Want To Have Your Say In The Future of Beulah? Two Master Plan Meetings This Week
December 3, 2023
Escambia County District 1 Commissioner Jeff Bergosh, county staff and Sigma Consulting invite the public to the Beulah Master Plan Design Charette Tuesday, Dec. 5, and Wednesday, Dec. 6, at the Beulah Senior Citizens Center, 7425 Woodside Road.
This two-day charrette will allow county staff and Sigma Consulting to further engage with citizens and learn more about planning for Beulah. From 6-8 p.m. on Dec. 5, Sigma Consulting will hold a short presentation followed by activities designed to provide Sigma with residents’ preferences for design improvements to the Beulah Master Plan. From 1-5 p.m. on Dec. 6, Sigma will use an open design studio format to quantify and consolidate data collected from the previous day. A presentation will follow the open design studio from 6-7 p.m.
The Beulah Master Plan is funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Treasury under the RESTORE Act program
Ice Flyers Erase Early Deficit, Stay Unbeaten On Teddy Bear Night
December 2, 2023
By Bill Vilonam Ice Flyers Correspondent
When Gary Graham coached the Ice Flyers to their first championship 10 years ago, there wasn’t this kind of rivalry with Peoria.
There is now, of course.
For more photos, click or tap here.
That’s why the Ice Flyers 7-4 victory against the Rivermen Friday night, after the game was tied 3-3 at second intermission, carried extra meaning for the players and the crowd of 3,877 at the Pensacola Bay Center on Teddy Bear Toss Night.
Seven different players scored and the Ice Flyers had a 47-23 edge in shots in a game that started the wrong way for the home team, but ended with Pensacola keeping its unbeaten record (7-0) on home ice.
“I wasn’t part of it before,” said Graham, smiling afterward about the matchup with Peoria. “I’ve seen it first hand now. They tried to get us off our game early with the physicality side of things.
“And I thought our guys did a really good job of taking some punishment, going on the power play and basically making them beat themselves.
“Any time you can score seven goals with seven different guys, that doesn’t happen often. I thought the guys did a good job keep sticking with it.”
The Ice Flyers were eliminated from the playoffs last year by Peoria. They also won their most dramatic SPHL title against Peoria with a last-second goal to clinch the championship. This weekend’s pair of games are the only two in Pensacola this season.
The Ice Flyers trailed 2-0 midway through the first period. And then the game changed.
“It’s a big game for us. We don’t like them and they don’t like us. It’s a great rivalry,” said the Ice Flyers Mitch Atkins, named the game’s No. 1 star Friday with a goal and two assists.
The third period became the most eventful.
Less than four minutes into the period, veteran Peoria captain Alec Hagaman, who was part of the Ice Flyers last championship team in 2021, was thrown out of the game on a match penalty for slew-footing. The penalty is called when a player either kicks, grabs or knocks another players’ feet from behind.
It gave the Ice Flyers a 5-minute power play. Less than 90 seconds into the power play, Ice Flyers captain Garrett Milan scored on a one-timer shot from near the face-off circle after a perfect feed from Mitch Atkins.
It gave the Ice Flyers a 4-3 lead.
“I saw it out of the corner of my eye. The referee didn’t see it, but the linesman saw it,” Graham said. “A lot of times slew footing happens behind the play, because players are smart, they know where the ref’s looking.”
Seven minutes later, Malik Johnson put the Ice Flyers up two goals with his quick wrister.
But Peoria got a shorthanded goal with 5:07 remaining and now the game had a different kind of feel. That is until Atkins had the pivotal goal with a defender draped on him, who he shed and caused to take out Peoria goaltender Brendahn Brawley. Atkins regained control of the puck and made a whirl around move to wrist the puck into the open corner of the net.
“We came out (of Ice Flyers end) with a lot of speed,” Atkins said. “Once we got in the (Peoria) zone, Bondee (Ivan Bondarenko) has such a great vision and he made a great seam pass.
“It jumped my stick and I felt if I wrapped it the other way there wouldn’t be a lot still in the net. It was a fun goal and a good pass by Bondee to open things up there.”
Fittingly, Bondarenko scored the Ice Flyers final goal on an empty-netter while killing a penalty. Peoria pulled Brawley with 1:52 remaining to get a 6 on 4 situation. But when Rivermen defenseman slipped and fell inside the blue line, the puck was free and Bondarenko sealed the game.
