Scientist Named To Florida Inventors Hall Of Fame
April 7, 2015
Jerry Pratt, one of the world’s leading researchers in the field of robotics, has been named to the Florida Inventors Hall of Fame, joining a group of inventors which includes the likes of Thomas Edison.
Pratt, a senior research scientist at the Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition (IHMC) in Escambia County, holds four patents on robotics inventions and is considered a rising star in the field. He is one of seven people with Florida connections who will be inducted into the Hall at an October ceremony in Tampa. Others in this group, the second year of inductees, include famed automaker Henry Ford and scientist Robert Grubbs, winner of the 2005 Nobel Prize in chemistry.
Pratt said he was honored and humbled by the recognition.
“Sometimes I think what’s most fun about working in robotics is that we are practically inventing the field every day,” Pratt said. “There’s a long way to go before robotics is a mature field, and I am honored to join so many other people who are working to create the future.”
Pratt, 43, holds a Ph.D. in computer science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Before joining IHMC in 2002, Pratt’s company developed a powered exoskeleton that allowed a person to carry large loads over rough terrain with little effort. His other patents cover technology that allows bipedal robots to know where to place their feet when walking, and to maintain their balance and prevent falls.
Pratt leads a team of researchers who also developed the HexRunner, which last year set a world speed record for legged robots, reaching speeds of more than 30 mph. Pratt’s work has been instrumental in changing the stereotype of robots as clunky machines with jerky movements to ones that maximize speed, agility and biological similarity, said IHMC founder and CEO Ken Ford.
“We’re really proud of Jerry; it’s a well-deserved honor,” Ford said. “Jerry’s work personifies the subtle and rather beautiful virtuous cycle between the acts of invention and of scientific discovery.”
In June, Pratt and the IHMC Robotics Team will compete in the final round of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s (DARPA) international robotics competition, which tests the ability of humanoid robot systems to respond to disasters. The team placed first in the Virtual Robotics Challenge, a computer simulation, and second in the DRC Trials at Homestead Miami Speedway using actual robots in a competition featuring 26 teams from around the globe.
Pictured top inset: Jerry Pratt, left, at DARPA Robotics Trials. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Meeting: Learn How To Protect Your Home Against Formosan Termites
April 6, 2015
Rep. Doug Broxson (R-Gulf Breeze) is hosting a free public workshop Tuesday in Cantonment for area residents to learn necessary steps to protect their greatest investment from costly Formosan termite damage.
Annually, Formosan termites cause $1 billion in damage in the United States, and our surrounding areas of Escambia, of Santa Rosa and Okaloosa countis are known hot spots for these aggressive pests. Florida’s temperate climate provides a perfect environment for termites, and immediate signs of structural damage to a home may go undetected for long periods of time. Springtime serves as the breeding season for most species of termites, and Formosan termites will be swarming in May, so it is important for residents to understand what they can do in advance to protect their homes.
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is collaborating with the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Science’s Extension Offices in the Panhandle to educate homeowners about Formosan termites. Homeowners can learn methods for controlling this structural pest and protecting their homes by attending one of four educational meetings being held in the month of April. Homeowners are also encouraged to bring their pest control contract to one of these workshops for review.
Specific topics include:
- Formosan termite biology including simple ways to identify them
- Available Formosan termite pest control protection for your home
- Florida law and building code pertaining to termites
- What you can do to recognize and fix the weaknesses in and around your home
- Bring your pest control contract for review by FDACS experts
Registration is encourage, but not required, for meetings that will be held as follows:
Escambia County Meeting
Tuesday, April 7, 6 – 8 p.m. at Escambia County Extension, 3740 Stefani Road, Cantonment. Contact Beth Bolles to register: bbolles@ufl.edu or (850) 475-5230.
South Santa Rosa County Meeting
Thursday, April 9, 6- 8 p.m. at Tiger Point Community Center, 1370 Tiger Park Lane, Gulf Breeze, Contact Johanna Welch to register: Johanna.Welch@FreshFromFlorida.com or (850) 363-5845.
North Santa Rosa County Meeting
Tuesday, April 14, 2015, 6- 8 p.m. at Santa Rosa County Extension, 6263 Dogwood Drive, Milton. Contact Johanna Welch to register: Johanna.Welch@FreshFromFlorida.com or (850) 363-5845.
