Website Matches Commuters To Carpools, Park And Ride Lots
February 1, 2016
The “rideOn” service has launched a new website that provides easy access to the ride-matching registration and other information, such as location of park and ride lots throughout northwest Florida.
There are three park and ride lots in Escambia County — one at the courthouse annex in Century, one at the Pensacola Bay Center in downtown Pensacola and one on Scenic Highway next to Dairy Queen. The lots are used as central meeting points for commuters engaged in carpool and vanpool activities.
rideOn’s new website at www.rideoncarpoolconnection.com provides easy information on the park and ride lots and can also match commuters who can share a carpool. Participants simply visit the website, enter their contact information, schedule and work address (a home address is needed for matching, but the home address is kept confidential). A free list of matches is generated, show the names and contact information of those with a similar commute. There is no obligation to participants; it is entirely up to them to make any ride sharing arrangements.
rideON also participates in the Emergency Ride Home Program which provides a voucher for a free emergency ride home from work for commuters who use alternative forms of transportation (like vanpools, carpools, public transportation, bicycling, or walking) to get to work at least three days per week.
The rideOn programs are available to anyone working or living in Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Bay, Gulf, Holmes, Washington, Jackson, or Calhoun counties. It is a partnership of the West Florida Regional Planning Council and the Florida Department of Transportation.
Pictured: The Park and Ride lot in Century, located at the Century Courthouse. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
House Slated To Take Up Gun Bills Tuesday
February 1, 2016
The Florida House on Tuesday is scheduled to take up controversial bills about carrying guns on college campuses and openly carrying firearms, according to information posted on the House website.
The bills have drawn heavy debate during the legislative session and are backed by Second Amendment advocates such as the National Rifle Association.
One of the bills (HB 163), sponsored by Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fort Walton Beach, would allow people with concealed-weapons licenses to openly carry firearms in Florida.
The other bill (HB 4001), sponsored by Rep. Greg Steube, R-Sarasota, and Rep. Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda, D-Tallahassee, would allow people with concealed-weapons licenses to carry guns on college and university campuses.
Many university-system leaders have opposed the campus-carry bill. Also, Senate Judiciary Chairman Miguel Diaz de la Portilla, R-Miami, has said his committee likely will not take up the campus-carry issue, which would block the bill in the Senate.
by The News Service of Florida
PSC Presents Energy Efficiency Award To Escambia’s 4-H Center
February 1, 2016
Recognizing energy efficiency accomplishments, the Florida Public Service Commission presented its first 2016 Triple E Award—for Energy Efficiency Effort—to Escambia County’s Langley Bell 4-H Center in Cantonment for applying best energy practices in their new building.
“We commend Escambia County 4-H Center administrators for incorporating a variety of energy efficiency measures in its new building,” PSC Chairman Julie Brown said. “With the money saved on monthly energy costs, the 4-H Center now can do more for the youth and community it serves.”
“Working in concert with Escambia County and Gulf Power Company, we implemented energy efficiency recommendations, using floors optimized for natural daylight, low-e windows with roof overhang, and well insulated walls and ceilings,” said Pamela H. Allen, UF/IFAS Escambia County Extension director. “Because of our center’s innovative building design, we also achieved a ‘Three Green Globes Certificate,’ being recognized for best practices in energy, water, and environmental efficiency.”
“Gulf Power always encourages businesses and organizations to start with us to learn about their organizations’ energy use and the best ways to save money on energy costs,” said Rick DelaHaya, Gulf Power spokesperson. “We worked closely with Escambia County’s Facilities Management before and during the 4-H Center’s new construction and helped them incorporate energy efficiency enhancements in many high-use energy areas, such as the center’s HVAC and outside air ventilation systems, as well as their lighting and roofing designs.”
The PSC encourages cost-effective conservation and renewable energy to reduce the use of fossil fuels and defer the need for new generating capacity. Through the Florida Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act, the PSC approves conservation programs for the state’s five investor-owned utilities, JEA, and the Orlando Utilities Commission.
Covering the state’s five major geographic areas, each month the PSC gives its Triple E Award to a local business that has accomplished superior energy efficiency.
.Pictured: The Langley Bell 4-H Center on Stefani Road. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Appointee Sought For Escambia County Disability Awareness Committee
February 1, 2016
The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners is seeking county residents interested in volunteering for an “At-Large” appointment to the Escambia County Disability Awareness Committee, which was established by the Board during its regular meeting on Oct. 17, 2013.
The purpose of the committee is to make recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners regarding issues relating to the disabled community and any other issues requested by the Board. The committee is composed of seven voting members, and all members of the committee must be electors of Escambia County. Each commissioner on the Board of County Commissioners appoints one member to the committee, and each member serves concurrently with his or her appointing commissioner’s term. The Board collectively appoints two at-large members, who each serve a four-year term.
