Bratt Students Complete Heritage Projects Thanks To PCI Grant
June 10, 2014
Students that just completed the fifth grade at Bratt Elementary participated in a heritage project, thanks to computers and programs provided by a Poarch Creek Indian Endowment Grant.
Students investigated, collaborated, and created a heritage project depicting the history of their ancestors. Students were encouraged to interview older family members and incorporate the interview into their project.
The students also presented a program entitled “Americans All”, a musical celebration of America’s multicultural heritage.
Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
BBB Warns Consumers About Popular Summer Scams
June 10, 2014
Summer is a great time to take that long-overdue vacation or make much-needed home repairs, but as the weather heats up, so do scams. The Better Business Bureau serving Northwest Florida is warning consumers about popular summer scams.
- Don’t let a scam ruin your vacation. Fake travel agents and websites are known for touting too-good-to-be-true deals in the hopes of getting your money in return. Whether it’s a fake timeshare rental or a falsely promised Disney vacation, don’t let a vacation scam take you for a ride. Make sure the offer is legitimate by checking bbb.org first.
- Keep your belongings safe during your move. Summer is the peak time of year for changing residencies, and unlicensed movers and dishonest scammers are waiting to take advantage of the busy season. Not all price quotes online or over the phone are legitimate (or binding), and crooks are not likely to send an estimator to your home in advance. Also remember that the lowest estimate can sometimes be an unrealistic, low-ball offer, which may cost you more in the end.
- Beware of summer concert ticket scams. Before paying for concert tickets online, make sure the seller is reputable. Oftentimes, phony sellers will trick consumers into wiring money with no intention of sending real tickets. Most concert venues now allow ticket holders to print tickets from personal computers, which also gives scammers the opportunity to sell the same ticket over and over to unsuspecting consumers. Be wary of sellers who: offer a sad tale as to why they cannot use the tickets; only accept cash; want the money wired or transferred through a prepaid account; and/or pressure you to act quickly.
- Be wary of high pressure door-to-door sales tactics. Many door-to-door salesmen offer deals for everything from driveway paving to air conditioning repair to security systems. Before saying yes, get all promises in writing, including start and finish dates. Never sign a contract that has an open-ended completion date or blank spaces.
- Beware of job scams that can turn a hot summer cold. Finding summer employment is a top priority for most college and high school students. Don’t let the seasonal job hunt turn into a huge waste of time and money. Always be wary of employers who require fees for training and background checks, or who tout “no experience needed.” BBB considers these red flags for employment scams.
The Spice Kidz Go National With Winning Business Idea
June 10, 2014
Two local students are gearing up to pitch their newly launched business on a national stage, as they prepare to compete in a national competition being held in conjunction with the 10th Annual America’s Small Business Summit in Washington, D.C.
The siblings – Eve Knight, 12, and Liam Knight, 13 – were selected to compete in this year’s competition after winning the YEA! Saunders Scholars Regional Competition in Boca Raton, Fla., with their business, The Spice Kidz. The pair started their business as part of the first-ever Pensacola YEA! program.
“Early education plays an important role in developing characteristics that are critical to becoming a successful entrepreneur,” said Greater Pensacola Chamber President Jerry Maygarden. “These two students demonstrate our region’s continued commitment to cultivating innovative qualities that can help our local youth succeed in any profession they choose to pursue.”
The Spice Kidz’ award-winning idea was to pre-package Indian-style spices to make curry and Vindaloo dinners. Twelve other middle- and high-school students from Escambia and Santa Rosa counties also launched their new businesses at Pensacola’s inaugural YEA! Trade Show in conjunction with Downtown Pensacola Gallery Night. A total of $6,600 in grants has been awarded to their businesses by several local investors and entrepreneurs, with The Spice Kidz earning the most with $1,200 in funding.
“Innovativeness and ambition are critical components that lead to professional success,” said Global Business Solutions, Inc. CEO Randy Ramos, a successful entrepreneur himself. “Programs like YEA! help to foster the entrepreneurial mindset in young people and gives them the opportunity to pursue their dreams by harnessing their energy, optimism and creativity.”
YEA! is a national educational program that guides 6th- to 12th-grade students through the process of starting and running real businesses over the course of a full academic year. Students work in close cooperation with local business leaders, educators and community members to develop ideas and objectives that help to create their own fully formed companies. Winners of this year’s national competition will be receiving scholarships, as well as the opportunity to audition for ABC’s hit TV show Shark Tank.
“Entrepreneurial education is more than just building a business plan and marketing a product or service,” said Dr. Ed Ranelli, Dean Emeritus for the University of West Florida College of Business. “Starting a business also includes learning about how to recognize opportunities and capitalize on them, which is a skill every young professional should master.”
