Escambia County Installs Four New Playgrounds At Parks; Four More On The Way In 2024
December 12, 2023
Escambia County Parks and Recreation has installed four new playgrounds this year at several neighborhood and community parks throughout the county, with four additional playgrounds planned for 2024.
A new playground and exercise equipment were also installed at the Escambia County Extension Services building, providing additional play and recreational opportunities.
The new playgrounds provide a variety of play features for children of all ages to enjoy, including slides, climbing structures, exercise equipment, interactive games, musical instruments, and more.
New playgrounds were added at the following locations in 2023:
- Aero Vista Park, 120 Marine Drive – Installed July 2023
- Avondale Park, 5809 Vestavia Lane – Installed August 2023
- Escambia County Extension Services, 3740 Stefani Road – Installed June 2023
- O’Connor-Colling Community Park, 552 Batten Blvd. – Installed June 2023
- Lexington Terrace Regional Park, 900 S. Old Corry Field Road – Installed July 2023
All of the new playgrounds replaced existing playground equipment that was outdated, with the exception of Extension Services, which did not previously have a playground. Additional playgrounds are planned for the following parks, expected to be installed by summer 2024:
- Garcon Bayou Nature Park, 55 Doug Ford Drive
- Harvester Homes I, 430 Belmont Ave.
- Lakewood Park, 670 Lakewood Road
- Westernmark Park, 751 Massachusetts Ave.
“We are always working on ways to improve our overall park experience for Escambia County residents and visitors, and providing quality playgrounds for children and families to enjoy is an essential part of that goal,” Parks and Recreation Director Michael Rhodes said. “These new playgrounds have already been well-used this year, and I’m excited to continue making improvements to parks and playgrounds throughout the county in 2024 and beyond.”
Public Can Now Reserve Parts Of New Navy Federal Recreation Center
December 12, 2023
Navy Federal Credit Union is now allowing members of the public to reserve areas of their Recreation Center.
A ribbon cutting was held in early November for the facility located on the west side of Navy Federal’s Beulah Campus along Nine Mile Road.
Reservable Spaces include:
- Pavilion
- Multi-Purpose Field (7v7 Soccer, Flag Football, Softball)
- Basketball Court
- Sand Volleyball Court
- Pickleball Courts (1&2)
- Informal Lawn
As of now, the community can reserve those select areas Monday-Friday from 5:30 pm to 9 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 6 am to 9 pm. These select spaces can be reserved up to 1 month in advance. QR codes are also located on signage in front of each space, taking users to the reservation link, availability calendar and feedback form.
The community is encouraged to check the reservation calendar for availability to ensure any reservations held are honored. Starting in early 2024, the public will be also be able to reserve those spaces during Monday-Friday from 6 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Florida School Grades Released; How Did Your Child’s School Score?
December 12, 2023
The Florida Department of Education (FDOE) on Monday released school grades for the 2022-23 school year. For the fourth consecutive year, Escambia County earned an overall grade of “B”.
Four elementary schools earned an “F” — Montclair Elementary, Warrington Elementary, Lincoln Park Elementary, and the Global Learning Academy.
“These latest school grades come as no surprise, as we have been aware for quite some time about the changes the state was making to the grading formula this year,” said ECPS Superintendent Keith Leonard. “Because the number of components for each school’s grade calculation was decreased by four, changes, both positive and negative, were to be expected.
“Hopefully, next year, the state will go back to something similar to the original formula, so we can get a more accurate snapshot of the progress being made by our schools,” continued Leonard. “Make no mistake, we still have challenges, but we are more determined than ever to address those long-standing issues and work hard to prepare our students for their best possible futures.”
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
Hellen Caro Elementary – A
N. B. Cook Elementary – A
Cordova Park Elementary – A
Pine Meadow Elementary – A
Pleasant Grove Elementary – A
A. K. Suter Elementary – A
Molino Park Elementary – A
Kingsfield Elementary – A
Pensacola Beach Elementary , Inc – A
Jim Allen Elementary – B
Bratt Elementary – B
Scenic Heights Elementary – B
Beulah Elementary – B
R. C. Lipscomb Elementary – B
Blue Angels Elementary – B
Byrneville Elementary , Inc. – B
Bellview Elementary – C
Ferry Pass Elementary – C
Myrtle Grove Elementary – C
Navy Point Elementary – C
Oakcrest Elementary – C
Sherwood Elementary – C
C. A. Weis Elementary – C
West Pensacola Elementary – C
Reinhardt Holm Elementary – C
Longleaf Elementary – C
L. D. Mcarthur Elementary – C
Brentwood Elementary – D
Ensley Elementary – D
O. J. Semmes Elementary – D
Montclair Elementary – F
Warrington Elementary – F
Lincoln Park Elementary – F
Global Learning Academy – F
MIDDLE SCHOOLS
Brown Barge Middle – A
Ransom Middle – B
Ernest Ward Middle – B
Ferry Pass Middle – C
J. H. Workman Middle – C
Jim C. Bailey Middle – C
Beulah Middle – C
Beulah Academy of Science – C
Bellview Middle – D
Warrington Middle – D
HIGH SCHOOLS
West Florida High – A
J. M. Tate High – B
Escambia High – C
Pensacola High – C
Pine Forest High – C
Washington high – C
Northview High – C
State Attorney To Review Escambia Commissioner’s Text Messages For Any Sunshine Law Violations
December 12, 2023
State Attorney Ginger Bowden Madden confirmed Monday that her office is reviewing text messages of Escambia County Commissioners after allegations were made that improper communications occurred in violation of the Sunshine Law.
