Weather Service: Light Freeze Possible Tonight For Some
November 10, 2011
A light freeze expected tonight as far south as North Escambia, according to the National Weather Service.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
- Tonight: Clear, with a low around 32. North wind between 5 and 10 mph.
- Veterans Day: Sunny, with a high near 61. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
- Friday Night: Clear, with a low around 35. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph.
- Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 71. Southeast wind between 5 and 10 mph.
- Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 52. South wind around 5 mph.
- Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high near 73. Calm wind becoming south between 10 and 15 mph.
- Sunday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59. South wind around 5 mph.
- Monday: Partly sunny, with a high near 79. South wind between 5 and 10 mph.
- Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62. South wind around 5 mph.
- Tuesday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 80.
- Tuesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58.
- Wednesday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 77.
- Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 55.
- Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 70.
Two Suspects Arrested In Triple Shooting
November 10, 2011
Two suspects have been arrested in a triple shooting last week in Pensacola.
Tarrence Dwayne Webb, 20, and Brandon James Sims, 21, were booked into the Escambia County Jail on Wednesday where each are being held on three counts of attempted homicide and one count of firing a weapon into a vehicle. Bond was set at $100,000 each.
Both are suspects in a triple shooting on November 3 at The Fast Link on Cerny Road. The victims drove themselves to a crowded Publix shopping center on Mobile Highway.
Two 19-year old victims were shot in the hand, while a male about 19-years old was hit in the head. Two other people in the vehicle were not injured as gunfire shattered the car’s windows.
Pictured top: Three men shot in a drive-by shooting drove themselves to this Publix store on Mobile Highway on November 2. Photo courtesy WEAR TV for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Inventor Shipping Bracelets To Elementary Students To Replace Racy Image Prizes
November 10, 2011
Stuart Anders, the inventor of the “Slap Wraps” bracelet, has shipped more than 200 of his original bracelets to Jay Elementary School to replace the unexpected tasteless version students received recently as a prize in a school fund raising drive.
When students received the slap bracelets last month, some discovered that racy images (pictured below) were hidden beneath the fabric. The bracelets, which were not produced or licensed by Anders or his company, were made out of recycled tape measure materials, and at least four of them depicted women in various poses and stages of dress.
Anders heard about the situation in Jay when the story hit NorthEscambia.com and other media last month and immediately thought to send replacements to the school of his original products.
”As the original inventor of the Slap Wraps toy and as a former school teacher, I felt compelled to step in and make right the situation,” Anders said.
Anders was able to get his message to Jay Elementary Principal Danny Carnley who was thrilled by the offer. “I never expected a call like this from the inventor of the toys,” said Carnley. “It’s so nice that he wants to do this for our students.”
“I’m thrilled they are still popular, but very disappointed that the kids at Jay Elementary received such a poor example of this toy. It’s just one of the many knock-off products that are available for sale.” Anders said he has had issues related to companies producing low quality knock-offs of his product since they originated. “It’s a shame when that happens, which is why I want to send the original Slap Wraps to these students to give them the reward they earned – in a form they can wear proudly.”
About 200 hundred of Anders’ bracelets are expected to arrive today at Jay Elementary for distribution to the students.
With each bracelet, Anders is enclosing a note to the parents and students explaining how he created the product and encouraging students to find their own passion when it comes to the work they will do.
“I’ve been so lucky,” he said. “I’ve been able to make a great life doing work I thoroughly enjoy. I hadn’t planned on being an inventor. It just happened when I followed my instincts and my heart. I wish the same for all of these students.”
The original Slap Wraps are produced about 500 miles from Jay in Titusville, Florida. The only bracelet currently in production at the present time is a NCAA licensed Bucky Badger Slap Wraps.
“I’m happy to send a little piece of Wisconsin to the students in Florida,” said Anders, who currently lives in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin. “They are made in Florida and represent Wisconsin – it’s a cool connection.”
