently, ACLU is working with the City of Pensacola to create a human rights ordinance to protect everyone from discrimination including sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, race, gender, etc.

ACLU Florida Northwest 429-9128 panhandle.aclufl.org

GAY GRASSROOTS OF NORTHWEST FLORIDA

One hub of local LGBT advocacy is Gay Grassroots of Northwest Florida. From informative lectures, to regular newsletters and fun social events, the organization aims to advocate and educate the public about issues facing the LGBT community. President Doug Landreth has been an activist for most of his life and spends his spare time volunteering in the local community.

Gay Grassroots 685-2881 gaygrassrootsnwfl@gmail.com ggnwfl.com

The first Metropolitan Community Church was founded in 1968 in Los Angeles as a place of worship that welcomed everyone through the church doors, including the LGBT community.

In Pensacola, the Holy Cross Metropolitan Community Church supports people in need through donations of clothes and food. The church also supports pets in need by collecting dry dog and cat food. HCMCC also provided free weddings after same sex marriage became legal in Florida last year.

Holy Cross Metropolitan Community Church 3130 S. Fairfield Dr. 469-9090 holycrossmcc.com

STAMPED LGBT FILM FESTIVAL

Named after the local phenomenon in the mid-1990s when LGBT residents and tourists stamped their cash with the words “gay money” to make a statement, the film festival highlights feature films and documentaries that explore the issues and themes within the LGBT community. This year, the event will be Oct. 13-15 and submissions are currently being accepted.

Stamped LGBT Film Festival 696-7348 stampedfilmfest.com

STRIVE

STRIVE’s mission is to provide for the changing needs of the local transgender community, whatever they may be. Their work includes, but is certainly not limited to, advocacy for employment, housing, and medical care; activism; community outreach; education; support; and resource coordination. STRIVE tries to be as involved as possible with other organizations fighting for equality. They believe in intersectionalism, the idea that oppressed minorities need to work together.

STRIVE facebook.com/socialtransinitiative

SUNDAY’S CHILD

Sunday’s Child was formed by a group of friends by 2013 as a way to gather the LGBT community and give back. Members donate $1,000 annually, which is then pooled together at the end of the year to create $25,000 to $50,000 grants to be awarded to eligible, local non-profits or initiatives that meet a local need. Membership fees can also be divided between groups of two or three (although there is still only one vote for grant recipients).

They announced this year’s grant finalist earlier this week. The four non-profit finalists, who were selected from a total of 30 grant applications, are Humane Society of Pensacola, Ronald McDonald House, First City Arts Center and Beacon Shelter for Women and Children. Sunday’s Child members will hear each of these organizations present their projects at the annual meeting in June and award two grants of $35,500 each.

Sunday’s Child sundayschild.org

—Creative Organic Vegan Cuisine, Coffee & Catering—

Now Featuring: Cooking Classes Once A Month | Menu changes weekly — Plus Daily Specials Sunday Brunch with champagne specials —Thursday ­­ 3 Course Gourmet Dinner

610 E. Wright St. | 429-0336 | eotlcafe.com 212 1

inweekly.net

Stop the Trash Talk

Local volunteer group hopes to clean beaches and clear misunderstandings

By Shelby Smithey awareness. To ease clean-up, Beebe-Franqui also reminds beach goers to collect their trash in bags at the end of each day and place it behind the rope line so that Public Works and volunteers may dispose of it more conveniently.

In addition to the importance of the weekend to the

“Speaking to Director of Public Works Charlie Morgan, each weekend has a budget allocated for cleanup and the number that’s been thrown out isn’t much more than the cost of your average beach weekend.”

For comparison, approximately $60,000 is allocated for Blue Angels weekend cleanup.

“Memorial Day weekend is the second largest event on the beach,” Beebe-Franqui said. “The numbers are substantial.”

“The beach cleanup is important, but this is a longer term strategy for acceptance and inclusion of the LGBT community,” Beebe-Franqui said. “People have marriage equality now and most of the same rights. However, there is still a lot of misunderstanding and there’s not the acceptance that’s needed.” {in}

“The beach cleanup is important, but this is a longer term strategy for acceptance and inclusion of the LGBT community.” Beebe-Franqui

Photo Courtesy of Dwayne Beebe-Franqui Amidst the literal miles of tents that will be set up along Park East for Memorial Day weekend, one new tent in particular will be set up this year.

The PSouth Operation: Beach Cleanup and Ecological Campaign volunteer group will be at the annual LGBT gathering to remind beach goers to leave the beach as they found it while welcoming visitors to Pensacola.

Dwayne Beebe-Franqui decided to create the volunteer group as a way to show that the LGBT community can take care of the beach and be a hard-working community.

“It’s more than just picking up trash on the beach,” he said. “I want visitors to feel welcome to Pensacola.”

Beebe-Franqui and his husband Jonathan welcome anyone to come and volunteer during the weekend.

“I can’t imagine I’ve ever been to Memorial Day weekend and I didn’t walk down that beach and everybody, it didn’t matter who you were, talked to you and wanted to get to know you,” BeebeFranqui said. “It’s a reunion of sorts.”

On May 19, a City Council meeting was held that decided to allow an event permit for Memorial Day weekend. The Leave No Trace Behind ordinance will not be in effect from Friday, May 27 to Monday, May 30, meaning personal items can be left on

the beach overnight during the weekend in designated areas.

“Our intent is to educate people,” Beebe-Franqui said. “We will have a tent set up directly out from the main parking lot near the restrooms next to the Public Works tent.”

Snacks, water and T-shirts will be provided for volunteers.

“Anybody and everybody is welcome to come out and volunteer,” Beebe-Franqui said. “We want to walk the beach, welcome people to Pensacola and gently remind them of the rules. It’s going to be a positive thing. On Monday, we want no trash left on the beach. And I think we can do it.”

Last year, local news crews were at the beach early Memorial Day filming ripped open trash bags strewn across the beach as well as pop-up tents left overnight.

“The past two years there have been bad storms that caused some people to leave their trash and tents,” Beebe-Franqui said. “Before they were able to come back and collect their items, the wind ripped bags open, and the media hopped on the story quickly. It’s caused people to have bad opinions of the LGBT community and that's why we need to fix this.”

