Inweekly April 9 2026 Issue

RISING STARS 2026

Co n g ra t u l a t i o n s

TO OUR 2026 RISING STAR

IMANI WRIGHT

winners losers

PENSACOLA ICE FLYERS Pensacola's professional hockey team drew 168,493 fans during the 2025-26 regular season, surpassing last year's total of 152,702 and marking the fourth consecutive season of attendance growth. The season featured five sellout crowds, including both Five Dollar Nights, Wiener Dog Race Night and two Military Appreciation Nights. Owner Greg Harris credited the milestone to the team's deepening ties with the community. Senior Director of Operations Brenden Arney said the energy fans bring to the Hangar creates a tangible advantage for the team. He said, "When you combine that with the way our fans show up, it creates something that players feel and respond to."

LACEY A. COLLIER SENSORY COMPLEX

The Escambia County Snoezelen Foundation and Escambia Westgate Center celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Lacey A. Collier Sensory Complex last month, marking two decades of serving students with disabilities in Escambia County. The center traces its origins to 2005, when Westgate Principal Susan Barry and Judge Lacey A. Collier rallied community support to build a facility based on the Snoezelen concept, a Dutch-developed approach using colors, lights, textures and music to support individuals with disabilities. The word "snoezelen" combines Dutch words meaning "to explore" and "to relax." Judge Collier, honored at the event with a quilt featuring Westgate students, was among original Foundation members in attendance.

FRED LEVIN Nationally recognized lung care experts gathered in Pensacola last month for the annual Fredric G. Levin Lung Cancer Symposium, held at the Institute for Human and Machine Cognition's Pensacola campus. The symposium honors Fred Levin, who faced Stage IV metastatic lung cancer with courage following his January 2016 diagnosis. It also fulfills his commitment to advancing awareness, education and innovation in the fight against lung disease, a leading cause of death and diminished quality of life. Levin Papantonio partner Virginia M. Buchanan said, "This symposium shines a light on the physicians, researchers and innovators who are transforming both quality of life and survival for those facing these diagnoses."

DOUG UNDERHILL

A federal appeals court ruled against former Escambia County Commissioner Doug Underhill, affirming that his Facebook messages with constituents about county business were public records he was legally required to disclose. Underhill had withheld over 24,000 pages of Facebook records, arguing that because he personally owned the account, the messages were not subject to Florida's Public Records Act. The court rejected that reasoning, finding Underhill was acting on behalf of the county commission when he used social media to conduct official business. The court also upheld an award of attorney's fees against Underhill (over $130K), ruling his refusal to produce the records was unlawful. Underhill's appeal was denied in full.

THE BERGERS

The Escambia County Commission's odd couple, Ashlee Hofberger and Steve Stroberger, want us to believe a different version of reality. Commissioner Stroberger claims he doesn't lie and that his campaign was self-funded. Stroberger spent over $62,000 to win the 2024 GOP primary for the District 1 seat, with only $35,158 coming from him. Commissioner Hofberger posted on Facebook how she eloquently spoke in support of Clerk Pam Childers' stance against community support grants, but she did not at the March 26 board meeting. She compared not writing a $1,000 check for the Washington High girls' basketball team to changing information on Cheetos, Kool-Aid and not vaccinating children.

TOWN OF CENTURY

The northern municipality of Escambia County completed its annual financial audit for fiscal year 2024—eight months past the June 30, 2025 state deadline. The findings paint a bleak picture. HCT Certified Public Accountants & Consultants found the town in a "deteriorating financial condition," with a $2 million deficit in governmental activities and a $9.7 million unrestricted net position deficit. The audit, dated March 13, 2026, cited recurring material weaknesses, including poor cash management, inadequate accounting software, lack of segregation of duties and no longterm financial planning. Auditors said they could not obtain sufficient evidence to issue a standard opinion. The fiscal year 2025 audit is due June 30.

outtakes

By Rick Outzen

MISSING APRIL FOOLERY

On April 1, 2008, I pulled off what I still consider one of my finer moments in radio. I announced that the University of West Florida had approved a football program and would open its inaugural season against Notre Dame at the yetto-be-built Community Maritime Park.

The phones at UWF Athletics' office rang off the hook with people asking for season tickets.

The article in Inweekly laid out a full schedule, named a head coach and quoted a UWF president who hadn't actually said a word. It was satire. It was absurd. It was April Fools.

But the trick to good satire is that it only works when it taps into something people desperately want to believe. In 2008, people wanted to believe in UWF football more than they were willing to admit.

Seventeen years later, watching UWF President Manny Diaz announce the Argonauts' move to NCAA Division I, I thought about those phone calls. I thought about all the people who heard that broadcast and felt something stir. They could picture a UWF team on a real field, in a real stadium, playing somebody worth talking about at the office on Monday.

WHY I SUPPORT THE MOVE Division I is expensive. The three-year reclassification process means no NCAA postseason until 2029. The financial model depends on philanthropy, new revenue streams and the ability of the Darrell Gooden Stadium to deliver the gameday economic engine. The NIL landscape is complicated by transition rules that limit UWF's options for the next three years. These aren't small obstacles.

But here's why I support the move: First, UWF has earned it. The Argonauts built one of the most successful Division II programs in the country—136 conference championships, 11 national titles across 15 sports and a football program that won a national championship within its first four seasons. That's not luck. That's culture. What worked at Division II doesn't stop working at Division I.

Second, the Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN) and the newly rebranded United Athletic Conference aren't asking UWF to swim in waters over its head. The Argonauts will be the third-largest institution in both leagues. They'll compete alongside Florida Gulf Coast, North Florida and Stetson. These are schools whose students already know UWF, schools that will generate instant rivalries with existing fan bases. This is a lateral move to a peer environment (but with a stepped-up title).

Third, Division I changes what it means to recruit here. Every UWF coach has spent years competing against midmajor programs that could flash the Division I label while UWF could not. When a young athlete from Tampa or Atlanta or Dallas is weighing options, UWF can now stand in the same room as everyone else and point out that we are Division I, we play for conference championships and we do it on the Gulf Coast. That's a different conversation from the one they've been having.

Athletic Director Dave Scott said it best at the presser, looking out at his student-athletes, coaches and supporters: "That level of success doesn't happen by accident. It reflects the culture, leadership and dedication of the studentathletes and coaches who chose to be part of the University of West Florida."

He's right.

GO ARGOS Back in 2008, I wanted to make people laugh and maybe nudge a conversation about what this community and this university could become. I didn't expect the phones to ring as they did. I didn't expect UWF to actually launch a football program in 2016, or to win a national title within four years of playing its first game.

I definitely didn't expect to be watching a press conference and hear the UWF president announce a unanimous vote by the Board of Trustees to move the Argonauts to Division I.

But that's the thing about big dreams; they have a way of outrunning even the people who dreamed them. {in} rick@inweekly.net

$715,000

Top-floor, end-unit, two-story condo 2 bedroom, 3 bath, close to pool

FISH HOUSE EXPANDS Great Southern Restaurant Group has consolidated its two signature downtown Pensacola dining venues into one expanded waterfront complex, with the Fish House absorbing the adjacent Atlas Oyster House as of April 1.

The merged operation carries the Fish House name and offers more than 300 feet of waterfront dining seven days a week—brunch, lunch and dinner. The move comes after years of peak-season demand at Fish House outpacing its capacity, while the Atlas space sat underutilized during lunch hours because of its limited operating schedule.

"We're like the OGs of downtown dining," said Maria Goldberg, the group's director of marketing, public relations and events. "We have a lot of people that come and we don't have enough space."

Two-hour waits during the summer season had become routine at Fish House, with guests competing for coveted outdoor waterfront seats. Consolidating the two venues allows the group to operate the full complex under a single operational model.

Chefs Jason Hughes and John Huggins have developed a consolidated menu drawing on the strongest offerings from both restaurants. The

most notable departure is sushi, which is being dropped entirely. Goldberg said the Pensacola dining scene has matured enough that dedicated sushi restaurants now serve that market well.

The vacated sushi room will be converted into an oyster station, effectively doubling the restaurant's oyster service capacity. Tuesday's 75-cent oyster night, the World is Your Oyster dinner and Atlas Beverage Classes will all continue uninterrupted.

The interior of the Atlas space is not being redesigned, though signage will be updated. The primary operational changes are in the kitchen. Fish House's back-of-house line is being expanded by relocating prep operations to the Atlas kitchen, which will now serve as a dedicated prep and dessert kitchen.

The Great Southern Restaurant Group began planning the consolidation last summer and formalized the decision in January, targeting an April 1 launch to allow time to work out operational details ahead of the Memorial Day rush.

"It gives us a little bit of time to work out any of the back-of-the-house kinks," Goldberg said.

DRAG SHOW CANCELED

Organizers of a March 28 drag show at Lucky Goat Coffee in Pensacola say they were notified four days before the

event that it was canceled following a decision by the company's corporate office.

The show, originally planned for audiences 18 and older, had been in the works since late February. Performers said they had already invested time and money in promotion, ticket sales and preparation—and that the cancellation felt discriminatory.

The decision comes amid heightened scrutiny of drag performances across Florida. A 2023 state law (SB 1438) restricting minors' access to certain live performances is now enforceable, and a December drag show at the Saenger Theatre in Pensacola drew statewide attention after Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier called for its cancellation.

Donnie Frankovich, who performs as H8male, said the current climate has made it increasingly difficult to secure venues.

"So many companies are just bowing down to this conservative wave where a very loud and violent vocal minority is pushing to suppress queer expression, despite us adhering to all local and state regulations," Frankovich said.

Inweekly asked Lucky Goat's local owner Sofia Lorenzini about the cancellation. She responded, "I have communicated directly with all event organizers. Thank you for reaching

out, and we appreciate your continued empathy and respect."

Event host Taylor Foxhall, known as Vixen Valentine, said the abrupt cancellation left organizers without clarity. Foxhall speculated that the decision might have been influenced by religious values, noting that performers often heard worship music playing in the cafe, even though Lucky Goat is not a religiously affiliated company.

"At the end of the day, it boils down to censorship," Foxhall said. "Drag is also an extension of the trans community, and it's disheartening to see companies like Lucky Goat trying to erase us, especially in a city where the queer community is so present and proud."

PRESSER NOTES City

Administrator David Stafford filled in for Mayor D.C. Reeves at his weekly press conference on March 30.

The Pensacola City Council awarded Pensacola-based Green-Simmons a $7.8 million contract to renovate the Fricker Center. The renovated facility will include a career lab, senior center, healthcare access, expanded stormwater infrastructure, increased parking, ADA-compliant updates and renovated restrooms, entryways and kitchen.

Programs in the gymnasium will continue through the end of the school year, then pause

until construction wraps up. The center is expected to reopen in June 2027. Families currently using Fricker for after-school care are being surveyed to help plan transportation and programming for the 2026-27 school year. Woodland Heights and Cobb Center will serve as alternate sites in the meantime.

At its April 9 meeting, the Pensacola City Council will consider approving a donation agreement between the City of Pensacola and The Pensacola Heritage Foundation, Inc. for the placement of the Alexander Stoddart Statue at Bayview Community Resource Center. Stoddart built and owned the estate known as Fairnie Hill in East Hill. He was the founder and manager of the New York Underwriters Agency and owner/ developer of the Lakeview Tract. He donated the land for Bayview Park.

Theresa Cserep, the City's education and programs officer, gave an update on the Alice S. Williams childcare project. The City budgeted $1,050,000 from grants and redevelopment revenue bonds to renovate the historic building and convert it into a childcare facility.

The City sought qualified firms to establish and operate a high-quality infant childcare program for infants under one year of age at the property. The selection committee chose Community Action Program Committee, Inc., which manages Head Start and Early Start in Escambia County.

