2013 Persons Of The Year: Marilyn Robinson
January 4, 2014
NorthEscambia.com is naming several Persons of the Year for 2013. More honorees will be named on Sunday.
Marilyn Robinson of Century has been named one of our North Escambia persons of the Year.
There’s that old saying, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going”. That’s Marilyn Robinson.
The Carver Community Center Association has been a big part of the Century community for many years. The center was started by a group of senior citizens in 1992, spearheaded by Leola Robinson, the mother of Marilyn Robinson, who now serves as the director. The center provides a safe place for children to go after school and during the summer and offers year-round tutoring and other programs.
The Carver Community Center on Jefferson Avenue provides food for 70 to 100 children Monday through Thursday and serves as a satellite office for Catholic Charities and United
Ministries.
Marilyn Robinson works tirelessly each year to organize Century’s annual Martin Luther King Day celebration. She is a board member of the Century/Flomaton Improvement Association, where she acts as a mentor to citizens providing services to local residents in the area of finance, education and housing improvement.
Robinson is active in the Community Action Program, assisting citizens with financial necessities and works with Farm Share to organize events to provide tens of thousands of pounds of food and necessities to the community.
During 2013, Robinson and the Center were presented The President’s Volunteer Service Award. Established in 2003, the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation encourages citizens to volunteer in their communities. Congressman Jeff Miller honored the Center and Robinson with a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition. And the Carver Community Center Association was presented Gulf Power Company’s prestigious Power of Service Award.
During the past 15 months, during Robinson’s tenure as director, a widespread group of people across the region have given back to the Carver Community Center.
After a December 2012 article about the Florida Department of Children and Families statewide “Operation Santa Cause” campaign featuring the needs of the Carver Community Center, people stepped up to help.
The Center’s needs included internet service (about $100 per month) and at least 15 computers to replace current computers that are old, slow and sometimes non-functioning. A man in St. Petersburg volunteered to cover the internet service for one year, according to DCF. And the Escambia County Board of County Commissioners donated 20 refurbished computers for the children.
A small army of volunteers organized by Americorps worked during the 2013 National Day of Service to paint the Carver Community Center. Nearly 100 volunteers painted inside the community center, a much needed facelift covering flaking and peeling paint in hallways and classrooms. The volunteers were from groups like Pensacola State College’s Student Government Association, DCF, Northwest Florida College, Americorps Coalition of Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties, the Ministry Village from Olive Baptist Church, Chain Reaction and Habitat for Humanity.
Word of the Carver Community Center spread to Georgia and the Rivertown Church of Columbus. They spent a portion of their summer working and volunteering in Century, and church members returned to provide a free Thanksgiving dinner for the town.
And UF IFAS/Extension Escambia County Agents teamed up with Robinson during the summer to offer lessons to about 50 children related to nutrition, preparing healthy food, water resources, insects, livestock, discovering where originates, and healthy choices for the youth of Century.
Pictured top: Marilyn Robinson is honored during 2013 by the Century Town Council. Pictured middle inset: The Carver Community Center. Pictured bottom inset: Children learn about nutrition during a summer event at the Carver Community Center. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
2013 In Photos: August And September
January 4, 2014
Florida is not always the “Sunshine State” as seen on Highway 97 in Davisville.
Multiple dump trucks were destroyed by fire at Roads, Inc. on Stone Boulevard in Cantonment.
The Northview Chiefs beat Bozeman 34-14.
West Florida downed Tate.
Jay beat Cottage Hill 18-12.
Groundbreaking was held for the new Ernest Ward Middle School.
Sheriff David Morgan sang the praises of neighborhood watch programs during a Molino meeting.
An empty desk were computers once sat following a burglary at Molino Park Elementary.
Jake Clayton of Molino proposed to his girlfriend Jenna Peoples of Milton during a weekend Pensacola Blue Wahoos game…and she said “yes”.
A Back to School Bash helped the needy in Century prepare for the start of school.
Tate Aggie fans.
Blue Angels at the end of the rainbow, courtesy US Navy.
Marty White marked 40 years on the radio on his “Hometown Morning Show” on WXBM.
The Ernest Ward Middle School Eagles beat the Panthers of Excel.
