International Paper Accepting Applications For $65K In Community Grants. The Deadline Is Monday.
July 5, 2020
International Paper Pensacola Mill will award $65,000 in grants in 2020.
Applications will be accepted at www.ipgiving.com through Monday, July 6. In 2019, the foundation awarded $65,000 in grants to area non-profit organizations (list is below).
The International Paper Foundation makes sustainable investments to address critical needs in the communities where its employees live and work.
Signature Causes include:
- Education – Programs focused on helping children succeed via a comprehensive approach to education. Priority is given to literacy programs from birth through 3rd grade.
- Hunger – Programs dedicated to improving food security throughout our communities.
- Health & Wellness – Programs that promote healthy living habits.
- Disaster Relief – Programs that help communities prepare for and recover from natural disasters.
Funding also is available to address environmental initiatives (forests, water and air), employee involvement grants and other critical community needs.
Eligibility
Applicants must be a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization or qualifying federal entity to apply for a grant. To be considered, organizations must have a program that addresses critical community needs and have measureable objectives to demonstrate impact. Details on grant eligibility, guidelines and restrictions are available at www.ipgiving.com.
Application Process & Procedures
An eligible non-profit organization with a program in an area that the foundation supports must apply online by visiting http://www.ipgiving.com. Applications are routed to the local IP facility and must be completed in its entirety to be considered. If you have questions about the grant guidelines or process, contact Whitney Fike at (850) 968-3076 or via email at whitney.fike@ipaper.com.
Local International Paper Foundation grant award winners in 2019 were:
- Autism Pensacola – Kids For Camp Summer Learning Lab
- Bright Bridge Ministries – Cold Storage, Warm Hearts
- Capstone Adaptive Learning – Tell Me Early Learning Literacy Program
- Council On Aging Of West Florida – Ways To Go Green Project
- Creative Learning Academy – Strengthening Literacy by Empowering Young Readers
- Ernest Ward Middle School – Pollinators Promote Sustainability and Hydroponics
- Escambia County 4-H Foundation – Escambia County 4-H Team Challenge Course
- Escambia County Public Schools Foundation – Grants for Excellence
- Every Child A Reader – Books for the Break
- Feeding The Gulf Coast – Weekend Backpacks for Children at Carver Park
- Gulf Coast Kid’s House – Getting Families Back Together
- Institute For Human And Machine Cognition (IHMC) – Hands-On Science Saturday
- Jim Allen Elementary School – Leveled Readers Lead The Way to Literacy
- Kingsfield Elementary – Flocabulary for Fundamental Fabulous Readers
- Manna Food Bank – Healthy Kids Initiative
- Molino Park Elementary School – Classroom Literacy Leap
- Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center – Light Boxes and Educational Displays
- Pace Band Boosters – Pace Band Polish and Shine
- Pensacola Children’s Chorus – Inaugural Preparatory Choir
- Pensacola Little Theatre – Teaching an Old Dog New (Dramatic) Tricks
- Pensacola Mess Hall – Questioning Corner
- Pensacola State College Foundation – PSC Milton Campus Food Pantry
- Chain Reaction – Teens Impacting Literacy and Learning
- Quintette Community Park Association – Senior Citizen and Youth Programs
- Ronald McDonald House Charities Of Northwest Florida – Home for Dinner Program
- Studer Community Institute – Brain Bags
- The Arc Gateway – Tools For Developmental Screening: Helping All Children Be Ready for Kindergarten
- United Way of West Florida – Born Learning Trail
- University of West Florida Foundation – Argo Pantry, Community Garden, National Writing Project and B.E.S.T. Robotics Competition
Pictured: 2019 IP grant recipients Ernest Ward Middle School (top), Molino Park Elementary School (below), Feeding the Gulf Coast (second below), Escambia County 4-H Foundation (third below) and the Ronald McDonald House (bottom). Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely Through The Middle Of The Week
July 5, 2020
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. High near 86. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Sunday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. East wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Monday: Showers and thunderstorms. High near 84. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Monday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms. High near 86. Southwest wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Tuesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. High near 88. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Wednesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 89. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74.
Friday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92.
Friday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74.
Saturday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92.
These Are This Week’s Road Construction Trouble Spots
July 5, 2020
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads and projects Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
In preparation for the Independence Day holiday weekend, there will be no lane closures or other activities that impede traffic on state roads beginning at 12:01 a.m. Friday, July 3, and ending 12:01 a.m. Monday, July 6.
