Inweekly

By Dakota Parks Pensacola is no stranger to censorship. With the local school district removing more than 1,600 books from library shelves, and even an independent bookstore pulling LGBTQ+ titles, Escambia County has repeatedly found itself at the center of national debates over free expression.

By Rob Brezsny Week of July 9 ARIES (March 21-April 19): There are only two types of humans, right? Some of us serve beauty, truth and goodness, while the rest pledge their allegiance to illusions, lies and shadows. Our planet is now caught in a colossal showdown between these two sides. And it’s high time for you to align yourself with one or the other. JUST KIDDING! The truth is far messier and more interesting: every one of us is a blend of luminosity and ignorance.

FRICKER CENTER WORK BEGINS Pensacola broke ground June 26 on a $9.5 million renovation of the Fricker Resource Center, funded by two grants as part of the city’s nearly $22 million Direction 25 parks investment program. The community center closed to the public in May to begin the project, which will add a career lab, senior center, STEM lab, upgraded restrooms, kitchen and social hall.

By the Editors at Andrews McMeel TODDLERS, MAN Gracie, a 3-year-old giraffe who wandered from her enclosure in Texas Hill Country, has returned home safely, the Associated Press reported on June 26. The 1,200-pound giraffe was missing for two weeks before being spotted about four miles south of her home, Cedar Hollow Ranch, in Real County. The area is so remote that parts of it cannot be reached by car, sparking searches conducted by helicopter and drones.

Nonprofits & Fundraisers Save Our Shelters Summer Sale Save Our Shelters (SOS) program is having its dog days of summer sale now through July 11. Purchase family-fun baskets, patriotic 250-year celebration baskets and much more. All proceeds go for spaying/neutering of community dogs. Sale is located at the Happy Dog Resort, 1401 W.

By Tom St. Myer Every time an Escambia County resident checks out a library book, drives down a newly widened road, watches firefighters respond to an emergency or visits a neighborhood park, their penny is at work. That penny will be on the ballot for renewal this November.

Winners Escambia County Public Schools The school district earned an “A” grade from the Florida Department of Education, marking a third consecutive year of growth in A and B schools. Of the district’s 52 graded schools, 19 earned As, 16 earned Bs and 17 earned Cs, with no schools receiving D or F grades. Eighty-three percent of schools upheld or exceeded prior performance. Six schools jumped from B to A, including Tate High and Beulah and Ernest Ward middle schools.

By Rick Outzen Escambia County Public Schools earned a district grade of “A.” The politicians in Tallahassee rushed to take a bow. The teachers—those who actually did the work—barely got a mention. The Florida Department of Education released school grades last month, and Escambia County Public Schools had 19 schools earning As, 16 earning Bs and not a single D or F in the district. State officials couldn’t take credit fast enough. Gov.

By Rick Outzen The latest ALICE data shows what many of us already know: wages are failing to keep pace with the rising cost of living across Northwest Florida. Nearly half of all working households in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties are still are falling short financially.

By Rob Brezsny Week of July 2 ARIES (March 21-April 19): Archaeologists studying ancient wells have discovered that some weren’t finished in a single effort. Communities might dig to the current water table, use the well for years, then probe further down when water levels dropped or needs increased. This is a useful metaphor for you, Aries. As of yet, you don’t have the ability or tools to reach the deepest layers you aspire to reach.