Spring Break: Drive Like Your Kids Live Here
March 26, 2018
It’s Spring Break this week in Escambia County, FL. And this sign on Old Flomaton Road in Century offers good advice with kids out playing this week — “Drive Like Your Kids Live Here”. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
People Take To The Streets During Ciclovia Event
March 25, 2018
People from across the area got moving Saturday during the second annual Ciclovia event.
Ciclovia (seek-low-via)–Pensacola Open Streets originated in Bogota, Columbia, in the 1970s and took off around the world in the 1990’s. Pensacola joined the movement in 2017 with tje first Ciclovia! This event closeed major streets in downtown Pensacola to motorized traffic and opened them up for people to ride bikes, walk, run, play, or whatever moved them.
The idea is to create a safe space for the entire community to come together participate in physical activity, engage with others and explore downtown Pensacola.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Can You Drop An Egg Three Stories Without Breaking It? These Bratt Elementary Kids Can
March 23, 2018
Do you think you could design a container using common items to protect an egg dropped 35 feet from a utility truck bucket?
Most second graders at Bratt Elementary School can.
Thursday, the students took part in egg drop with the help of Escambia River Electric Cooperative. The protective containers were created using things like paper towel roll, straws, bags and coffee filter parachutes. Most of the students were successful with their eggs surviving the three story drop without cracking.
Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Northview Yearbook Staff Attends New York City Convention
March 19, 2018
Five members of the Northview High School Tribal Spirit yearbook attend the Columbia Scholastic Press Association’s 94th annual Spring Scholastic Convention last week at Columbia University in New York City.
In addition to attending convention classes and programs, the group was able to to see sights including Times Square, the Modern Museum of Art, the 911 Memorial, St. Paul’s Chapel, the New York Stock Exchange, Battery Park, the Brooklyn Bridge, Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center, Central Park, Grand Central Station and more. They also attended a Broadway play.
The Northview High School yearbook has been honored with multiple Gold Medal awards from the nationally recognized Columbia Scholastic Press Association, affiliated with Columbia University in New York City and the Columbia Graduate School of Journalism.
This was the third year the Tribal Spirit staff has attended the convention in New York City with their advisor Alison Robinson. Northview Principal Gayle Weaver also attended this year’s convention.
Pictured: Northview yearbook staffers Kayla McKillion. Anna King, Bailey Van Pelt, Delaney Reynolds and Skye Bullington in Central Park. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Inmate, Veteran Recovery Program Provides Pathways To Change
March 18, 2018
Serving in Afghanistan left 29-year-old Army veteran Derick Zemke with a knee injury that would impact his life more than he could imagine.
Somewhere between surgeries and the pain that came with his injury, Zemke’s use of prescription pain medicine turned to abuse, escalating to dealing opioids and eventually using street drugs to sustain his habit.
But after three and a half years in and out of jail, Zemke (pictured left) was ready to turn his life around. A fellow inmate told him about the Pathways for Change addictions treatment program, and he decided to go for it. Escambia County provides financial support to the program, which is housed at the Escambia County Work Release Center on West Fairfield Drive.
“I was a productive member of society before,” Zemke said. “I played high school football, baseball, basketball, made great grades, was in the Army. And I wanted to get back to what I used to be before the pain medicine.”
The Men’s Residential Treatment at Pathways for Change is an alternative sentencing option for non-violent criminal offenders who want to overcome destructive behaviors, attitudes and habits that prevent them from living a life free from crime and incarceration.
This year, Escambia County provided $175,000 to Pathways for Change, and an additional $168,750 was allocated to the county’s probation fund to house program participants. Historically, the county has provided $140,000 directly to Pathways for Change each year in addition to the $168,750 for housing.
Zemke started Pathways for Change in July 2017 and is set to graduate in January 2019, with plans to go to college in May to study hospitality and eventually work in the tourism industry.
Along with his physical injuries, Zemke has battled post-traumatic stress disorder since his time in Afghanistan, and his automatic response was to self-medicate and keep his feelings inside. But in Pathways for Change, he gave counseling a try, started working through a PTSD workbook and opened up about his struggles.
Zemke said his hope is that after he graduates, he can help other veterans who are facing challenges similar to his own.
