Blackwater River State Forest Certified As Sustainable
September 30, 2015
The Florida Forest Service, a division of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, has certified the Blackwater River and Tate’s Hell State Forests, covering 413,000 acres, through the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), one of the world’s most recognized and independent forest management certification standards.
“We are proud of our efforts to ensure that the land and resources entrusted to the Florida Forest Service are managed responsibly and conscientiously. Thanks to certification programs, such as SFI, the public can remain confident that our state forests are managed in line with some of the highest standards in the nation and will remain healthy and productive for generations to come,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam.
SFI’s 2015-2019 Forest Management Standard is based on principles, goals and performance measures that were developed nationally by professional foresters, conservationists and others with the intention of promoting sustainable forest management in North America. SFI and its many partners work together to balance environmental, economic and social objectives such as conservation of wildlife habitat and biodiversity, forest products, protecting water quality, forest industry jobs and recreation.
“We are thrilled that the Florida Forest Service has demonstrated their leadership and commitment to responsible forest management by getting these two beautiful forests covering more than 400,000 acres certified to SFI,” said Kathy Abusow, president and CEO of SFI Inc. “By doing so, they are doing a service to the forests, and the communities and markets that rely on the goods and services that flow from well managed forests.”
Through the SFI Forest Partners Program, the Florida Forest Service joined other public agencies to seek cost-effective and efficient methods to implement and achieve independent SFI certification on its two largest state forests.
The goal of the SFI Forest Partners Program, which was founded by Time Inc., the National Geographic Society, Macmillan Publishers, Pearson, and with support from Hearst Enterprises, is to increase certification throughout the supply chain which in turn enables current and future generations to enjoy America’s forests for years to come.
“By participating in the SFI Forest Partners Program, we are helping infuse the forest products industry with an increased supply of certified timber. Although responsible forest management has been a priority of the Florida Forest Service since the beginning, this new certification provides conscientious consumers with the guarantee that our focus is on protecting, renewing and sustaining healthy forests,” said Jim Karels, Florida State Forester.
Pictured: Work in the Blackwater State Forest, which has been certified as sustainable. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Pepsi Cola Of Atmore Named One Of Company’s Top Bottling Companies
September 30, 2015
The Pepsi Cola Bottling Company of Atmore is one of the top three Pepsi bottling companies in the United States and Canada.. The Pepsi of Atmore franchise was recently named as finalist for the Donald M. Kendall Bottler of the Year Award.
Company officials were on hand in Kissimmee, FL, Monday night as the award was presented to Allen Beverages from Gulfport, MS.
“We were very honored to be a finalist and the love and support from our family ,friends and community has been amazing,” Pepsi of Atmore said on their Facebook page after learning the winner.
Deadline Approaching To Enter Northview Homecoming Parade
September 30, 2015
Friday is the deadline to enter the annual Northview High School Homecoming Parade. The parade has been set for Friday, October 9.
The parade will line up at noon and travel from Bratt Elementary School to Northview High. Entries are being accepted now; there is no cost to enter. For a printable entry form, click here. Entries are due by October 2.
Contact Perry Byars at (850) 327-6681 ext. 248 for more information.
The Northview Chief’s homecoming game will kickoff at 7 p.m. on October 9 against Liberty County.
Pictured: A float in the 2014 Northview High Homecoming Parade in Bratt. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Northview Students Receive Ronald Reagan Student Leader Awards
September 29, 2015
Northview students (L-R) Jessica Amerson, David Weber and Moriah McGahan have been registered as recipients for the Ronald Reagan Student Leader Award by Principal Gayle Weaver, as part of an effort to inspire the next generation of outstanding leaders. These students will share their experiences with other recipients throughout the nation in a national online database. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Molino Park Holds 5th Grade Grandparents Breakfast
September 29, 2015
The Molino Park Elementary School PTA held their 5th Grade Grandparents Breakfast recently.
The school holds a grandparents breakfast during year for each grade level, even taking a photo of each student with the grandparent for the yearbook.
Photos by Amanda Manning for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Ernest Ward Middle Seeks Veteran’s Stories For Program
September 28, 2015
Ernest Ward Middle School is seeking personal stories from veterans in the local community to use as part of their upcoming Veterans Day program.
Veterans with an inspirational or traumatic account of a military service event are asked to email their story to teacher Katie Roley at kroley@escambia.k12.fl.us or contact the school at (850) 327-4283 for information on submitted a handwritten or typed account.
The following information should be included with the submission: The veteran’s full name, dates of service (peace time or specific war), current community of residence and the detailed account of one specific event.
The submission deadline is Friday, October 9.
Pictured: A “MIA Table” presentation at last year’s Veterans Day Program at Ernest Ward Middle School. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Bonus Gallery: NHS Band, Dance, Cheerleaders, NJROTC
September 28, 2015
For a bonus photo gallery from last Friday night with the Northview High School Tribal Beat Band, Dance Team, NJROTC and cheerleaders, click here.
For a game action summary and action photos, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Big Brothers Big Sisters License Plate Now Available
September 27, 2015
A Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) specialty license plate has been released by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
Proceeds from the BBBS tag support their programs to bring caring mentors into the lives of children. The group says that youth today will be the professionals, leaders, and caregivers of tomorrow, and BBBS’s vision is to invest time, talent, and treasure in today’s youth to maximize the quality of life in the future.
This specialty plate is now available at the offices of the Escambia County Tax Collector. The annual cost of the tag is $25 in addition to regular registration and service fees.
Open House This Week, Grand Opening Next Week For Ernest Ward Middle School
September 27, 2015
Two big events are planned for Ernest Ward Middle School.
An Open House for parents and students will be held from 6-7 p.m. on Tuesday, September 29.
An official grand opening ceremony will be held on Tuesday, October 6 at 10 a.m. The even will include remarks from school district officials, the architect and construction company.
NorthEscambia.com photo.
Tate Aggies Start Game Days With Breakfast At Gonzalez UMC
September 26, 2015
If you are a Tate Aggie football player, how do you start your game day?
Many start at the Gonzalez United Methodist Church where church members cook and a provide a free hearty breakfast for the boys. The tradition began after Ronnie Douglas’ first season as head coach in 2013 and has continued under current head coach Jay Lindsey.
The Aggies players will usually find Tammie Penegar volunteering to serve, refilling juice cups and “waiting” on the players. She is the mother of Brandon Penegar, a Tate assistant coach who passed away unexpectedly three years ago. This is the last year for some of the players her son coached, “Brandon’s Boys”, to play for the Tate Aggies.
Pictured top and bottom. Tate Aggies football players enjoy a breakfast Friday morning at Gonzalez Methodist Church. Pictured inset: Church volunteeer Tammie Penegar. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