Cserep said, "We were able to meet with the Community Action Program Committee yesterday just to start to discuss the maintenance lease terms and also do a site visit. We will work with the CRA to develop those lease terms, bring them to legal and start to develop them for CRA approval."

$79 MILLION BUDGET THREAT Escambia County commissioners got a sobering look at the county's fiscal future on April 1 when the Board of County Commissioners convened its Committee of the Whole to kick off the FY 2026-27 budget process.

Finance Director Stephan Hall warned the board that if the Florida Legislature follows through on its Homestead Property Tax Reduction Proposal, the county general fund could absorb a loss of roughly $79 million. The county's library system would take an additional $4 million hit.

Hall urged the board to hold off on any budget decisions tied to property tax revenue until the state's special legislative session concludes and the full financial damage can be calculated. Contingency options are being developed, but Hall didn't sugarcoat the problem. "I can assure the board it will not be easy. It will not be pleasant," he said, describing a combination of millage rate increases on commercial and non-homestead properties, elimination of vacant positions and cuts to county services.

Commissioner Mike Kohler put the scale of the problem bluntly. "This would be like 12 to 14 rollbacks in one year."

He also served notice that any deep cuts would reach beyond the BCC's own operations.

Constitutional officers—including the Sheriff, Clerk, Tax Collector and Property Appraiser— would be expected to absorb reductions as well. "There's no way that I'm going to cut the county and not cut the constitutionals if we get into that situation," Kohler said.

Commissioner Lumon May said the stakes are high enough that commissioners should travel to Tallahassee in person to lobby their delegation before any vote is taken. "If they pass any one of the eight versions that they have at the House, it would devastate us," May said.

"If they pass any one of the eight versions that they have at the House, it would devastate us." Lumon May

The full picture on the FY 2026-27 budget is expected to take shape at the July 23 Budget Workshop, assuming the Florida Legislature has acted by then.

BUS ROUTE OVERHAUL

Escambia County is hosting a public open house on Monday, April 13, to gather community input on a planned overhaul of Escambia County Area Transit's fixed bus routes.

The event runs from 5-6:30 p.m. at the Brownsville Community Center, 3200 W. De Soto St. County officials are billing it as an opportunity for residents, ECAT riders and stakeholders to engage directly with ECAT staff and project consultants, review interactive map displays and complete surveys. An online survey and virtual interactive room are also available for those who can't attend in person.

The county describes the initiative as a complete overhaul of fixed routes, with the goal of improving "service, coverage and reliability." The project will also examine how fixed-route buses, microtransit and paratransit services work together to better connect residents to jobs, education, healthcare and other key destinations.

What's missing, however, is the kind of deep community engagement ECAT built its last major plan on. In 2020 and 2021, the agency launched a three-phase public involvement process called "Your Service, Your Say" that produced more than 1,100 survey responses from riders, non-riders, community leaders and bus operators. That effort shaped the agency's 2022-2031 Transit Development Plan and gave ECAT documented public demand to take to county commissioners and state transportation officials when seeking funding.

This redesign effort, by contrast, isn't as robust. Residents who depend on ECAT to reach jobs, medical appointments and basic services have the most at stake in how routes are drawn. Monday's open house is their clearest opportunity to weigh in before decisions are made.

Congratulations, Carlos Sinhori!

For those unable to attend, the online survey is available at surveymonkey.com/ r/2026ecatsurvey. {in} +1

Building BlueWind from the ground up into a scaled composites manufacturer for multiple industries.

Mechanical Engineering. Composites.

International Experience. Leadership.

Great communities produce, attract and retain talent. Twenty years ago, we realized that means celebrating the young leaders who choose to build their futures here in Pensacola.

Our annual Rising Stars issue emerged from our efforts to change the narrative about talent retention and to help young leaders have a seat at the tables where decisions about the community were being made. Since 2007, we have recognized more than 1,000 up-and-comers, and they've gone on to transform our communi -

ty—opening businesses, creating nonprofits, serving in public office and mentoring the next generation.

Chosen from over a hundred nominations, the 2026 Rising Stars class reflects our community's diversity. They represent the city's next wave of entrepreneurs, attorneys, bankers, community advocates, educators, engineers, healthcare professionals and leaders in general. Each has shown the dedication needed to make Pensacola a better place to live, work and raise families. We hope you enjoy meeting them as much as we did. {in}

RISING STARS 2026

CRYSTAL ANDREWS

Director of Nursing, Havens at Pensacola

What makes your job 'click' for you? Seeing residents stabilize and regain dignity after a setback. As a Director of Nursing in long-term care, I thrive on building strong clinical systems, coaching my team to deliver excellent care and turning complex regulatory challenges into safe, consistent outcomes. Knowing our work pro -

ALYX ADKINS

Administrative Director, Fishbein Orthodontics

What makes your job 'click' for you? The people. In my role, I get to help patients achieve the smile they've always dreamed of while building genuine relationships within our community. I'm proud to lead a team that believes everyone deserves access to orthodontic care, no matter their background. Seeing our practice show up for schools, events and families

reminds me that we're changing more than smiles—we're impacting lives.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? Treat people the way you want to be treated. Lead with kindness, assume positive intent and remember that everyone is carrying something you may not see. Whether it's a patient, team member or stranger, respect and empathy go a long way. When you consistently show up with integrity and compassion, trust follows—and everything else tends to fall into place.

Tell us about the most rewarding project you've ever worked on. Helping grow our practice from four offices in 2018 to opening our 12th location this summer. Being involved in that expansion has been incredibly fulfilling. Growth isn't just about numbers; it means reaching more families, creating more opportunities for our team and providing access to orthodontic care in more communities. Knowing we're able to touch more lives makes all the hard work worth it.

tects vulnerable elders and supports families gives my role purpose every single day.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? Lead with both accountability and compassion. That shaped how I practice as a Director of Nursing. Holding high standards protects our residents, but leading with empathy builds trust with staff and families. Balancing both has helped me navigate difficult situations, strengthen my team and keep resident-centered care at the heart of every decision I make.

Tell us about the most rewarding project you've ever worked on. Since becoming Director of Nursing in August 2025, I rebuilt our clinical program from the ground up by developing a strong in-house team and eliminating agency reliance. Through focused quality and operational improvements, our facility advanced from a 2-star to a 5-star rating, achieved JCAHO accreditation and strengthened annual survey results. Most rewarding has been the measurable rise in both resident and staff satisfaction, reflecting a healthier culture and higher standard of care.

LEXI ANGELES

Owner, West Side Vintage

What makes your job 'click' for you?

Walking into something that didn't exist four months ago and knowing I built it. I've poured everything into West Side Vintage—my time,

my energy, my whole heart. Seeing small businesses grow in a space I created and watching Pensacola show up for it makes it real. I'm not just running a store. I'm building something I believe in, and knowing I belong here.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? Start before you feel ready. If I had waited for perfect timing, West Side Vintage wouldn't exist. Someone once told me to do the things—all the things—even when it's uncomfortable or uncertain. That mindset pushed me to move forward, trust myself and figure things out along the way. Growth doesn't come from waiting—it comes from showing up.

Tell us about the most rewarding project you've ever worked on. Building West Side Vintage from the ground up. In just four months, I poured my blood, sweat and everything I had into creating a space that shows what happens when you show up for your community. This isn't just my space—it's a place for Pensacola and small businesses to grow, create and make their mark alongside me.

DASHA BAILEY

Special Events Manager, Pensacola Habitat for Humanity

What makes your job 'click' for you? I thrive on structure—schedules, planning, logistics and turning moving pieces into seamless experiences. Event execution is where strategy meets heart. What truly makes my job click is seeing a family receive the keys to their new home and knowing that every fundraiser, community engagement or

appreciation event I organize helps more families achieve the dream of a safe, stable home.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? "Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. The only way to do great work is to love what you do."Steve Jobs. I live this every day through my work at Pensacola Habitat, knowing that the work I do here has a real, tangible impact on families and our community.

Tell us about the most rewarding project you've ever worked on. Piloting a cross-border data exchange between Ukraine, Moldova and Romania to improve customs operations. Seeing customs administrations from several countries collaborate, systems integrate and tangible improvements take shape—knowing it directly supported my homeland—was both professionally challenging and personally meaningful.

LARSHIELLE BANKS

Associate Director of the Educational Research Center for Child Development, University of West Florida

What makes your job 'click' for you? Witnessing the ripple effect of thoughtful leadership: children exploring and learning, educators growing in confidence and families feeling truly supported. I take joy in creating spaces where curiosity thrives, talents are celebrated and

early learning sparks self-assurance. Every interaction—from playful classroom moments to collaborative planning—reminds me why early childhood education is profoundly powerful.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? Professional excellence begins with personal growth. Never stop developing both.

Tell us about the most rewarding project you've ever worked on. Elle Marie and Little

RISING STARS 2026

Clever Bee. It combined my passion for early childhood education and leadership with com munity engagement, creating stories that inspired children, families and educators while promoting early literacy. The podcast sparked imagination and critical thinking, pairing each story with hands-on activities. More than enter tainment, it became an interactive educational tool, bridging storytelling with learning and nurturing creativity and growth.

JAKE BARNES

Attorney, Clark Partington

What makes your job 'click' for you? I am a natural problem solver who thrives on untangling complex issues and finding a clear path forward. And as a Pensacola native, I care deeply about the people and businesses in this community. So litigating in my hometown and resolving complicated business issues isn't just my profession— it's my way of serving Pensacola.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? You'll spend much of your life working. So do what you love. And don't just be good. Be great.

Tell us about the most rewarding project you've ever worked on. Helping a client win at trial. I was able to learn under one of the best trial lawyers in the area to craft a winning trial strategy. Putting in the long nights and early mornings paid off, and getting to see the life-changing result at the end was exhilarating.

NOAH BELL

Technical Business Analyst, Gulf Winds Credit Union

What makes your job 'click' for you? I translate business needs into effective technical solutions, bridging the gap between stakeholders and technical teams. My role allows me to combine analytical thinking with strong communication to ensure clarity, alignment and successful delivery. I'm grateful that service and meaningful collaboration are central to what I do.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? It came from a mentor who shared Isaac Newton's quote: "If I have seen further, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants." It reminds me that any success I have is the result of my faith and the people who have supported me. I've made it a daily mantra and hope to become a "giant" for others in the same way.

Tell us about the most rewarding project you've ever worked on. Working in the to contribute to impactful initiatives every day. One of the most rewarding projects I supported was launching the Foundation Association Membership, which enables individuals nationwide to support our community and join our credit union. It's meaningful work that extends our mission beyond our local footprint.

ARIEL BOOTH

Co-Owner, Jitterbug Beverage Co.

What makes your job 'click' for you? I bounced around from one creative career to another before opening Jitterbug, never feeling 100% fulfilled by any one path. With Jitterbug I've been able to do work that isn't just a job; it's a piece of me. It's cheesy, but true. The ceiling is adorned with my late grandmother's parasol collection, and drawings from our staff and customers cover every surface. It's ever-evolving,

shaped by our wonderful community, and that in turn shapes me.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? My dad is an optimist and a nerd who loves a good game. He taught me that most problems can be reframed as a puzzle and if you can turn it into a puzzle then you can turn it into a game. We call the shop "the 3,000-piece puzzle." It's overwhelming if you look at it as one big jumbled pile, but, piece by piece, it all comes together. Every puzzle can be solved.

Tell us about the most rewarding project you've ever worked on. The entire experience of building and growing Jitterbug has been the most challenging, beautiful and rewarding experience of my life. We went from slinging cold brew at markets to opening a shop that over the years has taken on a life of its own. For a relatively young business, we have had many distinct chapters that have shaped what we are today. It's a living beast that we have the privilege of stewarding.

