Pirates At The Library Today
July 15, 2008
Ahoy, Matey! Enjoy pirate-themed arts and crafts and stories at the Century Branch Library on Tuesday, July 15 at noon.
It another exciting installment of the Summer Reading Series at the library. It’s fun for kids of all ages, and it is free! Call the library at 256-6217 for more information.
Crossroads In Concert Sunday In Molino
July 13, 2008
Crossroads will be in concert in the 8:30 and 10:30 services Sunday morning at Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Molino.
Crossroads is Kristen Sorrells, Lyndi Hardy and Brad Adkinson. They have been together just over a year, and they were quickly singing at churches across Santa Rosa County and a few churches in Alabama and Escambia County, Florida.
They have performed at the 100th Anniversary of the Southern Baptist Association, Relay for Life in Mobile and at a recent company celebration at Solutia.
Brad is a member of First Baptist Church in Milton and is employed with Solutia. He and his wife Mindy have two children. Lyndi and her husband Robbie are members at Pine Terrace Baptist Church in Milton. Lyndi is also a teacher at Milton High School. Kristen and her husband Phillipp are members at Pine Terrace Baptist Church. They have three children, and she is a stay at home mom.
Aldersgate is located on Highway 29, just south of Highway 97 in Molino. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Submitted photo.
Hacker Hits Escambia Tax Collector Site
July 13, 2008
The Escambia tax collector’s web site was defaced by a hacker on Saturday, and now the site is down.
The text on the site and all of the links were replaced by the text “hacked by mOsted (Turkish) No War”. The statement appeared repeatedly on the site.
By late Saturday afternoon, the tax collector’s office had taken the site offline, making local tax information unavailable to the public.
According to an internet seach, such hacks are typically random in nature where the hacker used an automated process to look for vunerabilities with the code that makes up a web site.
The tax collector’s web site is hosted by Escambia County on the same group of servers that serve other county web sites.
Computer hacking can be a felony under Florida law, but most hacks such as this one originate in a foreign country.
Visit Any Florida State Park For Free Today
July 13, 2008
Today is your chance to visit any Florida stare park for free. All state parks will waive admission charges all day today.
To celebrate July as Recreation and Parks Month, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Division of Recreation & Parks is encouraging family-friendly,outdoor recreation with the launch of its “Family. Friends. Fun. Campaign” to reconnect children and families with nature.
Some of the state parks in our area include: Big Lagoon State Park near Pensacola, Perdido Key State Park on Perdido Key and Florida Caverns State Park (pictured above) near Marianna
Since 1985, the National Recreation and Park Association has designated July as Recreation and Parks Month. To celebrate this designation, Florida is waiving admission to all state parks today.
“Recreation and Parks Month is an excellent time for family and friends to visit a state park and experience …the Real Florida,” said DEP Secretary Michael W. Sole. “State parks provide a multitude of activities that promote mental and physical well being.”
The Family. Friends. Fun. Campaign is hosting events in state parks that appeal to individuals and families of all ages and interests this July during Recreation and Parks Month. On Sunday, July 13, entry into all 161 state parks will be free, providing an opportunity for everyone to head outdoors and experience Florida State Parks.
“Without the encouragement of parents and friends, children are less likely to play outdoors and gain exposure to natural resources and nature-based recreation,” said Florida State Parks Director Mike Bullock. “Establishing a healthy relationship with nature during childhood is a valuable habit that will benefit individuals and society as a whole for years.”
The first two-time Gold Medal winner honoring the nation’s best state park service, Florida’s state park system is one of the largest in the country with 161 parks spanning almost 700,000 acres and 100 miles of sandy white beaches.
From swimming and diving in Florida’s rivers and springs to birding and fishing or hiking and riding on natural scenic trails, Florida’s state parks offer year-around outdoor activities for all ages. Battle re-enactments and Native American festivals celebrate Florida’s unique history, while art shows, museums and lighthouses offer a window into Florida’s cultural heritage.
For more information about Florida State Parks and activities scheduled for July 13 and throughout Recreation and Parks Month, visit www.FloridaStateParks.org. For more information on the national initiative to connect children and nature, visit http://www.childrenandnature.org/.
Pictured above: The Florida State Caverns Park near Marianna. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Blue Angels shows this weekend
July 11, 2008
A large number of North Escambia residents are expected to attend the Blue Angels air show Saturday at Pensacola Beach.
