Rain Reschedules Branden Penegar Car Show For March 31
March 17, 2018
Due to rain this weekend, the annual Brandon Penegar Memorial Car Show has been rescheduled for Saturday, March 31.
Any make, model or year car is welcomed for the show. Car registration will be from 8:00-11:00 a.m. on March 31. The fee is $15 to only display a car, $25 to enter the car in the show. Spectator admission is free. Click here for a printable flyer (pdf) with more information.
Branden Penegar, known as the “Gentle Giant” was a 2011 graduate of Tate High School, an assistant coach for the freshman Tate Aggies’ football program and varsity tennis team, and a member of the Tate High School Student Hall of Fame. He passed away in March 2013 at the age of 20. Penegar was a active member of the Gonzalez United Methodist Church and youth program.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Fire Rescue Presents Story Time To Century Camp Fire Kids
March 15, 2018
The first story time with Escambia County Fire Rescue’s Fire Prevention Unit was held Wednesday at the Camp Fire Century Youth Learning Center.
The children heard a great story while learning about what is hot and what is not, and learning about how to get out and stay out of a house in the event of a fire.
Escambia County Fire Rescue’s Fire Prevention Unit is offering free story time sessions for Escambia County preschoolers and kindergarteners, furthering ECFR’s goal of educating local youth about practicing fire safety at home.
Firefighters are available to come to schools, day cares and preschools to read the children’s book “No Dragons for Tea,” which shows kids that learning about fire safety doesn’t have to be scary. The goal of the program is to reach children at a young age while promoting learning through reading.
To schedule a story time, contact ECFR’s Fire Prevention Unit at (850) 471-6525. One week’s notice prior to the requested date is needed, subject to scheduling availability.
Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
#MSDSTRONG: Tate High Students Show Support For School Shooting Victims
March 15, 2018
Students at Tate High School High School stood with Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on Wednesday and remembered the 17 lives lost in the February shooting at the Parkland, FL school. The Tate students wore maroon, black and gray. They also wrote the hashtag #MSDSTRONG on their hands to support the cause as a student body. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Century Sawmill Pageant Final Registration Set, Poster Contest Winners Named
March 15, 2018
Poster contest winners have been named in advance of Saturday’s final registration event for the annual Century Sawmill Pageant.
First place winner in the Century Sawmill Pageant poster contest was Amber Gilman, while second place was awarded to Kinzie Rackard. Both received cash prizes.
The remaining registration date is Saturday, March 17 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Southern Treasures Florist across from Whataburger in Century. The registration deadline will be March 23 by 5 p.m. For a printable registration form and more information, click here.
The pageant is for girls age 0 and up through high school students. There will be a $250 scholarship awarded to both the middle and high school division overall queens.
Pictured top: Century Sawmill Pageant poster contest winners Amber Gilman and Kinzie Rackard. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia 4-H Members Compete In County Events
March 13, 2018
The UF/IFAS Escambia County Extension Office hosted 4-H County Events recently, with 32 youth submitting 52 different entries. Events included competitions in public speaking, demonstrations and illustrated talks, photography, graphic design, and share-the-fun (talent) activities.
Winners were as follows:
Graphic Design: Taylor Nelson and Raeleigh Woodfin.
Public Speaking: Alexandra Odom and Michelle Tinker
Demonstrations and Illustrated Talks: Taylor Anderson, Abigail Bray-Crews, Alan Bray-Crews, Chloe Bray-Crews, Raimi Joseph, Rashidi J., Izzy Kent, Von Littlejohn, Taylor Nelson, Hannah S., Blake Stevenson, Hannah Thorne, Bobby Vose, Raeleigh Woodfin, and Lord Wyrick.
Photography: Lacie Kittrell (2), Tucker Padgett (3), Ava Chauvette (5), Chelsi Lashley, Shelby Lashley, Alexandra Odom (2), Izzy Kent (4), Levi Nelson, Taylor Nelson (2), Ethan Thorne, and Hannah Thorne (2).
accomplishments.
The winning photographs were displayed with the intent of increasing public awareness and understanding of the 4-H program.The top overall photo taken by Izzy Kent is being exhibited inside the Langley Bell 4-H Center.
All blue ribbon demonstrations and the first and second place public speakers and Share-the-Fun participants will go on to district events which will be held in Escambia County in May. In the photography and graphic design competitions, all blue-ribbon winners will be eligible for the state contest at 4-H University at the University of Florida in July.
Organizers said events would not possible without adult volunteers. They offered thanks to judges and volunteers including Sonia Bush, Virdell Cleveland, Lyla Knapp, Millie Knapp, Denise Mann, Vickie Parker, Raven Patel, Anne Peterson, Carolyn Prime, Tex Ritter, Christine Rodgers, and Danielle Tinker; and Wide Angle Photo Club members Norm Haines, John Mankelwicz, Harry Purcell, and Loretto Sitton. To become a 4-H volunteer, call the 4-H office at (850) 475-5320.
Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
High Five Fridays: Correctional Institution Officers, Elementary Kids Trade Encouragement
March 12, 2018
Corrections officers from Century Correctional Institution and students from Jay Elementary School traded lots of high fives Friday.
