The Buzz: Bees Swarm At Beulah Middle School
August 31, 2022
The Beulah Middle School campus was abuzz Tuesday after a swarm of bees was discovered.
BMS tech coordinator Laura Lee discovered the bee swarm on a tree branch in the courtyard outside her window.
Joan Strickland from Urban Farmer Supplies beekeeping in Molino and Beulah Middle agriscience teacher Charlotte Davis suited up and went to work. They carefully harvested the bees and lowered them in a nuc — that’s a smaller version of the traditional wooden beehive. The bees were not happy with the move and flew to the next tree.
Strickland and Davis captured the queen and placed her in the beehive where she was joined by the swarm.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia County Native Serving Navy In Nuclear Deterrence Mission
August 29, 2022
An Escambia County native native is serving in the U.S. Navy as part of the nation’s nuclear deterrence mission at Strategic Communications Wing One (STRATCOMMWING ONE). Its TACAMO (“Take Charge and Move Out”) mission provides airborne communication links to nuclear missile units of U.S. Strategic Command.
Petty Officer 1st Class Crystal Moody joined the Navy six years ago.
“I joined the Navy for a better life,” said Moody. “I also joined for the financial security the military provides.”
Today, Moody serves as an aviation maintenance administrationman.
“My favorite thing about my job is that I get to work with people from many different backgrounds,” said Moody. “I also get to travel to a lot of places, which I love.”
Growing up in Pensacola, Moody attended Pine Forest High School and graduated in 2010,
“I am thankful for the NJROTC program at Pine Forest High School,” said Moody. “The leadership there is what started me on this journey and gave me a passion for the Navy.”
Now, Moody uses skills and values similar to those found in Pensacola to succeed in the Navy.
“My hometown taught me to have respect for the people I work with,” said Moody. “That has carried me a long way in my career. I also learned that we all come from different backgrounds. We all have different dreams and goals, but we’re all trying to accomplish the same mission.”
The Navy’s presence aboard an Air Force base in the middle of America may seem like an odd location given its distance from any ocean; however, the central location allows for the deployment of aircraft to both coasts and the Gulf of Mexico on a moment’s notice. This quick response is key to the success of the nuclear deterrence mission.
The Navy command consists of a Wing staff, the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training, and three Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadrons: The “Ironmen” of VQ 3, the “Shadows” of VQ 4 and the “Roughnecks” of VQ 7.
STRATCOMMWING One employs more than 1,300 active-duty sailors and 100 contractors to provide maintenance, security, operations, administration, training and logistic support for the Boeing E-6 Mercury aircraft fleet, an airborne command post and communications relay based on the Boeing 707.
Their mission stems from the original 1961 Cold War order known as ‘Take Charge and Move Out!’ Adapted as TACAMO and now the command’s nickname, the men and women of TACAMO continue to provide a survivable communication link between national decision makers and the nation’s nuclear weapons.
The commander-in-chief issues orders to members of the military who operate nuclear weapons aboard submarines, aircraft or in land-based missile silos. Sailors aboard TACAMO E-6 Mercury aircraft provide the one-of-a-kind and most-survivable communication needed for this critical mission.
With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.
Serving in the Navy means Moody is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“The Navy is important to the National Defense Strategy because we are a show of force around the world,” said Moody.
Moody and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest Navy accomplishment has been being named Sailor of the Year in 2021,” said Moody.
As Moody and other sailors continue to perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“For me, serving in the Navy is a sense of pride,” added Moody. “I feel good about how I contribute and give back. It’s really a sense of pride for me. I love it.”
Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Anna-Liesa Hussey for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Brenda Kahalley Of Molino Celebrates 40 Years At City Of Pensacola
August 27, 2022
The City of Pensacola recently celebrated the service anniversaries of several employees, including Brenda Kahalley of Molino. Kahalley is celebrating her 40th anniversary in the city’s Technology Resources department. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Hero In The Classroom: Beulah Middle Teacher Saves Life Of Choking Student
August 26, 2022
A Beulah Middle School teacher is being called a hero after she saved one of her students that was choking on a piece of candy Thursday.
Agriculture teacher Leanne Jenkins said she just did what anyone else would have done.