“My office has recently received several inquiries, concerns, and allegations that communications between some of the Escambia County Commissioners which required public notice may have been improper,” Madden said in a release.
“The Florida Sunshine Law is an important tool for ensuring transparency and accountability in government. It helps to protect the public’s right to know and to participate in the decision-making process. Open government is the core of our democratic principles,” Madden continued.
“My office will be reviewing the allegations we have received, including all available government communications, to determine if further investigation is warranted.”
Sunny Tuesday, High Near 60
December 12, 2023
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 33. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 59. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 38. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 59. Northeast wind around 10 mph.
Wednesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45. Northeast wind around 10 mph.
Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high near 60. Northeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 43. East wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 61. East wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 46. Northeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Saturday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 61.
Saturday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 49.
Sunday: A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 59.
Sunday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45.
Monday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 61.
Century To Close Ivey Street On Wednesday
December 12, 2023
The Town of Century will close the road at 9520 Ivey Street, Lot 9 and East State Line Road from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Wednesday, December 13, in order to install a sewer line.
Drivers should detour using East Cottage Street, accoridng to the town.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Front End Loader Stolen, Burned In Flomaton
December 12, 2023
Flomaton Police are seeking information from the public after a front end loader was stolen and later set ablaze.
The front end loader was stolen early Monday morning from the former Air Products property on Railroad Street and driven along Junction and Dixon roads to Old Fannie Road. The loader was then parked in a curve at Old Fannie Road and Welka Road near the railroad tracks. Several parts were stolen from the loader before it was set on fire.
The Flomaton Fire Department responded to extinguish the blaze, and Escambia County (FL) Fire Rescue was called for assistance about 5:40 a.m.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Flomaton Police Department at (251) 296-5811.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Herbert Eugene “Gene” Bailey
December 12, 2023
Herbert Eugene “Gene” Bailey, 78, of Pensacola, FL, passed away on December 8, 2023.
Gene was born on July 4, 1945 in Fort Walton Beach, FL to Dorothy and Hubert “Bill” Bailey. He recently retired after 27 years of combined military service.
Gene worked as a butcher, provided meals for his fellow veterans, and operated many concessions throughout the city. He was known as “Mean Gene,” and he took pride in his famous “Mean Gene” burgers. Gene rooted for the Florida State Seminoles and the Kansas City Chiefs, enjoyed traveling with his wife of 54 years, and spending time with his daughters and animals.
Gene is preceded in death by his parents; brothers Steven Bailey and Allen Bailey; sister Rosetta Blauser.
Survivors include his loving wife Sherry Bailey; daughters Jennifer Trawick (partner Alicia Trawick) and Jamie Bailey-White (Ricky White); sister Carol Palmer; and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held at 1 pm until a memorial service at 2 pm Saturday, December 16, 2023, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home on Beverly Parkway.
A committal service will be held at Barrancas National Cemetery on Tuesday, December 19, 2023 at 1:30 pm. Anyone in attendance is requested to arrive at Faith Chapel at 12:30 pm to join the funeral procession.
The family would like to thank the many nurses for their vigilant and tender care.
Georgetta Penland Dixon
December 12, 2023
Georgetta Penland Dixon, 81, of Cantonment, Florida, passed away Thursday, December 7, 2023. Georgetta was born November 2, 1942 in Highlands, North Carolina to James N. Penland and Mozelle Chastain Penland. She married Joe F. Dixon, August 7, 1962 in West Palm Beach, Florida. They were happily married for 49 years. Georgetta worked for nearly 30 years for the State of Florida as a benefit recovery specialist.
Georgetta enjoyed spending time with her son, Jeff and wife, Melody, her grandchildren, Jennifer and Wesley, and her great grandchildren, Madison, Hudson, and Lillian. She was an avid reader, and fan of races at Five Flags Speedway and NASCAR Racing.
Georgetta is preceded in death by her husband, Joe F. Dixon; mother, Mozelle Burrell; step-father, Shirley Burrell; and her father, James N. Penland.
She is survived by her son, Jeffrey S. Dixon (Melody) of Tallahassee, Florida; grandchildren, Jennifer Dixon and Wesley Dixon; great-grandchildren, Madison, Hudson, and Lillian; sister, Elaine Tilson of Highlands, North Carolina; and her nephew and nieces, David, Gabriel, and Jessica.
Visitation services for Georgetta Penland Dixon will be held at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, Saturday, December 16, 2023 from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.
She will be laid to rest with her husband, Joe F. Dixon at Barrancas National Cemetery at a later date.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 South Highway 29, Cantonment, is entrusted with arrangements.
Ronald Eugene Hopkins
December 12, 2023
Ronnie is preceded in death by his parents, Rollie and Mary Hopkins; and his brother, Buddy Hopkins.
He is survived by his wife, Brenda Hopkins; son, Greg Hopkins (Kristy); daughter, Bridget Burkett (Chris); sister, Alice McCurdy (Henry); and grandchildren, Haylee, Peyton, Anna, Briana, and Gillian.
Memorial services for Ronnie Hopkins will be held Thursday, December 14, 2023 at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North. The family will receive friends for visitation from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.
Memorial services will begin at 6:00 p.m. with Brother Mike Skipper officiating.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 South Highway 29, Cantonment, is entrusted with arrangements. You may express condolences online at www.fcfhs.com.
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