Ice Flyers Produce A Night To Remember With Blue Angels, Special Uniforms, Shutout Win
November 12, 2023
by Bill Vilona
If this were possible, the Ice Flyers’ much-anticipated Blue Angels Night on Veterans Day exceeded its own lofty expectations.
The uniforms wowed. So did the crowd. The arena was loud. And the team’s dominating performance made a Pensacola treasure proud.
For more photos, click or tap here.
In an almost too-great-to-be-true experience inside the Pensacola Bay Center, the Ice Flyers started the game with two goals in the first 90 seconds, added two more in a 25-second span later in the first period and went on to a 6-0 victory against the Knoxville Ice Bear amid a crowd of 6,017 in the arena.
“An event like this, the front office with (team owner) Greg (Harris) and his crew have been working on this event for a year,” said Ice Flyers coach Gary Graham. “You put in a lot of work behind the scenes to get to this point, then you get the crowd in the building and then it’s up to the boys (players) to go ahead and put on the effort and put on the performance and they took care of business.
“What a special night. With the Blue Angels pilots in, with it being Veterans Day, the environment was unreal. The uniforms, creativity from Greg and his team about how good we looked. And it’s look good, play good, right? And that is kinda the type of night it was.”
From the Ice Flyers pregame entrance, it was followed by the ceremonial puck drop featuring Commander Alexander “Boss” Armatas, the commanding office of the Blue Angels, the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron based at Naval Air Station-Pensacola
When the game ended, the Ice Flyers players were joined in a center-ice salute with the Blue Angels and support staff and a photo was taken that will be a keepsake memory.
“Those guys are obviously very talented at what they do and I’m sure they had a great time coming out and seeing us and seeing those jerseys,” said Ice Flyers defenseman Zac Herrmann, who scored two goals in the game. “Pretty cool tribute for us. Yeah, it was a super fun night.”
The Ice Flyers wore specially-crafted uniforms, made by OT Sports and approved by the Blue Angels, were complimented by yellow gloves and helmets, made by Warrior Hockey to complete the look.
The game-worn jerseys were then part on auction that will conclude Monday.
The Ice Flyers pulled off the rarest feat in working with the Blue Angels and their legal team to make a night like Saturday possible. It became something unique in professional
sports and happened just one week from the Blue Air Angels homecoming air show at Naval Air Station-Pensacola to close out their 2023 national schedule.
“It’s the most fun I’ve ever had playing hockey,” said Ice Flyers goaltender Kaden Fulcher, 25, an Ontario native, who played a game in 2019 in net for the Detroit Red Wings and has played on a several different American Hockey League teams – the next highest level to the NHL – during his career.
He stopped all 29 shots Saturday to record his second shutout in three days, his first at the Bay Center and reacted with visible emotion afterward.
“These guys are probably the best group of guys I have met in my life, so I am really excited to spend this year with them,” Fulcher said.
The win Saturday enabled the Ice Flyers (6-3) to record their third win in three nights, beginning with the 4-0 road shutout win at
Birmingham on Thursday, followed by Friday’s 5-4 win against Knoxville.
This latest one left no doubt.
Just 1-minute, 10-seconds into the game, Cooper Jones scored on an assist from team captain Garrett Milan. Hermann, who is playing with his younger brother, Lucas, an Ice Flyers center, for the first time in a long while, scored the game’s second goal 10 seconds later.
“Me and Coops were talking after that shift and we have never, ever had that happen before where two d (defensemen) scored on the first shift,” Herrmann said. “So obviously that creates a lot of momentum for the team and the crowd and it’s easy to build off that kind of stuff.”
Six minutes later, Mitch Atkins scored on a power play goal. Jordan Henderson followed 25 seconds later to find the back of the net and suddenly it’s 4-0 with more than 13 minutes left in the first period.
“It was great,” Graham said. “We talked about having a great start. That is very important for us on home ice to make sure we can kind of get the crowd involved in it right away.
“I have been on the other side of it, too, (down 4-0), so I try to enjoy while I can, because the way that hockey is have been on the other side too, so you try and enjoy it while you can.”
At that point, Knoxville pulled its goaltender Cody Karpinski and put in Kristian Stead. In the second period, Herrmann got his second goal, then Ivan Bondarenko broke free in the third period and made a nifty move to get the puck past Stead for a 6-0 lead.
It all led into an unforgettable night for the players and the Ice Flyers franchise, which is celebrating its 15th season and attracted more than 11,000 fans in two weekend games against Knoxville.
“It’s really hard to find words to describe it, to be honest,” Fulcher said. “The guys opened up out there, four quick ones in the first (period). We
knew going in how special this night was, how special it was for the community. And just to see the support from the fans for the Navy and for us, it was unbelievable.
“I think when I look back at the end of my career, this is going to be one of those games that is going to be very hard to beat.”
