Photos:A ‘Funnel Cloud’ Sunset
February 2, 2013
Friday afternoon’s sunset was a bit unique, with readers across the area reporting what looked like a “funnel cloud” in the skies. Pictured: Friday afternoon’s “funnel cloud” sunset as seen from Walnut Hill (above, NorthEscambia.com photo) and below from Dogwood Park (courtesy Delaney Reynolds). NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Game Day Food Safety Tips
February 2, 2013
Super Bowl Sunday is the second biggest day of the year for food consumption. Super Bowl parties feature food, fun, food, and more food—lots of finger foods , dips, beverages, casseroles, and other snacks.
Food-borne illnesses, better known as food poisoning, affect one in six Americans each year. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 128,000 Americans are hospitalized, and 3,000 deaths occur each year from food-borne illnesses, so this year, kick off your Game Day party the food-safe way.
When planning those finger foods, dips, and casseroles, score some extra points by practicing the Four Basic Food Preparation Safety Rules:
CLEAN — The first rule is to keep everything that comes in contact with the food clean. Wash hands with warm water and soap before handling food and disinfect all food contact surfaces, such as dishes, cutting boards, countertops, and utensils with hot soapy water after preparing each food item.
SEPARATE — The second rule is to not provide bacteria with an ideal environment to spread. Cross-contamination is the spread of bacteria from one food item to another. Keep raw foods separated from cooked food items. Store uncooked meats on the lower shelves of the refrigerator to prevent dripping and cross-contamination.
COOK — Cook foods to proper temperature to be certain the food reaches an internal temperature high enough to destroy bacteria. Use a food thermometer to make sure meat,
poultry and fish are cooked to the correct temperature for that food.
CHILL — When transporting foods, the rule is to keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold. Never defrost foods on the counter at room temperature. Always allow sufficient time to thaw foods in the refrigerator. Perishable foods should never be left at room temperature for more than two hours. Rotate foods in and out of the refrigerator, or use ice to avoid any dish being left out too long. Refrigerate leftovers immediately after the game.
All foods are perishable and can cause food-borne illness when not handled properly. Game Day is a great opportunity for family and friends to get together for parties and enjoy seasonal foods.
Play smart on Super Bowl Sunday…don’t let bacteria crash your party.
Ernest Ward Students Explore Past With National History Day Projects
January 31, 2013
History came alive through the eyes of students at Ernest Ward Middle School recently as they displayed weeks of work on projects for National History Day.
The History Fair in the school’s gym capped off a project in which EWMS students were required to do research into a topic. The research was presented in exhibit form, much like the typical science fair, or as a drama or web presentation. Students complete projects either individually or in teams.
This was the fourth year Ernest Ward has participated in the national program, with the top projects from Ernest Ward headed next to a district competition. Winners included:
Individual Projects
- Tanner Levins
- Seth Killam
- Bailee Hinote
- Mallory Gibson
Group Projects
- Jacob Borelli, Alyssa Borelli, Victoria Amerson
- Elizabeth Wright, Kayleigh Linam, Morgan Pope
- Makenzie Colvin, Savanna Calhoun
- Jessica Stacey, Natalie Barrow, Amy Branch
Individual Performance
- Christopher Johnson
Group Website
- Triston Long, Cameron Long
- Lydia Smith, Ashtyn Carnley
Individual Website
- Delaney Reynolds
Pictured top: (L-R) Jacob Borelli, Alyssa Borelli and Victoria Amerson with their project on The Holocaust. Pictured below: EWMS History Fair projects on Jackie Robinson and Thomas Edison. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Flomaton Drama Club To Present ‘All Shook Up’
January 30, 2013
The Flomaton High School Drama Club will present “All Shook Up” Thursday and Friday evenings at 7:00. Admission is $5.
“This musical is a lot of fun! If you can think of an Elvis song, it’s probably in this musical,” Jerry Aaron, Drama Club advisor said.
