Tate High Alumni Group Donates To Molino Food Pantry
July 20, 2023
The Tate High School Alumni group recently made a donation to the community food pantry ministry at the Crossroads Thrift Store in Molino to benefit local families. Grace Paulchek presented the food on behalf of the alumni association. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Beulah Middle FFA Receives Honors During State FFA Convention
July 19, 2023
The Beulah Middle School FFA chapter and its members received several honors during the recent Florida FFA State Convention and Expo.
- Received an award for 100% FFA membership
- Received trophy for fourth place meats judging team in the state
- Received a trophy for second place aquaculture team in the state
- Colin Duarte competed in the extemporaneous public speaking contest
- Alumni Gabriel Flores came in 4th in the state in the creed speaking competition
- Parliamentary procedure team came in third in the state
- Jayden Williams performed his talent in front of thousands of people on stage at convention
- Mikayle Salvadora competed on state in a music competition
In addition, Beulah Middle FFA was able to donate over 2,300 food items to people in need thanks to generous supporters and friends. They placed second in the annual food drive.
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National Wildlife Federation Certifies Wildlife Habitat At Cantonment Church
July 16, 2023
The National Wildlife Federation (NWF) recently certified wildlife habitat at a Cantonment church.
NWF said St. Monica’s Episcopal Church has created a Certified Wildlife Habitat through its Garden for Wildlife movement.
NWF said the effort creates gardens that support birds, butterflies, bees, frogs and other local wildlife. Every Certified Wildlife Habitat garden provides natural sources of food, water, cover and places to raise young and is maintained in a sustainable way that incorporates native plants, conserves water and doesn’t rely on pesticides.
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“St. Monica’s congregation has dreamed of creating a wildlife habitat since moving from Watson Avenue to the Highway 95A location in 1999. The property with its vast acreage and pond was ideal for such a project. After the unexpected death in February of our pastor, Rev. Anthony MacWhinnie, II, a former marine biologist, we thought it a fitting tribute to complete the application process. He loved the great outdoors and could often be found surveying the property in cleric’s collar and cargo shorts identifying the edible and other native plants that grow here,” the church said.
The pond provides a constant source of drinking water for birds, while other species including some amphibians, insects and other wildlife live in the water. Pecan trees, berries, foliage and twigs provide food. Dense shrubs, brush piles, and ground cover offer shelter. Some of those same elements including the pecan and various other trees provide wildlife a safe place to raise young. Soil and water conservation, the control of exotic species and organic practices are the final certification components that needed to be in place.
“Anyone, anywhere can restore wildlife habitat right in their own yards and communities,” said NWF Naturalist David Mizejewski. “Whether you garden in a suburban yard, an urban area or a rural plot of land, you can make a difference for local wildlife. Creating a Certified Wildlife Habitat garden is fun, easy and makes a real difference for neighborhood wildlife. It’s the perfect grassroots way to think globally and act locally and help birds, butterflies, bees and other wildlife,” he added.
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Free Dog And Cat Adoptions At The Escambia Animal Shelter
July 14, 2023
The Escambia County Department of Animal Welfare is participating in the Bissell Pet Foundation “Empty the Shelters” event through July 31.
Adoptions for all cats and dogs 1 year or older will be free. Puppies will be available for $50 and kittens will be available for $25. An $11 licensing fee will be applied to all adoptions for Escambia County residents.
“We are proud to participate with Bissell for the first time for their ‘Empty the Shelters’ event,” said John Robinson, Director for the Escambia County Department of Animal Welfare. “This will provide opportunities for all of our great dogs and cats to find their new families this summer. Adopting a pet not only gives our homeless animals a second chance, but also creates space that will allow our organization to help many other animals in need of temporary housing. We have a large number of animals available for adoption that will make a great addition to your family.”
The Escambia County Animal Welfare and Adoption Center is located at 200 W. Fairfield Drive. Hours of operation are Monday-Friday, 12-5 p.m., and Saturdays from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m
International Paper Assembles More Than 500 Feminine Care Kits For Community
July 11, 2023
Employee volunteers at International Paper Pensacola gathered recently to assemble more than 500 feminine care kits to end “period poverty”.
This is the second year International Paper has packed feminine hygiene kits for the community. The kits include feminine products and a personalized note in a discrete bag. The kits were distributed to the Health and Hope Clinic, Pace Center for Girls and United Way of West Florida.
“We are proud to support the organizations dedicated to improving the lives of the young women in our community,” said Nicole Crawley, area process manager, Pensacola Mill. “Period poverty is a serious issue that not many people realize exists, and we must work together to care for and uplift members in our community.”
Period poverty is a term used to describe the struggle that many women and girls face because they lack access to adequate menstrual health management supplies and education, and it can have serious consequences. Each year, more than 500 million people worldwide do not have what they need to manage their periods. It’s an issue that leads to a number of problems like school truancy, reproductive issues, health risks and unnecessary shame.
About 200 Attend Gonzalez Community Picnic Saturday (With Gallery)
July 9, 2023
About 200 people attended a free community picnic Saturday at Gonzalez Baptist Church.
The event included a free barbecue lunch, live music from the Smith Family singers, games and treats for kids of all ages, food for the needy and much more.
“Many families received encouragement and physical and emotional help,” Pastor Mike Mashburn said. It was a great day of community service.”
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Tate High FFA Receives Honors During State FFA Convention
July 7, 2023
The Tate High School FFA chapter and its members received several honors during the recent Florida FFA State Convention and Expo.
