Bratt Elementary Students Will Return To New ‘Teacher Tested’ Playground
August 7, 2023
Bratt Elementary students will return to school this year to find a new playground, including a drum and music station made possible by the PTA.
Several teachers recently “tested” out the playground and were all smiles.
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Getting Ready For School: Backpack Giveaway Held At Carver Park In Cantonment
August 6, 2023
A back to school giveaway was held Saturday at Carver Park in Cantonment.
Over 100 students received backpacks filled with the supplies needed to get them started on a great school year.
The event was made possible by the Cantonment Improvement Committee, Ascend, International Paper, Pensacola Habitat for Humanity and Nativity Catholic Church.
For more photos, click or tap here.
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Cantonment Lodge Lunch Welcomes Jim Allen Elementary Teachers Back To School
August 5, 2023
Cantonment Masonic Lodge #322 helped welcome teachers back to Jim Allen Elementary School with a delicious lunch. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Navy Federal 5K Raises $24K For Escambia Public Schools Foundation
August 4, 2023
Navy Federal Credit Union has presented $24,000 to the Escambia County Public Schools Foundation.
The proceeds are from the annual Navy Federal 5K held in downtown Pensacola on April 1 with over 1,800 participants.
“The Foundation is thrilled about the generous donation from the proceeds of the Navy Federal 5K. The funds are used for Foundation Programs such as Grants for Excellence, employee events, and Golden Apple Awards,” said Foundation Executive Director Jo McArthur. “Navy Federal is an engaged and integral partner of Escambia County Public Schools and the Foundation. They provide volunteers, mentors, programs for Workforce Development, participate on the Escambia County Public Schools Foundation Board of Directors, donations of resources, and so much more.”
The Foundation will be the beneficiary of next year’s Navy Federal 5K.
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35,000 Pounds Of Food, 350 Backpacks Benefit Hundreds Of Families (With Photo Gallery)
July 23, 2023
Hundreds of families received a helping hand Saturday during a food and backpack distribution in Gonzalez.
A large group of volunteers distributed 30,000 pounds of food and 350 backpacks filled with supplies and socks in about an hour and a half at the Gonzalez Methodist Church.
Rep. Michelle Salzman, the Gonzalez Methodist Church and other community partners sponsored the event, which was open to all in need with no eligibility requirements.
For a photo gallery, click or tap here.
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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.
For more photos, click or tap here.
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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.