WHAT’S NEXT?
WHO: Ice Flyers vs. Birmingham Bulls
WHEN: Nov. 17-18
WHERE: Friday’s game in Birmingham at 7:05 p.m.. Saturday at Bay Center, 7:05 p.m.
Tate Cheerleaders Win At UCA Regionals, Earn Bids To Nationals
November 12, 2023
The Tate High Cheerleading program earned several awards in the UCA National Championships competition in Mobile over the weekend.
Varsity
-Traditional: 1st place and a bid to Nationals
-Game Day: 3rd place and a bid to Nationals
JV
-Traditional: 1st place
-Game Day: 1st place and a bid to Nationals
Freshmen:
-Game Day: 2nd place and a bid to Nationals (in an all JV division)
Photos for NorthEscambaia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Property Tax Bills Are In The Mail. Here’s How You Can Get A Discount.
November 12, 2023
Scott Lunsford, Escambia County Tax Collector has announced the collection of the 2023 real estate and tangible personal property taxes began on November 1. This year’s rolls include 183,797 accounts totaling over $436 million. Bills were delivered to the post office on October 31 for mailing.
Chapter 197.162, Florida Statutes provides discounts for early payments as follows:
• November payments are discounted four percent
• December payments are discounted three percent
• January payments are discounted two percent
• February payments are discounted one percent
• March payments receive no discount, and the gross amount is due by close of business on March 31, 2024. Any payment made April 1 and after is considered delinquent and will be assessed a penalty.
When mailed, discounts are determined by postmark of payment. When a discount period ends on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, the discount period will be extended to the next business day for online payments or walk-in customers.
Many options are available:
• online payment center at EscambiaTaxCollector.com – Pay by eCheck. There is never an extra fee. Once your payment has posted, proof of payment may be printed online.
• 24–hour drop box
In addition, help is available for those taxpayers who may need to make partial payments. If a property owner decides to make partial payments, the following information applies:
• Property owner must submit an application (found on the back of the tax bill, online at EscambiaTaxCollector.com or available at the tax collector’s office) with initial partial payment.
• Partial payments are accepted for current year taxes only between November 1 and March 31.
• No discount allowed for partial payments.
• A $10 processing fee is deducted from each partial payment.
• Partial payments are not accepted after March 31, and any remaining balance as of April 1 is delinquent and subject to all applicable penalties and fees.
Lunsford also encourages taxpayers to take advantage of the Tax Payment Installment Plan. By utilizing this plan, taxpayers make four quarterly payments instead of one lump sum payment. Each quarterly bill will receive a different discount for early payment as prescribed by Florida Statutes. The quarterly payments are due by the last day of June, September, December, and March. The Installment Payment Plan application deadline for 2024 property taxes is April 30, 2024.
Property owners can apply online at EscambiaTaxCollector.com.
Lunsford said, “The installment program not only helps ease the financial burden on taxpayers by allowing them to spread out the payments, it also provides a discount for making payments on time.”
Lunsford said, “The installment program not only helps ease the financial burden on taxpayers by allowing them to spread out the payments, it also provides a discount for making payments on time.”
Find more information on the installment plan by clicking here.
Tax revenue is generated for the various taxing authorities and is approximated as follows:
• Escambia County Board of County Commissioners – $208 million
• District School Board – $162 million
• City of Pensacola – $28.4 million
• Sheriff MSTU – $13.9 million
• Escambia Children’s Trust – $12 million
• Library MSTU – $10 million
• Northwest Florida Water Management – $669,200
• Downtown Improvement Board – $777,300
• Town of Century – $50,100
MSBU collections are detailed as follows:
• County Fire Protection – $18.2 million
• City Stormwater – $3.1 million
• Other MSBUs – $4.6 million
Beulah Master Plan Meetings Rescheduled For December
November 12, 2023
Beulah Master Plan Meetings have been rescheduled.
The meeting will be held December 5-6 at the Beulah Senior Citizen Center on Woodside Drive.
Florida Gas Prices Moving Lower Again
November 12, 2023
Florida gas prices are moving lower again after rising unexpectedly last week. The state average logged a new 2023 low of $3.16 per gallon on Monday. It then rose 8 cents per gallon by Wednesday. Fortunately, however, that upward trend immediately reversed course, as the state average declined 2-cents a day, through the past three days.
“Last week’s gas price hike didn’t make much sense, considering how oil and gasoline futures prices have steadily fallen through the past few weeks,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Either way, the jump at the pump was short lived and those gains were mostly erased by the weekend. Oil prices are now at multi-month lows, which should help keep gas prices low through the holidays.”
Cantonment prices were as low as $2.89 Sunday night on Highway 29, while Pencacola prices bottomed out at $2.70 on East Nine Mile Road.
