Beulah Middle Team Headed To BEST Robotics Competition
October 11, 2021
The Beulah Middle School Robotics Team will complete in the BEST Robotics Competition on October 23 in Dothan, Alabama.
The Beulah team has met five times a week for the last six weeks to prepare for this intense competition. Each year, BEST ( Boosting Engineering, Science, and Technology) comes up with a real-world problem for the students to solve using robots.
The competition’s theme this year is demolition, with the robotics teams tasked to create robots that will safely complete both demolition and cleanup. A solution would allow people to remain at a a safe distance from the demolition and not breathe harmful materials.
Teams like Beulah will compile an engineering notebook, prepare a marketing presentation, show their team exhibit, spirit and sportsmanship, and the robot performance. While preparing for each of these categories, the students learn how to apply science and technology, combat real-world engineering challenges, project management, leadership, teamwork, problem solving, marketing, technical writing and fundraising.
Silas Jackson and Campbell Ross have been on the Beulah Middle robotics team for three years.
“My future career choice is to be an aerospace engineer. Robotics can help me with the career I choose because it can help me develop better collaboration skills, communication skills, and robotics can help me get more experience with technology and brainstorming,” Jackson said.
“My future career is design engineering. This year’s game theme helps my future career because design engineers design the visual look of a robot. Designing the robot helps me know what I want the robot to look like and what parts should go where to have a functional robot,” Ross said. “They have to figure out the proportions for the robot so it isn’t very heavy on one side of the robot, and this year’s game helps me get used to altering proportions and figuring out what makes the robot the most effective. This competition is an opportunity to put my skills to the test and to improve those skills as well.”
District 5 Cottage Hill Neighborhood Cleanup Day Is Friday
October 11, 2021
Residents of Cottage Hill will have the opportunity to dispose of yard debris and other items free of charge Friday, October 15 during a District 5 Neighborhood Cleanup.
During neighborhood cleanups, Escambia County departments team up to bring services to residents in an effort to keep local neighborhoods clean and safe. Participating is easy: Residents in the cleanup area simply leave eligible items at the curb to be disposed of free of charge by Escambia County and partnering agencies.
All debris must be at the curb directly in front of residences in the area by 7 a.m. on the day of the cleanup. Tires and paint cans should be separate from all other debris. Debris piles should not be placed under low-hanging lines or near poles, fences or mailboxes. All items, including containers, will be collected.
Only residents in the designated cleanup area are able to participate in the neighborhood cleanup. Items left at the curb outside of the cleanup area will not be collected. The collection area is east of Highway 95A, between the side streets north of McKenzie Road to Eden Road and to the east of Williams Ditch Road (see map above).
Items eligible for removal include:
- Household appliances and electronics
- Household junk and debris
- Bicycles and toys
- Old furniture and mattresses
- Barbecue grills
- Household hazardous waste (old paint, motor oil, chemicals, batteries)
- Tires (limit 10 per household)
Items NOT eligible for removal include:
- Building materials (concrete, bricks, blocks, roofing, drywall or lumber)
- Explosives or ammunition
- Auto parts
- Dirt or sod
- Vehicles or vessels
- 55-gallon drums of fluids
The neighborhood cleanup initiative involves an aggressive cleanup effort, targeting different neighborhoods throughout the county, with crew members and volunteers picking up a variety of debris and waste, including electronics, furniture and household items.
Since 2016, more than 3,577 tons (7,154,000 pounds) of debris were collected and disposed of through the Community Redevelopment Agency’s Safe Neighborhood Program.
The county’s neighborhood cleanup program is hosted by the Escambia County Community Redevelopment Agency’s Safe Neighborhood Program. Local partners include Escambia County Waste Services, Environmental Code Enforcement, Public Works, Animal Services and Road Prison, along with the City of Pensacola Sanitation Department and Keep Pensacola Beautiful. During the cleanups, county staff handle issues such as roaming dogs and cats, unsafe structures, tree trimming, right of way mowing, street sweeping, household hazardous waste recycling and more.
Here Are This Week’s Road Construction Traffic Trouble Spots
October 11, 2021
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County
- Pensacola Bay Bridge (U.S. 98) Replacement - Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures and lane shifts on the Pensacola Bay Bridge from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 10 through Saturday, Oct. 16. Crews will be using lanes on the current bridge as a platform to pour concrete decks for the westbound (Gulf Breeze to Pensacola) structure.
- 17th Avenue Interchange construction – 17th Avenue southbound is closed at Gregory Street. Access to the Pensacola Visitor’s Center and the boat launch remains open from 17th Avenue.
- North Ninth Avenue (State Road (S.R.) 289) Carpenters Creek Bridge Replacement- All travel lanes are temporarily shifted to the northbound side of the bridge as crews replace the southbound portion of the structure. Additionally, drivers may encounter intermittent temporary lane closures between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 11 through Friday, Oct. 15 to allow crews to mobilize materials and equipment.
- West Cervantes Street (U.S. 90) Pedestrian Safety Improvement – Drivers will encounter intermittent lane closures between the following locations as crews perform median improvements and install poles for pedestrian traffic signals.
- H and N Streets
- P and Q Streets
- Y and Shoemaker Streets
- Kirk and R Streets (outside lane closure)
- Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90) Widening from Pine Forest Road (S.R. 297) to U.S. 29 – Drivers will encounter intermittent east and westbound traffic shifts between Pine Forest Road and U.S. 29 as crews place final asphalt and striping.
- Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90) Widening from Beulah Road to Pine Forest Road (S.R. 297)– Drivers will encounter alternating and intermittent east and westbound lane closures and traffic shifts between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. for paving operations and other construction activities.
- Sorrento Road (S.R. 292) Intersection Improvements at Innerarity Point (County Road (C.R.) 292A) – Motorists can expect daytime shoulder closures the week of Monday, Oct. 11 as crews place a watermain.
- U.S. 29 Widening from Interstate 10 (I-10) to Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90) – Drivers will encounter intermittent lane closures and shifts from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. as crews perform paving operations.
- Barrancas Avenue (S.R. 292) Lane Restrictions for The Pensacola Half Marathon –The eastbound outside lane will be closed between Weis Lane and Garden Street from 6:30 a.m. to noon Sunday, Oct 10 for The Pensacola Half Marathon.
Santa Rosa County
- Pensacola Bay Bridge (U.S. 98) Replacement – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures and lane shifts on the Pensacola Bay Bridge from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 10 through Saturday, Oct. 16. Crews will be using lanes on the current bridge as a platform to pour concrete decks for the westbound (Gulf Breeze to Pensacola) structure. Additional work will include installation of pier lighting.
- I-10 Resurfacing East of S.R. 281 (Avalon Boulevard) to East of S.R. 87 – Motorists can expect intermittent lane closures on the Blackwater River Bridge from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 10 through Thursday, Oct. 14 as crews perform paving operations.
- Avalon Boulevard (S.R. 281) over East Bay (Garcon Point Bridge) Routine Bridge Maintenance– Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 12 as crews perform a routine bridge inspection.
All activities are weather-dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
File photo.
Crude Oil Price Spike Drags Florida Gas Prices To New 2021 Highs
October 11, 2021
Florida drivers are feeling even more pain at the pump this week, as the ripple effects from the pandemic continue to play out in the crude oil market. The price of crude surged last week, on concerns that what was already a tight global fuel market, could get even tighter this winter. And gas prices are being dragged along for the ride.
Florida gas prices surged 12 cents last week, rising from $3.05 to $3.17 per gallon. Sunday’s state average of $3.17 was the highest daily average since October 2014.
Escambia County’s average price at the pump was $3.12. The lowest price to be found Sunday night in North Escambia was $3.08 at stations on Highway 29 and on Muscogee Road in Cantonment. Pensacola’s lowest price was $2.99 at a Cervantes Street station, with the next lowest at $3.02 on Airport Boulevard.
ECSO Continues The Search For Three Suspects In Ladarius Clardy Murder
October 10, 2021
Two people remain behind bars in connection with the murder of football standout Ladarius Clardy, and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is still looking for three more suspects.
Amos Dehontiguan Snowden Jr. and his brother Da’Quavion Snowden, Jr. are both charged with first degree principal to murder and conspiracy to commit murder. Both are in the Escambia County Jail without bond.
Authorities are still searching for Kobie Lashun Jenkins, Jr. on charges including first degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder. Timothy Knight Jr., 20, and Terrell Taquez Parker, 23, are wanted for principal first degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder and one count of attempted murder.
Clardy, a former standout Pine Forest High School quarterback, was shot and found dead in a vehicle crash. His vehicle was found with over 50 bullet holes in a ravine at Hollywood Avenue and Fairfield Drive about 1 a.m. on July 1.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of any suspect is asked to call the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620, Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP, or 911.
Escambia Fire Rescue Talks Fire Safety With Kids In Century, Walnut Hill (With Gallery)
October 10, 2021
Firefighters from Walnut Hill and Century visited students at the Campfire Century Youth Learning Center and the Walnut Hill Christian School.
The students were able to learn about fire safety during Fire Prevention Week. The students had a look at Walnut Hill’s Engine 15 and Century’s Engine 5, learned about when and how to call for help during an emergency and what a firefighter looks like in full gear. They also learned what to do in the event of a fire and more from Escambia Fire Rescue.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia County Students Are Out Of School Monday, But Not Due To The Holiday
October 10, 2021
There will be no school Monday for students in Escambia County, Florida, but not due to the federal holiday.
That’s because Monday is a professional development and non-student day. Teachers and most other school employees will be working.
It’s not officially a day out of school because of the federal Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day holiday that also falls on Monday. The holiday is not not observed on the district calendar.
Fall Tradition: Pumpkins Have Arrived At Cantonment Pumpkin Patch
October 10, 2021
It’s a sure sign of fall in Cantonment.
The pumpkins have arrived at the Allen Memorial United Methodist Church Pumpkin Patch.
Friday evening, the Northview High School NJROTC took part in a community service project to unload 2,500 pumpkins by hand and place them under the tent. And we’re told not a single pumpkin was broken.
Pumpkins of all shapes and sizes are available under the big tent on Highway 29 near Neal Road from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 12-6 on Sundays.
The Allen Memorial United Methodist Men have sponsored the Pumpkin Patch since 1995.
Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
No. 1 UWF Defeats North Greenville
October 10, 2021
Top-ranked UWF compiled 443 yards of offense and scored on its first four possessions to squash North Greenville, 52-10, at Younts Stadium Saturday night.
The Argonaut defense made play after play, beginning on the first series when Shea Campbell intercepted Kaelan Riley. That led to a 8-yard Shomari Mason score a play later.
NGU marched down the field and scored eight plays later on a Dre’ Williams 7-yard run. But that excitement for the home team was short-lived as Austin Reed needed just two plays as he connected with Rodney Coates for a 69-yard strike down the middle of the field for a 14-7 lead.
The Crusaders got a 49-yard field goal to get within 14-10 but never scored again.
Reed connected with Coates and David Durden before halftime to extend the lead to 28-10 at halftime.
The second half was more of the same. After receiving the opening kickoff, UWF capped off the drive with a 30-yard Griffin Cerra field goal. Anthony Johnson, Jr. stepped in front of a Crusader receiver at the 46 and followed some blockers in front of the UWF sideline for a pick-6.
Ka’Ron Ashley hauled in a 20-yard touchdown pass early in the fourth before Mason scampered through the Crusaders for a 57-yard score with 7:10 remaining.
Mason finished the day with a career-high 108 yards on 10 carries. It was the third 100-yard game of his career. The 57-yard rushing TD is tied for the second-longest rushing score in program history.
Reed threw for 294 yards on 21-of-33 with four touchdowns – the fourth time in five games this season he has thrown as many. Coates was his favorite target, finishing with 123 yards on six catches while being thrown to three other times.
The UWF defense finished with four sacks, three additional tackles for loss, five quarterback hurries, three pass break-ups and two interceptions. Will Breland was credited with seven tackles to lead the Argos. D’Anthony Bell and Jerquan Newton had six tackles apiece.
UWF (5-0, 2-0 Gulf South) finished with 443 yards of total offense. The Argonauts had 149 yards rushing between five running backs ands Reed.
NGU (3-3, 0-2) compiled 291 yards of total offense, with Riley throwing for 166 yards on 16-of-35. Cale Swift led the team on the ground with 43 yards on five carries. Leading rusher Williams entered the game averaging 106 yards per game but was held to 39 on 10 carries in the first half. He left late in the opening half with an injury and did not return.
After playing four road games in six weeks, UWF will return to Pensacola for home games at Blue Wahoos Stadium the next two weeks. This Saturday they will play host to No. 13 West Georgia (5-1, 3-1) at 4 p.m.
Photos courtesy Morgan Givens/UWF for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Atmore’s Muskogee Technology Named Alabama Small Manufacturer of the Year
October 10, 2021
The Business Council of Alabama has named Muskogee Technology in Atmore as the 2021 Small Manufacturer of the Year.
For over 25 years, Muskogee Technology has become a leader across multiple manufacturing sectors, including defense, aerospace and energy.
During the pandemic, the company was challenged to pivot business operations and create an array of lifesaving products.
Muskogee Technology delivered in a myriad of ways; the manufacturer produced well over 20,000 protective gowns for health care workers, designed and produced thousands of acrylic partitions and sneeze guards to separate workers from customers, and produced specialized hand sanitizer stands and iPad kiosks for touchless temperature screening.
“We are extremely excited to be recognized by BCA for our hard work and dedication to Alabamians,” said Westly L. Woodruff, Muscogee Technology president and CEO. “MT is humbled by this recognition and attribute the award to our individual and collective dedication to excellence, fortitude, and perseverance throughout such a difficult time in our history while battling the COVID-19 pandemic. We look forward to a safe and productive 2022, within and for the State of Alabama’s manufacturing sector.”
MT employs over 75 people in Atmore. The company is an entity of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians and a subsidiary of Creek Indian Enterprises Development Authority.
The Business Council of Alabama manufacturing awards were presented in partnership with the Alabama Technology Network.