Beebe-Franqui said that the volunteer group is also stressing ecological education through sea turtle protection and

“We want to walk the beach, welcome people to Pensacola and gently remind them of the rules.

It’s going to be a positive thing.”

Dwayne Beebe-Franqui

May 26, 2016

tourism industry, Beebe-Franqui would also like to stress the historical significance of the event.

“In 1964, roughly 150 attended the first Memorial Day Weekend celebration,” BeebeFranqui said. “Ray and Henry Hillyer were the first people to invite the LGBT community to Pensacola, and they did it through a secret P.O. Box in Pensacola. They used a pseudonym called the Emma Jones Society. For years they used to host it at the historic San Carlos Hotel, which used to be on the corner of Garden and Palafox.”

Beebe-Franqui said that the more the historical significance is known, the more we pay homage to Pensacola being a place of acceptance.

“For 52 years, the LGBT community has been reuniting on the beach and having a good, peaceful time,” Beebe-Franqui said. “In 1964, homosexuality was a medical diagnosis. There weren’t a lot of places or people around the country that were really doing anything, maybe in L.A. or New York. But a little glimmer in Pensacola was these two guys.

It’s amazing to me. They worked under the system in Pensacola to do this for many years and it grew and grew. This story needs to be a part of Pensacola history.”

Beebe-Franqui said that the most important thing is celebrating Pensacola and attracting more visitors to the area.

“When visitors feel welcome, they move here and get jobs here,” Beebe-Franqui said.

“They come back. They want to be here.

There are several cities including Asheville, N.C., Provincetown, Mass. and a town near Little Rock, Ark. that have invested into LGBT tourism.”

Beebe-Franqui said that the numbers that have been out in the media, $12,000 to $15,000 allotted for Memorial Day weekend cleanup, isn’t so much more than what’s allotted for an average beach weekend of cleanup.

PSOUTH OPERATION: BEACH CLEANUP AND ECOLOGICAL CAMPAIGN

Volunteers will be lined up along Pensacola Beach during Memorial Day weekend to help with trash disposal and educate beach goers of county ordinances. Those working on the cleanup efforts will work in 3-hour shifts and will be treated to a picnic Sunday, June 5.

For more information or to sign up, visit volunteerspot.com/login/entry/866967482039.

Memorial Day Weekend Reminders •The event permit allows personal items to be left on the beach overnight from May 27 to May 30 in the following areas only: between beach walkover 28A (dog park) to approximately ¼ mile east of beach walkover 29D. •Overnight camping and campfires are not permitted.

•Do not leave loose trash on the beach overnight. Gather it in bags prior to leaving for the night.

•Trash bags are to be placed north of the rope line that will line the beach. ATV’s will be picking up trash bags daily that are placed along the rope line.

13

An Update on the Human Rights Ordinance

By Jennifer Leigh

It’s been six months since the Pensacola City Council hosted the public workshop on a proposed Human Rights Ordinance that would prohibit discrimination in work or public places on race, gender, religion, military status, sexual orientation and gender identity or expression.

The workshop, which was relocated from the Hagler/Mason Meeting Room at City Hall to the council chambers due to the large amount of attendees, included an “extensive legal analysis of the ordinance” from Pensacola Attorney Russell Van Sickle and speakers from American Civil Liberties Union, said Councilman Brian Spencer.

There was a “cross section of community members” in attendance, council members offered questions to ordinance consultants and representatives. But no action was taken since the meeting was officially recognized as a workshop, Brian said.

“Since the workshop, the ACLU has been reworking the most recent version of the ordinance (drafted by City Attorney Lysia Bowling) to incorporate the framework of the Florida Civil Rights Act,” Spencer said. “I envision additional collaboration involving the community before the ordinance is reintroduced.”

In a statement last fall, Sara Latshaw, North Florida Regional Director of ACLU, said she was optimistic the council would move forward with the ordinance.

“Discrimination is simply not a Pen-

sacola value,” she said. “This is a city where people believe that nobody should be denied services, a home, or a job simply because of who they are.”

A LITTLE BIT OF BACKGROUND

Spencer brought an ordinance similar to the one passed in Leon County in 2010 to fellow council members in the fall of 2015. Before the council took any action on the ordinance, the council and community members “expressed a strong desire to clarify and strengthen” the ordinance, Spencer said, which resulted in the workshop.

“These ordinances provide local protections against discrimination in the workplace, housing and public accommodation,” Spencer said. “The Human Rights Ordinances include all protected characteristics covered by the Florida Civil Rights Act and extend protections to the LGBT community, who can legally be fired or refused housing because of who they are or who they may love.”

Spencer admits it’s not an easy subject to brooch. In Leon County, the Human Rights Ordinance passed, but not without five hours of debates from both sides, according to a story by the CBS affiliate, WCTV. One pastor took issue with the employment discrimination.

“There are opinions about the gay and lesbian and transgender community that be counter-productive to businesses,” he’s

quoted as saying in the article. “Let’s just say day cares. I’m not saying that’s an issue.

But, I’m saying parents of young children could have an issue with that. Good, bad, or indifferent that’s just the reality of it.”

In North Carolina and Mississippi, laws are being debated that would give less rights to the LGBT community. Last month, Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant signed “The Religious Liberty Accommodations Act” into law, which would allow individuals, religious organizations and private associations to use religion to discriminate against the LGBT community. North Carolina’s transgender bathroom law has been a hot topic around the country, which forces transgender individuals to use the bathroom that corresponds with their sex at birth. The Department of Justice has sued the state over the issue. Earlier this month, The White House issued a letter saying schools must allow transgender students to use the bathroom that matches their gender identity and federal funds can be denied to schools that don’t comply.

Santa Rosa Superintendent Tim Wyrosdick and Escambia County Superintendent Malcolm Thomas have both expressed they believe the letter is a federal government overreach.

Spencer knows the opinions that are out there—both good and bad.