“It’s hard to go talk to a doctor that’s never experienced the things that you’ve experienced and be open with them about it,” Zemke said. “But talking to another veteran, I feel that I can talk to somebody and I’ve been in the same exact place as them – using opioids, battling PTSD, feeling like an outcast or a black sheep. And if I can relate on that level with them, they’re more likely to open up and try to change…so that inspires me to keep doing this, and hopefully I can save more lives than just my own.”
Army veteran Allen Townsend, 29, agreed that being able to openly talk with others is a significant benefit to being in the program. Townsend began drinking heavily after his first deployment to Iraq, eventually moving on to meth and dealing drugs.
After a two-month crime spree with his wife that left him charged with 28 felonies, he was ready to serve his 10-year minimum rather than enter Pathways for Change. His wife and oldest daughter convinced him otherwise, and he decided to give the program a chance.
“Without this program, I would definitely be out using again,” Townsend (pictured left) said. “I have learned to trust other people, other men, which is something I haven’t done since the Army. It’s a great support group – guys I can talk to, and they’re honest to me.”
Townsend will graduate in October of this year, with plans to complete an IT training program and move to Colorado to start fresh. With his wife still battling a drug addiction, Townsend is estranged from his family. He said Pathways for Change has become his family.
“These guys want me to succeed as much as I want them to succeed,” Townsend said. “I could have known these guys my whole life from what we’ve been through together.”
Navy veteran McArthur Franklin, 44, is nearing the end of his time in Pathways for Change, with his graduation set for April. After an injury forced him to leave the military, he fell into drug and alcohol addiction and suffered from PTSD.
Franklin said the program is not for the faint of heart, but the challenge is worth it.
The four-phase, 18-month program includes basic living and communication courses, group therapy, individual therapy and community service, with the final phase of the program allowing participants to live outside of the center and report back for periodic drug screenings.
“There’s a lot of rules here that you’ve got to follow, and if you don’t really want to be here, you’re not going to do it,” Franklin (pictured left) said.
Pathways for Change also connected Franklin with veteran-specific services like Volunteers of America, which helped him get an apartment of his own. Franklin is enrolled in barber school at Pensacola State College and plans open his own barber shop after he graduates.
“They’re teaching us that it’s a better way of life to focus on goals and actually try to complete them,” he said. “They’re pretty much dedicated to helping us, the people here actually are genuine and they show that they care.”
Lt. Anita Hemphill, the first lieutenant over security at the Escambia County Work Release Center, said the county supports programs like Pathways for Change that offer alternatives to incarceration.
“Pathways for Change is a solidified program that helps with recidivism,” Hemphill said. “It’s a very disciplined program – I think it has to be disciplined for someone to be put to the test and see if they’re really ready to make that lifestyle change and become productive citizens in the community.”
Escambia County Corrections Director Tammy Jarvis also emphasized the importance of alternatives to incarceration, which she said are an excellent way to assist nonviolent offenders in dealing with mental health, anger management and addiction issues.
“Incarceration alternatives help offenders transition from the lifestyle that got them into jail to having stable employment, becoming self-sufficient and maintaining a crime-free life,” Jarvis said.
Each crime avoided also benefits the community in reduced victimization and reduced costs, Jarvis said, since criminal justice costs are driven by volume of activity.
“Reducing recidivism can help reduce overall volume of activity, which in turn results in long-term savings,” Jarvis said. “Programs such as this provide a long-term investment in our community by providing those served with the support they need to restructure their lives and achieve success.”
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Rain Reschedules Branden Penegar Car Show For March 31
March 17, 2018
Due to rain this weekend, the annual Brandon Penegar Memorial Car Show has been rescheduled for Saturday, March 31.
Any make, model or year car is welcomed for the show. Car registration will be from 8:00-11:00 a.m. on March 31. The fee is $15 to only display a car, $25 to enter the car in the show. Spectator admission is free. Click here for a printable flyer (pdf) with more information.
Branden Penegar, known as the “Gentle Giant” was a 2011 graduate of Tate High School, an assistant coach for the freshman Tate Aggies’ football program and varsity tennis team, and a member of the Tate High School Student Hall of Fame. He passed away in March 2013 at the age of 20. Penegar was a active member of the Gonzalez United Methodist Church and youth program.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Fire Rescue Presents Story Time To Century Camp Fire Kids
March 15, 2018
The first story time with Escambia County Fire Rescue’s Fire Prevention Unit was held Wednesday at the Camp Fire Century Youth Learning Center.
