Brand New Ride – Community Donates Gator To Century’s Jake Livingston
July 17, 2022
Thanks to the generosity of local residents, Jake Livingston has a new ride.
Jake, who is autistic, is an iconic member of the Century community, selling snacks from his trademark “Hazzard County Snacks” John Deere Gator. He is a local fixture at home games as “Northview’s Biggest Fan”, and always Northwest Escambia Chiefs Football. He also raises money for autism awareness and even had a little library named after him.
Everybody around Century, and pretty much every Northview High School student or fan ever, just loves Jake. And he loves them back. He does not know a stranger.
Jake’s previous Gator — his only form of transportation — was old and worn out, and repairs were becoming frequent and harder to complete.
And then several people stepped up to raise the funds needed to buy Jake a brand new John Deere Gator.
For more photos, click or tap here.
“My brand new ride,” Jake exclaimed Saturday afternoon as his new Gator was delivered.
Community members raised a total of $7,788 for the new vehicle through a GoFundMe page, auctions and other efforts. And the fine folks at Smith Tractor Company sold the Gator to the group at cost and tossed in some no-cost extras.
“We got me a new ride here. It’s going to be all over NorthEscambia,” Jake said when he hopped in the driver’s seat of his new ride, happy that NorthEscambia.com was there in Hazzard County on his very special day.
Hazzard County you say? That’s another story, and a big part of Jake.
The sign outside Jake’s residence in Century reads “Welcome to Hazzard County, Home of J.D. ‘Boss’ Hogg, Sheriff Jake”. Jake loves the character “Boss Hogg” on that classic television series, and operates a little side hustle he calls “Hazzard County Snacks”.
If you see Jake in his Gator around Century, he’ll happily sell you a snack to help pay for his living expenses. But he’s been known on more than one occasion to just give away snacks to kids that can’t afford them. That’s just the kind of guy he is, always willing to help or offer a word of prayer.
Jake, who is now in his middle 40s, had always lived with relatives until a change in life circumstances pretty much left his homeless just over a decade ago. The community stepped up then too. A neighbor found him an old FEMA trailer and helped him set it up. Area residents helped pay for the trailer and other necessities. A state-assigned caregiver helped teach him independent living skills.
“Look at this brand new thing…let me go get my hat,” Jake said Saturday afternoon before riding off for a late afternoon lunch of Mexican food at a local business. “We are going now!”
For more photos, click or tap here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Escambia Extension Names New Agriculture Agent
July 10, 2022
Madelyn Godwin has been named the new Escambia Extension agriculture agent.
Godwin grew up on her family farm in Jayand has been involved in agriculture since birth.Her passion for agriculture flourished even more once she joined the FFA in middle school.
She graduated from the University of Florida in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in natural resource conservation and a minor in entomology.
Godwin worked at the University of Florida West Florida Research and Education Center in Jay for the past three years.
Escambia Honors Firefighter And Paramedic Bill Halfacre As He Retires After 41 Years
July 9, 2022
This week, Escambia County Fire Rescue honored Willis “Bill” Halfacre as he retired with 41 years of dedicated service as a firefighter and paramedic.
“Well, I made it,” Halfacre said during the ceremony. “I appreciate everyone for being here today, and I am so thankful to Escambia County for everything they have done for me. They will always be remembered.”
Halfacre began his fire service career as a volunteer firefighter with Ensley Volunteer Fire Department in January 1981. In 1989, Halfacre went to work part-time with Escambia County EMS as an EMT and eventually become a paramedic in May 1994.
He joined ECFR full-time in January 2000. Throughout his career, FF Halfacre received his HAZMAT certification, Fire Officer II certification, live fire training Instructor certification, pump operator certification and his AAS degree in fire science from Pensacola State College.
Family, friends, colleagues, local elected officials, local law enforcement and fire partners from nearby communities gathered to honor Halfacre. Escambia County District 4 Commissioner Robert Bender presented him with an official proclamation from the board thanking him for his service, and he also received a certificate of recognition from the office of Rep. Michelle Salzman.