“It would be nearly impossible for my colleagues on City Council to be unaware of the degree of polarity that characterizes a discussion about human rights and

anti-discrimination ordinances,” he said. “I am only one member of an eight member council, but it is my personal opinion that the policies that have been passed in North Carolina and Mississippi are not representative of the majority of citizens' wishes that reside within the City of Pensacola.”

MOVING FORWARD

When the next draft ordinance is released, Spencer said he hopes all council members will reach out to the business community, church leaders and Pensacola citizens for their input to “finalize the language” before reintroducing the ordinance as a council agenda item.

Spencer will facilitate collaboration with the ACLU and leaders from the ministry to exchange ideas, perspectives and goals, he said.

“There should be no barriers preventing anyone from expressing their opinion of support or opposition in a respectful manner,” he added.

The ordinance is moving along, and it will move Pensacola forward.

“This ordinance serves to reinforce that belief and ensures that all people should be able to live and work without fear of intimidation and with equal access. In the unfortunate event that discrimination occurs, this ordinance provides an avenue to seek relief using the local administrative process,” Spencer said. “I strongly believe that the majority of Pensacola citizens equally value all of members of humanity.” {in}

Memorial Day Events: On and Off the Beach •PENSACOLA UNLEASHED AT FLOUNDER’S

•THE CABARET

•EMERALD CITY

•SEXACOLA LESBIAN WEEKEND AT CAPT’N FUN BEACH CLUB

Described as the “founding girl party on Pensacola Beach”, Pensacola Unleashed is a weekend of drinks, music and fun at Flounder’s featuring Kristy Lee, Laci Wright and Anne Cline.

800 Quietwater Beach Rd., unleashedtheparty.com

The festivities start early at Emerald City with DJs and drink specials beginning Wednesday and lasting through the weekend. Friday, dance to tunes from DJ Blacklow; Saturday, wear your beach gear inside for a wet bathing suit contest for girls and guys and dance to music provided by DJ Dani Toro. And Sunday, close out the weekend with a blacklight underwear party and music from DJ Joe Gauthreaux.

406 E. Wright St., emeraldcitypensacola.com

414 1

Join in on the fun at The Cabaret through May 30 with a kickoff karaoke party on Thursday, giveaways on Friday and a charity show benefiting OASIS Saturday and Sunday. On Monday, festivities conclude with a farewell karaoke show. 101 S. Jefferson St.

The 7th Annual Sexacola Beach party marries music, dancing and lots of parties throughout the weekend.

Start the party with foam night on Thursday, live music from The Maria Gabriella Band Friday night, a wet tshirt contest on Saturday and a white dress code party on Sunday. 400 Quietwater Beach Rd.

•PENSACOLA PRIDE­

And in June, look for Pensacola Pride events June 11-18 featuring dinners, movie nights, book signings and a Celebration Ball. For more information, visit ggnwfl.com

inweekly.net

May 26, 2016

15

WEEK OF MAY 26 - JUNE 2

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

By Francis Dean | Photos by Grant Tyson and Francis Dean

Kurt Vile / Original Photo By Marina Chavez Despite the heavy downpours on Friday and the cancellation of a headliner on Saturday, the proverbial show known as Hangout Fest carried on.

The seventh year of the festival completely sold out—with more than 50,000 people making their way to Gulf Shores to take part in the infamous musical beach party.

Prior to his Saturday performance at Hangout and a slew of international tour dates, Kurt Vile took some time to discuss what being successful might mean, why he likes to incorporate humor into songs, and Flannery O’Connor’s dark fiction with Inweekly.

A milestone for many musicians is a performing spot on a prime-time talk show, but the true mark of success lies in the midday game show questions.

A few months ago, Jeopardy host Alex 616 1

Trebek read this clue: “The Violators assist this ‘Pretty Pimpin’ rocker in his foul work.”

The answer, of course, is "Who is Kurt Vile?"

“It’s pretty funny, but I always tell people it was college Jeopardy,” Vile said, laughing. “They must have found someone from Pitchfork or something to write up those clues.”

Vile has been writing and recording songs since he was 14 years old, and has experienced the feeling of success in varying moments.

“I remember when I actually had a CD come out that wasn’t a CDR, which was awesome,” Vile said. “And then later, when Matador signed me, that felt awesome and successful too. Really, just making a living at all, supporting my family, or getting a song in a TV show that everyone is glued to for a

season, it all feels legit, like a real career.”

Vile just released his sixth studio album “b'lieve i'm goin down” and it’s full of twangy, melodic songs laced with the dark, self-deprecating, humorous lyrics he’s become known for.

The album was written mostly from Vile’s couch, in the late night hours, after his wife and two kids had gone to bed. It focuses heavily on personal seclusion and reflection, but isn’t without a handful of one liners to lighten the moody vibe.

“I guess I’ve refined some sort of persona,” Vile said. “In normal life, I’m usually joking and probably have a weirder sense of humor, maybe even teetering on dumb humor sometimes.”

Vile noted that many of the best songs or songwriters he could think of find a way to incorporate humor.

“I like it when bands are intentionally funny—like Ween can be really funny sometimes,” he said. “And Neil Young, he’s funny sometimes too, through the sardonic, eerie stuff. Sometimes when you have a sad song, it just gets too dramatic, and it’s a slight put off.”

One of the funniest and saddest records Vile mentioned is Townes Van Zandt’s live album, “Live at the Old Quarter, Houston, Texas.”

“In between songs, he’s telling jokes, and there’s one where he says something like, ‘if it gets too hot, I don’t know what we’ll do.’ Just the delivery, he’s like the funniest guy in the room,” he said.

Works of fiction have left their mark on Vile too. During the song ‘I’m an Outlaw,’ a track off the latest record, he references Flannery O’Connor’s first novel “Wise Blood,” and the main character, Hazel Motes, as he sings, "Girl, you got wise blood to come when summoned/I'm an outlaw on the brink of self-implosion." “‘Wise Blood’ and ‘The Violent Bear it All Way,’ are so heavy, but there’s real humor in there too,” he said. “Bret Eaton Ellis’s books are like that too in a way, and the sadness is a little different—it kind of comes off more cold than sad.”

Vile is already eager to spend more time in the studio after the next leg of this tour is complete.