Escambia County:
- · Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement- Bridge construction may require the following lane closures beginning Monday, July 6 from 12:01 a.m. to 5 a.m. and resume nighttime lane closures from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday through Sunday.
o Intermittent east and westbound lane closures on U.S. 98 east and westbound, from North 14th Avenue in Pensacola to 2,000-feet east of the Pensacola Bay Bridge in Gulf Breeze.
o Intermittent lane closures on North 17th Avenue in Pensacola between U.S. 98 and the CSX Railroad overpass (Graffiti Bridge).
- U.S. 29 Widening from Interstate 10 (I-10) to Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90)– Motorists traveling Nine Mile Road at the U.S. 29 Overpass and U.S. 29 traffic between I-10 and 9 1/2 Mile Road may experience alternating lane shifts or closures as crews continue drainage and paving operations.
- Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90) Widening from Beulah Road to Pine Forest Road (S.R. 297)- A portion of the I-10 off-ramp that connects to the Nine Mile Road (Exit 5) westbound remains closed. Drivers can continue to access Nine Mile Road east and westbound using the other section of the ramp. The partial ramp closure is needed to reconstruct the ramp.
- · Perdido Key Drive (S.R. 292) Pedestrian Crosswalk Construction at Flora-Bama- The signal will become operational Monday, July 6 around 10 a.m. There are no scheduled nighttime lane closures.
- · East Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90A) Construction Activities at Shoppes– Motorists will encounter westbound lane closures from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Tuesday, July 7 through Thursday, July 9 as crews perform ditch grading, driveway connection, and roadway work.
- · Bayou Boulevard (S.R. 296) Drainage Improvements at the intersection of Perry Avenue- The southbound lane will be closed at the intersection of Perry Avenue weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. until Friday, July 10.
- · U.S. 29 Resurfacing from south of County Road (C.R.) 184 (Muscogee Road) to S.R. 97 (Atmore Highway)- Motorists can expect intermittent daytime lane restrictions as crews continue construction activities at various locations. There will also be intermittent and alternating nighttime lane restriction at the intersection of U.S. 29 and Muscogee Road/Becks Lake Road.
- · Michigan Avenue (S.R. 296) at Mobile Highway and Memphis Avenue- Construction activities have begun on the safety improvements. The contractor will be working during daytime hours. Nighttime lane closures are possible.
- · Mobile Highway (U.S. 90) Intersection Improvements at New Warrington Road
(S.R. 295) – Construction activities are underway. Drivers can expect lane closures between 9:30 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Santa Rosa County:
- · Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement - Bridge construction may require the following lane closures beginning Monday, July 6 from 12:01 a.m. to 5 a.m. and resume nighttime lane closures from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday through Sunday.
o Intermittent lane closures on U.S. 98 east and westbound, from North 14th Avenue in Pensacola to 2,000-feet east of the Pensacola Bay Bridge in Gulf Breeze.
o Intermittent lane closures on North 17th Avenue in Pensacola between U.S. 98 and the CSX Railroad overpass (Graffiti Bridge).
- · S.R. 4 Resurfacing and Drainage Improvements from the Escambia River Bridge to Market Road (C.R. 87A) in Jay –There will be a slow-moving vehicle used to perform striping operations. There will also be intermittent shoulder closures throughout the project.
- · U.S. 90 Pavement Marking Operations from Avalon Boulevard (S.R. 281) to the Okaloosa County Line-Motorists can expect minor delays Sunday through Thursday from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. until Thursday, Aug. 27 as slow-moving vehicles are used to perform pavement marking operations.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Pictured: New entrance and exit ramps recently opened at Nine Mile Road and Highway 29. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Local Farmers Eligible For Assistance After Alabama Counties Declared Drought Disaster Areas
July 5, 2020
Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue designated two Alabama counties as primary natural disaster areas. Producers in Baldwin and Mobile counties who suffered losses due to recent drought, may be eligible for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) emergency loans.
Producers in the contiguous Alabama counties of Clarke, Escambia, Monroe, and Washington, along with Escambia County, Florida, and George, Greene, and Jackson counties in Mississippi, are also eligible to apply for emergency loans.
This natural disaster designation allows FSA to extend much-needed emergency credit to producers recovering from natural disasters. Emergency loans can be used to meet various recovery needs including the replacement of essential items such as equipment or livestock, reorganization of a farming operation or the refinance of certain debts.
The deadline to apply for these emergency loans is Feb. 10, 2021.