“All Shook Up” is inspired by and features the songs of Elvis Presley. The musical is described: Into a square little town in a square little state rides a guitar-playing roustabout who changes everything and everyone he meets in this hip-swiveling, lip-curling musical fantasy that’ll have you jumpin’ out of your blue suede shoes with such classics as “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Jailhouse Rock,” and “Don’t Be Cruel”.
Flomaton’s production stars Deston Taylor as Chad, the guitar playing roustabout, and Victoria Roe as Natalie Haller, the local female mechanic who is looking for some excitement. Tyler Dove plays the part of straight-laced military school student; Dean Hyde and Hannah Blair plays the girl who was raised on the wrong side of the tracks Lorraine.
“Both of our male leads are played by veterans of the Drama Club but our female leads are both freshman. These girls are very talented and have worked hard to get this show ready for the production,” Aaron said.
K. J. Head plays Lorraine’s mother Sylvia; Seth Harrison plays Natalie’s dad Jim. Of course the town has a nosey Mayor played by Dezare Turner.
“We have about 25 students involved in this production, and they have worked hard learning to dance and sing this great music. Olivia Singelton has done a great job with the chorography, I certainly could not have done it without her, “Aaron added.
Pictured top: (L-R) Travis Coleman, Tiffany Hardy, Olivia Singelton, Taylor Morris, Taylor Graves, Matt Ledford and Kerrie Kornegay. Deston Taylor kneeling. Pictured below: Girls that love Chad. Pictured inset above: Chad played by junior Deston Taylor is just a roving roustabout, Natalie played by fresham Victoria Roe loves Chad, and Dennis played by Senior Dan Condrey loves Natalie. Picture bottom: Cast members Back row – Seth Harrison, Trent Sutton, Grace Carrier, Trevor Reeves, Scarlett Carter, Kimberly Waldrop, Eric Bossard. Second
row – Dan Condrey, Tyler Dove, Madison Buffington, Kristen Dixon, Hannah Kaylor, Dezarae Turner. Front row – Tiffany Paige, Chelsea Turner, Nickie Brittingham, Hannah Blair, K. J. Head, Alexis Williams, and Daniel Lambeth. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Byrneville Elementary Releases Second Nine Weeks Honor Roll
January 28, 2013
The following students were named to the second nine weeks honor roll at Byrneville Elementary School:
Mrs. Barberree’s Kindergarten
All Satisfactory
Ayden Atallah
Luke Diamond
Maddie Mae Driskell
Alex Dunsford
Tyler Gilmore
Olivia Griffis
Daisy Johnson
Mia Kornegay
Madison Levins
Allie Odom
Ian Watson
Jayden White
Mrs. Rogers’ Kindergarten
All Satisfactory
Nicole Briscoe
Layla Brown
Ashton Covan
Kerissa Dortch
Anna Dunsford
Hunter Johnson
Kelan Jurey
Evin Matlock
Addisen Miller
Blake Shaw
Mallory Smith
Mrs. Dawson’s First Grade:
A Honor Roll
Madalyn Grimes
Tyson McBride
Reygan Steadham
Ms. Thornton’s First Grade:
A Honor Roll
Riley Dawson
Meredith Johnston
Tyler Riggs
A/B Honor Roll
Alexa Castro
Nolin Godwin
Josh Johnson
Aydan Smith
Leif Waters
Mrs. Marshman’s Second Grade:
A Honor Roll
Aloysia Dortch
Kayla Johnson
Jessica Loftis
Kaden Odom
A/B Honor Roll
Briana Dunsford
Chase Hampton
Johnnie Howell
Emily Lambeth
Tiana White
Dreama Wright
Mrs. Weaver’s Second Grade:
A Honor Roll
Drake Allen Driskell
Emily Levins
A/B Honor Roll
Leah Anderson
Hunter Barnes
Josh Diamond
Marina Franklin
Micaleb Guntrum
Jamarkus Jefferson
Grace Long
Zane Rolin
Aleigh Thornton
Mrs. Dunsford’s Third Grade
A Honor Roll
Hunter Borelli
A/B Honor Roll
Dakota Bush
Cole Dunsford
Tessa Flowers
Jace Gifford
James Loftis
Torka Mills
Dillon Spears
Harley Walker
David Ward
Mrs. Gilmore’s Fourth Grade
A Honor Roll
Maille Kilcrease
A/B Honor Roll
Logan Bryan
Brianna Colter
Abigail Levins
Tyler Merchant
Jalexis Robinson
Tyler Rolin
Mrs. Johnston’s Fifth Grade
A Honor Roll
Madicyn Bell
Skyler Busbee
Ian Gifford
Alex Glidewell
Chandler Hinote
Lea Nall
Cloe Smith
Savannah Steadham
Nicky Trump
Olivia Watson
Ashten Wright
A/B Honor Roll
Hannah Merchant
Kelli Merchant
Waylon Milstead
Tyler Newton
Valorie Padilla
New Playground Installed At Molino Community Complex
January 28, 2013
A new, brightly-colored playground has been installed behind the new Molino Community Complex on Highway 95A. The complex also includes a museum, tax collector office, tax appraiser office and a library. The library will be opened in the coming weeks. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Local Students Named To All-State Music Groups
January 28, 2013
Several local students were selected to participate in the Florida Music Educators Association All-State groups at the recent FMEA conference in Tampa.
