International Paper Awards $57,000 In Grants To Local Nonprofits
December 9, 2024
International Paper’s Pensacola Mill has awarded $57,000 in International Paper Foundation grants to 18 local organizations.
“Through these grants, we aim to drive positive change, investing not just in projects but in the overall well-being of our community,” said Whitney Fike, regional communications manager. “These funds are crucial in supporting community-driven initiatives that tackle hunger, promote health and wellness, enhance children’s education, and provide disaster relief assistance.”
Local community organizations and their projects awarded grants for 2024 were:
- Autism Pensacola, Kids for Camp
- Be Ready Alliance Coordinating for Emergencies (BRACE), EscaReady: Disaster Preparedness Essentials Program
- Council on Aging of West Florida, Student Butterfly Kits
- Escambia County Public Schools Foundation, Tools for Teachers
- ReadyKids!, Ready Readers and Pages of Possibilities
- Harvest Community Outreach, Food for the Holiday
- Independence for the Blind, Classroom iPads
- Jim Allen Elementary, Reaching Reluctant Readers
- Manna Food Bank, Healthy Kids Initiative
- Ministry Village at Olive, Tender Hearts Caring Hands storage unit cooling
- Northwest Florida Community Outreach, Replenish for the Finish
- Pace Center for Girls, IP Reach Girls
- Pensacola Little Theatre, Spring into Art: Connecting Theatre and Community
- Pensacola MESS Hall, Illuminate: Light
- Sacred Heart Foundation, Maternal Health Bags
- Tate High School AJROTC, Physical Training/Mega Ball/Drill Team:
- Valerie’s House, IP Month of Caring
- Whistleblowers of America, Be A Giraffe Education Pilot Project
IP said the grants demonstrate the company’s commitment to education, hunger, health and wellness, disaster relief and initiatives that improve our planet.
Grants were determined after careful committee review with local team members. Recommendations are subsequently reviewed by the International Paper Foundation’s grants committee, which then must be confirmed and ratified by the foundation’s board of trustees.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
I-10 Traffic Shift Near Highway 29 Interchange Expected This Week
December 9, 2024
A previously planned traffic shift for I-10 was delayed last week by weather, but the Florida Department of Transportation says the change is now expected to take place this week.
This week, I-10 eastbound travel lanes will be shifted toward the median area of the roadway, from mile markers 8 to 10, near the Highway 29 interchange (Exit 10). The traffic shift will be a multiyear effort and allows crews to build a new alignment for I-10 at Highway 29.
The Florida Department of Transportation said the speed limit is reduced to 50 mph through the work zone, and nighttime temporary single-lane closures may occur on I-10 between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. Sunday through Thursday. At least one travel lane will remain open at all times.
This work is part of a $236 million construction project designed to improve safety and capacity for the 62,000 drivers who travel the I-10 at Highway 29 interchange daily. The project is anticipated for completion in 2030.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Escambia County Receives Three New Offers For OLF-8 Property On Nine Mile Road
December 9, 2024
Escambia County has received three new offers for the OLF-8 property on Nine Mile Road.
Ryan Bell and Beulah Ranch, LLC have submitted a $30 million offer for the entire 540 acres.
Fred Hemmer and Rob Ahrens of Beulah Town Center LLC have offered $42.5 million. Beulah Town Center previously made an offer of $25 million for 290 acres, but their new offer is for the entirety of the property.
Chad Henderson and TRI-W Associates are seeking an option to purchase the entire parcel for $40 million.
The Escambia County Commission is expected to discuss the latest offers during a meeting later this week.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
These Are Escambia County’s Top 5 Teacher Of The Year Finalists
December 9, 2024
Escambia County Public Schools has released the names of the top five finalists for ECPS Teacher of the Year.
