Safety Tips For Blue Angels Weekend
July 7, 2017
With the Blue Angels ready to take to the skies for the Pensacola Beach Air Show, be sure to follow these tips from Escambia County for a safe, fun weekend in the sun:
Traffic
- Leave early. Traffic will be heavy, and parking is limited on Pensacola Beach.
- Get in the fast lane to the beach with SunPass® and the reduced-price Pensacola Beach Annual Pass. Watch this video for everything you need to know about SunPass, or visit MyEscambia.com/PensacolaBeachPass.
- If parking is full in the core areas, take advantage of the free Pensacola Beach trolleys offered by the Santa Rosa Island Authority. East and west parking lots will be serviced by trolleys and will take beach goers to and from Casino Beach. For a map of trolley stops and a live trolley tracker, click here.
- Remember that access into and exiting the Casino Beach parking lot along Via De Luna Drive and Fort Pickens Road has been modified. The parking lot now functions in a circular configuration, with one way in and one way out. The only entrance into the parking lot is along Via De Luna Drive next to Sidelines Sports Bar & Restaurant and across the street from Flounder’s Chowder House. The only exit from the parking lot is along Fort Pickens Road near the public restrooms/Public Safety Building.
Water Safety
- Be sure to wear and reapply sunscreen often and drink plenty of water. Remember that alcohol, sun and swimming do not mix.
- Swim in lifeguarded areas, and be sure to follow all lifeguard instructions. Swimmers will not be allowed in the Gulf during the airshow.
- Check before you go and follow the posted beach condition flag warnings. Watch our lifeguards explain the flag system on Pensacola Beach. Beach conditions can be checked at PensacolaBeachLifeguards.com and on the Pensacola Beach Lifeguards Facebook page.
- Know how to escape from a rip current. Watch our rip current video and learn how to break the grip of the rip, which can pull even the strongest swimmer out to sea.
Beach Rules
- Remember to “leave no trace” and keep Pensacola Beach sea turtle-friendly. Properly dispose of trash, fill in any holes in the sand and remove belongings from the beach at the end of the day. This includes not leaving any personal property unattended on the sandy gulf beach from sunset until sunrise like umbrellas, tents, beach toys and chairs. To view the Leave No Trace ordinance, click here.
- Follow all Pensacola Beach rules, including:
- Glass containers are not allowed on the beach.
- The west side of the Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier is an alcohol free zone.
- Open containers are not allowed off the boardwalk or outside any establishment.
- No alcohol can be consumed in any parking lot on Santa Rosa Island.
- Dogs other than service animals are not permitted on the any of the beaches except in designated dog parks. To view complete rules and boundaries for Pensacola Beach dog parks, click here.
Rising From The Winds And Ashes: Wesley Chapel Church Breaks Ground
July 1, 2017
A groundbreaking ceremony was held Friday for a new building for the Wesley Chapel Church on Jefferson Avenue in Century.
The church building suffered significant damage when it was shifted off its foundation during the EF-3 tornado that hit Century in February 2016. The congregation continued to meet in an alternative location each Sunday. They made plans to dismantle the old building board by board, hoping to salvage and use as much of the wood as possible from the 1934 structure in a new church building.
But then the building was reduced to ashes and rubble after an arsonist set fire to it on an early Sunday morning in October.
Now the church is moving forward with plans to rebuild after holding fundraisers and taking donations. There’s no firm construction timetable in place.
Pictured above and below: Groundbreaking ceremony at Wesley Chapel in Century on Friday. Pictured three up from the bottom: Wesley Chapel shortly after an EF-3 tornado in February 2016. Pictuered bottom two photos. The remains of the building were destroyed by an arsonist in October 2016. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Saturday Is Deadline To Apply For $100K In IP Grants
June 30, 2017
International Paper Pensacola Mill will award $100,000 in IP Foundation Grants in 2017. The deadline for all 2017 grant applications is July 1, 2017.
Grants are awarded through the International Paper Foundation. International Paper’s Foundation supports sustainable investments to address critical needs in the communities where IP team members live and work.
Signature causes are:
• Education – Priority given to literacy programs from birth through third grade.
• Hunger – Community programs that provide access to food for those in need or provide solutions to alleviate hunger.
• Health & Wellness – Programs that promote basic health and human needs.
• Disaster Relief – Programs that reduce suffering or saves lives as a result of a natural disaster.
For more information about the Foundation and/or to apply online, interested applicants should visit www.ipgiving.com.
Instrument Petting Zoo At The Library Summer Reading Program
June 29, 2017
The Pensacola Symphony Orchestra presented their Instrument Petting Zoo Wednesday morning during the Summer Reading Program at the Century Branch Library. Participants had an opportunity to learn about different instruments and try their hand at playing several. The Orchestra will present their program again Thursday at 11 a.m. at the Molino Branch Library and 3 p.m. at the Tryon Branch Library.
Photos by August Whorff for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Ancient Forest Uncovered In The Gulf Of Mexico
June 28, 2017
The Underwater Forest, a new documentary by journalist Ben Raines and produced by This is Alabama, details the discovery and exploration of an ancient cypress forest found 60 feet underwater in the Gulf of Mexico, due south of Gulf Shores.
