As Fireworks Boomed, Volunteers Read Books To Animal Shelter Cats And Dogs
July 6, 2022
While the fireworks were booming across Escambia County for Independence Day, the canines and felines at the Escambia County Animal Shelter were enjoying the company of volunteers and a good book.
The 2022 Tales for Tails event saw volunteers spend Monday night reading or just chatting with the dogs and puppies and cats and kittens who were comforted by a good story. Or just hearing someone that took the night to talk to them, show them that they care.
They were not alone as the sky booms echoed. They were not afraid. They were brave, thanks to their friends.
The words didn’t necessarily matter, but a “good boy” or “good girl”…wow, that means the world to a shelter resident.
Tails wagged in the doggie kennel, and there were more than a few purrs in the shelter’s Catnip Café. It was good for the animals, whether they were of the cat, dog or human species. You could tell by the smiles; it was a great way for animal lovers to celebrate the night of the Fourth. If you looked, you could see the smiles on doggie and kitty faces too.
And then there was Mallory McIver. She captured the night with her drawings of sweet resident pups.
Drawings that may become the cover of the next storybook as the shelter animals become part of someone’s family. It’s next chapter in this tale for tails that all hope to hear.
Photos courtesy Friends of the Escambia County Animal Shelter for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Woman Held Vehicle Burglary Suspect At Gunpoint After He Stole $2 Lighter, ECSO Says
July 5, 2022
A Molino man is facing charges after allegedly stealing a $2 lighter from a vehicle at a Cantonment home.
Devin Brandon Swicegood, 25, was charged with felony vehicle burglary and misdemeanor petit theft .
Swicegood allegedly took a cigarette lighter from an unlocked vehicle parked at home in a rural area of Highway 29 in Cantonment. As he rummaged through the vehicle, a woman at the residence was alerted by her dogs and held Swicegood at gunpoint until deputies arrived, according to an arrest report.
An Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputy noted in his report that Swicegood “appeared to be under the influence of an unknown substance based upon his movements and manner of speech”.
The $2 lighter was recovered by deputies and returned to the victim.
Swicegood remained in the Escambia County Jail Tuesday morning with bond set at $6,000.
Tate Lady Aggies Hosting Annual Softball Camp On July 12
July 5, 2022
The Tate High School Lady Aggies will host their annual Summer Softball Skills Clinic on Tuesday, July 12 from 5:30 until 8:30 p.m. Check-in begins at 4:30 p.m.
The cost is $50. For more information or to register, click or tap here.
Pictured: The 2021 Tate High School Summer Softball Skills Clinic. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Marbled Mugs, MESS Hall, Chess Club And Lego Night: This Week At North Escambia Libraries
July 5, 2022
Here are events scheduled this week at the North Escambia library locations in Molino and Century:
Nail polish isn’t just for painting nails. Tuesday at 4 p.m. at the Molino Branch Library, patrons can make their own unique marbled coffee mug. All materials will be provided. The program is recommended for ages 12 and up.
Family story time will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Molino Branch Library and simultaneously at the Century Branch Library with stories, songs and movement. This program is suggested for children ages 2 to 5 years and their caregivers but open to everyone. At the Century Library, local state park rangers will present a special story time.
The MESS Hall will be at the Molino Library on Thursday at 10:30 a.m. Patrons can join representatives from Pensacola’s MESS Hall to explore the math, engineering, and science of the oceans. They can also embrace curiosity at interactive exploration stations. All ages are welcome.
Thursday will be Lego night at the Century Branch Library at 5 p.m. There will be a variety of Lego bricks and challenges. Duplo bricks will be available for little builders.
The Florida Public Archaeology Network will present a program about underwater archaeology in your community and an interactive activity on Friday, July 8 at 10:30 a.m. at the Century Branch Library. All ages are welcome.
Chess Club at the Century Library will be at 10 a.m. Saturday. Learn how to play chess, improve your skills, or challenge yourself with a friendly against a new opponent. The library will provide all chess boards and pieces.
Blue Wahoos, M-Braves Rained Out On Independence Day
July 5, 2022
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos and Mississippi Braves saw their series opener postponed due to rain at Trustmark Park on Monday night.
The game will be made up as part of a doubleheader on Thursday, with game one of the twin bill scheduled to begin at 5:35.
The Blue Wahoos and Braves return to play on Wednesday.
written by Erik Bremer, Pensacola Blue Wahoos
ICYMI: Century Celebrates The Fourth With Fireworks, Food Trucks (Photo Gallery)
July 5, 2022
In case you missed it over the holiday weekend, here’s a look back as fireworks lit up the night Friday with an early Fourth of July celebration in Century.