RISING STARS 2026

HEATHER BOYD

Senior Financial Operations Manager, Gulf Winds Credit Union

What makes your job 'click' for you? When I can help people move from overwhelmed to confident. I love stepping into systems that feel tangled or intimidating and creating enough clarity that people can actually engage with them, and with each other. What I enjoy most is when finance stops feeling like something people report to and starts feeling like a partner

What makes your job 'click' for you? The priority of my day job is guiding students of all ages and backgrounds to their goals. My favorite part is defogging the confusion of higher education to help clear the path for someone who doesn't

know where to start. I also organize in the community outside of work, with Pensacola Liberation Center, Pensacola Abortion Rights Taskforce (P.A.R.T.), Defensa Gulf Coast and with neighborhood associations. Building relationships and seeing people become politically active energizes me.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? One of my favorite quotes is by Septima Poinsette Clark that goes, "I believe unconditionally in the ability of people to respond when they are told the truth." So, I insist that everyone is capable of understanding as long as we have the capacity to teach. We must believe that our community, our people, are capable of transforming society.

Tell us about the most rewarding project you've ever worked on. This mass group project of fighting for a better world. When I'm in the community providing and sharing resources for P.A.R.T., volunteering and motivating people to become political actors, I witness the contributions and growth of the collective and know I'm doing my part by inviting more people into struggle.

in solving problems. That shift, from stress to collaboration, is what makes it meaningful.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? You don't have to carry it all yourself. Early on I thought holding everything together was the job, but real leadership is about building trust, not absorbing pressure. I've found that when people have genuine ownership over their roles and a strong enough thread connecting them to their teammates, collaboration happens on its own. My goal is always to keep that thread visible without making it feel like a leash.

Tell us about the most rewarding project you've ever worked on. Early in my career, I helped redesign a month-end accounting process across U.S. and Nicaraguan operations, navigating different systems, regulations and working cultures while keeping daily operations running. The technical solution mattered, but the real reward was the growth it required: slowing down, listening and finding middle ground that worked for everyone. That experience shaped how I lead today, because the strongest systems are built on understanding, not just accuracy.

What makes your job 'click' for you? My life source comes from the creation and exchange of stories. I work with language as ritual, poetry as spell and inspiration as guide. Storytelling is

among humanity's oldest forms of magic and medicine, helping ancient peoples connect with themselves, their divinity and process trauma. I feel very connected to the past and future selling books and fostering literary community.

What's the best advice you've ever been Read banned books. It's half rebellion and half a measured study on humanity. The most life-changing art can sometimes be the most provocative and pearl-clutching. Being able to set aside your personal discomfort to see a different perspective is the definition of empathy. Those that ban books often lack empathy and the subtlety to appreciate good art.

Tell us about the most rewarding project you've ever worked on. The book truck is my big life project. It has given me a deep, fulfilling purpose I feel in my bones. The response from the community has made me feel as if I belong and am wanted for the first time since college. Being an active part of Pensacola's artistic and literary community is my greatest joy.

MILAN CARRO

Owner, The Sanctuary and Petit Ami

What makes your job 'click' for you? Assisting in bringing a vision to life. As a venue co-owner, I collaborate with brides, families and creatives to transform ideas into tangible, meaningful experiences. Every wedding carries its own dynamics and story, all converging at such a pivotal moment in someone's life. Helping

shape the environment where those once-in-alifetime memories unfold is both inspiring and deeply rewarding.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? Always be the problem solver. In the wedding industry, every event is beautiful and emotional, and as part of the team behind the magic, it's my role to step in wherever needed. No job is too small or too big. Whether smoothing out details or handling unexpected chal -

lenges, I'm there to support, serve and ensure the day unfolds seamlessly.

Tell us about the most rewarding project you've ever worked on. My lifelong best friend's wedding at The Sanctuary, where I also served as her maid of honor. It was meaningful to support her not just as a friend, but by using my industry experience to guide her through a process that can be overwhelming.

ALEX CAYLOR

Executive Chef, Salterra Coastal Taqueria

What makes your job 'click' for you? I love working in a field that is hands-on and allows me to be creative, and being a chef is just that. It is hard work, but the instant gratification that I get from seeing a guest enjoy the dish that my team and I prepared makes it all worth it. I couldn't see myself in any other career.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? My mom, Nora, told me recently to never be afraid of failure. I sometimes get ner vous and hung up on the "what if's" instead of what could be something great. I've learned to take risks and be less afraid of failing because of those wise words from Mom.

Tell us about the most rewarding project you've ever worked on. Helping Brother Fox become what it is today, alongside my mentor

the years. Watching the members of our team become great chefs is the most rewarding gift any leader could ask for.

BARRETT COLHOUN

Co-Owner, Jitterbug Beverage Co.

What makes your job 'click' for you? The spontaneous conversations at the register. I love going off-script to let people know they can have a friendly chat while ordering their drinks and pastries. This leads to a lot of unexpected exchanges, trading jokes, venting about life, maybe even some meaningful advice or affirmation by the end. You can tell it means a lot to people to be seen as more than just a transaction, and it goes both ways.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? "Don't be friends with your staff or customers." Ironically, I realized I wanted to do the opposite. Jitterbug is a community-focused business, and that requires really caring about the people walking through the door and showing that we're real people too. It can be risky, but as we've let ourselves be actual humans with each other, it's made our work more meaningful than we could have imagined. Shoutout to Destyn Patera for recently affirming this.

you've ever worked on. Jitterbug, handsdown. What began as a small coffee corner has morphed into a significant gathering place for our community, and that's hard to beat. Our friends, neighbors, loved ones, staff and others all deserve credit for contributing to what our space has become over the years, and it has been an honor to steer that transformation. We hope to continue growing in ways that serve our town with meaning.

Events Manager, Perennial Hospitality Group

What makes your job 'click' for you? I may be biased, but I truly believe I have the best job in the world. I get to watch my clients' dream events come to life every day. From the initial planning stages and logistics, to the moment everything comes together on event day—it's incredibly rewarding. I've planned events of all sizes, from intimate gatherings to lavish cel -

ebrations, and each one holds the same level of importance to me.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? It came from my now husband who reminded me to stay present and not take everything so seriously. The perfectionistic mindset can be a strength in the event world, but it can also be challenging to manage. Learning to be more intentional, trust the process and remember that everything will work out as it's meant to has made such a meaningful difference for me.

Tell us about the most rewarding project you've ever worked on. In college, I had the opportunity to oversee an afterschool program for K–5 students, and at 19, I often felt like a teacher. Before the school year began, I transformed each room into a bright, welcoming space where kids could feel safe, have fun and learn. Turning dull classrooms into vibrant environments was incredibly rewarding. That experience mirrors my role today—bringing spaces to life and turning simple ideas into meaningful, memorable events.

JALEESE COPE

Director of Digital Delivery and Card Operations, Members First Credit Union of Florida

What makes your job 'click' for you? Our members. I love seeing how the work we do behind the scenes supports their everyday lives—whether they're using their card, managing their account online or navigating a tough financial situation. This inspires me to create experiences that make financial tools

simpler, more accessible and empowering. Being part of a credit union means serving a community, and knowing our work helps members feel confident and in control of their finances makes it all worth it.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? What's meant for me will find me. That belief frees me from needing to map out every outcome and instead trust God's timing, stay open to possibility and show up fully in each season. It reminds me that the most beautiful things take time, and that I'm exactly where I need to be while becoming who I'm meant to be.

Tell us about the most rewarding project you've ever worked on. Leading the Youth LeadHERship Summit through Junior League has been one of my most rewarding experiences. The summit unites middle and high school girls to build confidence, discover their leadership voice and connect with positive, successful women from diverse backgrounds. Creating a space where young women feel seen, supported and truly empowered is transformative, and watching them leave encouraged, heard and excited about their future makes every moment worthwhile.

KENT CRIDDLE

Director of Operations, Morette Company

What makes your job 'click' for you? The amount of effort it takes to construct a building is difficult to comprehend—an effort often taken for granted. From mining raw materials to fabrication to installation to grand openings, thousands of talented people from around the world collaborate daily to create buildings and infrastructure that our community relies on. Being a small part in the orchestration of that effort, and watching something tangible rise from nothing, is deeply rewarding.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? Luck favors the prepared. This is advice that my dad gave me at a young age. Opportunities that look like luck from the outside usually come to the people who put in the work beforehand.

Tell us about the most rewarding project you've ever worked on. I've had the privilege of working on many meaningful, communitydriven projects at Morette Company. I've contributed to elementary school renovations, hurricane-damaged church restorations, new student dormitories and housing for educators. Each project serves a real need.

RISING STARS 2026

WREN DEPUTY

Director of Creative and Communications, Pensacola Blue Wahoos

What makes your job 'click' for you? The ability to combine both baseball and serving the Pensacola community into one. I have grown up my entire life as an avid baseball fan, and love nothing more than serving the community that has given so much to me and my entire family.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? Do what you love and you'll never work a day in your life. Sports have always been my biggest passion and combining that with being surrounded by the most incredible team, in a fantastic location right in my hometown is nothing short of a dream.

Tell us about the most rewarding project you've ever worked on. Wreaths Across America at Pensacola N.A.S. through Kiwanis. to my heart, and the hearts of many with family members who were in the service. It is so touching to be able to lay the wreaths joined by so many service organizations from all across Pensacola.

Congrats!

2026 Rising Stars

We’re so proud of our Gulf Winds Rising Stars Amie, Kaitlyn, Jonathan, and Noah for their continued hard work and dedication to helping our

and community unlock

RISING STARS 2026

JAIME DIFFEE

Preparator and Curatorial Coordinator, Pensacola Museum of Art, UWF Historic Trust

What makes your job 'click' for you? Being able to work hands-on with the art. My work is mostly behind the scenes: framing, preserving, shipping, prepping and installing exhibitions. I get to see how different humans express themselves

What makes your job 'click' for you? I have been with Asesinato Tequila from the beginning and it has been one of the most rewarding chapters of my life. The journey has been filled with growth, grit and unforgettable moments. I'm grateful for the friendships strengthened along the way and the incredible new relation -

ships built through this experience. Together, we're not just building a brand; we're building something meaningful that continues to inspire me every day.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? It came from my late father. He taught me to always show up. No matter the history, no matter if someone ignored you before and only now reaches back out, you show up anyway. In relationships, in friendships and in business, presence matters. Consistency builds character, and character builds trust. That simple principle has guided how I lead, how I love and how I do everything.

Tell us about the most rewarding project you've ever worked on. Helping start and build Asesinato Tequila. What began as an ambitious idea between Cory Williams and Danny Worsnop quickly became a far greater undertaking than we ever imagined. Every challenge shaped us. We grew through trial by fire, learning in real time and earning every inch. Looking back, I would not change a single step of the journey that brought us here.

ALEX EDGIL

Rheumatologist, West Florida Medical Center Clinic

What makes your job 'click' for you? I am a rheumatologist, which is a physician who is a specialist in musculoskeletal and autoimmune diseases. Both of these categories include a wide variety of symptoms and treatments. This makes every encounter unique and challenging, which is part of the reason I chose the field.

through mark-making and creation, from our oldest permanent collection pieces to new contemporary work from local, national and international artists. I love that I get to be a part of everything that happens to get art out to the community.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? Find your community and support it.

What makes your job 'click' for you? Getting to meet so many influential people across our community and build genuine, long-lasting

What's the best advice you've ever been given? The measure of a man is not what he does in front of everyone, but when no one is watching. This is a reminder that even the smallest gestures of kindness and honesty are a reflection of a person's character.

Tell us about the most rewarding project you've ever worked on. During my residency in the height of the COVID pandemic, I worked with a clinic that provided free diabetic medica -

Tell us about the most rewarding project you've ever worked on. Any project or exhibition where I am able to spend time with our museum's permanent collection and update our archival materials to better preserve the artwork. The Pensacola Museum of Art is a community space and I strive to make sure the art is there for future generations.

relationships. I enjoy learning about their businesses, understanding the challenges they face and seeing where I can be helpful.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? It came from a mentor early in my career. He told me the fastest way to succeed at something new is massive action paired with constant correction. Instead of getting caught up trying to learn everything upfront, just start, take consistent action and learn along the way.