The five finalists are as follows, listed in alphabetical order:
- Brooke Ferrarra – Beulah Elementary
- Stacey Hammer– Ransom Middle
- LeAnne Jenkins — Beulah Middle
- Kristin Maum – J.M. Tate High School
- Kelly Reed — Global Learning Academy
“We are proud to honor these outstanding educators,” Superintendent Keith Leonard said. “They are a great representation of all of our employees, and we would like to take time to thank them, as well as all of our employees, for all of the hard work and dedication they demonstrate for our students each and every day.”
The overall Teacher of the Year for Escambia County Public Schools will be announced in late January at a special event honoring all of the nominees.
Atmore Man Charged With Friday Night Murder
December 9, 2024
An Atmore man has been charged in connection with a shooting death of a local man Friday night.
Gelonté Giles, 31, was booked into the Escambia County Detention Center for attempted murder and discharging a firearm into an occupied building.
Giles allegedly shot 32-year-old Rakeem Phillips just before 11 p.m. Friday at the Point Escambia Apartments. The victim was transported to Atmore Community Hospital before being airlifted to a trauma center where he later passed away.
The investigation revealed that Giles and Phillips were involved in an altercation when Giles produced a firearm and fired between three to five rounds striking Phillips multiple times,” Atmore Police Sgt. Darrell McMann said.
Related: Atmore Police Investigating Sunday Night Double Homicide
Hundreds Attend Annual Molino Christmas Parade (With Gallery)
December 8, 2024
Hundreds of people lined Crabtree Church Road for the annual Molino Christmas Parade on Saturday morning.
Proceeds from parade entry fees will be used by the Molino Ballpark to help a local family in need this Christmas season.
For more photos, click or tap here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Employee Charged With Attempting To Smuggle Drugs Into Atmore Prison
December 8, 2024
An Atmore man has been charged with attempting to smuggle drugs and contraband into Fountain Correctional Facility.
Vincent Bishop, an Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) employee, was charged with trafficking flakka, first-degree possession of marijuana, attempting to commit a controlled substance crime, prohibited activities (cell phones in a correctional facility), possession of drug paraphernalia, and first-degree attempt to promote prison contraband. Flakka, according to the DEA, is a street drug commonly called bath salts.
ADOC K-9 personnel, following an ongoing investigation, observed suspicious activity involving inmates attempting to access a parking lot near Bishop’s vehicle. A traffic stop was conducted with K-9 personnel and local law enforcement, and a K-9 made a positive alert for narcotics. A subsequent search revealed marijuana, flakka, tobacco, cell phones, and charging cables concealed under the truck, according to ADOC.
The state said Bishop refused to resign from his position as a drug treatment counselor at the prison as and is now on mandatory leave. He was arrested and transported to the Escambia County Detention Facility where he was being held without bond.
Photo Gallery: Beulah Christmas Parade
December 8, 2024
Crowds lined miles of roadways around Beulah Saturday afternoon for the annual Beulah Christmas Parade.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Parade goers enjoyed plenty of throws and entries that included the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, the Beulah Stations of Escambia Fire Rescue, Rep. Michelle Salzman, several churches and community organizations, along with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Local Celebrity Kitten ‘Pipes’ Among Several Adopted at Molino Library Event
December 8, 2024
Several kittens — including one that recently became a local celebrity of sorts — found new homes Saturday during a a Cat Cafe Adoption Event at the Molino Branch Library.
A little black and white kitten named Pipes (pictured above) was among those that were adopted. Late last month, Pipes made local news after being rescued from inside a drainage pipe by Escambia County Animal Welfare.
The adoption event was held in conjunction with the Escambia County animal shelter.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Northview Senior Class To Host ‘Breakfast With Santa’ Monday Evening
December 8, 2024
The Northview High School Class of 2025 will host a Breakfast with Santa & Friends event on Monday, December 9 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at David’s Catfish House in Atmore.
Admission is $10 per plate, for a delicious breakfast.
Additional activities available for purchase include photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, visits from The Grinch and Cindy Lou, holiday cookie decorating, light-up accessory sales, hot chocolate, cappuccino, fresh popcorn, sweets, treats and more.
Proceeds from the event will benefit the NHS Senior Grad Bash trip next spring.