And The Survey Says: Down At The Library
November 3, 2014
Escambia County recently asked residents to complete an online survey to gauge residents’ thoughts and ideas about West Florida Public Library System facilities.
Results, as provided by Escambia County, were as follows:
Envision Escambia 2028: The West Florida Public Library System
Question #1: In which area of Escambia County do you currently live?
Nearly 51 percent of respondents to our West Florida Public Library System survey live north of Nine Mile Road. Another 3 percent came from the extreme southern portion of the County on Pensacola Beach. More than 6 percent of respondents were from Perdido Key, 8 percent represented the neighborhoods in the area East of Palafox, South of Brent Lane/Bayou Boulevard to the Escambia Bay on the East and Pensacola Bay on the South and another 3 percent lives West of Palafox, East of New Warrington Road, South of Fairfield Drive, North of Pensacola Bay. No area of Escambia County was unrepresented in this survey.
Question #2: Do you have a library card?
- Yes: 86 percent
- No: 14 percent
Question #3: How often do you visit the library?
- Daily: 6 percent
- Weekly: 28 percent
- Monthly: 28 percent
- Rarely: 23 percent
- Never: 14 percent
Question #4: Why do you visit Escambia County libraries?
- To check out materials (books, DVDs, music, etc.) for home use: 82 percent
- For research or reference assistance: 8 percent
- For computer access: 4 percent
- For classes or programs: 6 percent
Comments included:
“Classes and programs for my kids.”
“Buy used books from Friends of Library.”
“Read periodicals.”
“Meetings.”
Question #5: Please choose any/all reasons you may have for not visiting the library. Choose as many as are applicable.
- Hours of operation are not convenient: 29 percent
- Location of facilities is not close to my home: 71 percent
- Security is insufficient: 0 percent
- Facilities are not well maintained: 5 percent
- I don’t know where facilities are located: 10 percent
- We are too busy or not interested: 33 percent
Comments included:
“Too many computers, not a wide enough selection of books.”
“Been years since I’ve been in a library and wouldn’t know what to do.”
“No reason. The internet has more and is convenient to all.”
“Haven’t had the need to go to the library lately. However, I am glad we have one in the north end of the county.
“My grandson has used the facility a couple of times.”
Question #6: More than $6.7 million of Local Option Sales Tax III funds has been used to build, upgrade and restore libraries throughout Escambia County. Please tell us how strongly you agree or disagree with the following statements. Well maintained libraries:
Are versatile community centers, offering access to reading materials, classes and computer access:
- 73 percent strongly agree
- 19 percent agree
- 5 percent neither disagree nor agree
- 0 percent disagree
- 3 percent strongly disagree
Offers residents improved economic prospects and an enhanced quality of life:
- 57 percent strongly agree
- 25 percent agree
- 10 percent neither disagree nor agree
- 5 percent disagree
- 3 percent strongly disagree
Contribute to safe, thriving neighborhoods:
- 51 percent strongly agree
- 32 percent agree
- 9 percent neither disagree nor agree
- 6 percent disagree
- 3 percent strongly disagree
Foster learning and skills improvement:
- 70 percent strongly agree
- 22 percent agree
- 6 percent neither disagree nor agree
- 3 percent disagree
- 0 percent strongly disagree
Question #7: How would you rate each of the following library services?
- Customer service:
- Excellent: 45 percent
- Good: 29 percent
- Fair: 7 percent
- Poor: 4 percent
- Don’t know or not applicable: 15 percent
- Collection (books, DVDs, music, newspapers, etc.):
- Excellent: 20 percent
- Good: 39 percent
- Fair: 23 percent
- Poor: 4 percent
- Don’t know or not applicable: 15 percent
- Children’s programs and classes:
- Excellent: 19 percent
- Good: 23 percent
- Fair: 12 percent
- Poor: 1 percent
- Don’t know or not applicable: 45 percent
- Adult programs and classes:
- Excellent: 9 percent
- Good: 29 percent
- Fair: 13 percent
- Poor: 3 percent
- Don’t know or not applicable: 45 percent
- Computers and printers:
- Excellent: 19 percent
- Good: 35 percent
- Fair: 9 percent
- Poor: 3 percent
- Don’t know or not applicable: 35 percent
- Internet access:
- Excellent: 22 percent
- Good: 30 percent
- Fair: 10 percent
- Poor: 3 percent
- Don’t know or not applicable: 36 percent
- Facilities:
- Excellent: 39 percent
- Good: 37 percent
- Fair: 8 percent
- Poor: 1 percent
- Don’t know or not applicable: 15 percent
- Hours of operation:
- Excellent: 19 percent
- Good: 34 percent
- Fair: 28 percent
- Poor: 7 percent
- Don’t know or not applicable: 12 percent
Question #8: How important are each of the following library services to you?