FSA will review the loans based on the extent of losses, security available and repayment ability.
Pictured: This map shows drought conditions across the area in mid-May. NorthEscambia.com graphic.
Local Earns Wings Of Gold At Whiting Field
July 5, 2020
Lt.j.g. Lucas J. Zalar earned his wings of gold at Naval Air Station Whiting Field recently.
“Growing up in Pensacola definitely had an influence on me,” Zalar recalls.
“Between the Blue Angels shows, and the TH-57s that would fly low over Pensacola Beach, it would always make me think about how cool it would be to fly for a living.”
While the influence of his hometown was apparent, Zalar had even more influence at home. “My father who is still active duty was prior enlisted in the Air Force then became a Navy officer. Therefore, growing up I always had a strong affiliation and appreciation for the military.”
Being able to observe the opportunities and camaraderie that come from military service in his father all but assured his own desire to serve. While Zalar knew he wanted to serve, he went back and forth about whether naval aviation was right for him. In the end, he remarks that he was “lucky enough” to be selected as a student naval aviator (SNA) and given the chance to earn his wings of gold as a Navy pilot.
Zalar enrolled in the U.S. Naval Academy, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in quantitative economics, graduating and commissioning in 2018. His days of being a student would be far from over, however, because after commissioning Zalar went to NAS Pensacola for Aviation Preflight Indoctrination (API). API is an intensive ground-school portion of flight training that takes place prior to SNA’s getting inside the cockpit of military aircraft.
Following API, Zalar began primary flight training in Training Squadron Six (VT-6), flying the T-6B Texan II onboard NAS Whiting Field. Zalar continued his training at NAS Whiting Field after being selected for helicopter advanced training, flying the TH-57 Sea Ranger in Helicopter Training Squadron Eighteen (HT-18).
“The experiences that we are able to participate in during flight school and the Navy in general are things that many people dream of doing but never will in their lifetime,” Zalar stated. 2
“Whether it be flying aerobatics in primary, using night vision goggles to fly your own route in advanced, traveling, and the friendships that I have made, these experiences are hard to find in any other occupation. Though these opportunities require a lot of training and are not just given to us, they make the hard work worth it,” he said.
Zalar is headed to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 2 (HSC-2), the “Fleet Angels,” to learn to fly the MH-60S.
“I am excited to be able to use the skills I have been developing as a pilot to actually complete the missions we train for in support of our nation’s goals,” Zalar remarked on his future in the Fleet.
Zalar plans on making a career for himself in the Navy, but one thing that he has become accustomed to in aviation training is the necessity to adapt when life throws curveballs. “Whether it be the flight schedule, a flight plan, or weekend plans, things are constantly changing on short notice and you need to be prepared and adapt.”
While some aspects of the future may be cloudy, there are some certainties for Zalar. “At the end of the day, I just hope to be the best officer and Navy pilot I can be so whenever I walk away from the service, I will leave it knowing I made a positive impact,” he commented.
Escambia Adds One Death, 200 New COVID-19 Cases Saturday; State Sets New One-Day Increase Record
July 4, 2020
THIS STORY IS OUTDATED. SEE NORTHESCAMBIA.COM FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION.
Escambia County COVID-19 cases were up by 200 in the Saturday report from the the Florida Department of Health. Statewide, Florida set a new record for a one day increase of 11,458.
An additional death of a 79-year old man reported, bringing Escambia County’s fatalities to 47. He was not a long-term care facility resident.
Escambia County cases increased to 2,597, and Santa Rosa cases were up by 72 to 815.
Of the 1,339 test results returned on Friday, 11.9% were positive in Escambia County and 15.9 were positive from 380 tests in Santa Rosa County.
Of the 47 deaths in Escambia County, 36 have been long-term care facility residents or staff. There have been nine deaths in Santa Rosa County, seven of those at the Blackwater River Correctional Facility and none in long-term care facilities.
Statewide, there were 190,052 cases including 187,090 Florida residents. There have been 15,735 hospitalizations* and 3,702 deaths. The Florida Department of Health does not have a clear standard or definition of “recovered” and does not report a number of recovered individuals.
