Inweekly Oct 2 2025 Issue

CENTENNIAL SOUNDS

C elebrating 100 Seasons with Pensacola Symphony Orchestra

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winners & losers winners losers

HAILEY LOTZ Pensacola State College recently promoted Lotz to executive director of athletics and alumni. In her previous role as executive director of development for alumni and athletics, Lotz more than tripled Pirate Club memberships, increased major gifts for athletics, launched the Athletics Hall of Fame in 2019, and advanced the alumni matching scholarship program. In this new role, Lotz serves as the primary contact for PSC's Athletics and Alumni Association, overseeing community relations, corporate partnerships and athletic fundraising initiatives. She coordinates Booster and Champions Club activities while managing alumni engagement through events and sponsorships. Before joining PSC, Lotz worked with Operation Blessing International's Disaster Relief team and was named national volunteer manager at age 20.

JOHN POWELL In October, Mayor D.C.

Reeves plans to ask the Pensacola City Council to name a block of Belmont Street after Rev. John Powell, a community activist and founder of Truth for Youth who died in July at the age of 73. At his weekly press conference, the mayor said he spoke with Powell's family, who have approved naming the portion of Belmont Street between DeVilliers and Reus streets. Reeves said, "As I told his family when we had offered this, there's probably no city block in the city of Pensacola that is better defined by one person or one person's effort than that block for Rev. Powell."

PEGASUS LABORATORIES Last month, the veterinary pharmaceutical manufacturer celebrated the grand opening of its expanded 172,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Pensacola's Ellyson Industrial Park. The ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the first of three phases planned to transform the site. The expansion significantly increases production capacity, adds laboratory space and will create nearly 70 new high-skilled jobs in the local region. The project was supported by FloridaWest Economic Development Alliance and funded through a $2.5 million grant from Triumph Gulf Coast.

AMAZON The company has agreed to pay $2.5 billion to settle Federal Trade Commission allegations that it deceived customers into signing up for Prime services and made cancellation unnecessarily difficult. The settlement includes a record-breaking $1 billion civil penalty—the largest in FTC history. The company will establish a $1.5 billion consumer fund for refunds. Customers who used three or fewer Prime benefits during any 12-month period from June 2019 to June 2025 automatically qualify for $51 payments. Those using fewer than 10 benefits can claim the same amount through a separate process. Amazon must now clearly inform customers about trial terms, costs and billing frequency. The settlement mandates that cancellation processes be as simple as signing up. The FTC reported nearly 40 million consumers were affected by Amazon's alleged conduct.

UNIVERSITY FOR WHITE FOLKS

In three short months, the University of West Florida has made moves to once again be known as the "University for White Folks." In July, the university eliminated its Minority Business Enterprise program, which had been in effect since 2003. When Trustee Chair Rebecca Matthews announced the UWF Presidential Search Committee, she did not include anyone from the Black community. In August, UWF fired the director of its Office of Campus Culture & Access and eventually "retired" the office in early September. The latest blow has been to drop Juneteenth as a paid holiday and replace it with Columbus Day.

DEFENSE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON WOMEN IN THE SERVICES

The Pentagon has terminated the decades-old advisory group that focused on the integration, treatment and advancement of women within the U.S. Armed Forces. The committee reviews policies and practices affecting servicewomen, including recruitment, retention, healthcare, family support, career opportunities and overall equality. Pentagon Press Secretary Kingsley Wilson announced on X last week that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth decided to eliminate the group, stating it "focused on advancing a divisive feminist agenda that hurts combat readiness."

outtakes

By Rick Outzen

SOLVING A WICKED PROBLEM

When Jill Miller, president and CEO of Bethesda Inc. and the bi3 Fund, stood on the Saenger Theatre stage at the 2025 Civic Leader Summit, she shared how Cincinnati conquered what many saw as an impossible challenge—infant mortality.

In 2011, Hamilton County, Ohio, had one of the highest infant mortality rates in the country. By 2023, it recorded the lowest rate in its history. The infant mortality rate went from 10.8 to 5.5 per 1,000 births, while eliminating racial disparities for the first time on record.

Escambia County has also suffered from high infant mortality rates for decades. We have dashboards funded by Achieve Escambia and Achieve Healthy EscaRosa. Every three years, hospitals and community organizations meet and create a needs assessment report, but the infant mortality rate doesn't improve.

Since 2014, Escambia County has averaged 30 infant deaths annually. While Black babies only comprise 30% of all births, half of the infant deaths are Black. The dashboards and assessment reports aren't moving the needle.

Miller called infant mortality a "wicked problem." She explained, "A wicked problem is a problem that has multiple, often interconnected factors that are difficult to pinpoint and understand, much less resolve."

Yet Cincinnati did solve it. Miller said that fresh thinking was needed. "As Einstein said, insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. We have to embrace innovation."

Maternity hospitals operated in isolation, OBGYNs didn't communicate with pediatricians and healthcare systems ignored social determinants. The innovation was creating integrated networks where hospitals partnered with nonprofits, legal aid societies and community organizations.

Miller and her collaborators formed Cradle Cincinnati in 2013. The nonprofit let data guide them in seeking the root causes. The data revealed that 40% of infant deaths occurred in just 12 neighborhoods.

Data also showed extreme preterm birth as the leading cause of infant death, but deeper investigation uncovered the real barriers. While healthcare providers assumed late prenatal care was an access issue, mothers revealed the truth: even when appointments were available, they lacked transportation, childcare or paid time off work.

Miller said, "We create solutions and ideas all the time with great intentions. Great intentions to help save lives. But we missed the mark because we didn't go deep enough."

Cradle Cincinnati developed a simple, direct message: "Too many babies died before their first birthday—125 last year, all preventable." They systematically debunked myths, such as infant mortality being all about personal responsibility.

Miller shared how a cardiologist at Cincinnati Children's Hospital accidentally fell asleep with his newborn son Charlie on his chest and rolled over, causing Charlie's death. Miller said, "This is a cardiologist. It can happen to him; it can happen to anybody."

She advocated a "think really big and start small" approach. Cradle Cincinnati first focused on the Avondale neighborhood, which experienced extreme preterm births every 26 days.

To build trust in the Black community, they identified established allies—community health workers, home visitors and Black churches. A pivotal moment came when mothers requested meals with physicians. Miller recalled them saying, "We wanted to break bread because we want to get to know you as people. We want to build trust."

When a baseline trust level was achieved, they began to receive authentic community input.

Cradle Cincinnati achieved zero preterm births after three years. Since then, they have expanded to tackle other neighborhoods.

After Miller spoke, the summit's co-sponsor, Quint Studer, told the audience that he had brought her to Pensacola to speak three times. He hoped that this time her message would take root.

The Department of Health has broken down Escambia County's infant deaths by zip codes. The community has lost approximately 300 infants over the past decade, about 20 kindergarten classes. Two-thirds of the infants who died between 2019 and 2023 lived in five zip codes: 32503, 32505, 32506, 32507 and 32526.

We can implement Cincinnati's strategy of targeting the most vulnerable neighborhoods rather than using a county-wide scatter-shot approach. Miller has given us a framework to reduce infant mortality, but will all the necessary players in healthcare and nonprofit spheres unite to make it happen? {in} rick@inweekly.net

By Tom St. Myer

REBRANDING OLF-8

After years of researching, seeking public input, making offers and negotiating terms, a group headed by Catalyst Healthspan Founder and CEO Chad Henderson finally secured the coveted OLF-8 property in Beulah.

Now the fun part—or hard part, depending on your perspective—begins.

Seated in his Catalyst conference room, Henderson leans in and speaks animatedly about the future of the property formerly called OLF-8. The developers branded the property "Outlying Fields" and unveiled a logo of an eight intertwined with an "O." The branding material includes stickers similar to the popular 30A symbol.

"What I'm most excited about from a macro perspective is just the sheer positive impact that this will have on the region," said Henderson, a Pensacola native. "This is a juggernaut of an opportunity to stimulate the economy, activate the community and be a steward of all the important stakeholders surrounding this project."

The County sold the property to Tri-W Development and Chad Henderson Enterprises of Pensacola for $42.5 million. Tri-W is a partnership between Henderson, Alabama-based commercial real estate developer Jim Wilson & Associates and real estate developer Ashton Hayward, former Pensacola mayor.

Henderson said the 540-acre Outlying Fields will include five districts.