Halfacre has been married to his wife Cassandra since 2005.
Cantonment Rotary Club Swears In New Officers
July 7, 2022
Cantonment Rotary recently held a Change of Command ceremony. The new club president is Tony Lee (pictured bottom) and Dustin Vaughn was pinned as president elect (pictured first below). The new officers and board members were sworn in (pictured above) by Cantonment Rotary member Deb Held, who is also the district area governor. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
As Fireworks Boomed, Volunteers Read Books To Animal Shelter Cats And Dogs
July 6, 2022
While the fireworks were booming across Escambia County for Independence Day, the canines and felines at the Escambia County Animal Shelter were enjoying the company of volunteers and a good book.
The 2022 Tales for Tails event saw volunteers spend Monday night reading or just chatting with the dogs and puppies and cats and kittens who were comforted by a good story. Or just hearing someone that took the night to talk to them, show them that they care.
They were not alone as the sky booms echoed. They were not afraid. They were brave, thanks to their friends.
The words didn’t necessarily matter, but a “good boy” or “good girl”…wow, that means the world to a shelter resident.
Tails wagged in the doggie kennel, and there were more than a few purrs in the shelter’s Catnip Café. It was good for the animals, whether they were of the cat, dog or human species. You could tell by the smiles; it was a great way for animal lovers to celebrate the night of the Fourth. If you looked, you could see the smiles on doggie and kitty faces too.
And then there was Mallory McIver. She captured the night with her drawings of sweet resident pups.
Drawings that may become the cover of the next storybook as the shelter animals become part of someone’s family. It’s next chapter in this tale for tails that all hope to hear.
Photos courtesy Friends of the Escambia County Animal Shelter for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
ICYMI: Century Celebrates The Fourth With Fireworks, Food Trucks (Photo Gallery)
July 5, 2022
In case you missed it over the holiday weekend, here’s a look back as fireworks lit up the night Friday with an early Fourth of July celebration in Century.
Hundreds of people gathered in Showalter Park, Anthony Pleasant Park and the surrounding neighborhoods Friday night. Several food trucks offered everything from po’boys to loaded fries and ice cream, while vendors offered their wares before fireworks lit up the night.
For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery, click or tap here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
IP Awards Thousands In Grants To Local Nonprofits; Here’s How To Apply For The Next Round
July 1, 2022
The International Paper Pensacola Mill awarded thousands of dollars in foundation grants to local organizations last year, and a workshop is coming up for nonprofits and local government entities to learn how to apply for the next round in which $63,000 will be awarded.
A list of the 2021 grant recipients is below.
The workshop is scheduled for Thursday, July 14 at 10 a.m. and will focus on eligibility, criteria, and restrictions. Reservations to attend the workshop are required as a link for the virtual meeting will be distributed; however, attendance is not mandatory for eligibility.
The International Paper Foundation makes sustainable investments to address critical needs in the communities where its employees live and work.
“International Paper grants are an impactful way we continue to be a force of good in the community,” said Whitney Fike, communications manager. “These grants help organizations fund new projects and programs that support their critical mission and impact those in need.”
Signature Causes include:
- Education – Programs focused on helping children succeed via a comprehensive approach to education. Priority is given to literacy programs from birth through 3rd grade.
- Hunger – Programs dedicated to improving food security throughout our communities.
- Health & Wellness – Programs that promote healthy living habits.
- Disaster Relief – Programs that help communities prepare for and recover from natural disasters.
Funding also is available to address environmental initiatives (forests, water and air), employee involvement grants and other critical community needs.
Applicants must be a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization or qualifying federal entity to apply for a grant. To be considered, organizations must have a program that addresses critical community needs and have measurable objectives to demonstrate impact. Applications will be accepted at www.ipgiving.com until August 7, 2022.