A pickup truck plummeted into a rain-swollen creek in Bratt. The driver escaped without injuries.
Hundreds of students gathered at their schools across the area in September during the annual See You at the Pole event.
Northview beat Jay on the volleyball court.
Bailey Burk was crowned homecoming queen at Tate High School.
Tate High School homecoming parade.
There was a big change of address for a home that was located on North Highway 99 in Bratt as it was moved about 10 miles to its new location.
“It literally takes your heart and breaks it” is how one Northview student described the 9/11 Memorial.
Students learn fire safety at the Cantonment fire station.
The Dollar General in Molino was the scene of an armed robbery.
The Young Marines of Pensacola honor LCpl. Travis M. Nelson at the park named in his honor in Bratt.
The Sonic restaurant on Highway 29 in Cantonment closed abruptly in early September.
2013 In Photos: July
January 3, 2014
All this week, we are looking back at the photos that were in the news in 2013. Today, we are featuring photos from July.
A Nokomis woman was attacked and mauled by two pit bulls.
North Escambia firefighters practice using the Jaws of Life.
Fire destroyed this pickup on Highway 4 in Walnut Hill.
Molino’s Caleb Gindl made history in July for the Milwaukee Brewers as he became the first in franchise history to hit a walk-off for his first MLB homer.
Two pit bulls attacked a road crew and were later shot and killed by an Escambia County deputy in the Grand Oaks Subdivision in Cantonment near Tate High School.
An educator from Iraq spent time learning about farming in Walnut Hill.
Dozens of local children took part in a musical camp at Highland Baptist Church.
A Walnut Hill farmer fertilizes cotton.
A minister at his post in the chapel of the Century Correctional Institution.
Hail from a summer thunderstorm.
The Pensacola Beach Airshow went on without the Blue Angels.
Community members, seen here reflected in a security mirror, toured the Century Correctional Institution.
Flash flooding at Highway 29 and Highway 97.
Chloe Channel wowed audiences on America’s Got Talent.
Atmore fireworks.
Century fireworks.
Century Care Residents Welcome 2014
January 2, 2014
The residents of Century Care Center welcomed 2014 with a New Year’s Day party Wednesday afternoon. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Northview FFA Wraps Up Annual Citrus Sale, Awards Top Members
January 2, 2014
The Northview High School FFA recently completed their annual fruit sale fundraiser.
Selling the most fruit were:
1st Place — Haylee Weaver sold $691 worth of fruit
2nd Place — Bethany Reynolds sold $534 worth of fruit
3rd Place — Kaylee Foster sold $393 worth of fruit
Fruits available included red apples, grapefruit, navel oranges, tangelos and Hamlin oranges.
Pictured top: First place fruit salesperson Haylee Weaver and second place Bethany Reynolds. Not pictured: Third place winner Kaylee Foster. Pictured inset: Some of the hundreds of pounds of fruit the Northview FFA sold. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
2013 In Photos: May And June
January 2, 2014
All this week, we are looking back at the photos that were in the news in 2013. Today, we are featuring photos from May and June.
Area law enforcement agencies held a June active shooter exercise in Flomaton High School.
Gov. Rick Scott signed Florida’s new texting while driving law.
One person was injured in this crash on Highway 29 near Morgan Cemetery Road in Molino.
Ernest Ward Middle School presented academic awards to hundreds of students.
The Northview High School Class of 2013 held their Baccalaureate Service at the First Baptist Church of Bratt.
Hundreds of people attended the 18th annual Heather Leonard Danceworks recital at Northview High School in May.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office recovered and returned stolen kart racing equipment belonging to a Molino teen.
An alleged burglar was shot at a home in Walnut Hill.
A high speed chase that began in Brewton, AL, ended with an unsuccessful manhunt in Century.
Northview split two Spring Jamboree games against two Alabama teams.
Fire destroyed this community transportation bus on Highway 29 in Molino. There were no injuries.
Firefighters from Nokomis, AL, joined the Walnut Hill Station of Escambia Fire Rescue for joint training.
Two boys playing in a dirt pile at the edge of a Davisville cemetery discovered apparent human remains in early May.
Record crowds attended the annual Sawmill Day and Car Show in May.