Peoria led 2-1 at first intermission. The game began with a crowd-pleasing fight at the 7:40 mark between the Ice Flyers Sean Gulka and Spencer Kennedy. Both traded a flurry a punches for nearly a minute as the crowd roared and both teams saluted.
The Rivermen then got a pair of goals four minutes apart from Braydon Barker and Kennedy, two players who recently joined the team.
For more photos, click or tap here.
Barker, who played last season for Peoria, got his first goal this season on an assist from long-time veteran Alec Hagaman. The goal occurred with 10:12 left in the period.
Kennedy, who began the season in Roanoke, scored his first goal for Peoria with 6:58 left. Both Barker and Kennedy were playing in their third game for the Rivermen.
“They are a veteran group,” Graham said. “They capitalized on the very few chances they had. We made a couple mistakes and… boom it’s in the back of net. They are a team that can score very quickly, and we knew we had to keep the pace with them.”
But the Ice Flyers answered 27 seconds after Kennedy’s goal when Lucas Herrmann got his third goal of the season. The moment the goal lamp was lit, the stuffed animals were tossed across the ice from all sides as the signature part of Teddy Bear Toss Night for the first Ice Flyers goal in the game.
WHAT’S NEXT?
WHO: Peoria Rivermen vs. Ice Flyers
WHEN: Saturday, 7:05 p.m.
WHERE: Pensacola Bay Center
Drivers Getting A Road Construction Break Until Monday
November 24, 2023
Florida drivers are getting a little break from road construction during the long Thanksgiving holiday weekend.
According to the Florida Department of Transportation, there will be no construction related lane closures on state roads through 11 p.m. on Sunday. The lane closure restrictions include both construction and maintenance activities.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
United Way of West Florida Celebrates New Headquarters
November 22, 2023
United Way of West Florida proudly celebrated the opening of its new headquarters recently, symbolizing a significant step in the organization’s mission to unite and serve the communities of Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. This achievement coincides with the anticipation of United Way of West Florida’s upcoming 100th anniversary.
The new headquarters, strategically located to enhance accessibility and engagement, symbolizes United Way of West Florida’s commitment to uniting and supporting communities across Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. As the organization prepares to commemorate its 100th year of service, this new facility stands as a testament to its enduring dedication to creating a lasting impact in the region. In attendance for this evening were the Greater Pensacola Chamber of Commerce, Santa Rosa County Chamber of Commerce, Gulf Coast Minority Chamber of Commerce, Navarre Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, the Gulf Breeze Chamber of Commerce, Cat Country 98.7, United Way of West Florida Board Members, sponsors, local non-profits, and community members.
Laura Gilliam, President/CEO of United Way of West Florida, expressed her enthusiasm for this significant development, stating, “The opening of our new headquarters is a testament to the collaborative spirit that defines our work. We are thrilled to have a centralized hub from which we can continue our mission of empowering individuals and improving lives. As we approach our 100th anniversary, we are inspired by the decades of impact and energized to shape an even brighter future for our communities.”
The upcoming 100th anniversary represents a remarkable milestone for United Way of West Florida, highlighting a century of service, partnership, and resilience. The organization looks forward to commemorating this achievement by renewing its commitment to addressing the most pressing needs in the region and empowering individuals to reach their full potential.
The new office is located at 7100 Plantation Road, Suite 18
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Bells Will be Ringing: Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign Kicks Off
November 20, 2023
The Salvation Army’s iconic Red Kettle Campaign is back on in the Pensacola area, ushering in the festive spirit of Christmas. The Red Kettle Campaign is The Salvation Army’s primary fundraising initiative, providing life-changing programs and services throughout the year, including food assistance programs, emergency financial assistance, youth programs, and disaster response.
The 2023 Red Kettle campaign goal is $148,000. The Red Kettle campaign ends December 23, and kettles are in 19 locations in both Santa Rosa and Escambia counties.
The Salvation Army has an unwavering commitment to helping people in times of need, and the Red Kettle campaign is a critical source of funding that helps us meet that commitment,” said Captain Stephan Wildish of The Salvation Army of Pensacola. “The funds the community generously gives to the Red Kettle ensures families do not have to make agonizing choices between basic needs like housing, food, and medical care.”
The Salvation Army relies on the money raised through the Red Kettle campaign to provide Christmas to local families and safeguard the well-being of people in need through year-round programming and social services.
