Local Elementary Schools Place In Science Olympiad; Molino Park Takes First Overall
March 4, 2024
Molino Park Elementary School tok first place overall in the 6th Annual Elementary Science Olympiad recently at Washington High School. A total of 21 elementary schools sent teams of students to compete in nine different events.
For additional photos, click here.
Winners were:
Overall:
- 3rd: Bellview
- 2nd: Hellen Caro
- 1st: Molino Park
Starry, Starry Night:
- 6th: Oakcrest
- 5th: Molino Park
- 4th: Jim Allen
- 3rd: Hellen Caro
- 2nd: Brentwood
- 1st: Beulah
Tennis Ball Catapult:
- 6th: Global Learning Academy
- 5th: Bratt
- 4th: Oakcrest
- 3rd: Molino Park
- 2nd: Hellen Caro
- 1st: Scenic Heights
Estimania:
- 6th: McArthur
- 5th: Bellview
- 4th: Jim Allen
- 3rd: Pine Meadow
- 2nd: Sherwood
- 1st: Pleasant Grove
Grasp a Graph:
- 6th: Pleasant Grove
- 5th: Scenic Heights
- 4th: Bratt
- 3rd: AK Suter
- 2nd: Kingsfield
- 1st: Hellen Caro
Write It, Do It:
6th: AK Suter
5th: Jim Allen
4th: Beulah
3rd: Blue Angels
2nd: Pine Meadow
1st: Molino Park
Mystery Powders:
- 6th: Lipscomb
- 5th: NB Cook
- Tie: 3rd: Global Learning Academy
- Tie: 3rd: Kingsfield
- 2nd: Molino Park
- 1st: Pleasant Grove
Rock Hound:
- 6th: Global Learning Academy
- Tie: 4th: Molino Park
- Tie: 4th: Bellview
- 3rd: Hellen Caro
- 2nd: McArthur
- 1st: NB Cook
Science Bowl:
- 6th: Kingsfield
- 5th: Ferry Pass
- 4th: Lipscomb
- 3rd: Bellview
- 2nd: Scenic Heights
- 1st: Pine Meadow
Robotics Pathways:
- 6th: Scenic Heights
- 5th: Beulah
- 4th: McArthur
- 3rd: Hellen Caro
- 2nd: Jim Allen
- 1st: Longleaf
Spirit Award: Longleaf
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Florida Gas Price Inched Higher Last Week, AAA Says
March 4, 2024
Florida gas prices averaged $3.34 per gallon on Sunday. That was three cents more than a week ago, and only three cents less than this year’s high of $3.37 per gallon.
“Florida gas prices inched higher last week and are likely to get even more expensive either this week or next,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Gasoline futures shot up 30 cents late last week. That’s an indicator that summer-blend gasoline has moved into the market. Drivers should expect a jump at the pump, but how much remains to be seen.”
The average price per gallon in the Pensacola metro was $3.12 with a low of $2.97 available at a Nine Mile Road station. The lowest North Escambia price Sunday night was $2.99 stations on Highway 29 in Cantonment.
NorthEsambia.com photo.
Woman Dies In Escambia County Motorcycle Crash; Driver Critically injured
March 3, 2024
A 58-year old female motorcyclist was killed in an Escambia County crash Saturday afternoon.
The Florida Highway Patrol said the 58-year old Lillian, Alabma, woman was a passenger on a motorcycle that was turning from Asheland Avenue onto West Detroit Boulevard and crashed into the tree line.
The driver of the motorcycle, a 72-year old Pensacola woman, suffered serious injuries and was transported to Baptist Hospital.
FHP Is continuing their investigation.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
County Will Consider Vacating Portion Of San Carlos Road Right Of Way
March 3, 2024
The Escambia County Commission will consider to vacate a portion of unimproved right of way of San Carlos Road in Cantonment.
The commission will vote this week on setting a public hearing for April 4 at 5:32 p.m. to consider the move and notify all property owners within 500 feet.
NorthEscambia.com image, click to enlarge.
Salzman To Host Food, Car Seat Giveaway March 16
March 3, 2024
Mark your calendars. Rep. Michelle Salzman and partners will host a giveaway with 30,000 pounds of fresh food and 100 car seats for District 1 residents on Saturday, March 16.
