Levins Named Century Chamber’s Student Of The Year
March 18, 2016
Northview High School senior Trevor Levins has been named the Century Chamber of Commerce’s Student of the Year. The annual selection is based upon a student’s well-rounded involvement in school activities, community service and more. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
The Way We Worked: Smithsonian Exhibition Opens Saturday In Molino
March 18, 2016
West Florida Public Libraries and the Molino Mid-County Historical Society will host “The Way We Worked,” a Smithsonian Traveling Exhibition from Saturday, March 19 to Saturday, April 30. This exhibition, which celebrates the history of American workers, will be on display at the Lillian F. King Museum located in the Molino Community Complex, 6450 Highway 95A North in Molino. Hours of operation are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
In addition to the traveling exhibition, the Library and the Molino Mid-County, Alger-Sullivan, and Barrineau Park historical societies, have partnered to create six weeks of interesting related events showcasing the unique work history of North Escambia. Join us for a look back in time to the way we worked in North Escambia.
“The Way We Worked” has been made possible in Molino by the Florida Humanities Council. “The Way We Worked”, an exhibition created by the National Archives, is part of Museum on Main Street, a collaboration between the Smithsonian Institution and State Humanities Councils nationwide. Support for Museum on Main Street has been provided by the United States Congress.
Schedule of Events
Discover The Way We Worked in North Escambia: A Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibit
“The Way We Worked” in North Escambia, the Exhibit
- March 19 – April 30, Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Molino Community Complex
The Smithsonian Institution is here. Come see this interactive exhibit designed to engage all ages which spotlights the role of work in our communities. Visit the exhibit and join us for six weeks of events and activities which celebrate the way we worked in North Escambia.
“The Way We Worked” traces America’s rich work history. With their hands and minds hard at work and sweats on their brows, American workers perform a diverse array of jobs to power our society. Whether we work for our own professional satisfaction & personal growth or to ensure the well-being of ourselves and our families, work is a part of nearly every American’s life.”
“The Way We Worked”: Kick-Off Event
- Saturday, March 19, 10 a.m. to 3 p. m. – Molino Community Complex, Molino Branch Library
Join us for a look back in time to the way we worked in North Escambia. Explore the Smithsonian exhibit, enjoy live entertainment, watch a potter, a flintknapper and more. Take a look at the line-up below.
- 10 a.m. – Opening Ceremony
Ribbon cutting performed by Commissioner Barry
- 10:15 a.m. – Smithsonian Exhibit Opens
Take a stroll through the museum to learn how work impacts our lives and communities.
- 10:30 a.m. – Southern Revival Band
Hear the “Molino Florida Song” performed by local musicians, Caleb Dennis and the Southern Revival Band.
- 11:30 a.m – Mission San Joseph de Escambe
Dr. John E. Worth, U.W.F. Anthropology professor, will speak about his archaeological work at this 250-year-old site on private land in Molino.
- 12:45 p.m. – Dogwood Dulcimers
Enjoy the down-home sounds of this stringed folk band.
- 1:45 p.m. – Panhandle Cloggers
Tap your toes along with the Panhandle Cloggers’ percussive folk dances.
- 2:30 p.m – The Change Gang .
Listen to traditional work songs performed by teens from the Pensacola Branch NAACP Youth Council and Allen Chapel AME Church Young People’s Department.
“The Way We Worked”: Molino History
- Thursday, March 31, 6 p.m. – Molino Branch Library, Auditorium
Enjoy video-graphic stories of long-time residents who recount memories of growing up in rural Escambia. Several of the interviewees will be present for a question and answer session.
“The Way We Worked”: Agriculture in North Escambia
- Saturday, April 2, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Barrineau Park Community Center
Join Barrineau Park Historical Society for a day of farming fun featuring a presentation from Extension Services at 1 p.m. Come learn how farming fed us all.
“The Way We Worked”: Farm Fabric – Feed Sacks
- Thursday, April 7, 6 p.m. – Molino Branch Library, Auditorium
Coletta Stejskal Bailey, Textile Coordinator at the Baldwin County Heritage Museum, will discuss the cotton bag’s origin from the late 1840s to its impact during the Depression and World War II.
“The Way We Worked”: A New Beginning for Old Industry: History and Archaeology of Molino Mills
- Thursday, April 14, 6 p.m. – Molino Branch Library, Auditorium
Join UWF graduate student, Melissa Maynard for insights into Molino Mills, a lumber mill which operated from 1865-1884 that helped develop a community and an industry.
“The Way We Worked”: From Can’t See to Can’t See
- Saturday, April 16, 1 p.m. – Pensacola Library, Meeting Room A
- Thursday, April 28, 6 p.m. – Molino Branch Library, Auditorium
Up before dawn and home after dark describes Teniadé Broughton’s talk on African American work experiences in rural Escambia County. The event also features the “Change Gang” performing historical work songs.
