Community Health Northwest Florida Celebrates National Health Center Week 2024
August 5, 2024
Every August, the National Association of Community Health Centers sponsors National Health Center Week to celebrate and increase awareness of America’s 1,400 Community Health Centers.
National Health Center Week (Aug. 4-10) is an opportunity to highlight the commitment and passion of Community Health Center staff, board members, and supporters who make it possible to provide quality, comprehensive healthcare services to more than 31.5 million patients across nearly 15,000 communities annually.
Community Health Northwest Florida is proud to be a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) that improves the health and well-being of individuals by providing high quality, cost-effective, comprehensive health care services. As an FQHC, our mission is to provide a full range of health and wellness services to all who walk through our doors.
This year’s National Health Center Week theme, “Powering Communities Through Caring Connections,” focuses on empowering communities by connecting them with health centers and elected officials from all levels of government.
Since 1992, Community Health Northwest Florida (formerly Escambia Community Clinics) has served as a medical home for those most in need in our community. Today, we have grown from a small outpatient primary care clinic to 20 multi-service locations and pharmacies, providing access to affordable, comprehensive healthcare to more than 53,000 people throughout Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
Community Health Centers serve as a beacon of strength, service, and care in their communities. In moments of pain and loss, they offer support and love. In moments of triumph, they offer hope and a vision for the future.
With a mission to make high-quality, affordable care available to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay or insurance status, Health Centers save lives on the front lines of our community’s most pressing public health challenges.
“Community Health Northwest Florida is a critical piece of the healthcare systems and collaborate with hospitals, local and state governments, social health and business organizations to improve health outcomes for those who are medically vulnerable,” says Chandra Smiley, Chief Executive Officer. “In honor of National Health Center Week, we are grateful to be able to make a difference and ensure that everyone has access to the care and support they need to lead healthy, fulfilling lives.”
Follow Community Health Northwest Florida’s social media as we celebrate National Health Center Week and spread awareness about the importance of community health centers.
In North Escambia, Community Health operates locations at:
Cantonment Pediatrics
470 South Highway 29 Unit B, Cantonment, FL 32533 (850) 780-0111
- Dental Care
- Pediatric Care
- Virtual Behavioral Health Counseling
- Virtual Psychiatry
Century Adult and Family Care
6021 Industrial Blvd. (850) 724-4064
Departments: Dental – (850) 724.4064 Option 2
- Adult & Family Care
- Dental Care
- Lab Services
- Virtual Behavioral Health Counseling
- Virtual Psychiatry
Century Pediatrics
501 Church Street (850) 724-4054
- Pediatric Care
- Virtual Behavioral Health Counseling
- Virtual Psychiatry
For more information, other locations or to make an appointment, click or tap here.
AAA: Florida Gas Prices Rose Six Cents Last Week
August 5, 2024
Florida gas prices increased a little more than 6 cents last week. The state average was $3.46 per gallon on Sunday.
In North Escambia.com a low of $2.95 was available Sunday on Highway 29 in Cantonment. Pensacola prices were as low as $289 at stations on Airport Boulevard and East Nine Mile Road.
“Although gas prices rose last week, fundamentals are moving lower,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Crude oil and gasoline futures prices finished the week sharply lower than the week before, which should enable gas prices to decline.”
The U.S. price for crude oil has declined the last four consecutive weeks. During that time, the price of oil fell about $10 per barrel (-13%). Friday’s closing price was $73.52 per barrel. That’s the lowest daily closing price since June 4.
“Futures prices reportedly fell after the latest jobs report triggered concerns of an economic slowdown,” Jenkins said.
NorthEscambia.com photo.
Blue Wahoos Sweep Sunday Pair At Chattanooga
August 5, 2024
written by Carter Bainbridge
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos (56-44) finished off a rain-marred week in Chattanooga versus the Lookouts (31-69) with a pair of wins on Sunday to close out an abbreviated five-game series.