Photo courtesy UF/IFAS for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
‘Graffiti Bridge’ Used To Spread Easter Message
April 5, 2015
“Graffiti Bridge” in Pensacola, as seen on Easter Morning. Reader submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Camp Fire Kids Enjoy Easter Egg Hunt
April 5, 2015
The Children of the Camp Fire Century Youth Learning Center recently visited their neighbors at the Century Health and Rehabilitation Center for their annual Easter Egg Hunt. The children enjoying hunting for the eggs, while the residents enjoy watching them. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Easter Bunny Visits Molino
April 3, 2015
The Easter Bunny paid a special visit Thursday evening to the Molino Branch Library. Children enjoyed a pajama story time and had a chance to pose for photos with the Easter Bunny during the event. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Looking For A Spring Break Outdoor Adventure? Try One Of These Ideas
April 2, 2015
by Carrie Stevenson, Escambia County Extension
This time of year, many families are looking for ways to entertain their kids during spring break. For those not planning to travel far, our area is full of fun, and often inexpensive, outdoor adventures.
As part of a series of field excursions led by Extension Agents over the past few years, we’ve been able to introduce visitors and lifelong residents of the panhandle to some tremendous natural resources that are right at our back door. Following are three examples of family friendly trips worth marking off your “Florida bucket list”.
Perdido River: the natural border between Alabama and Florida, the Perdido stretches over 65 miles from its source near Atmore, Alabama and ends up at Perdido Key in the Gulf. Clean, clear, and sandy-bottomed, the Perdido River is a perfect spot to tube, kayak, canoe or paddleboard and several local outfitters can provide equipment. While on the river, you might experience a flyover from a bald eagle, see towering bald cypress, or explore shallow backwater springs and swamps.
Further east is Florida Caverns State Park in Marianna. This region is one of the most biodiverse in the state, with endemic tree species—like the Florida Torreya, found only in three counties in the state—along with many hardwood species found more typically in the central Appalachians. The extensive limestone cavern and spring systems in Jackson County are home to beautiful swimming/diving spots as well as the caverns. The ranger-led tours are excellent, as well as the hiking trails within the park grounds. The cave tour takes about an hour and is mildly strenuous. There are no tours on Tuesday or Wednesday, so keep this in mind when planning a visit.
At the edge of our district is Hollywood-famous Wakulla Springs. Film site for both “Tarzan” and “Creature from the Black Lagoon”, the spring teems with wildlife year-round. A guided tour via pontoon boat will bring you up close to manatees, alligators, ospreys, anhingas, and large herons. Hiking trails, a swimming hole, and the historic lodge and restaurant are open to visitors as well. The nearby Chipola River is also a beautiful spot to paddle.
Every county in the Florida panhandle has tremendous water resources, from the Gulf to inland rivers and even waterfalls. Take time to explore on your days off this spring.
For more information, contact Coastal Sustainability Agent Carrie Stevenson at 850-475-5230 or ctsteven@ufl.edu.
Pictured top: Canoeing on the Perdido River. Pictured inset: Bald cypress trees at Wakulla Springs State Park. Photos by Carrie Stevenson for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Mira Awards Honor Escambia County’s Most Creative High School Seniors
April 1, 2015
About 70 of Escambia County’s most creative high school seniors were honored recently during the 2015 Mira Creative Arts Awards Banquet at New World Landing.
Mira Creative Arts Awards recipients were nominated for the award by their high school teachers and will receive commemorative engraved medallions as well as Certificates of Special Congressional Recognition from Congressman Jeff Miller.
