Today: Sunny And 64; Warmer For Thursday
January 23, 2013
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
- Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 64. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.
- Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 44. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.
- Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 69. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph in the morning.
- Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 48. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph after midnight.
- Friday: A 40 percent chance of showers, mainly after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 69. Southwest wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
- Friday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly before midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 38. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming north after midnight.
- Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 56. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
- Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 33. North wind around 5 mph.
- Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 56.
- Sunday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 42.
- Monday: Partly sunny, with a high near 68.
- Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 51.
- Tuesday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 69.
School Board Recognizes State Champ Northview Chiefs
January 23, 2013
The state champion Northview Chiefs football team was honored by the Escambia County School Board Tuesday night.
The Chiefs are the first Escambia County team to win a state football championship since 2009.
The board ratified a proclamation recognizing the Chiefs for the Class 1A championship, and dozens of players and coaches received a standing ovation as they were individually congratulated by board members.
The entire proclamation is below, click to enlarge.
Pictured: The Northview Chiefs were congratulated on their state football championship by the Escambia County School Board Tuesday night. Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Commissioner Named Chair Of Oil Spill Consortium
January 23, 2013
Escambia County Commissioner Grover Robinson IV has been elected chairman of Florida’s Gulf Coast Consortium, which represents the interests of 22 of Florida’s 23 counties affected by the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill.
The consortium is working to develop a responsible realistic plan to use RESTORE Act money to provide reparations to the counties hardest hit by the tragedy.
Pinellas County Commissioner Susan Latvala elected as vice chairwoman. Gulf County Commissioner Warren Yeager will serve as secretary/treasurer of the group.
“I think we have a great group so far,” said Commissioner Robinson. “They’re very knowledgeable about the spill and the impact it had on Florida’s Gulf Coast. I look forward to working with them toward a restoration that benefits Floridians who were negatively impacted by this tragic event.”
The Consortium is currently waiting for the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s rules for distribution of the RESTORE Act funds.
the road to the crown: Meet The Girls (With Photos)
January 23, 2013
Today, it’s part one of our multi-part series “the road to the crown” as we follow 24 young ladies at Northview High School in their quest for the crown and the title of “Miss NHS 2013″.
Today we introduce you to the first few contestants. Their biographies, as submitted by the girls, are below along with their photos. You can click any photo below to enlarge.
Our series “the road to the crown” will continue tomorrow with biographies and photos of the second set of contestants. The pageant is Saturday night at 7:00, and NorthEscambia.com will have the new Miss Northview High School and all the photos here Sunday morning.
Miss Kendal Brooke Cobb
Kendal is the 15-year old daughter of Jamie and Becky Cobb. Her sponsor is “Photos by Mandie”. At Northview, Kendal has been a member of the junior varsity cheerleading team and is currently on the varsity cheerleading team. She has been in the Student Government Association for two years, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for one year, the Future Farmers of America for two years, and has played softball for one year. Kendal was selected by her peers as freshman class vice president and was also selected to represent them on the Homecoming Court. This year, she was once again selected as class vice president and was voted sophomore class maid. She is a member of the Northview High School competition cheerleading team and was selected as an Atmore Rotary Club Academic All Star. In her community, she has played softball for the Northwest Escambia softball team for five years and was on the Northwest Escambia All Star team for three years. She is an active member of Faith Bible Baptist Church.
Her hobbies include shopping, hunting, and spending time with her family and friends.
Her future plans are to attend a major university and become a Nurse Practitioner.
Miss Ashley Nicole Mooney
Ashley is the 17-year old daughter of Scott and Sandy Mooney. She is being sponsored by Lee’s Veterinary Clinic. Ashley was a member of the junior varsity cheerleading team for one year, the junior varsity softball team for one year, and a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for two years. She was also voted freshman class treasurer, junior class president, and currently serves as the vice president of the senior class. Ashley has been a varsity cheerleader for three years, where she currently holds the title of co-captain, and a member of the competition cheerleading team for two years. She has been a varsity softball player for three years, a member of the track team for one year, a member of the varsity basketball team for one year, and a member of the weightlifting team for one year. She has been a member of Rho Kappa for two years, a member of the Future Farmers of America for one year, and a member of the Beta club for two years. Ashley has been in the Glee club for one year and has been a member of the Student Government Association for one year. She has been an Atmore Rotary Club Academic All Star for two years and was awarded the “Take Stock in Children” scholarship. Ashley was selected to represent her class on the Homecoming Court her sophomore, junior, and senior year. This year, she was 1st Runner-Up to the queen. At cheerleading camp this summer, Ashley was selected as an all-American cheerleader. In her community, she is an active member of Bratt First Baptist Church and has volunteered her time with the Relay For life foundation.
