‘Biggest Thing We Need Right Now Is Jesus’ – Cantonment Community Revival Next Week At Carver Park
May 27, 2024
“The biggest thing we need right now is Jesus. He is the fixer.”
That’s what Josh Womack said as he described the Cantonment Community Revival is planned for June 3-8 at Carver Park in Cantonment.
Womack, Cantonment resident and member of the Cantonment Improvement Committee (CIC), worked with the North Escambia Fellowship of Churches and Pastor Andy Perry of Gonzalez Methodist Church to organize the event the revival.
“Sunday is the most segregated day of the week,” Womack said, “I met with Pastor Perry, and we worked to see we could get the churches together. We have eight so far.”
“We always wait until something bad happens and the first thing you see is the ministers and politicians come out. We are not being proactive; we are being reactive.”
After 12 years with CIC, the biggest thing Womack sees as missing in Cantonment is Jesus and church backing.
“We need out politicians and leaders, but to go ahead we need Jesus’ love at the forefront,” he said.
The Cantonment Community Revival will take place from 6-8 p.m. at Carver Park on Webb Street:
- Monday, June 3: Pastor Anthony Perry, Gonzalez Methodist Church
- Tuesday, June 4: Rev. Leon Bell, Associate Pastor Greater First Baptist Church of Cantonment
- Wednesday, June 5: Pastor Gene McCants, Providence Baptist Church
- Thursday, June 6: Brother Vincent Wilson, Deliverance Tabernacle
- Friday, June 7: Pastor Robert Gross, Back to the Cross Christian Center
- Saturday, June 9: A Family and Friends Fellowship Day will wrap up the week from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m..
Ernest Ward Middle School Names Students Of The Month
May 27, 2024
Ernest Ward Middle School recently named their Students of the Month for April. They are (L-R) McKenzie Norton, Payton Coon, and Allie Penton. They are pictured with Principal Tyvanna Boulanger. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Highway 97 Driver Injured After Hitting Tree Downed During Storms Two Weeks Ago
May 27, 2024
One person was injured when she crashed into a downed tree on the side of Highway 97 south of Tungoil Road, between Molino and Walnut Hill Sunday morning.
The woman apparently lost control of her vehicle ran off the roadway for an unknown reason and collided with a pine tree that had been down on the side of the road since storms two weeks ago.
The driver was transported to Baptist Hospital in Pensacola by Escambia County EMS.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating.
The Molino Station of Escambia County Fire Rescue also responded.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Bender Appointed To Judicial Nominating Commission
May 27, 2024
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has appointed Amy Bender, wife of Escambia County Supervisor of Elections Robert Bender, to the First Judicial Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC).
Bender, of Pensacola, is senior counsel and assistant general counsel at Freeman Mathis & Gary, LLP. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and her juris doctorate from the University of Georgia
Bender was appointed for a term ending July 1, 2027.
There are 28 separate JNCs: one for the Florida Supreme Court; six for each of the district courts of appeal; 24 for each circuit court and the county courts contained in that circuit; and one Statewide Commission for Judges of Compensation Claims. The JNCs are required to operate in accordance with the Uniform Rules of Procedure applicable to each level of JNC. JNC members serve four-year terms, except when an appointment is made to fill a vacant, unexpired term. A JNC member may hold public office other than judicial office.
Blue Wahoos Fall In Another One-Run Series Finale Loss To Smokies
May 27, 2024
written by Bill Vilona
Bennett Hostetler tossed his bat aside in frustration as the game’s final out became a pop out.
It was that kind of day, this kind of week, as the Blue Wahoos fell 3-2 Sunday against the Tennessee Smokies, ending their homestand in a glum way and extending a difficult trend.
A capacity crowd (5,038) on Memorial Day weekend at Blue Wahoos Stadium watched the Smokies complete their fifth win of the six-game series. It was also the fifth consecutive one-run difference in the low-scoring games between these teams.
With their bats in continued slumber, the Blue Wahoos missed on rally chances in the seventh inning with bases loaded. And then in the eighth with two runners on base and one out.
The Blue Wahoos (23-22) will have the Monday holiday off, then a short road trip Tuesday to Biloxi in hopes of getting some offensive spark and stringing some wins. They are 3-9 in the past two series.
But away from the scoreboard, it was a weekend full of wins.
The Blue Wahoos filled the ballpark Sunday for the third consecutive day. It was the 13th capacity crowd at Blue Wahoos Stadium in 27 home games this season.