The forest dates to an ice age more than 60,000 years ago, when sea levels were about 400 feet lower than they are today. Scientist believe the forest was uncovered by Hurricane Ivan.
Watch the video (28 mins) below, or click here for YouTube.
Escambia 4-H Offering Tailgating, Sewing And CSI Day Camps
June 26, 2017
Escambia County 4-H is offering summer programs designed to give your child the opportunity to develop character, valuable life skills, make new friends and discover new interests.
A “Beginner Sewing Day Camp” and a “Breakfast Day Camp” have already been held.
The day camps are open to youth ages 8 (as of Sept. 1, 2016) to 18, unless otherwise noted. Still to come are:
Tailgate Day Camp
July 5-6; 9 a.m.- 3.p.m.
Ages: 11+, Limit 20 Youth; $10
This camp will allow youth the opportunity to learn about all aspects of meat, grilling, and food preparation. Youth will use a 14 inch charcoal grill to cook beef, pork, poultry, and seafood in an outdoor setting.
Intermediate Sewing Day Camp
July 18 and 20; 9 a.m.- 3.p.m.
Ages: 12+, Limit 15 Youth; $10
This intermediate level camp will allow youth to become proficient using a sewing machine. Youth will have the opportunity to make pillowcases, tote bags, and much more!
CSI Day Camp
July 17 9 a.m.- 3.p.m. or July 19; 9 a.m.- 3.p.m.
Ages: 11+, Limit 12 Youth per Day; $10
This camp will focus on crime scene investigation techniques, including using UV light, chromatography, fingerprint and handwriting ID, and much more. The same information will be presented both days.
Registration forms are available online at escambia.ifas.ufl.edu/4h/day-camps. Please note that space is limited and is offered on a first come, first served basis. Registration should be completed at least one week before the camp begins including payment of any fees. For more information, please contact Belinda Spann at 850-475-5230 or bspann@ufl.edu.
For more Sewing and Breakfast day camp photos, click here.
Pictured top: A Sewing Day Camp and (pictured inset) A Breakfast Day Camp held previously this summer by Escambia County 4-H. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
2018 Escambia County Voter Guide Is Now Available
June 25, 2017
The Escambia County Voter Guide 2018 is now available at from the Escambia County Supervisor of Elections.
he booklet details 2018 election dates, offices to be filled and contains complete information on how to register to vote, keep voter information current, and how to vote at the polls.
The Escambia County Voter Guide 2018 can be downloaded by clicking here, or copies are available at the office of Escambia County Supervisor of Elections David Stafford at 213 Palafox Place, Second Floor.
Fred Hassebrock Art Show Closes Today At Molino Museum
June 24, 2017
Today is the final day for an Art Show featuring the works of Fred Hassebrock (1903-1975) hosted by the Molino Mid-County Historical Society.
Some of Hassebrock’s work has been displayed at the Smithsonian National Art Gallery.
The art show as been open since late April at the Lil King Museum, located in the old Molino School complex, 6450 Highway 95A. Museum hours are 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. today. Admissions is free.
Pictured: A few of the works of Fred Hassebrock on display at Lil Kings Museum in Molino. The art show open on Saturday. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
WOW Radio Expands Reach With New Pensacola Station
June 22, 2017
Popular Christian music radio station WOW 90.9 in Pace is now also broadcasting as WOW 101.1 in Pensacola.
“Since our beginning, at different concerts and events, listeners have asked us when we would have a better signal into all of Pensacola” said Dale Riddick, WOW Radio general manager. “We are excited that we can now tell them that the time is now and we look forward to being involved even more in the local communities we serve.”
WOW 90.9 is a non-commercial radio station that has served South Alabama and Northwest Florida since December 2009. WOW Radio plays the best in Adult Christian Hits available today, with a positive, inspirational message. Core artists and groups include: Casting Crowns, TobyMac, Francesca Battistelli, Big Daddy Weave, MercyMe, Natalie Grant, Chris Tomlin, Third Day, Jeremy Camp, Mandisa, and Matthew West, and others.
“For seven and a half years WOW Radio has been serving our audience in South Alabama and Northwest Florida. With this addition, we will be able to reach even more listeners in the Pensacola area,” said Larry Steelman, President of Agape Educational Media. “Thank you to our long time supporters and welcome to our new listeners and partners.”
Agape Educational Media, Inc., a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization and the owner of radio station WOWB 90.9 FM is now simulcasting it’s 100,000 watt signal on WBSR-AM and translator W266AL at 101.1 FM in Pensacola..
The station is also streaming and can be heard at www.wowradio.org and the stations’ Facebook page is www.facebook.com/WOW90.9/.
Cantonment Residents Enjoy A ‘Milkshake With A Cop’
June 21, 2017
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office held a “Milkshake With a Cop” event Tuesday afternoon at the new Arby’s on Highway 29 in Cantonment. Area residents had an opportunity to stop by and meet the men and women of the Sheriff’s Office that patrol the area and enjoy a free milkshake.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