2021 International Paper Grant Recipients:
- Autism Pensacola – Kids for Camp Summer Learning Lab – $5,000
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida – Feeding our Little Family – $2,000
- Boys & Girls Club of the Emerald Coast – Junior Novelist – $1,295
- Bright Bridge Ministries – Hot, Healthy Meals – $5,000
- Camp Fire Gulf Wind, Inc
- Children’s Home Society – After School and Summer Education – $2,000
- Council on Aging of West Florida – Clean Water Kids – $2,000
- Creative Learning Academy – Expanding Minds with the Power of Literacy – $1,000
- Every Child a Reader dba ReadyKids! – Project Ready Book Distribution – $3,000
- Feeding the Gulf Coast – Backpack Program: Weekend Meals for Children – $5,000
- FoodRaising Friends – Replacing School Meals – $3,000
- Gulf Coast Kids House – Reducing Abusive Head Trauma through Education – $2,000
- Health and Hope Clinic – Access to Care – $5,000
- Institute for Human and Machine Cognition – Free hands-on STEM: Science Saturdays – $1,500
- Jim Allen Elementary School – Ready to Read! – $2,500
- Junior League of Pensacola – Child Wellness Program – $1,500
- Kingsfield Elementary – Ready to Read! – $3,000
- Manna Food Bank – Healthy Kids Initiative – $4,000
- Pace Center for Girls – Ready through Remediation – $1,495
- Pensacola Children’s Chorus – Preparatory Choir – $1,000
- Pensacola Little Theatre – Dramatically Healthy Kids – $1,750
- Pensacola MESS Hall – Science in the Libraries – $1,300
- Ronald McDonald House of Northwest Florida – Hope for Hurting Families – $5,000
- The Global Corner – Let’s Visit Israel Activity Book – $2,600
- The Salvation Army – Food for a Senior – $1,250
- United Methodist Children’s Home – Milton Girls Group Home Meals – $1,000
- University of West Florida Foundation – Community Garden Orchard Project – $5,000
- Valerie’s House – Family Grief Support – $3,000
- West Florida Historic Preservation – Land and Sea Wonders on the Gulf Coast – $5,000
Pictured top: Kingsfield Elementary received a reading grant from International Paper. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Northview, Jay, Central Students Take Part In Washington Youth Tour
June 30, 2022
Four area students recently participated in the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association annual Youth Tour to Washington, D.C.
Northview High School junior Drake Driskell, Jay High School senior Caroline Harp, and seniors Hannah Bott and Taylor Baggett from Central High School were Escambia River Electric Cooperative representatives on the tour.
“Sponsoring students for this exciting, educational trip is just one of the ways we invest in our youth,” says Ryan Campbell, CEO of EREC.
On the weeklong Youth Tour, students visited many of the major monuments and memorials, including the Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, the National Cathedral and more. The students also visited Capitol Hill where they met with members of Congress.
“Being in Washington DC for a week was nothing short of amazing! Seeing all the monuments, museums, buildings, national documents, and history in DC was absolutely fascinating,” said Harp.
This year, 34 students from cooperatives across Florida took part.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Beulah Middle, Tate High, Northview High FFA Chapters Awarded At State Convention
June 28, 2022
FFA chapters and members from Beulah Middle School, Northview High School and Tate High School were recently honored at the 94th Florida FFA State Convention at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Tate High School received the Florida FFA Premier Chapter Award. The award was initiated to recognize superior achievement by chapters in agricultural education and the FFA. To be eligible for this award, a chapter must be proficient in several areas, which include alumni and community partnerships, financial planning, public relations, recruitment and other FFA activities.
Beulah Middle and Tate High were selected among Florida’s Finest FFA Chapters. The selection of these chapters is based upon the completion of the National Chapter Award program application. These chapters have excelled in the areas of growing leaders, building communities and strengthening agriculture and have worked hard to fulfill the mission and vision of the FFA.
