Still Time To Take Survey About Your Child’s School
June 27, 2009
There is still time to take an Escambia County School District survey and rank how well you believe your child’s school and its staff perform.
The survey, offered on the district’s web page, allows participants to rank many school performance areas based upon how they feel about statements such as:
- I feel welcome at this school.
- Learning is interesting at this school.
- The principal at this school communicates effectively.
- Students are challenged to their ability at this school.
- Students receive recognition for good performance in academics.
There is also an open-ended question designed to recognize outstanding persons in the school district: “Can you identify one individual in the Escambia School District who has had an impact on you or your family during this school year?”
The survey is completely anonymous with no attempt to identify the participants, the district says, and the survey asks for “frank and honest” responses.
To take the survey, click here and then click on the red “Take the School Climate survey” link near the upper right corner of the page.
Storms Bring Heat Relief, Some Problems
June 24, 2009
A line of storms moved across parts of the area Tuesday evening, dumping up to 2.5 inches of rain. Wind gusts up to 60 mph were also reported with the storm, causing a few scattered power outages and downed tree limbs.
Rainfall amounts ranged from nothing in some areas like Walnut Hill to the 2.5 inches in Molino.
Prior to the rain, Jay had a high of 103; Molino hit 100; Walnut Hill topped out at 1o1; Cantonment reached 99 and Century had a high of 100 Tuesday. Pensacola set a new record high of 102; Mobile reached a new record of 101.
The rain quickly dropped temperatures into the upper 60’s to low 70’s.
There is a 20 percent chance of rain today with “cooler” temperatures in the upper 90’s. The heat index — the combined effect of heat and humidity on the human body — will feel like 103 to 108 by afternoon.
Expect more of the same on Thursday, with highs in the upper 90’s and a heat index of 104-106. There is a 30 percent chance of afternoon showers on Thursday.
Congressman Miller’s Staff To Hold Office Hours In Century
June 24, 2009
Congressman Jeff Miller’s staff will conduct mobile office hours this morning in Century.
In order to better serve the needs of constituents who are unable to get to the Congressman’s Pensacola or Ft. Walton offices, special “mobile office” days have been established. Expanding on the idea first used for “veterans’ assistance days,” several members of Congressman Miller’s staff will be on hand to answer questions about issues with federal agencies or matters affecting the First Congressional District, according to Miller’s staff.
“We are trying to make contact with our office as convenient as possible for all of our constituents,” Miller said. “Instead of having people come to the office, we’ve decided to bring the office to them.”
The mobile office day will be held from 10:00 to 11:30 this morning at Century Chamber of Commerce located at 7811 North Century Boulevard.
Check Out The Magic Today At The Century Branch Library
June 23, 2009
There will be a magical way to entertain the kids and stay cool today at the Century Branch Library — with Northwest Florida’s favorite local magician.
Beau Broomall will create magic at noon today as the free summer reading program continues at the library. He will delight and amaze with magic tricks galore and share a few magical secrets.
The program for children of all ages will be at the Century Branch Library at noon, 7991 North Century Boulevard. For more information, call the library at 256-6217.
Temps Hit 103 Over The Weekend; More Of The Same For Monday
June 22, 2009
After weekend temperatures hitting as high as 103 in the North Escambia area, there is more of the same miserable weather forecast for today.
The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory again for Monday, with temperatures expected to reach 99-103 with a heat index as high as 112.
On Sunday, Bratt hit 99; Century went to 101; Cantonment had a high of 97; Molino topped out at 99; Walnut Hill hit 100; and Jay had a high of 103.
On Saturday, Century hit 103; Cantonment reached 100; Molino topped out at 101; Jay hit 103; Walnut Hill hit 101 and Bratt reached 99 on Saturday.
A heat advisory will be in effect until 7:00 Monday night. Daytime highs will once again by 99-103, when combined with high humidity and dewpoints in the lower to mid 70’s, will result in heat indexes ranging from 108 to 112 degrees. These conditions can increase the risk of heat related illness.
More of the same is forecast for Tuesday, with a high once again expected around 101. A slight chance of rain at 20 percent is back in the forecast for Wednesday with highs around 98.
The National Weather Service said it is advisable to stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun and check up on relatives and neighbors. Outdoor work should also be avoided during the late afternoon and early evening hours.
If you must be outdoors wear lightweight, light colored clothing, drink plenty of water, slow down and take frequent breaks and not drink alcoholic beverages.
Give Blood Today In Walnut Hill
June 22, 2009
You have the chance to give the gift of life at a blood drive this morning in Walnut Hill.The blood drive will take place at the Walnut Hill Farm Supply at the corner of Highway 97 and South Highway 99 from 7:30 until 12:30.
There is a significant need for several blood types, including an urgent need for O+ and O- blood types.
Requirements for giving blood are below.
- Donors must be in generally good health
- At least 17 years of age, without permission. 16-year olds are now allowed to donate with permission granted by parents or legal guardians.
