Teachers Returned Monday; Plus: A Look Inside New Modular Buildings
August 17, 2009
Teachers in the Escambia County School District returned to work Monday.
Ten new classrooms have been installed this year in modular buildings at Ernest Ward Middle and Bratt Elementary schools. The two buildings, which totaled just over $1 million, provide extra space after the closure of Carver/Century K-8 School.
Five classrooms with included restrooms, five sinks and two closets were installed at Bratt Elementary. The improvements at Ernest Ward Middle included five classrooms, two closets, and one 24 by 36 foot restroom facility.
The modular buildings are hurricane rated, and they are connected to the main buildings at the schools with covered sidewalks.
Escambia School Superintendent Malcolm Thomas said the modular buildings are not the “portables” that many adults remember from their days in school. Rather, he said, they are high quality near permanent type construction.
Pictured top: New modular buildings installed at Ernest Ward Middle School. Pictured in three photos below: A look inside the new classrooms. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Northview FFA Holds Officer Leadership Retreat
August 17, 2009
The Northview Chapter of the National FFA Organization recently held a student leadership retreat.
The chapter officers meet for a day long event to prepare for the upcoming school year. Officers participated in workshops at the Walnut Hill Community Center dealing with teamwork, communications and personal development as related to professional presentation in the workforce.
The 2009-10 chapter officers attending were Micah Byars, Lydia Weaver, Stephanie Solari, Allie Vidak, Heather Kite, Gavin Hinote, Wes Chancery and Devin Bell. Lance Blackburn and Lisa Bardin spoke to the officers concerning expectations in the workforce.
Click here for a photo gallery.
Pictured above: Northview FFA officers recently participated in a leadership retreat. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Plan Ahead: Claudette Good Reminder To Have Hurricane Kit
August 16, 2009
While Tropical Storm Claudette had very little impact on the Gulf Coast, emergency officials say it serves as a reminder that we are in hurricane season, and everyone should have a proper hurricane supply kit.
A hurricane supply kit should include:
• Batteries
• Battery operated radio
• Cash
• First Aid Kit
• Flashlight
• Fully charged cell phone with extra battery and a traditional telephone (not cordless)
• Important documents in a waterproof container or watertight re-sealable plastic bag
• Keep your car gas tank on full.
• NOAA weather radio
• Non-electric can opener
• Non-perishable food for 3 to 7 days
• Paper plates and plastic utensils
• Special items for babies, the elderly and pets
• Toys, Books and Games
• Two week supply of prescription drugs
• Water, at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days
Residents are urged to monitor the local media for the most up-to-date information and use this as a time to make sure your storm preparations are complete as the tropics are expected to be extremely active over the next two weeks.
And remember, we post the latest storm updates on NorthEscambia.com. If the power fails, you can still access NorthEscambia.com on any Internet-capable cell phone.
Farm Bureau Seeking Youth Speech Contest Participants
August 16, 2009
The Escambia County Farm Bureau is looking for youth 14 to 18 to participate in a youth speech contest to be held September 1 in Molino.
“What challenges will affect the sustainability of Florida agriculture for the future?” will be the contest topic. The event will take place September 1 at 4 p.m. at the Escambia County Farm Bureau office at 153 Highway 97 in Molino. Contestants must be residents of Escambia County and must perform their five minute speech. Applications are due by noon on August 28. For an application, click here.
For more information, contact Libbie Johnson, Escambia County Extension Services, at 475-5230 or email libbiej@ufl.edu.
High Tech Jail On Wheels: Sheriff’s Office Using New Paddy Wagons
August 16, 2009
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office has two new paddy wagons capable of transporting up to 14 suspects each to jail.
The two paddy wagons, also known as “Mobile Booking and Transportation” vehicles, have a laptop computer that can be used to remotely process a suspects jail booking paperwork. The vehicles can also be configured to segregate male prisoners from females, or adults from juveniles.
The sheriff’s department purchased two of the vehicles to be able to more efficiently transport prisoners, according to Lt. Gary Montee.
When the transport vehicle is used, the arresting deputy will not longer be required to drive a suspect to the jail — putting the deputy back on patrol quicker.
“They are going to keep patrol officers on the street more,” Montee said. “All the paperwork is finished in the unit with the laptop, and the transport time from the arrest to the jail is saved for the deputy.”
Montee could not say when the new paddy wagons might be used in North Escambia, but added that they would be especially valuable because they could save a North Escambia deputy a long round tip to the jail in Pensacola.
Pictured above:One of the new Escambia County Sheriff’s Office “Mobile Booking and Transport” paddy wagons outside of the Escambia County Jail. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Not Just For Books: A World Of Services Awaits At The Library
August 16, 2009
Jillian Thorton of Bluff Springs was happy on a recent afternoon, reading a good book by a window in the Century Branch Library. Meanwhile, sister Jenna Thornton and her friend Leah Fischer were on the computer, and brother Chance Thornton was busy searching the shelves for a good book. It was a break from a hot summer afternoon.
The Thorntons are not alone; the Century Branch Library has seen a surge in traffic the past few months, with over 2,000 individuals using the library in July.
The library offers many free items and services beyond just books that people find useful, especially in the down economy, Librarian Patricia Rigel said.
“Like our movies,” she said. “We have hundreds of movies, including the latest releases.” The library’s movie collection is divided into two sections — one for children and one for adults.