Northview High and Tate High chapters were recognized for 100% membership. In order to receive this award, every student enrolled in agriculture must also be a bona fide FFA member and active with leadership development programs of the FFA Program.
Beulah Middle School’s Leanne Jenkins has been named Florida’s 2022 FFA Advisor of the Year. [Read more...] The award recognizes educators who have made a positive difference in the lives of their students. Individuals nominated must have taught for at least three years and have provided outstanding service to their FFA chapter, agricultural industry, and agricultural education.
The Florida FFA State Degree, the highest degree that the State FFA Association can bestow on a member, was awarded to eight Tate High School FFA members. This degree is awarded annually at the State FFA Convention to those members who have met the minimum qualifications set forth by the National FFA Organization.
The Florida FFA State Degree was awarded to the following Tate FFA members:
- Jiana Dortch
- Kristen Gibbs
- Wiley Griffin
- Tucker Griffin
- Dawson Guy
- Mia Langley
- Jaxson Stafford
- Hanna Swauger
CDE, LDE, Proficiency Winners
Beulah Middle School
- 1st Place State Aquaculture
- 5th State Forestry
- Miller Richards – State High Individual Tool ID
- 5th State Vegetable Judging
- 3rd Parliamentary Procedure
- 1st FFA Suncoast Credit Union Food Drive
Northview High School
- 5th Place Chapter Advocacy Award (Fresh From Florida event)
Tate High School
- Jaxson Stafford State Winner Forage Production Proficiency (advances to nationals)
- Jaxson Stafford Florida FFA State Star Farmer [Read more...]
- 3rd Place State Safe Tractor Operations and Maintenance – Jaxson Stafford
For a photo gallery, click here.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Cox Charities Awards Grants To Three Escambia Schools
June 5, 2022
Cox Communications employees have awarded eight grants to local schools, through Cox Charities Innovation in Education Grants. The program provides employee funded grants of up to $2,500 for classroom programs and curriculum that encourage and promote students’ ingenuity and imagination. Earlier this year, nearly 40 applications were submitted by schools in Escambia and Okaloosa Counties.
Cox Charities Innovation in Education grant recipients included the following in Escambia County:
Beulah Elementary School – Bringing Reading to Life ($500) – This program will help third graders transition learning by helping them better comprehend the stories they ready by providing them with engaging experiences and discussions. The class will develop projects and activities based on the books they read and discuss.
Escambia Westgate School – Westgate Sensory Picture Book Walk ($1,200) - The Sensory Picture Book Walk for the entire student population at Escambia Westgate will be an innovative way to meet many of students’ complex sensory needs, while also providing them educational activity. The multisensory component of this program will maximize the participation and engagement of our students with unique learning needs. To create this program, laminated pages from a picture book would be attached to signposts. The signposts would be placed along a winding path through our sensory garden at Westgate. As the students complete one page, they can move through the garden on to the next page of the story. The display book will be updated 3 to 4 times throughout the year, to provide a new story.
West Florida High School – Escambia County Living Shorelines Program ($2,000) - This coastal habitat restoration project is a collaboration between West Florida High School and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). Marine Science students are teaming up with the Agricultural Sciences Academy to multiply and propagate emergent vegetation for planting in environmentally sensitive shoreline areas along the Gulf Coast. The partnership between FDEP and WFHS began as a program to engage youth of our area in making a positive environmental impact through mitigating shoreline erosion, creating habitat for marine life, and filtering out pollution. Through this grant students will: 1) Develop an understanding of shoreline ecology 2) Successfully propagate three species of emergent halophyte plants and, 3) Participate in a shoreline restoration planting.
Cox Charities is 100 percent funded by local employees through payroll deductions. A committee of 13 Gulf Coast employees then reviewed and chose grant recipients based on the amount of funding available.
Pictured: Beulah Elementary School was the recipient of a $500 Cox Charities grant. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.