School Board Recognizes Northview FFA Alumni, The Nation’s Number One Alumni Chapter
December 19, 2023
Monday night, the Escambia County School Board formally recognized the Northview High School FFA Alumni Chapter for being named the National Outstanding FFA Alumni & Supporters Chapter during the National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis, Indiana.
After being named as a top five finalist on the state level earlier this year, their application was eligible to advance to the national level, was named as a national finalist earlier this fall, and later named as the overall national winner.
The award highlights the alumni chapter’s accomplishments.
“On behalf of the Escambia County Public Schools, and Escambia County School Board, we can congratulate you,” Interim Superintendent Keith Leonard told NHS FFA sponsor Brandon Korinchak. “All the students in the FFA, and most important the FFA alumna for Northview High School for being the national award winner.”
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Marcia Lynn Oden
December 19, 2023
Marcia Lynn Oden, age 59, of Flomaton, AL, passed away on December 16th, 2023. Born on September 14th, 1964, in Raceland, LA, Marcia’s life was a beacon of warmth and love. Her home was a sanctuary, her arms a refuge, and her heart embodied the verse she lived by: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).
Predeceased by her beloved husband, Lewis Perry Oden, and parents, James Preston Tipton and Frances Geraldine Walston, Marcia’s nurturing spirit lives on through her siblings: Carrie & E.J. Lefort, David & Christina Tanner, James & Dorthy Tipton, Joey & Rani Norman, Kevin Combs, Lonnie Tanner, Patricia Coker, and Sherrie & Chris Pitre.
A devoted mother to Jolene & Mo Sayed, Robert & Lindsey Oden, Jerod & Tabitha Oden, and Justin Oden, and a grandmother to ten grandchildren and one great-grandchild, Marcia’s joyous influence and wisdom will forever resonate in their lives.
Despite facing over six battles with cancer and the loss of the love of her life, Marcia’s faith never wavered. Her life was a testament to the strength and peace found in her steadfast belief, as captured in the photograph accompanying this obituary. Here, she is seen as we will always remember her: joyful, radiant, and truly blessed.
Marcia’s wake will be held at Petty’s Funeral Home in Atmore, AL, on December 22nd, from 6-8 PM CST. Her funeral service will commence at 11 AM CST on December 23rd at the same location, followed by interment at Flomaton Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Jerod Oden, Robert Oden, Justin Oden, Ayden Bell, Moe Sayed, and james Tipton.
We mourn the loss of Marcia but take heart in the knowledge that her legacy is not in tangible achievements, but in the indelible mark of love, she left on every life she touched. We will carry her memory with us, finding strength and solace in the values she imparted.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
Northview Improves With Win Over L.E.A.D. Academy
December 19, 2023
The Northview varsity boys improved to 2-5 on the season with a 49-38 win over L.E.A.D. Academy of Pace Monday night in Bratt.
Senior Jacob Spence had a double double for the Chiefs, with 16 points and 2 rebounds. Luke Diamond added 17 points. The chiefs also had 10 points from Jikeir Hudson, four from Austin Mincshew and two from Jarrett Bodiford.
The Northview Chiefs will travel to take on the Baker Gators Tuesday night to close out action before the Christmas break.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Jim Allen Elementary Collects 3/4 Ton Of Food For Manna Food Pantries
December 19, 2023
Jim Allen Elementary School collected nearly three-quarters of a ton of food for Manna Food Pantries.
The school donated over 1,450 pounds of food. Class winners were treated to an ice cream party for their hard work: Mrs. Mogar’s Pre-K, Mrs. Helton’s Kindergarten, Mrs. Mayhair’s first grade, Mrs. Guilford’s second grade, Mrs. Holley-Lewis’ third grade, Mrs. Skipper’s fourth grade, and Mrs. Hall’s fifth grade.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Farida Reyes Udasco
December 19, 2023
In Loving Memory of Farida Reyes Udasco, age 84 of Cantonment, Florida.
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of a beloved wife, a loving mother, and a cherished grandmother, sister, and friend, Farida Reyes Udasco. She departed this world on Saturday, December 16th, 2023. Farida leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and enduring grace. Born to Conrado and Loretta Reyes on December 7, 1939 in Cagayan, Phillippines, Farida lived a life marked by compassion, kindness, and devotion to her family. Her demure spirit touched the lives of all who were fortunate enough to know her, and her memory will forever be etched in our hearts.
Farida’s journey on this earth was beautifully intertwined with a remarkable 59-year marriage to her devoted husband, Hetty Navarro Udasco. Their union was a testament to enduring love, unwavering commitment, and shared joys. They loved traveling, cruising, and gardening together over the years.
Farida graduated from Baguio General Hospital Nursing School in 1964. Her career was committed to caring for others. She was a registered nurse in New York, Charleston, Norfolk, and Pensacola. She retired from Sacred Heart Hospital in 2001. May her memory continue to inspire a legacy of kindness and selfless service.