The event will take place starting at 7:30 a.m. while supplies remain at Marcus Pointe Baptist Church at 6205 North W Street in Pensacola.
This event will be a drive-thru for food with a designated space for walk-up, and a separate space for people to pick up their car seats. Vehicles should not line up earlier than 7:00 a.m.
Car seats are limited to the first 100 applicants and one per car. There are no required qualifications, just email: michelle.salzman@myfloridahouse.gov with the subject of your email: “CAR SEAT REQUEST,” in the body of your email, provide your first and last name, phone number, car make/model, and the age and weight of the child. You will receive a reply email to confirm receipt of the request as well as instructions on pick up. Recipients must pick up their car seat between 8 am and 11 a.m. on the day of the event, with no exceptions. The car seats are made possible by Kia Autosport Pensacola.
“These quarterly community outreach events I have hosted for several years could not be possible without partners like Kevin Stephens, Jessica Lee (Kia Autosports), and of course our Farm Share team. Myself, the sheriff, our county commissioners, and others have truly been honored to serve our community in this way,” Salzman said.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
With Seven Home Runs, Tate Lady Aggies Go Undefeated in Panama City Tournament
March 3, 2024
The Lady Aggies went undefeated this week in the Florida-USA Softball Challenge in Panama City Beach.
The varsity scored 21 runs in three games, 29 total hits, seven home runs and four doubles.
Kara Wine has three home runs during the tournament. Olivea Latner, Blakely Campbell, Kate Balagbagan and Peyton Womack added one dinger each.
During the two-tourney, Tate beat Mobile Christian 3-2, Chiles 9-3, and Holmes 9-3.
Pictured: (L-R) Olivea Latner, Kara Wine, Blakely Campbell, Kate Balagbagan and Peyton Womack had seven total tournament home runs for the Tate Lady Aggies. Photo for NorthEsambia.com, click to enlarge.
Northview Lady Chiefs Go 2-3 In Weekend Tourney
March 3, 2024
The Northview Lady Chiefs went 2-3 overall at the Florida-USA Softball Challenge in Panama City Beach Friday and Saturday.
Northview shut out Altha 11-0 and defeated Port Saint Joe 11- 3 Saturday after falling to Liberty County 6-1 on Friday.
Pictured: The Northview Chiefs Port Saint Joe 11- 3 Saturday. Image for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Pensacola Beach Lifeguards Return to Towers on Casino Beach
March 3, 2024
The Pensacola Beach Lifeguards returned to their towers on Friday for the 2024 lifeguard season. Initially, Casino Beach will be staffed from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week, shifting from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. beginning Sunday, March 10. As summer approaches, staffing will increase to provide coverage at up to 10 towers, which begin staffing Memorial Day weekend.
In preparation for the 2024 season, Pensacola Beach hired 19 new lifeguards and welcomed 39 returning lifeguards to a rigorous training program, including over 60 hours of open water training, emergency medical training and more. Interested in becoming a lifeguard? The Pensacola Beach Lifeguards will host a tryout on Saturday, March 9, at 11 a.m. at the UWF Aquatic Center.
Last season, Pensacola Beach Lifeguards performed 275 rescues from drowning and assists to swimmers experiencing distress. They also attended to 60 major medical incidents and assisted 51 patients for EMS transport. Lifeguards made contact with beachgoers over 183,000 times during the 2023 season, providing information about rip currents, beach condition flags and other safety tips.
“It’s that time of year again when we prepare for another busy beach season,” said Water Safety Chief Dave Greenwood. “Throughout the year, our lifeguards have trained and remained prepared. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to beautiful Pensacola Beach.”
Ice Flyers Secure Back-to-Back Wins (With Photo Gallery)
March 3, 2024
by Bill Vilonam, Ice Flyers correspondent
The Ice Flyers took on their alter identity Saturday as the Pensacola Bushwackers, then continued a recent trend of being a different team.
All in a good way.
After taking a 2-0 lead in the four minutes into the second period, the Ice Flyers grinded out a 2-1 victory against the Fayetteville Marksmen for their first back-to-back home weekend wins since December 1 and 2 when beating Peoria twice.