Her hobbies include riding horses, participating in sports, reading, and spending time with loved ones.
Her future plans are to attend Florida State University and major in pre-pharmacy.
Miss Jody Michaela Paramore
Jody is the 18-year old daughter of James and Carol Paramore. She is being sponsored by Middleton’s Clothiers and The Uptown Salon. Jody has been a member of the NHS Glee Club for one year, a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for one year, and a member of the Student Government Association for one year. She has been on the weightlifting team for one year and has been on the track team for two years. Jody has volunteered her time with the mini-cheer clinic for four years and has volunteered with the Relay for Life foundation for five years. She has also volunteered with a local daycare center for three years. Jody has twirled baton for six years and has taken jazz for two years. She works part-time and helps take care of horses. Jody has also attended various modeling competitions.
Her hobbies include horseback riding, playing beach volleyball, running, creative writing and fishing.
Her future plans are to attend college and earn her degree in agricultural science.
Miss Lily Ann Townson
Lily is the 17-year old daughter of Burley and Pamila Townson. She is being sponsored by Campfire USA. Daycare. Lily has been a member of the junior varsity volleyball team for one year, the varsity volleyball team for two years, and a member of the junior varsity softball team for one year. She has been a member of the Student Government Association for one year, the Rotary Club for one year, and a member of the NHS dance team for two years. Lily currently serves as the junior class treasurer. As a sophomore, she was awarded the “Best Offensive Player” award on the volleyball team. This year, she was awarded “Best Effort”. In her community, she volunteers her time at the Century Daycare Center and at the Campfire Daycare Center.
Her hobbies include cooking, gardening, playing sports and spending time with family and friends.
Her future plans are to attend the University of Alabama and obtain a degree in psychology.
Miss Ariel Kaye Holland
Ariel is the 18-year old daughter of Wayne and Amy Holland. She is being sponsored by her family. As a freshman, Ariel was a member of the junior varsity cheerleading team. She has been a member of the varsity cheerleading team for three years and currently holds the title of co-captain. She was also the recipient of the prestigious 2011-2012 Spirit Award and a member of the NHS competition cheerleading team for two years. Ariel has been a member of the weightlifting team for two years, the golf team for one year, and the track team for three years. She has been a member of the softball team for four years, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for two years, and was voted junior class treasurer. As a freshman, Ariel was selected by her peers to represent them on the Homecoming Court and was voted Freshman Class Maid. This year, she was selected to represent the senior class on the Homecoming Court and was voted 2nd runner up to the Queen. In the 2010, 2011 and 2012 Miss NHS pageant, Ariel was among the top 10 contestants. She was voted “Most School Spirit” in the senior class “Who’s Who”. In her community, she is an active member of the First Baptist Church of Bratt and participates in the Team David program. She also volunteers her time with the Northwest Escambia Cheerleaders.
Her hobbies include shopping, cheering, playing softball, and spending time with her family and friends.
Her future plans are attend college to pursue a degree as a surgical assistant. While in college, Ariel hopes to cheer.
Miss Shaquanna Mikel Jones
Shaquanna is the 17-year old daughter of Michael and Tara Jones. She is being sponsored by her family. She has been a member of the varsity basketball team for four years, a member of the softball team for four years, and a member of the weightlifting team for two years. Shaquanna has been a member of the varsity cheerleading team for two years and is currently a member of the NHS competition cheerleading team. As a junior, she was selected to represent her class on the Homecoming Court and was voted Junior Class Maid. She has been a member of the Panhandle All-Star cheerleading team for four years and was selected as the 2012 “Most Valuable Player” on the varsity basketball team. In her community, Shaquanna attends Greater Revelation Church.
Her hobbies include singing, shopping, and spending quality time with her family and friends.
Her future plans are to attend Tuskegee University and pursue a degree to become an orthodontist.
