Company To Find Sign Sponsors For Blackwater Heritage Trail
April 4, 2014
A Fort Myers company has been hired to find sponsors to put up signs along some of Florida’s premier hiking trails including the Blackwater Heritage Trail.
Bikepath Country Florida will act as an “intermediary” on behalf of the state to seek corporate sponsors on seven state trails, the Department of Environmental Protection announced Thursday.
The contract is an offshoot of a 2012 law that supporters said would help cover or replace some of the estimated $1 million a year the state spends annually to provide upkeep on public trails. But when no sponsors bid last year to put up signs, the state turned to Bikepath.
Mara Burger, a spokeswoman for the DEP, said the state agency would have final say on the sponsors.
“Naturally, we seek family-friendly businesses whose logos and messages are in harmony with the mission of the Florida Park Service, which is to provide resource-based recreation while preserving, interpreting and restoring natural and cultural resources,” Burger wrote. “Companies that are parties to current litigation against the department or the state of Florida will not be considered.”
Sponsors would be allowed to place signs at trailheads or access points, with the signs no larger than 16 square feet at trailheads and 4 square feet at access points.
The contract allows Bikepath Country to find sponsors for the Blackwater Heritage Trail, Tallahassee-St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail, Palatka-Lake Butler State Trail, Nature Coast State Trail, Withlacoochee State Trail, General James A. Van Fleet State Trail and the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail.
According to the agreement, Bikepath would initially get to keep 50 percent of the gross revenue from each sponsorship contract. When the sponsorship proposal was debated during the 2011 and 2012 legislative sessions, opponents objected that the ads would become an intrusive distraction for people visiting pristine state lands.
by The News Service of Florida
Group Makes Plans To ‘Reimagine Century’ In September
April 2, 2014
An organizational meeting was held Tuesday night for Reimagine Century — a September 13, 2014, event that will be held at Showalter Park in Century.
Organizer Linda English said the group is on a mission to serve those less fortunate — both their physical and spiritual needs.
Churches, she said, are often different — some black, some white, some contemporary, some traditional — but it’s those churches that will come together to serve during Reimagine Century.
“For just one day, we will put all of that aside and just serve those in our own backyard,” she said.
The event will include a wide variety of activities, including a 7,000 pound food giveaway, health screenings, AIDS testing, live music, fishing lessons from Mission Fishin’, Manicures, a laundry detergent giveaway, youth and teen activities, haircuts, entertainment, lunch and much more — all free for the community.
About 40 people, representing a variety of churches, businesses and community groups, attended Tuesday night’s organizational meeting. Interested persons are invited to attend the group’s next meeting on Tuesday, May 6 at 7 p.m. at the Century Ag Building on West Highway 4.
“The businesses, churches, organizations, and ministries in the Century community are ready to serve the impoverished and each other,” English said.
Molino Library Celebrating One Year, Holding Book Fair
April 2, 2014
It’s a big week at the Molino Branch Library with a book fair and a one year anniversary celebration.
The Book Fair will be open Wednesday, April 2 and Thursday, April 3 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and April 4 and 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Funds raised will help with the library’s 2014 Summer Reading Club. The community is invited to attend this fun reading event that helps inspire children to become lifelong readers. The Book Fair offers specially priced books and educational products, including popular series, award-winning titles, new releases, adult bestsellers and other great reads from more than 100 publishers.
The West Florida Public Library in celebrating the first anniversary of the Molino Branch on Saturday from noon until 3 p.m. Local groups will be in attendance including the Escambia County Sherriff’s Office, Molino Fire Department, Molino Historical Society, local authors and more. The Dogwood Dulcimer Association will provide music and anniversary cake will be available for attendees to enjoy.
23rd Annual Century Sawmill Pageant Winners
April 2, 2014
The 23rd Annual Century Sawmill Pageant was held recently in Century.
The event included pageants for numerous age groups for beauty, casual wear, and most photogenic. Dozens of girls participated in the Century Lions Club fund raiser. All proceeds will benefit needy children in the Tri-County area.
Winners for each age category are detailed under each photograph above and below:
Tiny Baby Miss (0-23 months): Above: (L-R) 1st-Anniston Salter; 2nd-Madelyn Faulk; Queen-Jillian Sanders, and 3rd-Zemma Holt.
Toddler Miss (2-3 yrs): Above: (L-R) 1st-Layla Schoonover; Queen-Jessica Pritchett; 2nd-McKenzie Griffis; and 3rd-Sarah Blackburn.
Little Miss (4-5 yrs): Above (L-R) 1st-Kailee Herndon; 3rd-Jacie Himes; Queen-Jillian Braswell; Photogenic-Emily Maughon and 2nd-Lanie Stephens.
Young Miss (6-7 yrs): Above: (L-R) 3rd-Cadee Carroll; 1st-Olivia Griffs; Queen-Bailey Glover; 2nd-Jordan Sanders.
Junior Miss (8 yrs-5th grade): Above: (L-R) Nevaeh Brown; Queen-Nala Hunter; 2nd-Bentley Glover; and 3rd-Briana Dunsford.
Middle School: Above: (L-R) 2nd-Lydia Bell; Queen-Janna Johnson; 1st-Carly Sanders; and 3rd-Chloe Smith.