The annual Relay for Life of Greater Escambia at Tate High School.
Northview High School presented Grease before a sold-out audience.
Rev. Ted Bridges of the Walnut Hill Baptist Church, on his knees, reading from his Bible during a National Day of Prayer event.
LCDR John Hiltz, pilot of the No. 2 Blue Angels plane, gets a little help with a story that pointed out humans have arms, not wings, during story time at the Molino Branch Library.
Fire damaged the Hadji Shrine Temple on Nine Mile Road in late June.
A stolen BMW was found torched alongside Barrineau Park Road near Molino.
Hundreds of people turned out to honor Army Staff Sgt. Jesse Thomas, 31, who was killed June 10 while serving in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.
Work started in June on the demolition of a portion of Ernest Ward Middle School for the construction of the new school.
NEP won the Gospel Projects 2013 Tee Ball World Series in June.
A June North Escambia sunset.
A driver slammed his pickup into a Cantonment business. The driver was not seriously injured.
Kids get hands on with a large snake during a program at the Century Branch Library.
Alabama and Florida firefighters held joint “get out alive” training in Atmore.
Flooding closed Highway 29 in Cantonment for about nine hours.
Gov. Rick Scott signs the “Infants Born Alive” bill at the Florida Baptist Children’s Home in Cantonment.
A graduation program was held for eighth graders at Ernest Ward Middle School.
Florida’s first quintuplets, the Bakers, graduated from Tate High School. Pictured (L-R) Ian Kirk, Marcus Wade, Elizabeth Jane, Tristan Miller and Evan Whitson — with mom Mona Baker at Tate High School’s graduation.
Jazzlyn Franklin of Walnut Hill was named the Northview High Class of 2013 valedictorian.
Top North Escambia Stories Of 2013
January 1, 2014
Here are our picks for the Top 10 Stories of 2013 on NorthEscambia.com :
10. Pit Bill Attacks and Debate
A Nokomis woman was viciously attacked and mauled by two pit bulls at her home on Jakes Road in the Nokomis community. Doctors were forced to amputate 63-year old Sandra Lambert’s arm after the attack. The dogs were euthanized. Days later, an Escambia County deputy shot and killed two pit bulls that attacked a road crew near Tate High School in Cantonment.
9. Molino Library Opening
The Molino Branch Library opened on April 1 in the Molino Community Complex — a complete remodel of the old Molino Elementary School. The new library was opened for 52 hours per week. An opening reception in April gave the public an opportunity to meet the library staff, peruse the opening day collection, register for a library card and tour the facility. The Molino Community Complex project included the conversion of the old Molino School in to a library, community center and museum. There was also a new 7,000 square foot facility constructed for the tax collector and property appraiser. The project was funded by local option sales tax monies.
8. Outlawing The Animal Farm
After months of debate — and public protest — the Century Town Council gave final approval just days before Christmas to a new animal control ordinance that prohibits most barnyard animals from most parts of the town. Residents that own animals that don’t meet the ordinance have just weeks to register them at the town hall.
7. One Of The Nation’s Very Best — Northview FFA
The honors just kept pouring in during 2013 for the Northview High School FFA — Outstanding FFA Chapter, State Superior Chapter, State FFA Gold Chapter Rating for hosting the top “Food for America” program in Florida. Then at the National FFA Convention in Louisville, KY, the Northview FFA was awarded the Three Star Chapter designation — the highest status at the national level — on live national television. The chapter’s accomplishments were recognized by the Escambia County School Board and the Town of Century. And it should be noted that Northview FFA sponsor and 25-year teaching veteran Perry Byars was named Northview’s Teacher of the Year in March.
6. Molino Park Burglary
Just days before students and teachers returned to school in August, two adults and three juveniles broke into Molino Park Elementary, cleaning out tens and tens of thousands of dollars of electronics. iPads, Wii games, numerous computers and more — all gone. Within a month the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office busted the offenders and located most of the stolen merchandise. But in an almost unimaginably low twist on a despicable crime, most the items were found burned.
