Brook, Gardener Attend National Leadership Forum In Arkansas
June 19, 2013
Two North Escambia students attended Harding University’s 57th annual National Leadership Forum in Searcy, AR, recently. Attendees were Taylor Brook from Northview High and Graham Gardener from Tate High.
Brook was sponsored by the Pensacola Civitan Club as a delegate to the forum, which is presented by the University’s American Studies Institute.
More than 200 young people from five states attended this year’s National Leadership Forum. Harding University, with an enrollment of over 6,000, is the largest private university in Arkansas.
Reptiles Invade The Molino Library; The Noise Guy Heads To Other Libraries
June 18, 2013
Participants in the West Florida Library’s Summer Reading Program had a chance to get up close and personal with some slithery snakes and more Monday afternoon at the Molino Branch Library.
The Summer Reading Program continues the rest of the week and throws out that old saying about being quiet in the library with Charlie “The Noise Guy” Williams. Programs will be held:
Monday: Main Library noon
Tuesday: Tryon Branch 1:30, Westside Branch 4:30
Wednesday: Century Branch 3:30
The 2013 Summer Reading Club will be held weekly through August 10. Children can register at any West Florida Public Library.
Pictured: A reptile demonstration at the Molino Library Monday afternoon. Submitted photos by Heather Murphy for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
One BAD Stomach Ache: Local 4-H Member Wins National Title
June 18, 2013
Izzy Kent, 10, represented Escambia County and her Barrineau Park 4-H Club at the 2013 ABGA National Boer Goat Show in West Monroe Louisiana by competing in the public speaking event.
Kent won 1st place in the Junior Division (ages 9-14) bringing home the National Public Speaking Champion title. Her topic was “One BAD Stomach Ache”, dealing with bloat among goats.
Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Molino Park Special Needs Playground Equipment Installed
June 17, 2013
Installation of new playground equipment targeted for children with special needs is almost complete at the Molino Community Complex and Park on Highway 95A.
The new equipment, which is in addition to the playground equipment installed last January, will be open as soon as surface and dirt work is complete. The equipment is designed specifically for children of all ages with special needs and is designed to stimulate motor and sensory skills while providing enjoyment.
Six other Escambia County playgrounds will receive special needs playground equipment by the end of the summer:
- Beulah Regional Park, 7820 Mobile Highway
- Old Ensley School Park, 107 East Detroit Boulevard
- Lexington Terrace, 700 S. Old Corry Field Road
- Regency Park, 8245 Fathom Road
- Southwest Sports Complex, 2020 Bauer Road
- Wedgewood Park, 6405 Wagner Road
The project is funded by LOST – Local Option Sales Tax – funds.
The Molino Community Complex and Park is located at 6450 Highway 95A in Molino, directly behind the Molino Branch Library.
Pictured: Installation of new special needs playground equipment is almost complete at the Molino Community Complex and Park. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Your Blueberry Best: Blueberry Cooking Contest
June 16, 2013
Do you have a blueberry recipe that makes people drool? Are your blueberry muffins or pie the best in town? If you’re a talented chef or just have a favorite blueberry recipe, head for the kitchen and create a dish for the Blueberry Cooking Contest, sponsored by the ARC Santa Rosa and UF/IFAS Santa Rosa County Extension.
Just bring your dish, recipe, registration form, and entry fee to the Extension Office at 6263 Dogwood Drive between noon and 5:30 p.m. on Friday, June 21. Registration is only $3 and forms can be obtained by calling (850) 623-3868 or emailing ginnyh@santarosa.fl.gov. Entries will be judged on appearance, complete recipe, taste and nutritional content. Winners will be announced at the ARC Santa Rosa Blueberry Festival on Saturday, June 22. Both youth and adult winners will receive cash prizes and Simply Florida cookbooks.
High in fiber and vitamin C, blueberries make a tasty low-calorie addition to many recipes. They add color and great taste to salads, pancakes, cakes and muffins. Blueberries have grown wild in North America for thousands of years. They were a staple food for Native Americans, who dried and smoked the berries, pounding them into venison to flavor the meat. Fresh berries can be refrigerated for up to 10 days or frozen for later use. Thawed blueberries should be kept refrigerated and used within three days.
For more information about blueberries or the cooking contest, call the UF/IFAS Santa Rosa County Extension Service at (850) 623-3868. For information about the Blueberry Festival or the blueberry recipe cookbook, call the ARC Santa Rosa at (850) 623-9320.
Healthy Summer Series: Prepare Now For Hurricanes
June 15, 2013
Whether you’re new to Florida or a long time resident of the sunshine state, preparing for this hurricane season can be made simple with a few important steps.
Number One: Make a Plan, Just Make It!
This important step can save your family crucial time in the event of an emergency. With your family, create a Family Emergency Plan that includes:
- How you will communicate with each other if separated
- Who has specific care needs, like a grandparent or very young children
- What supplies, tools or equipment you and your family will need
- How will you meet your family’s power needs
- Where you will go if you are requested to evacuate
- And a plan for your pets
When it comes to hurricanes and tropical storms, does the area you live in experience storm-related flooding? If you lose power, will you still be able to use necessary medical equipment in your home that requires electricity? Take into consideration the potential challenges of communication, the possibility of an evacuation, and any health condition needs in your plan. Planning ahead will also give your kids a chance to feel included. Talk to them about their needs and concerns.
Number Two: Build an Emergency Supply Kit!