The Jay Elementary School PTO started High Five Friday to connect students with uniformed officials and rescue heroes from the community. It’s an effort to keep kids enthusiastic and energized about learning.
The uniformed officials stop by on Friday mornings and give the students high fives and words of encouragement.
Pictured: Students from Jay Elementary School and corrections officers from Century Correctional Institution trade high fives during last week’s High Five Friday. Courtesy photos for NorthEcambia.com, click to enlarge.
Grand Opening Celebration Held At Atmore Airport (With Gallery)
March 11, 2018
A grand opening celebration was held Saturday at the Atmore Municipal Airport.
Aviation Specialists has taken over as the new fixed base operator — the company that operates the City of Atmore owned airport. The company also operates the Brewton Airport.
The Atmore Airport’s north-south runway is about 4,000 feet north of the Alabama/Florida state line.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Ernest Ward Middle Names Students Of The Month
March 9, 2018
Ernest Ward Middle School has named their Student of the Month from January. They are (L-R) Kendall Alvare, sixth grade; Vivyan Smith, seventh grade; and Sara Sconiers, eighth grade. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Great Florida Weather For Canada Geese
March 8, 2018
These Canada Geese were spotted apparently enjoying a cool Wednesday morning at a pond on Lambert Bridge Road in Walnut Hill. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Wreck Of USS Lexington Found After 76 Years; Ship Was Predecessor Of Pensacola’s Lady Lex
March 7, 2018
Wreckage from the USS Lexington has been discovered by the expedition crew of Research Vessel (R/V) Petrel, which is owned by Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Paul G. Allen. The Lexington was found 3,000 meters (approximately two miles) below the surface, resting on the floor of the Coral Sea more than 500 miles off the eastern coast of Australia.
“To pay tribute to the USS Lexington and the brave men that served on her is an honor,” Mr. Allen said. “As Americans, all of us owe a debt of gratitude to everyone who served and who continue to serve our country for their courage, persistence and sacrifice.”
As one of the first U.S. aircraft carriers ever built, the Lexington became known as “Lady Lex” and went down with 35 aircraft on board.
“Lexington was on our priority list because she was one of the capital ships that was lost during WWII,” said Robert Kraft, director of subsea operations for Mr. Allen. “Based on geography, time of year and other factors, I work together with Paul Allen to determine what missions to pursue. We’ve been planning to locate the Lexington for about six months and it came together nicely.”
The USS Lexington was originally commissioned as a battlecruiser but was launched as an aircraft carrier in 1925. She took part in the Battle of the Coral Sea (May 4-8, 1942) along with the USS Yorktown against three Japanese carriers. This was the first carrier versus carrier battle in history and was the first time Japanese forces suffered a permanent setback in its advances on New Guinea and Australia. However, the U.S. lost the Lexington and 216 of its distinguished crew.
The Lexington had been hit by multiple torpedoes and bombs on May 8 but it was a secondary explosion causing uncontrolled fires that finally warranted the call to abandon ship. The USS Phelps delivered the final torpedoes that sank the crippled Lady Lex, the first aircraft carrier casualty in history. With other U.S. ships standing by, 2,770 crewmen and officers were rescued, including the captain and his dog Wags, the ships ever-present mascot.
During the Battle of the Coral Sea the Japanese navy sank USS Lexington (CV-2), USS Sims (DD-409), and USS Neosho (AO-23), and damaged the USS Yorktown. The Japanese lost one light carrier (Shōhō) and suffered significant damage to a fleet carrier (Shōkaku).
“As we look back on our Navy throughout its history, we see evidence of an incredible amount of heroism and sacrifice. The actions of Sailors from our past inspire us today,” said Sam Cox, Director of the Naval History and Heritage Command and retired U.S. Navy Rear Adm. “So many ships, so many battles, so many acts of valor help inform what we do now.”
The Battle of the Coral Sea was notable not only for stopping a Japanese advance but because it was the first naval engagement in history where opposing ships never came within sight of each other. This battle ushered in a new form of naval warfare via carrier-based airplanes. One month later, the U.S. Navy surprised Japanese forces at the Battle of Midway, and turned the tide of the war in the Pacific for good.
Based on some initial success with his M/Y Octopus, Mr. Allen acquired and retrofitted the 250-foot R/V Petrel with state-of-the-art subsea equipment capable of diving to 6,000 meters (or three and a half miles). Since its deployment in early 2017, the ship was active in several missions in the Philippine Sea before its transition to the Coral Sea off the Australian Coast.
Allen-led expeditions have also resulted in the discovery of the USS Indianapolis (August 2017), USS Ward (November 2017), USS Astoria (February 2015), Japanese battleship Musashi (March 2015) and the Italian WWII destroyer Artigliere (March 2017). His team was also responsible for retrieving the ship’s bell from the HMS Hood for presentation to the British Navy in honor of its heroic service. Mr. Allen’s expedition team was permanently transferred to the newly acquired and retrofitted R/V Petrel in 2016 with a specific mission around research, exploration and survey of historic warships and other important artifacts.
Photos courtesy Paul G. Allen for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge
