The View: School District To Purchase Corner Lot In Front Of New Ernest Ward
January 20, 2015
Huge library windows are a highlight of the Ernest Ward Middle School in Walnut Hill, and the Escambia County School Board is now set to purchase “the view” outside those windows.
The school sits at the corner of Highway 97 and Highway 99A in Walnut Hill, but the school district does not actually own the grassy lot on the corner — in front of those big windows. The school board expected approve paying property owner Linda Faye Tolliver of Walnut Hill $15,000 for the 0.86 acre parcel.
Students are scheduled to begin classes in the new school on February 2. The school board is expected to approve the land purchase during their February meeting.
Pictured top: The Escambia County School District does not currently own the large grassy lot in front of the new Ernest Ward Middle School. Pictured below: This graphic shows the approximate location of the new school in relation to the property to be purchase. NorthEscambia.com photos/graphics, click to enlarge.
Lawmaker Wants Teachers To Make At Least $50K
January 20, 2015
A Central Florida lawmaker has filed a proposal that calls for the state’s public-school teachers to earn at least $50,000 a year.
The proposal filed by Sen. Darren Soto, D-Orlando, points to a need to “attract and retain instructional personnel.” It would require the Legislature to put enough money in the state’s school-funding formula to ensure that districts could meet the salary standard while also having enough money to maintain other programs.
It also would require annual adjustments to the minimum salary based on inflation.
The bill, which would take effect with the fiscal year that starts July 1, does not detail the increased cost of moving to such a minimum salary.
by The News Service of Florida
Bratt Elementary Releases Second Nine Weeks Honor Roll
January 20, 2015
The following students were named to the second nine weeks honor roll at Bratt Elementary School:
ALL A’s
- Rabekah Abbot
- Lauren Abbott
- Ragaen Abbott
- Anna Adams
- Claire Amerson
- Erich Amerson
- Desiray Bagwell
- Haydn Baker
- John Bashore
- Bailey Blackwell
- Karissa Boatwright
- Olivia Boatwright
- Lakyn Bodiford
- Jackson Bridges
- Luke Bridges
- Daylan Brown
- Nevaeh Bush
- Luke Chavers
- Camden Clarke
- Addison Classen
- Abigail Coker
- Shelby Cotita
- Colton Criswell
- Callie Davis
- Trevor Dean
- Carsyn Dortch
- JaCee Dortch
- Mayson Edwards
- Addison Eicher
- Noah Faulkner
- Zykuria Fountain
- Caitlyn Gibson
- David Gilley
- Jamison Gilman
- Emma Gilmore
- Talise Gregson
- Ava Gurganus
- Zane Gurganus
- Kailey Hawkins
- Lean Hetrick
- Sarah Hetrick
- Mary Catherine Hughes
- Gracie James
- Emily Jarvis
- Tristan Johnson
- Ally Jones
- Keeli Knighten
- Laura Laborde
- Kennedy Long
- Adanaya Mondaca
- Carley Moore
- Jaquez Moorer
- Alyssa Moya
- Bentley Van Pelt
- Ally Richardson
- Maggie Scott
- Jackson Simmons
- McKenna Simmons
- Brayden Smith
- Mia Starns
- Kole Stewart
- Maggie Stewart
- Aubrey Stuckey
- Clay Wilson
- Jasmine Zisa
ALL A’s and B’s
- Adam Adams
- Luke Amerson
- Ethan Bingham
- Nalanna Black
- Kyle Blanton
- Abbie Buford
- Jaquorious Burt
- Michael Butler
- Kadence Calvert
- Jakyra Carter
- Zakhel Clemmons
- Noah Condrey
- Chloe Criswell
- Talaysha Curry
- Casandra Davis
- Kylie Davis
- Payton Daw
- Ryan Dove
- Tyteann Dubose
- Gage Eicher
- Scotty Elliott
- J’Kayla Evans
- Jamyla Feagin
- Allison Flowers
- Tessa Flowers
- Aliyah Fountain
- J.P. Gilman
- Shelby Greewell
- Berklee Hall
- Abbie Hardy
- Logan Hasting
- Kara Hawkins
- KayLeigh Jay
- Trent Knighten
- Gage Lambert
- Anna Lee
- Kaitlin Lloyd
- James Loftis
- Jessica Loftis
- Sarah Long
- Houston Lowry
- Max Mason
- Reid McCall
- Keira McDuffie
- Braeden McGhee
- Megan McGhee
- Landon Mooney
- Elianna Morales
- Kai Morton
- Alexis Moya
- Travis Nelson
- Blaize Parrish
- Reagan Peebles
- Cloie Pickern
- Colby Pugh
- Dallon Rackard
- Angel Schoonover
- Treyton Schoonover
- Adrianne Shanks
- Carter Sigafoose
- Arquavian Smith
- Malia Smith
- Mandell Smith
- Zakyla Smith
- Jacob Spence
- Alyssa Stabler
- Reece Starns
- Emily Stilwell
- David Stokes
- Jeremy Thomas
- Madison Thomas
- Corbin Turberville
- Haidyn Turberville
- Raycer Watson
- DaMius Wesley
- Jordan Wilson
- Raylee Wooten
- Joshua Zisa
Joint City, County Storm Water Workshop Set For Thursday
January 20, 2015
The City of Pensacola and Escambia County will hold a joint public workshop to discuss storm water management within the Pensacola Bay Basin, and information regarding flood mitigation options and their associated costs and benefits.
The city and county are jointly applying for up to $500 million in disaster recovery funds through the National Disaster Resilience Competition. Area residents will be asked to comment on those options, providing public engagement for future project selection in local neighborhoods. The presentation will be followed with group discussions and a survey of attendee needs.
The workshop will be held Thursday, January 22 from 5-7 p.m. at the Sanders Beach-Corinne Jones Resource Center at 913 South I Street in Pensacola. For further information, or to request special assistance, please contact City of Pensacola Constituent Services (850) 435-1627 or Escambia County Engineering at (850) 595-3440.
Day Of Service: Volunteers Team Up To Clean Up In Cantonment
January 20, 2015
The Florida Department of Children and Families’ (DCF) AmeriCorps Coalition of Escambia and Santa Rosa (AmeriCorps ACES) program joined Cantonment residents and other volunteers on a national day of service Monday in cleaning up parks in volunteer service to honor Dr. Martin Luther King’s legacy.
“Today we answer Dr. King’s call to serve and are making a difference in the lives of Escambia County residents,” DCF’s Circuit 1 Community Development Administrator Phyllis Gonzalez. “A resourceful way to meet local needs, volunteer service is a powerful tool that builds strong communities. We are putting the core American principles of citizenship and service into action.”
The group cleaned up Carver Park on Webb Street in Cantonment. The park is the future location of the Cantonment Improvement Committee, which worked to make the event possible.
AmeriCorps ACES consists of non-profit and governmental entities working together in Northwest Florida to put an end to poverty. Funding for Florida Department of Children and Families’ AmeriCorps ACES program is administered by Volunteer Florida, the Governor’s lead agency for volunteerism and national service in Florida.
The annual MLK Day of Service, in partnership with the Corporation for National and Community Service, mobilizes thousands of nonprofit groups, faith-based organizations, and schools and businesses nationwide. These projects include delivering meals, refurbishing schools and community centers, collecting food and clothing, signing up mentors, reading to children, promoting nonviolence, and more.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Dry Conditions: Firefghters Battle Woods, Grass Fires
January 20, 2015
Firefighters battled brush and woods fires in the North Escambia area Monday, fueled by a moderate wind and dry conditions.
The Century and McDavid stations of Escambia Fire Rescue responded to a grass fire behind a home in the 2800 block of North Century Boulevard about 11:25 a.m. The fire was quickly extinguished with no threat to surrounding structures.
Monday afternoon, the Walnut Hill Station of Escambia Fire Rescue responded to a woods fire sparked by a downed power line on Sandy Hollow Road, just south of West Highway 4. It took firefighters about an hour to put out the blaze. There were no structures threatened by the fire.