Tell us about the most rewarding project you've ever worked on. This year's Seville Rotary Steak Cook-Off. It was my first year helping behind the scenes, and it gave me a whole new appreciation for the time, teamwork and leadership it takes to pull off an event like that. Although the day was long, it was absolutely worth it, knowing the impact we were able to make for our beneficiaries.

tions for local uninsured and underinsured patients. I led two food drives when our food pantry was depleted, as many of our patients experienced food insecurity since several food banks had temporarily closed. We were able to provide for numerous hungry families, which was an incredibly gratifying experience.

WILL FRANKLIN

Senior Associate, Warren Averett

What makes your job 'click' for you? Both the people and the work itself. I enjoy the people I work with, and I find the complex problem‑ solving aspects of my role especially rewarding. The challenge keeps things interesting, and the people make the work meaningful.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? Always stay willing to learn and never get complacent. Skills, expectations and en vironments change, and continuous improve ment is what keeps your work strong and your perspective sharp over time.

Tell us about the most rewarding project you've ever worked on. Every project I work on is rewarding in its own way. Each engage ment presents unique challenges that re quire thoughtful problem‑solving and sound judgment. Solving these issues in a way that supports the team and helps serve our clients is what makes the work fulfilling.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR RISING STAR

SYDNEY GECI

Owner, Golden Hour Yoga and Tea House

What makes your job 'click' for you? The meaningful conversations that come up, watching people slow down and pour tea for one another, and offering yoga that is authen tic and full of breathwork. It's very rewarding to nurture a space where people from every background can feel at home and at ease with just being themselves.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? Years ago, I listened to a talk from Ram Dass, and the quote has stuck with me ever since: "Love everyone and tell the truth." When we can recognize and accept the beauty and the messiness of being human, we gain an ability to see each other with compassion and empathy. When we live in alignment and lead through our hearts, truth is all there is.

a space where people could take time out of their day to pause, connect and just breathe. It's very rewarding to see people come back time and again, feeling filled, inspired and at peace from their experience.

Tell us about the most rewarding project you've ever worked on. Aside from raising my children, the building and creation of Golden

Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Certified Group Psychotherapist

What makes your job 'click' for you? Getting to see the shift in a person as they move from discouraged or hopeless to empowered. I love working with clients who have a strong desire to understand their inner world and

take charge of whatever they want their next chapter to look like, whether that be in their career, relationship or community. It's a gift to witness.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? Showing up authentically will take you a hundred times further than faking it until you make it. If you're a beginner, show up with a beginner's mind and eagerness to learn. If you're the expert in the room, use your voice and own it.

Tell us about the most rewarding project you've ever worked on. The work I've been able to do in the Pensacola artistic community. As a therapist in solo private practice something I really miss is the ability to work collaboratively on a team. Serving as the board president of Stamped Film Festival has given me a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to collaborate with other leaders and artists to uplift queer stories and voices in Pensacola.

decisions that carry real weight for their families and futures. When I can bring clarity and steadiness to something that once felt daunting and help someone feel understood and supported throughout the process, that's when the work resonates most for me.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? Treat people like people. The law can often feel transactional, but clients aren't simply files or deals; they're individuals navigating significant life moments and making decisions that shape their future. Taking the time to listen, slow down where it matters most and build real relationships has defined how I practice law. Technical skill is essential, but lasting trust is built through respect, care and reliability, and by always remembering the person behind the matter.

Tell us about the most rewarding project you've ever worked on. Helping a client sell a multi-million-dollar business they had spent years building. It wasn't simply a transaction; it represented the culmination of their years of dedication and personal investment. Being part of that transition and ensuring their next chapter began on solid footing was deeply meaningful. That same sense of purpose carries into estate planning and probate matters, where the work often supports individuals and families through important and sometimes difficult transitions.

RISING STARS 2026

DAKOTA GRILLI

Construction Procurement and Community Development Supervisor, Pensacola Habitat for Humanity

What makes your job 'click' for you? The people I serve. Every homeowner has a story, and being trusted to walk alongside them during vulnerable moments is something I don't take lightly. When a family feels safe in their home again, or a neighbor regains hope because someone listened and showed up, that's what makes the work meaningful. It's not just about repairs—it's about restoring dignity, stability and opportunity.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? Don't just fix houses—build trust. In community development, it's easy to focus on projects and deadlines, but real impact comes from relationships. Whether we're preserving a home or working alongside partners, I've learned that trust, transparency and consis tency matter most. When people feel heard and supported, the work goes beyond repairs; it strengthens families and neighborhoods. home and their peace of mind.

JARIS HARRISON

Founder, BLVD Branding and Sixth Sense Makeup

What makes your job 'click' for you? Seeing the transformation of a brand from scattered ideas into a clear and cohesive presence. I enjoy taking a client's vision and turning it into something strategic, polished and aligned with their goals. I'm passionate about making business owners feel heard, supported and understood throughout the process. I want them to leave not only with strong visuals and messaging, but with confidence in how they present themselves and their business.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? Show up authentically as myself in every room I enter and to be unapologetically me. That reminder keeps me grounded in my values, my creativity and my purpose. It's easy to feel pressure to conform, but I've learned that my uniqueness is my strength. When I lead, create and serve from a place of authenticity, I attract the right opportunities and the right clients.

tor of the Miss Omega Lamplighter Pageant, hosted by the Pensacola Lamplighters. It was more than an event; it was an opportunity to mentor young women, pour into their confidence and help them see their value beyond the stage. Watching their self-esteem grow, hearing them speak with pride and seeing them support one another was rewarding and fulfilling.

RISING STARS 2026

BENJAMIN HAUPT

General Manager, Dorothy's Bar and Grill, OASIS Florida

What makes your job 'click' for you? Between the nonprofit aspect, the affiliation with the LGBTQ+ community, the craft cocktail world and The Wizard of Oz, Dorothy's is a company I was made to be a part of.

What makes your job 'click' for you? My role centers on replicating human intelligence by developing algorithms that enable robots to balance and walk. Each day, I explore and

implement creative ideas that move us closer to matching—and eventually exceeding— human-level performance. It's an exciting job that allows me to play an engineer and artist.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? If you stay disciplined, the person you are today won't be able to compete with who you'll become in a year—let alone five or ten. Just keep moving forward.

Tell us about the most rewarding project you've ever worked on. During my undergraduate and graduate studies, I worked with a team to build a humanoid robot from scratch. Building robots forces you to question everything—and sometimes even doubt whether you're truly making progress. There were moments when I held back from fully celebrating a success, knowing how quickly the next challenge could humble us. But that constant pressure, that cycle of doubt and breakthrough, made each achievement feel ten times more rewarding.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? In my Acting 2 class in college, our teacher had us all get up and try something he knew we couldn't do and reminded us that failure is a part of true growth. Once you remove the fear of failure, life becomes easier.

Tell us about the most rewarding project you've ever worked on. Playing Angel in

"Rent" at Pensacola Little Theatre has got to be up there. Being able to bring that story and that character to life for my community was heartwrenching, but so extremely rewarding.

What makes your job 'click' for you? Since I was a child, I knew I was a creative, and I knew there would be more than one way to embrace it. As the marketing/administrative specialist for the Mark Lee Team, building their social media presence is my favorite priority. Beyond that, I paint

murals, take on commissions, design logos and do graphic design work through Throuvlehead Studios, a no-niche creative studio where I get to lean into a range of different projects.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? My grandpa was the most free-spirited person I've ever known and the inspiration behind letting my creativity flow freely. His biker name was the inspiration behind my business name, Throuvlehead. He taught me, "You can't stop the waves, but you can learn how to surf." You can't control everything that comes your way, but you can choose how you move through it. That carried me through every setback and leap of faith.

Tell us about the most rewarding project you've ever worked on. Co-running the Pensacola Military Schooling Group on Facebook with my mom. We created it to welcome military families and students arriving at Pensacola's military bases, providing local resources and making them feel at home. From hosting Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners for students who can't make it home to offering assistance wherever we can, watching a personal experience grow into a true community resource has been incredibly fulfilling.

MATTHEW HOOPER

Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgeon, Nemours Children's Health

What makes your job 'click' for you? I love making a difference in the life of my patients. The best reward for me is seeing a smiling patient whom I have helped in some way.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? Take complete ownership of every aspect of your patient's care.

Tell us about the most rewarding project you've ever worked on. In September of 2024, I traveled to St. Vincent and the Grenadines with a group called World Pediatrics. We performed

surgery for patients from that island as well as neighboring islands who do not have access to pediatric orthopods. We made a significant change in several patients' lives and that is the most rewarding project I have worked on since becoming a surgeon.

JACOB HULLETT

Director of Planning and Development, City of Milton

What makes your job 'click' for you? Blending creativity and intellectual rigor is what drives me. There is a balancing act between imaginative problem-solving with the precise work of regulatory interpretation and municipal planning. I also have the honor of calling this area my "roots" and witnessing the direct and positive impact on the city is deeply rewarding. That connection fuels my commitment to refine approaches, improve outcomes and ensure every decision is grounded in civic pride and consideration of future generations.

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

The Bible is filled with timeless wisdom, but none more important than the call to love humbly and wholly before all else. Paired with that is an old quote I carry into my work: "Blessed is he who plants trees under whose shade they will never sit." In planning, that's the whole job—decisions today that will shape and shelter a community long after you're gone. "Love thy neighbor" put into action.

the Florida Army National Guard such as hurricane missions, drills and outreach was an honor and deeply rewarding. In my current role, discovering that local regulations offered virtually no protections for the Longleaf Pine (Pinus palustris)—the tree most central to our region's heritage—I knew something had to change. Researching, drafting and implementing language that now safeguards Pinus palustris for future generations ranks among my proudest recent accomplishments.

COLE JENKINS

Realtor, Kuhn Realty

What makes your job 'click' for you? It's the people I meet and the variety of the day-today life that keeps me passionate. As a Santa Rosa County native, I love helping clients find their place along the coast. One day it's a beach condo, the next a historic East Hill home, then a farmhouse on acreage up north. Seeing clients genuinely excited on closing day and helping out-of-state buyers start their Pensacola life—it makes it all worth it.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? The golden rule: to treat others the way you want to be treated, and to love your neigh bor. Each week in real estate we are negotiating, working alongside or competing with another party. The golden rule is something I hold true within my transactions. Respecting others and their decisions—and treating people the right way—tends to resolve issues, make sales seamless and minimize stress. It has been very beneficial in my young career.

process; with needing an easement from the neighbors, having to use two lenders and know ing this had always been his dream, I wanted to ensure he was happy. All in all, it turned out great, as both parties were thrilled with how the transaction turned out. Now he can follow his dreams of having a local family farm.

Rising Stars are redefining what it means to lead. Through vision, service, and dedication, they are strengthening our community and inspiring others to make a difference.

Proudly celebrating your leadership and the impact you make every day

RISING STARS 2026

What makes your job 'click' for you? Being able to teach the game that I love, as well as helping the younger generation develop their full potential.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? If you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life.

Tell us about the most rewarding project you've ever worked on. The process of becoming a state champion. I got close when I was a player, but being a part of the coaching staff who led our girls to a state championship fills the hole it left.

What makes your job 'click' for you? Having the opportunity to provide innovative solutions to our community while collaborating and building relationships with others who share the same vision as I do—which is protecting the public's health, safety and welfare—is truly special. I also value the opportunity to work with leaders, engineers and contractors to deliver infrastructure improve -

ments to the many communities along the Florida Gulf Coast that people like me are proud to call home.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? "Today begins a new day. God has given it to me to use as I choose. I can waste it or use it for good. What I do today matters, for I trade a day of my life for it. When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone, leaving what I exchanged for it. I want it to bring gain, not loss; good, not evil; success, not failure—so I will not regret its cost."