The world-famous Navy flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels, will be joined by an exhilarating line up during the main event on Saturday. It kicks off shortly after noon with Julian MacQueen in his amphibious Grumman Widgeon G-44 and culminate with The Blue Angels taking to the sky at 2 p.m.
Following is a complete line up of events:
12:05 p.m. Water in front of show area is cleared for safety precautions
12:25 p.m. Julian MacQueen’s Grumman Widgeon G-44
12:30 p.m. Coast Guard Search & Rescue (SAR) demonstration, HH-65 Dolphin
12:45 p.m. Vortex Aerobatics, Pitts Eagle hybrid
12:55 p.m. Gary Ward’s MX2
1:05 p.m. AeroShell Aerobatic Team, AT-6 “Texan”
1:20 p.m. Swimmers are allowed back into the water for 20 minutes
1:40 p.m. Water is cleared again for final part of show
1:50 p.m. Fat Albert, C-130 Hercules
2:00 p.m. Blue Angels, F/A-18 Hornets
If you plan to attend the Pensacola Beach Air Show, you are urged to arrive early. For your convenience and to help alleviate traffic congestion, Pensacola Beach will provide trolley service from 9 a.m. until midnight Saturday between Casino Beach and the Fort Pickens gate. Motorists are asked not to block emergency access locations, bike paths, sidewalks or medians. Park in a marked spot or off the roadway, but do not extend into traffic lanes.
Plan on being at the beach all day, not just for a couple of hours for the air show, event organizers say. Remember to drink plenty of water, and wear sun protection such as a sunscreen with a high SPF, hats and long-sleeve shirts.
For more information, contact the Pensacola Beach Visitors Information Center at (850) 932-1500, toll free at (800) 635-4803. All information is subject to weather conditions and can change without prior notice.
District 5 Town Hall Meeting Tonight In Cantonment
July 8, 2008
If you want to have your voice heard in county government, or just want to hear first hand what is going on in North Escambia’s District 5, there is a meeting for you tonight.Escambia County District 5 Commissioner Kevin White will hold a town hall meeting tonight at 6:30 at at St. Monica’s Episcopal Church, 699 S. Highway 95A in Cantonment. He will update residents on projects in North Escambia and take your questions concerning county issues.
Many county department representatives are also expected to be at the meeting.
Zebra Spotted Friday In Walnut Hill
July 5, 2008
A zebra and a black bear were spotted on the highways of Walnut Hill Friday afternoon.
The truck with the zebra was spotted by NorthEscambia.com on Highway 97 in the heart of Walnut Hill. We caught up with the truck on South Highway 99.
In the back of the Dodge was a zebra, towering above the truck, and an upright black bear.
We are going to keep you guessing on this one until Monday morning when NorthEscambia.com will have the story of the Fourth of July zebra in Walnut Hill. Until then, we will tell you what you see in the photo above is very real. It’s not plastic, not man made and has nothing to do with the zoo or circus. That is really a zebra in the back of the truck on South Highway 99 near Walnut Hill, and the bear is real too.
Join NorthEscambia.com Monday morning for the story of the Walnut Hill Fourth of July zebra. This is one you don’t want to miss.
Fourth Holiday Closings
July 4, 2008
All city, county, state and federal offices are closed today for the Fourth of July holiday.
There will be no ECAT buses running, except for beach trolleys. All libraries area closed, and there is no mail today.
Allied Waste customers both in the rural areas of North Escambia and the Town of Century will have trash pickup today as usual, according to Allied’s customer service.
A North Escambia Fourth: Fireworks, Music, Picnics And More Scheduled
July 4, 2008
There are no organized fireworks displays this year in North Escambia, but there are three within a reasonable driving distance In addition, people in North Escambia will celebrate the Fourth of July with a community picnic and a night of music.
And in Century, the town will dedicate a new Veterans Wall of Honor.
There will be fireworks shows at 9:00 Friday night in Jay, Poarch, Alabama, and Pensacola. Flomaton will not be holding their annual show this year.
Details on each event are below:
Jay Fireworks
Jay will celebrate the Fourth will a day filled with family fun activities. A softball tournament will begin at 8:00 a.m., and 5K run will be held at 6:00 p.m. There will also be a tennis tournament.
Entertainment will begin at the Bray-Hendricks Park pavilion at 4:00. Vendors will be in the park beginning at noon with food, beverages, arts, crafts, t-shirts and more.