Pictured top and below: A woods and brush fire sparked by a downed power line Monday afternoon on Sandy Hollow Road. Pictured inset: Linemen work to repair the downed line. Pictured bottom: Firefighters on the scene of a grass fire Monday morning on North Century Boulevard. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Golfer Bubba Watson Purchases Part Ownership In The Blue Wahoos
January 20, 2015
Two-time Masters Champion Bubba Watson has purchased ownership in the Pensacola Blue Wahoos, joining majority owners Quint and Rishy Studer.
“Ever since I went to my first Blue Wahoos game I have been a big fan of the team. I love the atmosphere, it’s such a great place to go with friends and family. I wish Pensacola had a team like this when I was growing up. There’s something special about pulling for the hometown team. It’s great that Quint and Rishy were willing to let me be a part of it. I look forward to a long and exciting partnership with them. I just hope Quint doesn’t get tired of my crazy ideas because I have been known to have a few. One thing I know for sure is that you won’t see me out there in a uniform playing. I already asked, and they said I can’t do that even if I own part of the team,” said Watson.
Bruce Baldwin ,president of the Blue Wahoos, made the announcement Monday afternoon at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium. Following the announcement, Watson took two ceremonial swings from home plate – one with his signature hot pink shafted driver and the other with a Louisville slugger. Jamie Walczak, who pitched for the Wahoos last season, threw to Watson.
Watson is no stranger to the team’s home field, throwing out ceremonial first pitches and greeting Wahoos players and fans in 2012 and 2014 after each of his Masters wins. In 2014, he even wore the famed green jacket while throwing out the first pitch.
“We are thrilled to welcome Bubba Watson into the ownership and to have Bubba’s family, Angie, Caleb and Dakota, as part of the Wahoos family, enjoying the Wahoos Life,” said Quint Studer. “Over the years many have been touched by Bubba beyond golf. His work to make life better for others is what attracted Rishy and I to him. Bubba sends a message of belief and giving, always striving to be the best he can be. Rishy, Bubba and I all view the Wahoos as an investment in improving the quality of life for people. Together we will continue to create great experiences for all ages, make lifelong memories for our fans, be a super place to work and now, with Bubba’s leadership, we will gain a national and international awareness for the Blue Wahoos and Northwest Florida.”
Known for incredible shot-making, mammoth drives, a hot pink shafted driver and an electric personality, Watson is a true all-American superstar. Born in Pensacola and raised in nearby Bagdad, he began the game of golf at age six with a cut down 9-iron and plastic golf balls. As a professional golfer, he has twice won the Masters, golf’s most prestigious tournament, and is a seven-time winner on the PGA Tour.
The first game of the season for the Blue Wahoos is April 9.
Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Century Celebrates Martin Luther King Jr’s Legacy (With Photo Gallery)
January 19, 2015
Many Century and Flomaton area residents spent their Monday morning honoring the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr.
The Century-Flomaton Improvement Association held their annual motorcade, ending with a program and celebration at the Century Community Center. Songs, essays, poems and speeches honored King’s memory, looked forward to the future and honored local community leaders that have passed away. Guest speaker Pastor Michael C. Steward of the Pilgrim Lodge Missionary Baptist Church in Century addressed the group before a community lunch.
For a photo gallery from the Century event, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Parade Marks Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (With Photo Gallery)
January 19, 2015
Huge crowds turned out in Atmore Monday morning for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Parade. The annual event draws entries from Alabama and Florida, including units from Escambia County High School in Atmore and Northview High School in Bratt.
The parade ended with a memorial program and lunch at Escambia County High School.
For a photo gallery from the Atmore parade, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Pedestrian Killed In Hwy 29 Hit And Run Crash
January 19, 2015
A pedestrian was struck and killed in a hit and run accident on Highway 29 at West Ensley Street early Monday morning.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Cecil R. Willis, Jr., of Pensacola, was walking on the northbound outside should of Highway 29 about 12:30 a.m. A pickup truck drifted off the roadway and hit the Willis, who was propelled into a ditch. The pickup truck then fled the scene.
The pickup was described as possibly being a 1992 to 1994 Ford F150 or F250 pickup truck that is red or maroon in color. The vehicle with have front and front right damage. Anyone with information on the hit and run fatality is asked to call FHP Corporal Michael Collins at (850) 471-6924.