Remembering The Dream: Residents Honor Martin Luther King, Jr.
January 17, 2012
Residents across the area gathered Monday to honor the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with parades, motorcades and uplifting programs.
In Century, residents gathered at a program sponsored by the Century-Flomaton Improvement Association where guest speaker Tony R. McCray, Jr. told the attendees to follow in the footsteps of King’s dream.
For a photo gallery, click here.
“Dr. King had a dream. We need to keep that dream alive that one day we will all be able to stand together and work together. We must have faith,” McCray said. “Remember, faith can move mountains. All we want to do is move some dollars and create jobs and business opportunities for our community, for our cities and for our county.”
McCray, executive director of the IBIS Community Development Corporation, said communities in Escambia County could come together for mutual benefit under a program called Higher Heights Escambia.
“When we work together, when we plan together, when we pray together when we invest together, when we raise our voices together, we can accomplish much more,” he said. ” A new effort of black leadership, and of white leadership, is coming together to move to a higher height of unity…We are going to be calling on you in Century to sit down to the table and let’s work through our problems.”
Also during Monday’s event in Century, a $250 William R. McMurray Scholarship, presented by the Jackson McMurray Funeral Service, was awarded to Kiara Williams.
Similar events, parades and motorcades were held across the area Monday, including Flomaton, Atmore and Pensacola.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Pictured top: Attendees join in a chorus of “We Shall Overcome” during a Martin Luther King, Jr. program in Century Monday morning. Pictured top inset: Leola Robinson listens to a speaker during the program. Pictured bottom inset: A musical performance. Pictured below: Dozens of Century area residents attended the program. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Fire Alarm Upgrade Planned For Tate High
January 17, 2012
Fire alarm systems at Tate High School will be replaced in the coming months.
The Escambia County School District has approved a $120,500 proposal from low bidder Advanced Control Concepts for the work. There was only one other bid on the project — $157,351 from Fire Control Systems.
Bratt Elementary Holds Math Madness Night (With Gallery)
January 17, 2012
Bratt Elementary School recently held their 2012 Math Madness Night. About 200 students, parents and teachers took part in an evening on math activities and games. The evening ended with refreshments and door prizes.
“We would like to thank all of the teachers and parent volunteers who helped make this night a success,” teacher Linda Jackson said.
Pictured: Bratt Elementary’s 2012 Math Madness Night. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Weather Photos: A Colorful Barrineau Park Sunset
January 17, 2012
Low clouds made for an interesting sunset Monday in Barrineau Park, as seen in this weather photo submitted by Lawson Berry.
If you have a photo you would like to share, email it to news@northescambia.com.
Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Over Half Million Earned: Century Nets $10K From $18.2 Million Bond Issue
January 16, 2012
The Town of Century recently collected $10,000 in fees for signing off on an $18.2 million bond issue for an apartment complex renovation in Miami.
The approval was granted by Century and Gulf Breeze as members of the Capital Trust Agency, an independent public body for the purpose of financing or otherwise accomplishing development programs. Century entered into the Capital Trust Agency with Gulf Breeze in 1999 with Century essentially serving as the “second signature” for CTA.
Century has received over a half million dollars in fees since the inception of CTA.
The latest CTA project was a $18.2 million bond issue for renovation of the Civic Towers Apartments Miami to provide housing for low and moderate income families.
The CTA is structured in such a way to indemnify Century from any financial risk, whether it be from a company that defaults on repayment or any other legal liabilities, according to Matt Dannheisser, attorney for both Century and Gulf Breeze. The funds used for the bonds are from the CTA’s coffers, not from Century or Gulf Breeze.
Gulf Power Marks MLK Day With Power Of Service Awards
January 16, 2012
Gulf Power Company recognized four community service organizations Monday in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday.
The inaugural “Power of Service” awards were given to Truth for Youth, STRIDE, Chain Reaction and the General Daniel “Chappie” James Academy, four organizations that work to improve the lives of young people and to promote character and public service. Each organization was given a $2,500 grant from Gulf Power, an inscribed award, and – from the White House – The President’s Volunteer Service Award.
“Dr. King preached the value of community service and Gulf Power is proud to launch this award program as a way to annually honor this special day and to encourage others to give back to the community,” said Sandy Sims, Gulf Power spokesperson. “Because of the encouragement and guidance of these programs, hundreds of local youths’ lives are positively changed.”
Power of Service Recipients:
Chain Reaction provides students between the ages of 13 and 18 with meaningful volunteer opportunities in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. Chain Reaction works with over 1,200 teens and has partnered with 130 different community agencies, providing monthly opportunities for teens to volunteer. Chain Reaction seeks to develop Escambia and Santa Rosa teens into active citizens that recognize the significance of giving back and prepare them for their next journey after completing high school. Some of the services they provide include offering teens the opportunity to volunteer, character education and monthly leadership trainings.
