Sneak Peek: Planting Thanksgiving Dinner For 1,000 Needy Families
September 15, 2023
Every November, NorthEscambia.com takes you to Farm City Week, and this year we are giving you an early sneak peek.
During Farm City Week, a couple of hundred or so student volunteers from Escambia and Santa Rosa counties work for a day in the fields near Jay to harvest collards and turnips, bag sweet potatoes, and more to be distributed with hams or turkeys to feed 1,000 needy families at Thanksgiving.
Tate High School FFA students worked tirelessly recently to transplant and water 2,600 collard plants at the UF/IFAS West Florida Research & Education Center.
For more photos, click or tap here.
“The Farm to City food distribution allows us to feed these families and teach people in our community about the economic, environmental, and societal benefits of agriculture,” said Robin Vickers from the UF/IFAS West Florida Research and Education Center.
UF/IFAS WFREC is looking for public partners to support the effort. For more information, contact Vickers at rvickers@ufl.edu or 850-393-7334.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Picking Up One Piece At A Time: Volunteers Work To Collect Litter In Beulah
September 13, 2023
“Beulah Volunteer. Picking up one piece at a time.”
That’s what is printed on the t-shirt Sabine Ahrens often wears while out picking up litter in Beulah. Ahrens and her “picking partner” Myrna Lane have been out picking litter in the Beulah area the last few months.
They have collected 336 pounds so far.
Pictured: Volunteers Sabine Ahrens (above) and Myrna Lane (below) have been out picking up litter in the Beulah area for the last few months, collecting 336 pounds to date. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Travis Smith Family Named 2023 Outstanding Farm Family For Santa Rosa County
September 12, 2023
Travis Smith and family have been selected as the 2023 Outstanding Farm Family of the Year for Santa Rosa County.
Travis, a fifth generation farmer in Santa Rosa County, has been involved in the world of farming from a remarkably young age. A lifelong resident of Jay, Florida, Travis’ upbringing revolved around the fields of peanuts and cotton that surrounded his family’s home. It was within these fields that Travis’ journey as a farmer began, pulling weeds and tending crops, a humble start that would significantly shape the farmer he is today. As a child, working alongside his father and grandfather, he learned firsthand the tireless dedication and perseverance required to nurture crops to achieve a bountiful harvest.
Travis absorbed the wisdom and knowledge passed down from his father and grandfather. His experiences in the peanut and cotton fields also fostered a sense of connection to the broader agricultural community. He witnessed the interdependence of farmers, as they came together during planting and harvest seasons, lending each other a helping hand when needed. Over time, Travis’ roles expanded beyond weed pulling, as he took on increasingly significant responsibilities in the family’s farming operation.
Travis and his wife Brittany were high school sweethearts. Brittany and Travis were married in August of 2007 and have since expanded their involvement, not only in Smith Farms, which Travis shares with his father, but also adding acres to their own farm.
Travis serves on the board of directors for Escambia Peanut Company, the Farm Credit Nominating Committee and the Santa Rosa County Extension Agricultural Advisory Committee.
Travis and Brittany and their three children, Leah, Lexie and Tate, enjoy being outdoors together, hiking, running, and being out on the water. Their children are now following in Travis’ footsteps, pulling weeds and learning from their father and grandfather.
Pizza And Playtime With The Principal For Byrneville Elementary Students Of The Month
September 8, 2023
The August Students of the Month at Byrneville Elementary School recently enjoyed pizza and playtime with Principal Ashley Trawick.
BES August Students of the Month are:
- Kindergarten: Bailey Rogers and Tatum Boutwell
- 1st Grade: Owen Roberson and Paisley Miller
- 2nd Grade: Kamiah Moore-McKee and Estella Johnson
- 3rd Grade: Paislee Cash and Timothy Dees
- 4th Grade: Lucas Jordan and Marlee McElhaney
- 5th Grade: Wy’Naejah Thomas and Madyson Wiggins
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Rotary, District Governor Discuss Goals
September 5, 2023
The Rotary Club of Cantonment recently hosted District Governor Kerry Anne Schultz. She presented the goals for the district as well as those of Rotary International.
Rotary continues in the fight to control and eradicate polio as well the fight against child abuse. Schultz said she is very excited about the ambitious programs ahead for Rotary International and the local district.
Cantonment Rotary is working on plans for the annual Ted Ciano Memorial Golf Outing supporting the annual Thanksgiving food giveaway. Last year, over 1,800 people were served in the Cantonment area. More details will be coming about the September 29 golf event.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia County 4-H Labor Day Classic Cow Show Winners Announced
September 5, 2023
The fifth annual Escambia County 4-H Labor Day Classic Cow Show was held at the Escambia County 4-H agriculture facility on Highway 99 in Molino.
