Quintette Sailor Wishes Family A Very Merry Christmas
December 25, 2021
A United States Navy sailor from the North Escambia community of Quintette is celebrating Christmas is Paris.
“Holidays mean the world to me because I get to spend precious time with my family, and friends while enjoying great food,” said Seaman Joi McCants. “My most special memory thus far is getting engaged on Thanksgiving, and it would not have happened without the Navy.”
McCants wants to wish family back home a happy holiday season.
“I would like to wish all of my family and friends a happy holiday,” said McCants. “Eat and be merry! I love you all bunches. I miss you all dearly. Without you, this journey would not be possible.”
“If you would like to get in touch with me then reach out to my mother and father,” said McCants. “They will get you the information you need. Christmas gifts and cards are more than welcome! I really appreciate you all. Be blessed.”
McCants serves as a retail service specialist aboard USS Harry S. Truman. As a member of the U.S. Navy, McCants, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance.
“Serving in the Navy means that I not only get to travel the world, but I also get to serve the country that I love the most,” added McCants.
First Responders Put On Christmas Light Show For Children’s Hospital Patients
December 25, 2021
The Child, the Child sleeping in the night
He will bring us goodness and light.
He will bring us goodness and light.
First responders gathered outside the Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Ascension Sacred Heart Christmas Eve night. Children and families inside watched as the first responders gathered outside waving, every emergency light flashing. A few minutes to say they care about the children inside and show love and support.
The Pensacola Police Department, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Highway Patrol, Florida Fish and Wildlife, Pensacola Fire Department, Escambia Fire Rescue, tow truck drivers and more made Christmas a bit brighter for those the children’s hospital.
The Child, the Child sleeping in the night
He will bring us goodness and light.
Photos courtesy Pensacola Police Department and Florida Highway Patrol for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Navy Federal Employees Deliver Smiles For Christmas
December 25, 2021
Amanda Guillot and her family have experienced more than their fair share of challenging times the last few months, including losing their home to a fire, facing homelessness, and overcoming near-death medical scares. Putting gifts under the tree for her kids was not going to be possible this year.
That was until Seth Daily, Contact Center supervisor at Navy Federal Credit Union, gave Amanda a call to share his team would be fulfilling her family’s wish list through Project Neighbors, the credit union’s 18th annual employee-driven holiday giving program. The Guillot Family is one of more than 100 local families who were adopted this year by Navy Federal team members.
“It’s been crazy trying to manage everything,” said Amanda. “We’ve been doing everything we can to get back on our feet. It’s hard to put it all into words. Christmas literally would not have been possible without Navy Federal. It’s such a blessing!”
Tears in her eyes, Amanda shook the hands of a half-dozen Navy Federal team members and expressed gratitude as they recently delivered gifts and all the holiday food trimmings for her family of seven to enjoy come Christmas morning.
“Delivering smiles to families in our community is what it’s all about for us,” said Seth. “Being able to give back with my Navy Federal team and help these families make memories is why it’s so special to us.”
Families selected for Project Neighbors were identified in partnership with teachers across Escambia and Santa Rosa County School districts. Team members from Navy Federal’s Headquarters and Winchester Operations Center in Virginia also participated in Project Neighbors, supporting more than 130 families.
In addition to the Project Neighbors program, Navy Federal annually hosts a drive to support the Marine Corps Toys for Tots Foundation. This year, the credit union had a record year by collecting $20,000 in donations and more than 20,000 toys to bring joy to families who need it the most this holiday season.
About Navy Federal Credit Union: Established in 1933 with only seven members, Navy Federal now has the distinct honor of serving over 11 million members globally and is the world’s largest credit union. As a member-owned and not-for-profit organization, Navy Federal always puts the financial needs of its members first. Membership is open to all branches of the armed forces and their families. Dedicated to its mission of service, Navy Federal employs a workforce of over 20,000 and has a global network of 350 branches.
FHP’s Stuff The Charger Campaign Benefits Ronald McDonald House
December 25, 2021
The Florida Highway Patrol made a large donation of food items to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northwest Florida this Christmas season. The food was collected during FHP’s annual “Stuff the Charger” campaign. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Flomaton Police, Century CI Help Santa Provide Christmas Gifts
December 24, 2021
The Flomaton Police Department recently helped Santa provide gifts to several children and families in the community with their annual “Fill the Cruiser” toy drive.
In addition to generous donations from the community, the Century Correctional Institution provided bicycles.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Seniors Christmas Party Held At Quintette Community Center
December 23, 2021
A community Christmas party for seniors was recently held at the Quintette Community Center. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Century Prison, Century Town Officials Gift Bicycles To Six Deserving Children
December 23, 2021
The Century Correctional Institution presented six bicycles to the Town of Century to be gifted to deserving children in the community.
Mayor Ben Boutwell and each of the five elected council members were able to choose a child to receive a bicycle.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Horticulture Technician Carol Lord Retires After Over 30 Years
December 22, 2021
Escambia County horticulture technician Carol Lord has retired after almost 32 years of public service.
If you’ve called or visited Escambia County at UF/IFAS Extension Services with a plant question in the last three decades, the odds are that Lord assisted you.
“Particularly in the springtime when everything starts growing, it was not unusual for her to spend nearly 8 hours straight answering calls or talking to office visitors. She is a wealth of knowledge of all things horticultural, and a whiz at identifying plants, diagnosing plant diseases, and making wise recommendations on soil and nutrient issues,” the Extension Service said in a social media post.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Ernest Ward Middle Names Students Of The Month
December 22, 2021
Ernest Ward Middle School recently named Students of the Month for November. They are (L-R) Elias Michael Ridgley, sixth grade; Christian Noelle Caraway, seventh grade; and Hannah Ruth-Grace Stogner, eighth grade. They are pictured with Principal Nancy Gindl-Perry. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Sailor On USS Harry S. Truman Wishing Family A Merry Christmas
December 21, 2021
A Cantonment native serving in the United States Navy will celebrate the holidays with his fellow sailors aboard USS Harry S. Truman.
Haley wants family back home to know they are missed this holiday season.
“Wish I could be home for the holidays,” said Haley. “Miss you everyday and hope you have a great Christmas and start to the new year.”
Haley has a special message for one family member.
“I would like to tell my brother Kody to stay safe out there on the streets patrolling Pensacola, and that I hope you have a great holiday with family.”
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Haley, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance.
“Serving in the Navy means everything to me,” added Haley. “From our sacrifice of being away from our families during the holidays to missing special events, it is is worth it to protect the ones we love. I’m having experiences that I will tell stories about for years to come.”