Last Original Northview High Employee Sheila Holland Retires
May 26, 2024
The last remaining original employee of Northview High School has now retired.
Northview opened in 1995, joining of Century High School and grades nine through 12 of Ernest Ward High School. Sheila Holland joined that first year and retired Friday, 29 years later.
NHS academic advisor Raja Attah penned the following retrospective:
Ms. Sheila Holland has become the face of Northview—she’s been Northview’s long-time secretary and is the LAST remaining staff member who started working at Northview on day 1 when the school opened in 1995. She was even part of the ribbon-cutting ceremony and remembers meeting Northview’s first principal Ms. Gayle Weaver during Northview’s very first faculty meeting.
Friday was her last day..
Ms. Holland started working at Escambia School District 34 years ago. She started as a teacher aide at Byrneville Elementary in 1990. After four years, she moved to Molino Elementary for a year. Then she joined the Northview team in 1995. Today, Ms. Holland completes her 29th year at Northview where she held several roles, including the attendance clerk and assistant band director.
Ms. Holland said, “I have no regrets: I met so many nice people. I love the kids and enjoy my job.” She said to Northview faculty and staff during the end-of-year luncheon, “My heart will always be at Northview, and you’ll always have a place in my heart.”
Ms. Carroll, who has known Ms. Holland for over 25 years, said about Ms. Holland, “She’s sassy, dependable, early riser, makes life easier for teachers, spoils teachers with finding last-minute subs.” Ms. Carroll commented on how Ms. Holland loved Northview students, “When her kids grew up, she adopted the Northview kids.”
Ms. Salter, who has known Ms. Holland since Ms. Salter was an infant, said pointing at Ms. Holland’s hair, “Some of those gray hairs are mine.” Ms. Salter continued speaking endearingly, “Ms. Holland is a hot mess; we love her! She’s good as gold. She’ll do anything for you. She’s hard to replace. She’s someone you can go to if you need anything. She’s like having a second mom at school.”
Ms. Holland’s sense of humor always had a place at her job. When Coach Summerford came for his job interview a few years ago, Ms. Holland greeted him by saying, “I’ll see if they still want to see you; you’re an hour late.” He actually was on time. But her sense of humor broke the ice and made Coach Summerford laugh after a moment of panic. She put him at ease before the interview.
Friday morning, Ms. Holland sat at her desk one more time—the same desk where she has been sitting for decades—contemplating her years of service at Northview. With her sweet, affectionate smile, she said, “I treated each kid as if they were my own child or grandkid, and that’s how I want others to treat them. Always treat students as you want someone to treat you and your own kids and grandkids.”
Ms. Holland is one of the kindest people someone could ever meet. She has treated Northview’s faculty and staff with care and kindness. She has loved our students, and her student office workers were the most fortunate ones who were always treated with generous gifts and treats.
We will dearly miss Ms. Sheila Holland and wish her a blessed and happy retirement!
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Byrneville Elementary Names Students Of The Month
May 26, 2024
Byrneville Elementary School recently named their Students of the Month for April.
They are:
Kindergarten: Calee Flowers and Jayceon Jackson
First Grade: Wyatt Koski and Remi Macks
Second Grade: Vera Fularz and Myah Gill
Third Grade: Myra Gill and Suzi Pope
Fourth Grade: Aubree Price and Corbin Strawbridge
Fifth Grade: Charley Cooley and Antonia Hayes
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Mostly Sunny Sunday, Slight Chance Of Showers And Storms Monday
May 26, 2024
Here is your official North Escambia forecast:
Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Memorial Day: A slight chance of showers, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 10am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Mostly clear, with a low around 71. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 91. Northwest wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 67. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon.
Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 67. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 88.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 66.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 89.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 67.
Saturday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Sunny, with a high near 88.
Memorial Day Closures, Trash Schedule
May 26, 2024
Escambia County:
In observance of Memorial Day, the following Escambia County offices will be closed Monday, May 27:
- Escambia County Board of County Commissioners (all departments)
- West Florida Public Libraries (all locations)
- Escambia County Property Appraiser
- Escambia County Tax Collector
- Escambia County Supervisor of Elections
- Escambia County Department of Animal Welfare
- Escambia County Clerk of the Court and Comptroller
- Escambia County Extension Office
- Waste Services Administration
- Escambia County Area Transit Administration and Customer Service
Escambia County Exceptions:
- The Perdido Landfill will be open Monday, May 27.