The children heard a great story while learning about what is hot and what is not, and learning about how to get out and stay out of a house in the event of a fire.
Escambia County Fire Rescue’s Fire Prevention Unit is offering free story time sessions for Escambia County preschoolers and kindergarteners, furthering ECFR’s goal of educating local youth about practicing fire safety at home.
Firefighters are available to come to schools, day cares and preschools to read the children’s book “No Dragons for Tea,” which shows kids that learning about fire safety doesn’t have to be scary. The goal of the program is to reach children at a young age while promoting learning through reading.
To schedule a story time, contact ECFR’s Fire Prevention Unit at (850) 471-6525. One week’s notice prior to the requested date is needed, subject to scheduling availability.
Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
#MSDSTRONG: Tate High Students Show Support For School Shooting Victims
March 15, 2018
Students at Tate High School High School stood with Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on Wednesday and remembered the 17 lives lost in the February shooting at the Parkland, FL school. The Tate students wore maroon, black and gray. They also wrote the hashtag #MSDSTRONG on their hands to support the cause as a student body. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Century Sawmill Pageant Final Registration Set, Poster Contest Winners Named
March 15, 2018
Poster contest winners have been named in advance of Saturday’s final registration event for the annual Century Sawmill Pageant.
First place winner in the Century Sawmill Pageant poster contest was Amber Gilman, while second place was awarded to Kinzie Rackard. Both received cash prizes.
The remaining registration date is Saturday, March 17 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Southern Treasures Florist across from Whataburger in Century. The registration deadline will be March 23 by 5 p.m. For a printable registration form and more information, click here.
The pageant is for girls age 0 and up through high school students. There will be a $250 scholarship awarded to both the middle and high school division overall queens.
Pictured top: Century Sawmill Pageant poster contest winners Amber Gilman and Kinzie Rackard. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia 4-H Members Compete In County Events
March 13, 2018
The UF/IFAS Escambia County Extension Office hosted 4-H County Events recently, with 32 youth submitting 52 different entries. Events included competitions in public speaking, demonstrations and illustrated talks, photography, graphic design, and share-the-fun (talent) activities.
Winners were as follows:
Graphic Design: Taylor Nelson and Raeleigh Woodfin.
Public Speaking: Alexandra Odom and Michelle Tinker
Demonstrations and Illustrated Talks: Taylor Anderson, Abigail Bray-Crews, Alan Bray-Crews, Chloe Bray-Crews, Raimi Joseph, Rashidi J., Izzy Kent, Von Littlejohn, Taylor Nelson, Hannah S., Blake Stevenson, Hannah Thorne, Bobby Vose, Raeleigh Woodfin, and Lord Wyrick.
Photography: Lacie Kittrell (2), Tucker Padgett (3), Ava Chauvette (5), Chelsi Lashley, Shelby Lashley, Alexandra Odom (2), Izzy Kent (4), Levi Nelson, Taylor Nelson (2), Ethan Thorne, and Hannah Thorne (2).
accomplishments.
The winning photographs were displayed with the intent of increasing public awareness and understanding of the 4-H program.The top overall photo taken by Izzy Kent is being exhibited inside the Langley Bell 4-H Center.
All blue ribbon demonstrations and the first and second place public speakers and Share-the-Fun participants will go on to district events which will be held in Escambia County in May. In the photography and graphic design competitions, all blue-ribbon winners will be eligible for the state contest at 4-H University at the University of Florida in July.
Organizers said events would not possible without adult volunteers. They offered thanks to judges and volunteers including Sonia Bush, Virdell Cleveland, Lyla Knapp, Millie Knapp, Denise Mann, Vickie Parker, Raven Patel, Anne Peterson, Carolyn Prime, Tex Ritter, Christine Rodgers, and Danielle Tinker; and Wide Angle Photo Club members Norm Haines, John Mankelwicz, Harry Purcell, and Loretto Sitton. To become a 4-H volunteer, call the 4-H office at (850) 475-5320.
Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