“I think we’re all jelling,” said Pensacola goaltender Stephen Mundinger, who made 34 saves – many of them creating reaction from the Bay Center crowd of 5,202.
“With every winning team, you just have to get hot before the playoffs and I think that’s the direction we are going,” Mundinger said. “Guys are buying in, doing all the right plays. It’s a whole different feel in the (dressing) room in my opinion. We are going into games confident.
The win pushed the Ice Flyers (21-20, 3 OT losses) above .500 for the first time in a long while and with 45 points.
The players were attired in the Bushwacker uniforms that were so popular a year ago and that was part of a theme of other activities in the game.
FIRST PERIOD
The Ice Flyers delivered on their first power play chance. Joseph Widmar finished a perfect pass from Garrett Milan, who was fed the puck by Andy Willis. The classic “tick-tac-goal” was wristed by Widmar into the net with 13:34 remaining.
Mundinger made a big save midway through the period. The Ice Flyers finished with a 16-9 edge in shots.
SECOND PERIOD
Mitch Atkins gave the Ice Flyers a 2-0 lead less than four minutes into the period on an assist from Ivan Bondarenko. He finished a shot from the slot area and the Ice Flyers were seemingly on their way.
But the game got tight. Fayetteville got their goal with 10:17 left in the period.
Taylor Egan then got the crowd going when squaring off in a fight against Fayetteville’s Ty Proffitt. Both players landed punches, but Egan won the fight with a flurry at the end that got Proffitt on the ice.
THIRD PERIOD
No scoring, but plenty of end of game drama.
Mundinger made of one of his biggest saves of the game with 8:09 left on a point-black shot by Fayetteville right in the slot area.
The Ice Flyers then got a power play opportunity with four minutes left when the Marksmen were called for too many men on the ice. They had a few shots, but nothing led to a goal.
With 1:15 left, the Marksmen pulled goaltender Ryan Kenny, who made 35 saves.
NOTABLES
Ice Flyers owner Greg Harris presented a $25,000 check to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida.
The team honored front office executive Brenden Arney, who worked his 100th game Saturday night.
QUOTABLES
Ice Flyers Coach Gary Graham:
“It was good. We’re slowing trying to build some momentum. The captains had a good meeting this week to set up some long-term goals. We had 14 games left, now we have 12 games left and we’re kind of breaking it up in a couple seven game segments with some goals to achieve each game. I thought it was a great idea. They are really leading right now.
Guys are stepping up right now. I thought it was a playoff style game. Both goalies played really well. Both teams checked well and both teams clamped down defensively, reminiscent of more what a playoff game would look like.”
NEXT FACEOFF
WHO: Ice Flyers vs. Peoria Rivermen
WHEN: March 8-9
WHERE: Peoria Civic Center, Peoria, Illinois
$55 Million Construction Project Beginning At I-10, Nine Mile Road Interchange
March 2, 2024
Construction will begin this month on a $55 million Florida Department of Transportation improvement project on I-10 at the Nine Mile Road interchange (Exit 5).
Planned improvements include replacing the existing I-10 overpass at Nine Mile Road to increase vertical clearance and to accommodate future improvements. The project will enhance traffic safety and mobility for the 62,000 drivers who travel the interchange daily.
During construction, the speed limit on I-10 will be lowered to 60 mph and 35 mph on Nine Mile Road. Lane closures on I-10 will be permitted Sunday through Thursday nights from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., and lane closures on Nine Mile Road will be permitted between 7 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. seven days a week.
Drivers will encounter lane closures and traffic pacing operations on I-10 near Nine Mile Road Sunday, March 3 through Thursday, March 7 between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. as crews perform striping and barrier wall work. Vehicle pacing operations, also known as “rolling roadblocks,” are used to create gaps in traffic so that short-duration construction activities can be completed. In addition, traffic on I-10 will be temporarily shifted to the outside (right) beginning Sunday, March 3 so crews can begin bridge construction work. The shift will be in place until spring 2025.
FDOT will hold a virtual project update (VPU) for the I-10 at Nine Mile Road interchange (Exit 5) project beginning at noon (CST) Thursday, March 7.