- Must bring picture ID
- Weigh at least 110 lbs
- Free of infection, fever or flu symptoms, for 3 days
- No cancer within the last 5 years
- No antibiotics within the last 48 hours
- No tattoos within the past 12 months
- No chest pain, heart disease, heart surgery (Requires written physician release with diagnosis)
- No history of viral hepatitis
- Cannot have lived in France for 5 years or more between 1980 and the present
- Cannot have lived or visited in the UK for a total of 3 months or more from 1980 to 1996
- Cannot have received a blood transfusion in the UK between 1980 and the present
- Military personnel (current and former), and their dependents, who spent time in military bases in northern Europe during 1980-1990, or southern Europe during 1980-1996, for 6 months or more
- All military personnel (active & reserve) that are returning from Iraq, are deferred for a period of 1 year after the last date on location in that country.
Heat Advisory Issued
June 19, 2009
A heat advisory has been issued for today, with temperatures expected to hit near 101 with a heat index of 110.
The heat index — how hot the humidity makes it feel on your body — is especially dangerous to those without air conditioning, those working outside and the elderly.
A strong high pressure remains entrenched over the lower Mississipppi and the southeastern United States. The high pressure will send afternoon highs over the century mark in the many locations. When combined with the humidity, afternoon heat indices will rise to the 105 to 110 degree range.
A heat advisory means a period of hot temperatures and high humidity will combine to create a situation in which heat illnesses are possible. Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air conditioned room, stay out of the sun and check up on friends and relatives.
The forecast for Saturday is the same: highs near 100 and a heat index up to 110.
Scorching: Highs 100-101 Next Two Days With High Humidity
June 18, 2009
Hot and humid — that ’s the forecast for the next several days here in North Escambia. Temperatures are expected at about 100 the two few days, with heat indexes passing that century mark.
Today will be sunny and hot, with a high of 100. Add in the humidity, and it will feel like 108 this afternoon. It will be clear an muggy tonight, with a low of 74.
Friday’s high is forecast to be 101 with a heat index of 105 plus. Expect more miserable heat on Saturday, with a high of 99.
By Sunday, afternoon highs will “cool” to the mid 90’s. A 20 percent chance of an afternoon shower creeps into the forecast by Sunday.
It is a good idea to drink plenty of water and take frequent breaks if you have to work outside. Also, check on elderly friends and neighbors during the hot afternoons.
Bond Revoked For Woman In DUI Death Of Bicyclist
June 16, 2009
An Escambia County judge has ordered that bond be revoked for the woman charged with driving drunk and killing a bicyclist on Nine Mile Road.
Christina Rivkin remains in the Escambia County Jail without bond charged with DUI manslaughter and four other charges in connection with the death of Michael Steele, 25.
Tuesday, Circuit Court Judge Frank Bell ordered that Rivkin be held until her trial. Steele’s funeral was scheduled for Tuesday afternoon.
The Florida Highway Patrol says Rivkin was traveling westbound on Nine Mile Road when she crossed the white line near Brewster Street and struck Steele as he was riding his bicycle to work at Winn Dixie about 11:15 Wednesday night. Troopers say Steele and his bicycle were dragged under Rivkin’s GMC Yukon for about a quarter of a mile. Rivkin then fled the scene.
She made her appearance Friday afternoon before Judge Thomas Johnson via a video feed from the Escambia County Jail. Rivkin could be seen wiping tears from her eyes during her appearance. State Attorney Bill Eddins had requested that bond be set at $1 million because Rivkin has two previous DUIs — one in Escambia County and one in Ohio. Johnson denied that request, setting the bond at the half million.
Rivkin will be back in court on July 2 for an arraignment hearing. She told the judge that she will hire her own attorney.
About an hour after Wednesday night’s accident, Rivkin returned to the scene, where she “skidded to an abrupt stop nearly striking the patrol car of Deputy Mark Smith,” the FHP report says. She “appeared extremely intoxicated. She smelled strongly of alcoholic beverage and her speech was slurred. She could not walk without assistance. (She) could not remember her name or say where she was,” the report continues.
Rivkin, according to the FHP, refused to perform a breath test, and a blood sample was taken to determine her blood alcohol level. Those test results are not yet available.
“He jumped out in front of me. What was I suppose to do?” Rivkin told a trooper at the scene.
The FHP says that the front of Rivkin’s vehicle had damage consistent with hitting the bicyclist, and “there appeared to be blood on the front of her vehicle.”
Rivkin is the estranged wife of Escambia County Sheriff’s Deputy Scott Rivkin, according to an FHP report.
Rivkin had at least two prior DUI arrests and five other moving violations, according to the FHP.
Steele was riding his bicycle to work as part of the stock crew at the Nine Mile Road Winn Dixie when the accident occurred, according to family members. Steele and his wife, Brittney, 20, only owned one car, and family members said he wanted his wife to have the car for her morning commute. He rode the bicycle so that she did not have to drive him to work so that she would be well rested for her job.
Pictured above: Christina Rivkin’s Escambia County Jail booking photo. Click to enlarge.
Library Program Today: Kids Can Cook
June 16, 2009
Yes, life is a bowl of cherries — if you know how to make good choices..
The Century Branch Library’s summer readings series continues at noon today with the program “Kids Can Cook!”.
Angela Hinkle from the Escambia County Extension Office will give tips for making smart food choices at a school and home. Children of all ages will have fun creating and decorating a lunch box and filling it with healthy snacks.
The program at noon today is free at the Century Branch Library, 7991 North Century Boulevard. For more information, call 256-6217.