- Borrowing materials (books, DVDs, music, etc.):
- 73 percent said very important
- 16 percent said important
- 3 percent said somewhat important
- 7 percent said not important
- 3 percent don’t know or not applicable
- Reference assistance:
- 30 percent said very important
- 36 percent said important
- 14 percent said somewhat important
- 14 percent said not important
- 5 percent don’t know or not applicable
- Children’s programs (classes, storytimes, etc.):
- 28 percent said very important
- 18 percent said important
- 19 percent said somewhat important
- 14 percent said not important
- 22 percent don’t know or not applicable
- Adult programs (classes, training, book clubs, etc.:
- 32 percent said very important
- 22 percent said important
- 16 percent said somewhat important
- 17 percent said not important
- 13 percent don’t know or not applicable
- Computers, printers and internet access:
- 33 percent said very important
- 22 percent said important
- 17 percent said somewhat important
- 17 percent said not important
- 10 percent don’t know or not applicable
- Bookmobile:
- 19 percent said very important
- 22 percent said important
- 14 percent said somewhat important
- 28 percent said not important
- 18 percent don’t know or not applicable
- Genealogy research:
- 17 percent said very important
- 26 percent said important
- 23 percent said somewhat important
- 27 percent said not important
- 8 percent don’t know or not applicable
- Overall, how important is the library to you and your family?:
- 57 percent said very important
- 21 percent said important
- 11 percent said somewhat important
- 11 percent said not important
- 1 percent don’t know or not applicable
Question #9: Do you have any suggestions regarding programming or services you would like to see at one or any of our branch libraries?
Comments included:
“More weekend hours, especially in the summer.”
“Don’t close at 4 p.m. on Friday’s.”
“Employment assistance.”
“Mobile library at the beach.”
“Online newspaper.”
Question #10: What is your overall opinion of the West Florida Public Library System branches? Answer as many as applicable.
- Century Branch:
- Excellent: 10 percent
- Fair: 5 percent
- Good: 6 percent
- Poor: 3 percent
- No opinion: 76 percent
- Main Library:
- Excellent: 33 percent
- Fair: 18 percent
- Good: 21 percent
- Poor: 3 percent
- No opinion: 24 percent
- Molino Branch:
- Excellent: 22 percent
- Fair: 9 percent
- Good: 7 percent
- Poor: 0 percent
- No opinion: 61 percent
- Southwest Branch:
- Excellent: 21 percent
- Fair: 8 percent
- Good: 17 percent
- Poor: 2 percent
- No opinion: 53 percent
- Tryon Branch:
- Excellent: 21 percent
- Fair: 14 percent
- Good: 23 percent
- Poor: 0 percent
- No opinion: 42 percent
- Westside Branch:
- Excellent: 5 percent
- Fair: 8 percent
- Good: 8 percent
- Poor: 3 percent
- No opinion: 75 percent
- Bookmobile:
- Excellent: 5 percent
- Fair: 15 percent
- Good: 5 percent
- Poor: 6 percent
- No opinion: 69 percent
Question #11: Do you have any additional questions, comments or concerns?
Comments included:
“Please build one in Cantonment!”
“Best part of my tax dollars.”
“Looking for bus service to and from the library.”
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Bonus Gallery: Northview’s Zombie Band; Cheerleaders Show Support With Pink
November 3, 2014
The Northview High School cheerleaders and the Tribal Beat band showed their support for breast cancer awareness by going pink for their home game against Walton. And the band transformed into the Tribal Beat Zombie Band last Friday night at Baker for Halloween.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Thousands Attend Fall Festivals, Trunk Or Treats, Other Events
November 1, 2014
Thousands of North Escambia area residents braved the spooky Molino Museum, hit the streets trick or treating, took part in a trunk or treat, or visited a fall festival Friday night.
“We had an awesome time at the Pine Forest Assembly Fall Festival,” the church’s High Voltage Kids director Heather Murphy said. “Thanks to Escambia Fire and Rescue for the spending the evening with us.”
Pictured: The Fall Festival Friday night at Pine Forest Assembly of God in Cantonment. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Navy’s Fleet Fly-In Concludes
November 1, 2014
When pilots and aircrew from about 20 different helicopters boarded their aircraft and departed NAS Whiting Field Friday morning, it marked the completion of another successful Fleet Fly-In for Training Air Wing FIVE.
