Learn More About Escambia’s Library System, Take A Survey
October 14, 2014
Escambia County is asking residents to take another in a series of surveys — this one about the West Florida Public Library System.
The system libraries serve more than 300,000 people in Escambia County. With seven libraries, the WFPL has grown and adapted to meet the changing information needs of the community since its inception in 1938 at Old Christ Church with just 3,300 books.
CLICK HERE TO TAKE A BRIEF SURVEY ABOUT ESCAMBIA COUNTY LIBRARIES.
Today the WFPL offers hundreds of thousands of books and audio-visual materials. More than 137,000 people this year already have used the computers and free Internet connections to build their technology skills, research genealogy and job search. More than 1.5 million visits are made to the libaries per year and more than 2,700 people each month attend neighborhood meetings, seminars, civic forums and other opportunities to interact and share ideas with their fellow residents at library facilities.
Residents of Escambia County can receive a free library card. The library system has checked out 578,712 items to the residents of Escambia County so far this year alone, such as books, DVDs, CDs, magazines and more, all free of charge witha library card. In addition to books, the library card allows patrons to access online encyclopedias and databases, attend numerous programs for all ages or use free wireless internet and computers. Nearly 12,000 residents each month use the Internet on more than 150 WFPL computers.
Over $6.7 million in Local Option Sales Tax has funded six new library faculties and a Bookmobile:
- 2004 – Southwest Branch Library
- 2007 – Century Branch Library
- 2008 – Tryon Branch Library
- 2012 – Main Library
- 2012 – Molino Branch Library
- 2014 – Westside Branch Library at Legion Field
Additionally, Local Option Sales Tax has allowed $875,000 in upgrades to preexisting library facilities:
- Buildings – $209,807
- Radio Frequency ID System – $455,367
- System Software – $209,826
For more information, visit MyWFPL.com.
Escambia Schools Holding Giveaways To Promote National School Lunch Week
October 14, 2014
The Escambia County School District is hosting daily giveaways for prizes and gift cards to increase school participation this week, which is designated at National School Lunch Week. The week highlights the importance of healthy eating and physical activity for a balanced lifestyle.
“Research shows there is a direct connection between eating healthy meals at school and improved academic performance,” said Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam. “This National School Lunch Week, we’re encouraging kids to eat right so they can succeed in the classroom and on the field.”
School meals are healthier than ever, Putnam said. Each child is offered whole grains, protein, vegetables, fruit and milk every single day.
Pictured top: This drawing shows the new cafeteria that students at Ernest Ward Middle School will enjoy by next year when a newly constructed school opens. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Volleyball: Pensacola High Tops Northview (With Gallery)
October 14, 2014
The Pensacola High Lady Tigers defeated the Northview Chiefs Monday afternoon
PHS topped Northview in three straight 22-25, 20-25, 17-25.
Northview travels to Central Tuesday, with the JV playing at 5:00 and varsity at 6:00.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Major Leaguer Caleb Gindl To Hold Baseball Clinic
October 14, 2014
Northview Baseball and Major Leaguer Caleb Gindl of the Milwaukee Brewers will present a fall baseball clinic for ages 9-17. Participants will receive professional instruction and on the field experience while supporting the Northview Chiefs baseball program.
The clinic will be held Saturday, November 8 from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Northview baseball complex. The cost is $40 per participant. Pre-register by November 1 for a free clinic t-shirt.
For more information or to register, call the Northview Diamond Club at (850) 554-8594.
Pictured: The Milwaukee Brewer’s Caleb Gindl hits during a baseball clinic last year at Northview High School in Bratt. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Husband Missing Since Wife’s Death Found, Will Be Charged With Murder
October 13, 2014
A man that had been missing since his wife’s body was discovered in the couple’s home has been found, and he will be charged with her murder.
Richard Kevin Kline, 44, was located over the weekend in Chattanooga, TN, and is currently in custody in Hamilton County awaiting extradition to Escambia County where he will be charged with first degree murder in the death of his wife, Jolena Kline.
Kline had been missing since October 8 when his wife’s body was discovered at their Pensacola home. Escambia Sheriff’s deputies forced entry into a Corrydale Drive home in search of 42-year-old Jolena Kline after family members became concerned that they had not seen or heard from her in several days. Her body was discovered inside the home, and investigators said the cause of death is undetermined and is pending a Medical Examiner’s report.
Man Ejected From His Overturning Pickup During Highway 29 Crash
October 13, 2014
A man ejected from his overturning truck onto the asphalt of Highway 29 near McDavid late this morning was reportedly walking around, talking and denying serious injury a short time later.