Anders, who received his education degree im 1983, said he is particularly pleased to do something positive for students because his original plan had been to be a teacher.
“I always like doing something special for schools and students,” said Anders. “Sharing my story with students and inspiring them to follow their dreams is passion of mine and this is a perfect way to do that.”
Pictured top: The inventor of the “Slap Wraps” bracelet is sending about 200 of these bracelets to Jay Elementary School. Pictured inset: These bracelets with racy images were unknowingly distributed to Jay Elementary students last month. The product inventor called them unauthorized “knock-offs” of his original product. NorthEscambia.com and courtesy images, click to enlarge.
Ernest Ward Middle Thanks Veterans, Honors Memory Of LCpl. Travis Nelson
November 10, 2011
Ernest Ward Middle School paused to honor veterans from across the area Wednesday in a very big way, while remembering LCpl. Travis Nelson who was killed in action in August in Afghanistan. Nelson attended middle school at Ernest Ward.
The school honored Nelson with a special video and presented flowers to his parents, Scott and Beckie Nelson, who are both veterans.
It was not the first time Ernest Ward students honored Nelson’s memory. When his remains were transported in a motorcade from Pensacola NAS to Atmore, hundreds of Ernest Ward students dressed in red, white and blue lined Highway 97 and waved American flags. As Nelson’s remains passed his middle school alma mater, the students stood in total silence, hands over their hearts.
“I applaud you Ernest Ward,” guest speaker Malcolm Thomas, Escambia County School superintendent said, ” for what you did that day, the most proud moment I’ve had since I’ve been superintendent.
“As long as there are young people that understand what you understand,” Thomas told the EWMS student body, “I believe that the future and hope of our country is great. You paid the best tribute you could pay that day, by pausing and sacrificing for a fallen hero — someone that was once one of your own.
“He knew that freedom would not be free; he would stand in the gap and fight the fight so we could grow up and enjoy all the freedoms we enjoy in this country.”
The students also took part in a unique “Thank You” video — presenting the words “Thank You” spelled out in various ways across the campus. The video ended with hundreds of Ernest Ward students spelling “Thank You!” on the school’s football field.
For a photo gallery from the event, click here.
For the LCpl. Travis Nelson video, click here.
For a portion of Malcolm Thomas’s address, click here.
Pictured top: Flowers are presented to Scott and Beckie Nelson, parents of fallen Marine LCpl. Travis Nelson, during a Veterans Day program Wednesday morning at Ernest Ward Middle School. Pictured inset: Veteran Mike Hanks salutes the American flag during the program. Pictured below: Hundreds of Ernest Ward students spell out a “Thank You!” to veterans on the school’s football field. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Groundbreaking Scheduled For New Molino Library, Community Center
November 10, 2011
A groundbreaking has been scheduled for the a new community center and library in Molino.
The Molino Community Center ribbon cutting will be held at 11:30 a.m. Monday at the old Molino School at 6450 Highway 95A.
The project includes the conversion of the old Molino School into a 15,600 square foot library, community center and museum. In addition to converting the old school building,new 7,000 square foot building will be constructed adjacent to the old building for the tax collector and property appraiser. The current Escambia County Tax Collector office in the former Winn Dixie shopping center in Cantonment and the property appraiser office on Highway 97 in Molino will both be closed.. This facility will also house a polling station for early voting and elections.
The public is invited to attend the groundbreaking ceremony.
Pictured top: A conceptual drawing of the Molino School after renovation. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Video: Remembering The Return Of LCpl Travis Nelson
November 10, 2011
The following video remembering the return of fallen Marine LCpl Travis Nelson was presented during the annual Veterans Day program at Ernest Ward Middle School:
If you do not see the video above, it is because your home, school or work firewall is blocking external videos.
Battle Of The Champs: 1A Northview Challenges 5A West Florida Tonight
November 10, 2011
It might be Thursday, but it’s time for some football tonight, including a matchup between District 1A and 5A champs for their regular season finale.