The town center will feature dining, shopping and gathering spaces. He envisions the district being the "beating heart of Beulah."

The community district will include recreation, family amenities and preserved and natural landscapes that celebrate Beulah's woodlands and wetlands.

Local shops and national businesses will fill the commerce district. Henderson said the district will be a driving opportunity for revenue.

Henderson described the Employment Technology Innovation District (ETI) as "our true sought-after job creation district for the jobs that we want." He said those jobs include technology,

innovation, clean manufacturing, cybersecurity, biopharmaceuticals and life sciences.

The residential district will consist of multiple neighborhoods with diverse, sustainable housing options for the growing Beulah workforce.

"A BLEND OF EVERYTHING"

Jim Wilson & Associates President Will Wilson summed up Outlying Fields as a "blend of everything for the community." He said suitors for commercial property space span just about every imaginable industry.

"We're talking to a medical component, different restaurants, retailers, hotels, maybe there's a conference center," Wilson said. "We just have to see how it grows into it. There will be a multi-family component."

Henderson has developed a friendship with Wilson, whose father founded the company 50 years ago. When the opportunity to buy Outlying Fields from the County arose, Henderson asked his friend to check out the property. Wilson said the housing growth in Beulah and the job increases at Navy Federal Credit Union convinced him to partner with Henderson and Hayward.

"It's a site we looked at about 10 years ago, just one of the ones we came across," Wilson said. "It wasn't really ready yet. This one suddenly feels like it's ready."

Jim Wilson & Associates ranks as the No. 1 commercial real estate developer in the Southern United States. Its developed properties include Redstone Gateway, located at the entrance to Redstone Arsenal Army base in Huntsville, Ala. The prestige of Redstone Arsenal increased last month when President Donald Trump announced the U.S. Space Command headquarters would move there.

Wilson described the 2.5 million square feet developed at Redstone Gateway as "definitely a feather in our cap." The 470-acre multi-use office park includes a mixture of office buildings, retail and hotels. Henderson said Redstone Gateway is worth emulating for Outlying Fields.

Commercial real estate is its calling card, but Jim Wilson & Associates has also developed millions of square feet of residential property and golf courses. The company forms a powerful part-

nership with Catalyst, a nationwide full-service healthcare real estate investment firm.

Catalyst has performed over $2.5 billion of projects and investments. Its portfolio includes inpatient rehabilitation facilities across Florida and in Connecticut, Delaware, Pennsylvania and Ohio. Its local projects include curation of The East Garden District and the 65-acre mixed-use Ransley Station.

"Chad really has a beautiful vision of this and we're really enjoying working with Catalyst," Wilson said. "One of the reasons it's going to be successful is Chad will make sure we do what the community wants, the right thing for the community."

Henderson identified three major stakeholders, starting first and foremost with the Beulah community, followed by the economic development community and the County. His eyes lit up when speaking about the economic development possibilities.

"It is the most outstanding opportunity from an economic development standpoint of anywhere in Northwest Florida," Henderson said. "This is how you know how much of a gem, in my opinion, this property is."

The project is still in the inspection phase, but Henderson said they have yet to come across any landmines. He identified the cost of capital, cost of infrastructure and sheer magnitude of the infrastructure as areas that will need to be navigated. They have already spent millions of dollars on due diligence, such as geotechnical and survey work.

DREAM TEAM

The ownership group has pulled together what they consider a dream team. They've brought in Cooper Carey, a world-renowned architecture firm based out of Atlanta, for the "physical branding of the development." For construction, they recruited Louisiana-based LEMOINE and the engineer of record is Goodwin Mills Cawood.

"There's been a lot of work to kind of establish a foundation of information and data that we can make sound decisions on going forward," Henderson said. "This is well over a billion [dollars] in

development when it's all said and done. There's a lot of planning to be done, but that's why we've assembled the team we have. That's why we have the cadence of communication and meetings that we've had. I can assure you we're spending a ton of time, money and resources on all the due diligence efforts."

Henderson said the whole of the project is greater than the sum of its parts. It's up to the ownership group to ensure those parts connect and create the juggernaut he envisions. They are relying extensively on data to turn their vision into a reality.

"All of those decisions need to be based on what I would call evidence-based data from true data," he said. "This is data coming from due diligence. We're hiring experts in their specific fields to provide us with information. We're bringing that information together to make sound decisions on planning, on design, on really the overarching feasibility and financeability of the project."

The ownership group is keeping county commissioners informed throughout the process. Henderson described the relationship with each commissioner as positive, a stark contrast from how he felt in January during a Board of County Commissioners meeting. A flummoxed Henderson withdrew his bid that night rather than partake in a bidding war with two other developers. After he withdrew, the commissioners unanimously approved a $50 million bid from Tampa-based Beulah Town Center. That bid fell through after Beulah Town Center and the County failed to agree on terms, opening the door in June for Henderson to resubmit the accepted $42.5 million bid.

The Pensacola native is fully invested in creating a destination that will drive the local economy forward and be the heartbeat of Beulah. He promises the property will leave a lasting legacy.

"This is the type of project where activity certainly breeds more activity," Henderson said. "And you … get the ball rolling and then good things happen. You do things the right way and do them of high quality. There are a lot of good things that will happen that we don't even see and we can't even possibly comment on at this point." {in}

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cades ago, SYSA was just a dream to help kids who needed a safe place to gather, get engaged in youth sports and stay off the streets."

He continued, "Now, we serve almost 1,600 kids each year, and thanks to the generosity of this community, we can look forward to helping thousands more children in the decades to come."

The 10,000-square-foot facility, located next to the Theophalis May Resource Center, represents the largest single donation in SYSA's history. The facility will house a full-sized basketball court capable of hosting 800 people for community events, two meeting rooms for after-school programming, office space for staff and coaches and a concession stand.

Troy and Ashley Rafferty's $1 million contribution anchors the $2.5 million project. Troy Rafferty shared the importance of the community center in his hometown, Comstock, Mich., to his childhood development. "I had a place to go after school and on Saturdays, and I had a place where people would teach me that I wasn't worthless, that I was worthy," he said. "It taught me that I was good, not bad. It taught me I was strong, not weak, that I had ideas that were worth hearing."

He added, "And that's what we need, and that's how we instill hope in these children."

Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves praised the project as a rare example of community-driven solutions. "It is very rare in this line of work that someone brings you a solution instead of a problem. Not only saying, 'Hey, we're going to fund this building, and we're not going to wait on city dollars,' but also meeting the needs of our community."

Rep. Alex Andrade secured state funding for the facility. He shared his vision for its com-

the fall of 2026. The design team includes Quina Grundhoefer Architects, H.M. Yonge Mechanical and Electrical Engineers, Joe DeReuil Structural Engineering and Hammond Civil Engineering. General contractor Hewes and Company will construct the building.

MODEST TAX RELIEF The Escambia County Commission unanimously approved a small but symbolic millage rate reduction during its final budget hearing on Sept. 23.

Commissioner Steve Stroberger led the charge for tax relief, citing constituents struggling with rising costs. "I ran for this office to reduce the burden on taxpayers and I'm failing at it," Stroberger said, highlighting widows in his district forced back to work to pay Municipal Service Benefit Unit (MSBU) assessments.

The MSBU assessments are not based on property value but rather on the cost of specific services. Escambia County has MSBUs for fire protection, law enforcement and library services. The annual fire protection services fee for residential property owners nearly doubled, going from $125.33 to $226.78 for each dwelling unit. The additional funds will increase firefighter pay and cover Commissioner Ashlee Hofberger's plan to add more fire stations.

Stroberger pointed out that the county's spending increased approximately $390 million over six years, from $478 million in 2019-20 to current levels. Commission Chair Mike Kohler countered with Florida Association of Counties data showing Escambia ranks in the lower third for millage rates statewide. He noted 68% of property taxpayers are non-homestead residents without homestead exemptions, arguing that current taxation levels are appropriate.

Commissioner Lumon May supported cuts but insisted on protecting lower-paid county employees. He stated, "I'm not going to support cutting somebody that makes less than $25,000."

Commissioner Steven Barry proposed the winning compromise: reducing the millage rate to 6.6 mills from the proposed 6.6165 mills. The approximately $546,000 reduction would come from allocated reserves rather than requiring program cuts or layoffs. The commission also approved the final budget resolution of approximately $868.5 million for fiscal year 2025-2026.

