Sewing Club Presents Bibs To Escambia Westgate For Pre-K Students
September 28, 2023
The Caring Hearts Sewing Club presented 16 bibs to Jennifer Kozell’s Pre-K class at Escambia Westgate on Wednesday.
The Caring Hearts Sewing Club falls under the Council on Aging umbrella. Group members sew and crochet items for people and organizations in the community using donated supplies.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Local Students Gather For ‘See You At The Pole’ Worship Events
September 27, 2023
Students across the area took part in the annual See You at the Pole event Wednesday.
Students gathered as school began to pray in the non-denominational event. See You at the Pole is a national student-initiated, student organized, and student-led event. Students prayed for their school, friends, teachers, government and the nation.
At Tate High School, the SYATP is sponsored by First Priority and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
For more photos, click or tap here.
Pictured: (top of page to bottom) See You at the Pole student-led events Wednesday morning at Tate High School, Northview High School, Ernest Ward Middle School and Byrneville Elementary School. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Molino Park Students Collect Items For Ronald McDonald House
September 24, 2023
Molino Park Elementary students recently donated needed items for the Ronald McDonald House. The third grade won first place for the most items donated. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Ernest Ward Middle Names Students Of The Month
September 21, 2023
Ernest Ward Middle School recently named their August Students of the Month. They are Brody Hall, eighth grade; Lillyth Dekker, seventh grade; and Nevaeh Tidd, sixth grade. They are pictured with Principal Tyvanna Boulanger. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Sign At Century Cemetery Honors Work And Life Of Willie Dortch
September 17, 2023
A sign at the Century Cemetery honor the life and work of Willie Dortch.
Dortch passed away September 10, 2022. A proclamation from the town described him as a “pillar” in the town. A heavy equipment operator by trade, he spent his own time and materials as groundskeeper at the Century Cemetery and worked to serve his community in any way that he could.
The Century Cemetery is located off Kelly Field Road on the north side of Showalter Park.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
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.