Youth from Northwest Florida, Central Florida and Alabama showed their cows including prospect steers, market steers and heifers, highlighting the hard work put into them.
Winners included:
- Prospect Steer: Sarah Alexander of Pensacola Grand Champion: A.T. Bridgers of Cantonment Reserve Grand Champion
- Market Steer: A.T. Bridgers of Cantonment Grand Champion; Mallory Mahoney of Cantonment, Reserve Grand Champion.
- Heifers: Jack Trejo of Walnut Hill Grand Champion; Tucker Padgett of Molino, Reserve Grand Champion
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Bratt Elementary Honors August Leaders Of The Month With Pizza Party
September 4, 2023
Bratt Elementary School recently held their first “Pizza With the Principal” party of the year. The party honored Bratt Elementary’s August Leaders of the Month. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Sheriff’s Office Presents Awards (With Gallery)
August 31, 2023
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office recently honored several individuals during an awards ceremony.
For more photos, click or tap here.
According to the ECSO:
Investigator Dave Bashore was presented the Commendation Medal award. Investigator Bashore’s exemplary work and commitment to the Sexual Offender/Predator unit have played a crucial role in maintaining public safety in Escambia County.
Investigator Gregory Goult was presented the Commendation Medal award. Investigator Goult excels in Economic Crimes and Fraud investigations, showcasing his skill in handling difficult cases. His commitment to Escambia County’s citizens has positively represented himself and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputy Robert Campbell and Deputy Trae Walsingham were presented the Commendation Medal award. In March of 2023, Deputies Campbell, Walsingham, and Edgar responded to a domestic violence complaint. Their proactive pursuit of the suspect, along with their swift and skillful medical response to his deteriorating condition, prevented further harm and showcased their dedication to public safety. Their well-rounded approach, reflects their exceptional professionalism.
Deputy Zachary Banks was presented the Life Saving Medal award. In May of 2023, after his shift, Deputy Banks assisted the Pensacola Police during a house fire. He helped rescue a trapped child and began immediate life-saving efforts.
Deputy Banks performed chest compressions, and others gave oxygen and aided in breathing. Their actions revived the child before EMS took over. Deputy Banks’s brave and quick actions played a crucial role in saving the child.
Deputy Cody Brown was presented the Life Saving Medal award. In May of 2023, when Deputy Brown arrived at a house fire, he quickly joined fire personnel to help an adult female. Using his previous firefighter and EMT experience, he efficiently provided crucial medical aid to the victim, including oxygen and breathing assistance for about 17 minutes until EMS arrived. Deputy Brown’s actions were crucial in saving the woman.
The Investigations/Warrants Unit was presented the Unit Citation award. Members of this unit included: Lieutenant Stephen Cappas, Master Deputy Douglas Shoemaker, Master Deputy Eric Peck, Master Deputy Jeremy Jarman, Master Deputy Travis Peacock, Deputy Dalton Heigele, Lorraine Russell, Diona Murphy, Maria Camargo, Nicole Stout, Susan Merritt, Teresa Lyons, Karen Sztukowski, and Shea Goodale.
The Investigations/Special Victims Unit was presented the Unit Citation award. Members of this unit included: Sergeant Shaun White, Investigator David Bashore, Investigator Suzanne Pollock, Investigator Nate Hamel, Investigator Erin Bullard, Investigator Bernice Andre, Ola Wolff, Kimberly Smith, LaTonja Crocker, Angela Murphy, and Jeremy Horn.
ECSO Fleet Services was presented the Unit Citation award. Members of this unit included: Lieutenant Patrick Crossley, Jake Lucas, Allen Bell, Noah Benjamin, Robbie Kent, Christopher Leverett, Chad Mauldin, Jack Reid, Stephen Ware, Carl Weis, and Malcolm Reid.
The ECSO also congratulated the following individuals for their years of dedication and commitment to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office:
Sergeant Thax Langford – 20 years of service
Master Deputy Eric Peck – 20 years of service
Master Deputy Bryan Poole – 20 years of service
Pamela Gaines – 20 years of service
Henrique Dias – 25 years of service
Teresa Price – 25 years of service
Sergeant Steve Morris – 35 years of service
Joeann Wiggins – 35 years of service
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Native Serving On Aircraft Carrier USS Nimitz
August 29, 2023
A Cantonment native is serving on the USS Nimitz. Aviation Electronics Technician 2nd Class Devante Bonham is pictured performing maintenance on a flight control mission computer aboard the aircraft carrier recently. Nimitz is underway conducting routine operations. Photo for NorthEscambia.com by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Tomas Valdes, click to enlarge.
AmVets Ladies Auxiliary Donates School Supplies To Jim Allen Elementary
August 27, 2023
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The AmVets 420 Ladies Auxiliary in Cantonment recently donated school supplies to Jim Allen Elementary School. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.