The pregame featured a parade of school children who completed the popular Kazoo’s Reading Program. There was also a re-enlistment ceremony for a local resident joining the U.S. Air Force.
And, the Blue Angels again elicited a thunderous cheer when the famed jets buzzed over the stadium early in the game, after returning from a weekend show.
The sixth inning “roach run” had massive participation and a large portion of the crowd stayed to the end. Children ran the bases and families tossed soft baseballs in the outfield.
The Blue Wahoos again received quality pitching, this time from five different relievers on a pitching-by-bullpen-committee outing. Chandler Jozwiak, normally a middle reliever, absorbed a hard luck loss after working the first two innings and allowing a run on a sacrifice fly.
The Smokies (27-18) got their second run in the third inning on a leadoff triple by No. 9 hitter Josh Rivera, who then scored on Christian Franklin’s sacrifice fly.
The Blue Wahoos halved the deficit without getting a ball in play. Jorge Caballero was hit by a pitch, Jakob Marsee walked, Paul McIntosh was hit by a pitch, then Caballero scored on a two-out balk.
In the seventh inning, Harrison Spohn walked, then Tanner Allen and Caballero singled to load the bases. But Smokies reliever Alex Troop struck out Marsee swinging on a slider and got McIntosh to strike out on a changeup.
Joe Mack then lined a shot off Troop’s leg and the ball caromed into foul territory to score Spohn and force Troop to leave the game. Michael Arias entered and got Hostetler to end the inning on a flyout.
In the eighth, with two on, one out, Allen lined a pitch hard, but right at Rivera at shortstop. Caballero struck out to end the inning.
McIntosh was then stranded in the ninth after a one-out single.
Both teams went with relievers starting the game. The Blue Wahoos used Jozwiak and Tennessee countered with righthander Trey Supak, who worked four innings.
GAME NOTABLES
— Students, teachers and parents from area schools were able to take a lap around the field during the pregame ceremony that highlighted the reading program.
— The Milton High baseball team had its fundraiser day at the ballpark.
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WHAT’S NEXT?
WHO: Blue Wahoos vs. Biloxi Shuckers
WHEN: Tuesday (May 28) thru Sunday (June 2).
WHERE: Shuckers Ballpark, Biloxi, Mississippi.
Wrong Way Driver From Escambia County Causes Okaloosa I-10 Crash
May 26, 2024
An Escambia County man was seriously injured in a wrong-way interstate crash in Okaloosa County
The Florida Highway Patrol said a 45-year-old Escambia County man in a midsize Kia SUV entered I-10 at Holt and traveled west in the eastbound lanes. He struck a Dodge Charger driven by a 21-year-old Texas man head-on. After striking the Kia, the Charger rotated and collided with a Ford F150 driven by a 65-year-old Crestview man.
The driver of the Kia was airlifted to local hospital with serious injuries. The driver of the Charger was transported to local hospital via ambulance for minor injuries. The driver of the F150 was treated on scene for minor injuries and released. Both lanes of Interstate 10 were shut down and traffic was being diverted for about an hour and a half.
Last Original Northview High Employee Sheila Holland Retires
May 26, 2024
The last remaining original employee of Northview High School has now retired.
Northview opened in 1995, joining of Century High School and grades nine through 12 of Ernest Ward High School. Sheila Holland joined that first year and retired Friday, 29 years later.
NHS academic advisor Raja Attah penned the following retrospective:
Ms. Sheila Holland has become the face of Northview—she’s been Northview’s long-time secretary and is the LAST remaining staff member who started working at Northview on day 1 when the school opened in 1995. She was even part of the ribbon-cutting ceremony and remembers meeting Northview’s first principal Ms. Gayle Weaver during Northview’s very first faculty meeting.
Friday was her last day..
Ms. Holland started working at Escambia School District 34 years ago. She started as a teacher aide at Byrneville Elementary in 1990. After four years, she moved to Molino Elementary for a year. Then she joined the Northview team in 1995. Today, Ms. Holland completes her 29th year at Northview where she held several roles, including the attendance clerk and assistant band director.
Ms. Holland said, “I have no regrets: I met so many nice people. I love the kids and enjoy my job.” She said to Northview faculty and staff during the end-of-year luncheon, “My heart will always be at Northview, and you’ll always have a place in my heart.”
Ms. Carroll, who has known Ms. Holland for over 25 years, said about Ms. Holland, “She’s sassy, dependable, early riser, makes life easier for teachers, spoils teachers with finding last-minute subs.” Ms. Carroll commented on how Ms. Holland loved Northview students, “When her kids grew up, she adopted the Northview kids.”
