Northview JV Baseball Beats Neal; NHS Softball Schedule Change For Tuesday
March 4, 2014
The junior varsity Northview Chiefs beat W.S. Neal Monday night 10-7 in East Brewton.
Northview is scheduled to host Jay, weather permitting this afternoon with the JV playing at 4:00 and the varsity at 6:00.
In girls action, the junior varsity Northview versus Jay game has been canceled, with the varsity Chiefs and Royals now scheduled for 4:00, weather permitting.
Pictured: Northview’s JV beat W.S. Neal Monday in East Brewton. Photos by Ramona Preston for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Read Across America Day At Jim Allen Elementary
March 4, 2014
Brighthouse Network employees read to students at Jim Allen Elementary School Monday to celebrate Read Across America Day. Brighthouse Networks provided Dr. Seuss bookmarks for all the books, and donated a book to a classroom library. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Highway 97A Boggy Creek Bridge Reopens
March 4, 2014
Traffic on Highway 97A over Boggy Creek near Enon has been shifted from a temporary bridge to a newly constructed bridge. The old bridge was demolished and a new structure and approaches constructed since last August. The total price tag for the project was about $1.5 million.
Lower speed limits are still in effect and motorists may encounter some delays as the temporary bridge and approaches are removed. Drivers are advised to use caution while traveling through the area and to be aware that speeding violations will be doubled when workers are present. Construction work could be delayed or rescheduled due to inclement weather.
Pictured: A new $1.5 million bridge over Boggy Creek in Enon opened late last week. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Poarch Creeks Open Health Clinic And Assisted Living Facility
March 4, 2014
The Poarch Band of Creek Indians Monday opened the doors of two new facilities that will provide health care services for the tribe and its employees and long-term care and housing for its senior citizens.
The Buford L. Rolin Health Clinic, named after the tribe’s current Chairman, and the Lavan Martin Assisted Living Facility, which honors the revered late tribal leader, serve as working monuments to the two men’s lifelong commitment to providing essential services to Poarch, according to a PCI press release.
Rolin is nationally recognized for his decades of work in Indian healthcare. Martin worked tirelessly during his lifetime to secure tribal services for current and future generations.
“There has been the need to expand our services and build a new health clinic for several years,” said Tribal Administrator Edie Jackson. “We are thrilled to be able to open this state-of -the -art facility, especially one that honors our Chairman who has done so much for so many.
“It is a great comfort, too, that our new assisted living facility now gives our elders the opportunity to stay close to home, live in a premier facility, and be the beneficiaries of high-quality care,” she continued.
“I am so proud to be able to walk through these doors today,” Rolin said. “Lavan and I dreamed for many years about having these kinds of facilities for our Tribe. I know that he would be so happy to see that his hard work and commitment were remembered and honored this way. I feel so personally gratified that we are able to provide wonderful healthcare services and care for our elders right here at home.”
The two-story Tribal Health Clinic will offer a full range of health services to tribal members and employees. There are more than 200 parking space to accommodate visitors, patients and staff.
The Lavan Martin Assisted Living Facility includes four assisted living homes, 24 one-bedroom apartments, eight two-bedroom apartments and two guest rooms. The complex also includes a 100-seat dining room, plus recreational and entertainment spaces.
Three Injured In Highway 97 Rollover Crash
March 3, 2014
Three people were injured in a single vehicle rollover accident Sunday north of Molino.
The driver of a passenger car apparently lost control, ran off the roadway and overturned in the 2300 block of Highway 97, just north of Gibson Road. The driver was airlifted by LifeFlight to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola.
Two passengers were transported by ambulance to Sacred Heart Hospital, while a third passenger refused treatment at the scene.
The names of those involved and further details have not been released by the Florida Highway Patrol. The Molino, Walnut Hill and McDavid stations of Escambia County Fire Rescue, Escambia County EMS and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office also responded to the crash.
Pictured top and inset: Firefighters use the Jaws of Life to free the driver following this traffic crash on Highway 97 Sunday. Pictured below: Three people were injured in the accident. NorthEscambia photos, click to enlarge.
Firefighters Respond To Electrical Fire
March 3, 2014
Firefighters responded to a reported porch fire on Deer Run Lane, just off South Highway 99, near Walnut Hill Sunday night.
The fire, reported about 10:30 p.m., was out when the first firefighters arrived on scene. The cause of the fire was believed to be the electrical supply to a clothes dryer. There was no major damage to the home and no injuries reported.
The Walnut Hill, Molino and McDavid stations of Escambia Fire Rescue and the Atmore Fire Department were dispatched to the incident .
Editor’s note: The red glow in the photos is not fire; it was caused by emergency lights and a light fog.
Pictured: Firefighters responded to a reported fire on Deer Run Lane Sunday night. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Lawmaker Files Bill To Pause School Grades
March 3, 2014
One of the leading Senate Democrats on education has filed a bill proposing a sweeping overhaul of the state’s school accountability system, though the measure faces long odds in the Republican-controlled Legislature.
