CrossFaith Church Motorcycle Ride Benefits Alzheimer’s Services

November 15, 2016

CrossFaith Church in Molino held their annual “Ride to Remember” last Saturday to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and raise funds for The Retreat, the Council on Aging’s adult day health care center. Riders also made stops by Homestead Village of Pensacola and the Summer Vista Assisted Living Community. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Building Services Director Mayo Retires With 38 Years On The Job

November 14, 2016

Escambia County Building Services Director Donald Mayo has retired. after more than 38 years of service with the county, leaving a strong legacy and impact on Escambia County’s inspection and code enforcement programs.

When Mayo joined Escambia County in 1973 as an Electrical Inspector, there was no Fire Safety Inspections Program, Code Enforcement Division or Neighborhood Improvement Division – all of which were established by Mayo during his tenure.

Mayo initially retired as Building Official/Director of Escambia County Building Inspections Department in September 2008, returning as Building Services Director in July 2013. His wife, Sue, retired in October 2016 as a Senior Accountant in the Corrections Department after 18 years, bringing their combined service with Escambia County to more than 56 years.

“It’s a family,” Mayo said when asked what he enjoyed about his time with the county. “You know, county employees are kind of unique in themselves, or any governmental entity. We just enjoyed serving.”

In 1991, Mayo became the first person in the state of Florida and one of only 19 in the world to achieve Chief Code Analyst certification in building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical disciplines, earning the recognition as a Code Enforcement and Administrative Professional by the Southern Building Code Congress International.

But more than the certifications and recognitions during his career, Mayo said he enjoyed getting to help people achieve their goals related to property and home ownership.

“There’s two things: Family is number one for most people, and their property and property rights is their number two,” Mayo said. “And I believe in both of them very strongly, so I loved assisting people in getting through the requirements in order to build their home.”

Mayo said he plans to stay busy in retirement, whether it’s going on an RV trip or running a half marathon with his wife, fishing in their pond or visiting their six children and 10 grandchildren. Mayo will also continue teaching an electrical apprenticeship at George Stone Technical Center, where he has taught since 1983.

County Administrator Jack Brown expressed his appreciation for Mayo’s 38 years of dedicated service to the county and congratulated him on his retirement.

“Donald Mayo has been a true asset to Escambia County and a driving force in advancing the Building Services Division,” Brown said. “We hate to see him go, but we wish him the best in his retirement and future endeavors.”

Bratt Elementary School Names Students Of The Month

November 14, 2016

The following students (pictured above) were named Students of the Month for November at Bratt Elementary School.

  • Brooklynne Fountain
  • Kyle Lowery
  • Autumn Heist
  • Jerrilynn Barlow
  • Rainey Nelson
  • Aaron Gregson
  • Breah Shelly
  • Kaylee Wilson
  • Jordan Peters
  • Christian Roberts
  • Amara Campbell
  • Jacobi Dougall
  • Presley Johnson
  • Ora Bryan
  • Allison Flowers
  • Daequan Banks
  • Claire Amerson
  • Jared Hudson
  • Laura Laborde
  • Payton Daw
  • Sophia Bailey
  • Leah Hetrick
  • Sarah Bailey
  • Berklee Hall

The students pictured below, Jared Hudson and Presley Johnson, were chosen to represent Bratt Elementary School as Escambia County Students of the Month for November.

Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Century Health And Rehab Honors Local Veterans

November 12, 2016

A special program honored veterans was held Friday afternoon at the Century Health and Rehabilitation Center.

The program included the presentation of colors by the Northview High School NJROTC, special music of recognition of veterans. Center resident veterans George B. Bounds, Melvin Findley, Earl Hall and Johnny Tolbert were recognized.

For more photos, click here.

NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.

FFA Smoked Meat, Citrus Sales Underway

November 12, 2016

The annual Northview High School FFA Alumni Smoked Turkey and Boston Butt Sale is now underway, just in time for Thanksgiving. And, the Northview FFA’s Fruit Sale is also underway with delivery before Christmas.