The District 1-1A champion Northview Chiefs (6-2, 3-0) will head to Pensacola to take on the District 1-5A champion West Florida Jaguars (8-1, 3-1). The game kicks off at 7 p.m. at Marlon L. Bullock Field at Woodham Middle School on E. Burgess Road.
Both teams will begin the state playoff series on November 18 on their respective home fields. Northview will host Wewahitchka in the regional semifinals, and West Florida will host Tallahassee Godby. Home field advantage could remain throughout the playoffs for the Chiefs until the state championship game in Orlando.
In other Florida games across the area on this Thursday night Pensacola High will be at Choctawhatchee, at 7 p.m., Washington will be at Catholic at 7:30 p.m., and Wakulla will be at Escambia at 7:30 p.m.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Century Awards $230K In Grants To Repair Four Private Homes
November 10, 2011
The Town of Century has awarded $230,567 in grant-funded contracts to rehabilitate four private homes in the town.
The town was awarded a $650,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) to rehabilitate or replace about nine homes that are currently occupied by persons of low or moderate income. The town also received $100,000 in Residential Construction Mitigation Program Funds for hurricane retrofits.
The town first selected five homes to be rehabilitated under the programs, but later decided to reconstruct a home at 511 East Pond rather than rehabilitate it.
Bids were awarded for housing rehabilitation as follows:
- 6 Howard Street/Cullie Mae Carter — Motes Construction, Inc., $50,560
- 521 East Hecker Road/Ollie Kelly — Thompson Contractor Resources, Inc., $67,902
- 411 Cedar Street/Dorothy Newton — John Claude, General Contractor, $38,215
- 7820 Jefferson Avenue/Elsie Reaves — Parker Custom Homes, Inc., $73,980
Pictured top: Grants will fund $67,902 in repairs to this house at 521 East Hecker Road in Century. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Video: Superintendent Malcolm Thomas Veterans Day Address To Ernest Ward Middle School
November 10, 2011
Escambia County School Superintendent Malcolm Thomas delivered a the keynote address to Ernest Ward Middle School during their annual Veterans Day program Wednesday morning.
For the complete story and photo, click here.
If you do not see the video above, it is because your home, school or work firewall is blocking external videos.
Family Fun: Bratt Elementary Fall Festival Today
November 10, 2011
The annual Bratt Elementary School Fall Festival will be held from 4 until 7 p.m. today at the school with plenty of food, games, entertainment, an auction and vendors.
Tickets
Admission is free. Game and attraction tickets will be sold for 25 cents each at the Fall Festival. (Presold tickets purchased prior to Thursday can be picked up at the ticket booth.)
Entertainment Schedule
4:15 – 5:00 Pow Wow Dance Team
5:00 – 5:30 Mr. Willie’s Band
5:30 – 5:45 Crown King and Queen, Bakeoff
6:00 – 6:30 Auction
6:30 – 7:00 Mr. Willie’s Band
Bakeoff
This year will be the first annual PTA dessert bakeoff, with any type of dessert accepted as an entry. All desserts must be turned into the school by 3:30 p.m. Thursday with the winner of $50 announced at 5:30. Bakeoff desserts will be sold for a $1 per slice or 6 slices for $5 during the festival.