Wahoos Sweep Doubleheader Over The Montgomery Biscuits
June 10, 2014
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos (29-36) swept the doubleheader over the Montgomery Biscuits (31-34) in the final two games of the series at Montgomery Riverwalk Stadium. The Wahoos scored a combined 15 runs in the final two games to blow out the Biscuits. Pensacola won four games in the five-game set with Montgomery and are 6-2 over their last eight games played.
The Wahoos took game one, 6-2, behind solid pitching from RHP Mikey O’Brien. O’Brien went 5.0 innings in his third win of the season and allowed two runs on nine hits. LHP Lee Hyde worked his first inning of relief for the Wahoos on the season. He gave up a hit and a walk, but didn’t allow a run to score.
Juan Duran led Pensacola at the plate. The right fielder went 2-for-3 with a solo home run and three RBI. Rey Navarro capped off the victory with a solo shot in the 5th inning to give the Wahoos a 6-2 lead. It was the All-Star’s eighth home run on the season.
RHP Roberto Gomez fell for the fourth time this season with Montgomery. He allowed four runs on five hits through 4.0 innings of work.
The Wahoos dominated in game two and defeated the Biscuits 9-2 behind a great start from RHP Michael Lorenzen. The righty allowed just three hits in 5.0 innings and struck out three batters. RHP Drew Hayes had a scoreless inning in relief while striking out two Biscuit batters.
Steve Selsky hit his first home run of the season and added an RBI double in the fifth. Devin Lohman matched Duran’s day at the plate from game one with three RBI. Five different batters had multi-hit games for the Wahoos and three different players had multiple RBI in game two. Since the Wahoos scored at least five runs in both games, fans can use promo code WAHOOS at PapaJohns.com for 50% off their online order on Tuesday.
RHP Mike Colla fell for the eighth time this season. Colla went 4.1 innings and gave up 7 R/6ER to the Wahoos.
The Wahoos are off Tuesday and head to Mobile for their final five-game set before the All-Star break on Wednesday. RHP Daniel Corcino (6-4, 3.13) will start the series opener for the Wahoos. RHP Justin Fitzgerald (3.71, 5-0) is set to make the start for the BayBears.
Fire Departments Respond To Florida Forest Service Office
June 9, 2014
Several area fire stations responded to the Florida Forest Service office in Molino Monday morning after staff members noticed a strong smell of electrical burning.
The source of the smell was traced to a fluorescent light ballast; there was no fire and no damage.
The Florida Forest Service office is located on Highway 29 near Barrineau Park Road — under the fire tower.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
County Makes $265K Commitment For Hwy 29, Hwy 97 Traffic Light
June 9, 2014
Escambia County has made a funding commitment of over a quarter million dollars for a red light at the Highway 29 and Highway 97 intersection in Molino.
Last October, the Escambia County Commission affirmed its support for improvements at the intersection and expressed a willingness for the county to pay for the red light at the intersection. A Florida Department of Transportation study determined the intersection did meet the criteria for the light, with an agreement in place that FDOT would design and construct the upgrades with Escambia County paying for the construction.
FDOT has completed 60 percent of the design phase and determined that Escambia County’s estimated cost for construction will be an estimated $265,500 for mast arms and signals at the intersection of Highway 29 and Highway 97.
A redesign of the Crabtree Church Road intersection with Highway 97, which is just feet from Highway 29, also also expected to take place.
Escambia County District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry, Interim County Administrator Larry Newsom, Sen. Greg Evers, Rep. Clay Ingram, Rep. Doug Broxson, Rep. Mike Hill, Rep. Matt Gaetz and Senate President Don Gaetz all advocated for FDOT to make safety improvements at the intersection.
Pictured: Traffic crashes at the Highway 29 and Highway 97 intersection in Molino. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Local Students Are Winners At Battle Of The Books
June 9, 2014
The third annual Battle of the Books was held recently with elementary, middle and high school students competing with their comprehension skills. In addition to the team winners, the Team Spirit Award was presented to Cook Elementary School, and the Sportsmanship Award went to Bratt Elementary School. Madison Weber from Northview won the poster contest.