Farida enjoyed simple pleasures like gardening, sewing, and baking. She loved tending to her garden, creating thoughtful gifts through sewing, and baking delicious treats for her grandkids. These hobbies were expressions of her caring and creative spirit, leaving a lasting legacy of warmth and love.
As we mourn the loss of Farida, let us also celebrate the beautiful life she led and the impact she had on all who were fortunate to know and love her. May her spirit of love, kindness, and resilience be a source of inspiration for us all. Rest in peace, your love will live on in our hearts and your memory will forever be a blessing to us.
She is survived by her husband, Hetty, and her daughters Catherine, JoAnn, and Yvonne. She is also survived by seven grandchildren that she loved so much: Crystal, Ashley, Morgan, Kiana, Macy, Rocco, and Maddox. Farida also leaves behind four siblings and their families in the Philippines: Henriquetta, Gregorio, Norberto, and Independencia.
Pallbearers will be Peter Kelly, Kiana Kohut, Macy Kelly, Rocco Kelly, Maddox Kohut, and Jimmy Serrano.
Memorial services to honor Farida: Faith Chapel South, 100 Beverly Pkwy, Pensacola, FL 32505. Visitation & Rosary: Wednesday, December 20, 2023 from 5pm-7pm. Funeral Service will be Thursday, December 21, 2023 at 9:30am with Burial at Barrancas National Cemetery to follow at 11:00am Reception to follow.
Century Does Not Conduct Employee Background Checks, But They Want To Start
December 18, 2023
From a parks and recreation employee that may work near children, to a street department worker to a town manager, the Town of Century does not conduct background checks on new hires, NorthEscambia.com has learned.
Last week, when the town council voted to hire Howard Brown and the Local Government Consulting Group of West Palm Beach as a city manager, council members were told that complete background checks are not conducted on job applicants with the town.
“It is odd that there is no policy,” council member Alicia Johnson said.
“You would think in this day and age, that’s something that’s procedural,” council president Dynette Lewis said, “In the hiring process, a background check is something that’s performed.”
“We’re talking about employees across the board, you know, contractors, that we might want to develop a policy to address in the future,” Johnson added.
“You have nothing in place for a background check in hiring? That’s neanderthal. Everyone you go to they are going to do a background check. We are back in the Stone Ages, ” a citizen told the council.
The council agreed that a more concise policy requiring background checks is needed and should soon be developed, perhaps with Brown’s help.
As for Brown, the new city manager, Mayor Luis Gomez, Jr. said he thoroughly checked his background and references prior to bringing him to the council for approval.
“I have vetted these candidates, because I don’t want to look like a clown,” Gomez said.
FDC Says Century Correctonal Inmate Assaulted Officer
December 18, 2023
A Century Correctional Institution inmate assaulted a correctional officer recently, according to the Florida Department of Corrections.
Inmate Peter Dellapenna (S80344) assaulted a correctional officer, and the incident was captured on camera, according to FDC.
Dellapenna was serving a six-year sentence out of Clay County for charges including burglary and grand theft.
Bratt Elementary Holds ‘Jingle Bell Jog’
December 18, 2023
Bratt Elementary School students participated in their annual Jingle Bell Jog last Friday. The event was organized by coaches Norton and Blackburn. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Near Freezing Monday Night
December 18, 2023
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Clear, with a low around 31. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 51. Wind chill values between 25 and 35 early. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 33. East wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 53. East wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 33. East wind around 5 mph.
Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 60. East wind around 5 mph.
Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 40. East wind around 5 mph.
Friday: Partly sunny, with a high near 63. East wind around 5 mph.
Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 46. East wind around 5 mph.
Saturday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 65.
Saturday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53.
Sunday: Showers likely. Cloudy, with a high near 62. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Sunday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Cloudy, with a low around 55. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Christmas Day: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 65. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Florida Gas Prices Sink to 2-Year Lows
December 18, 2023
Florida gas prices have plummeted to 2-year lows. Sunday’s state average was $2.86 per gallon. That’s the lowest daily average price since June 2021.
Florida gas prices have been on a free fall, declining 31 cents in the past 17 days. As of Sunday, 88% of Florida gas stations have pump prices below $3 a gallon. Thirty-three percent of Florida filling stations have pumps below $2.75/gallon.
In Escambia County, the average fell to $2.73, with one Pensacola station as low as $2.51 on Mobile Highway. In North Escambia, a low price of $2.65 was available Sunday night at one station on Highway 29 in Cantonment.
Pump prices are falling at the perfect time, as more than 6 million Floridians prepare to take a road trip for the year-end holidays,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA-The Auto Club Group. “Strong domestic gasoline supplies and low oil prices have contributed to the downward pressure on prices at the pump. Oil prices regained some strength last week, so a modest increase is possible at the pump, but AAA expects gas prices to remain low through the holidays.”
NorthEscambia.com file photo.