High School: Above: (L-R) 2nd-Heather Hilton; Queen-Kassidy Adams; 1st-Ronna Tullis; and 3rd-Valerie Sawyer.
Submitted photos by “Photos By Fisher” for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate Team Finishes Second In County Academic Championship
April 1, 2014
Recently, the Pensacola High School Academic Team defeated Tate High School to win its 12th consecutive County Academic Championship.
WSRE Studio on the Pensacola State College campus hosted the event, known as the “Academic Challenge.” All the matches between the competing county high schools were taped by WSRE. The air dates for these matches have yet to be determined; however, it is anticipated that it should begin sometime in early April.
Following are the overall results:
- Pensacola 3-0 970 pts
- Tate 2-1 695 pts
- Washington 1-2 375 pts
- Pine Forest 0-3 240 pts
Jim Allen Elementary Students ‘Sponge’ Teachers For Relay For Life
April 1, 2014
Jim Allen Elementary School recently completed a fundraiser for Relay for Life. Each class collected money, with the top three classes getting to “sponge” the teacher of their choice….like a pie in the face, just with a wet sponge.
Pictured: Kindergarten students “sponge” Jim Allen Elementary School music teacher Greg Sexton. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Downtown Pensacola Goes Blue For Child Abuse Prevention Month
April 1, 2014
Blue bows are up along Palafox Street in downtown to raise awareness for Child Abuse Prevention month.
“The ‘From Blue to Better’ campaign takes place every April to raise awareness about child abuse prevention and to promote the fact that we all have a role to play in protecting children,” said Stacey Kostevicki, executive director of Gulf Coast Kid’s House. “Our hope is that these bows serve as a daily reminder of our obligation to children in our community.”
“From Blue to Better” is a month-long series of events for Child Abuse Prevention Month in April. Launched by local child and family service agencies, the campaign uses the color to highlight child abuse awareness and prevention during the month of April.
The campaign also emphasizes that it is everyone’s job to keep children safe.
Local residents and visitors will see blue events popping up around town throughout April, including the painting of the 17th Avenue “Graffiti Bridge”.
NHS Cadet Wright Award Air Force Four Year ROTC Scholarship
March 31, 2014
Northview High School NJROTC Cadet Victoria Wright has been awarded the Air Force’s four-year Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) college scholarship. Wright has been a member and leader in the NJROTC unit at Northview for four years. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Prayer And WD-40: Hattie Schneider Celebrates 105th Birthday
March 31, 2014
Hattie Schneider of Molino is celebrated her 105th birthday Monday.
She gives credit for her long life to “prayer and WD-40″. Hattie says she is not sure why she has lived so long or what God’s purpose is for her, but she has trust in the Lord.
She has one son, Carlton Abbott, two grandchildren, and many great and great-great grandchildren. Her family and friends said they thank God everyday for blessing them with her, and she is a true inspiration to everyone.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Vietnam Veterans Get Long Overdue ‘Welcome Home’ (With Gallery)
March 30, 2014
It was a tearful welcome home Saturday for a small group of Vietnam veterans….a welcome home 40, 50 or even more years overdue.
“When I came home to California, I kissed the ground. And I looked around,” said Alabama VFW State Commander Val Obergon, pausing for a moment. “And I looked around. Nothing. There were no parades; no welcome home. Nothing.”
National Vietnam Veterans Welcome Home Day is observed on March 29, the 41st anniversary of the last U.S. troops leaving Vietnam — except for the prisoners of war. Saturday, a few dozen people gathered for a ceremony sponsored by the Atmore Memorial Ladies Auxiliary to VFW Post 7016.
“I am thankful to God for this day we can be welcomed home. I have a family sitting here today. Some of the other guys represented by this flag,” Vietnam veteran Harold Askew said, standing before the POW/MIA flag, “they didn’t get that chance.”
Yellow ribbons were tied to trees around Atmore’s Heritage Park for the event which included the patriotic music, food and fanfare of a welcome home ceremony most of the Vietnam veterans in attendance had never received.
“It was a special thank you and tribute to those that came back,” Vietnam veteran Mike Hanks said. “It’s something that was long overdue.”
“Those that served in the Vietnam War are deserving of our country’s praise,” Alabama Rep. Alan Baker said in an address to the group. “They are our unsung heroes.”
Baker ended his speech in the crowd, with a personal “thank you” and a hug for each veteran. “No sir,” the state representative said to an elderly veteran who struggled in an unsuccessful attempt to rise from his chair. “I’ll come down there to you.”
The ceremony concluded with VFW Ladies Auxiliary members giving each Vietnam Veteran a gift and a hug — and sometimes a quick kiss on the cheek — to thank them for their service. It was a scene reminiscent of a welcome home ceremony that has played itself out over and over for other American wars.
And tears that were decades overdue fell from the eyes of several veterans as they were finally welcomed home.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Pictured top: Veterans are welcomed home during national Vietnam Veterans Welcome Home Day Saturday in Atmore. Pictured top inset: Vietnam Veteran Harold Askew remembers the prisoners of war that never returned from Vietnam. Pictured bottom inset: Alabama Rep. Alan Baker leans down to hug a veteran that struggled unsuccessfully to rise from his chair. Pictured below: A yellow ribbon tied around an oak tree welcomed the Vietnam veterans home. Pictured bottom: Several of the Vietnam veterans in attendance at Saturday’s event. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