The winners were:
ELEMENTARY
3rd Grade
- 1st Place – SUTER (Cindy Bradley, coach) Alyx Zapatka, Tori Vinson, Madison Brown, Jacob Turner, Abigail Price
- 2nd Place – McARTHUR (Jennifer Messer, coach) A.J. Branton, Diego Moreno, Asher Nissim, Wesley Rabago, Grace Williams
- 3rd Place – LONGLEAF (Jane Smith, Brenda Gipson, Rebecca Taylor, coaches) Gabrielle Johnson, Kate Buchanan, Kendra Gwaltney, Cadence Peacock, Victoria Keeton
4th Grade
- 1st Place – BLUE ANGELS (Sara Mason, Katie Canalani, coaches) Reagan Delgado, Kendall Harding, Margo Mason, Ceirra Morre, Tallon Peterson
- 2nd Place – LIPSCOMB (Melissa Dorsett, coach) Daphnne Ross, Amara Shoppman, Yasmin Chromik, Saige Shanchez, Alexis Harrison
- 3rd Place – HOLM (Judy VanBlaricom, coach) Isaiha Price, Andrea Morrell, Mary Collins, E’moni Moore, Nakeya Davis
5th Grade
- 1st Place – PLEASANT GROVE (Annette Joyner, coach) Ian Larrieu, Jenalyn Fernandez, Kalyn Flanders, Jackson Paul, Alex Weekley
- 2nd Place – LONGLEAF (Jane Smith, Brenda Gipson, Rebecca Taylor, coaches) Michael Dixon, Caden Moorehouse, Trey Roemer, Catherine Spina, Fisher Peacock
- 3rd Place – BELLVIEW (Ashley Roche’, coach) Amy Jackson, Sydney Irwin, Theryn Delacruz, Kylie Nicoll, Kharma Romano-Cantara
MIDDLE
- 1st Place – BAILEY Team A (Roberta Wetzel, Coach) Jamiah Cummings, Solo Lim, Mackenzie Degado, Mia Torres, Aspyn Schoen
- 2nd Place – BAILEY Team B (Roberta Wetzel, Coach) Melanie Cook, James Barnes, Kamron Culp, Lauren Jaworski, Susie Shasteen
- 3rd Place – BROWN BARGE Team B (Susan Ingram, Coach) Joseph Sutton, Nolan Costa, Raelyn Dominque, Alissa Cotton, Payden Mouritsen, Kai Eckerd, Layla McRae
HIGH
- Winner – NORTHVIEW (Kayleen Amerson, Coach) Jason Perritt, Jessica Amerson, Harmoni Till, Julie Hester, Maddi Weber, Moriah McGahan, Bethany Reynolds
- Runner-Up – TATE (Mitzi Allen, Coach) Michelle Danley, Jonathan Portier, Katelyn Bailey, Kayla Woods, Forrest Biddle, Mary Elizabeth Nicholas, Samarii Mitchell, Jacob Marsh
The annual event is sponsored by the Escambia County Literacy Teacher’s Association.
New Online Portal Is One Stop For Water Resource Permitting
June 9, 2014
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection, along with the state’s five water management districts, recently launched Florida’s Water Permitting Portal. This portal provides information about all water resource permitting in Florida in one place — including well and user permits.
The agencies have integrated existing online services with the portal, providing one place for residents and businesses to go to determine what permits may be needed and from which agency. The website will continue to add new features to enhance and simplify online access and make the work more transparent.
The new online system is an open door for residents, local governments and the private sector to find information and assistance from the Department and water management districts. The water permitting portal enables users to apply for commonly issued authorizations, permits, certifications and renewals, pay fees and submit monitoring reports and other compliance documentation. It’s also a great place to get information about compliance and other water program information.
The portal allows visitors to electronically apply for permits and other authorizations including:
- Environmental Resource Permits (and authorizations to use state-owned submerged lands, where applicable).
- Consumptive and Water Use Permits.
- Well Construction Permits.
- Works of the District Permits.
Glenn Gradutes From Basic Military Training
June 9, 2014
Air Force Airman Nicholas M. Glenn 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.
Glenn is the son of Kenneth Glenn and grandson of Dorothy Glenn, both of Hartwell, Ga.
He is a 2011 graduate of J.M. Tate High School.
Funds Available For Farmers, Ranchers To Help Declining Pollinators
June 9, 2014
Florida’s pollinators — like honeybees – are in trouble. City sprawl is overtaking their habitat, threatening wildflowers and ecosystems, along with the state’s agricultural industry. And now farmers and ranchers can get technical and financial assistance to help.
The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service is funding $300,000 in Florida through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program to promote conservation practices that help reverse the loss of pollinator food and habitat. The signup deadline is July 18.
Some of the conservation practices that address loss of foraging habitat for pollinators include conservation cover, field borders and hedgerow planting. To learn more, contact the Milton Service Center at 6277 Dogwood Drive or call (850) 623-2441.
“This initiative will improve the state pollinators while reducing food costs by improving fruit and seed set in important agricultural commodities,” said Russell Morgan, Florida’s state conservationist.