5. Ernest Ward Groundbreaking
A groundbreaking ceremony was held in August for a new $17 million rebuild of Ernest Ward Middle School in Walnut Hill. The oldest buildings at Ernest Ward, including the main classroom wing, were constructed in 1945 to replace a campus ravaged by fire in 1943. That old school had been constructed to replace an Ernest Ward School that first opened in a log cabin in 1896. The new Ernest Ward will be an ultra modern learning facility designed to last for generations to come.
4. Jobs: Black Gold And Yellow Pine
In 2013, the Walnut Hill Crude Oil Rail Unloading Facility operated by Genesis Energy, LP celebrated its first year and 100th unit train of crude oil. The oil is loaded on trains in North Dakota, transported to Walnut Hill, unloaded from the rail cars and injected into a pipeline bound for Gulf Coast refinery. A simple sounding process that has meant mega bucks flowing through the Walnut Hill facility as the largest of its kind in the U.S. It’s also meant jobs, and it allowed Escambia River Electric Cooperative to make major improvements in the electrical system serving the Walnut Hill community. Meanwhile, Gov. Rick Scott announced in July the reopening of the McDavid Sawmill, returning 50 jobs to North Escambia.
3. Tate High Football Program
A man named Ronnie Douglas was 1 of 46 that applied and the chosen one for the Tate Aggies head football coaching job. The Aggies were coming off dismal 1-8 and 0-11 seasons as Douglas led them into a 21-7 Spring Game loss against Niceville. Then for opening night of the fall season, the Aggies lost 45-3 to West Florida. But then the Aggies began to win, and win, and win. The Aggies ended their comeback regular season at 8-2 — their best record in a decade. And they earned a ticket to the playoffs.
2. Highway 29, Highway 97
Perhaps the most “famous” intersection in North Escambia, we reported wreck after wreck at the intersection in 2013. Then a parade of politicians led by District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry held a sit down meeting with the Florida Department of Transportation. With Escambia County agreeing to foot the bill, the state agreed a red light and an intersection redesign was needed.
1. Crime And Punishment
The 2013 headlines were dominated by crime — and punishment. With Operation Blister Pack 2, law enforcement at every level targeted the methamphetamine and pseudoephedrine arrests of about 60 people. Most of the arrests were North Escambia related, with drug groups dubbed “The Village Group”, centered around “The Village” area of Forrest Street and Lakeview Avenue in Cantonment; and “The Ayers Group” for a group centered around Ayers Street in Molino. Add in murders, murder convictions, burglaries and batteries, and the most frequent headline of 2013 was crime.
2013 In Photos: April
January 1, 2014
All this week, we are looking back at the photos that were in the news in 2013. Today, we are featuring photos from April.
The Northview Chiefs received their football state championship rings in April.
The Tate High School Showband of the South marches in the 2013 Fiesta Flambeau Parade in San Antonio, Texas.
Tate High School teachers and volunteers took on the U.S. Marines — and won — during a game of tug of war.
Atmore held their annual Relay for Life.
Local residents remembered the Boston Marathon bombing victims.
A group of locals running the Boston Marathon were not injured.
A powered paraglider trike and the sunset as seen along Highway 97 near Nokomis Road in Davisville.
Arial Holland slides into home for the Northview Chiefs.
In April, the Navy canceled the rest of the season for the Blue Angels.
The 20th Annual Spring Livestock Show was held at the Langley Bell 4-H Center on Nine Mile Road after the sale of the property to Navy Federal.
A flag football tourney was held to benefit the Northwest Escambia sports program.
Century council member Annie Savage renewed her wedding vows with husband Lloyd.
A high speed chase came to an end near Pine Forest High School.
Atmore firefighters use a ladder truck to access an apartment fire.
The Molino Branch Library opened in April.
Make A Resolution To Be More Wildlife Friendly
January 1, 2014
The tradition of the New Year’s Resolutions dates back to 153 B.C. Janus, a mythical king of early Rome was said to have two faces which allowed him to look back on past events and forward to the future.
The beginning of a new year is a great time to reflect on the issues of the past and resolve to do better in the upcoming year. The 2010 Gulf oil spill had a devastating impact on local wildlife. Florida is a state renowned for its diverse and unique ecosystems. But rapid development and environmental disasters, particularly in coastal areas, is continuing to destroy wildlife habitat. Resolve to be more wildlife-friendly in 2012 by following these easy tips from the Florida Yards and Neighborhoods Program.