Tell us about the most rewarding project you've ever worked on. To be honest, every project I have worked on has been rewarding, regardless of its size, complexity or the challenges it presented. However, having been born and raised in Milton, I have a special appreciation—perhaps even a soft spot—for the smaller communities along the Gulf Coast, especially those facing greater adversity than others in the region. I am grateful for the opportunity to help these communities access the essential infrastructure improvements they deserve.

PAULA LINDSEY

Director of Pediatrics and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Community Health Northwest Florida

What makes your job 'click' for you? Working with children every day is truly an honor. I have the privilege to help them grow through all stages of life, while ensuring they are in the best health possible. I enjoy celebrating every milestone along the way with my patients, all while forming lifelong relationships with them and their families.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? It's something I remember every day: "Always advocate for those who can't advocate for themselves." This is a statement I truly hold close to my heart while working with the underserved in our community.

Tell us about the most rewarding project you've ever worked on. I helped launch a

services to local elementary schools. I provided medical care to over 100 students in need. This helped ensure the students are healthy and have the best chance at success in the classroom. Working directly in the community is something that I will forever be grateful for.

KAYLA MAY

Founder and Executive Director, Neighborhood Children's Theatre

What makes your job 'click' for you? I love every aspect of theatre, and what I don't know, I love learning. Each day, I get to pour that passion into my students and empower them to take ownership. Watching them grow in confidence, discover their talents and step into leadership is incredibly rewarding. Seeing young artists come into their own—while at the same time supporting one another—is what truly makes it all click.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? Comparison is the thief of joy. For the last five years, that reminder has helped me stay focused on building NCT into something authentic and incredibly special. Because of that focus, this work continues to bring both joy and success. Last year, our small theatre company even won Best of the Coast's Best Summer Camp. Most importantly, our students feel challenged to grow while still having fun.

RISING STARS 2026

MICHAELA MCCARTHY

Children's Miracle Network Coordinator, Sacred Heart Foundation

What makes your job 'click' for you? Seeing our community rally around families during some of their hardest moments. I'm not just fundraising; I'm building relationships and connecting neighbors to neighbors. When local businesses, media partners and volunteers come together and that generosity turns into real, lifesaving care for children right here at home—that's when it all comes full circle for me.

What makes your job 'click' for you? The variety and energy it brings each day. I thrive in a fast-paced environment where I can juggle multiple projects and shift between tasks seamlessly. Being able to think creatively, solve problems

quickly and keep things moving keeps me engaged and motivated. I enjoy staying busy and contributing in different ways, which makes my work both challenging and rewarding.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? If you work hard, you will be rewarded. That mindset has shaped how I approach both my career and personal goals. It reminds me to stay consistent, put in the effort even when it's challenging and trust the process. Hard work may not always pay off immediately, but dedication and persistence always create opportunities over time.

Tell us about the most rewarding project you've ever worked on. Planning the 2025 Gulf Winds Foundation Golf Tournament. It was my first year leading it after our previous lead left, so we had to figure out everything from sponsorships to day-of logistics. We focused on improving feedback from the year before and ensuring every detail ran seamlessly. The event was a tremendous success, and the positive feedback from peers and leadership made it incredibly fulfilling.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? One piece I come back to often is: "If it won't impact your life five years from now, don't give it more energy than it deserves today." It's helped me let go of the small things and be more present. When you work in a missiondriven role, perspective is everything. That mindset allows me to focus on the bigger picture, the people, the purpose and the moments that truly matter.

Tell us about the most rewarding project you've ever worked on. HeART to HeART, a

pediatric art exhibit and fundraiser honoring our patients. These children have faced more surgeries and hospital stays than most of us ever will, yet their resilience is extraordinary. Seeing them tell their stories through art, and watching their parents beam with pride as their work hangs in our community and hospital halls, is something I will never forget.

does not fire on all cylinders behind one person only, and as a leader here being able to lead by example every day is what makes everything click for me personally. We have an amazing

ADAM MORRIS

Development Manager, Children's Home Society of Florida

What makes your job 'click' for you? When I can bring clarity and momentum to something complex. I love aligning people around a clear vision, building practical systems and turning ideas into measurable progress. Whether it's strategy, messaging or team culture, I'm most energized when collaboration creates forward movement

and everyone understands how their role contributes to something bigger than themselves.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? Lead where you are. That mindset has shaped my entire career. I've never waited on a title to take ownership. If something needs clarity or improvement, I step in. It's pushed me to strengthen teams, improve systems and pursue advanced education in organizational leadership while staying focused on contribution over recognition.

team over at Pearl & Horn. And we work hard to protect it and continue to perfect it.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? There's a lot that motivates me, honestly. My college football coach at Alcorn State told me during my freshman year words that still stick with me to this day: "When adversity strikes, what are you going to do—lay down or stand up?" And Chef George Lazi has also always told me and all of us staff at his restaurants that "nothing stops us." Both simply meaning, don't stop pushing.

Tell us about the most rewarding project you've ever worked on. The reopening of Pearl & Horn. Being a part of this journey for the past seven years has been incredible, but making the move to Pearl & Horn has been nothing but rewarding. From the moment I stepped foot in the kitchen I knew this project was going to be special, and we're blessed to be where we are today. Everyone plays their role and we have a beautiful cohesion here. I'm a very proud chef.

Tell us about the most rewarding project you've ever worked on. During the uncertainty of the COVID pandemic, I experienced an unexpected job transition and chose to build a marketing consulting practice from the ground up. I helped regional businesses clarify their messaging, strengthen operations and adapt quickly. Watching those organizations grow in confidence, profitability and community influence during a challenging season was incredibly rewarding.

CARLEE NORMAN

Events and Operations Coordinator, Downtown Improvement Board

What makes your job 'click' for you? The opportunity to be creative while working with many different people in the community. I enjoy coordinating moving parts, solving problems and seeing events come together successfully. Being involved in something that brings people downtown and supports local businesses makes the work feel meaningful and rewarding.

What's the best advice you've ever been giv en? Your mindset is powerful. What you believe about yourself often determines what you're willing to pursue. When you genuinely dedicate yourself to something and stay consistent, you can accomplish far more than you expect.

Tell us about the most rewarding project you've ever worked on. Helping support and

succeed, small businesses gain exposure and the community gather every week is incredibly fulfilling. It's rewarding to know that the work behind the scenes helps create a space where people connect, support local entrepreneurs and experience downtown in a meaningful way.

RISING STARS 2026

CARROLL PAPAJOHN

Executive Director, North Florida Bone and Joint Specialists

What makes your job 'click' for you? I derive great personal and professional satisfaction from empowering the physicians, ad vanced practice providers and frontline staff at North Florida Bone and Joint Specialists to change lives. I view my role as eliminating any obstacles to delivering the transformative care they have trained their entire lives to provide. The problem-solving, adaptability and interpersonal skills I have the opportunity to utilize towards this goal keep me engaged every day that I go to work.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? Personally and professionally: "You don't need a perfect start; you just need to start." When a situation feels too big to handle, identify the closest, most manageable piece of the puzzle and solve it. Then resolve the next manageable problem. Then do it again. Each success builds momentum toward accomplishing what, in aggregate, feels like an impossible task.

and Joint Specialists has grown significantly over the ten years that I've been with the practice. This evolution has necessitated significant financial, operational and personnel changes at each stage of expansion. The most rewarding projects to date have been onboarding new physicians and advanced practice providers—whether they are expanding an existing service line or enabling us to offer a new one—and setting their practices up for sustainable, long-term success.

RISING STARS 2026

KATHERINE PRESTESATER

Director of Morale, Welfare and Recreation, NAS Whiting Field

What makes your job 'click' for you? I thrive by supporting military members and their families, leading teams and integrating diverse resources to enhance quality of life. I create unique, creative programs and safe places where families can enjoy time together and feel connected. My role is about seeing the big picture linking people, partnerships and services to build resilient communities. I'm passion -

Vice President of Consulting, Fishbein Orthodontics

What makes your job 'click' for you? When I'm building leaders, tightening systems and turning big strategy into real results. I love taking something good and making it great—aligning goals, clarifying expectations and creating accountability that actually sticks. I thrive in high-trust

environments where I can provide growth professionally and personally. The sweet spot for me is scaling in a healthy, sustainable way while protecting culture and empowering others to step up and own their role.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? How you do one thing is how you do everything. It's simple, but it's shaped how I lead and operate every single day. The little things matter—how I prep for a call, respond to an email, track a number or follow through on a commitment. Excellence isn't situational; it's a habit. That mindset has pushed me to hold a high standard, protect culture and lead with consistency in everything I do.

Tell us about the most rewarding project you've ever worked on. Helping a business owner go from overwhelmed and reactive to calm, confident and back in control. I love walking into a practice that feels chaotic and making it my mission to bring clarity to the numbers, tighten up systems, develop the team and watch everything start to click. There's nothing better than seeing an owner breathe easier, lead stronger and actually enjoy their business again—especially while it's growing.

ELIZABETH SHREVES

Public Records Manager, Escambia County Sheriff's Office

What makes your job 'click' for you? When I help people make sense of complex public records laws and turn them into clear, practical solutions. I'm passionate about supporting my team, serving our community and strengthening transparency and trust within the Sheriff's office. Whether I'm digging into Florida's public records laws, coaching staff or coordinating efficient processes, I'm most motivated to em -

ate about environments where leaders grow, collaboration flourishes and service members receive the support they deserve.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? It came from a director who told me, "You're replaceable and be who you are." It grounded me in humility while reminding me to lead with authenticity. Early in my career, I worked hard to hide my quirks, but embracing them made me a stronger, more honest leader. When we own our strengths and our growth edges, we create space for others to show up fully too.

Tell us about the most rewarding project you've ever worked on. Developing a team of leaders who create meaningful, creative programs for our activeduty members and their families. As a small installation, we've learned to be bold with ideas and resourceful with what we have. Together, we've expanded holiday events, strengthened fitness and library programs and built a workplace where people feel safe showing up as themselves. My greatest achievement is the trust we've built as a team.

What makes your job 'click' for you? The opportunity to combine my passion for supporting individuals with disabilities with the mission and culture of GCE. Working on a project from start to finish with my dedicated team and seeing individuals achieve employ -

ment as a direct result makes the work deeply meaningful. Having a dedicated team that shares the same passion energizes me to always learn more every day and to be the best team member for them and GCE.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? To never stop learning and to always be yourself. I recently received my bachelor's degree in psychology, but my thirst for knowledge is always ongoing. I always want to continue learning and expanding my knowledge. Learning and growing never stops, even if you think you know enough. You can never truly know enough. My mother taught me to always be myself, and because of that advice, I am where I am today. Thanks, Mom.

Tell us about the most rewarding project you've ever worked on. Helping individuals with disabilities find employment. After a year of working with LCI, I transitioned over to Employment Services as an ECC and onboarded individuals into their new jobs. Hearing someone say, "I've been wanting to work; I'm so excited that GCE has given me a chance," is incredibly meaningful. Now, as a BD admin, I get to play a part in finding the employment.

power others and ensure information is handled accurately, responsibly and with integrity.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? "Pause." My grandfather taught me this word, reminding me that patience can shape who we become. His voice still guides me, echoing Victor Frankl's belief that between stimulus and response lies space to choose. In that space, I strive to lead with courtesy and uphold professionalism. That space, or pause, helps me navigate complex requests, support my team and make thoughtful, ethical decisions in service to our staff and community.

Tell us about the most rewarding project you've ever worked on. Volunteering as a photographer at the Pink Ribbon Tournament for two consecutive years. Photography is how I connect most deeply with my community, so the opportunity to capture moments of strength, hope and support was profoundly meaningful. Giving time and passion to honor survivors and, in a small way, to contribute to the fight against breast cancer made the experience both humbling and unforgettable.

