Teacher Crochets Special Christmas Gifts For Her Second Graders
December 25, 2025
Second graders in teacher Brianna Smith’s class at Byrneville Elementary School received a very special Christmas gift.
Months ago, she gave each of them a coloring page with a simple task — color a hat with the color or colors they wanted. Then she went to work.
Brianna went to work with her crochet hook, bringing each hat to life, one stitch at a time.
The students read the book “The Hat” by Jan Brett, and Brianna presented each with their gift.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Photos: Jim Allen Elementary Celebrates Christmas
December 25, 2025
Jim Allen Elementary School celebrated with holiday events during December.
From holiday socks showing off those “mistleTOES”, to Reindeer Games, Santa Day, Polar Express Day, Flannel Friday and more, a variety of activities were held during the two weeks before Christmas break.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Small Hands, Big Hearts: The Magic Of School Santa Shops At Local Schools
December 25, 2025
Among the most cherished treasures to be found under any tree this year are the simple girts given by a child—the extra-special, hand-picked gifts wrapped in pure love.
Many of these heartfelt surprises are found every year in “Santa Shops” at our local schools. There, a dedicated team of “elves”— selfless PTA and PTO volunteers — guide little hands as they choose that perfect item for Mom or Dad. With a bit of ribbon and a lot of care, these volunteers help ensure every gift is perfectly packaged, ready to become a lifelong memory for families across the area.
For more photos from the Santa Shops at Byrneville and Pine Meadow elementary schools, click here.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Delivery Experts: Santa Claus Visits School Bus Drivers
December 25, 2025
Santa Claus is arguably the king of the delivery business, delivering presents around the world in just one night each year.
Last week, Santa took time out of his busy schedule to visit bus drivers at Northview High School, who deliver precious cargo each school day.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Dedria’s Gift Makes Christmas Donation For Century Nursing Home Residents
December 25, 2025
Dedria’s Gift made a Christmas gift for the residents of the Century Center for Rehabilitation & Healing again this year
Dedria’s Gift honors the memory of Dedria Robinson who was killed 2005 in an automobile accident at age 11. The group annually provides school supplies for hundreds of children in the Century area.
Pictured: Sonja Straughn, Linda Jackson, Dedria’s mom Rita Robinson, and Dedria’s grandma Alice Perryman Submitted image for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
‘Shop With A Cop’ Brings Holiday Cheer to Local Children
December 25, 2025
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Shop with a Cop provided Christmas for over dozens of children.
ECSO partnered with the Escambia County Sheriff Foundation to bring holiday cheer.
For a photo gallery, click or tap here.
ECSO deputies shopped for these kids based on a special list they each submitted. The kids then visited the ECSO special winter wonderland party, where they received all of their gifts.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
55 Kids Receive Christmas Presents From The Flomaton Police ‘Fill The Cruiser’ Toy Driver
December 25, 2025
This Christmas, 55 children in Flomaton had presents thanks to the success of the Flomaton Police Department’s “Fill the Cruiser” Toy Drive.
With donations from area businesses, a Scout troop and other local organizations, the gifts filled the town council chamber prior to distribution.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
McArthur Elementary First Graders Get Creative With Gingerbread Houses
December 24, 2025
Last week, first grade students at McArthur Elementary School had a blast decorating gingerbread houses.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
State Workers Get Extra Days Off For The Holiday Season
December 24, 2025
State workers are getting extra days off for Christmas and New Year’s.
Governor Ron DeSantis announced that state offices will also be closed on Friday, December 26; and Friday, January 2 in celebration of the holidays.
“Our state employees have worked hard throughout the year,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “I hope they enjoy additional time off with loved ones and friends this holiday season. The First Lady and I are thankful for their continued dedication to the people of Florida.”
State workers also received an extra day off on November 26.
These dates are in addition to regular office closures on Thursday, November 27; Friday, November 28; Thursday, December 25; and Thursday, January 1.
Reopening Held For North Escambia Stork Stock, Providing Free Baby Essentials
December 24, 2025
A grand reopening was held Tuesday afternoon for the new location of the North Escambia Stork Stock.
The Escambia County Healthy Start Coalition — a local non-profit for pregnant women, new mothers, fathers, and children ages 0-3 — first opened the North Escambia Stork Stock at the Community Health Northwest Florida-Century Pediatrics office on Church Street in June 2024. However, the resource center temporarily closed when Century Pediatrics moved across town in July 2025.
Now, it has moved alongside Community Health Northwest Florida at the new Century Pediatrics office at 6021 Industrial Boulevard.
For more photos, click to enlarge.
The North Escambia Stork Stock provides free essential baby gear including wipes, clothing, diapers, Pack ‘n Plays for safe sleep, and more. Hours are by appointment only and can be made by calling Century Pediatrics at (850) 724-4054.
“Our commitment to North Escambia is for the long-haul, and we look forward to bringing vital resources to the community for years to come,” said Healthy Start Executive Director Allyson Anderson.
The Escambia County Healthy Start Coalition’s outreach in North Escambia also continues through bi-annual baby showers. Community baby showers allow families a chance to meet with local health organizations and receive important resources regarding pregnancy and infant care, maternal mental health, fatherhood, and more. The next baby shower will be on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the community center on West Highway 4.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