Commissioners agreed to revisit more substantial cost-cutting measures in future meetings, potentially including the Escambia Children's Trust tax and community partner funding reductions. May requested economic development data be presented at the next Committee of the Whole meeting.

TAX REFORM COMING

State Rep. Alex Andrade supports putting property tax reform on next year's ballot, but has concerns about the potential consequences for taxpayers and local governments.

"My personal perspective is I think some type of constitutional proposition to go on the ballot next November should relate to something like homestead exemptions to property taxes," Andrade said in a recent interview. "I think that would make the most sense."

However, the Pensacola Republican added, "The big topic that makes me sweat far more is what, if anything, we're going to do to replace that revenue."

Andrade stated it would be "reckless" for the state to propose changes that "could dramatically affect hundreds of municipalities' budgets without really digging in on it."

The lawmaker criticized Gov. Ron DeSantis' approach, saying the governor has been "impounding his desk and saying, 'Do your jobs'" rather than offering a comprehensive plan.

"He just thinks that it's a great talking point at the daily press conferences he has," Andrade said. "But if Gov. DeSantis doesn't want to be an adult in the room and engage in the discussion about actually replacing that revenue, like an adult, like a grownup living in the real world, then the legislature's going to have to do it for him."

Andrade pointed out that veterans who are 100% disabled currently pay no property taxes. If property taxes are abolished and replaced with a higher sales tax rate, the lawmaker said veterans would be "paying more at the cash register" for everything that they purchase.

Despite his concerns, Andrade acknowledged the current system's fundamental problems, describing it as "completely unfair" when neighbors with identical homes can sometimes pay "astronomically different amounts for the same demands on the system."

Despite the challenges and criticisms, Andrade remains "confident we're going to put some referendum on the ballot related to eliminating or reducing property taxes."

The House Select Committee on Property

Taxes, co-chaired by Rep. Vicki Lopez (R-Miami) and Rep. Toby Overdorf (R-Palm City), held hearings last week. House Speaker Daniel Perez outlined several potential changes for consideration, including boosting the homestead exemption to $500,000 for non-school property taxes, allowing the Legislature to raise homestead exemptions without voter approval, and changing caps on annual increases in assessed values.

Casey Cook, chief of legislative affairs for the Florida League of Cities, defended local governments as "the most transparent forms of government in the state," arguing that municipal officials face daily demands from neighbors expecting higher service levels.

"Nobody likes paying taxes, but safety isn't free. Clean isn't free," Cook told committee members. "Those taxes pay the police officers. They pay the firefighters. They pay the Parks and Rec employees. They pay for the new swing sets at the parks."

The committee will continue holding meetings and is expected to present proposals before the start of the 2026 legislative session in January.

CHARTER SCHOOL MYSTERY

On Sept. 19, University of West Florida faculty and staff received an email from the administration stating, "The University of West Florida is exploring the possibility of establishing a tuition-free, K-3 elementary school on campus. At this stage, we would like to learn more about the level of interest within our UWF community."

The email added, "If pursued, the school would be part of UWF's School of Education, creating valuable hands-on experiences for our education students, while offering enrolled children access to innovative curriculum and instruction."

Interested faculty and staff were asked to complete a brief survey. The survey asked for names, phone numbers and email addresses. Parents were also asked about their students' grade levels for the 2025-2026 school year and were required to answer, "What factors are most important to you when considering a new school for your child?"

The available answers were academic quality, safety and environment, teacher preparations and expertise, location/convenience, cost and other.

The survey indicated the tuition-free school would be "supported by the University of West Florida's School of Education," but doesn't state who will run the school. The School of Education faculty had not been asked to set up a school on campus.

BREAKING POINT

The shooting of Charlie Kirk has sent shockwaves through American society, and a new Quinnipiac University poll reveals his murder on a college campus has shaken public confidence in our democratic institutions.

Nearly 8 in 10 voters (79%) now say the United States is in a political crisis. Democrats lead at 93%, followed by 84% of independents, but even 60% of Republicans share this view. The concern over politically motivated violence has also intensified, with 71% of voters now con -

sidering politically motivated violence a severe problem—a significant jump from just 54% who felt this way in June.

For the first time in recent polling, more Americans are pessimistic (53%) than optimistic (43%) about the nation's free speech protections—a complete reversal from six months ago, when 54% were optimistic about speech protections.

The poll also shows that 53% of voters believe the system of democracy in the United States is not working. The partisan divide is stark: 74% of Democrats and 61% of independents say democracy isn't working, while 74% of Republicans believe it is.

The survey found 82% of voters believe the way people talk about politics contributes to violence. Nearly 6 in 10 voters (58%) think it will not be possible to lower the temperature on political rhetoric, while a majority (54%) expects political violence to worsen over the next few years.

The assassination of Charlie Kirk has served as a catalyst, exposing what Quinnipiac polling analyst Tim Malloy described as "raw, bipartisan concerns about where the country is headed." He said the polling data suggests Americans recognize the severity of our current moment but feel powerless to address it.

Quinnipiac University surveyed 1,276 selfidentified registered voters nationwide from Sept. 18-21, with a margin of error of +/- 3.3 percentage points. Find the survey's executive summary at poll.qu.edu/poll-results.

BRING BACK THE BLUFFS The City of Pensacola is ready to begin gathering public input on how to spend a $2 million grant to repair and reopen Bay Bluffs Park on Scenic Highway. The city park overlooking Escambia Bay has been closed since March 2023.

At his weekly press conference, Mayor D.C. Reeves said, "We're not coming in with preplanned ideas or asking you to pick from three predetermined options."

The first public listening session is scheduled for 6:30-8:00 p.m. on Oct. 22 at the Vickery Resource Center, 2130 Summit Blvd. For those unable to attend, the Parks and Recreation Department is developing an online feedback survey accessible through QR codes and website links.

When asked about reopening timelines, Mayor Reeves said, "There's a world where near the end of 2026, middle to end of 2026, we could have some aspects open."

According to the mayor, the completion date depends on community priorities. Simpler improvements like primitive trails with minimal infrastructure could be implemented sooner, while complex projects requiring specialized construction would take longer and cost more to maintain.

MAGIC PREVIEW Last month, American Magic's Chief Operations Officer, Tyson Lamond, provided a behind-the-scenes tour for local media of the team's nearly completed 63,000-square-foot headquarters at the Port of Pensacola. The company will begin moving into Warehouse 10 on Nov.

6 but already has 44 employees onsite working on composite manufacturing in Warehouse Nine.

"When we started off this organization, everything was about the America's Cup, but we want to make sure at the same time that we're growing out the manufacturing arm of the team," Lamond explained.

For the first time, American Magic will have all facets of its operations in one location. The new facility features cutting-edge technology, including advanced CNC (computer numerical control) machines, a cleanroom for composite manufacturing and a high-tech simulator for testing million-dollar racing foils before production. A massive 45-foot door will allow the team's foiling yachts to roll directly onto Pensacola Bay.

"What we've done in the past is, we've sailed here, but we've built all the boats in Rhode Island," Lamond told me. "So, whether it's us traveling up there to have a look at the boat, get updates on the build, the sailor didn't have the luxury of being able to get in the boat and feel it. In the past, a lot of that has been done in [virtual reality], but now, having sailing, design and build all under one roof, we can do it all in the same facility, which for sure helps the efficiency a lot."

He added, "I think what's really important is being able to tie the whole organization together and not having half the team in Pensacola, half the team in Rhode Island. And having everyone … able to have that discussion around the coffee machine or in the hallway about what they're working on and what they're seeing at the time."

Through partnerships with the University of West Florida and Pensacola State College, American Magic has created pathways for local students to enter the high-tech maritime industry. The organization currently employs four full-time team members from UWF and four from PSC.

Lamond said, "It's been so good to go out there and talk to the students and say, 'This is an opportunity. We are going to give you an internship project. You are going to come in here, and you're going to work for six weeks, and we're going to sit down, and hopefully it's a good match for both of us. And if it is, we're going to give you a long-term career with the team, and you're able to stay at home in Pensacola and work in high-end technology.'"

The organization's business model has undergone significant evolution. Lamond projects manufacturing could eventually represent 40% of the organization's revenue. "The composite manufacturing organization is providing its own revenue stream, which is amazing."

He added, "We've had amazing support from the city and from Triumph to get here. And this year was all about, 'Okay, let's take on some small projects and see how it grows.' So realistically, once we move into this facility, we believe that this building will be able to accommodate up to 150 to 160 people before we need to grow."