The annual event is one of the most anticipated events on the calendar for the installation and 2014 marked another memorable occasion. For about three days, the skies above NAS Whiting Field were peppered with gray and black aircraft amidst the orange and black training aircraft that continually fly above the base and its 13 outlying fields. With flights to outlying fields in Brewton and Evergreen, the different helicopters were sometimes spotted from the North Escambia area.
Helicopter Training Squadron EIGHT coordinated the function, and HT-8 Commanding Officer Cmdr. Rob Sinram was pleased with how the Fly-In turned out.
“This year’s Fleet Fly-In was a big success,” he said. “We got the fleet turnout we were hoping for and students got a lot of flight time and interaction with the fleet crews.”
While the Naval Helicopter Association Fleet Fly-In encompasses a variety of panel discussions on large scale aviation issues, detailer presentations on future assignments, and industry displays showcasing helicopter technologies; the thrilling part is for the TRAWING-5 flight students having an opportunity to touch, ride in, and potentially fly Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard fleet helicopters. More than 300 future aviators received such flights during the open flight periods Wednesday and Thursday.
Picture top: Student Naval aviators and pilots of a Navy MH-60R Seahawk brief before a demonstration flight at the Fleet Fly-In. Pictured below: Multiple MH-60R and MH-60S parked on the ramp at South Field shortly after sunrise. Photos by Jay Cope for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Northview High’s FFA Honored As One Of America’s Best Chapters
October 30, 2014
The Northview High School FFA chapter was awarded one of the highest national honors presented by the National FFA Thursday afternoon in Louisville, KY.
Northview’s FFA received the Three Star Chapter award on live national television during the 87th National FFA Convention & Expo. About 60,000 FFA members and advisors are attending the convention through Saturday, including five Northview FFA officers and their advisor Perry Byars.
This was the second consecutive year that Northiew’s FFA has been honored as one of America’s best chapters.
In addition to the national honors presented Thursday, the Northview High FFA chapter was recently honored for having the top Fresh From Florida Food Advocacy Program, formerly known as the Food for America Program, in the entire state.
The Fresh From Florida Advocacy Program is an educational program focusing on agricultural literacy in elementary schools and communities. It is a program developed to assist FFA members and all agricultural education students in leadership skill development as they reach out to youth, peers and their entire communities by sharing the world of agriculture.
Planning began in the fall of 2013 with FFA members setting goals and establishing working committees for the spring 2014 event. Through the efforts of 100 FFA members and community support, approximately 1,000 mostly elementary level students participated in agriculture awareness through hands-on exhibits and activities.
In addition, members of the Northview High School FFA officer team visited several area elementary schools to read agriculture-related books to students.
The Florida FFA Organization has honored Northview High School FFA Food for America program at the state level multiple years.
Pictured top: On behalf of the Northview FFA, President Haylee Weaver (right) and Vice President Bethany Reynolds (center) receive the Three Star Chapter award on live national television during the National FFA Convention in Louisville, KY, Thursday afternoon. Pictured below: In attendance at the Naitonal FFA Convention this week in Kentucky are Northview FFA Secretary Courtney Weekley, President Haylee Weaver, Vice President Bethany Reynolds, Historian Kaitlyn Klinatland and Public Relations Rep Mitchell Singleton. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Register Now For Century’s Land To Lake Lighted Boat Christmas Parade
October 30, 2014
The Century Christmas Land To Lake Lighted Boat Parade will be held again this year.
The event is scheduled for Saturday, December 6 with line-up at 5 p.m. and floats rolling out at dark from Industrial Boulevard to Lake Stone. The entry fee is $10 per boat or float, with checks made payable to the Century Area Chamber of Commerce. For more information and a printable registration form, click here.
The parade is sponsored in part by NorthEscambia.com.
Pictured above: One of the floats/boats in last year’s Century Christmas Land To Lake Lighted Boat Parade. NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Molino’s Cunningham Shows Champion Steer At Fair
October 30, 2014
Austin Cunningham of Molino showed his champion steer last week at the Pensacola Interstate Fair, winning several awards. He was awarded Reserve Grand Champion, FFA Grand Champion, and Grand Champion for a homegrown steer. The Northview High School senior also received second in Senior Showmanship. Cunningham sold his 1,250 pound steer “Heisenberg” to Dave Howell Tires for $5.50 per pound, or $6,875. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate Fall Comedy ‘Saturday The 14th’ On Stage Through Saturday
October 29, 2014
Get ready for “Saturday the 14th” — a parody of the “Friday the 13th movies” nightly through Saturday at Tate High School.