Hundreds of people gathered in Showalter Park, Anthony Pleasant Park and the surrounding neighborhoods Friday night. Several food trucks offered everything from po’boys to loaded fries and ice cream, while vendors offered their wares before fireworks lit up the night.
For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery, click or tap here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Nine Mile Road Reopens After Being Closed By Sinkhole
July 4, 2022
UPDATE 2:25 pm: The Florida Department of Transportation has made repairs and reopened all lanes of Nine Mile Road.
Nine Mile Road in Escambia County was closed earlier Monday between University Parkway and Scenic Highway due to a sinkhole, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
The sinkhole developed in the westbound lanes of Nine Mile Road.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Health Officials Urge Awareness Of Bacteria Potentially In Local Waters
July 4, 2022
The Florida Department of Health in Escambia County is urging residents and visitors to limit exposure to Vibrio vulnificus. Occurring naturally in the warm coastal waters, particularly during the summer months, Vibrio vulnificus has the potential to cause serious illness.
Vibrio vulnificus is a bacterium that normally lives in warm, brackish seawater. Since it is naturally found in warm marine waters, people with open wounds, cuts, or scratches can be exposed to Vibrio vulnificus through direct contact with seawater or estuarine water. Also, Vibrio vulnificus can cause disease in those who eat raw or undercooked oysters and shellfish.
There has been one confirmed case in Escambia County so far this year, according to FDOH.
Healthy individuals typically develop a mild disease; however, Vibrio vulnificus infections can be a serious concern for people who have weakened immune systems.
- Symptoms of Vibrio vulnificus can include vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
- Wound infection can lead to skin breakdown and blistering.
- In persons who have weakened immune systems, particularly those with chronic liver disease, Vibrio vulnificus can invade the bloodstream, causing a severe, life-threatening illness with symptoms like fever, chills, decreased blood pressure (septic shock) and blistering skin lesions.
Individuals experiencing these symptoms should contact a physician immediately for diagnosis and treatment. Individuals with wound infections should also seek care promptly.
“It is important for people to be vigilant of these symptoms and seek immediate medical care,” said Marie Mott, administrator of the Florida Department of Health in Escambia County. “Residents and visitors should also avoid consuming raw and undercooked shellfish as well as foods that have come into contact with raw seafood. Those with open wounds should not enter the water.”
Here Are Today’s Fireworks Shows In The North Escambia Area
July 4, 2022
Happy Independence Day! Here a schedule of the public fireworks shows in the North Escambia area today:
- Sertoma’s 4th of July Fireworks show and celebration will begin at 4:30 p.m. with live music and food trucks in Seville Square. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs for a fireworks show over the bay beginning at 9 p.m. The fireworks show will be synchronized to music on Cat Country 98.7. (You’ll need an actual radio for correct timing. Any app will be delayed by several seconds.)
- Symphony Sparks & Stars is free at Blue Wahoos Stadium. Gates open at 6 p.m. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. in Hunter Amphitheater and will be live streamed on the stadium video board. The Sertoma fireworks show will begin at 9 p.m. Concessions available (no outside food). Bring a blanket.
- Pensacola Beach Fireworks at 8:30 p.m. along the boardwalk on the sound side.
- July 4th Riverfest on Willing Street from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. in historic downtown Milton. This family-friendly event features the Firecracker Motorcycle Show, a car show, food vendors, retail vendors, a children’s activity area, live entertainment, and the Great Milltown Duck Race. The night will end with a fireworks display over the Blackwater River at dark.
- Wind Creek Atmore fireworks begin at 9 p.m. Watch from the amphitheater or the surrounding area.
Note: There will be no fireworks show in Jay this year as Bray-Hendricks park closed July 1 for renovations and upgrades.
Man Struck And Killed By Disabled Vehicle Near Atmore
July 4, 2022
A pedestrian was struck and killed by a disabled vehicle early Sunday morning in Canoe, Alabama, east of Atmore.
A 2013 Dodge Ram pickup driven by 77-year old Jimmy E. Barnes of Panama City struck a vehicle that was broken down on the shoulder of Highway 31 near South Canoe Road.
Alabama State Troopers said the force of the collision pushed the disabled vehicle into 77-year old Ray L. Singleton of Fort Deposit, Alabama, as he stood nearby. Singleton was pronounced deceased at the scene. He was a former resident of Atmore.
A wrecker was in the process of removing the vehicle at the time of the 2:40 a.m. crash.
Troopers have not released further details.