Mayor D.C. Reeves called this facility "the most transformational project" of his tenure. "The opportunities for the City of Pensacola to plant its flag as the sailing destination of the United States do not come along often, maybe not ever." {in}

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CENTENNIAL SOUNDS C elebrating 100 Seasons with Pensacola Symphony Orchestra

By Jennifer Leigh

This year marks the 100th season for Pensacola Symphony Orchestra.

One hundred years ago, "The Great Gatsby" was published, the silent film "The Phantom of the Opera" was released and the Pensacola Saenger Theatre opened its doors.

Music Director Peter Rubardt has been with Pensacola Symphony Orchestra (PSO) for 29 of those 100 seasons—a "very long time in conductor world," he said.

"It's really something," he said of the symphony's milestone. "It says a lot about the power of people coming together to share music. And above all, it just says a whole lot about the community of Pensacola and their recognition of what a central role music can play in our lives."

The Pensacola Philharmonic Orchestra was first formed by John W. Borjes, a German immigrant who studied music and previously worked with orchestras in New York's Shubert Theatre and Memphis' Orpheum Theatre, according to the PSO website. The first performance was a free concert at Pensacola High School.

Certainly, those early music lovers would be proud of what the organization has become—with a full symphony orchestra playing sold-out shows in the Saenger Theatre.

"To think that somebody back then said, 'This is something we're going to do.' And got it going, and then it's kept going for 100 years. It's just an extraordinary tribute to the community," Rubardt mused.

Rubardt came to PSO with experience in larger orchestras. Like so many others, he was charmed by Pensacola and stayed longer than he thought he would. The city is rich in culture—from the opera, to ballet, to the Children's Chorus. It makes sense that the symphony would thrive here.

"There's a breadth of arts in Pensacola that has always been a core value for the community for a very long time," said Rubardt. "The oth-

er thing that I think is particularly exciting is that music for youth is a core value. When you start putting it all together, you really get this cultural mecca. It's really quite lovely."

Arts in the community translates to both an economic and cultural boost, said Rubardt. There are the audience members drawn to town by PSO, as well as the guest musicians. But the part that interests Rubardt most is the connectivity.

"We have so many situations where there'll be somebody in the audience who will look up on stage and see their kids or violin teacher in the orchestra," he said. "All the different ways in which this sort of ecosystem of teaching and playing and listening all overlap within a community just strengthens all of those bonds over and over. I think that's really the part that I've come to appreciate the most about what an orchestra can do."

There is something to be said for the uniqueness of the symphony experience. Audiences are engaged, no one is on their phone (at least, Rubardt is looking the other way and can't see it, he joked). Music can be a unifying experience.

Jack Zoesch is president of the PSO Board of Directors. He's served on the board since 2014 and has played music his entire life.

"It's a way to give back when music has given so much to me," he said.

Zoesch said he's honored to be a part of the 100th season of "an excellent organization with top-notch musicians." He credits the supportive community for its longevity.

"I've never seen a more enthusiastic audience in my life," he said.

From the free concerts offered throughout the community to PSO's more traditional shows, Zoesch wants people who haven't yet heard the symphony perform to do so this season.

"Everybody needs to give it a shot," he said. "It's one of the premier organizations in the region. You'll be very impressed."

This upcoming season kicks off Saturday, Oct.

4 with Tchaikovsky's suite from "Swan Lake," and pianist Chaeyoung Park joins the orchestra for Manuel de Falla's "Nights in the Garden of Spain."

It's hard to pinpoint a specific favorite PSO moment for Rubardt, but one he looks fondly on is the symphony performance two weeks after Hurricane Ivan. The Saenger experienced damage and wasn't going to be available. They pivoted quickly and put together a concert at Olive Baptist Church, changing the program from the Rachmaninoff symphony to Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 complete with a chorus and soloists.

"[It's] sort of this huge, towering masterpiece that ends in tremendous optimism," Rubardt said. "We opened the doors and made the concert free to the community, and we invited people to bring canned goods. Olive Baptist Church, which seats 2,500 people—it was full. It was for many, many people, the first time they'd gone out of the house since Ivan. That was something that I think left a big mark on all of us. That was one shining example."

Last season, the symphony served more than 11,000 people with 188 free community engagements. These concerts were played in libraries, parks, galleries and community centers.

"Music is biological; it is intrinsic to the human experience," said PSO Music Education Administrator Julie Martin Green. "When the PSO musicians come into the spaces where people live, work, play, learn and heal to perform at the highest artistic levels, the well-being of each person has the potential to improve, if only for the time the music is being played."

One way PSO continues reaching out to the community is through the new Pensacola Symphony Youth Orchestra. The program was 10 years in the making. Green, who started with the symphony in 2022, helped launch the youth orchestra, which will make its Saenger debut at PSO's final concert this season.

"I was in the right place at the right time," said Green.

The youth orchestra is conducted by Dr. Daniel Stevens, department head and music director from Mississippi State University, and currently has 47 students. Launching the orchestra in the symphony's 100th season is kismet for Green, who is a board-certified music therapist.

"Being in this position with the PSO right now is a full-circle moment back to music education," she said. "The 100th season is very special to me, because I am helping to ensure we will be around for another century."

Looking to the next 100 years, Rubardt wants to see more access and more community engagement. The symphony is for everyone.

"There's been a shift from being all about putting on tuxedos and towards more variety of programming, more variety of venue, more variety of activity," he said. "PSO, I think, has been doing a pretty great job of embracing that concept. And while the Saturday night concerts in the Saenger are still our core activity, and having that audience there is our core base of support, we have branched out in many, many ways." {in}

PENSACOLA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA'S 100TH SEASON OPENING NIGHT

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4. Dress rehearsal is 1:30 p.m.

WHERE: Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox St. COST: $31 and up. Dress rehearsal tickets are $10.

DETAILS: pensacolasymphony.com/product/ opening-night-2025

To see the complete 100th season schedule, visit pensacolasymphony.com/ upcoming-events.

Your used computer equipment can make a world of difference in Northwest Florida

Donate Your Tech!

Our Mission

To empower underserved families, seniors and veterans through access to technology, fostering educational opportunities, economic advancement and access to vital resources.

ON AUGUST 5, 2025, just in time for the start of the school year, we delivered our first 6 revitalized PCs to the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast!

SPECIAL THANKS

• Lindsey Savio of SETCO SERVICES LLC

• Quint Studer

• Robert Lambrisky

• Joy Powell

• Matt Hilliard

• Tony Ro

• Tony Cooper

• Dave Armstrong, Sam Roberts, Kevondre Brown of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast

What We Accept

COMPUTERS & LAPTOPS

Functioning or non-functioning desktops and laptops (AM4, AM5, or Intel 8th Gen or higher)

COMPONENTS

CPUs: AM4, AM5, Intel 8th Gen or higher

RAM: DDR4 or DDR5

Storage Drives: .SSD & NVMe

Motherboards, Power Supplies Graphics Cards

PERIPHERALS

Monitors, Keyboards, Mice, Webcams, Speakers

NETWORKING EQUIPMENT Wi-Fi Cards

CABLES & ACCESSORIES

Power Cords, HDMI Cables, DisplayPort Cables

When: Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025 Time: 9 am – 2 pm

Where:

Place

350 W Cedar St, Pensacola

a&e happenings

NONPROFITS & FUNDRAISERS

NINTH ANNUAL DANETOBERFEST The lovable giants of Northwest Florida Great Dane Rescue (NWFLGDR) are back for the Ninth Annual Danetoberfest 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4 at Seville Square. Meet adoptable dogs, take park in activities and win raffle prizes. Details at facebook.com/nwflgdr.

SEVILLE ROTARY STEAK COOK-OFF Fundraiser for Autism Pensacola is 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10 in front of Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. General admission tickets start at $40 with VIP tickets available for $100. Details at sevillerotary.com/steak.

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN FOR THE 2025 FENNER RIDE Early registration is officially open for the 2025 Fenner Ride which takes place 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 25. Registration is $45 for the 18- and 44-mile routes and $50 for the 62- and 100-mile routes. Prices increase by $5 after Oct. 10 at 11:59 p.m. Register at runsignup.com/race/events/fl/milton/fennerride.