CARLOS SINHORI

Engineering Manager, BlueWind Technology

What makes your job 'click' for you? Turning ideas into finished parts is what makes the job click for me. I've always loved the moment when engineering becomes something you can ship, like composite structures that help generate clean energy, make vehicles lighter or enable smarter buildings. From day one as a mechanical engineer, that bridge from concept to real-world impact has been the spark.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? Think globally, act locally. I've learned a lot from international success stories, and working first in Brazil, later Hungary, then in the U.S. made that mindset practical. Keep the global benchmark in your head, but execute with the realities of the shop floor, the team and the customer in front of you.

Tell us about the most rewarding project you've ever worked on. Sure was helping build a company from scratch in the U.S.

workforce, set up manufacturing processes and transfer technical know-how, all while navigating regulations and cultural differences. Against all odds, we delivered our first composite nacelle in just 90 days. Six years later, seeing it become a real, scaled manufacturer of nacelle covers for wind energy, and knowing I had a hand in every step, has been hard to beat.

RISING STARS 2026

ALLISON SPRADLIN

Planetarium Specialist, Pensacola State College

What makes your job 'click' for you? As a child, I wanted to be an astronaut. Unfortunately for me, I learned at a relatively young age that I could not handle the G-force that astronauts experience on a regular basis. Running the PSC Planetarium is the next best thing. I get to educate and hopefully inspire young minds to pursue their dreams.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? Focus on the step in front of you, not the whole staircase.

Tell us about the most rewarding project you've ever worked on. Bringing back Public Shows to the PSC Planetarium. Each month I get to see some familiar faces, and some new

been decades since these visitors have been in the PSC Planetarium and their joy is infectious. I hope to continue this for years to come.

RISING STARS 2026

JONATHAN STALLWORTH

Assistant Branch Manager, Gulf Winds Credit Union

What makes your job 'click' for you? I'm passionate about empowering my team to succeed while celebrating the financial milestones of the members we serve. Watching them set goals, stay disciplined and build long-term stability is incredibly fulfilling. Seeing their dedication translate into real results and

knowing we contributed to that success makes this work truly meaningful.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? Always put God first in everything you do. His plans are greater than my own, and I've learned that when I trust His direction rather than relying solely on my understanding, life unfolds better than I could have ever imagined.

Tell us about the most rewarding project you've ever worked on. Partnering with the Sigma Walk Foundation through Soles for Success provided us the opportunity to give 50 deserving students within Escambia County Public Schools brand-new shoes. What began as a service project through my fraternity, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Alpha Alpha Theta Sigma Chapter, has become a true reflection of our motto, "Culture for Service and Service for Humanity."

What makes your job 'click' for you? Specializing in land development requires constant awareness of the ebbs and flows of the local

economy, the needs and wants of fellow citizens and our environmental health. These considerations make it an all-encompassing job; every design decision has an impact on at least one of these aspects at all times. But, that's why I'm so passionate about what I do. Everything's connected and I'm able to have a part in it.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? Never stop learning, because life won't stop teaching. Be humble enough to know that there's always room to grow both personally and professionally.

Tell us about the most rewarding project you've ever worked on. The projects that I've been able to spearhead for either churches or nonprofits hold a special place in my heart. Even though these jobs usually have extremely tight budgets and limited room for error, the constraints are what spark my creativity. It's a rewarding feeling to be able to bring these visions across the finish line and watch their continued community impact.

What makes your job 'click' for you? The moment when connection and creativity meet. I love building meaningful relationships with my clients while creating behind the chair and bringing their vision to life in a way that feels beautiful and authentic. When someone feels

REED TAYLOR

Associate, Phelps Dunbar

What makes your job 'click' for you? Helping clients move from uncertainty to a clear path forward. I enjoy breaking down complex issues, thinking strategically and advocating for outcomes that make a real difference. Every matter is different, which keeps me learning and engaged every day.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? Focus on being dependable rather than impressive. Consistently showing up prepared, meeting deadlines and doing the little things well builds trust much faster than trying to prove you're the smartest person in the room.

Tell us about the most rewarding project you've ever worked on. A medical malpractice arbitration in which I played a key role in the

seen, safe and valued in my space, that's where the magic happens. Watching their confidence light up in the mirror makes it all worth it.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? My dad has always lived by the motto, "Make it happen." Growing up, that frustrated me. How was I supposed to make it happen if a concert was sold out and Ticketmaster had nothing left? Now I understand it means pivoting. Whether it's custom-mixing a formula when the exact color isn't in stock or tracking down tickets on Facebook Marketplace, if you want it badly enough, you find a way to make it happen.

Tell us about the most rewarding project you've ever worked on. One of the most rewarding projects we've done as a salon was offering complimentary hair services for a same-sex wedding during a time when marriage equality was being challenged. It was our way of supporting the LGBTQ+ community and affirming the freedom to marry. That day felt magical, watching them celebrate their love openly, surrounded by those who supported them. Helping ease part of their wedding expenses was an honor.

research, drafting and strategic development of the case. The client faced exposure to substantial financial liability, and achieving a favorable result was incredibly rewarding. It reinforced how thoughtful preparation and advocacy can make a real difference in a client's outcome.

PARRIS TODD Counselor

What makes your job 'click' for you? My job is rooted in service. My role as a counselor is purpose-driven and relationship-centered. I am awarded the opportunity to connect with and support children through stress, big emotions and life adjustments. The children wanting to talk with me and thinking I am cool is a bonus.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? A professor once told me not to allow anyone to handicap me by doing things for me. This advice reminds me of the proverb, "Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you will feed him for a lifetime." Utilizing this advice, I am not afraid to ask for help and prefer to be taught processes to be self-sufficient.

Tell us about the most rewarding project you've ever worked on. In a previous posi -

focused on increasing education and awareness about STDs, HIV/AIDS, promoting safe sex practices and providing HIV testing and counseling services. This project fulfilled me by giving me the opportunity to educate and connect with the community.

RISING STARS 2026

JACKSON TURNER

Employer Safety and Risk Management Specialist, Community Health Northwest Florida

What makes your job 'click' for you? Being able to help the organization remain safe and efficient.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? Show up and perform excellence, or the six P's: "Proper Planning Prevents Pretty Poor Performance."

Tell us about the most rewarding project you've ever worked on. The deeming process for getting Community Health our Federal Tort Claims Act coverage.

RISING STARS 2026

QUINTARRIES UPSHAW

Teacher, Workman Middle School

What makes your job 'click' for you? Relationship before rigor. The kids trust me first, then they learn from me. I teach in a community I pour back into, so the classroom doesn't stop at the bell. Literacy is the bridge. When a student finally understands a text and finds their voice in it, you can see confidence form in real time. That moment is why I keep showing up every day.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? "Teach the child, not just the standard. Data tells you where they are, but relationship moves them forward. Hold the line on expectations and still give grace. Kids will rise to the level of belief you consistently show them. If you stay steady, fair and predictable, learning follows. Content matters, but trust makes it stick." -My principal, Derrick Thomas.

Tell us about the most rewarding project you've ever worked on. Building my nonprofit

AVERY VINSON

Owner, TAME Coffee

What makes your job 'click' for you? Community—through TAME's permanent pop-up at The Handlebar (on Saturday and

Sundays from 8 a.m.-2 p.m.), we've been able to cultivate a really beautiful, safe third space. People can come and buy a coffee (or not— no pressure) and just hang out and know that they're in a queer-friendly and progressive space. I'm a queer woman and would have loved having a coffee shop like this to hang out at when I was younger.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? The time will pass anyway—just go for it.

Tell us about the most rewarding project you've ever worked on. Starting this business with two of my best friends (Victoria and Jackson Tharpe). It's been a labor of love to create a small business that values community and values its workers. We are a no-tip coffee cart, which means that we pay our employees a livable wage so that their wages aren't dependent on customers' tips. We want to create an equitable business for our employees and a transparent one for our customers.

AMIE WEBB

Digital Services Manager, Gulf Winds Credit Union

What makes your job 'click' for you? Improving the digital banking experience for our mem-

to expand literacy beyond my classroom. With the support of my fraternity, Phi Beta Sigma, we created tutoring, mentoring and reading opportunities for students who needed more than the school day could provide. Seeing community members, educators and students work together and then watching those same students grow in confidence and achievement has been incredibly fulfilling. It proved literacy is strongest when the whole community cares.

bers. I love finding ways to make things simpler, faster and more intuitive. Leading projects that enhance our platforms and remove friction allows our team to better serve members and ensure their digital experience with Gulf Winds is reliable, convenient and meaningful.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? Your past does not define you. What truly matters is how you learn, grow and move forward. Mistakes and challenges are opportunities to become stronger, wiser and more intentional about the person and leader you choose to be.

Tell us about the most rewarding project you've ever worked on. Overseeing a major system upgrade to our digital banking platform. It required months of coordination, extensive testing and collaboration across multiple departments and with our vendor. The successful migration optimized our platform, improving stability, reliability and overall performance for our members.

JORDAN WEST

Photographer and Owner, POP Studio and Jordan West Photo

What makes your job 'click' for you? Blending a client's creativity with connection. I'm most fulfilled when my work allows me to tell meaningful stories, support others and create something that has a real impact beyond the final product. When I can use my skills to serve my community, build relationships and help

people feel seen or celebrated, the work stops feeling like a job and starts feeling like purpose.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? A former mentor and fitness coach told me to "jump and grow wings on the way down." This resonated deeply with me and shapes most of my decisions. I've learned that confidence is built through action, not waiting until you feel ready. Believing in myself has often meant taking the leap before everything is figured out. Growth happens in motion, and trusting your-

self is sometimes the bravest, most rewarding decision you can make.

Tell us about the most rewarding project you've ever worked on. Photographing foster children for Christmas with the Northwest Florida Guardian ad Litem program. Being able to use my skills to bring confidence, joy and visibility to children who deserve to feel celebrated made the work very meaningful and led me to give back to more youth programs following that day.

MONICA EVANS WHITE

Owner, Mo Loves Hair Company

What makes your job 'click' for you?

Empowerment. I create a safe space where women feel heard, educated and confident. It allows me to be creative, enhancing their beauty in intentional, artistic ways that reflect who they are. Through intentional hair care and meaningful conversation, I pour into others beyond the chair. Seeing someone rediscover their confidence reminds me this isn't just my career—it's my calling, and I walk in it with purpose and faith.

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

Be a good steward of your blessings. I literally live by it. Everything I've been entrusted with—talent, creativity and opportunity—carries responsibility. Stewardship means discipline, gratitude and integrity. When you manage your gifts well, you create space for growth and opportunity for yourself and others. That mindset keeps me grounded, intentional and committed to serving my clients and the beauty community with excellence.

Tell us about the most rewarding project you've ever worked on. Beauty in the Fall is the project closest to my heart. I created it to celebrate and connect local beauty professionals while providing visibility, education and opportunity within our industry. Watching creatives feel supported, collaborate and grow through something I built has been incredibly rewarding. It reminded me that my purpose extends beyond the chair. It's about building community and creating spaces where others can thrive.

IMANI WRIGHT

Marketing Coordinator and Office Manager, Fasig Brooks Law Offices

What makes your job 'click' for you? Seeing strategy and creativity come together in a way that truly connects with people. I love taking a concept, shaping the message and watching it grow into something meaningful. Whether through engagement, feedback or real impact, finding that connection is what drives me.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? Not to let my uncertainty stifle my growth. Early in my career, I sometimes hesitated to step into bigger opportunities because I felt like I needed to be more prepared. I learned that growth rarely comes with complete confidence. That advice encouraged me to take chances, trust my abilities and keep moving forward even when I felt unsure.