After going through an extensive audition process, 11 students represented the Escambia County School District:
- Middle School Treble Chorus — Emma Jenkins, Ransom Middle
- Middle School Mixed Chorus — Seth Godwin, Ransom Middle
- Middle School Honors Band — Randi Avery, Ransom Middle
- Middle School Honors Orchestra — Cade Howell, Bailey Middle
- All-State High School Mixed Chorus — Katelyn Godwin, Tate High
- All-State High School Mixed Chorus — Eion Blanchard, Tate High
- All-State High School Concert Band — Jacob Howard, Tate High
- All-State High School Symphonic Band — Katie Massey, Tate High
- All-State High School Honors Orchestra — Daniel Adams, Escambia High
- All State Elementary Chorus – Lorna McLendon, N.B. Cook Elementary School of the Arts
- All State Elementary Chorus — Nathaniel Harding, A. K. Suter Elementary
Additionally, Baily and Workman middle schools were presented with the Music Enrollment award for having high enrollment in music courses.
Pictured: Randy Avery, who was named to the FMEA Middle School Honors Band, and Ransom Middle School Band Director Janie Walker. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia County Students Of The Month Named
January 27, 2013
Students of the month for November have been named in Escambia County. The awards are presented monthly to a limited number of students from participating schools.
(North Escambia area schools are in bold.)
- Bellview Elementary — Aleksander Dennis, second; Kendall Davis, third;
- Beulah Elementary — Callie Crayton, third;Aidan Pittman, KG;
- Blue Angels Elementary — Julian Castro, third; Margo Mason, third;
- Bratt Elementary — Berklee Hall, first
- Brentwood Elementary — Zoe Alford, first Terry Lyons, first;
- Cook Elementary — Amanda Mills, fourth;
- Cordova Park Elementary — Alexi Malone, third; Wassim Khabou, third;
- Ensley Elementary — Delarius Henderson, fifth;
- Ferry Pass Elementary — Ge]Shun Brothers, third; Avery Vargason, third;
- Hellen Caro Elementary — Asia Casey, fifth;
- Holm Elementary — Bailey Robinson, first Zariah Small, first;
- Jim Allen Elementary — Jillian Whetzel, third; Gracey Spencer, third
- Lincoln Park Elementary — Nilajah Lopez, first;
- Lipscomb Elementary — Hanh]Nhan Tran, fifth; Kendall Blackmon, fourth;
- Longleaf Elementary — Cheyenne Boyett, second; Shykureia White, second;
- McArthur Elementary — Alexis Peterson, third; Oliver Alvarez, third;
- Molino Park Elementary — Gyanna Edmonson, third; Annastasia Mcpherson, third
- Montclair Elementary — Tierra Dailey, fourth; Thomas Jenkins, fourth;
- Myrtle Grove Elementary — Shane Jackson, second; Autumn Sawyer, second;
- Navy Point Elementary — Cody Casalina, fifth; Julie Tran, fourth;
- Pleasant Grove Elementary — Aidan Corzine, second; Jenna Conaway, second;
- Scenic Heights Elementary — Savannah Holzknecht, second; Jeremiah Fortune, second;
- Semmes Elementary — Brianna Olige, fourth; Gregory Bullard, fourth;
- Sherwood Elementary — Holli Estares, fourth; Janelle Willis, fourth;
- Suter Elementary — Brianna Luecht, third; Tanner Creech, third;
- Weis Elementary — Seydou Hanne, fourth; Sarah Feliccia, fourth; Seydou Hanne, fourth; Sarah Feliccia, fourth;
- West Pensacola Elementary — Skidazia Bonner, second; Adam Fleshner, second.