The legislation, sponsored by Sen. Bill Montford of Tallahassee, would pause the school grading system for three years. Also, a state test could not be the “sole determiner” of whether students graduate or get promoted to the next grade over the same time frame. The proposal comes after years of controversy about the state’s grading system and as Education Commissioner Pam Stewart faces a decision on a new test to measure student learning under the revised version of the Common Core State Standards currently being implemented.
“Florida’s accountability system is no longer credible in the eyes of the public — from the adoption of new standards, the selection of a new assessment, to the awarding of school grades,” Montford said in a statement. The bill would also alter the state’s performance-pay law, approved by the Legislature in 2011, by lowering the portion of a teacher’s evaluation that has to be based on test results from 50 percent to 30 percent. Another 20 percent would be based on other measures of a teacher’s performance. And it would delay for three years — from July 1 of this year to July 1, 2017 — the date when new employees are required to enter the state’s performance-pay system.
A companion bill is planned in the House. Montford also serves as chief executive officer of the Florida Association of District School Superintendents. Local districts and teachers have pushed the state to pause the accountability system for at least three years while the new standards and tests take effect.
by The News Service of Florida
Photo: Captain Of The Boat
March 3, 2014
The weekend weather was perfect for outdoor activities…including running catfish lines up the Escambia River with the Captain of the Boat “Rowdy” at helm near the Molino boat ramp. Photo by Crista Pope for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Join The Tate QB Club During Tuesday Night meeting
March 3, 2014
The Tate High School Quarterback Club is beginning their members drive.
Freshman parents, fans, alumni, community members, and others that want to get involved in the football program can join the Quarterback Club Tuesday. New members can join during the next Quarterback Club meeting on Tuesday, March 4 at 6:30 pm. in the Tate Media Center.
March 4. Come to QB Club meeting March 4 6:30 in Tate Media Center.
March Special Events And Programs At West Florida Library Locations
March 3, 2014
Reoccurring Programs
Main Library: 239 North Spring Street, Pensacola, FL, (850) 436-5060
- AARP Tax Help, weekly on Tuesday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. until April 16
- Crafternoons for Youth, weekly on Thursday, 4 to 5 p.m.
- Family Game Night, weekly on Monday, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
- Sensory Play for children, monthly on the third Saturday, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
- Storytime for children up to 5, weekly on Wednesday, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
*Wednesday, March 19, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.: Special Story Time: Bunny Hop (Children)
Century Branch: 7991 North Century Boulevard, Century, FL, (850) 256-6217
- Storytime for children up to 5, weekly on Thursday, 4 to 5 p.m.
Genealogy Branch: 5740 North 9th Avenue, Pensacola, FL, (850) 494-7373
- West Florida Genealogical Society Meeting, monthly on the first Saturday, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
*A meeting will not be held in July
Molino Branch: 6450-A Highway 95A, Molino, FL, (850) 435-1760
- GED Classes weekly on Monday and Thursday, 6 to 7 p.m. until May 16
- Storytime for children up to 5, weekly on Wednesday, 10:30 to 11 a.m.
Southwest Branch: 12248 Gulf Beach Highway, Pensacola, FL, (850) 453-7780
- AARP Tax Help, weekly on Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. until April 16
- Kids: Read to the Dogs, monthly on the fourth Saturday, March 22, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Storytime for children up to 5, weekly on Tuesday, 10:30 to 11 a.m.
- Book Club: American Girl (preregistered girls ages 7 to 13), monthly on the third Saturday, March 15, 2 to 3 p.m. through November 16
Tryon Branch: 1200 Langley Avenue, Pensacola, FL, (850) 471-6980
- Kids: Read to the Dogs, monthly on the third Saturday, March 15, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Storytime for children up to 5, weekly on Thursday, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Westside Branch: 1580 West Cervantes Street, Pensacola, FL, (850) 595-1047
- Storytime for children up to 5, weekly on Saturday, 2 to 3 p.m.
Special Events and Programs
For Peace of Mind Seminar, Saturday, March 1, 10 to 11 a.m., Tryon Branch
The Florida Department of Health in Escambia County is offering free seminars on women’s health for women 21 years or older to present information on breast and cervical cancer risk, the HPV vaccine and the importance of women getting screenings. Women interested in becoming screened will be given resources that may provide their screenings for free. Women who attend will receive health information and incentives for their participation. This will also take place on Saturday, April 5 and Saturday, May 3.
Seuss-tastic Saturday (Children) Saturday, March 1, all day, Main Library
Take the Seuss Challenge, have a piece of birthday cake and share a story in honor of this beloved author and illustrator’s birthday.
Celebrate Dr. Seuss’s Birthday and Read Across America, Monday, March 3, 6 p.m., Molino
Dress up as your favorite Dr. Seuss character and enjoy Dr. Seuss stories. The Molino Mid-County Historical Society will provide cookies, popcorn and lemonade.