Provide food
Select plants with seeds, fruit, foliage, or flowers that butterflies, birds, and other wildlife like to eat. Berries, fleshy fruits, nuts, and acorns are all treats for many animals.
Supply water
Any water you provide will attract wildlife. You could have running water in the form of a natural feature, such as a pond, creek, or other body of fresh water, but a fountain or birdbath will also beckon wildlife. Empty and clean your birdbath every few days. Do not clean it with soap or bleach—just physically scrub all surfaces with a brush or scouring-type sponge. Change the water regularly to prevent mosquito breeding and bacterial contamination.
Leave snags
Leave snags, which are the trunks of dead trees, in place if they do not create a hazard. Many birds use snags for perching, nesting, and feeding. Snags are often removed from yards or land mistakenly thought of as no longer having value. Nothing could be farther from the truth. A tree’s full life cycle at this point, is far from over.
Manage pets
If you permit pets to harass or kill wildlife, you will only hinder any efforts you make toward attracting wildlife. This is especially true for cats allowed outdoors.
Reduce insecticide use
Each time you apply an insecticide to your landscape, you reduce insect populations, which form an important food source for birds. Some chemicals can also poison birds and other animals that feed on affected insects.
Reduce the amount of mowed lawn area
Unmowed areas can contain more plant species than mowed areas, providing more potential food sources and habitat for wildlife. Reduce the mowed area around your house, especially in low-traffic areas, such as corners of the yard.
Increase vertical layering
Plant a variety of plants in different sizes and heights to provide more cover and feeding opportunities for diverse species of wildlife.
By following the simple tips in this chapter, your Florida-Friendly lawn and garden can become a sanctuary for wildlife, as well as part of a migratory passage between one wild space and another. Animals need to move from place to place, just like people. They have trouble traveling in heavily urban and suburban landscapes, but you can help them by joining your Florida-Friendly yard with others in the neighborhood to create a “natural corridor”—a safe, traversable route between woodlands, wetlands, or other wild areas.
For more specific information, visit the University of Florida/IFAS website at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_landscaping_for_wildlife or call your local Extension Office.
Theresa Friday is the Residential Horticulture Extension Agent for Santa Rosa County.
Three Northview High Cheerleaders In London’s New Year’s Day Parade
December 31, 2013
Three Northview High School cheerleaders are in London today, preparing to march in London’s New Year’s Day Parade on January 1.
Madison Arrington, Katelynne Calloway and Hannah Gibson have been in London since last week enjoying seven days in London as part of the National Cheerleaders Association All-American group that will march in the parade.
“It is such a privilege to be selected as NCA All-American Cheerleader. I am very excited to be able to go to London and participate in the New Year’s Day Parade and all the other activities they have planned for us. I am very grateful for the wonderful cheerleading coaches I have had over the years that made it possible for me to achieve this honor and represent NHS and our community,” Calloway said.
According to organizers, London’s New Year’s Day Parade attracts a worldwide TV audience approaching 300 million, sees almost 700,000 on the streets of London and has about 10,000 performers.
“I am excited about being selected as NCA All-American Cheerleader. It is a great honor and exciting opportunity to represent my school and community in the London New Year’s Day Parade,” Gibson said.
And Arrington said she is equally excited about the London performance. “I looked forward to traveling to London as an All-American cheerleader in the New Year’s Day parade. I consider this a great honor to have been chosen to represent my school and community at such an amazing event. I am so thankful to all the people in my life who have helped make this possible. This is the trip of a lifetime!”
During the past several days, the Northview cheerleaders have toured the city,visiting several well known landmarks. The girls were given the opportunity to go on the London trip after being selected as All-American cheerleaders during an NCA cheer camp over the summer.
The London New Year’s Day Parade begins at noon London time, 6 a.m. local North Escambia time.
Pictured top: Northview cheerleaders (L-R) Madison Arrington, Katelynne Calloway and Hannah Gibson in London. Pictured inset: The girls at Northview prior to the trip. Pictured below: The All-American cheerleaders with their parent-chaperones in London. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