Cody Odom of Century was northbound on Highway 29 when lost control, ran off the road and his truck overturned into the median of Highway 29 just south of Bogia Road about 10:30 a.m.. The 26-year old was transported by Escambia County EMS to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola.
The accident is under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. The McDavid Station of Escambia Fire Rescue and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office also responded to the crash.
Following his release from the hospital, Odom was arrested on an outstanding probation violation warrant, according to jail records. He was being held without bond.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Molino Man Charged With Battery On His 87-Year Old Mother
October 13, 2014
A Molino man has been charged with attacking his 87-year old mother with a telephone handset.
The elderly woman called 911 to report that her son, 55-year old Conrad Lee Micari, was drunk and tearing things up in her residence on Straughn Road in Molino. The 911 dispatcher reported that the phone went dead after she heard a scuffle.
When deputies arrived, the victim told them that Micari heard her on the phone with the 911 operator, snatched the phone out of her hand and used it to strike her several times on her leg. Escambia County EMS was called to the home to evaluate the 87-year old, who told deputies that she felt like she was going to have a heart attack.
Micari was “extremely intoxicated” and refused to discuss the incident with deputies, according to an arrest report.
Micari was charged with felony battery on a person 65 year of age or older. He remained in the Escambia County Jail Monday with bond set at $10,000.
Molino Park Elementary Parents: Learn More About Bullying
October 13, 2014
Molino Park Elementary School will hold a free Parent Bullying Training program this Thursday at the school.
There will be two identical sessions — one at 8 a.m. and the other at 6 p.m. The evening training will include a free spaghetti dinner sponsored by the Molino Elementary School PTA. The program will be presented by Denise Manassa of the Community Drug & Alcohol Council.
The top three classes with the most family members in attendance at the presentation will win an ice cream party for their class.
Parents and guardians can click here for a printable reservation form to return to their child’s teacher at Molino Park Elementary.+
Alabama Woman Claims $83K Lottery Ticket Sold In Davisville
October 13, 2014
An Alabama woman has claimed an $83,200.07 prize for a winning Florida Lottery Fantasy 5 ticket sold in Davisville.
Celestie J. Mullins of Clanton, AL, purchased the ticket for the September 20 drawing at the State Line Gift Shop, 11208 Highway 97. The ticket was one of three winning tickets sold. Other winning tickets matching all five numbers was sold in Sarasota and Miami.
The 392 tickets matching four numbers won $102.50 each. Another 13,058 tickets matching three numbers are worth $8.50 each, and 118,975 tickets holders won a Quick Pick ticket for picking two numbers.
The winning numbers for the September 20 drawing were 4-5-8-21-23.
Hurricane Season? All Quiet In Florida, But Experts Say That Could Change
October 13, 2014
Florida is in the middle of hurricane season, but you’d never know it by looking at the forecast. With a little more than a month left to go, there have been no immediate threats to the Florida coast this year. Tropical Storm Fay and Tropical Storm Gonzalo are in the Atlantic, but are expected to be no threat to Florida.
In fact, it’s been nine years since the state was hit by a significant storm, but Dennis Feltgen, public affairs officer for the National Hurricane Center in Miami, are reminding folks that sometimes there’s a calm before the storm.
“So here we are basically a week into October and yes, there’s a lot of breathings of sighs of relief out there, and I think that’s a little bit too early,” he says.
Feltgen explains the warmer waters in the Gulf of Mexico during October and November make hurricanes more likely for the Florida coast, compared to states along the Atlantic.
The last hurricane to directly hit the Tampa Bay area was in October 1921. The last major one to hit Florida was Hurricane Wilma in October 2005.
Daniel Nyquist, a spokesman for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), says while out of sight, out of mind can make people forget about the importance of preparedness, now is a good time to evaluate your supplies and emergency plan.
“You don’t want to be thinking about your own level of preparedness when flood waters are rising, or when you’re feeling the shake of an earthquake,” he stresses.” “You really want to take the time on a day like today when it’s pretty nice outside to think ‘What would I do if this happened to me, how can I get ready, what resources are available?’”
Feltgen agrees that the time to prepare for a hurricane is when the skies are clear.
“If you don’t have a hurricane plan in place, and the hurricane warnings are already flying out there, it’s too late to get your plan,” he points out. “You’re going to be making very difficult decisions under duress, and odds are the decisions you make are going to be the wrong ones.”
Feltgen recommends assembling an emergency kit, and making a family communications plan.
It’s also good to understand evacuation routes in your community and the elevation level of your property to know if it’s flood prone.
Pictured: Hurricane Wilma, the last significant hurricane to hit Florida’s coast, struck in October 2005. Image courtesy NOAA for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.