In the day’s first game, the Wahoos completed a victory in a game that began Friday, continued Saturday, and concluded on Sunday. The action picked up with two outs in the top of the fifth and the Wahoos leading 6-4. Three combined fifth-inning RBIs from center fielder Andrew Pintar and first baseman Nathan Martorella (collected before Saturday’s weather postponement) proved to be the difference in the game. On Sunday, neither team scored throughout the game’s remaining innings. Pensacola lefthander Justin King (W, 2-0) pitched the fifth and sixth en route to a winning decision, while lefthander Dale Stanavich (SV, 1) finished out the ninth for his first professional Double-A save in a 6-4 Wahoos win.
Game 2 proved to be similarly hard-fought. New Pensacola lefthander Robby Snelling took the mound for his Blue Wahoos debut following his recent arrival via trade and impressed (5.0 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 7 K), but ultimately took a no-decision. The Wahoos broke through in the second inning on a solo home run from designated hitter Nathan Martorella, but the Lookouts tied the game 1-1 in the third on an RBI infield single from designated hitter Francisco Urbaez that deflected off of Snelling.
The game stayed tied 1-1 into the sixth when Pensacola jumped back ahead. With the bases loaded and two outs, left fielder Jakob Marsee hit a check-swing ground ball that snuck into left field for a base hit, scoring center fielder Andrew Pintar and Martorella. In the bottom of the sixth, the Lookouts struck back against Wahoos lefthander Chandler Jozwiak, who allowed a two-run, game-tying home run to Chattanooga third baseman Nick Northcut.
Neither team scored in the seventh, sending the game to extra innings. In the top of the eighth and two outs, Pensacola shortstop Jared Serna stood in against Lookouts righthander Patrick Weigel (L, 0-1) with a runner at second and capped an extraordinary first week in Double-A (10-for-21, .476 AVG, five doubles, eight RBIs) with an RBI go-ahead double that put the Wahoos ahead 4-3. In the bottom of the eighth, righthander Tyler Eckberg (SV, 1) closed out the game and series without issue, notching his first career Double-A save. Recently-promoted Pensacola righthander Nigel Belgrave (W, 1-0) earned the victory after a scoreless seventh inning. The win gave the Wahoos four victories in five games over Chattanooga on the week.
The Wahoos continue their two-week road trip when they travel to Pearl, Mississippi to begin a six-game set against the Mississippi Braves. First pitch on Tuesday, August 6 from Trustmark Park is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. CT.
One On One With Sidewalk Prophets (Their Live Concert Is Tonight In Atmore For $5)
August 4, 2024
With four major studio albums, five No. 1 hits, eight top 5 songs and new music on the radio and streaming, Christian music’s Sidewalk Prophets will headline the Intent Movement Sunday night in Atmore.
General admission is just $5 or a VIP package for $25 with preferred floor seating. Cash, Venmo and Cash App will be accepted at the gate. The event will take place at the Poarch Cultural Arena at 6477 Jack Springs Road. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the event starts at 7 p.m.
Friday, NorthEscambia.com had a one-on-one phone interview with singer and songwriter David Frey, frontman of the Sidewalk Prophets.
“We’ve been around since 2001. I met my buddy Ben and now here we are 2024 and releasing our fifth studio album and we have a current single called ‘Hurt People’ on the radio right now,” Frey told us. “And we are really just blessed that we still keep on keeping on and excited that we have new music. We haven’t had new music since 2020. So it’s been quite some time. I became a dad twice since our last record came out and we’re just, living the dream.”
Sidewalk Prophets is more than just a music group; they are a family to make everyone feel love while sharing the love of Christ.
As the father of a 4-year-old, Frey currently spends a lot of time these days singing classic kids’ songs like “Wheels on the Bus”, “Skidamarink A Dink A Dink” (one of his daughter’s favorites) and host of Disney songs.
In May, the group released the lead track from their upcoming fifth studio album. “Hurt People (Love Will Heal Our Hearts)”. It was Sidewalk Prophets’ first new music since 2020.
Hurt People was actually written before the pandemic, but “the lyrics were just not quite right” and didn’t make the cut for the last album. Then there was a small tweak, and everything fell in place as the right song at the right time.
Hurt people, they hurt people
Is it ever gonna stop?