“I have a ton of new songs, and there’s always so much work to do— with trying to get the band together to perform, and then getting burnt out,” he said. “After this tour I’m not really promoting anything, so I’ll just be living my life and making more music.” {in}

SAVE THE DATE: Hangout Fest 2017 May 19-21

inweekly.net

Kurt Vile

Smooch a Pooch with the Baldwin County Humane Society May 26, 2016

Brittany Howard of Alabama Shakes

Leon Bridges 17

Jason Isbell

continuum

John Barrett of Bass Drum of Death 818 1

inweekly.net

calendar THURSDAY 5.26

FRIDAY 5.27

meet up of Western Gate Florida Trail Association to work on National Scenic Trail and side trail. Meet at Blackwater River State Park, 7720 Deaton Bridge Road. To sign up: meetup.com/ftawesterngate.

BACH'S LUNCH 12 p.m. Featuring Pensacola State College Jazz Band. Free. Pensacola State College, 1000 College Blvd. pensacolastate.edu WINE TASTING AT AWM 5 p.m. Try something new every week at Aragon Wine Market’s regular wine tasting, only a few blocks from downtown. Aragon Wine Market, 27 S. 9th Ave. aragonwinemarket.com

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. City Grocery, 2050 N. 12th Ave. HAPPY HOUR COOK OUTS 5 p.m. Drink specials, free cookout. Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. sevillequarter.com

WORK ON FLORIDA TRAIL 8 a.m. Regular

PENSACOLA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA ANNUAL DINNER & MEETING 5:30 p.m. Cocktail

hour followed by dinner and performance

by PSO Wind Quartet. 5 Eleven Palafox, 511 S. Palafox. Tickets can be purchased by calling PSO at 435-2533.

ST. CHRISTOPHER'S CONCERTS 6-8 p.m. Not Quite Fab. Free. St. Christopher's Church, 3200 N. 12th Ave. BLUE WAHOOS VS. BIRMINGHAM BARONS

6:30 p.m. Blue Wahoos Stadium, 351 Cedar St. Tickets are $6.97 and up. bluewahoos.com

THE MADS ARE COMING: TRACE BEAULIEU AND FRANK CONIFF OF MST3K 7 p.m. Free.

WSRE Jean & Paul Amos Performance Studio, 1000 College Blvd. wsre.org JAMEY JOHNSON 7 p.m. Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox. vinylmusichall.com JOEY B. WILSON AND THE HOPLITES W/ SPECIAL GUESTS 9-11:45 p.m. The Handlebar, 319

N. Tarragona St. pensacolahandlebar.com

WINE TASTING 5-7 p.m. Out and about

BLUE WAHOOS VS. BIRMINGHAM BARONS

6:30 p.m. Blue Wahoos Stadium, 351 Cedar St. Tickets are $6.97 and up. bluewahoos.com DATE NIGHT DANCING 7:15-8:15 p.m. Learn the basics of several romantic ballroom and country dance styles in a unique group class that keeps partners together. DanceCraft, 8618 Pensacola Blvd. $10. dancecraftfl.com $5 LOCAL SHOWCASE: DINOSAUR DAZE, LOCOCHINO, LUCKILY, I'M THE HUNTER, RAFI WAS HERE ART STUDIOS 8 p.m. $10-$12. Vinyl

Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox. vinylmusichall.com SAFETY MEETING Local and regional rap.

The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. pensacolahandlebar.com

SATURDAY 5.28

SANTA ROSA FARMERS MARKET 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

Fresh local produce, honey, baked goods and live music. Pace Presbyterian Church, Woodbine Road, Pace.

FORT PICKENS CLEANUP 8:45-10 a.m. All supplies are provided. Meet at fishing pier parking lot at the end of Fort Pickens. For more information, contact oceanhourfl@gmail.com or baybluffscleanup@gmail.com.

BEER MAKING 1 01 9 a.m.-2 p.m. $5-$7. Ever'Man Cooperative and Grocery, 315 W. Garden St. everman.org PALAFOX MARKET 9 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. 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 13TH ANNUAL SANKOFA JUNETEENTH HERITAGE GATHERING 1-4

p.m. Woodland Heights Community Center, 111 Berkley Dr. FIVE FLAGS PUB CRAWL 4 p.m. $40.

Begins at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. sevillequarter.com BLUE WAHOOS VS. BIRMINGHAM BARONS 6:30 p.m. Blue Wahoos Sta-

dium, 351 Cedar St. Tickets are $6.97 and up. bluewahoos.com GHOST HUNT 8 p.m. $20. Pensacola Lighthouse, 2081 Radford Blvd. pensacolalighthouse.org

SUNDAY 5.29

DANCE ACADEMY SANTA ROSA 2 p.m. $19. Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox. pensacolasaenger.com

BLUE WAHOOS VS. BIRMINGHAM

May 26, 2016

BARONS 4 p.m. Blue Wahoos Stadium, 351

Cedar St. Tickets are $6.97 and up. bluewahoos.com SUNDRESS SUNDAY LIVE 7 p.m. $15-$160. Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox. vinylmusichall.com MEMORIAL DAY BAR BINGO 8 p.m. Free.

Apple Annie's inside Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. sevillequarter.com

MONDAY 5.30

FREE MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT 5 p.m. Pensacola Civic Band. Free. Community Maritime Park, 301 W. Main St. SEVILLE QUARTER MILERS 5:30 p.m. Runners meet in front of Seville Quarter for a run around downtown Pensacola. Free pasta and drink specials after the run at Fast Eddie's.

Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. sevillequarter.com DANCE LESSONS 6:30 p.m. Swing, Country, and Ballroom. Professional partner dance instruction for all skill levels. DanceCraft, 8618 Pensacola Blvd. $10. dancecraftfl.com PENSACOLA BAY CONCERT BAND 7 p.m.