- ECAT will operate limited service on Monday, May 27, with regular service resuming Tuesday, May 28:
- Route 59X: The last bus will depart NATTC at 6:50 p.m.
- Route 64 Beach Jumper: The last bus will depart NAS Pensacola at 7 p.m.
- Pensacola Beach Trolleys: The Pensacola Beach Trolleys will run until midnight.
ECAT:
ECUA business offices will be closed on Monday, May 27, in observance of the Memorial Day holiday. However, all residential and commercial sanitation collections for ECUA customers will be unaffected by the holiday and will be carried out as usual. Customers may contact ECUA Customer Service at 476-0480 for more information.
Town of Century:
Town of Century offices will be closed Monday, May 27.
Escambia County EMS Recognized During EMS Week
May 26, 2024
Escambia County wrapped up a celebration of EMS Week on Saturday after honoring the hard-working men and women who make up Escambia County’s Emergency Medical Services Division.
The Board of County Commissioners adopted a proclamation recognizing EMS Week.
2024 marks the 50th year of National EMS Week, with the theme “Honoring Our Past. Forging Our Future.” EMS Week honors the entire EMS profession and its importance in protecting the safety and health of citizens.
From Jan. 1-Dec. 31, 2023, Escambia County EMS responded to 81,329 calls, an increase of 7,269 calls from 2023. Available 24 hours per day, 365 days a year, they stand ready to provide critical care advanced life support, Basic life support, and bariatric transports to residents and visitors.
“The men and women of Escambia County EMS work tirelessly day-in and day-out to provide life-saving services to our citizens and visitors, as evident by more than 81,000 calls for service,” said EMS Deputy Chief Chris Stephens. “Their dedication and compassion to the life of another goes above and beyond, and I’m fortunate to work alongside this excellent group of professionals.”
Photo NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Atmore Community Hospital Awards Scholarships
May 26, 2024
Atmore Community Hospital (ACH) recently awarded scholarships to eight graduating seniors from Escambia Academy, Escambia County (AL) High School and Northview High School.
“This marks the first year of the ACH High School Scholarships. This year, we were able to reward the effort of the students, as well as provide assistance to those entering health related fields of study,” Brad Lowery, administrator of Atmore Community Hospital said. “We wish all the 2024 seniors the best of luck in the future.”
Lowery said that the scholarship applicants this year were all exceptional. The hospital awarded two $1,000 and six $500 scholarships to eight applicants heading into a health related field of study for a total of $5,000. The senior classes of 2025 will have an opportunity to apply for these scholarships next spring.
Scholarship winners were: Patrick Byrd and Makaila Rodriguez from Escambia Academy; Evereona Jackson from Escambia County High School; Sarah Bailey, Kendal Beasley, Carsyn Dortch, Berklee Hall and Leila Mason from Northview High School.
Their chosen fields of study range from nursing to pharmacy to pre-med. Some are attending Coastal Alabama Community College, while others will attend the University of South Alabama, Auburn University, Troy University, University of Alabama, and UAB.
Pictured: (L-R) Atmore Community Hospital Administrator Brad Lowery with Northview High ACH scholarship winners Sarah Bailey, Kendal Beasley, Carsyn Dortch, Berklee Hall and Leila Mason. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Blue Wahoos’ Bats Come Alive, But Smokies Win
May 26, 2024
written by Bill Vilona
Kevin Alcantara appears well on a path for an eventual opportunity with the Chicago Cubs.
He’s certainly blazed a trail this week in Pensacola.
Alcantara, 21, a 6-foot-6 rising star outfielder, who is the No. 3-ranked Cubs prospect, did damage again to Blue Wahoos pitching, blasting a 3-run, go-ahead homer in the seventh, then doubling and scoring the winning run in the ninth as the Tennessee Smokies took a 5-4 win Saturday night at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
A sellout crowd of 5,038 continued the Blue Wahoos season trend of large weekend crowds. This one watched the teams combine on 21 hits and back-and-forth big moments.
Most of the crowd stayed for the post-game fireworks show, which completed an event-filled game.
The Blue Wahoos wore colorful specialty uniforms as part of Marvel ’s Defenders of the Diamond program. The fifth inning was paused to feature a powerful Home Run For Life, saluting a 5-year-old girl who overcame a massive surgical procedure and long odds. And there was the overall festive scene a filled stadium brings.