“A precious little girl in my class went to answer a question I had asked, and she swallowed a piece of candy that was in her mouth,” said Jenkins, who was the 2022 Florida FFA Teacher of the Year. ”I immediately could tell she was in trouble. She grabbed her neck, and I knew then that she couldn’t breathe. I started the Heimlich and we got it unlodged pretty quickly.”
Jenkins said she and the entire class were shaken by the incident, but her Beulah Middle students were simply amazing.
“They were quiet, supportive, and someone immediately ran for help.” The student who choked was whisked away by the school nurse and is doing fine.
Jenkins and her husband took a CPR class about a decade ago when they were house parents at a children’s home. She didn’t think she could ever remember the information from the course, but it all came flooding back Thursday.
“I am thankful that the Lord had me right where I needed to be at that moment,” she said.
Pictured above: Beulah Middle School’s Leanne Jenkins was named Florida’s 2022 FFA Advisor of the Year last June at the state FFA convention in Orlando. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Century Native Serving Aboard USS The Sullivans
August 21, 2022
Lt. Amanda Sutherland, a native of Century, is serving aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, USS The Sullivans (DDG 68).
Sutherland, a 2009 graduate of Northview High School, joined the U.S. Navy because of her family.
“My dad and mom were both in the Navy,” said Sutherland. “They met when they were both stationed in Hawaii. I kind of say that I owe my life to the Navy because without it, they wouldn’t have met.”
According to Navy officials, The Sullivans is named to honor five brothers from Waterloo, Iowa, who served together on the USS Juneau during World War II. The Sullivan brothers: George, 28; Francis, 27; Joseph, 24; Madison, 23; and Albert, 20; lost their lives during the Battle of Guadalcanal on November 13, 1942. They were adamant about serving together in spite of the Navy wartime policy to separate family members. This was the greatest military loss by any one American family during World War II.
The Sullivans is currently undergoing a routine maintenance period after completing a seven-month global deployment where they participated in multinational operations and joint training exercises with international partners to foster positive relationships while ensuring freedom of navigation and maritime security.
Pictured: Lt. Amanda Sutherland .U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jahlena Royer for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia County 4-H Shines At 4-H University
August 20, 2022
submitted by Brian Estevez, UF/IFAS Escambia County 4-H Agent
Head, Heart, Hands and Health.
hese are the four “H’s” that comprise 4-H. This summer there were many 4-H activities promoting and utilizing all of the four “H’s” together and individually.
One of these activities was 4-H University, which is a four-day convention for senior 4-H members (ages 14-18) hosted on the campus of the University of Florida. Over 250 youth attended this event and had the opportunity to utilize the different facilities such as dorms, Gator Dining and the Reitz Union. This year Escambia County had 10 youth attend: Alan Bray-Crews, Ava Chauvette, Aubree Dillon, Kailee Dunlap, Payton Fuqua, Madelyn Goss, Raimi Joseph, Gracie Meredith, Tucker Padgett, and Cat Proud.
Escambia County 4-H members kicked off 4-H University with state competitive events, along with a spirit rally and guest speaker. Tuesday was a day of scholarship interviews, community service, and workshops. That evening, 4-H members attended the annual Share-the-Fun talent show, where Madelyn Goss represented 4-H District 1 and played the piano.
Wednesday was a day full of workshops. That evening, 4-H members, participants and guests attended the formal 4-H University banquet where scholarships were awarded to seniors, 4-H trips were distributed, and the 2022-2023 Florida 4-H State Council Officers were inducted. Escambia County 4-H’s Alan Bray-Crews, Kailee Dunlap, Madelyn Goss, and Cat Proud all earned a trip to attend National 4-H Congress in Atlanta later this year. Cat Proud also won the Greenawalt scholarship worth $400. Jessica Conti, an Escambia County 4-H alum, received the Barber scholarship worth $1,000.
Thursday morning was the competitive events award ceremony and Escambia County 4-H members received awards for their state competitions. Results of the different state contests were:
- Cat Proud, team member on first place avian bowl team
- Syrah Chauvette, first place, graphic design, junior, other category
- Laney Clarke, first place, graphic design, senior, flyer category
- Zaiyn Chauvette, first place, photography, junior, still life category
- Brayden Clarke, first place, photography, senior, still life category, Best of Show
- Madelyn Goss, red ribbon, public speaking
- Alan Bray-Crews, red ribbon, nature and the outdoors demonstration
- Cat Proud, red ribbon, second place, communication and media arts demonstration
- Gracie Meredith, white ribbon, second place, food prep demonstration
Escambia County 4-H is proud of the accomplishments of these 4-H members as they represented Escambia County at Florida 4-H University.