It made all the headlines 30 years ago. Only one camp counselor was found alive the next morning, and she hasn’t spoken a word since. They closed Camp Slippery Floors. Everybody wanted to forget what happened that night… except Mason. Mason never forgets! Now Camp Slippery Floors in going to open again and Mason is waiting in “Saturday the 14th”.
The comedy will be presented through Saturday at 7:00 each evening in the Tate High Cafeteria. Tickets are $7 at the door.
Pictured: The Tate High School production of “Saturday the 14th”. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Team Tops National Competition
October 27, 2014
An Escambia County Sheriff’s Office K-9 team has been named one of the very best in the country.
The ECSO team won first place in the four-man team competition at the United States Police Canine Association Police Dog Trials this past week in Wilson, NC. Team members are Mark Smith with his K-9 Jeck, Wayne Gulsby with his K-9 Caleb Carlos Lizarraga and his K-9 Saban, and Jason Land with his K-9 Edo. Lizarraga is employed by the Foley Police Department, but trains with the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Pensacola Police K-9 Handler Bruce Harris and his partner Enio finished third overall in the competition.
There were 104 K-9 teams from 15 states that took part in the event. They also had the top obedience score and were in the top five in criminal apprehension.
Pictured top: Mark Smith, Wayne Gulsby, Carlos Lizarraga, and Jason Land with their award. Pictured below: (L-R) Land with K-9 Edo, Gulsby with K-9 Caleb and Smith with K-9 Jeck during the national police trials in Wilson, NC. Pictured bottom: K-9 Edo. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Spooky Trail Offers Students A Thrilling Literacy Adventure
October 27, 2014
Escambia Westgate teachers, staff and many volunteers created a Spooky Trail last week for the students of Escambia Westgate, and McArthur Elementary School’s Special Education students, as a fun way to teach literacy. The mile-long trail through the woods behind the schools was decorated with giant eyeballs, witch’s hats, monsters, spider webs and skeletons. Stations along the way featured a magician, a team of storytellers, a monster sing-along, and even a fortune teller.
University of West Florida Honor students volunteered along with students from Booker T. Washington High School’s Jayettes and NJROTC students from Tate High School. Many of the student volunteers are already planning to be back in January for the Winter Trail.
Hannah Mizell, UWF Honor student, said the day was extra special for her because she has autism. “I feel sort of a connection to the kids. I kind of know what they are going through. I come from a small town where this would never happen.”
“Westgate is my favorite organization the honor students volunteer with,” explained Megan Adams, co-chair of the Honors Program Service Committee. “We take the students to three service projects a month. They will be back to help this spring with the Arbor Day trail and with Westgate’s prom.”
“Madam Ziree,” the Spooky Trail’s resident Fortune Teller (AKA Mrs. Desiree Rowe, Speech and Language Pathologist) said that last year she read a story to the children about a fortune teller. “This year I decided to play the part. The teachers gave me tips about their students such as their favorite foods, the name of their pet, or who plays on the Miracle League. Their eyes got big when Madam Ziree knew something special about them.”
Overseeing the day’s events were Judge Lacey Collier and Joe Denmon. It would be hard to find two men prouder of Escambia Westgate and what is done there for the children and teens they teach. Denmon discovered Escambia Westgate years ago when he was helping his sister transport some of the students. “The story is that one day I drove that bus out here, got off the bus and never left.”
Collier is especially proud of the Center’s Snoezelen Facility, a project that has his name on it. “He has taken us into his heart,” explains Susie Watson, curriculum coordinator for Escambia Westgate.
This was the fourth year for the Spooky Trail and everyone agreed that the credit goes to Catherine Born, who was on the trail at dawn putting up decorations and setting up for the volunteers. But she won’t take the credit, she quickly boasts about everyone who helped, the art teacher, the music teacher, the volunteers, etc. She is especially thankful for the Ascend volunteers who were out on the October 10, 2014, United Way Day of Caring to clear the pathways and lay out fresh mulch.
Pictured top: University of West Florida Honors program students created their own costumes and put on skits based on children’s books. This skit explained why the Old Lady Swallowed Some Leaves (a Halloween spoof of the Old Lady Who Swallowed the Fly). Pictured top inset: Charlotte Tucker, High School ESE Reading teacher at Escambia Westgate,helps students experience green slime and slimey eyeballs. Pictured bottom inset: Beau Bromall brings magic to the Spooky Trail. Pictured below: “Madam Ziree” played by Desiree Rowe helps a student look into her “crystal ball” to see his fortune. Pictured bottom: Judge Lacey Collier and Joe Denmon take a break to visit along The Spooky Trail. Photos by Kim Stefansson for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