Miss Clarissa Paige Ross
Clarissa is the 18-year old daughter of Anthony Ross and Samantha Nowling. She is being sponsored by Stearns Family Chiropractic. As a freshman, Clarissa was a member of the junior varsity cheerleading team. She has been a member of the track team for two years, the NHS Glee Club for one year, and a member of the dance team for one year. In her community, she volunteers by coaching cheerleading for the Cantonment Cowboys and was a camp counselor this past summer at a local camp. Clarissa works a part-time job at Academy Sports and Outdoors and also takes gymnastics at First City in Pensacola.
Her hobbies include going to the beach, playing sports, taking pictures, and enjoying time with family and friends.
Her future plans are to attend Pensacola State College and then transfer to the University of Florida, where she will pursue a degree to become a marine biologist. While at PSC, Clarissa hopes to cheer.
Miss Ashley Renea’ Cunningham
Ashley is the 17-year old daughter of Andy and Christina Cunningham. She is being sponsored by her family. She has been a member of the Student Government Association for four years and currently serves as treasurer. She was also elected by her peers as vice president of the freshman class, as well as, vice president of the junior class. Ashley was a junior varsity cheerleader for one year and was the recipient of the prestigious Spirit Award. She has been on the varsity cheerleading team for three years and last year held the title of co-captain. This year, Ashley is the captain of the team. She is also the recipient of the 2011-2012 Best All Around award. She has been a member of the NHS Competition Cheerleading team for two years and was awarded Varsity Spirit and marched in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Ashley has been selected by her peers to represent them on the Homecoming Court for the past three years. She was chosen Sophomore Class Maid and this year was voted Homecoming Queen. She has been a member of the track team for three years, the Science Club for two years, and a member of the Future Farmers of America for two years. She has been a member of the dance team for two years, the weightlifting team for one year, and a member of S.W.A.N.S for two years. Ashley has been a member of the Spanish club for two years, the NHS Glee Club for one year, and was awarded the “Miss Physical Fitness” award in last year’s pageant. In track, Ashley received the “Heart of the Team” award. In her community, she shows steers independently and was the 2012 Supreme Grand Champion in GCA, NRA heifer category, as well as, the 2012 Reserve Grand Champion in the steer category.
Her hobbies include bowling, playing tennis, showing cattle, and volunteering at the Century Care Center.
Her future plans are to attend a major university and obtain her degree in education to become a teacher. She also hopes to one day coach cheerleading and tennis.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Escambia Schools To Hold Career Academy Showcase
January 23, 2013
The Escambia County School District’s Workforce Education Department will host the 2013 “Empower Your Mind” Middle and High School Career Academy Showcase next week.
The event will be held in the Woodham Middle School Gymnasium from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, January 24.
Middle and high school career academy teachers, students, and business partners will be showcasing the district’s career academies. Families of fifth through ninth grade students in Escambia County are invited to attend the Career Academy Showcase to discover opportunities provided through career academy participation.
The School Choice Department will be available to assist families with completing applications on-site. Families are encouraged to take advantage of the on-site application process after gaining insight into the various career academies offered throughout the district. The career academy application deadline is February 15, 2013.
Visit the Escambia County School District Workforce Education Department website for online application information at http://career.escambia.k12.fl.us/home/index.asp. For more information, call (850) 469-5357.
School Safety Bill Filed In House
January 23, 2013
Tax collected on the sale of ammunition and guns would go into a “Safe Schools Trust Fund,” to pay for additional guidance services and school safety measures under legislation filed in the House.
Freshman Rep. Linda Stewart, D-Orlando, filed two bills on Friday creating the trust fund and directing revenue from the existing tax on guns and ammo into it.
One of the bills filed by Stewart (HB 325), would also expand the ban on carrying guns at schools – widening the prohibition from school buildings to an area within 500 feet of a school – but would allow people to check their guns, exempting them from prosecution if they turn their gun in to someone when they arrive at a school.
While prohibiting the carrying of guns within the 500-foot buffers known as “school safety zones,” Stewart’s bill would allow anyone who is in such a zone to surrender their gun to a law enforcement officer or school official and not be charged under the ban, as long as they haven’t used the gun to violate the law in some way first.
The legislation also would require school districts to add school safety issues to their guidance plans for students in kindergarten through grade 5.
The money collected from the tax on guns and ammo sales would go to help pay for the additional guidance requirements and to pay for any expenses related to the change in the law prohibiting guns on school grounds.
If any money is left over, under one of Stewart’s bills (HB 327) it could go to “additional projects and programs to improve the safety of students,” though the bill doesn’t specify how.