ANIMAL ALLIES FLORIDA BINGO Animal

Allies Florida hosts bingo twice monthly at Beef 'O' Brady's, 1 New Market St., Cantonment (on Nine Mile Road near Pine Forest Road). The cost is 10 rounds of bingo for $10, with cash prizes for winners. Food and drinks are also available for purchase. For more information, visit facebook.com/animalalliesflorida.

ANIMAL ALLIES CAT AND KITTEN ADOP -

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

CARING & SHARING MINISTRY FOOD

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

COMMUNITY EVENTS

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS WORKSHOP

Be Ready Alliance Coordinating for Emergencies (BRACE) invites the public to a free EscaReady Disaster Preparedness Workshop on Saturday, October 11, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Brownsville Community Center, 3200 W. De Soto St. Early RSVPs are encouraged. To register, visit tinyurl.com/escarready-brownsville or call BRACE at (850) 739-3983.

ARTS & CULTURE

JEKYLL & HYDE Pensacola Little Theatre presents a gothic musical thriller based on the classic. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3; 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4; 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5. Thursday showtime is 7:30 p.m. Oct. 2 with half-

price tickets. PLT is located at 400 S. Jefferson St. Tickets and info at pensacolalittletheatre.com.

STRONG STREET STUDIO 2025 PUMPKIN

PARTY Find your perfect pumpkin at the annual Strong Street Studio Pumpkin Party. The online sale is going on now at strongstreetstudioglass.com. The Studio Sale is 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4 at 109 N. A St. with live glassblowing, food trucks, kids crafts, art raffles and more.

RELEASE AND BOOK-SIGNING PARTY FOR LIGHT BOX OVER MY HEAD Celebrate the new Sun Ra-inspired poetry book by two-time Poet Laureate of Northwest Florida Jamey Jones, and "Am I Dreaming Now," the new album of dream songs by Michael Hugh Kilmer—punk artist/musician extraordinaire and founding member of Giggle Out Loud. Event is 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4 at 309 Punk Project, 309 N. Sixth Ave.

19TH ANNUAL PUMPKIN PATCH AT FIRST CITY ART CENTER Browse artful pumpkins Saturday, Oct. 4 at First City Art Center, 1040 N. Guillemard St. First pick is 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and general admission is 1-5 p.m. Purchase tickets at firstcityart.org/product/19th-annualpumpkin-patch.

IMPROVABLE CAUSE Improv show is 10:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4 at Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson St. Tickets and info at pensacolalittletheatre.com.

LOCAL AUTHORS' PRESENTATION: LUNA

THE CAT Local authors Michael Thomin and Nicole Grinnan will share their adventures as they work together to bring their idea for a new young readers series to life with "Luna the Cat" 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4 at West Florida Public Library, 239 N. Spring St. This is open to all local supporters of the Friends of the West Florida Public Library and our local public library branches.

MASTERCHEF ALL-STARS LIVE Show is 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5 at Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox St. Details and tickets at pensacolasaenger.com.

SHELLY BELLY COMEDY Show Starts at 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Known for her viral comedy skits and a standout appearance on Netflix's The Circle Season 3, Shelly Belly delivers a noholds-barred standup performance that's as relatable as it is hilarious. More info available at thehandlebar850.com.

PETER ANTONIOU 'PSYCHIC' COMEDIAN

Show starts at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Peter Antoniou fuses his amazing and uncanny ability to read minds with razor sharp wit, storytelling and improvisational comedy to create unique live entertainment experiences. More info available at thehandlebar850.com.

EAST HILL NEIGHBORHOOD FALL FARM -

ER'S MARKET Shop 40-plus local vendors, DIY crafts for families, bounce house and children's activities, food trucks and more 3-7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7 at Cordova Square Park, 1101 N. 12th Ave.

DEPARTURE: EUROPEAN ESCAPE Pensacola Little Theatre annual benefit for arts education 6-9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9 at Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson St. Details and tickets at pensacolalittletheatre.com.

STEEL MAGNOLIAS University of West Florida Theatre presents "Steel Magnolias" 7:30 p.m. Fridays, Oct. 10 and 17; Saturdays, Oct. 11 and 18; and 2:30 p.m. Sundays Oct. 12 and 19 at the Mainstage Theatre of the Center for Fine and Performing Arts, Building 82, 11000 University Parkway. Tickets are $7-$20 and available at uwf.edu/cfpa.

HAUNTED HISTORY WALKING TOURS

Haunted tours in Historic Pensacola Friday, Oct. 10 and Saturday, Oct. 11. Limited to 15 people per session. Tickets are $25 for adults, $15 for ages 3-14 and free for children under 3.

•Haunted History Museums: Arbona Building and the Museum of History are 6, 7 and 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10 and 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11. Tickets available at historicpensacola.org.

•Haunted History Village: Dorr, Old Christ Church, and Lear/Rocheblave are 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10 and 6, 7 and 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11.

CINEMAS IN THE SAND: BEETLEJUICE

BEETLEJUICE Catch the movie starting at sunset Friday, Oct. 10 at the Gulf Pavilion Stage on Casino Beach. For weather updates, go to facebook.com/visitpensacolabeach.

THE PARTY OF A SHOWGIRL: TS12 CELEBRATION Starts at 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Celebrate the release of Taylor's new album, "The Life of a Showgirl," as well as other hits from her discography all night long. More info available at thehandlebar850.com.

FESTA ITALIANA 2025: CELEBRATE ITALIAN CULTURE IN PENSACOLA The Sons & Daughters of Italy in America Buona Fortuna Lodge presents the 15th Annual Festa Italiana, a celebration of Italian heritage, cuisine and culture 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11 at Fountain Park, 300 E. Zaragoza St. in downtown Pensacola. Enjoy cuisine, food demonstrations, Italian wine and beers, silent auctions and raffle drawings. Details at buonafortunalodge.org/ festa-italiana.

VINTAGE BLOCK PARTY Starts at 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 12 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. This event features over 50 local and regional vintage clothing vendors, as well as art, jewelry, handmade goods, home decor, records and more. Don't forget live music, cold drinks and food trucks.

ARTEL GALLERY EXHIBITS Current shows at Artel Gallery, 223 S. Palafox St., run through Oct. 3. Exhibits include: "Recycle It," creating new art from old and the works of featured artists; "Echoes of Color" by Lynn Huber; "Ways We Float and Fall" by Summer Sevi; "Echoes of Creation" by Pyramid Inc. and "Winner of Best Show" by Hope Mastroianni. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Entrance is free.

a&e happenings

JOE HOBBS: TIME AND PLACE An exhibit by glass artist Joe Hobbs, "Time and Place," is on display through Oct. 10 at the Charles W. Lamar Studio at Pensacola State College, 1000 College Blvd.

DUALITIES: NATIONAL SCULPTURE

EXHIBITION This national exhibition will feature works from various artists at Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S. Jefferson St. The exhibition is on view through Jan. 11. Details are at pensacolamuseum.org.

THRIFT STYLE New exhibit at Pensacola Museum of History explores the reuse of feed sacks to make clothing and other household objects. View the exhibit and explore the museum, located at 330 S. Jefferson St. Details at historicpensacola.org.

FIRST FRIDAY AT BLUE MORNING

GALLERY Visit Blue Morning Gallery, 21 S. Palafox St., 5:30 p.m. every first Friday of the month for a reception with wine, live music and occasional artist demonstrations. Visit bluemorninggallery.com for details.

PENSACOLA ROSE SOCIETY Monthly meetings are normally 6 p.m. the second Monday of the month at the Pensacola Garden Center, 1850 N. Ninth Ave. Visit pensacolarosesociety.org for more information.

BTB COMEDY Watch live standup comedy in open mic style 7 p.m. Mondays at Odd Colony,

260 N. Palafox St. Follow BTB Comedy on Facebook for updates.

COMEDY SHOWCASE AT SUBCULTURE

BTB Comedy presents a comedy showcase the first Thursday monthly at Subculture Art Gallery, 701 N. V St. Follow facebook.com/pensacolasubculture for updates.

SCRIPTEASERS Join writers at Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson St., for Scripteasers every month. Visit pensacolalittletheatre.com for details.

PALAFOX MARKET Enjoy Palafox Market 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays. The event features local farmers, artists and crafters on North and South Palafox streets at Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza and Plaza Ferdinand. For updates, visit facebook.com/ downtownpensacola.