Age of Champions, Monday, March 3, 3 to 5 p.m., Main Library
Age of Champions is the inspiring story of a group of athletes—a 100-year-old tennis champion, 86-year-old pole vaulter, team of basketball grandmothers and a pair of swimming brothers—all chasing gold at the National Senior Olympics. The film captures the triumphant spirit of these competitors as they tackle the challenges of old age with grace, humor and optimism.
This special screening is sponsored by the Friends of West Florida Public Library and the University of West Florida Center on Aging.
Author Visit: Dr. Tom Schneider, Saturday, March 8, 1 to 2 p.m., Southwest Branch
Dr. Tom Schneider will discuss his book, ‘A Physician’s Apology’ which is about solutions for healing the mind and body. He relates his personal experiences with his healing principles and debunks many myths. Dr. Schneider is a former Blue Angel, flight surgeon and war hero who writes about solutions for healing mind and body as a result of his extraordinary life. He is currently Chief Medical Officer of HealthSpan Institute International and Medical Director of the Florida HealthSpan in Pensacola.
National Weather Service Storm Spotter Class, Tuesday, March 11, 5 to 6:30 p.m., Tryon Branch
Jeff Garmon from the National Weather Service Mobile will provide a storm spotter class for interested adults. This is the introductory course that describes the basic forms of severe weather, how to make reports to the NWS and more. For more information, http://bit.ly/1jDYT21.
St. Patrick’s Day Celebration “Of the Green,” (Children), Thursday, March 13, 5 to 6 p.m., Tryon Branch
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with games, crafts and treats.
Explore Pensacola History – “Having Fun, Wish You Were Here! The History of Florida Through Postcards”
Liz Coursen traces the history of postcards from Florida, starting with Ponce de Léon himself, to show that the images on these mementos helped to make Florida what it is today. In the second part of the presentation, she will focus on early postcard images of Pensacola and surrounding areas and the history we can learn from them. Sponsored by Florida Humanities Council, Viva Florida 500 and the Friends of the West Florida Public Library. For more information, http://bit.ly/NzDNqd.
- Wednesday, March 12, 6 to 7 p.m., Main Library
- Thursday, March 13, 6 to 7 p.m., Southwest Branch
Explore Pensacola History – Atlantic Coast Theater Presentations “Florida Treasures: A Viva Florida History Exploration”
When two tourists discover a treasure chest full of historical artifacts, they are magically transported back in time in a fun-filled journey through Florida history. The audience will laugh and learn about Ponce De Leon, the settlement of Pensacola (Florida’s “Almost Oldest” city), the founding of St. Augustine, and the “original” Pocahontas story. Age appropriate for grades K-8, but all are welcome. Sponsored by Florida Humanities Council, Viva Florida 500 and the Friends of the West Florida Public Library.
- Tuesday, March 18, 3 to 4 p.m., Main Library
- Tuesday, March 18, 6 to 7 p.m., Southwest Branch
- Wednesday, March 19, 3 to 4 p.m., Westside Branch
- Wednesday, March 19, 6 to 7 p.m., Tryon Branch
- Thursday, March 20, 6 to 7 p.m., Molino
Beyond Our Backyard: Archaeology Around the World, each Thursday in March, 7 to 8 p.m., Main Library
WFPL is partnering with the Florida Public Archaeology Network to provide programs each Thursday night in March to celebrate Florida Archaeology Month.
- Thursday, March 6: “The Evolution of Underwater Archaeology in Madagascar and the Serapis Project”
- Thursday, March 13: “In Search of the Founders of Berlin”
- Thursday, March 20: “Bioarachaeology of the Undead Deviant Burials in Post- Medieval Poland”
- Thursday, March 27: “Africa Underwater: The Ghana Maritime Archaeology Project”
These events are sponsored by Florida Public Archaeology Network, Viva Florida 500, the Friends of the West Florida Public Library, the UWF Archaeology Department and the Pensacola Archaeology Society.
Celebrate Spring: Plant a New Beginning, (Children) – Thursday, March 20, 5 p.m., Century
Celebrate Spring with a great story, cookies and treats. Also, plan on getting dirty planting a flower or vegetable for you to take home.
Books to Film Book Club, (Adults) – fourth Tuesday of each month starting, Tuesday, March 25, 6 to 7 p.m., Tryon Branch
The first monthly get together will begin with a list of the dozens of recent books that have made it to Hollywood and share our ideas of what we would like to explore for our book club. Sign up is requested. Everyone 18 and older welcome.
Photos of Polly Crongeyer: Places Near & Far Exhibit, through March 31, Southwest Branch
Polly Crongeyer is an award winning freelance photographer specializing in travel and fine art photography who focuses on environmental portraits and a sense of place, which makes each culture and venue unique.