There are four meetings scheduled each year on the third Wednesday of the month. Meetings begin at 3 p.m. and typically last until 5 p.m. Special meetings may be scheduled if needed. There is no travel required.
Residents interested in serving on the committee are asked to submit a resume and letter indicating their desire to serve by the close of business on Thursday, Feb. 11. Letters and resumes should be submitted to Judy Witterstaeter, Program Coordinator, Board of County Commissioners, P.O. Box 1591, Pensacola, Florida 32502.
Northview Holding Open Gym Sessions For Potential Volleyball Players
February 1, 2016
Northview High School will host four open gyms this semester for any girl that is interested in playing volleyball next season.
Any girl that will be in grades 9-12 year is welcome, including home school students. The open gym sessions will be held February 3 and 17, and March 2 and 16. All sessions will be from 3:30 until 5:45 p.m. A current physical must be on file.
Tate Aggies Win Seminole Wrestling Classic
February 1, 2016
The Tate High School Aggies won the recent Seminole Wrestling Classic hosted by Florida High in Tallahassee as 10 wrestlers won medals
Jacob Cochran was 3-0 for first place in 106-Pool B and pinned his Suwannee competitor in 2:57 to win the championship. Mathew Blalock was 3-1 in Pool A and pinned Florida High’s wrestler in 2:33 for a third place finish overall.
The Aggie’s Heath Herndon was 4-0 in 170 Pool B. Logan Womack at 152 and Alex Porter at 113 also reached the finals for Tate. Scott Houston (120), Tanner Wood (126), Daniel Pigg (138) and Gaven McAnally (220) each finished in third place for Tate. Brandon Pheabus (132) ended with a fourth place finish.
The Aggie Wrestling Team also too first place in the Baldwin County Dual with six wrestlers placing in the top four.
Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Ballots For Military And Overseas Voters On The Way
February 1, 2016
The Escambia County Supervisor of Elections Office has mailed absentee ballots to eligible military and overseas citizens. Voters will either receive their ballot by mail or electronically, depending on their chosen method of delivery. Absent military voters and those living overseas can request, mark and track their absentee ballots electronically.
Absentee ballots for all eligible domestic voters will be mailed beginning on Tuesday, February 9. The deadline to request an absentee ballot to be mailed for the Presidential Preference Primary Election is 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 9. To request or track your absentee ballot for the Presidential Preference Primary Election, visit EscambiaVotes.com and click “Vote by Mail”, or contact the Supervisor of Elections Office at (850) 595-3900.
Suspicious White Powder Prompts Hazmat Team Response
January 31, 2016
A Hazmat team was called to Cottage Hill Saturday night after a resident reported receiving a package containing a suspicious white powder.
A resident of Smyers Road, just off Williams Ditch Road, called authorities just after 8 p.m. to report the package with the unidentified powder. Family members were moved away from the scene in an ambulance, as an Escambia County Fire Rescue Hazmat Team responded.
Just before 10 p.m., the Hazmat team made entry into the residence and performed preliminary testing on the substance. Additional tests were done outside the home, and the substance was declared to be not hazardous by 10:30 p.m.
There was no official word Saturday night as to what the substance actually was and an investigation continues.
There were no injuries reported.
Additional units from Escambia Fire Rescue, Escambia County EMS, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and other agencies responded to the incident.
For additional photos, click here.
Picture top: Hazmat team members test a suspicious substance received in a package at a Cottage Hill home Saturday night. Pictured inset: Team members prepare to enter the home. Pictured below: Hazmat team members suit up for the operation. NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Price, click to enlarge.
One Injured In Highway 97 Crash Near Molino Park Elementary
January 31, 2016
One person was airlifted to a Pensacola hospital following a single vehicle crash Saturday evening in Molino.
Authorities believe the driver suffered a medical situation before she lost control of a her northbound Toyota and struck a utility pole at the intersection of Highway 97 and Effie Lane, near Molino Park Elementary School. She was airlifted by LifeFlight helicopter to Baptist Hospital in Pensacola. A passenger in the vehicle was not injured.
The accident remains under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol; further details have not been released. The Molino and Cantonment stations of Escambia County EMS and Escambia County EMS also responded to the crash.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Pictured above and below: A single vehicle crash into a utility pole Saturday evening on Highway 97 near Molino Park Elementary School. Pictured bottom: Lifeflight lands near the scene. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Northview Graduate Stanley Complete Basic Military Training
January 31, 2016
U.S. Air Force Airman Keona M. Stanley graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas.
The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills. Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.
Stanley is the daughter of Davita S. Stanley of Pensacola, and granddaughter of Sheila R. Stanley of Century, and David Stanley of Brewton.
She is a 2015 graduate of Northview High School.