The General Daniel “Chappie” James ACE Academy is an aviation exposure program designed to introduce young boys and girls to the aviation industry at all levels. Their goal is to promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) through aviation that will allow young children to embrace education in a fun and positive way. The Pensacola ACE Academy started in 1996 and is sponsored by the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals Inc.
Truth for Youth, Inc. was founded in 1993 and is comprised of an all-volunteer staff of concerned citizens, educators, and businesses in Pensacola. Overnight lock-ins are coordinated to provide social, civic, educational and recreational activities for inner-city, at-risk, underprivileged youth, ages six to 16. The targeted population includes economically distressed, low-income areas and supports both Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
The mission of Students Taking Responsibility In Developing Excellence (STRIDE) is to provide positive male role models, academic tutoring, and character development mentoring to fourth and fifth grade at-risk male students. STRIDE believes it is critical for male, at-risk students in this age group to receive academic and character development mentoring to enhance their opportunity of a successful future. Some of the goals of STRIDE include improving students’ performance on standardized tests, helping students resist negative peer pressure and encouraging students to take responsibility for their individual actions. For more information.
Century Reschedules Tonight’s Town Council Meeting
January 16, 2012
The Century Town Council has rescheduled their normal third Monday of the month meeting.
The meeting scheduled for tonight will be held next Monday, January 23 at 7 p.m. The meeting was rescheduled due to the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday.
The meeting is open to the public.
Pictured: (L-R) Mayor Freddie McCall, Town Clerk Leslie Gonzalez and council members Annie Savage and Ann Brooks at a recent Century Town Council Meeting. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Want To Learn Microsoft Word, Excel Or Outlook?
January 16, 2012
The Escambia County School District’s George Stone Technical Center will offer online classes for Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook. Classes will be available beginning Wednesday, January 18.
For more information, George Stone’s website at georgestonecenter.com or call (850) 941-6200.
Florida 12th In 2011 Quality Counts Report
January 16, 2012
Florida was ranked 11th in the nation in Education Week’s Quality Counts 2012: The Global Challenge – Education in a Competitive World report as results were issued Thursday.
The report gives high marks to Florida in both the Standards, Assessments, and Accountability category and the Teaching Profession category. The data used to derive the financial ranking dates back to 2009 and reflects the impact of the economic downturn on spending for education from that year.
Florida scored an overall grade of “C+.”
“Florida’s education system ranks among the best in the nation, but we still face some challenges. I’m confident we will continue to improve,” said Governor Rick Scott.
According to the 2012 report,
- Florida earned an “A” in the Standards, Assessments and Accountability category and ranked fifth in the nation.
- Florida is one of 10 states to have the capability to link teachers and their student performance data back to teacher education programs.
- Florida is among 29 states to have used education data from international models to shape reform policies.
- Florida ranked first on the equity measure that looks at differences between average per pupil spending among districts at the 95th and fifth percentiles.
- Florida is second in the nation in the equal distribution of funds amongst its school districts.
- Florida ranks fourth in the nation with a “B” in The Teaching Profession category.
- Florida earned points for increasing its graduation index by 14 percentage points from 2000 to 2008.
- Advanced Placement achievement and improvement points increased in this year’s analysis. Florida was the fourth highest state in the percent of students who scored “3″ or higher on AP tests and third highest for the percentage of increase in successful AP testers.
Motorcycle Gang Member Facing Prison Time For Sexual Battery
January 16, 2012
An Escambia County man is facing up to five years in prison for an attempted sexual battery at a motorcycle club.
Joseph Borg was convicted by an Escambia County jury for an incident that occurred at the clubhouse of the Outlaw Motorcycle Gang on Jackson Street in Brownsville. A surveillance video showed Borg and the victim entering the clubhouse on the night of the incident. A short time later, it showed the victim running out partially dressed and being chased by Borg, according to State Attorney Bill Eddins. The victim was able to find help and was taken to Sacred Heart Hospital. Borg was arrested the same night.
Both Borg and the victim were bloodied, bruised and scratched up from the attack. The victim was ultimately able to free herself after she struck Borg in the head with a spur from her boot. A search of the clubhouse found blood splatter in the upstairs sitting area. DNA testing showed there was blood from both Borg and the victim.
Judge Linda Nobles ordered a presentence investigation into the background of the defendant, with sentencing scheduled for a later day. Borg, a member of the Black Piston’s Motorcycle Gang, will face up to five years in state prison when he is sentenced by Circuit Judge Linda Nobles.