The price of crude has been on a 3-week streak of declines, falling 13% ($11) since late October. The price of oil continues to have a direct impact on pump prices, since oil is a key ingredient in gasoline. In late September, oil was trading at above $90 per barrel. Friday’s closing price was $77.17 – a $5 drop from the week before.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Gomez Sworn In As Century Mayor During Veterans Day Saturday Meeting
November 12, 2023
The Century Town Council held a special meeting Saturday morning, Veterans Day, to swear in a new mayor and council member.
Luis Gomez, Jr. was elected as the only candidate to qualify for the office of mayor in a special election and Henry Cunningham was elected for town council without opposition.
The special election was triggered by the resignation of Mayor Ben Boutwell and Gomez’s interim appointment to the seat.
The swearing in was held on the holiday under timeframes specified in the town’s charter.
Cunningham did not attend Saturday’s meeting, having previously announced that he would be out of town. A quorum of council members was not present for the meeting, but it was held regardlesss.
Pictured top: Luis Gomez, Jr. (left) and Henry Cunningham. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Veterans Honor Program To Be Held Sunday Afternoon At Carver Park In Cantonment
November 11, 2023
The Cantonment Improvement Committee will honor veterans on Sunday, November 12 at 2:30 p.m. with lunch will follow.
Everyone is invited to attend the free event.
Pictured: The 2021 Veterans tribute at Carver Park in Cantonment. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Ice Flyers Take On The Ice Bears
November 11, 2023
Friday night, the Pensacola Ice Flyers secured a 5-4 win in the first of two games against the Knoxville Ice Bears on Friday night at the Pensacola Bay Center. In front of 5,225 fans on Adult Jersey Giveaway Night, the Ice Flyers started hot and produced 3 of their 5 goals in the first period. Brett Mecrones continued his hot streak, finding the back of the net twice with Sean Gulka and Dallas Comeau joining in on the fun with crowd pleasing scraps. Kaden Fulcher secured his 2nd win in a row with 27 saves on 31 shots after shutting out the Birmingham Bulls the night before.
The Ice Flyers were set to move on to game two of the weekend series on Saturday night for their Inaugural Blue Angels Night.
Some Clouds For Sunday, Rain Chance Returns Monday
November 11, 2023
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Sunday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 68. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Sunday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 57. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 66. Northeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Monday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers. Cloudy, with a low around 54. Northeast wind around 10 mph.
Tuesday: Showers likely. Cloudy, with a high near 61. Breezy, with an east wind 10 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Tuesday Night: Showers likely, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after midnight. Low around 55. Breezy, with an east wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Wednesday: Showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 63. Breezy, with an east wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Wednesday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 56. Northeast wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 68.
Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 56.
Friday: Partly sunny, with a high near 71.
Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 54.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 71.
Escambia County Public Schools Offering Programs To Address Skilled Labor Shortage in Construction Trades
November 11, 2023
Escambia County Public Schools are working hard to address the local skilled labor shortage in the construction industry.
Chad Cherry, the Skilled Trades instructor at Northview holds a BA degree and has over 28 years experience in the construction industry, including concrete finishing, framing, drywall hanging and finishing, plumbing as well as building management. His years of experience provide a wealth of knowledge for his students.
Four high schools have construction-related academies or programs. All four programs are offering students the Home Building Institute (HBI) sequence of certifications. The HBI Pre-Apprenticeship Certificate Training (PACT) curriculum provides students with hands-on training that takes them from freshman with little-to-no building experience to seniors that are ready to enter the workforce.
The certification sequence starts with the Core which consists of safety, construction math, employability, and tools and materials. The HBI carpentry exam covers safety, measurement, tools & equipment, products & material, rough carpentry and framing, and interior & exterior finishing. Additional HBI certifications include Basic Electrical, Core Green and Building Construction Technology.
The Home Builders Association of West Florida (HBA) Green Construction Trades Academy at Pine Forest High School has been successfully operating for a number of years. However, the two programs that have made a significant impact this past school year have been the Skilled Trades program at Northview High School and the Energy Academy at West Florida High School.
As a first year teacher during the 22-23 school year, Cherry’s students earned 164 certifications.
The second program that is recently having a major impact on providing workforce-ready students is Drew Dittmar’s Energy Academy at West Florida High School. Dittmar has more than 15 years of direct experience in the construction field. Additionally, Dittmar holds an MS degree, has all five of the HBI certifications, has two years of experience in the solar industry, has been a construction project manager and is currently serving on the City of Pensacola Zoning Board of Adjustments.
Dittmar’s students earned an impressive 181 HBI certifications for the 2022-23 school year.
For more information on the Northview Skilled Trades program or the Energy Academy at West Florida High School please contact Dan Busse, Workforce Education Specialist at (850) 469 5309 or dbusse@ecsdfl.us.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