Northview High School
- Autumn Leanna Ates, Visual Arts
- Tristan Brown, Theatre
- Ryan Chavers, Prose Writing
- Desiree Elliard, Prose Writing
- Julie Hester, Dance
- Jessica L. McCullough, Graphic Design
- Natassja Scott, Visual Arts
- Shania Lynn Ward, Graphic Design
- Tristan Williams, Instrumental Music
Tate High School
- Sarah Colburn, Instrumental Music
- Chandler Cotton, Instrumental Music
- Reema Eqab, Fine Arts
- Jamie Hendren, Vocal Music
- Jacob Howard, Instrumental Music
- Abreona Nixon, Mock Trial
- Gabriele Pyron, Visual Arts
- Kara Rhodes, Photo Journalism
- Jessica Roser, Ceramics
- Kristin Wheeler, Drama
West Florida High School
- Delaney Anderson, Journalism
- Ashley Cobb, Theatre
- Addie Leah Davila, Graphic/Digital Design
- Katarina Dombek. Visual Arts
- Lewis Elliott, Musical Theatre
- Antonio (Kai) Estrada, Photography
- Dalton Kristopher Merritt, Instrumental Music
- Hannah Power, Visual Arts
- Kaitlyn Tran, Graphic/Digital Design
- Devin Walker, Instrumental Music
Pine Forest High School
- Taylor Erdman, Carpentry
- Jada Espinoza, Design Services
- Alesandra Fatcheric, Visual Arts
- Ashley Frye, Vocal Music
- Nathan Kirk, Visual Arts
- Tyler Meatte, Instrumental Music
- Bekah Potter, Yearbook
- Destiny Redd, Technical Theatre
- Shayanne Ridenour, Theatre
- Alyssa Webb, TV Production
Escambia High School
- Ryan Berg, Instrumental Music
- Charlotte Blessing, Digital Media
- Drew Coats, Visual Arts
- Holly Coker, Vocal Music
- Savannah Daw, Yearbook
- Melvini’Quie Gordon, Visual Arts
- Evan Dawn Harris, Theatre
- Josh Johnson, Instrumental Music
- Johnathan Pierce, Instrumental Music
- Kirsten Serene White-Wood, Culinary Arts
Pensacola High School
- Erik Blount-Douglas, Instrumental Music
- Claire Escobedo, Visual Arts
- Matthew Ferguson, Drama
- Chelsea Gay, Instrumental Music
- Dana Jaalouk, Photography
- Caroline Johnson, Instrumental Music
- Elizabeth Parra, Visual Arts
- Heather Sartain, Creative Achievement
- Anne Schultz, Drama
- Nigel Walden, Drama
Washington High School
- Kaleb Broom, Instrumental Music
- Aleina delaCruz, Drama
- Samantha Marie Johnna Earley, Visual Arts
- Hallie Rana Friedman, Drama
- Allison Leigh Fuller, TV Production
- A. J. Pryor, Vocal Music
- Stephanie Rosemore, Visual Arts
- Alicia Katherine Diane Umbreit, Vocal Music
- Natalie Williams, Nonfiction Writing
- Avion Wright, Instrumental Music
In 1987, a group of teachers at J. M. Tate High School created the Mira Awards to recognize talented and creative students in the arts and sciences. The following year, the committee approached the Escambia County Public Schools Foundation to bring the awards under its umbrella and to initiate county-wide student participation each year in the areas of writing, performing and visual arts, and other creative disciplines. The term “Mira” is Latin for the name of the brightest star in the constellation Cetus.
Pictured top: Mira Award winners from Tate High School. Pictured below: Northview High School Mira winners. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Health Department To Offer Immunization Clinics For Kids In Century And Molino
April 1, 2015
Mark your calendars….the Florida Department of Health Escambia County will hold three walk-in immunization clinics for children ages six weeks to 18 years in Molino and Century.
The clinics will be held at the Molino Service Center at 3470 Highway 29 on Thursday, April 23 and Thursday, May 21 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m., and Wednesday, June 17 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Healthy Start in Century, 501 Church Street.
For more information call (850) 595-6500 ext. 1700.
Singleton Places At District Level In Veterans Essay Contest
March 31, 2015
Northview High School sophomore Mitchell Singleton has earned third place at the district level for his essay in the Voice of Democracy competition, sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars and its Ladies Auxiliary.
Singleton won first place in the competition at Northview. Judged on originality, delivery, and content, Singleton and the other competitors wrote about “Why Veterans Are Important to Our Nation’s History and Future.” The top three winners at Northview won cash awards, with Singleton’s essay advancing to the district competition. Second place winner at Northview was Alyssa Borelli, and third place was Alyssa Bell. All three of Northview’s top winners are in Vicki Baggett’s Honors English class.
The Voice of Democracy is open to students in grades 9 -12, who are enrolled in public, private or parochial high school or home study programs.
Spring Break: Free Blue Angel Practice Shows This Week
March 31, 2015
The Blue Angels will hold two more practices this week at the National Naval Aviation Museum. Practices are set for 10 a.m. on Wednesday and 11:30 a.m. on Thursday. The Blues will sign autographs following the Wednesday practice inside the museum. All events are free.
Pictured: The Blue Angels soar over Pensacola Beach Sunday afternoon. Photos by Diann Tagert for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