Tell us about the most rewarding project you've ever worked on. It is hard to choose just one, but hosting the Youth Music Stage

at Gallery Night stands out. Fasig Brooks sponsors and organizes this stage each month, giving young musicians in our community the chance to perform before a live audience. The planning and coordination takes time, but seeing their skills and confidence grow month after month makes it incredibly rewarding. Watching them step into their talent reminds me why community involvement matters.

Executive Director Ca o Papajohn, for being recognized as a 2026 Independent News Rising Star. Congratulations,

Director

RISING STARS 2026

MORGAN

YANNUCCI

Parks and Recreation Event Specialist, City of Pensacola

What makes your job 'click' for you? The ability to see my work come to fruition is something that allows me to be connected with my community. Collaborating with passionate community members about their

events lets me see the amazing community we have in Pensacola. I have the pleasure of meeting some amazing people and being a small part in local events.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? Something my parents have always said is, "Go for it." I have never put limitations on myself when it comes to what I am capable of and that advice has served me well in all aspects of my life. I would rather try and fail than not try and always wonder what could have happened.

Tell us about the most rewarding project you've ever worked on. Not only do I see great reward in working with event organizers on larger events, but I also find it very rewarding to connect people to our parks. Suggesting parks for people to host birthday parties, baby showers and even weddings at is an opportunity for me to highlight our amazing facilities. When someone from outside of Pensacola is looking to host an event here, I am able to introduce them to our amazing community.

HANNAH ZIMMERN

Director of Operations, The Zimmern Team at Levin Rinke Realty; Vice President, Pensacola Mardi Gras

What makes your job 'click' for you? When the details finally align and the momentum takes over. I often see all of the different moving parts and how they connect along the way. I enjoy organizing the chaos, tightening the processes and details and making ambitious ideas actually happen. When everything—whether at

an event or within the systems in place—runs smoothly and the people around me feel capable and supported, I know I've done my job.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? Hard seasons pass, but how you handle them matters. Pressure is part of leadership, and mistakes are inevitable. What matters is staying steady, thinking clearly and continuing forward, even when the path is unclear. Consistency and effort carry you through difficult seasons. When you keep showing up and take things one step at a time, you come out stronger and find ways to adapt to the circumstances.

Tell us about the most rewarding project you've ever worked on. This Mardi Gras season has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career so far. Months of behind-the-scenes planning, coordination and partnership-building finally came to life in full streets, strong collaboration and a proud community. Seeing that level of preparation come together, and watching the community show up like it did, made every long day worth it. It was a powerful reminder of what thoughtful work can really do. {in}

Fragile Neighborhoods

Repairing American Society One Zip Code at a Time

Across the country, communities of every kind are facing rising challenges—school violence, family breakdown, addiction, isolation, and despair. These issues are not limited by income or geography. They affect neighborhoods rich and poor, rural and urban, and everywhere in between.

Healthy communities are built on strong local institutions and meaningful relationships. When these networks are connected and working together, they help neighborhoods withstand economic pressures, improve public safety, and navigate social crises. When they are weak or fragmented, communities become vulnerable to decline.

Seth Kaplan will share a bold, practical vision for reversing social decline in America—starting at the local level. By strengthening institutions and rebuilding the ties that connect neighbors, communities can once again become places where individuals and families thrive.

Seth Kaplan is a leading expert on fragile societies. a professional lecturer at the Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) at Johns Hopkins University, a senior advisor to the Institute for Integrated Transitions, and a consultant to organizations including the World Bank, U.S. State Department, U.S. Agency for International Development, and OECD.

Tuesday, April 14 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

a&e happenings

NONPROFITS & FUNDRAISERS

PENSACOLA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA GUILD MAD HATTER'S CHAMPAGNE

LUNCH The PSO Guild presents Mad Hatter's Champagne Lunch 11 a.m. Friday, April 10 at Pensacola Yacht Club, 1897 Cypress St. Tickets are $80 per person and $600 for table of eight. Entertainment from Palafox Quartet and Ryan Etheredge. For reservations call Cindy Law at (850) 324-0471 or Charlotte Cheney at (850) 293-9367.

FORK CANCER GALA The GenNow Network Pensacola chapter of the American Cancer Society (ACS) will host Fork Cancer Gala, Friday, April 10 from 6–10 p.m. at Supposey Warehouse and Gardens, 101 S. F St. Tickets are $150 per person (for ages 21 and older). Details at forkcancerpensacola.com.

GUMBO YA-YA Eat gumbo and support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida 4-6 p.m. Saturday, April 18 at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Tickets are $15-$20. To sign up as a team, the entry fee is $20. Contact buck@rosies.com to register. Purchase event tickets at eventbrite.com.

LIBERTY SERTOMA'S ANNUAL GLOW IN THE DARK Adults-only goofy golf to benefit the Speech and Hearing Foundation and local charities 5-9 p.m. Saturday, April 18. Cost is $50 per person or $150 for a team of four. Beer, wine, soft drinks, food and fun. For more information email sjholmes890@gmail.com.

PACE CENTER FOR GIRLS' 13TH ANNUAL MEN WHO COOK Event is 4-7 p.m. Sunday, April 19 at Sanders Beach Corrine Jones Resource Center, 913 S. I St. Proceeds benefit PACE Center for Girls. Buy tickets at e.givesmart.com/events/ndl.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

CIVITAN COMMUNITY PICNIC Appreciation picnic for agencies that work with people with developmental disabilities and the clients and families and caretakers they assist. The picnic is 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, April 11 at Seville Square.

ESCAMBIA RETIRED EDUCATORS ASSOCIATION ANNUAL AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIP LUNCHEON Event is Thursday, April 16 at Pensacola Yacht Club, 1897 Cypress St. Program at 10:45 a.m. Reservations $25 by April 13; call (850) 393-3091 or (850) 944-3302. All Retired Education Personnel and Friends of Education are welcome.

ARTS & CULTURE

UWF ASKEW LECTURE SERIES: EAST ASIA, THE UNITED STATES AND THE FUTURE OF DEMOCRACY WITH DR. ERIK MOBRAND OF SEOUL NATIONAL UNIVERSITY Lecture is Thursday, April 9 at the Museum of Commerce, 201 Zaragoza St. Public reception is 5:30 p.m. and lecture begins at 6 p.m. followed by Q&A and book signing. Event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit govt@uwf.edu.

JOE HOBBS GALLERY OPENING Local artist Joe Hobbs is celebrating his new gallery with a grand opening on Friday, April 10 from 5-8 p.m. at 260 S. Tarragona St., Studio 250. Visit thejoehobbs.com for more information.

JUNIE B. JONES Show is 7 p.m. Friday, April 10, 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Saturday, April 11 and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, April 12 at Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson St. Details and tickets at pensacolalittletheatre.com.

RIDE THE CYCLONE UWF Department of Theatre presents "Ride the Cyclone," a musical about six quirky high school choir members and their last rollercoaster ride through purgatory. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Fridays, April 10 and April 17, Saturdays, April 11 and 18 and 2:30 p.m. Sundays April 12 and April 19. Performances will be at UWF Center for Fine and Performing Arts, 11000 University Parkway, Bldg. 82. Details at uwf.edu/cfpa.

SECRET GARDEN OPEN STAGE DRAG

SHOW Starts at 7 p.m. Friday, April 10 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. 18+. More info available at thehandlebar850.com.

AN ARTFUL HOME: A HOME AND GARDEN ART FAIR Art fair is 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, April 11 at First City Art, 1060 N. Guillemard St. Details at firstcityart.org.

GABRIEL IGLESIAS Show is 8 p.m. Saturday, April 11 at Pensacola Bay Center 201 E. Gregory St. Tickets and ingo at pensacolabaycenter.com.

PENSACOLA PLEIN AIR PAINT OUT Opening reception for Plein Air Paint Out is 2-4 p.m. Sunday, April 12 at Quayside Art Gallery/Pensacola Artists, Inc.17 E Zaragoza St. Exhibit on display through April 27. Details at quaysidegallery.com.

ODD COLONY SPRING MARKET Shop

local vendors 12 p.m. Sunday, April 12 at 260 N. Palafox St. Details at facebook.com/oddcolony.

PENSACOLA ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY FREE LECTURE The next free lecture is with Neal Collier, trustee of The Alger-Sullivan Historical Society. Event is 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 14 at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 3400 Bayou Blvd. Visit pasfl.org for details.

BALLET PENSACOLA PRESENTS: THE ROSE & DAGGER EXPERIENCE Special pre-show event 5 p.m. Thursday, April 16 on the rooftop of the Cultural Center, 400 S. Jefferson St. Tickets are $100 and available at pensacolalittletheatre.com.

BALLET PENSACOLA PRESENTS: ROMEO & JULIET Performances are 7 p.m. Thursday, April 16; Friday, April 17 and Saturday, April 18; and 1:30 p.m. Saturday, April 18 and Sunday, April 19. Shows are at Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson St. Tickets are $35-$50 and available at pensacolalittletheatre.com.

JIM GAFFIGAN Show is 7 p.m. Thursday, April 16 at Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St. Details and tickets at pensacolabaycenter.com.

BORED TEACHERS COMEDY TOUR Show is 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 18 at Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox St. Tickets and info at pensacolasaenger.com.

BOOTLEG BALL: STUDIO 1559 Enjoy a 70s-style night of glam at the Museum of

Commerce, 201 Zaragoza St. 7 p.m. Saturday, April 18. Tickets are $100-$200 and available at historicpensacola.org.

MICHELLE JONES: SEVEN SISTERS Inspired by Greek mythology and the jungle-like landscape of the Gulf Coast, Michelle Jones presents lush, vividly colored landscapes using mixed media. Exhibit is on display through May 1 at the Switzer Gallery at Pensacola State College, 1000 College Blvd. Details are at visualarts.pensacolastate.edu.

LIVE MUSIC

BANDS ON THE BEACH Bands on the Beach

The weekly concert series takes place 7-9 p.m. every Tuesday through Oct. 27 at the Gulfside Pavilion on Pensacola Beach. Free to attend. Upcoming dates: Whitesands Panhandle Band on April 14 and Smoke Stak on April 21. For more information, call the SRIA at (850) 932-2257 or go to visitpensacolabeach.com for the latest updates.

LIVE MUSIC AT FIVE SISTER'S BLUES CAFÉ

Enjoy live music Thursdays through Sundays at Five Sisters, 421 W. Belmont St. Upcoming dates: Cat Daddy Duo 6-8 p.m. Thursday, April 9, Me & The Misfits 6-10 p.m. Friday, April 10, The Glenn Parker Band 6-10 p.m. Saturdays, Curt Bol Quintet 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sundays.

CONCERTS AT ST. CHRISTOPHER'S Weekly concert series is 6-8 p.m. Thursdays through May 28 at St. Christopher's Episcopal Church, 3200 N. 12th Ave. Upcoming dates: Jo Jo and the Lost Boys is April 9 and The Calverts are April 16. Details at scpen.org/christophers-concerts.

HAIL THE SUN Show is 6 p.m. Friday, April 10 at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox St. Details and tickets at vinylmusichall.com.

STARLIN, TYLER KEITH AND KATIE DINEEN Show starts at 9 p.m. Friday, April 10 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. More info available at thehandlebar850.com.

STEINWAY & BOSENDORFER PIANO CELEBRATION UWF Dr. Grier Williams School of Music presents Steinway & Bosendorfer Piano Celebration in concert 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 11 at 11000 University Parkway, Bldg. 82. Tickets are free and can be reserved at uwf.edu/cfpa.

ONSLAUGHT, WARLORD AND TREMORS  Show starts at 6 p.m. Saturday, April 11 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. More info available at thehandlebar850.com.

CANDLELIGHT CONCERTS Coldplay & Imagine Dragons is 6 p.m. Saturday, April 11 and Queen vs. ABBA is 8 p.m. Saturday, April 11. First United Methodist Church, 6 E. Wright St. Tickets at feverup.com.