CABARET DRAG SHOWCASE AT AMERI-

CAN LEGION POST #193 Don't miss Cabaret Drag Showcase every second and fourth Saturday at the American Legion Post #193, 2708 N. 12th Ave. Doors open 8 p.m. Showtime is 10 p.m. For more information, contact show director Taize Sinclair-Santi at taizesinclairsanti@gmail.com.

SPIRITS OF SEVILLE QUARTER GHOST TOUR AND LUNCHEON Dine inside Pensacola's oldest and most haunted restaurant and investigate the spirits with actual paranormal equipment at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government

St. Tickets are $12 and include a voucher toward Seville Quarter's menu. Tours are 11 a.m.-2 p.m. weekdays and 2-4 p.m. Sundays. Make an appointment by calling (850) 941-4321.

AFTER DARK: SEVILLE QUARTER GHOSTS, MURDER, MAYHEM AND MYSTERY TOUR AND DINNER After Dark Paranormal Investigation and Dinner happens inside one of Pensacola's most haunted restaurants with real ghost-hunting equipment 6-8 p.m. Sundays. Listen as your guide weaves tales of ghosts, debauchery, murder, mayhem, paranormal activities, history and more related to Seville Quarter and downtown Historic Pensacola. After your ghost tour, enjoy dinner at Seville Quarter Palace Café, 130 E. Government St. Reservations are required. Call (850) 941-4321. Tickets are available at pensacolaghostevents.com.

LIVE MUSIC

MUSIC AT FIVE SISTERS BLUES CAFE Visit

Five Sisters Blues Café, 421 W. Belmont St., for live music:

•John Wheeler 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2

•Cat Daddy Blues Band 6-10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3

•Glen Parker 6-10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4

•Curt Bol 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5

•John Wheeler 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7

•Forrest Higgins 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9

•Charlie and the Hammer Heads 6-10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10

•Glen Parker 6-10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11

•Curt Bol 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 12

BANDS ON THE BEACH Weekly concert series is 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays at Gulfside Pavilion on Pensacola Beach. CrossTown is Oct. 7 and Knee Deep Band is Oct. 14. Details are at visitpensacolabeach.com.

BANDS ON THE BLACKWATER Weekly concert series is 7-9 p.m. Fridays at 5158 Willing St. in Milton. Oct. 3 is Blue Levee Band and Oct. 10 is Karli Ryan. Details are at facebook.com/ bandsontheblackwater.

PENSACOLA BEACH SONGWRITERS FESTIVAL Now in its 17th year, the Pensacola Beach Songwriters Festival is a nationally recognized celebration that brings together today's hottest hit songwriters, legends of yesterday and rising stars of tomorrow. More than 135 artists will perform over 13 days at 30+ intimate venues, most of which are free and open to the public. The festival runs through Oct. 12. For details, visit pensacolabeachsongwritersfestival.com.

POURS & ENCORES WITH PENSACOLA OPERA Event is 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2 at Odd Colony, 260 N. Palafox St. Details at facebook.com/oddcolony.

PETITE LEAGUE, PENNYBOMB AND MORNING TRIPS Show starts at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. More info available at thehandlebar850.com.

a&e happenings

WSRE PRESENTS STUDIOAMPED The 16th season of StudioAmped starts Friday, Oct. 3 with Pensacola Beach Songwriters Festival artists. Shows are 7 p.m. in the Jean & Paul Amos Performance Studio, 1000 College Blvd. Admission is free, and donations for Manna Food Pantries are collected at the door. More dates include Katie Dineen on Monday, Oct. 6; The Tree-Oh on Wednesday, Oct. 8; About to Sweat on Tuesday, Oct. 14; Ben Loftin & The Family on Wednesday, Oct. 15; and Blue Mother Tupelo on Thursday, Oct. 16. Doors open at 6 p.m. Admission is free, and donations for Manna Food Pantries are collected at the door. Details at wsre.org.

WUWF PRESENTS RADIOLIVE RadioLive with James Adkins, The Burney Sisters and Dustin Dale Gaspard. Show is 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2 at the Museum of Commerce, 201 Zaragoza St. Tickets are $10 and available at radiolive.com.

BANDS ON THE BAYOU Outdoor concert with Cowboy Park 4:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3 at Bayview Park. Details at facebook.com/bandsonthebayou.

SLOW JAMZ ONLY WITH YUNG BLEU Event is 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3 at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox St. Details at vinylmusichall.com.

AFTERDUSK, NICK NASTY, DEAD ETIQUETTE AND CAVING IN Show starts at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. More info available at thehandlebar850.com.

PENSACOLA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: OPENING NIGHT Show is 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4 at Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox St. Details and tickets at pensacolasaenger.com.

WHITE TIE ROCK ENSEMBLE Tribute to Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4 at Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St. Tickets at pensacolabaycenter.com.

THE CONSTELLATIONS, HEAVY KID AND PALMMEADOW Show starts at 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. More info available at thehandlebar850.com.

GRACE & GLORY TOUR Show is 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5 at Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St. Tickets at pensacolabaycenter.com.

EVERCLEAR Show is 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5 at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox St. Tickets at vinylmusichall.com.

DAIKAIJU, DIE SEXUAL, GRAVE CHORUS AND USER ASSUMES RISK Show starts at 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 6 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. More info available at thehandlebar850.com.

PANZERFAUST, GROZA, EXFORMATION, INFERNEM AND ACCURSED CREATOR Show starts at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 8 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. More info available at thehandlebar850.com.

GLIXEN, EASTERLIN, SLOW DEGRADE AND KAIRO Show starts at 6 p.m. Thursday,

Oct. 9 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. More info available at thehandlebar850.com.

MELVINS Show is 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10 at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox St. Details and tickets at vinylmusichall.com.

CHORAL SOCIETY PRESENTS: MIXTAPE

Concert is 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11 at Cokesbury Church, 5725 N. Ninth Ave. Tickets and information available at choralsocietyofpensacola.org.

THE CALLOUS DAOBOYS, UNITYTX, YOUR SPIRIT DIES, CRUSH AND BRAVE

NEW WORLD Show starts at 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. More info available at thehandlebar850.com.

MONDAY NIGHT BLUES AT SEVILLE

QUARTER The Blues Society of Northwest Florida brings blues to Florida 7 p.m. Mondays at Lili Marlene's in Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Food and drink specials start at 8 p.m. Details are at sevillequarter.com.

PENSACOLA PICK NIGHT AT ODD COLONY

Music pickers of all levels are invited to play 7-9 p.m. every last Monday of the month at Odd Colony, 260 N. Palafox St. Bring your acoustic instrument and jam. Visit facebook.com/oddcolony for details.

TUESDAY NIGHT JAZZ AT SEVILLE

QUARTER Enjoy smooth jazz with Melodious Allen and The Funk Heads on Tuesday nights at Lili Marlene's in Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Show starts at 6:30 p.m. Visit sevillequarter.com for more information.

ROSIE O'GRADY'S DUELING PIANO SHOW

Watch the famous dueling piano show 8 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights at Rosie O' Grady's at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Doors open at 7 p.m.

OPEN MIC NIGHT AT GARY'S BREWERY

Open mic night is hosted by Renee Amelia 6 p.m. every other Wednesday at Gary's Brewery, 208 Newman Ave. Visit facebook.com/garysbrew for details.

VIBE IRIE REGGAE: LIVE IN THE COURT-

YARD Enjoy Vibe Irie Reggae band 4-10 p.m. Sundays at the End O' the Alley Courtyard at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St.

LIVE MUSIC AT CALVERT'S Listen to live music 5-8 p.m. Sundays at Calvert's in the Heights, 670 Scenic Highway. Visit facebook.com/calvertsintheheights for details.

FOOD + DRINKS

ATLAS BEVERAGE CLASS The next Atlas Beverage Class is 5 and 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2 with Asesinato Tequila at Atlas Oyster House, 600 S. Barracks St. Cost is $30 per person. Reservations are required. Make yours by emailing taylor@goodgrits.com or call (850) 287-0200.

OKTOBERFEST STEIN HOLDING CONTEST

Event is 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4 at O'Riley's Irish

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• More than 150 beautifully resorted aircraft

• Hangar Bay One with an expanded Apollo Space exhibit, Marine One helicopter and F/A-18 Hornet

• Giant 4K Screen Digital Theater, simulators, cafe’, museum store and more!