Admission is non-perishable food donations for Manna Food Pantry. Sanders Beach-Corrine Jones Resource Center, 913 South I St. JLK, HUMAN HAND, JUPITER MACHINE 9:30 p.m. Sluggo’s, 101 S. Jefferson St. facebook. com/sluggospensacola

TUESDAY 5.31

FREE TUESDAY AT PMA Enjoy free admission to the Pensacola Museum of Art the last Tuesday of every month. Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S. Jefferson St. pensacolamuseum.org STRUT YOUR MUTT 6:45 p.m. Join fellow dog walkers for a 45-minute stroll in East Hill. Dogs must be leashed and well-behaved. Walkers meet at entrance to Bayview Dog Park at 20th Ave and E. Lloyd St. BANDS ON THE BEACH 7-9 p.m. Not Quite Fab. Gulfside Pavilion, Pensacola Beach. visitpensacolabeach.com BUCKETHEAD 7 p.m. $25. Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Vinyl Music Hall. vinylmusichall.com

WEDNESDAY 6.1

RECORD NIGHT All evening. Bring a record

in to play and receive $1 your first drink.

Sluggo’s, 101 S. Jefferson St. facebook.com/ sluggospensacola DANCE LESSONS 6:30 p.m. West Coast Swing. Professional partner dance instruction for all skill levels. DanceCraft, 8618 Pensacola Blvd. $10. dancecraftfl.com MODERN HERITAGE 7 p.m. $10. Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox. vinylmusichall.com DANCE PARTY 8-10 p.m. A mix of swing, country, and ballroom music for partner dancing on the best wood dance floor in the area. DanceCraft, 8618 Pensacola Blvd. $10. dancecraftfl.com ABIGAIL WILLIAMS, SEX KNUCKLE, ACCURSED CREATOR, BLIGHT, VERSUS 8-11:45

p.m. The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. pensacolahandlebar.com

19

calendar arts & culture

≥exhibits

BEACH LIFE Three local artists share work that portrays their beach life. Includes photography on metal, painting on wood and glass works. On view May 29-June 25. .

Blue Morning Gallery, 21 S. Palafox. bluemorninggallery. com FIRST CITY ART SHOW Juried show of Pensacola-area artists. On view through June 4. Quayside Art Gallery, 15-17 E. Zarragosa. quaysidegallery.com TAKE ME HOME Juried work by Paula Work. On view through May 27. Artel Gallery, 223 S. Palafox. artelgallery.org ANIMATED SHARDS On view through May 27.

Latest portraits, sculpture, including a whimsical water fountain by Gila Rayberg. Artel Gallery, 223 S. Palafox. artelgallery.org OLD PENSACOLA LOST (AND FOUND) On view through May 27.

Mixed media paintings by Pat Page.

On view through May 27. Artel Gallery, 223 S. Palafox. artelgallery.org SHAPE, FORM

AND COLOR Exhibit showcases a wide variety of subject matter with extraordinary personal perspectives from Tammy Caspersen (Pottery), Tom Smith (Acrylic) and Suzanne Tuzzeo (Photography). On view through May 28.

Blue Morning Gallery, 21 S. Palafox. bluemorninggallery. com THE ARTIST REVEALED: ARTIST PORTRAITS AND SELF PORTRAITS Various media and artists explore the difference between portraits and self portraits. On view through July 16.

Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S. Jefferson St. pensacolamuseum.org STEPHEN KNAPP: LIGHT PAINTINGS Sculptural works created entirely of light and glass by artist Stephen Knapp. On view through August 27.

Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S. Jefferson St. pensacolamuseum.org TSCHACBASOV: INNER VISIONS Selection of etchings from Russian-born Nahum Tschacbaso.

On view through June 4. Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S. Jefferson St.

pensacolamuseum. org

≥call for art

"I WONDER" EXHIBIT AT ARTEL GALLERY Artel Gallery is currently accepting submissions for an upcoming show, "I Wonder." The works can be any medium and should consider future technology, fashion, architecture, food, transportation, lifestyle etc. Where will we go and how will we get there? What will we and all that surrounds us look like? What will life be like? The show will be judged by guest juror Victoria Boone. Drop off work May 28 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and May 29 1 to 4 p.m.

The show will run from May 31 to July 8. Cost is $25 for members and $35 for non-members.

For more information, visit artelgallery.org.

THE WIDE ANGLE PHOTO CLUB OF PENSACOLA The Wide Angle Photo Club of Pensacola sponsors the 23rd Annual Power of Photography Show and exhibit, which benefits ARC Gateway in Pensacola. The POP Show highlights the best in photography

for the Panhandle.

We anticipate over 1,000 entries from approximately 100 artists from Florida and other states. Ribbons, photography gear and money will be given to the best in numerous photo categories. Details about how to enter photographs into the show can be found on our web site at wideandlephotoclub. org. Award-winning images are available for viewing Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday. If you have any questions about the Power of Photography Show or about the Wide Angle Photography Club email info@ wideanglephotoclub.org.

GREAT GULFCOAST ARTS FESTIVAL Artist applications are now open for the Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival, to be held November 4, 5 & 6, 2016 in Seville Square, in historic downtown Pensacola. Cash prizes totaling $25,000 will be awarded.

Jury fee is $40. The deadline for entry is May 31.Artists can apply at: ggaf. org/apply. For more information, visit ggaf.org.

GRANT FOR EMERGING ARTISTS The Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival, in partnership with Artel Gallery, is offering a new grant for emerging artists.

As the inaugural event, this will be available to Escambia/Santa Rosa County full-time residents. We are looking for artists that have been practicing their craft for a minimum of two years and a maximum of five. The grant waives all GGAF entry fees ($40 jurying fee, $300 booth fee). Please contact Suzanne at hatchingartists@ gmail.com for more information.

≥fundraisers

70 FOR $70 AT QUAYSIDE ART GALLERY Quayside Art Gallery's 143-year-old building needs major repairs. To raise funds to cover this, artists are donating their art for sale with 100 percent of proceeds going to repair the historic building. These will all be new pieces — jewelry, pottery, paintings — ranging from traditional to modern conceptual works, photography and woodwork, all

for sale at $70 each.

Don't miss this opportunity to buy valuable original art at an unbelievable low price and, at the same time, help preserve a bit of Pensacola history.

Visit the gallery at 15-17 E. Zarragosa St. quaysidegallery.com

≥Workshops & Classes

THE ARTISTIC AFFAIR A series of mini-workshops that will be held the first and third Wednesday of each month.