Volunteering as a bell ringer is an excellent opportunity to give back to the community while spreading the season’s joy. To become a volunteer bell ringer, please visit RegisterToRing.com and follow the prompts or contact Captain Stephan Wildish at (850) 432-1501 or email Stephan.Wildish@uss.salvationarmy.org .
IP Names New Manager Of Cantonment Mill
November 15, 2023
International Paper announced Wednesday that Hunter Morris has been named Mill Manager of International Paper’s Pensacola Containerboard Mill in Cantonment. In his new position, Morris will assume overall responsibility for safety, people engagement, commercial and operational excellence and community stewardship at the Pensacola Mill.
Most recently, Morris was the Operations Manager for the company’s Savannah, Georgia Mill. Morris joined International Paper in 2007 at the company’s Riegelwood, North Carolina mill. He has worked in several manufacturing and technical leadership roles of i increasing responsibility throughout his career with the company.
“I am excited to join the Pensacola team and my family and I are excited to move to the area and learn more about the people and community,” said Hunter Morris. “Being able to lead the team in Pensacola is a wonderful opportunity, and I look forward to contributing to the continued success of the Pensacola Mill.”
In a related move, Pensacola Mill Manager Scott Taylor has been promoted to Director of Manufacturing, Containerboard. In his new leadership role, Taylor will have oversight of the Henderson, Ky., Newport, Ind., Rome, Ga., and Springfield, Ore., Containerboard Mills. Since 2017, Taylor has been the Mill Manager at the Pensacola Mill. Taylor and his family will be relocating to the Memphis, Tennessee area.
“The time I spent with the Pensacola team and community has been immensely rewarding,” said Scott Taylor. “While my family and I have a sense of sadness leaving Pensacola, I am confident in leaving the mill team with Hunter and look forward to hearing about the continued successes and achievements of the Pensacola Mill.”
Chance Of Rain Sticks Around Into Thursday
November 15, 2023
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
This Afternoon: Partly sunny, with a high near 68. East wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 56. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Friday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 72. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming north in the afternoon.
Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 57. North wind around 5 mph.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 71. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 46. North wind around 5 mph.
Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 69. North wind around 5 mph becoming south in the afternoon.
Sunday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 51. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph after midnight.
Monday: A chance of showers, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 70. South wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Monday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before midnight, then a chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 55. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Tuesday: A 30 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 62.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 41.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 55.
Ice Flyers Take On The Ice Bears
November 11, 2023
Friday night, the Pensacola Ice Flyers secured a 5-4 win in the first of two games against the Knoxville Ice Bears on Friday night at the Pensacola Bay Center. In front of 5,225 fans on Adult Jersey Giveaway Night, the Ice Flyers started hot and produced 3 of their 5 goals in the first period. Brett Mecrones continued his hot streak, finding the back of the net twice with Sean Gulka and Dallas Comeau joining in on the fun with crowd pleasing scraps. Kaden Fulcher secured his 2nd win in a row with 27 saves on 31 shots after shutting out the Birmingham Bulls the night before.
The Ice Flyers were set to move on to game two of the weekend series on Saturday night for their Inaugural Blue Angels Night.
State Approves FPL Rate Decrease
November 10, 2023
The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) has approved amended interim storm restoration charges and requests to replenish the storm reserve fund for Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) Interim storm restoration recovery charges include costs associated with named storms and are subject to refund, with interest, pending further review once the total actual costs are known for each utility.
FPL’s storm recovery amount was reduced from $1.5 billion to $1.3 billion for costs associated with Hurricanes Ian and Nicole. PSC-approved charges for a 1,000 kWh residential bill will change from $15.30 to $6.65, effective January 2024 through March 2024. This reflects a monthly decrease of $8.65 and includes replenishing FPL’s storm reserve.
Utilities typically point to a benchmark of residential customers who use 1,000 kilowatt hours of electricity a month. Such FPL customers have been paying $15.30 a month for the storm-related costs, but that number will be reduced to $6.65 in January, according to the commission.
Sunshine, About 80 For Monday
November 5, 2023
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 80. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the morning.
Monday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 52. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 82. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the morning.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 54. South wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 82. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 57. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light southeast after midnight.
Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high near 81. Light southeast wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63.
Friday: A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 75.
Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 56.