See free Blue Angels practices most Tuesday and Wednesdays. Scan the QR code for all the details and premium seating options. NavalAviationMuseum.org

a&e happenings

Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. The winner gets a limited edition 2025 Oktoberfest Stein. All participants must be 21 or older.

COUPLES COOK: ROMANCING FALL

FLAVORS Class is 5-7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4 at Pensacola Cooks at The Warrington Shopping Center, 4051 Barrancas Avenue, Unit C. Cost: $100 per couple.

PASTA MAKING CLASS Cooking class is 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5 at Pensacola Cooks, 4051 Barrancas Ave., Ste. C. Tickets available at pensacolacooks.com/cooking-classes.

GREEN DRINKS Join environmentally-friendly folks for drinks and social time 5:30-7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7 at From the Ground Up Community Garden, 501 N. Hayne St. Details at Green Drinks Pensacola on Facebook and Instagram.

2025 TASTE OF THE BEACH Three days of coastal cuisine on Pensacola Beach. The kick-off is Thursday, Oct. 9 with a sunset cruise; on Friday, Oct. 10 is a VIP Party Dinner Trolley Tour and Saturday, Oct. 11 is the main event with signature dishes from 15 Pensacola Beach restaurants available for a maximum of $10 each. The festival is 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Casino Beach. Details at pensacolabeachchamber.com/events/ tasteofthebeach.

HALLOWEEN TREATS CLASS Cooking class is 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11 at Pensacola Cooks,

4051 Barrancas Ave., Ste. C. Tickets available at pensacolacooks.com/cooking-classes.

LUNCH SERVICE AT RESTAURANT IRON

Restaurant Iron, 22 N. Palafox St., now offers a refined midday experience starting 11 a.m. Monday-Friday. Dinner service will continue to be available Saturday and Sunday. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling (850) 476-7776 or visiting restaurantiron.com/ reservations. Walk-ins will also be welcome based on availability.

LUNCH & DINNER AT SEVILLE QUAR -

TER Enjoy a good meal and atmosphere with lunch and dinner at Seville Quarter. At 11 a.m. in Apple Annie's Courtyard, have the soup and salad bar, featuring more than 30 fresh selections, along with a delicious variety of sandwiches, pizzas, burgers, wings and local Gulf seafood favorites. Beginning at 5 p.m., dinner is served in the historic Palace Café, where the culinary team brings creative dishes to the table, blending Southern comfort, local ingredients and Seville Quarter flair. Details are at sevillequarter.com.

DOWNTOWN HAPPY HOUR AT SEVILLE

QUARTER Drink specials and laid-back vibes are 11 a.m.-7 p.m. every weekday throughout the entire Seville Quarter complex with $2 off all liquor drinks and $1 off all beer and wine. Must be 21 or older. Visit sevillequarter.com for details.

MEN'S NIGHT AT WISTERIA From 3 p.m. to close Mondays, guys can play free darts and enjoy $6 craft tallboys. There are more than 150 craft beers to choose from at Wisteria, 3803 N. 12th Ave. Visit wisteriatavern.com for details.

BAR BINGO AT SEVILLE QUARTER Bar

Bingo is 8 p.m. Mondays at Apple Annie's at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Drink specials include $2.50 Miller Lite bottles and $3.50 Bomb shots. Bingo is free to play with prizes, giveaways and bar tabs up for grabs for winners. Visit sevillequarter.com for details.

FIGHTER GAME NIGHT AT O'RILEY'S Gamers unite 5 p.m.-close Mondays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.

BINGO NIGHT AT CALVERT'S IN THE HEIGHTS Play a game (or two) of bingo 6-8 p.m. Mondays at Calvert's in the Heights, 670 Scenic Highway. For more information, visit calvertsintheheights.com.

DOUBLE MONDAYS AND SIN NIGHT Enjoy

Double Mondays 8 p.m.-midnight and SIN Night 11 p.m. to close at O'Riley's Tavern, 3728 Creighton Road. Details are at orileystavern.com.

MARTINI NIGHT AT THE KENNEDY Every Tuesday, The Kennedy, 1 S. Palafox St., hosts Martini Night, featuring all martinis from the menu for $10 from open to close (4-11 p.m.).

75-CENT OYSTERS AT ATLAS Enjoy 75-cent oysters 5-9 p.m. Tuesdays at Atlas Oyster House, 600 S. Barracks St. For more information, visit greatsouthernrestaurants.com.

MUSIC BINGO Test your music knowledge 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays at Wisteria, 3808 N. 12th Ave. Take part in half-price bottles of wine and $5 canned cocktails. Visit wisteriatavern.com for details.

POKER NIGHT AND BINGO AT O'RILEY'S Visit O'Riley's Irish Pub for poker at 6:30 p.m. and bar bingo 8-10 p.m. Tacos are on special Tuesdays at 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.

LUNCH AT THE DISTRICT The District Steakhouse, 130 E. Government St., is open for special lunch seatings the third Friday of the month. Enjoy a $5 martini or house wine. Seatings are 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Reservations are accepted but not necessary. Details are available at districtsteaks.com.

DOLLAR NIGHT Enjoy Dollar Night 8 p.m.midnight Tuesdays at Mugs & Jugs, 12080 Scenic Highway. Visit mugsjugsbar.com for details.

TUESDAY TRIVIA AT PERFECT PLAIN Visit Perfect Plain Brewing Co. for trivia nights 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays at 50 E. Garden St. Visit perfectplain.com/upcoming-events for details.

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free will astrology

WEEK OF OCTOBER 2

ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19): In Zen Buddhism, satoris are sudden flashes of illumination that are fun and clarifying. I'm happy to tell you that you're in a phase when these sweet breakthroughs are extra likely to visit you. They may barge in while you're washing dishes, in the grocery store check-out line, or during your fantasies before sleep. Be on high alert for intimations from the Great Mystery. P.S. Some satoris could be gems you already half-knew.

TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20): You are eligible to be named "The Most Brilliant and Effective Complainer" for October. If you want to secure this prestigious award, spend time organizing plans for changing what's amiss or awry. Decide which irritating off-kilter situations are most worthy of your thoughtful attention. Figure out how to express your critiques in ways that will engage the constructive help of others. And then implement a detailed strategy to compassionately achieve the intriguing transformations.

GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20): On certain medieval maps, an island paradise known as HyBrasil had a fuzzy presence west of Ireland. Did it truly exist? If so, it was said to be a blessed land that could restore lost youth and offer extravagant happiness. The place was thought to be rarely visible, and only under certain magical or auspicious conditions. I suspect you Geminis are within range of an experience like this. It won't appear in a specific location but as a state of mind that settles over you. Don't chase it. Allow it to find you.

By Rob Brezsny

lactite might take a thousand years to make. With that as your seed thought, Cancerian, I invite you to attune yourself to the slowest, deepest, most ancient parts of your soul. Important developments are unfolding there. A wound that's ripening into wisdom? A mysterious yearning that's finally speaking in your native tongue? Be patient and vigilant with it. Don't demand clarity all at once. Your transformation is tectonic, not flashy. Your assignment is to listen and be receptive.

LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22): When bilingual speakers engage in the behavior known as "codeswitching," they may begin a sentence in one language and finish it in another. Or they may move back and forth between two different languages as they deliver a discourse. Why do they do it? To enrich their meaning, to dazzle their audience, to play and experiment. In a larger sense, we could say that code-switching happens anytime we swivel between different styles of presenting ourselves: from formal to casual, serious to humorous, cheerful to skeptical. I bring this up, Leo, because you are in the heart of the code-switching season. Have fun!

VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22): In the Arctic, polar bears move through the world not by sight alone, but through scent trails that stretch miles across the ice. Their sense of direction is olfactory, intuitive and primal. If I'm reading the omens correctly, Virgo, your navigation system will also be more animal than logical in the coming weeks. I advise you to trust subtle cues—like goosebumps, a sweet or sour taste in your mouth, or an uncanny pull toward or away from things. Your rational mind might not be fully helpful, but your body will know the way. Sniff the trail. Access your instincts.

into every choice. You understand that your wisdom is best used to bless, not censure. My hope is that you will foster gentle clarity and offer forgiveness to all, including yourself. Lay down the old guilt! Let grace be the law!

CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22): A stalactite is a stony formation that hangs like an icicle from the ceiling of a cave. It forms over long periods as mineral-rich water drips down and incrementally deposits hard calcium carbonate through precipitation. This marvel is an example of earth's creativity at its most leisurely. A four-inch-long sta-

LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 22): In ancient Egyptian myth, the goddess Maat ruled truth, divine law, harmony and moral order. After death, each person's heart was weighed against Maat's feather of truth on a scale in the Hall of Judgment. If the heart, which embodied the essence of a person's actions in life, was equal in weight to the feather, the deceased was assessed as virtuous and cleared to continue to the glorious afterlife. If it was heavier . . . well, I'll spare you the details. Maat's scales were not symbols of punishment, but of fairness and justice. That's also your special power right now, Libra. You have subtle insight

SCORPIO (OCT. 23-NOV. 21): The I Ching is an ancient divinatory book compiled in China over 2,500 years ago, Amazingly, it's still quite useful. In accordance with astrological omens, I call your attention to one of its oracles: "Work on What Has Been Spoiled." It tenderly counsels us to be brave as we repair what's broken. But it's crucial that we make the correction with patient grace, not blame and anger. The good news, Scorpio, is that you now have an uncanny ability to discern what's out of tune, what's crooked, what has been wrongfully abandoned. I hope you will offer your genius for re-weaving. A frayed friendship? A neglected dream? A forgotten promise? You can play the role of restorer: not to make things as they were, but to render them better than they've ever been.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21): In ancient Egypt, the lion-headed goddess Sekhmet wielded both intense heat and nourishing warmth. She had the power to destroy and heal. When outbreaks of chaos threatened, she incinerated them. Once order and balance returned, she served as a physician. I dare you to summon your inner Sekhmet, Sagittarius. Give your bold attention to an obstacle that needs to be crushed or an injustice that needs to be erased. If necessary, invoke sacred rage on behalf of sacred order. But remember that the goal is not merely combustion. It's transmutation. Once the fire has cleared the way, unleash your gorgeous cure.

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19): In Nepal, there's a tradition among Sherpa mountaineers. Before ascending Mt. Everest, they perform a ceremony led by a Buddhist monk or Lama. It's

a way to honor the sacredness of the mountain, ask for grace during their climb and return from the journey in good health. As you eye the peak ahead of you, Capricorn, consider making similar preparation. Ritualize your intention. Direct it with clarity and care. Bless your journey before you surge forward.

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18): When people call something "glamorous," they usually mean it has an elegant, captivating style. Its beauty is sophisticated and luxurious. But the original meaning of "glamour" was different. It referred to a deceptive magical enchantment designed to disguise the truth, whipped up by a conjurer or supernatural being. That's the sense I want to invoke now, Aquarius. You have been seeing through the glamour lately—of the media, of consensus reality, of false stories. Now it's time to go even further: to actively tear down illusions and dismantle pretense, preferably with tact. When you see through the spell, don't just call it out—transmute it into clarity.

PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20): Pisces-born Nina Simone (1933–2003) started playing piano when she was three years old. At age 12, her debut concert was a classical recital. She developed a yearning to become the first Black female classical concert pianist. But her dream collapsed when the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music refused to let her study there. Then came the plot twist. She redirected her disappointment ingeniously, launching a brilliant career as a singer, composer and pianist that won her global fame. The rebuff from the Curtis Institute was ultimately a stroke of good luck! It became a catalyst for her greatness. In accordance with astrological omens, I invite you to designate a frustration that you will use to fuel future success.

HERE'S THE HOMEWORK: Make sweet amends to yourself for an error you made. {in}

freewillastrology.com newsletter.freewillastrology.com freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com BrezsnyAstrology@gmail.com © 2025 Rob Brezsny

news of the weird

CREME DE LA WEIRD Rose Mnisi, 39, appeared in court on Sept. 18, where she faced charges of illegal possession of human tissues, the BBC reported. Mnisi is a cleaner at a hospital maternity ward in eastern Mpumalanga, South Africa. Security officers were tipped off that she was seeking buyers for human body tissues; they arrested her with a plastic bag of human placentas. Police said Mnisi might face further charges. She is due back in court in October.

LEAST COMPETENT CRIMINAL The BP convenience store in Macon, Missouri, has slot machines, KTVO-TV reported, which made it really handy for Amber Dawn Butler, 34, to satisfy her gambling addiction while she was at work. One little hiccup in her on-the-job wagering was that she was allegedly taking money from the store's cash register and safe to feed into the machines. Butler also confessed to scratching lottery tickets she hadn't bought and stealing cigarettes and bottled water from the store. Confusingly, she pleaded not guilty and is being held in the Macon County jail.

FUN SUCKERS If you're planning to do a little carousing this homecoming season in Jesup, Iowa, think again: The Jesup Police Department has issued a warning that TP-ing is banned, and anyone doing it will face legal charges. KCRGTV reported on Sept. 17 that police have labeled the prank harassment and have identified multiple people whom they are investigating for trespassing, criminal mischief, illegal dumping and disorderly conduct.

IT'S GOOD TO HAVE A HOBBY In Conway, South Carolina, TikTok users and others are following the escapades of the "CCU Pisser," a person who relieves himself at different points around the Coastal Carolina University campus. The Sun News reported that the videos started appearing on Sept. 1, and each one features a different iconic target: a CCU logo embedded in a sidewalk, for example, and the school's football field. CCU wouldn't comment on the shenanigans, but a "Detective" apparently unaffiliated with the school is also a hit on TikTok, warning the Pisser that "I know your name. I know where you will be next." We'd love to hear both posters' GPAs.

ANIMAL ANTICS Joan Heblack of San Rafael, California, was enjoying a walk in her neighborhood when a squirrel "came out of nowhere" to claw and bite her, KGO-TV reported on Sept. 22. Her injuries sent her to the emergency room. Heblack isn't the only victim of an attack squirrel in the area; about five people have been attacked, and fliers have been posted on utility poles, warning residents of the "very mean squirrel." Lisa Bloch of Marin Humane said such attacks are "likely the result of someone feeding it. When wildlife is fed by humans, they can lose their natural fear and act more emboldened." The LA County Department of Public Health assures locals that squirrels do not spread rabies.

By the Editors at Andrews McMeel

BUT

WHY? Teaching assistant Alexander Lewis, 32, was charged with interfering with schools and malicious injury to property in Florence, South Carolina, WKRC-TV reported on Sept. 23. Between Aug. 25 and Sept. 19, Lewis allegedly used a spray that mimics the smell of poop inside the school. The spray caused students and staff health issues, nausea and dizziness, and the district spent almost $55,000 trying to solve the issue through air conditioning inspection and repair costs. Lewis' bond was set at $9,000.

NEW WORLD ORDER The three members of the Kingdom of Kubala, an "African tribe," were ordered to vacate private land in Scotland on Sept. 22, Sky News reported—but instead, they just relocated to the other side of a fence, on councilowned land. The members say they are reclaiming land that was stolen from their ancestors 400 years ago, but the Scottish Borders Council has made efforts to remove them. King Atehene, aka Kofi Offeh, 36, indicated that he would not speak to media outlets unless they brought him gifts; the group posted on Facebook, "The Kingdom of Kubala can never be destroyed." A spokesperson for the Borders Council said legal processes are continuing and "officers will proceed through the next steps as quickly as possible."

THE TECH REVOLUTION Lisa Catalano, 41, of San Mateo, California, is ready to settle down, KRON-TV reported, so she's set her sights high. Catalano is using digital billboards along Highway 101 to seek out potential mates, directing suitors to her website to get more information and apply. "I just want to meet somebody," she said, "and I was just not having any luck any other way." Catalano was previously engaged, but her fiance passed away in 2023 from illness. As she looks for the ideal applicant, she says, "I hope that this is a great story that we can tell our future children."

BRIGHT IDEA Craigslea Community Kindergarten and Preschool in Brisbane, Australia, had to close recently after its funding was halted, the BBC reported. Following upheaval among the staff and volunteer committee, parents received an email on Sept. 21 explaining that the school can't pay its debts; hours later, a second email asked parents to pay $1,400 to receive a portfolio of their children's art. Administrators said the money would go toward paying down unpaid bills, including teachers' wages. Brooke, a parent of a Craigslea student, called the scheme "absolutely ridiculous." She decided to collect the artwork without paying, which led the center to report her to police. The Creche and Kindergarten Association and the Department of Education got involved, and now, "These important records are now available for families to collect," C&K said. Parent David Crisafulli remarked, "Let's give the kids their finger painting and let's get on with life." Hear, hear. {in}