June 1, Heavy Layered Painting on Cardboard. Cost is $40. For more information, contact 429-1222 or visit firstcityart.org.

POTTERY ON THE WHEEL Six-week workshops are held Tuesdays from 6-9 p.m., Wednesdays from 9 a.m.-12 p.m., Thursdays from 6-9 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

at First City Art Center, 1060 Guillemard St. Cost is $157.25 for members and $185 for non members. For more information, visit firstcityart.org.

INTRODUCTION TO POTTERY ON THE WHEEL Every Monday from 6-8:30 p.m. at First City Art Center. Classes are $40. For more information, visit firstcityart.org.

CLAY HAND BUILDING Sixweek workshops are held Tuesdays from 6-9 p.m. and Thursday from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. at First City Art Center.

Cost is $157.25 for members and $185 for non members.

For more information, visit firstcityart.org.

CLAY SCULPTURE Six-week workshops held Saturdays from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. at First City Art Center. Cost is $157.25

for members and $185 for non members. For more information, visit firstcityart.org.

BELLY DANCING Eight-week beginner and advanced classes on Tuesday nights. For beginner, intermediate and advanced students. Classes held at First City Art Center, 1060 N. Guillemard St For more information and to sign up for a class visit pensacolabellydance.com LIFE DRAWING. Artists of any skill level are welcome draw life figures.

6-9 p.m. Monday nights. Cost is $5-$10 a person.

Contact phayes@ ihmc.us if interested. First City Art Center, 1060 N. Guillemard St. The group is always looking for new models, contact Pat at the email address above if interested.

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calendar 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 COLLEGE NIGHT 10 p.m. Drink specials, beer pong tournament starts at 10 p.m.

Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. sevillequarter.com.

Fridays WINE TASTING 5-7 p.m. Informative wine tasting in Seville Quarter Wine and Gift Shop. No charge for the tasting.

Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. sevillequarter.com DRAG BINGO 6-8 p.m. Ages 21 and over.

Emerald City’s The Other Side, 406 E. Wright St. emeraldcitypensacola.com POOL TOURNAMENT 8 p.m. The Ticket 1, 7250 Plantation Rd., ticketsportsbar.com Saturdays MEMBERSHIP APPRECIATION NIGHT 8 p.m. Seville Quarter Membership Card Holder Appreciation Night at Phineas Phogg's. 130 E. Government St., sevillequarter.com Sundays BAR AND RESTAURANT EMPLOYEE (B.A.R.E. NIGHT) 7 p.m. Special prices for B.A.R.E. Card membership holders.

Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St., sevillequarter.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. woMay 26, 2016

busa.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 TEAM TRIVIA 9 p.m. Hopjacks. 10 S. Palafox. hopjacks. com Wednesdays WINE DOWN WEDNESDAYS 11 a.m. Half- priced bottles of wine every Wednesday.

Jackson's Steakhouse, 226 S. Palafox. jacksonsrestaurant. com LADIES NIGHT ON THE DECK 5 p.m. $2 drinks and music.

The Deck Bar, 600 S. Barracks St. fishhousepensacola.com PUB TRIVIA NIGHT 7-9:30 p.m. Goat Lips Beer Garden, 2811 Copter Road. facebook.com/ goatlipsdeli RECORD NIGHT 8 p.m. Bring a record in and get $1 your first drink. Sluggo's, 101 S. Jefferson St. facebook.com/sluggospensacola 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 BAR BINGO 10 p.m.

FOREVER DIETING? Play, 16 S. Palafox, Suite 200. iplaypensacola.com

≥karaoke

Thursdays Lili Marlene’s at Seville Quarter, 8 p.m.

130 E. Government St. sevillequarter. com Saturdays Krazy George 9 p.m.

Hub Stacey's 312 E. Government St. hubstaceys.com Sundays 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 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 5.26

AL MARTIN 6 p.m.

The Piano Bar, Quality Inn, 7601 Scenic Hwy. LUCAS CRUTCHFIELD 6 p.m.

The Deck, 600 S. Barracks St. fishhousepensacola.com THE EDDIE SMITH BAND 6 p.m.

Paradise Bar & Grill, 21 Via De Luna Dr., Pensacola Beach. paradisebar-grill.com FRWY 98 6-10 p.m.

Peg Leg Pete's, 1010 Fort Pickens Road, Pensacola Beach. peglegpetes.com JAMES ADKINS 7 p.m. Hub Stacey's 312 E. Government St. hubstaceys.com DUELING PIANOS 8 p.m. Rosie O' Grady's Dueling Piano Show.

Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St., sevillequarter.com TYLER MAC BAND 8 p.m. Sandshaker Lounge, 731 Pensacola Beach Blvd.

sandshaker.com LOCAL BROADCAST 9 p.m. End o' The Alley courtyard, Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. sevillequarter.com RICH MCDUFF 9 p.m. McGuire's Irish Bar Pub, 600 E. Gregory St. mcguiresirishpub.com sandshaker.com

FRIDAY 5.27

DAVID DUNN 12-4 p.m. Peg Leg Pete's, 1010 Fort Pickens Road, Pensacola Beach. peglegpetes. com LUCAS CRUTCHFIELD & BAD HABITS 5 p.m. The Deck, 600 S. Barracks St. fishhousepensacola. com AL MARTIN 6-11 p.m. The Piano Bar, Quality Inn, 7601 Scenic Hwy. CAROL PLUNK 6-10 p.m. Peg Leg Pete's, 1010 Fort Pickens Road, Pensacola Beach. peglegpetes. com PAXTON NORRIS BAND 6 p.m.

Paradise Bar & Grill, 21 Via De Luna Dr., Pensacola Beach. paradisebar-grill.com DUELING PIANOS 8 p.m. Rosie O' Grady's Dueling Piano Show.

Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St., sevillequarter.com THE BLENDERS 8:30 p.m. Hub Stacey's 312 E. Government St. hubstaceys.com ULTRA VIOLET 9 p.m. Sandshaker Lounge, 731 Pensacola Beach Blvd. sandshaker.com LOCAL BROADCAST 9 p.m. End o' The Alley. Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. sevillequarter.com MARIO MENA BAND 9 p.m. Lili Marlene's. Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. sevillequarter.com RICH MCDUFF 9 p.m. McGuire's

Irish Bar Pub, 600 E. Gregory St. mcguiresirishpub.com GRAND THEFT AUTO 9 p.m.