Escambia County cases:
Total cases — 2,597 (+200 since Friday)
Non-Florida residents — 388
Pensacola — 1,914 (+150)
Cantonment — 171 (+33)
Molino— 29 (+5)
Century — 14 (+1)
Bellview — 7
McDavid — 6
Walnut Hill — 3
Perdido Key — 3
Hospitalizations: 107* (+6)
Deaths — 47 (+1)
Male — 974
Female — 1,215
Youngest — 0
Oldest — 105
Median Age — 37
Santa Rosa County cases:
Total cases — 815 (+72 since Friday)
Non-Florida residents — 8
Milton — 341 (+26)
Navarre — 133 (+9)
Gulf Breeze — 162 (+18)
Pace — 89 (+10)
Jay — 19 (+2)
Hospitalizations — 40* (+2)
Deaths — 9
Male — 427
Female — 379
Youngest — 2 months
Oldest — 98
Median Age — 33
Florida cases:
Total cases — 190,052
Florida residents — 187,090
Deaths — 3,702
Hospitalizations — 15,491
*“Hospitalizations” is a count of all laboratory confirmed cases in which an inpatient hospitalization occurred at any time during the course of illness. These people may no longer be hospitalized. This number does not represent the number of COVID-19 positive persons currently hospitalized. The FDOH does not provide a count of patients currently hospitalized.
Fireworks Sales Skyrocket After Florida Legalizes Use For The Fourth. And The Pandemic Means More Business Too.
July 4, 2020
Business has been brisk this year at an Alabama roadside fireworks store west of Atmore, less than a mile north of Florida line.
A year ago, it was illegal to set off many types of fireworks Florida. But this year is different, after Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a new law that allows fireworks of any kind to be used on July 4, December 31 and January 1. Not just the sparklers, noisemakers and the like Floridians have been restricted to for years, but real fireworks that explode or shoot into the sky.
“Class ‘C’ consumer fireworks are legal now for the Fourth,” Fireworks Distributors owner Greg Odom said. “That means anything in the store is legal in Florida for the Fourth of July.”
That new Florida law has led to an uptick in sales to customers to both Florida and Alabama for Odom, but so has the COVID-19 pandemic that has many people not wanting to be out in crowds. And the cancellation of most area public fireworks shows has meant even more business.
“This season has been phenomenal; I’ve never seen anything like it,” Odom said. “People don’t want to get out in crowds. They would rather stay home. Families want to be families again.”
Odom’s fireworks store is located at the corner of Highway 31 and Pineville Road. He said they are offering masks to customers and working to follow recommended CDC guidelines.
The new law signed by DeSantis does not supersede any local regulations governing fireworks.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
IP: Supposed Noose Found At Mill In Cantonment Was Just A Rope Used To Hold Cables
July 4, 2020
International Paper has determined that a supposed noose found at their mill in Cantonment last month was not a noose but simply a rope used in the industrial setting.
A third party investigative team found the rope was used to hold up cables but had been knocked down by a storm.
“The team discovered photographs from as far back as 2012 that showed the rope was used to elevate cables that were knocked to the ground by a storm,” IP Director of Marketing Thomas Ryan told NorthEscambia.com in an email. “The team ultimately found no evidence of racist conduct or intent. The company remains committed to creating and maintaining a diverse workforce and a workplace where all employees feel welcomed and able to contribute their best every day.”
He said more than 60 employees and contractors were interviewed during the investigation.
“The knot on the end of the rope was a ‘heaving line knot’, typically used to add weight so it could be thrown. The loop and the heaving line knot were not attached, and therefore, it was determined not to be a noose,” IP found. A graphic provided by IP is below.
In a statement issued in June after the rope was alleged by some to be a noose, IP said in a statement to NorthEscambia.com, “We do not tolerate threatening acts, racism, or bigotry. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive culture where individuals feel valued and engaged and have the opportunity to contribute their best every day.”
Pictured top: The original reader submitted image from June. Pictured below: Graphic submitted July 3 by IP. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Rain Is Likely Well Into Next Week
July 4, 2020
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Saturday Night: Showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 8pm. Low around 72. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Sunday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 8am. High near 86. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Sunday Night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 8pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 8pm. Low around 72. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Monday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 8am. High near 85. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Monday Night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 8pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 8pm. Low around 73. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Tuesday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 2pm. High near 87. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Tuesday Night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 8pm, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 8pm. Low around 74. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Wednesday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 89. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Wednesday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Thursday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 90.
Thursday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74.
Friday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 91.
LEO Wives Hang ‘Hearts For Heroes’ At Escambia, Santa Rosa Sheriff’s Offices
July 4, 2020
The Northwest Florida LEO Wives hung “hearts for heroes” at the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office to show their support and appreciation. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