Stewart’s proposal is likely to be only the first proposing to increase spending on school safety in the wake of the December school shootings in Newtown, Conn. The Senate last week discussed in committee some ideas for increasing school safety and how to pay for it.
The Senate appears likely to focus on school resource officers, police assigned to guard schools. But there was also talk of additional guidance counselors last week in the Senate Education Appropriations Subcommittee.
By The News Service of Florida
Northview Boys Beat Baker, Girls Fall To Escambia
January 23, 2013
The Northview Chiefs boys beat Baker Tuesday, while the girls lost to Escambia High.
Northview 66, Baker 44 (Boys)
The Northview Chiefs defeated Baker 66-44 Tuesday night. Neino Robinson had 19 for the Chiefs, while Cameron Newsome added 18. A junior varsity boys game scheduled for Tuesday was canceled.
The Northview varsity and junior varsity boys will be on the road next Tuesday afternoon against WS Neal.
Escambia 38, Northview 35 (Girls)
Escambia 27, Northview 16 (JV Girls)
In girls action, the Northview Lady Chiefs varsity lost to the Escambia Lady Gators 28-35. Shaquanna Jones scored 13 for the Lady Chiefs, and Elayzha Bates also had 13. The junior varsity Lady Chiefs lost to the Lady Gators 17-16.
The Lady Chiefs varsity and junior varsity teams will travel to Paxton on Thursday.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Bill Would Keep Current Bright Futures Test Threshold
January 23, 2013
Applicants for Florida Bright Future Scholarships would not have to meet higher testing standards scheduled to kick in next school year under a measure filed Tuesday that would maintain the testing threshold at existing levels.
The bill, HB 387, would maintain current law that requires students to score at least a 22 on the ACT or 1070 on the SAT to qualify for the scholarship. The scores represent the 51st percentile on each test. Those standards are scheduled to increase beginning in the 2013-14 academic year to 26 on the ACT and 1170 on the SAT, scores that represent the 75th percentile.
The bill was filed by Rep. Ricardo Rangel, D-Kissimmee.
Friendship Learning Lodge Kids Learn Fire Safety
January 23, 2013
Lt. Chris White, the Friendship Volunteer Fire Department and Flomaton Fire Rescue recently visited Friendship Learning Lodge to help teach them about fire safety. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Health Advisory Issued Due To Ensley Landfill Fire
January 22, 2013
A health advisory has been issued due to a landfill fire that is continuing to burn in the Ensley area.
The Cove Landfill, located directly behind Pine Meadow Elementary School, has been burning since Friday, often producing large amounts of smoke. The fire is burning underground, where natural debris such as tree limbs, stumps and other natural material spontaneously combusted. Officials say there is no construction debris in the material.
Children at Pine Meadow Elementary were relocated from portable classrooms into the main building on Tuesday as a precaution. Air conditioners and fans were used to keep air circulating for students.
Escambia County was working Tuesday afternoon to dump large amounts of dirt on the fire in an effort to smother and extinguish it.
HEALTH ADVISORY
“Smoke is a respiratory irritant that can cause scratchy throat or irritated eyes and nose. Smoke can also worsen conditions such as asthma and other chronic respiratory or lung conditions. Dust generated from fire response activity may also worsen these conditions,” the Escambia County Health Department said in a health advisory release.
The health department offered the following tips:
- Pay attention to local air quality reports, news coverage, or health warnings related to smoke.
- Use common sense when outside conditions are smoky. Avoid outdoor activities, particularly for children and persons with severe or chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma or chronic lung disease.
- While inside, residents should close windows and run their heating or cooling system, if possible. Keep the fresh air intake closed, and change or clean the system’s filter as needed to prevent bringing additional smoke inside.
- Help keep particle levels lower inside. When smoke levels are high, try to avoid using anything that burns, such as wood fireplaces, gas logs, gas stoves and even candles. Do not vacuum, which stirs up particles already inside your home. Also do not smoke tobacco.
- Follow your doctor’s advice about taking medicines and following your asthma management plan if you have asthma or other lung disease. Call your doctor if your symptoms worsen.
- For medical emergencies, call 911 or go immediately to the nearest emergency room.
Pictured: Smoke billows from the Cove Landfill behind Pine Meadow Elementary School Tuesday. Photos by WEAR 3 for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.