Apple Annie's.

Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. sevillequarter.com

SATURDAY 5.28

MODERATE CHOP 12-4 p.m. Peg Leg Pete's, 1010 Fort Pickens Road, Pensacola Beach. peglegpetes.com CURT & FRIENDS 3-7 p.m. Sandshaker Lounge, 731 Pensacola Beach Blvd. sandshaker.com AL MARTIN 6-11 p.m. The Piano Bar, Quality Inn, 7601 Scenic Hwy. CAROL PLUNK 6-10 p.m. Peg Leg Pete's, 1010 Fort Pickens Road, Pensacola Beach. peglegpetes.com BAD HABITS 6 p.m.

The Deck, 600 S. Barracks St. fishhousepensacola. com 30 X 90 6 p.m.

Paradise Bar & Grill, 21 Via De Luna Dr., Pensacola Beach. paradisebar-grill.com RICH MCDUFF 9 p.m. McGuire's Irish Bar Pub, 600 E. Gregory St. mcguiresirishpub.com sandshaker.com ULTRA VIOLET 9 p.m. Sandshaker Lounge, 731 Pensacola Beach Blvd. sandshaker.com MARIO MENA BAND 9 p.m. Lili Marlene's. Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. sevillequarter.com LOCAL BROADCAST/ TONY JOHNSON 9 p.m.

End o' the Alley.

Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. sevillequarter.com GRAND THEFT AUTO 9 p.m.

Apple Annie's.

Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. sevillequarter.com

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SEVILLE QUARTER JAZZ BRUNCH 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. sevillequarter.com GREG LYON 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Hemingway's Island Grill, 400 Quietwater Beach Rd. JOSH TYRONE 12-4 p.m. Peg Leg Pete's, 1010 Fort Pickens Road, Pensacola Beach. peglegpetes. com THE SAUCE BOSS 3 p.m. Paradise Bar & Grill, 21 Via De Luna Dr., Pensacola Beach. paradisebar-grill.com SCENIC HEIGHTS 3:30 p.m. Hub Stacey's 312 E. Government St. hubstaceys. com DUNNOTAR 4-8 p.m. Sandshaker Lounge, 731 Pensacola Beach Blvd. sandshaker.com CAROL PLUNK 6-10 p.m. Peg Leg Pete's, 1010 Fort Pickens Road, Pensacola Beach. peglegpetes. com BROOKS HUBBERT 9 p.m. McGuire's Irish Bar Pub, 600 E. Gregory St. mcguiresirishpub.com

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culture

by Jennifer Leigh

The Mads are Back harshest critiques may have been used 14-episode season that started shooting when he was behind the guise of the robot. earlier this year.

“You can get away with a lot of stuff as “It's amazing that MST3K is now a puppet,” he said. more popular than ever,” Conniff said.

When it comes to critiquing movies, “We are recognized on the street much Beaulieu said it’s not just about cutting down more than we ever were when the show small budget movies. Some of his favorite was on the air. Many parents come to episodes are in line with the fans including our show with their kids, who are now “Teenagers from Outer Space,” and “Manos: fans as well. We had no idea what kind The Hands of Fate.” of impact the “We actually really show would have love these films because when we were they’re so flawed…it makes doing it, and now them special,” Beaulieu after all these said. “They become our years it turns out partners in comedy.” to be considered Both Beaulieu and a classic. It's very Conniff have their own gratifying to be separate projects outside part of it.” the world of MST3K. It’s been Beaulieu is currently nearly 20 years working a scripted TV show called “Renfest,” since the last episode aired (which means the show is old, Beaulieu said with which follows the inner workings of a Renaissance Festival (you can support the show on a laugh), but it’s not so strange to think Kickstarter at renfestivity.com). Conniff can of younger kids staying up on a Saturbe heard on his podcast, Podhouse 90, and day night to watch the show. In fact, at a appears on the daily talk show “Tell Me Everyrecent show in Milwaukee Beaulieu said he thing” on Sirius XM. was even offered a few jokes to use from a But when The Mads are together, it’s 6-year-old fan. pretty special.

“I grew up watching Laurel and Hardy, “These shows are so much fun to get to which was old then,” Beaulieu said. “Funny interact with the audience,” Beaulieu said. “It’s is funny.” a lot like getting together with like-minded Beaulieu and Conniff are on the road people. It’s so rewarding — for years we had no just about every week doing their live riff s. idea anyone was laughing at the show.” {in} In a world where most people heckle TV and movies from behind their Twitter avatar, Beaulieu said it’s nice to share the experience with a group of people.

“The live audience makes all the difference,” Conniff said. “I didn't think anything could be WHEN: 7 p.m. Thursday, May 26 better than doing MST3K, but doWHERE: Jean & Paul Amos Studio, 1000 Coling it live in front of an audience is lege Blvd. Building 23 a truly joyful experience.”

COST: Free Beaulieu, who was also the DETAILS: wsre.org voice behind Crow T. Robot on MST3K admits sometimes the

“We actually really love these films because they’re so flawed…it makes them special.” Trace Beaulieu

Trace Beaulieu and Frank Conniff / Courtesy Photo "Bad movies have never been more entertaining; not since the cult TV show “Mystery Science Theater 3000” first premiered on a public access Minneapolis channel in 1988 featuring a janitor and two wise cracking robots trapped on a spaceship watching science fiction B movies.

Writers and actors on the show, Trace Beaulieu and Frank Conniff (Dr. Clayton Forrester and TV’s Frank) have taken their quick wits on the road riffing on hilariouslybad movies with a live audience. On May 26, “The Mads are Back” in Pensacola as part of the WSRE Public Speaker Series.

Beaulieu and Conniff were first introduced to their Pensacola fans as guests at last year’s Pensacon. Beaulieu said the duo was “charmed” by the people and the convention.

Last month, WSRE announced it would be broadcasting episodes of “Mystery Science Theater 3000”—or MST3K to fans—as part of

its late-night Saturday PBS Nerd lineup.