There are critical basic items all Emergency Supply Kits should include, yet make sure your kit meets your family’s particular needs. Having at least three days of drinking water and healthy, non-perishable foods for each person is vital, yet having additional medications, health supplies and documents, or a special toy or book can be very important to your family’s comfort during the days following an emergency. Purchasing a battery-operated, all-hazards weather radio to provide alerts and updates for your immediate area is a great way to stay informed. Monitor only trusted news outlets or official sources for information during any emergency.
Number Three: Know where to go!
If asked to evacuate from your home, you’ll need to know where you can go for safe shelter. Public Emergency Shelters will be announced if opened in your area. If you decide to stay in a hotel, does it allow pets? Research ahead so you will know for sure. Do you have friends or relatives you can stay with until it is safe to return home? If you have mobility or health-related challenges, each of Florida’s counties maintains a registry of persons who may need assistance. You can pre-register for assistance to ensure appropriate help will be on the way. Check with your county’s Emergency Management Office for instructions.
The Florida Department of Health has prepared the Florida Emergency Preparedness Guide, available in multiple languages and formats to all residents and visitors on www.floridashealth.com. The guide provides detailed information and health-related planning tools for individuals and families on preparing for hurricanes, tropical storms and other types of emergencies.
And, if you already have a plan and emergency supply kit, now is the perfect time to re-check and re-stock. Having a Family Emergency Plan, an Emergency Supply Kit and a pre-determined location to evacuate if needed can give you and your family confidence in an emergency situation. Knowing what to do, where to go, and what to have on hand for potential emergencies is an important part of living in Florida.
NorthEscambia.com’s “Healthy Summer Series”, in cooperation with the Florida Department of Health, will take a weekly look at issues aimed at keeping your Florida summer safe and healthy.
Escambia Health Officials: Know The Signs Of Heat Stress
June 14, 2013
The Florida Department of Health in Escambia County reminds residents that it is important to know the signs of heat stress as temperatures rise and people spend more time in the summer heat.
Heat stress is a general term to describe heat-related illnesses that can develop after exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced fluid replacement. Heat stress can develop into heat exhaustion may progress to heat stroke. Persons most prone to heat stress are infants, elderly people, people with high blood pressure, and people working or exercising in a hot environment.
Warning signs of heat stress vary, but may include:
- Heavy sweating
- Paleness
- Muscle cramps
- Tiredness (may be the only sign of heat exhaustion in an infant)
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fainting
- Cool, moist skin
- Fast, weak pulse rate
- Rapid, shallow breathing
Seek immediate medical attention if symptoms are severe or if the victim has heart problems or high blood pressure. Otherwise, help the victim to cool off and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or last longer than one hour.
If you suspect significant heat stress:
- Drink cool, nonalcoholic beverages, as directed by your physician
- Rest in an air-conditioned environment
- Take a cool shower, bath or sponge bath
- Wear lightweight clothing
- Prevent sun burn by wearing a sunscreen of 30 SPF, or greater. Sun burn damages the skin’s ability to dissipate heat.
For specific medical questions contact your physician, or dial 911 for emergency care.
NJROTC Training: Cadets Take Part In Adopt A Highway Program
June 14, 2013
NJROTC cadets at Northview High School are taking part in an introduction to ROTC training this week. As part of that training, they participated in Florida’s Adopt-A-Highway program, working to removing litter and beautify West Highway 4 near the school.
Pictured above and below: Northview High School NJROTC cadets work in the Adopt-A-Highway program as part of their introductory training. Pictured below: Eight new Northview NJROTC cadets are identified by their burgundy shirts. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Slithery Summer Reptiles And Reading At The Library
June 13, 2013
Participants in the West Florida Library’s Summer Reading Program had a chance to get up close and personal with some slithery snakes and more Wednesday afternoon. The Reno’s Reptiles program is one of many programs planned for this summer.
The West Florida Public Library will hold a “Dig Into Reading” summer reading club for all children ages preschool and up. The event will include stories, weird noises, shadow puppets, magic and more.
The 2013 Summer Reading Club will be held weekly through August 10. Children can register at any West Florida Public Library.
Century Branch Library
Summer Reading Program – Wednesdays, 3:30 p.m.
Molino Branch Library
Preschool story time — Mondays, 2:45 p.m.
Summer Reading Program - Mondays, 4:00 p.m.
Tryon Branch
Preschool story time — Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.
Summer Reading Program - Tuesdays, 1:30 p.m.
Main Library
Preschool story time — Wednesday, 10:30 a.m.
Summer Reading Program - Mondays, noon.
Southwest Branch
Summer Reading Program – Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.
Westside Branch
Preschool story time — Saturdays, 2:30 p.m.
Summer Reading Program – Tuesdays, 4:30 p.m.
Pictrured: Reno’s Reptiles during the Summer Reading Program Wednesday afternoon at the Century Branch Library. Photos by August Whorff for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Sheriff’s Office Camp Friendship Underway At Jim Allen Elementary
June 12, 2013
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office “Camp Friendship” is going on this week at Jim Allen Elementary School in Cantonment. The free summer day camp features presentations by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office K9 unit, a field trip jail tour, sports, arts and crafts and much more.
“We want to thank the Sheriff Morgan and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Department for their time, talent, and dedication to the children in our county,” Jim Allen Elementary Principal Rachel Watts said.
Additional camps are planned for later this summer at Montclair and Navy Point elementary schools. Both camps are already full and registration is closed.
Pictured: Camp Friendship at Jim Allen Elementary School in Cantonment. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