Auction
The following items will be auctioned during the Fall Festival:
Wind Creek Hotel Package
1-night hotel stay
2 day spa passes
2 cooking studio passes
Dinner for 2 at the Fire Steakhouse
Donated by: Wind Creek Hotel
Thanksgiving Package
$25 Gift Certificate to Food World
30 qt. Turkey Fryer
Donated by: Home Depot
Grocery Shopping
$50 Publix Gift Card
Cooler 40 qt. Red/White Ice Chest
Donated by: Bonderant Lumber
Outdoors Package:
Hummingbird Feeder
Donated by: Coley’s Petals and Parties
RYOBI Driving Tools
Donated by: Home Depot
K-9 Dog Cleaners Basket
Donated by: K-9 Dog Cleaners
Pensacola Goody Basket
Donated by: Pensacola Wahoo’s League
Farm Bureau Basket
Donated by: Farm Bureau
Auburn National Championship 2010
Framed Picture
Donated by: D&E Framing
1 Auburn Wreath
Donated by: Sheer Delight
Hunting Package:
Barska precision rifle Scope
Deer Camera
2 Bags of Deer Corn
12-volt Wild game Trophy Hunter Digital Feeder
Donated by: Rocky Creek Hunting Supply,
Marvin’s, Scott’s Hunting Supply, Central Farm Supply
Kyser Kuntry Basket
Donated by: Kyser Kuntry
Vendor Basket
Donated by: Vendors
Bedroom Set:
Twin Mattress Cover
2 Black Table Lamps
Donated By: Canoe Furniture, Hainje’s furniture
Game Day Wreaths:
1 Alabama Wreath
Donated by: Sheer Delight
Friday night hangout:
FREE Wing Party @ Buffalo Wild Wings
$25 to T.G.I. Fridays
$20 to Mello Mushroom
Date Night:
2 $10 Off Coupons to Applebee’s
$25 Gift Certificate to Bonefish Grill
Night at the Ballet and Dinner for two:
2 Ballet Vouchers to See the Nutcracker
$25 Gift Certificate to T.G.I Fridays
Just Another Shopping Day:
$25 to Academy Sports
2 Free Meals to Golden Corral
It’s A Meal Deal:
2 Pizza Hut Passes
1 6″ Sub at Subway
$5 Gift Certificate to Dean’s Grill
It’s Another Meal Deal:
2 $5 Gift Certificates to Dean’s Grill
1 Personal Pan Pizza at Pizza Hut
1 6″ Sub at Subway
Running Errands:
$50 Tom Thumb Gift Card
Dinner and a Movie:
$25 Gift Certificate to Pintolli’s
Movie Pass to Strand Theatre
Kid’s, Kid’s, Kid’s package 1:
John Deere Tractor
Donated by: John Deere
Toy Saw
Donated by: Mooney’s Diesel
Kid’s, Kid’s, Kid’s package 2:
Wooden Barn
Donated by: Atmore Truckers
Photo Package:
$80 Photo package by Amanda Lassiter
Time for Mom and Dad:
$5 Off at David’s Catfish House
$25 Off at Dixie Catfish
$20 Wranglers
Family Fun Pass:
1 Wristband to Sam’s Fun City
1 Small Drink at Whataburger
4 Justaburgers at Whataburger
1 Fry at Whataburger
1 Taquito at Whataburger
Shopping Day in Jay:
$25 Gift Certificate to Bliss
$25 Gift Card to Dura-med Pharmacy
Night on the Town:
$25 Mello Mushroom
$20 Dinner for 2 at the Tuscan Oven Pizzeria
It’s a Date:
$40 Coupon to Red Lobster
$25 Gift Certificate to Fish House
Mommy’s Day
1 Free Pedicure
1 Free Haircut
1 Free Wax
1 Free Manicure
1 Purse from Nana’πs Nails
Donated by: The Nail Shop of Atmore, Uptown Salon of Jay, Elaine’s of Atmore
Family Fun Day:
2 Passes to Triple Play
2 Taquitos at Whataburger
1 Fry at Whataburger
2 Justaburgers at Whataburger
2 Whataburgers at Whataburger
1 Small Drink at Whataburger
Family Pack:
2 Passes to Triple Play
2 Personal Pan Pizzas at Pizza Hut
2 Whataburgers at Whataburger
2 Small Drinks at Whataburger
2 Fries at Whataburger
Family Dining:
2 $5 Gift Certificates to Dean’s Grill
2 $5 Coupons to Olive Garden
$20 Gift Certificate to Buster’s
Avon Holiday Package
Donated by: Heidi Sigafoose