To kick of PBS Nerd Night, the station hosted a free screening of the “Pod People” episode to a packed house. The show is a good fit for PBS fans, Beaulieu said.

“PBS is one of the pioneers of comedy,” Beaulieu said. “That’s where I first found shows like ‘Monty Python,’ ‘Faulty Towers’ and ‘Doctor Who.’” Conniff agrees adding PBS is where he first discovered “Monty Python’s Flying Circus,” which had a big influence on him.

“Partnering with PBS feels right,” Conniff added.

Nostalgia for the 1990s is at an all-time high since … well the 1990s. But the cult following for MST3K has been solid pretty much since the show went off the air in 1999. Last year, the show’s creator Joel Hodgson launched a Kickstarter campaign to bring back “Mystery Science Theater,” raising more than $5 million to produce a

WSRE PUBLIC SPEAKERS SERIES: THE MADS ARE BACK

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news of the weird PEOPLE WITH ISSUES Ms. Pixee Fox reported in May that she was recovering nicely from cosmetic rib-removal surgery, performed by one of the few doctors in the world who offers it (Dr. Barry Eppley of Carmel, Indiana). Though she has had more than a dozen "beautifying" procedures, she had trouble finding a surgeon who would agree to take out six "free-floating" ribs (ones not attached to the sternum). Born in Sweden, she gave up a career as a trained electrician to come to the United States to pursue her goal of looking "like a cartoon character"­—which she has surely achieved with her now-16-inch waist.

LEADING ECONOMIC INDICATORS Triple Crown winner American Pharoah earned an estimated $8.6 million racing but, now retired, could earn as much as $35 million just by having sex. Stallions reportedly can breed into their 20s, and the horse, now barely age 4, will have 175 conquests by the end of this summer, according to a May report by CNBC. One industry worker said Pharoah has put on weight, spends his spare time peaceably eating grass, and "looks more like a relaxed horse." A spokesman for the Kentucky farm now housing Pharoah said he "has proven to be very professional in the breeding shed."

LATEST RELIGIOUS MESSAGES The Keystone Fellowship Church in North Wales, Pennsylvania, has a tradition of congregants reserving pew seats by leaving Bibles in place, but worshipper Robert Braxton, 27, was having none of that on April 24 and took a saved seat anyway. Witnesses told Philadelphia's WCAUTV that when one church member gently tapped Braxton on the shoulder to inform him of the tradition, Braxton snapped at him and became disruptive. Congregant Mark Storms, 46, flashed a gun and confronted Braxton, who punched Storms, adding, "That's not a real gun" and "What are you going to do, shoot me?" Storms, contending that he felt threatened, fired two shots, killing Braxton, and was charged with voluntary manslaughter.

BRIGHT IDEAS The Moscow Times reported in May that bailiffs in Russia's Perm region, employing originality as yet unseen in America in attempting to collect an overdue debt, arrested the debtor's cat. The bailiffs listed the feline's value at the equivalent of $23, and the man came up with that sum the next day and took the cat home. The Federal Bailiffs Service explained that all the other "property" in the apartment was in other people's names.

NEW WORLD ORDER (1) German soldiers participating in a four-week NATO exercise in Norway earlier this year apparently had to abort their efforts days earlier than other countries—because Germany's defense minister, Ursula von der Leyen, had imposed strict rules on overtime pay. Soldiers are to work no more than 41 hours a week, she said, according to revelations by London's Daily Telegraph. (2) Britain's venerable Oxford University issued

by Chuck Shepherd

a formal suggestion to law lecturers recently that they give "trigger warnings" (and allow classroom absences) if the class subject matter might be unpleasant to some students.

Complained one frustrated lecturer, "We can't remove sexual offences from the criminal law syllabus—obviously."

PERSPECTIVE King Cove, Alaska, population 923, lies between two massive volcanic mountains on one of the Aleutian Islands, unconnected to other civilization and 625 miles from any medical facility (in Anchorage), "accessible" only by a weather-challenging "puddlejumper" airplane to Cold Bay for a connecting flight. About two-thirds of the residents have flying anxieties so severe that King Cove has a makeshift vending machine dispensing Valium.

U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski has campaigned to build a road to Cold Bay to eliminate the nervewracking flights, but it would disturb a federally protected wilderness, and the U.S. Interior Department has so far declined. (Unconsidered: Channel the late Sam Kinison, who implored starving Ethiopians to just "mo-o-o-ove!" since food doesn't grow in the desert.)

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ARMED AND DANGEROUS IN THE F STATE Michael Blevins, 37, reported to Florida Hospital in Orange City (near Daytona Beach) in May after finally realizing, three days after the fact, that he had shot himself while cleaning his handgun. He said he was on pain medication and besides, was wearing a black shirt that obscured blood stains. He said he had felt a sharp pain but that, mainly, it had aggravated his back injury, causing him to fall and hit his head against a coffee table, and thus was not aware of the origin of the loud noise the .22-caliber handgun made. Deputies investigated briefly but closed the case.

UPDATE Annual Chinese "Tombsweeping" celebrations have made News of the Weird several times, most recently in 2008 when the government reinstated it as an official holiday.

(Traditionally, people brought jewelry and other valuables to ancestors' gravesites for burial with the body, thus theoretically "enriching" the relative's afterlife.) In recent years, during economic turbulence, some brought only paper images of valuables (or just left signed checks—"generous" checks!). Now, a retail market has developed of ultra-cheap knock-off upscale items, such as fake Gucci shoes, computers, big-screen TV sets, and even one full-size "air-conditioner" (because, perhaps, it may be "hot" where the deceased is headed?). A Hong Kong representative for Gucci has issued warnings against trademark abuse, even though the flimsy fakes are hardly convincing. {in}

From Universal Press Syndicate Chuck Shepherd’s News Of The Weird © 2015 Chuck Shepherd

www. radiofree pensacola .com

Send your weird news to Chuck Shepherd, P.O. Box 18737, Tampa, Fla., 33679 or weirdnews@earthlink.net, or go to newsoftheweird.com May 26, 2016

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