Turkeys And Boston Butts

In the annual fund raiser, you can choose either a seven to nine pound smoked Boston butt or a 10-12 pound smoked turkey for $30 each.

Boston butts will be available for pickup on Monday, November 21, and the the smoked turkeys will be available for pickup on Tuesday, November 22 at either Highland Baptist Church in Molino or the Northview Ag Department (complete pickup details are on the order form).

Proceeds from the sale will go to benefit the Northview High School FFA Scholarship Fund. The sale is sponsored by Archie’s Catering Smokehouse in Molino. For a printable order form, click here. Orders must be placed by Thursday, November 17.

Fruit Sale

The NHS FFA is selling citrus in attractive 2/5, 1/2 or 4/5 bushel boxes perfect for gift wrapping. The Florida citrus is from RiverBrite in Vero Beach.

Orders must be made by Monday, November 28. The pickup date is Wednesday, December 14.

For an order form click here. Order forms and payment can be returned to Northview by mail (the address is on the order form), or dropped off at the school office. Fruits available include red apples, pears, grapefruit, navel oranges, tangelos, and Hamlin oranges. Mixed trio half bushels are also available.

For more information, call (850) 327-6681, ext. 248.

Camp Fire Students Learn About Veterans, Offer Thanks

November 11, 2016

This week, the children at Camp Fire Century learned about what a veteran is and why they are celebrated on Veterans Day every November 11.

Local veterans visited with the Camp Fire children and spoke about what it means to be a veteran. The children said the Pledge of Allegiance, and sang “God Bless America” and “You’re a Grand Ole Flag”. They listened and thanked each veteran for their service.

Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Taking A Bite Out Of Hunger: Peanut Butter Drive Continues

November 11, 2016

In an effort to boost the supply of the most requested food pantry item, peanut butter, UF IFAS Escambia County Extension is teaming up again with the Florida Peanut Producers Association to help “Take a Bite out of Hunger” by participating in a local peanut butter drive.

Residents are asked to help meet the challenge of collecting 1,000 pounds of the versatile food by donating unopened jars of peanut butter at one of five locations now through Wednesday, November 23.  All peanut butter collected will be donated to local food pantries in December.

Drop-off locations:

  • Escambia County Administration, 221 Palafox Place, 4th Floor
  • Escambia County Extension Office, 3740 Stefani Road
  • Escambia County Farm Bureau,153 Highway 97, Molino
  • Escambia County Public Safety, 6575 North W Street
  • Gilmore Services, 31 East Fairfield Drive

Many families in our community experience food insecurities. They rely upon food pantries to supplement their family’s meals and reduce worries about running out of food. To help meet the need of providing healthy options for our residents in need, this is the fourth year UF IFAS Escambia County Extension has participated in the peanut butter drive.

Last year, more than 2,800 jars of peanut butter were donated to local food pantries.

NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.

Earn An Accredited High School Diploma At The Library

November 10, 2016

Escambia County residents have a new opportunity to earn their high school diploma through Career Online High School at West Florida Public Libraries. Career Online High School, a program brought to public libraries by Cengage Learning and the state of Florida, offers an accredited high school diploma and credentialed career certificate.

A limited number of scholarships will be awarded to qualified learners. Escambia County residents who are at least 19 years old and have a West Florida Public Libraries card in good standing are eligible for the program. Interested residents can get started by completing an online self-assessment here. Successful applicants will be contacted by the library to discuss application into the program and award of a scholarship. While there is no application deadline, a scholarship is necessary to participate in Career Online High School.

Once enrolled, Career Online High School pairs each student with an academic coach, who assists with developing an individual career plan, offers ongoing guidance and encouragement, evaluates performance and connects the learner with necessary resources. Coursework begins in one of eight career fields from child care and education to certified transportation, before progressing to the core academic subjects. Many students are able to graduate in as few as six months by transferring in previously earned high school credits.

This program is funded under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Florida’s LSTA program is administered by the Department of State’s Division of Library and Information Services.

To learn more about Career Online High School, visit a West Florida Public Library or click here.