Ms. Salter, who has known Ms. Holland since Ms. Salter was an infant, said pointing at Ms. Holland’s hair, “Some of those gray hairs are mine.” Ms. Salter continued speaking endearingly, “Ms. Holland is a hot mess; we love her! She’s good as gold. She’ll do anything for you. She’s hard to replace. She’s someone you can go to if you need anything. She’s like having a second mom at school.”
Ms. Holland’s sense of humor always had a place at her job. When Coach Summerford came for his job interview a few years ago, Ms. Holland greeted him by saying, “I’ll see if they still want to see you; you’re an hour late.” He actually was on time. But her sense of humor broke the ice and made Coach Summerford laugh after a moment of panic. She put him at ease before the interview.
Friday morning, Ms. Holland sat at her desk one more time—the same desk where she has been sitting for decades—contemplating her years of service at Northview. With her sweet, affectionate smile, she said, “I treated each kid as if they were my own child or grandkid, and that’s how I want others to treat them. Always treat students as you want someone to treat you and your own kids and grandkids.”
Ms. Holland is one of the kindest people someone could ever meet. She has treated Northview’s faculty and staff with care and kindness. She has loved our students, and her student office workers were the most fortunate ones who were always treated with generous gifts and treats.
We will dearly miss Ms. Sheila Holland and wish her a blessed and happy retirement!
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Byrneville Elementary Names Students Of The Month
May 26, 2024
Byrneville Elementary School recently named their Students of the Month for April.
They are:
Kindergarten: Calee Flowers and Jayceon Jackson
First Grade: Wyatt Koski and Remi Macks
Second Grade: Vera Fularz and Myah Gill
Third Grade: Myra Gill and Suzi Pope
Fourth Grade: Aubree Price and Corbin Strawbridge
Fifth Grade: Charley Cooley and Antonia Hayes
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Memorial Day Closures, Trash Schedule
May 26, 2024
Escambia County:
In observance of Memorial Day, the following Escambia County offices will be closed Monday, May 27:
- Escambia County Board of County Commissioners (all departments)
- West Florida Public Libraries (all locations)
- Escambia County Property Appraiser
- Escambia County Tax Collector
- Escambia County Supervisor of Elections
- Escambia County Department of Animal Welfare
- Escambia County Clerk of the Court and Comptroller
- Escambia County Extension Office
- Waste Services Administration
- Escambia County Area Transit Administration and Customer Service
Escambia County Exceptions:
- The Perdido Landfill will be open Monday, May 27.
- ECAT will operate limited service on Monday, May 27, with regular service resuming Tuesday, May 28:
- Route 59X: The last bus will depart NATTC at 6:50 p.m.
- Route 64 Beach Jumper: The last bus will depart NAS Pensacola at 7 p.m.
- Pensacola Beach Trolleys: The Pensacola Beach Trolleys will run until midnight.
ECAT:
ECUA business offices will be closed on Monday, May 27, in observance of the Memorial Day holiday. However, all residential and commercial sanitation collections for ECUA customers will be unaffected by the holiday and will be carried out as usual. Customers may contact ECUA Customer Service at 476-0480 for more information.
Town of Century:
Town of Century offices will be closed Monday, May 27.
Escambia County EMS Recognized During EMS Week
May 26, 2024
Escambia County wrapped up a celebration of EMS Week on Saturday after honoring the hard-working men and women who make up Escambia County’s Emergency Medical Services Division.
The Board of County Commissioners adopted a proclamation recognizing EMS Week.
2024 marks the 50th year of National EMS Week, with the theme “Honoring Our Past. Forging Our Future.” EMS Week honors the entire EMS profession and its importance in protecting the safety and health of citizens.
From Jan. 1-Dec. 31, 2023, Escambia County EMS responded to 81,329 calls, an increase of 7,269 calls from 2023. Available 24 hours per day, 365 days a year, they stand ready to provide critical care advanced life support, Basic life support, and bariatric transports to residents and visitors.
“The men and women of Escambia County EMS work tirelessly day-in and day-out to provide life-saving services to our citizens and visitors, as evident by more than 81,000 calls for service,” said EMS Deputy Chief Chris Stephens. “Their dedication and compassion to the life of another goes above and beyond, and I’m fortunate to work alongside this excellent group of professionals.”
Photo NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.