State FFA Degrees
- Kamdon Jones
- Jonathon Levin
Tate FFA Chapter Awards
- 100% Membership
- Premier Chapter
- National Chapter Award – Tate’s application is being sent to the National FFA Organization for judging. The National Chapter Award program recognizes outstanding FFA chapters that actively implement the mission and strategies of the organization. These chapters improve chapter operations using the National Quality FFA Chapter Standards and a Program of Activities that emphasizes growing leaders, building communities and strengthening agriculture.
Career Development Events
- 4th Place – Farm & Agribusiness Management
- Team Members
- Brody Faison
- Ellason Barton
- Anthony Longe
- Tristan Dykes
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Northview High FFA Receives Honors During State FFA Convention
July 6, 2023
The Northview High School FFA chapter and its members received several honors during the recent Florida FFA State Convention and Expo.
The Northview FFA received second place in the state for the Chapter Advocacy Award. The Northview FFA Alumni was awarded third place Outstanding Alumni Affiliate.
James Gruenwald received his State FFA Degree.
Wyatt Ramsey competed in the Extemporaneous Public Speaking Leadership Development Event representing District 1.
Northview FFA President Cody Pugh was elected District 1 president.
Editor’s note: Other area schools attended the convention, and we will cover their accomplishments in future stories.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Walnut Hill Man Is The Boss Of It All At This Week’s Air Show. And He’s Been Doing It 30 Years.
July 6, 2023
A Walnut Hill man is the boss of it all at the Pensacola Beach Air Show.
The air boss.
The air boss controls the schedule for all the aerial acts, mass formations, high-speed jet demonstrations and pyrotechnics at every show.
Air Boss Paul Entrekin has the primary responsibility for coordinating all air show operations within the demonstration area and plays a critical role in ensuring a safe, efficient and entertaining air show every year. All of this while also meeting the latest standard air show regulations.
And he’s been doing it for 30 years.
“This occasionally requires herding cats,” said Roy Kinsey, a Pensacola pilot and attorney who is the founder of the Veterans Flight team that flies World War II Stearman biplanes in the Pensacola Beach Air Show.
“Air Boss is a difficult job. In many ways, the beach show is more challenging than other air shows, as coordination is easier when an entire airport is devoted to the show,” Kinsey continued. “In Paul’s case, the Pensacola Beach Air Show takes place over the Gulf of Mexico, with pilots and aircraft coming from multiple airports.”
A 1976 graduate of Auburn University, Entrekin was commissioned as a U.S. Marine Corps officer in 1977, and designated a Naval Aviator in 1980. During his military career he became carrier qualified, flying both rotary-wing and fixed-wing aircraft. He was an instructor pilot until leaving active duty in 1986 and then retained reserve status with the Defense Intelligence Agency as a clandestine operative until retiring after Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm in 1991.
No stranger to the air show world nor pushing boundaries, Entrekin soon was nicknamed “The Bandit,” after becoming the first civilian pilot to own and fly a Russian MiG aircraft. He founded Entrekin Aviation as a full-time air show pilot in 1986. He holds multiple U.S. and world airspeed records and is recognized on the National Aviation and Space Exploration Wall of Honor.
Entrekin also flew for Delta Air Lines for 30 years before his retirement, and over the years has authored a number of books including, “Mighty Hands,” his bestseller “Mr. MiG,” and his most recent children’s book entitled, “Jasper and the Christmas Faeries” set at his Walnut Hill ranch.
Pictured top: Pensacola Beach Air Show Air Boss Paul Entrekin. Pictured below: Paul Entrekin and his wife Lisa discuss their book “Jasper and the Christmas Faeries” with NorthEscambia.com just before Christmas last year. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Rotary Club Awards $22,000 In Scholarships
July 6, 2023
Sixteen Pensacola State College stellar students recently received a total of $22,000 in Cantonment Rotary Club scholarships.
The Ike and Carolyn Hicks Terry Music Endowed $1,500 Scholarships recipients were Ezra Baker, Sienna Hudak, Deelia Warfield, Elijah Spann, Gracie Collins and Francisco Segovia.
Receiving $1,000 Vocational I Endowed Scholarships were Dereck Alred and Myiesha Hartley.
Cathy Simpkins, Samantha Goodloe and Quashanekia Sims were awarded $1,000 Vocational II Endowed Scholarships.
William Goss, Robert Clarke and Travis Rentschler each were awarded $2,000 Ted Ciano Vocational Endowed Scholarships.
Maria Heal and Jessica Gonzales each received a $1,000 Legal Assistant Endowed Scholarship.
Since 1991, the Rotary Club has provided Pensacola State students with over $80,000 in scholarships.
In its 75th year serving the community, the Cantonment Rotary Club has six endowed scholarships with the PSC Foundation ─ Cantonment Rotary Club Culinary Endowed Scholarship, Cantonment Rotary Club Ike and Carolyn Hicks Terry Music Endowed Scholarship, Cantonment Rotary Club Ted Ciano Vocational Endowed Scholarship, Cantonment Rotary Club Vocational I Endowed Scholarship, Cantonment Rotary Club Vocational II Endowed Scholarship and the Cantonment Rotary Club Legal Assistant Endowed Scholarship. The six endowments total more than $164,200 and will support Pensacola State students into perpetuity.
Since 1999, the Cantonment Rotary Club has donated $62,253.25 to the College for student scholarships.
Ike and Carolyn Hicks Terry Music Endowed Scholarship recipients ─ saxophone player Ezra Baker and guitarist Sienna Hudak ─ also performed at the luncheon.