Wilson Robertson Boat Ramp Opens Honoring Longtime Public Servant
February 12, 2016
More than 50 local, regional and state representatives joined Escambia County in celebration of the new Wilson B. Robertson Boat and Canoe Launch ad at 11800 Mobile Highway Thursday. The special ceremony also recognized Vice Chairman and District 1 Commissioner Wilson B. Robertson for his years of service and dedication to Escambia County, including his years of service as District 5 commissioner.
The boat ramp area, which sits on a 4.8 acre parcel near the Perdido River, features two boat ramp launch lanes, an ADA compliant dock, a paddle craft launch, 31 parking spaces for vehicles with trailers and a covered picnic table. Funding sources for the project included a Natural Resource Damage Assessment grant from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Escambia County Local Option Sales Tax and vessel registration fees for a total of $2.65 million.
“Fishing and boating are just some of the many recreational activities that continue to serve as great outdoor experiences in Escambia County,” said Robertson. “This new facility provides opportunities for citizens and tourists of all ages to enjoy, and I am very grateful to all of the local, regional and state partners that helped bring this project into fruition.”
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
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NJROTC Annual Inspection Held (With Photo Gallery)
February 11, 2016
Northview High School’s NJROTC Annual Inspection was held Wednesday at the school, with cadets undergoing face to face scrutiny with a Navy captain.
Captain Mark Truluck, Commanding Officer, Naval Aviation Schools Command, NAS Pensacola, conducted the inspection. The day’s events began with a personnel inspection, drill demonstration and a pass-in-review in the school gym. The captain also conducted a financial record review, briefings, administrative inspections, supply inspections and more.
Northview’s NJROTC is under the command of Senior Naval Science Instructor Captain Charlie Code and Chief Jeffrey Simpkins. The unit is led by Company Commander Cadet LCDR Moriah McGahan, Executive Officer Cadet LT SJohn Reaves and Command Master Chief Cadent CMC Uriel Codrington.
For a photo gallery from the inspection, click here.
The follow cadets earned an Exemplary Personal Appearance award/ribbon at Wednesday’s inspection:
- Kris Baxter
- Haley Black
- Emily Brown
- Leona Courtney
- Crystal Douglas
- Jasmine Elliott
- Victoria Grammer
- Triston Long
- Hannah McGahan
- Wyatt Morris
- Audriene Odom
The following cadets were promoted in rank during the ceremony:
- Rebekah Amerson
- James Ates
- Kris Baxter
- Hayley Black
- Rheanna Black
- Alyssa Borelli
- Jacob Borelli
- Katie Cmehil
- Crystal Douglas
- Lawrence Douglas
- Jasmine Elliott
- Victoria Grammer
- Jacob Harrison
- Mya Henderson
- Maggie Lane
- Triston Long
- Sara McCreary
- Hannah McGahan
- Wyatt Morris
- Audriene Odom
- Orelblis Rodriguez
- Zachary Sheldon
- Kyle Smith
- James White
Pictured: Northview High School’s NJROTC Annual Inspection Wednesday morning. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Polar Run, Walk-A-Thon Set For Saturday At Tate High
February 11, 2016
The “Polar Run” is set for Saturday at Pete Gindl Stadium at Tate High School.
The event is a fun and fit activity for students and supporters, with all participants striving to achieve their personal best distance. Participants will set realistic lap goals based on age and development, while helping to meet a $1,000 donation to the Leukemia/ Lymphoma society by encouraging participants to get sponsors for the distance they believe they will walk or run. Registration will start at 9:30, and the laps will begin at 10:00.
There will be several other activities occurring during the Polar Run. Maverick, from the Ice Flyers, will be there at 10:00; the OneBlood Big Red Bus will be onsite so those interested can give blood to support community needs; those interested in fostering or adopting a new pet can visit with representatives from the Pensacola Humane Society who will be on site to answer questions and introduce some adorable animals in need of a forever home; and free blood pressure checks will be offered.
In addition, a silent auction will start at 10:30 a.m., with winners announced at noon. There will be games, food, music, and activities to enjoy as auction participants await results.
For a registration/sponsorship form, click here.
FFA Members Share Ag Message At Molino Park, Byrneville
February 11, 2016
Several students from the Northview High School FFA shared the importance of agriculture and the role agriculture plays in our daily lives with students at Molino Park and Byrneville elementary schools on Wednesday.
They were also able to speak with each classroom about the upcoming Fresh From Florida program planned for March 11 at Northview. The program is designed to make today’s elementary students more aware of the world of agriculture and how it affects their daily lives. One of the primary objectives is to promote agricultural literacy among today’s students.
Northview FFA has won state recognition for this program and is rated one the best chapter programs in the state of Florida. Last year, they reached over 1,000 elementary students.
Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Pensacola Opera Presents ‘Jack And The Beanstalk’
February 10, 2016
The Pensacola Opera presented a free performance of the endearing tale “Jack and the Beanstalk” Tuesday night a the Century Branch Library. Another performance was held Wednesday morning at the Molino Branch Library.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Pictured: The Pensacola Opera presented “Jack and the Beanstalk” Tuesday night at the Century Branch Library. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
BMX Bike Show Encourages Northview High Students
February 9, 2016
“Bring Your ‘A Game’ to School” was the message Northview High School students heard Monday afternoon as a BMX performance team brought their high flying and flipping tricks to the school gym.
The positive-message, high energy program encouraged students to pay attention to their “A Game” — with the “A” in “A Game” standing for alliance, attitude, authentic, ability, active, anti-bullying and achieve.
The program featured BMX riders with daring leaps and stunts and a message about the hard work and courage it takes to be successful in life.
Five students were chosen from the audience to demonstrate their courage as they were asked to lay side-by-side on the gym floor as a BMX biker jumped over them. They were offered a free t-shirt if the biker’s attempt failed.
The most cr0wd-pleasing stunt came with the assistance and courage of Northview Principal Gayle Weaver who was asked to sit in a chair, arms outstretched, as one of the riders jumped his bike and back-flipped over her. In a “test” run with only the chair, the biker crashed into the chair. Students were asked, thumbs up or thumbs down, if Weaver should go ahead with the stut. She received an overwhelming thumbs up.
Weaver was told to sit in the chair, keep her eyes open, and, of course, not stand up.
Students cheered wildly as the wheel of the bicycle came with a few feet of Weaver’s face. She was uninjured and seemingly not bothered by the stunt.
The event was sponsored as a recruiting tool by the National Guard.
Pictured top and inset: A BMX biker jumps over Northview Principal Gayle Weaver Monday afternoon. Pictured below: Jumping over five students plus two others. Pictured below: BMX stunt show at Northview High School. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Blue Angels Soar Over Super Bowl
February 8, 2016
The Blue Angels helped kick off the 2016 Super Bowl when they performed a flyover at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, CA, on Sunday.
The Blue Angels’ signature six-jet Delta Formation soared over more than 70,000 spectators at the stadium, following the national anthem.
“It doesn’t get more exciting than representing the Navy and Marine Corps while flying over the world’s premier sporting event,” said Blue Angels Slot Pilot Lt. Ryan Chamberlain. “Navy and marines serving all around the world should be proud of their efforts which make opportunities like this possible.”
Flight Leader and Commanding Officer Cmdr. Ryan Bernacchi, a native of Los Altos, CA, was proud to fly over his hometown.
“Being able to come back to the area you grew up in and being able to represent the Navy is always special, but being a part of this great American tradition makes this privilege that much more incredible,” said Bernacchi.
The Blue Angels, while based in Pensacola, are currently training in California for the 2016 air show season and are scheduled to fly 65 demonstrations at 33 locations throughout North America in 2016, which is the Blue Angels’ 70th anniversary year. The mission of the Blue Angels is to showcase the pride and professionalism of the United States Navy and Marine Corps by inspiring a culture of excellence and service to country through flight demonstrations and community outreach.
Photo courtesy U.S. Navy Blue Angels for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Kids Learn To Make Valentine’s Lollipops At The Library
February 7, 2016
Children had the opportunity to make their own Valentine’s lollipops Saturday afternoon at the Molino Brnach Library. Two miniature candy canes, melted white chocolate, sugar sprinkles and a lollipop stick– the recipe for easy kid’s activity. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
4-H Kids Learn To Shop For Healthy Foods With Small Budget
February 7, 2016
Members of the Barrineau Park 4-H Club recently learned how to shop for healthy foods on a limited budget.
After the educational tour through the Grocery Advantage in Cantonment with UF/IFAS Extension leaders, Barrineau Park 4-H Club members and parents put their knowledge of reading food labels, picking whole grains, comparing prices, and much more into action.
Each participant successfully completed the $10 Challenge. With the $10 they were given from a UF/IFAS/Share Our Strength grant, they bought a fruit, a vegetable, a whole grain, a lean protein, and a low- or no-fat dairy product all for $10 or less.
Pictured: Members of the Barrineau Park 4-H Club learn how to shop for healthy foods on a limited budget. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate High’s Hoskins Named ROTC Cadet Of The Year
February 7, 2016
Tate High School’s Alexis Hoskins had been named Northwest Florida’s Cadet of the Year and has received a full ROTC scholarship to the University of West Florida. Hoskins is pictured with Tate High Principal Rick Shackle. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.