MIDDLE SCHOOLS
- Bailey Middle — Phillip Washburn, sixth; Trinity Vorachack, seventh; Nathania Torres, eighth;
- Bellview Middle — Rya Dukes, eighth; Elayza Agabin, seventh;
- Brown Barge Middle — Justin Liu, sixth London Taliaferro, eighth;
- Ernest Ward Middle — Rebecca Diamond, sixth; Triston Long, seventh Dakota Tipton, eighth;
- Ferry Pass Middle — Minh Tran, eighth; Katelyn Smith, eighth;
- Ransom Middle — Rebekah Dwyer, sixth; Hunter Riggan, sixth;
- Warrington Middle — Ka’niyah Mcallister, sixth; Za’nya Stallworth, sixth;
- Woodham Middle — Alendrea Dantzler, eighth; Tony Smith, eighth; Ansley Denty, sixth; Charles Warren, sixth.
HIGH SCHOOLS
- Northview High — Moriah McGahan, 9th; Ureil Codrington, 9th;
- Pine Forest High — Reanna Micari, 11th;
- Tate High — Jardae Ward, 12th; Jacob Howard, 10th;
- West Florida High — Jaylen Smith, 12th; Jaleese Cope, 12th;
- Escambia Westgate — Aishan Byrd, second; Davis Dukes, third; Helena James, seventh; Miracle Taylor, sixth; Leah Ciampini, 12th; Jennifer Henderson, 10th.
SPECIAL CENTERS
- Beulah Academy — Taylor Winans, seventh; Katelyn Mines, eighth;
- George Stone Vocational — Kristen Walsh, third;
- PATS Center — Gage Montgomery, fourth; Jordan Hay, fifth; Julie Hawkins, seventh; Mitchell Roberts, eighth.
FamiliesFirst Performance Recognized By DCF
January 26, 2013
The FamiliesFirst Network was presented the Most Improved Performance Standards Award Friday by the Florida Department of Children and Families. FamiliesFirst Network serves Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Walton counties.
“Today’s award recognizes FamiliesFirst Network for their commitment to continual improvement,” said Vicki Abrams, DCF’s Northwest Region Director. “Their partnership and strong ties to the community have greatly improved how we deliver services to children and families in Northwest Florida.”
Secretary Wilkins presented the award to Ann Harter, Vice President of FamiliesFirst Network.
“As an organization, we strive for excellence in all we do,” said Harter. “This award recognizes the efforts of all the FamiliesFirst Network staff who work diligently to engage families into services and keep children safe.”
Pictured: Ann Harter, vice president of FamiliesFirst Network, with DCF Secretary David Wilkins. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Country Music Video Filmed Thursday In Bluff Springs
January 25, 2013
North Escambia was setting for part of a country music video filmed Thursday night.
The video for the upcoming single “Chuggin’ Along” by Dusty Sanderson was filmed in Bluff Springs, including a bonfire scene that featured a lot of friends around a bonfire enjoying the song. Additional scenes were filmed earlier in the day at Chan’s on Nine Mile Road.
Sanderson, a Molino native, signed with Lamon Records Nashville late last year and recorded several original songs for his EP release. The single release for radio play, the CD and the video are expected to be released in about a month.
Pictured: A video for the upcoming Dusty Sanderson release “Chuggin’ Along” was filed Thursday in Bluff Springs. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