Hurt people, they hurt people
So give me everything you’ve got
“This is a time to release this song, and I feel like with the state of the world, state of our hearts and state of everywhere, you look around” Frey said. “There’s there’s a lot of hurt in the world, and it’s so easy to when you get hurt, man to pass that hurt on, maybe even hurt yourself, hurt those around you that don’t deserve it. But man, what an idea to know that Christ taking the cross looking after the very people that hurt him. That was the absolute example of how to stop hurt in its tracks and heal and change our hearts forever.”
The Sidewalk Prophets’ second song from the new album was released just over a week ago. “Come to Jesus” is a simple but powerful invitation. Written by Frey, Ben McDonald and Mitch Wong, the ballad encourages listeners to come just as they are to the Lord.
“It’s just a simple worship song,” Frey said. “As soon was we heard it, we knew it was tugging at our heartstrings with the idea that no matter what you’re going through, no matter what, the hopelessness or depression you’re facing; even on the best of days or the worst of days, just fall into the arms of Jesus. It’s such a powerful thing.”
“My favorite line in that song is ‘there’s kindness in his eyes’, and I think that so many times this day and age, we kick kindness around we minimize it and we, we think of it as a weak thing, but to have, to know that our God is a god of kindness. It’s a powerful thing. To now that you can always fall into the arms of our Savior who has kindness in his eyes is a powerful thing.”
The soon to be released title track of the new album is “Looking Up”, a collaboration with American Idol runner-up Megan Danielle.
“I don’t know how she didn’t just win everything because her voice is unbelievable,” Frey said. “When she walked into the studio as just this unassuming sweet Georgia girl, and then she sings and you are just floored. It’s this powerful Bonnie Raitt, Dolly Parton kind of mix. She’s got rock and roll in her too.”
He said “Looking Up” was inspired by the daily commute in Nashville and seeing people on the side of the road begging for change.
“It’s about our lives and how the smallest thing could put us at rock bottom. But there’s always a reason knowing how much Christ loves us, and we always have a reason to keep looking up. It’s a song about the goodness of God.”
The Intent Movement concert Sunday night in Atmore will feature some of those new songs.
“We’ll be rocking a lot of the new songs, but we’ll be playing songs you might have heard on the radio before.”
One of those classics will be “Come to the Table”.
He said come to the table
Come join the sinners who have been redeemed
Take your place beside the Savior
Sit down and be set free
“That’s one that really resonates with myself,” Frey told us.
While the song is about coming to the table with Jesus, the story of how it came to be might not be what most people expect. It’s what Frey called a “funny story”.
Come to the Table was written in a place with no internet, no Wi-Fi, just because the group needed to get away, and they flew in a group of writers from Nashville to this “log cabin-ish thing” All they had was a DVD player in a cabinet and it had the 1991 Robin Williams movie “Hook” in which young children are abducted by Captain Hook. Peter revisits a foggy past in which he abandons Neverland for family life, leaving the Lost Boys to fend for themselves.
“The Lost Boys were sitting at the table, and it just inspired us to think about all the people that would sit at the table with Christ. All this motley crew of misfits, that’s who is going to be sitting there when we get to heaven. Those are the people that Christ called when he opened his arms so wide.”
“That song definitely holds a dear place in our hearts.”
What on David Frey’s playlist right now?
A lot of Disney, and a lot of “Skidamarink A Dink A Dink” for his kids. For him, it’s 21 Pilots and a lot of a old-school singer songwriters like the Eagles and James Taylor. Tom Petty’s “Free Falling” is a favorite that his son also loves.
“You just roll the window down and sing and have a lot of fun.”
The Future of Sidewalk Prophets
What’s the future of the Sidewalk Prophets in five or 10 years?
“Man, I really hope to keep doing what we are doing and making records,” Frey said. “What floors me is when people say a song meant this to me, and I’m like I didn’t even think God could use it that way. I hope we can continue to see people’s hearts changed. Not because of us, but because God takes these things. If you marry your passion to God’s will, it is a powerful thing.”
“I am super grateful that this passion of mine God has allowed us to do for so long, and I just pray in five years we are releasing our sixth or seventh record and hopefully it’s still resonating with souls.”