The Smokies (26-18), who boast 12 of the Cubs’ top 30 prospects, have now won four of the five games this week heading to Sunday’s finale.
The Blue Wahoos (23-21) received another gritty outing from starter M.D. Johnson. Though he walked four and allowed six hits, Johnson worked six innings, had a 3-1 lead and was in line for the win. In each of the first four innings, the Smokies had two runners on base, but Johnson made big pitches to end threats.
But in the seventh, Alcantara, who went 4-for-4 in Tennessee’s win Friday, came up with one out and two runners on base against Blue Wahoos reliever Zach McCambley. On a 2-0 pitch, McCambley’s fastball was met with a loud connection, resulting in a 441-foot, 3-run homer for the lead.
The Blue Wahoos had built their lead on a sacrifice fly RBI from Nathan Martorella in the fourth inning, then loaded the bases in the fifth and got a sacrifice fly from Harrison Spohn. A throwing error on a fielder’s choice grounder by Joe Mack scored Jacob Marsee with the inning’s second run.
Paul McIntosh tied the game again in the eighth inning on his leadoff home run. Martorella then hit a two-out triple, but a strikeout against Sean Roby ended the inning.
Alcantara led off the ninth with a double against Blue Wahoos reliever Patrick Murphy. He moved to third on a single. Murphy, a lefthander, then was on his way to working out of the jam. He struck on the next two batters. But he was called for a balk, allowing Alcantara to score and raising the ire of the crowd and Blue Wahoos manager Kevin Randel.
After the umpires consulted, the call stood. In the bottom of the ninth, the Blue Wahoos were retired in order.
The team will close out the well-contested series – matching the two Southern League championship series opponents the past two seasons — in Sunday’s final game of the homestand.
Pregame activities and ceremonial first pitches will begin at 3:40 p.m. with the actual first pitch of the game set for 4:05 p.m..
GAME NOTABLES
— When their daughter, Hannah, was only 3-weeks old in 2018, Layne and Ryan Lillie of Santa Rosa Beach had their daughter rushed from a local care center in Walton County to emergency room at The Studer Family Hospital at Ascension Sacred Heart.
Doctors conducted multiple surgeries, discovering that Hannah’s small intestines were twisted, a condition called volvulus, and she was in septic shock as a result. Over 99% of Hannah’s intestines had to be removed. Hannah spent five months in the hospital. But she is now fully recovered and active.
She easily circled the bases Saturday in a poignant moment as both teams lined each baseline and greeted her.
— Among those throwing out a first pitch prior to Saturday’s game was Robert Roberts, father of Blue Wahoos reliever Austin Roberts, who happened to be his catcher on the ceremonial first pitch. The family is from Sacramento, California.
— The Marvel-themed game jerseys worn by the players were auctioned during a live auction at the top of the sixth inning. Four other players’ Marvel jerseys are being auctioned online.
— There were five youth teams gathering on the field during pregame and having team members join Blue Wahoos players on the field for the National Anthem. Teams were Coastal 28, Bill Bond Rookie Warriors, Crestview Marlins, USA Prime Panhandle and the Gulf Shores (Ala). 12-under All-Stars.
WANT TO GO?
WHO: Tennessee Smokies vs. Blue Wahoos
WHEN: Sunday, 4:05 p.m.
WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium
A Future Focused On Helping Others: Meet Hannah Williams, Tate High’s Valedictorian
May 25, 2024
Tate High School’s Class of 2024 valedictorian, Hannah Williams has a passion for making a difference in the lives of others. Her commitment to serving her community has shaped her future aspirations, leading her toward a career path in pharmacy.
Hannah will attend the University of West Florida and major in chemistry. Eventually, she aims to attend pharmacy school to fulfill her dream of becoming a pharmacist.
“I really want to be able to help people, and I think that that’s a really good way to because I’ll be able to help people get better,” Hannah said. “I like working with people and helping people. So, it’s like the perfect job for me.”
Looking ahead 20 years, she envisions herself working at a pharmacy or hospital, while also cherishing time with a family and loved ones.
For current high school students, Hannah offers a simple piece of advice: “Stay involved and even when it seems hard to keep pushing through because it will get better and easier. There is always something to enjoy that’s going on.”
During her high school journey, Hannah actively participated in numerous community service activities such as Special Olympics and for the Ronald McDonald House.