The Jay fireworks show will begin at 9:00. Admission and parking are free.
Poarch Fireworks
The Poarch Creek Indians will hold their annual July 4 fireworks show Friday night on their reservation north of Atmore.
The program will be shorter than in previous years, but it still promises to be a great celebration.
The evening begins at 8:00 p.m. with a welcome from the Tribal Council Vice Chairman Stephanie Bryan, followed by the singing of the National Anthem. A salute to the veterans is next on the program, then a short musical presentation, “This Is My America,” by the Community Choir which is comprised of choirs from several area churches.
The fireworks display begins at 9 p.m.
Pensacola Fireworks
Sertoma’s 19th annual Fourth of July Celebration in downtown Pensacola will begin at 11:00 Friday morning. There will be a free children’s activity area, live entertainment, arts, crafts, food vendors and more.
The Iguanas will be in concert at 6:30. The huge fireworks show will take place at 9:00. Bring your radio…the show will be synchronized to music broadcast on Cat Country 98.7. All events are free.
Fourth Of July Molino Picnic
Aldersgate United Methodist Church will celebrate the Fourth of July with a community picnic.
The day’s events being at 11:00 a.m. and continue until 4:00 p.m.
Lunch will be a covered dish lunch at 12:00. There will be a Frisbee competition, egg toss competition, dominoes, sack race, basketball free toss, watermelon seed spitting contest, dominoes, horseshoes, and a “Noah’s Ark Jumper” bounce house for the kids.
All the events are free, and the entire community is invited to attend. The church is located on Highway 29 just south of Highway 97.
Fourth Of July Music Celebration
There were be a taste of Americana Friday night at the Barrineau Park Historical Society and Community Center.
Everyone is invited to attend a night of music featuring “The Chapel Strings” and “Rolling Tide” beginning at 7:00.
The Barrineau Park Historical Society and Community Center is located at 6055 Barrineau Park School Road near Molino.
The event is family entertainment and is free and open to the public.
Food and refreshments will be available from the Barrineau Park Historical Society
Century To Dedicate Honor Wall
The Town of Century will dedicate its new Veterans Wall of Honor at 10:00 a.m. on the Fourth of July.
The new wall will be unveiled during a patriotic service.
The Wall of Honor is located at Roadside Park at Bradley Street and Highway 29, next to the Country Bumpkin.
Pictured above: Fireworks from last year’s Sertoma Fourth of July Celebration in Pensacola. Courtesy photo. The front page photo of Uncle Sam is from his recent appearance at the Century Branch Library. NorthEscambia.com photo.
Fireworks Shows Planned In Nearby Communities
July 3, 2008
There are no organized fireworks displays this year in North Escambia, but there are three within a reasonable driving distance.
There will be shows at 9:00 Friday night in Jay, Poarch, Alabama, and Pensacola.
Flomaton will not be holding their annual show this year.
Details on each event are below:
Jay, Florida
Jay will celebrate the Fourth will a day filled with family fun activities. A softball tournament will begin at 8:00 a.m., and 5K run will be held at 6:00 p.m. There will also be a tennis tournament.
Entertainment will begin at the Bray-Hendricks Park pavilion at 4:00. Vendors will be in the park beginning at noon with food, beverages, arts, crafts, t-shirts and more.
The Jay fireworks show will begin at 9:00. Admission and parking are free.
Poarch, Alabama
The Poarch Creek Indians will hold their annual July 4 fireworks show Friday night on their reservation north of Atmore.
The program will be shorter than in previous years, but it still promises to be a great celebration.
The evening begins at 8:00 p.m. with a welcome from the Tribal Council Vice Chairman Stephanie Bryan, followed by the singing of the National Anthem. A salute to the veterans is next on the program, then a short musical presentation, “This Is My America,” by the Community Choir which is comprised of choirs from several area churches.
The fireworks display begins at 9 p.m.
Pensacola, Florida
Sertoma’s 19th annual Fourth of July Celebration in downtown Pensacola will begin at 11:00 Friday morning. There will be a free children’s activity area, live entertainment, arts, crafts, food vendors and more.
The Iguanas will be in concert at 6:30. The huge fireworks show will take place at 9:00. Bring your radio…the show will be synchronized to music broadcast on Cat Country 98.7. All events are free.
Pictured above: Fireworks from last year’s Sertoma Fourth of July Celebration in Pensacola. Courtesy photo.