About Sunday Night’s Performance In Atmore
“We’re going to have so much fun, and we are excited. I hope that people come that don’t know Jesus and they get swept up in what He’s doing, and I pray that friends and family and churches all come. I pray we can just sing about the love of God and watch people be moved in mighty ways because of him.”
Photos courtesy Sidewalk Prophets for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
No Injuries When Toyota Collides With Semi Truck On Highway 29
August 4, 2024
There were no injuries in a crash involving an 18-wheeler and a SUV Saturday afternoon near McDavid.
The crash happened about 12:35 p.m. on Highway 29 about two miles south of Bogia Road.
A Toyota Highlander collided with the semi as the truck was turning into a private dirt lane.
Two adults and two young children in the SUV, all properly restrained, were not injured and refused transport by Escambia County EMS.
The truck driver was also uninjured.
The Florida Highway Patrol investigated and has not released further details. The McDavid Station of Escambia County Fire Rescue responded.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Photos: Molino Library Hosts Back To School Bash
August 4, 2024
The Molino Branch of the West Florida Libraries hosted a Back to School Bash Saturday afternoon.
The event included STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) themed activities, a petty zoo, carnival themed games. and exhibitors.
For a photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Florida’s Back To School Sales Tax Holiday Continues
August 4, 2024
Florida’s two-week back to school sales tax holiday continues until Sunday, August 11.
Many school supplies (including laptops and tablets) and clothing will be exempt from Florida’s usual 6% sales tax rate.
Shoppers can save on most items under a certain dollar amount. For instance, clothing must cost $100 or less per item, school supplies must cost $50 or less, personal computers and tablets $1,500 or less, and learning aids and jigsaw puzzles $30 or less.
There are many school supplies you can purchase tax-free in the state during the sales tax holiday, but here are a few highlights:
- Hats, shoes, shorts, pants, shirts, underwear, socks, and raincoats
- Backpacks, book bags, handbags, purses, and lunch boxes
- Cleated and spiked shoes and swimsuits
- Notebooks, scissors, pens, pencils, and calculators
- Printers, scanners, mice, keyboards, and routers
- Electronic books, flashcards, puzzle books, and matching games
- Hair accessories, wallets, and belts
For a details list of what does, and does not, qualify, click or tap here.
Do Online Purchases Qualify?
Online purchases can qualify, but delivery to a Florida address is required.
What Is Not Included?
While many eligible items are included in the two-week tax holiday, there are a few exceptions.
- Accessories like jewelry and watches are not tax-free nor are many types of gloves. A few additional exclusions apply.
- Clothing. Umbrellas and protective masks are taxable, as are roller skates, rented formal clothing, and non-prescription sunglasses and goggles.
- School supplies. Taxable items include printer or computer paper, and books not otherwise exempt.
- Electronics. Many electronics are taxable, including computer bags, CDs and DVDs, computers for recreational use, regular batteries (e.g. not for medical use), smartphones, surge protectors, tablet covers, game controllers, and digital cameras.
- Miscellaneous items. Furniture, luggage, garment bags, suitcases, and any rentals of eligible items are taxable and excluded from the tax-free holiday.
The sales tax holiday does not apply to:
- Any item of clothing with a sales price of more than $100
- Any school supply item with a sales price of more than $50
- Books that are not otherwise exempt
- Computers and computer-related accessories with a sales price of more than $1,500
- Computers and computer-related accessories purchased for commercial purposes
- Rentals of any eligible items
- Repairs or alterations of any eligible items
- Sales of any eligible items within a theme park or entertainment complex, public lodging establishment,
- or airports
Hot With More Afternoon Showers And Storms
August 4, 2024
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
This Afternoon: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 4pm. Sunny, with a high near 92. Northeast wind around 10 mph. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Tonight: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 90. North wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Monday Night: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10pm, then a slight chance of showers between 10pm and 1am. Mostly clear, with a low around 74. North wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Tuesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny and hot, with a high near 97. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 75. Northwest wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 99. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 76. Northwest wind around 5 mph.
Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny and hot, with a high near 97. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Here Are This Week’s Road Construction Delay Spots
August 4, 2024
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- Interstate Circle Bridge Over Eight Mile Creek – Interstate Circle is closed at the bridge over Eight Mile Creek through mid-2025 as crews replace the Eight Mile Creek bridge. Signage is in place to direct drivers around the work zone using Pine Forest Road, Longleaf Drive and Wymart Road.
- Interstate 10 (I-10) at U.S. 29 Interchange (Exit 10) – I-10, between U.S. 29 and I-110, has been reduced to two travel lanes in each direction. The U.S. 29 northbound ramp to I-10 eastbound is also closed. Drivers on U.S. 29 northbound are being detoured to make a U-turn at Broad Street onto U.S. 29 southbound to access I-10 eastbound. These closures allow crews to perform shoulder and bridge work to widen the interstate.
- I-10 at Nine Mile Road Interchange (Exit 5) – Drivers will encounter the following traffic impacts while crews place concrete barrier wall:
- Inside lane closures on I-10 near Exit 5, Monday, Aug. 5 through Thursday, Aug. 8 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.
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- Inside lane closures on Nine Mile Road between the I-10 ramps, Monday, Aug. 5 through Thursday, Aug. 8 from 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.
- U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard) Resurfacing between Henry Street and Cottage Street in Century – Traffic on U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard) has been shifted to the southbound travel lanes, between Rudolph Street and Green Street. One travel lane in each direction remains open as crews reconstruct the adjacent northbound lanes. The traffic shift is expected to remain in place through the summer. Signage is in place to safely direct drivers through the work zone.
- County Road (C.R.) 4 over Canoe Creek Bridge – C.R. 4, between Byrneville and Bratt, will be closed through late 2024 as crews replace the Canoe Creek bridge. Traffic is directed through a 5.6-mile detour using Bratt Road to Pine Barren Road, then back to C.R. 4.
- U.S. 29 (North Palafox Street) Resurfacing from Cervantes Street to State Road (S.R.) 296 (Brent Lane) – Drivers may encounter daytime outside lane closures on North Palafox Street at the intersection of Leonard Street/Cross Street and at the intersection of Fairfield Drive, Monday, Aug. 5 through Friday, Aug. 9. Crews will be working on traffic signals. Law enforcement personnel will be available to safely direct traffic through the work zone
Santa Rosa County:
- S.R. 89 Resurfacing, from north of S.R. 87 to C.R. 178 – Drivers will encounter intermittent daytime lane closures, between S.R .87 and C.R. 178, Monday, Aug. 5 through Friday, Aug. 9 as crews perform paving and sodding operations.
- U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive – Motorists will encounter the following traffic impacts:
- Median and turn-lane closures from Bayshore Road to Tiger Lake Drive.
- Intermittent lane closures and additional median closures between Bayshore Road and Tiger Lake Drive Sunday, Aug. 4, through Friday, Aug. 9, from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for stormwater drainage improvements and paving operations.
- Beginning 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 7 motorists traveling westbound along U.S. 98 will encounter a new traffic configuration from east of College Parkway to Ramblewood Drive as lanes will be shifted north. Additionally, motorists traveling eastbound along U.S. 98 will encounter a new traffic configuration from the beginning of the project to Villa Woods Circle as lanes will be shifted south. These traffic patterns are required for crews to perform necessary roadway widening operations in the median.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Wahoos Game Suspended Again by More Chattanooga Rain
August 4, 2024
written by Erik Bremer
Saturday’s plans to finish two games between the Pensacola Blue Wahoos and Chattanooga Lookouts were foiled by rain once again, as Friday’s suspended game was halted after just four at-bats.
After rain and wet grounds forced Friday’s contest to be suspended with the Blue Wahoos trailing 4-2 in the top of the fifth, the game resumed Saturday afternoon under cloudy skies. In the span of four batters, the Blue Wahoos collected RBI singles from Andrew Pintar and Nathan Martorella to claim a 6-4 lead before rain began once more.
The game, not yet official, will be picked up again on Sunday afternoon at 12:15 p.m. ET/11:15 a.m. CT. A seven-inning contest will follow to conclude the series. As the Blue Wahoos and Lookouts have no more meetings in the 2024 season, one game in the weeklong set will be canceled.