SURFER GIRL Show is 7 p.m. Sunday, April 12 at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox St. Tickets at vinylmusichall.com.

for more listings visit inweekly.net

free will astrology

WEEK OF APRIL 9

ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19): Unexpected deliverance? Lucky rides? Beginner's grace? Dreamy, gleaming replacements? To the untrained eye, it may look like you are bending cosmic law in your favor. In truth, you're simply redeeming the backlog of blessings you earned in the past—acts of quiet generosity and unselfish hardship that never got their proper reward. Serendipitous leaps? Divine detours? Shortcuts to victory? Welcome the uncanny gifts, Aries, even if they're not what you expected.

TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20): The current phase of your destiny could disturb you if you're not super patient. Life seems to be teasing you with promises that then go into hiding. You've been having to master the art of living on the edge between the "big red yes" and the "grey murky no." My advice: imagine your predicament as an intriguing riddle, not a frustrating ambiguity. See if you can figure out how to grow wiser and stronger in response to the evasive mysteriousness. My prediction: you will grow wiser and stronger.

GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20): Why it's always triple-great to be a Gemini, drawing on an abundance of mercurial wisdom: 1. You excel at the art of translation and are skilled at finding common ground between different realms. You can oscillate and flow between the lyrical and the pragmatic, the insightful and the comic, the detailed focus and the big picture. 2. You know that consistency is overrated. Your capacity to harbor multiple perspectives is a superpower. 3. You get to be both the question and the answer, proving that wholeness includes all the fragments. All the aptitudes I just named should be your featured approaches in the coming weeks.

CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22): The saga of Troy is one of the most renowned tales from ancient Greece. Yet the fabled setting of Homer's epic tale, the "Iliad," was a settlement of just seven acres. Let that detail resound for you in the coming weeks. It's an apt metaphor for what's taking shape in your life. A seemingly modest situation could become the stage for a mythic turning point. An experience that starts small may grow into a story of immense and lasting significance.

By Rob Brezsny

LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22): Many people have a favorite number they regard as lucky. Some choose it because it showed up at a major turning point in their life. Others derive it from their birthday or from the numerology of their name. Plenty are drawn to "master numbers" like 33, 77, or 99. Personally, I give three numbers my special love: 555, the square root of -2 and 1.61803, also known as the golden ratio in Fibonacci-related patterns. I hope this nudges your imagination, Leo. Your fortunes are shifting now in the direction of an unusual kind of luck, so it's a potent moment to select a new lucky number. I suggest that you also choose a new guiding animal, a fresh initiation name and a charged symbol to serve as your personal emblem.

VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22): Do you know what ignorance is causing you to suffer? Is there a teacher or teaching that could provide an antidote? I suspect you are very close to attracting or stumbling upon the guidance you need to escape the fog: maybe a therapist who can help you undo a hurtful pattern, a mentor to inspire your quest to do work you long to do, or a spiritual friend who reminds you that you're not merely your latest drama. Your task in the coming weeks is not to obsess on fixing everything at once, but to seek one or two sources of wisdom that illuminate your blind spots and educate your heart.

A seemingly modest situation could become the stage for a mythic turning point.

LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 22): I'm an honorary Libra, with three planets and my lunar north node in your sign. So I speak with authority when I declare that fostering harmony, which is a Libran gift, is only superficially about smoothing away friction and asymmetry. More importantly, it's about rearranging reality so that beauty is a central feature. The goal is to accomplish practical wonders by stimulating grace and fluency. When I'm best expressing my Libra qualities, I don't ask how I can please everyone, but rather, how I can serve maximum goodness and intelligence. Here's an-

other tip to being a potent Libra: know that your enchanting charm is a lubricant for the truth, not mere decoration. Here's your homework: beautify one system you use every day so it serves you with less friction and more pleasure.

SCORPIO (OCT. 23-NOV. 21): You are potentially an expert in creative destruction. You have a knack for eliminating what's unnecessary and even obstructive. What has outlived its usefulness? You're prone to home in on energy drains and unleash transformative energy. And yes, this intensity of yours may unnerve people who prefer comfortable numbness—but not me. I love you to exult in your talent for locating beauty and truth that are too complicated for others. I applaud you when you descend into the darkness to retrieve dicey treasures. P.S.: You're not shadowy or negative. You're a specialist in the authentic love that refuses to enable delusion or sanction decay.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21): My Sagittarian friend Artemisia bemoans "the scarcity of collective delight." She wishes there were more public acclaim for stories about breakthrough joys, miraculous marvels and surprising healings. Why are we so riveted by reports of misery, malaise and muck, yet so loath to recognize and celebrate everything that's working really well? She also mourns the odd habit among some educated folks to mistake cynicism for brilliance. If you don't mind, Sagittarius, I'm assigning you to be an antidote in the coming weeks. Your task is to gather an overflowing harvest of lavish pleasure, fun epiphanies and richly meaningful plot twists. Don't hoard any of it. Spread it around to everyone you encounter.

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19): "Id" is a psychoanalytic term. It's the part of the psyche where basic instincts, needs and drives reside. On the one hand, the id supplies a huge charge of psychic energy. On the other hand, it mostly operates outside conscious awareness. Consider the implications: the fierce, pulsing center of your life force is largely hidden from you. Most of the time, that veil is protective. Encountering the id directly can be overwhelming or unsettling. But in the coming weeks, you Capricorns are poised to cultivate a more interesting and righteous relationship with your high-voltage core. Do you dare? Treat

your id as a brilliant but untamed creature. Extend a careful, curious invitation for it to show you more about itself.

Extend a careful, curious invitation for it to show you more about itself.

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18): In architecture, a "clerestory" is a high window that brings light into a space without compromising privacy. It illuminates without exposing. I suggest that you find metaphorical equivalents for clerestories, Aquarius. Look for ways to let spaciousness and brightness into your world without disturbing your boundaries. Your assignment is to avoid swinging between total lockdown and overexposure. The best option: strategic vulnerability and selective transparency. Allow people to see selected parts of you without giving them access to everything. Be both open and discriminating.

PISCES

(FEB. 19-MARCH 20): In 1903, the Wright brothers flew a primitive model of the first airplane. How did they prepare the way for their spectacular milestone? Their workshop was a bicycle shop, not a high-tech, state-of-the-art lab. By building and fixing bikes, they learned key insights about flying machines. The lesson for you, Pisces, is that mastery in one area may be transferable to breakthroughs in another. With this in mind, I invite you to evaluate how your current skills, including those you take for granted, might be repurposed. Methods you developed in one context could solve problems in another. You shouldn't underestimate the value of what you already know.

HERE'S THE HOMEWORK: Even if you don't send it, write a letter to the person you admire most. {in}

freewillastrology.com newsletter.freewillastrology.com freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com BrezsnyAstrology@gmail.com © 2026 Rob Brezsny

news of the weird

YOU CAN SEND HUMAN BEINGS TO SPACE ... But they may not be able to pee there. For some tense moments after Artemis II launched into space on April 1, the toilet on board was not accepting urine from the astronauts, the Associated Press reported. They saw a blinking fault light and reported the issue to NASA colleagues, who talked them through a plumbing fix that solved the issue. Apollo space journeys did not provide the luxury of toilets; earlier astronauts used a bag and funnel system and left bags of waste on the moon. With the loo in working order again, the Artemis crew members are ... relieved. [AP, 4/2/2026]

GIVE ME A BREAK Over 400,000 units, or 13 tons, of Kit-Kat bars were stolen in Europe the week of March 23, USA Today reported. The chocolate-covered wafers were nabbed in transit on their way from Italy to Poland. The stolen sweets were not the typical log-shaped wafers, but special Formula 1 car-shaped Kit-Kat bars. The thieves have yet to be apprehended, and the candy has not yet been recovered. In response, Nestle, the Swiss-based company that distributes Kit-Kats, launched a Kit-Kat tracker website on April 1—and that's not an April Fools' joke. "Help us find them. Use the Stolen KitKat Tracker," Nestle posted on X. Consumers can go to the website and enter an eight-digit batch code. If the number is confirmed to be from the stolen batch, Nestle said, the consumer or retailer "will be given clear instructions on how to alert KITKAT who will then share the evidence appropriately." Meanwhile, on social media, brands such as Dominos, Outback Steakhouse and PayPal have offered condolences ... and a little light roasting. "Bad time to roll out our Kit-Kat pancakes huh," Denny's said. [USA Today, 4/1/2026]

IT'S A MYSTERY In the depths of Lake Superior, according to the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, "zombie" fish are swimming along with their brethren, the siscowet lake trout. MLive. com reported on March 31 that the fish, who are the same age and length as the healthy individuals, have lower weight and fat levels and appear emaciated. Scientists with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources are trying to find out the cause, looking at food limitations, disease, impacts of sea lamprey and contaminants as possibilities. [MLive.com, 3/31/2026]

SAW THAT COMING A graffiti tagger in Bellevue, Washington, was plying their trade on March 25 when they tumbled off an overpass onto an I-90 ramp, KOMO-TV reported. Washington State Patrol said the fall happened around 10:30 p.m. The person was taken to a hospital with a possible broken leg and facial injuries. WSP did not provide details about any pending charges. [KOMO, 3/31/2026]

UNCLEAR ON THE CONCEPT A repo man took off with more than he bargained for on March 27 in Detroit, WXYZ-TV reported. As he prepared a car for towing, he said, he looked inside but the windows were dark, and he didn't see a 2-year-old child, who he said was covered by a blanket. Jen-

By the Editors at Andrews McMeel

ny Liagre, the owner of the repossession agency, said the driver "did his due diligence. He followed protocol to a T." The driver was notified about the child during the tow and returned the child to their mother without incident. Liagre said the driver pulled over "four or five different times just to make sure the kid was OK." [WXYZ, 3/27/2026]

LEAST COMPETENT CRIMINAL On March 28, Palm Bay (Florida) police were summoned to a field in The Compound, a remote area, because of a suspicious suitcase, WFTV reported. Inside, officers found human remains, along with a kitchen knife and, oddly, an Amazon package addressed to Lucas Sandler Jones, 19, of Indialantic. Officials are awaiting an autopsy report to confirm the identity of the remains, but they believe the body is 28-year-old Colie Lee Daniel, who had been missing for two weeks. Jones' girlfriend said Daniel was at Jones' house on March 20, and the following day, she drove Jones to The Compound, where he dropped two containers. Jones is charged with tampering with evidence, abuse of a dead body and transporting a human body in an unauthorized container; he bonded out after charges were filed. [WFTV, 3/31/2026]

THE CONTINUING CRISIS A woman and one of a pair of identical twins have taken their paternity case to the Court of Appeal in London, Sky News reported on March 30. The unnamed woman allegedly had sex with both twins, four days apart, and became pregnant. When the baby was born, one of the twins was named as the father, and the other twin objected. But family court declined to change the father's name on the birth certificate. However, scientists testified that DNA couldn't distinguish between the two identical twins. The case is ongoing, but Sir Andrew McFarlane said that the twin listed on the birth certificate would have no parental responsibility until the case is resolved. [Sky News, 3/30/2026]

CLOWNING AROUND In February, Bolivia's Ministry of Education decreed that schools must follow a 200-day academic year, essentially banning any days devoted to special events, like parties or performances. On Monday, March 30, the Associated Press reported that an unlikely group took to the streets of La Paz to protest the new decree: not students or parents, but clowns, in their recognizable face paint and red noses. Clowns, who protested alongside costume makers and photographers, are often hired for school festivals and other events. "This decree will economically affect all of us who work with children," said Wilder Ramirez, a leader of the local clown union. The group marched through La Paz, blowing whistles and setting off small fireworks. Some carried signs, including one that accused the government of " taking away smiles, and taking work away." The ministry indicated they would consider the group's concerns when planning for the 2027 school year. [AP, 3/30/26] {in}

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