“The Way We Worked”: Escambia County Railroads, 1830s – 1950s
- Saturday, April 23, 1 p.m. – Alger-Sullivan Historical Society, Century
All aboard, at the Alger-Sullivan Historical Society Museum with Jerry Fischer and Russell Brown. Come learn about the county’s early railroads. Climb aboard Old 100, a sawmill transport steam engine, and tour the museum.
“The Way We Worked”: Colonial Work Story Times
- Saturday, April 9, 1 p.m. – Molino Branch Library, Auditorium
- Thursday, April 14, 6 p.m. – Pensacola Library
- Saturday, April 16, 1 p.m. – Tryon Branch Library
- Thursday, April 21, 6 p.m. – Century Branch Library
Join Sandra Pettis, retired Ferry Pass Elementary Librarian and a costumed member of the UWF Historic Trust for a story, demonstrations and hands-on activities about the way we worked in Colonial times.
“The Way We Worked”: Displays in Escambia County
- March and April – Tryon Branch Library
View a fascinating collection of antiques from the area belonging to Mr. Charlie Booher of Pensacola.
- March and April – Southwest Branch Library
This library features a collection of work-related items from the Alger-Sullivan Historical Society located in Century.
- March and April – Molino Branch Library
In addition to housing the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition, The Way We Worked, this facility also spotlights artifacts belonging to UWF Collections from Mission Escambe and the Molino Mills archaeological dig sites in Molino.
- March and April – Century Branch Library
This display houses a small collection of memorabilia from the Alger-Sullivan Lumber Company once located in Century.
Three Northview Lifters Qualify For Regional Weightlifting Meet
March 18, 2016
The Northview high school weightlifting team had three lifters qualify for the FHSAA regional weight meet by placing in the top six a at the district weight meet.
Hunter Edwards placed third in the 139 lbs. weight class.
MJ Jones placed fifth in the 139 lbs. weight class.
Ohijie Elliot placed third in the 154 lbs. weight class.
Athletes from eight different high schools competed at the district meet including Pensacola High, Catholic, Jay, West Florida, Baker, Rocky Bayou and Northview.
Pictured: Northview top lifters MJ Jones, Hunter Edwards and Ohijie Elliot. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Housing Rehabilitation Assistance Available In Century Next Week
March 18, 2016
Staff from the Escambia County Neighborhood Enterprise Division will be at the Century Town Hall on Wednesday, March 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 pm. to take applications for housing rehabilitation programs for citizens in the unincorporated areas, or outside the town limits, affected by the February 15 Century tornado.
Applicants must bring a social security card for all household members and a picture ID for all household members over 18. Additionally, applicants should bring the following current information with them as applicable:
- Three most recent pay stubs
- Social security award letter
- Retirement/pension statement
- Unemployment statement
- Child support/alimony verification
- Current bank statements
- Current mortgage statement
- Current insurance statement
- Utility bill
- Any other documentation related to income being received by any member of a household
Programs available include the county’s HOME, CDBG and SHIP rehabilitation programs. Income limits apply and the property must be owner occupied and current on property taxes to receive assistance. For more information, call the Neighborhood Enterprise Division at (850) 595-0022.
Century Town Hall is located at 7995 North Century Boulevard.
Scott Signs $82 Billion Budget
March 18, 2016
Gov. Rick Scott signed the state’s $82 billion budget into law late Thursday, following an unusual announcement this week in which he declared he would approve the spending plan and outlined which individual lines he would veto.
He signed the budget plan shortly after legislative leaders sent it to him Thursday.
The spending plan, which covers the year that begins July 1, boosts spending on education to the highest level in state history, bankrolls more than $713.5 million worth of education construction projects and funds $151 million for restoration of the Everglades and an area lawmakers are calling the Northern Everglades.
In the past, Scott and other governors have waited until lawmakers sent the budget to them to announce their actions, but Scott did so Tuesday, four days after the 2016 legislative session ended.
The governor’s office said Scott on Thursday followed the vetoes he had announced Tuesday, meaning he sliced a little more than $256.1 million in local projects and other spending initiatives. Scott made no additional comment.
In another usual move, the governor on Thursday transmitted the entire press release his office had issued Tuesday — including almost 15 pages of talking points — to the Secretary of State’s Office to serve as the official announcement of the budget signing and list of vetoes.
Scott signed the budget despite getting little of what he wanted from the Legislature; lawmakers zeroed out his proposed $250 million in spending on business incentives and sharply reduced his call for a $1 billion tax cut. Scott also signed four budget-related bills (HB 5003, 5005, 5007 and 5101) on Thursday.
The official approval of the budget marks the anticlimactic end to this year’s debate over state spending, the first one after a contentious and bitter battle in 2015 that led to the Florida House walking out on the regular legislative session and a special session being called to finish the spending plan.
by The News Service of Florida
File photo.
No Injuries In Three Vehicle Highway 29 Crash
March 17, 2016
There were no injuries in a three vehicle crash about 7:40 this morning on Highway 29 at Molino Road. The crash did block both southbound lanes of Highway 29, with drivers detoured around in a turn lane. The accident is under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Price, click to enlarge.