Escambia County Teachers Of The Year Named

November 9, 2016

Escambia County teachers of the year have been named. They are:

  • Jim Allen Elementary — Lacey Brown
  • Alternative Education — Naretha Evans
  • Bailey Middle — Erin Unruh
  • Bellview Elementary — Janet Kay Spencer
  • Bellview Middle — Tyvanna Boulager
  • Beulah Academy of Science — Elizabeth Mott
  • Beulah Elementary — Brandy Paynter
  • Blue Angels Elementary — Kathleen Moriarty
  • Bratt Elementary — Susan R. Ward
  • Brentwood Elementary — Gordon Wade
  • Brown-Barge Middle — Megan Judge
  • Byrneville Elementary Inc. — Brittany Marshman
  • Camelot Academy — Alexandria Palmer
  • Hellen Caro Elementary — Angelia Grimes-Graeme
  • N.B. Cook Elem. Sch. of the Arts — Christy Ueberroth
  • Cordova Park Elementary — Jessica Kelly
  • Ensley Elementary — Rosita Robsono-Watson
  • Escambia High — Maria Valica
  • Escambia Westgate — Amy Bates
  • Ferry Pass Elementary — Sara Frassetti
  • Ferry Pass Middle — Michelle Tomlin
  • Global Learning Academy — Nichaka Tribbey
  • Reinhardt Holm Elementary — Cynthia Morrissette
  • Lakeview School — Cheryl Jones
  • Lincoln Park Primary — Ashley Phillips
  • R.C. Lipscomb Elementary — Bonnie Shiflett
  • Longleaf Elementary — LaKevia Green
  • L.D. McArthur Elementary — Stephanie Harris
  • McMillan Pre-K — Stephanie Collins
  • Molino Park Elementary — Sara Calhoun
  • Montclair Elementary — Ryan Graber
  • Myrtle Grove Elementary — Cassie Mense
  • Navy Point Elementary — Pamela Mayo
  • Northview High — Raja Atallah
  • Oakcrest Elementary — Lynda Shald
  • Pensacola High — Yolanda Daniels
  • Pine Forest High — Karen Longoria
  • Pine Meadow Elementary — Angela Wilson
  • Pleasant Grove Elementary — Kaylin Roy
  • Ransom Middle — Barbara Baxter
  • Scenic Heights Elementary — Amber Sheridan
  • O.J. Semmes Elementary — Natasha Burton
  • Sherwood Elementary — Megan Wolter
  • George Stone Technical Center — Reynaldo Delacruz
  • A.K. Suter Elementary — Jessie Harms
  • J.M. Tate High — Ursula LaMontagne
  • Title 1 — Rebecca Herzog
  • Ernest Ward Middle — Yolanda Wilkins
  • Warrington Elementary — Tonya Morris
  • Warrington Middle — Rochele Glover
  • Booker T. Washington High — Cheryl Rembert
  • C.A. Weis Elementary — Emily McMillan
  • West Florida High — Tiffany Odom
  • West Pensacola Elementary — Jacqueline Jensen
  • W J. Woodham Middle — Lori Miller
  • J. H. Workman Middle — Lisa Bloodworth

The following schools did not submit a name for this list: Judy Andrews Center, Escambia Charter, Jacqueline Harris Prep. Academy, PATS Center, and Pensacola Beach Elementary.

Ernest Ward Honors Veterans (With Gallery)

November 9, 2016

Ernest Ward Middle School paused to honor veterans from the across the area Tuesday morning.

About 100 veterans watched students present a changing patriotic mural, along with patriotic songs and an armed forces salute.

“Our veterans need someone that will listen to their stories of bravery, courage and sacrifice,” said special speaker Donna K. Stacey, U.S. Army, retired.  “Some of them may not want to talk about some of their experiences. Just be patient. When the time is right, they’ll talk. ”

Stacey currently serves as vice commander and will be commander next year of the Alabama American Legion. She is also a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

“I also remind you not to forget our women veterans, she continued. “They now make up about 20 percent of our military forces.”

For more photos, click here.

NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.

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