Book Fair At Jim Allen Elementary This Week
November 3, 2015
The annual Scholastic Book Fair is going on this week at Jim Allen Elementary School. The book fair will continue for students through 11 a.m. Friday. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
All Blood Types Needed: Blood Drive Saturday In Walnut Hill
November 3, 2015
There is an increased need for O Negative blood in the area, according to OneBlood’s Bettery Roberts, and there is an increased need for all types to prepare for the upcoming holiday week.
A Big Red Bus Blood Drive will take place Saturday in Walnut Hill from 10 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. at the annual Fish Fry at the Walnut Hill Volunteer Fire Department at 7760 Highway 97.
Blood Donors will receive the “Don’t Be A Turkey! Donate Blood!” T Shirt though November 19 on both Big Red buses and at the two centers 1999 East Nine Mile Road and 2209 North 9th Avenue.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
County Grant Now Available For Neighborhood Redevelopment Efforts
November 3, 2015
The Escambia County Neighborhood Enterprise Division recently announced that it has extended the fall cycle for its Neighborhood Renewal Initiative Mini-Grant Program, which aims to further encourage community and volunteer-based redevelopment efforts within local neighborhoods.
The grant is funded through the county’s Community Development Block Grant Program and is offered to neighborhood organizations located within the boundaries of one of the county’s Community Redevelopment Areas. Local organizations that meet this criteria are eligible to apply for up to $500 for projects, including the following:
- Small scale improvements to existing parks, recreation areas or community neighborhood facilities
- Beautification projects targeting neighborhood entrances to subdivisions
- Graffiti removal or such improvements designed to eliminate blighted areas
- Neighborhood Watch supplies
The deadline to submit a grant application is Monday, Nov. 30 (click to download application).
For more information about the grant program or application process, contact Meredith Nunnari, Escambia County Neighborhood Enterprise Division, at (850) 595-0022, ext. 3, or at mrnunnari@myescambia.com.
Local Rotary Clubs Hold Military Appreciation Luncheon
November 3, 2015
The Combined Rotary Clubs of Pensacola (CROP) honored our military men and women at its annual Military Appreciation Luncheon on Monday at New World Landing. Rear Admiral Don Quinn, USN (Ret), a Five Flags Rotarian, was the guest speaker. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Firefighters Respond To Flomaton Church’s Chicken Restaurant
November 2, 2015
Firefighters were called to a fire at Church’s Chicken in Flomaton Monday night.
A fire on the roof was reported shortly after 8:30 p.m. The fire was reported to be out shortly after firefighters from Alabama and Florida arrived on the scene.
There were no injuries reported, and there was no major damage apparent.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Corry Station Brings Saturday Scholars Program To Jim Allen Elementary
November 2, 2015
Many students at Jim Allen Elementary School are spending their Saturdays in a mentoring program with students from the Center for Information Dominance Unit (CIDU) Corry Station.
There are 50 students from Jim Allen teamed up with the Navy and Marine Corp students for the five weeks of morning mentoring sessions. This is the 61st class of students enrolled in the Saturday Scholar Mentoring Program.
Each week’s activities include reading, science, computers and physical activities for the students and their mentors.
This is the 30th consecutive year that Corry Station – the Navy’s Learning Center that leads, manages and delivers joint force training in information operations, information technology and cryptology – has hosted the mentoring program.
According to Escambia County School District’s Superintendent of Schools Malcolm Thomas, CID’s Saturday Scholars program is the longest, continuously-running educational mentorship program in the Navy, and has touched the hearts and minds of more than 3000 students.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Collection Of $258 Million In Escambia Taxes Begins
November 2, 2015
The collection of 2015 real estate and tangible personal property taxes is now underway. This year’s tax rolls include 176,000 accounts totaling $258 million, according to Janet Holley, Escambia County tax collector.
Bills were delivered to the post office on October 30 for mailing. A four percent discount for early payment is good through November 30, 2015.
Other discount periods are as follows: December‑‑3%; January‑‑2%; February‑‑1%; and the gross amount is due in March 2016. Taxes become delinquent April 1 and are assessed a 3% penalty. When mailed, discounts are determined by postmark of payment. When a discount period ends on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the discount period will be extended to the next business day for walk‑in customers only.
Tax revenue is generated for the various taxing authorities and is approximated as follows: District School Board, $117 million; Escambia County Board of County Commissioners, $112 million; City of Pensacola, $16 million; Sheriff MSTU, $7.1 million; Library MSTU, $5.3 million; Northwest Florida Water Management, $572,000; Downtown Improvement Board, $375,800; and Town of Century, $29,700. Additionally, MSBU collections totaling $17 million include: County fire protection, $13.2 million; City Stormwater, $2.7 million; and various other MSBUs, $1.1 million.
Office are open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at:
- Downtown – 213 Palafox Place
- Marcus Pointe – 6451 North W Street
- Molino – 6440 Highway 95-A North, Suite A
- Warrington – 4051 Barrancas Avenue, Suite A
You may check the status of your taxes and pay on the website at www.EscambiaTaxCollector.com. While paying online may be the most convenient, other options are available, such as payment by mail, by phone, or in person. If you do not receive your tax bill by November 10, please call the tax collector’s office at 438‑6500, ext. 3252. The offices will be closed November 11, 26, and 27 for holidays.
Cantonment Church Burglarized
November 2, 2015
A burglary at a Cantonment church is under investigation by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Damage to a rear door and a burglary at Allen Memorial United Methodist Church on Pace Parkway was discovered just after 8:30 Sunday morning. Someone entered the church parsonage and stole about 100 pounds of food from a food pantry.
The food is given to the needy — anyone who asks — free of charge, according to church members.
Anyone with information on the burglary is asked to call the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620 or Crime Stoppers at (850) 733-STOP.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Rediscover Bread Baking And Jam Making
November 2, 2015
Families can rediscover bread baking and jam making at workshop later this month in Cantonment.
The class is designed for families or groups of adults and children working together to preserve berry jam and make a loaf of yeast bread to take home. The workshop is Tuesday, November 17 from 6-8 p.m. at the Langley Bell 4-H Center at 3730 Stefani Road. Pre-registration is required by calling (850) 475-5230. The cost is $15 per family, and class size is limited.
Peanut Butter Drive Underway
November 2, 2015
The Escambia County Extension office, along with the University of Florida Institute of Food & Agricultural Sciences and the Florida Peanut Producer Association are collecting peanut butter now through late November to help take a bite out of hunger.
The groups are accepting donations of unopened jars of peanut butter to be donated to local food pantries during Farm-City Week.
Unopened jars of peanut butter of any brand can be dropped off until November 25 at any of the following locations:
Escambia County
- Escambia County Extension Office, 3740 Stefani Road, Cantonment
- Escambia County Farm Bureau, 153 Highway 97, Molino
- Escambia County Public Safety, 6575 North W Street
- Escambia County Administration, 221 Palafox Place, 4th Floor
- Gilmore Services, 31 East Fairfield Drive
Peanut butter collected in Escambia County last year was donated to food pantries in Molino, Bratt and Century.
Pictured: The Godwins of Godwin Farms in Santa Rosa County, (L-R) Steven, Laryn, Valarie, Kylei, Rachael. Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.