Escambia To Share In $100K In Tornado Relief; Scott Asks Obama For More Help
March 17, 2016
On Wednesday, Gov Rick Scott announced $100,000 for Escambia, Santa Rosa, and Charlotte Counties through the Florida Disaster Fund to aid in recovery efforts for those affected by severe storms and tornadoes in February. The Governor also issued a request for a Major Disaster Declaration for Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties after FEMA denied the state’s initial request for assistance with debris removal. Last month, Governor Scott saw firsthand the tornado damage in Pensacola and Century.
“The families and businesses affected by these tornadoes have made incredible efforts to rebuild and recover, and I am proud to announce that Volunteer Florida and local organizations have partnered to provide $100,000 for communities across Florida. Today, I am also requesting a Major Disaster Declaration to continue helping those affected by these storms, and we will do all we can to support them throughout the recovery process,” Scott said.
In his letter to President Obama, Scott said the Town of Century qualifies for special consideration under federal law due to its low-income population. An estimated 75 percent of Century residents with total or major damage did not have insurance. The town estimates $3.9 million in local damages.
Scott also said that a large number of mobile homes were impacted in Century that may not qualify for any portion of $2.1 million in state housing funds previously announced for Escambia County.
Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) Director Bryan W. Koon said, “We are thankful for the strong partnerships our state has to assist Floridians in times of disaster. The Florida Disaster Fund will play a vital role in helping the community to recover as we continue our efforts to secure a Major Disaster Declaration.”
Chester Spellman, Volunteer Florida CEO, said, “The recent tornadoes in the Florida Panhandle and Gulf Coast devastated homes and communities. Volunteer Florida is proud to play a role in helping our neighbors respond to this disaster by funding response activities including feeding, sheltering, and case work.”
$50,000 of the funding will be provided by Volunteer Florida and matched 100 percent by local organizations for a total investment of $100,000 to aid Escambia, Santa Rosa, and Charlotte Counties in recovery efforts.
Pensacola Mayor Ashton Hayward said, “This funding will help families develop long-term recovery plans and allow local organizations to leverage volunteer teams to provide reconstruction. We are grateful to Volunteer Florida and those who have selflessly donated to the Florida Disaster Fund.”
On February 15 the town of Century in the Florida Panhandle experienced significant damage from a tornado. A rural town of approximately 1,500 residents, 45 homes in Century were destroyed and 40 homes received major damage. On February 23, Escambia County was hit by another severe storm system that also impacted Santa Rosa and Charlotte Counties, where tornadoes and straight-line winds destroyed 45 homes and caused major damage to 49 homes.
Pictured: Gov. Rick Scot tours tornado devastation in Century. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Escambia School Students Pick Clinton, Trump
March 17, 2016
Students in Escambia County participating in a mock election also picked Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, just like real world voters in Escambia County did Tuesday.
There were 19 schools across the county that participated with 2,254 votes cast from grades 4-12. About half of the voters were in the seventh grade.
Voting began March 1 and ended with the close of the school day on March 15.
Donald Trump received 36.9 percent of the student vote from Republicans, while Marco Rubio received 24 percent of the vote. Ted Cruz had 19.9 percent of the student vote, followed by Ben Carson at 15.9 percent and John Kasich with 3.3 percent.
Among the students voting Democratic, Hillary Clinton received 51.5 percent of the vote, and Bernie Sanders had 48.5 percent.
Cherie Arnette, Escambia County School District social studies specialist, created a ballot using Google form that allowed students to vote from their computers, Chromebooks or phones.
“Voting is a vital civic responsibility and students should have opportunities to practice and become informed citizens,” Arnette said. “Many teachers included voting in lessons on researching candidates and their positions on the issues.”
Severe Thunderstorm Watch Tonight
March 17, 2016
Here is your official NorthEscambia area forecast:
Tonight: Showers and thunderstorms likely before 7pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 7pm. Some of the storms could be severe. Cloudy, with a low around 61. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Friday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 74. East wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Friday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely before 10pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 10pm. Cloudy, with a low around 59. South wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Saturday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 10am, then showers and thunderstorms likely after 10am. Cloudy, with a high near 69. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers before 10pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 43. North wind around 10 mph.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 60. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Sunday Night: Clear, with a low around 37. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 62. North wind around 5 mph.
Monday Night: Clear, with a low around 39.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 69.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 52.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 73.
Wednesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60.
Thursday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 77.
Remainder Of Becks Lake Road Is Paved
March 17, 2016
Escambia County recently finished paving the remainder of Becks Lake Road in Cantonment. A portion of the road had been left unsurfaced many years ago due to a right of way dispute. Pictured: Becks Lake Road from the entrance to the Becks Lake Fish Camp, looking back west toward Cantonment. Photo for NorthEscambia, click to enlarge.