The Century Branch Library has computers in the children’s area, and computers with Internet access in another room.
“More and more people are using the computers,” Rigel said. “With the bad economy, more people are using the computers to look for a job.” She said 400 people used the library computers during July.
“Libraries do better when the economy is down,” she said. “People find that they library offers so many things that are free.”
From reading a favorite book without paying $30 at the bookstore, to the movies for checkout, to the free internet, a chance to read magazines for free, books on tape/CD and more — people are discovering that the library offers a lot of free entertainment and education, Rigel said. The library also offers free wi-fi for persons wishing to use the Internet on their own laptops.
“I like the books on CD,” Rigel said. “When you are driving you can just pop one of those in the car CD player and enjoy your favorite book.”
The library also a meeting room available for use by non-profit groups and organizations.
The Century Branch Library will soon be offering several free beginning level computer courses, including mouse skills on September 9, typing on September 16, keyboarding on September 23, and an introduction to Windows on September 30.
During the month of July, 2,039 people used the Century Branch Library. The library issued 51 new library cards in July.
The Century Branch Library is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.. On Thursday, the library is open from noon until 8 p.m. The Century Branch Library is located at 7991 North Century Boulevard. For more information on the library or any of its services, call (850) 256-6218.
Pictured top: Friends Jenna Thornton and Leah Fischer use the computers at the Century Branch Library. Pictured inset: Jillian Thorton reads a book while Chance Thornton searches for the perfect book at the library. Pictured bottom: The Century Branch Library’s DVD’s available for checkout span the top shelf of a bookcase. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Woman With Local Ties Named To Leadership Of 2.8 Million Member Church
August 15, 2009
A woman with North Escambia ties has become the first woman elected to the leadership of the national Assemblies of God USA.
Elizabeth (Beth) Grant, a veteran missionary and coordinator of the Women in Ministry Network, was greeted with a standing ovation from ministers and delegates after her election as the ordained female executive presbyter. The Assemblies’ Executive Presbytery is a 20-member body that serves as the board of directors for the 2.8 million-member fellowship of Pentecostal churches.
She was one of four candidates for the position on the Executive Presbytery that the 2007 General Council set aside for a woman, the first female position on that body.
“Ladies, thank you for hanging in there. But after 90-something years, what’s a few hours?” she said.
“We are here today and we in this vote are saying thank you God for the women in our Movement,” she said. “As I travel this nation, I meet many of you (women), and you inspire us, you inspire this Movement by your obedience to God.”
Grant had already made a little bit of history two years ago, when she was one of the three candidates in the final rounds of balloting for assistant general superintendent. Based on available records and memories at the time, Grant was the first woman to advance that far in the election for a top executive office.
Grant and her husband David have served as Assemblies of God missionaries to Southern Asia for 28 years. They currently run Project Rescue in India, a ministry to prostitutes and sex-trade workers in five cities.
She is the daughter-in-law of the Rev. Curtis Grant, a longtime pastor at the Molino First Assembly of God and the Faith Temple Assembly of God Church in Pensacola. The Rev. David Grant, her husband, grew up in the area until becoming a leading missionary director in the Assembly of God church. They both have numerous relatives in north Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
Pictured: Rev. Beth Grant addressed the 53rd General Council of The Assemblies of God at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando. Photo by Lane Simmins, The Council Today, for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Peace Dude! Happy Hippie Day!
August 15, 2009
Today marks the 40th anniversary of the first day of Woodstock music festival. The residents of Century Care Center celebrated on Friday with Hippie Day — compete with tie dye t-shirts and lots of lighthearted fun.
Pictured above and below: Hippie Day at Century Care Center. Pictured inset: Longtime Century Care Center resident Myrtle Bray. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Lending A Helping Hand: Church Provides Free School Supplies
August 15, 2009
A Century church provided free school supplies to scores of children Friday morning.
Dozens of children at time lined up at Abundant Life Assembly of God with their school supplies lists to receive the items they need for school.
School starts Monday, August 24 in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
Pictured: Free school supplies were handed out Friday at Abundant Life Assembly of God in Century. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Need A School Supply List? Print It Here
August 14, 2009
School begins Monday, August 24 in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties — and that means a lot of school supply shopping.
NorthEscambia.com has the school supply lists from all of the area elementary and middle schools below. Click the name of the school to download and print the school supply list in pdf format.
- Bratt Elementary
- Byrneville Elementary
- Ernest Ward Middle
- Jay Elementary
- Jim Allen Elementary
- Molino Park Elementary
- Ransom Middle
Below are lists from other Escambia County elementary schools not listed above:
- Bellview Elem
- Beulah Elem
- Blue Angels Elem
- Brentwood Elem
- Cook Elem
- Cordova Park Elem
- Ensley Elem
- Ferry Pass Elem
- Hallmark Elem
- Hellen Caro Elem
- Holm Elem
- Lincoln Park Elem
- Lipscomb Elem
- Longleaf Elem
- McArthur Elem
- Montclair Elem
- Myrtle Grove Elem
- Navy Point Elem
- Oakcrest Elem
- Pine Meadow Elem
- Pleasant Grove Elem
- Scenic Heights Elem
- Semmes Elem
- Sherwood Elem
- Sid Nelson Pre-k
- Spencer Bibbs Elem
- Suter Elem
- Warrington Elem
- Weis Elem
- West Pensacola Elem
- Yniestra Elem