Escambia County 4-H Holds Annual Awards Banquet
August 13, 2022
submitted by Brian Estevez, UF/IFAS Escambia County 4-H Agent
Escambia County 4-H celebrated its annual 4-H Banquet on August 5 th at the Langley Bell 4-H Center in Cantonment. More than 120 guests participated in the celebration and recognition of Escambia County 4-H achievements in a mardi gras theme setting.
Guests were greeted in front of the building by a 4-H mardi gras float, complete with thrown beads and music. Many awards were given out at the banquet to recognize the accomplishments of our 4-H members. County council members and honored guests presented certificates, pins and awards to the recipients.
“The 4-H Awards Banquet was made possible with the donations from our many sponsors. Escambia County 4-H thanks you for your donations of money, time and effort to make the banquet possible,” said Aly Schortinghouse, Escambia County 4-H/Livestock Agent.
Our graduating seniors were recognized on-stage and 4-H volunteers received awards for their service. Escambia County 4-H also honored the members that made up the 2021-2022 County Council and inducted a new group of council officers for 2022-2023. The new council officers are as follows: A.T. Bridgers and Reid Spagnuolo as district delegates, Syrah Chauvette as motivational leader, Matt Dunlap as sergeant-at-arms, Tucker Padgett as parliamentarian, Alan Bray-Crews as historian, Laney Clarke as reporter, Ava Chauvette as treasurer, Kailee Dunlap as secretary, Madelyn Goss as vice president, and Gracie Meredith as president.
According to Brian Estevez, Escambia County 4-H agent, the new officers were inducted in alighting of the candle ceremony and were told that “good officers pledge their hands to the service of their 4-H council, its members, and the clubs they represent.”
The past 12 months have been an outstanding year for Escambia County 4-H. Four hundred and fifty-eight youth were enrolled in sixteen 4-H clubs, volunteer enrollment increased, and day camp and workshop quality were the best they have ever been. Escambia County 4-H members placed first in multiple state 4-H competitions including: 2021 state 4-H tailgating contest, 2021 junior horticulture judging, 202 1intermediate horticulture judging, 2022 senior Insectathon, 2022 Gator Pit entrepreneur contest, 2022 avian bowl, 2022 junior and senior graphic design, and 2022 junior and senior photography. Belinda Spann, 4-H senior office support assistant, was also recognized on-stage for being selected as the 2022 Florida Association of Extension 4-H
Agent’s Support Staff of the Year.
“Escambia County 4-H would like to say thank you to all of the 4-H members, parents, sponsors, and guests that attended the 2022 4-H Awards Banquet,” said Estevez.
The 4-H Awards Banquet was made possible with the donations from our many sponsors.
Escambia County 4-H would like to thank: Beasley Jewelry, Escambia County Farm Bureau, the Langley Bell family, Escambia County 4-H Foundation, Inc., and the Escambia County Home and Community Educators. Escambia County 4-H thanks you for your donation of money, time, and effort to make the banquet possible.
Photo Gallery: First Day Of School In Escambia County
August 11, 2022
Wednesday was the first day of school in Escambia County.
For a gallery of parent submitted photos, click here.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Restaurant Honors Legacy Of Fallen Marine “J.R.” Spears Of Molino
August 10, 2022
A shadow box was presented to a Pensacola restaurant Tuesday to help keep alive the legacy of Cpl. Jonathan Ross “J.R.” Spears (USMC) of Molino. He was killed in action, Ramadi, Iraq, on October 23, 2005.
The Marine Corps League Pensacola presented the shadow box to Bubba’s 33 on Davis Highway.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tuesday Was National Book Lover’s Day At West Florida Libraries
August 10, 2022
Tuesday was National Book Lover’s Day, and the West Florida Public Libraries celebrated with the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
ECSO representatives read their favorite books to the public at libraries across Escambia County.
Pictured: National Book Lover’s Day at the Century Branch Library with deputy P. Frazier reading “The Tortoise & the Hare” and “Fox in Socks”. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