Hannah activities in high school included being a member of the National Honor Society for three years, an officer in the National English Honor Society, the Rho Kappa Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta Honor Society, and the. Science National Honor Society. She was also a band assistant.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Chance Of Rain By Monday
May 25, 2024
Here is your official North Escambia forecast:
Tonight: Increasing clouds, with a low around 75. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Memorial Day: A slight chance of showers, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 10am. Partly sunny, with a high near 88. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 70. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming northwest after midnight.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 92. North wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 68. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming west in the afternoon.
Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 67. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 87. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming west in the afternoon.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 66. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 89.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 68.
Saturday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 88.
Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 69.
Sunday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 87.
AAA: Record-Setting 2.5 Million Floridians Will Travel For Memorial Day Weekend
May 25, 2024
Floridians are forecast to travel in record numbers for this year’s Memorial Day weekend. AAA forecasts more than 2.5 million Floridians will journey 50 miles or more. That’s 126,500 more holiday travelers than the previous high, which was set last year.
Nationally, AAA projects the second highest traveled Memorial Day on record. Nearly 43.8 million Americans will journey 50 miles or more during the holiday travel period*. That’s 1.7 million more travelers than last year (4% increase), yet slightly behind 2005’s record of 44 million.
“Memorial Day will be the start to a very busy summer of travel,” said Debbie Haas, Vice President of Travel for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “American travelers are forecast to surpass pre-pandemic levels, making this the busiest Memorial Day holiday weekend in nearly two decades. The main driver of the projection is strong consumer interest in traveling both domestically and abroad. Interest in traveling internationally is at the highest level in recent years.”
Road Travel
Road trips are expected to set a record in Florida and nationwide, with nearly 1.5 million more Americans on the road than last year. AAA projects nearly 38.4 million Americans will drive to their destination. That’s the largest automobile travel volume for this holiday since AAA began tracking in 2000. The national number of auto travelers this year is up 4% compared to last year and 1.9% higher than in 2019.
“Traveling by car is appealing for many people because of the convenience and flexibility it provides,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “However, that holiday road trip may cost more at the gas pump this year.”
During last year’s holiday weekend, Florida gas prices averaged $3.41 per gallon.
“Drivers should expect continued volatility at the pump as the summer driving season ramps up,” Jenkins continued. “The wildcard remains the cost of oil. And unlike last year, there are now two wars – in the Middle East and Ukraine – which have the ability to roil the oil market at any time.”
Air Travel
Airports are bracing for a spike in travelers. AAA expects 3.51 million Americans to travel by air this holiday weekend, an increase of 4.8% over last year and a 9% jump compared to 2019. This will be the most crowded Memorial Day weekend at airports since 2005, when 3.64 million Americans flew for the holiday, as the travel industry finally rebounded post 9/11.
Airfares are more expensive than last year. According to AAA booking data, the average price for a round trip domestic flight will cost $778. That’s 2% more than last year’s holiday weekend. International flights are 4% more expensive – averaging $1485 for a roundtrip ticket. Several factors play into how much travelers pay for airfare, including destination, number of stops, and fare class. For example, passengers who book nonstop flights with seat selection and carry-on bags included will likely pay more than those who select basic economy with a layover.
Other Modes of Transportation (Bus, Train, Cruise, etc.)
Nearly two million people are forecast to travel by other modes of transportation, including buses, cruises, and trains. AAA projects 1.9 million people will take these other modes of transportation, an increase of 5.6% compared to last year. “This category took the biggest hit during the pandemic,” Haas said. “Now – five years later – we’re back to 2019 numbers. Leading the charge is the resurgence in both ocean and river cruising, which came back extremely strong and continues to gain popularity. With ships of all sizes being introduced each year, there is constantly something new and exciting to explore for both first time and repeat cruise enthusiasts.”
Hotel and Rental Car Prices
Domestic hotel prices are less expensive than last year. In reviewing all hotel bookings with AAA, domestic hotels are 5% cheaper this Memorial Day weekend compared to last. The total average cost per stay (which can be multiple nights) is $500. International hotels are about the same as last year. The average cost per stay is $660.
Domestic car rentals are 17% cheaper this Memorial Day weekend compared to last. The average total cost for a rental (which is typically for a few days) is $439. International car rentals are 16% cheaper this Memorial Day weekend compared to last. Average total cost for a rental (which is typically for a few days) is $617.