Polar Express, Starring Local Girl, Was Named Winterfest’s Best
December 24, 2008
For the second year running, The Polar Express performance was named as the best on the Pensacola Winterfest tour, thanks in part to an Ernest Ward Middle School student.
Angel Mitchell, 12, portrayed the “hero girl” from the book “The Polar Express” in this year’s elaborate production. The Polar Express scene included a large scale fiberglass train engine, accented by fog, steam and sound effects.
During the Winterfest performance tours, “hero girl” Angel Mitchell, the “hero boy” and the conductor boarded the tour buses and trolleys for a sing along with the conductor, and, in a scene straight from that wonderful holiday movie, the boy hands out Santa’s bells to everyone.
The 14-stop Winterfest tours are over for this year, but there is still time to enjoy the holiday lights on a 30 minute tour with Santa Claus tonight. The tours continue Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights with Frosty the Snowman.
Pictured above: Ernest Ward Middle School student Angel Mitchell had a starring role in the best performance of Pensacola’s Winterfest. She played “hero girl” from The Polar Express. Pictured below: Angel, the “hero boy” and conductor from The Polar Express. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Exclusive Photos From LifeFlight Over Flomaton And Century
December 23, 2008
NorthEscambia.com recently took an aerial tour of Century and Flomaton in Baptist Hospital’s LifeFlight helicopter, and today we have the exclusive photos.
We took off from Flomaton Elementary School after LifeFlight dropped Santa Claus off to visit with the children.
We “hot loaded” the EC 135 helicopter; that means we boarded while the rotors were turning overhead. After buckling up, pilot Don Scheibe took us up about 30 feet and turned a 360 degree circle. Then it was up and away, south over Century to the are of East Highway 4, then back north at about 150 mph over Century and Flomaton. We headed up to Highway 113 and back to Flomaton Elementary.
For a complete photo gallery of the flight, click here.
Baptist Hospital became the third hospital in the country to operate medical helicopter ambulance service back in 1977. LifeFlight 2 was added in Mobile in 2004 and LifeFlight 3 was added in Evergreen in 2006.
Operating 24 hours a day, Baptist LifeFlight can be airborne within minutes of a call, traveling at speeds in excess of 150 miles per hour. This significantly reduces the transport time of critically ill patients, either from a transferring hospital or from the scene of an emergency.
The Baptist LifeFlight crew is highly trained and experienced in critical care. Registered nurses must have a paramedic certification, a minimum of three years in nursing with one year each of critical care and emergency department experience, and be certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS). Paramedics are required to have a minimum of three years experience in a busy EMS service and must also have ACLS and PALS certifications. New crew members also receive extensive additional training from LifeFlight’s medical directors.
The helicopter operates on two Pratt & Whitney turbine engines. It has an empty weight of 3,208 pounds, and a maximum flight weight of 6,415 pounds. It has a maximum altitude of 10,000 feet, a cruise speed of 158 mph and climbs 25 feet per second.
Pictured above: Looking south over Flomaton toward Century from Baptist Hospital’s LifeFlight helicopter. Pictured above middle: Looking down at the Panhandle Restaurant in Century. Pictured below: Looking north over Century toward Flomaton from over the East Highway 4 and North Century Boulevard intersection. NorthEscambia.com exclusive photos, click to enlarge.
Christmas Celebration: Carver/Century Students Receive Gifts
December 20, 2008
Christmas came early for students at Carver/Century K-8 School Friday as Santa Claus and members of Trinity Presbyterian Church handed out Christmas gifts to students.
Every student in grade Pre-K through fifth received gifts from Trinity, a Carver/Century Partner in Education. The church also sponsored a pizza party for the school’s middle school students, and Santa visited the classrooms.
“Wow, it’s really Elmo,” one student screamed has he received a brand new TMX Elmo. “Thank you! I love him!”
For over 20 years, Trinity has provided the Christmas gifts for the Carver students, many of which come from some of the poorest homes in the county. Volunteers from the Pensacola church also provide for the students at other times during the school year, including Halloween bags, Easter baskets, school supplies, free books for summer vacation and sometimes even clothing for a needy child. Trinity Volunteers also tutor students once a week each week during the school year.
Trinity partnered with Carver about 20 years ago after a Carver teacher was telling her Sunday School class at Trinity about the problems faced by many of the Carver students. The church’s “service committee” stepped forward and has spearheaded the “Century Christmas Stars” project ever since.
“This is the highlight of our year,” Trinity member Martee Atkins said. “For some of these kids it is their only Christmas.”
“I really enjoy watching the kids; sometimes it makes me feel like I am a kid again,” Trinity member Bill Tabbe said. “We enjoy coming up here and being part of the children’s lives.”
“It’s really, really special,” Atkins said.
Fischer Price front end loaders, dolls, TMX Elmo dolls, radio control cars and Wilson NFL footballs were among the presents given to the children.
For a photo gallery from Carver/Century and the Trinity gifts, click here.
Pictured: Students at Carver/Century received Christmas gifts from Trinity Presbyterian Church Friday morning. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Rudolph’s Day Off: Santa Arrives At Area School In Helicopter
December 20, 2008
The reindeer got the afternoon off Friday as Santa Claus arrived at Flomaton Elementary School in Baptist Hospital’s LifeFlight helicopter.
“Santa, Santa, Santa,” the students screamed as the jolly old elf in his red and and white suit crawled out of the helicopter. Santa met with boys and girls, hearing those last minute Christmas wishes.
NorthEscambia.com took an aerial tour of Century and Flomaton in the LifeFlight helicopter. We’ll have those photos in a photo gallery Tuesday morning; you don’t want to miss them.
For a photo gallery from Santa’s visit on LifeFlight to Flomaton Elementary School, click here.
Pictured above: Santa arrived in LifeFlight Friday afternoon at Flomaton Elementary School. Pictured below: Santa poses with Flomaton students. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Carver/Century Students Celebrate Christmas
December 19, 2008
Pictured: The students at Carver/Century K-8 School presented their annual Christmas musical and play Thursday morning. The students are expecting a special visit from Santa Claus on Friday. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Photos: Santa Claus Visits Library For Story Time
December 19, 2008
About 100 kids and kids at heart visited a winter wonderland at the Century Branch Library Thursday afternoon.
Santa Claus was on hand to take those last minute Christmas wishes. Requests included Nintinedo’s, basketballs, Ipods, dolls, clothes and even a vacuum cleaner.
The children also enjoyed a story, crafts and a goody bag filled with tasty treats.
For a complete photo gallery with about 100 photos from the event, click here.
Pictured above: Santa is told a secret Christmas wish at the Century Branch Library Thursday afternoon. Pictured below: He was not sure what to tell Santa. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Aldersgate Presents The Grumpy Shepherd
December 18, 2008
Aldergate United Methodist Church presented their annual Christmas musical “The Grumpy Shepherd” recently.
The Chancel Choir of Aldersgate UMC will present their cantata “Candles and Carols” Sunday morning during their 10:30 worship service under the direction of Holly Driver. Everyone is invited to attend.
For a photo gallery from the presentation, click here.
Pictured above: Aldersgate UMC presented “The Grumpy Shepherd”. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com.
Ernest Ward Presents Best Christmas Pageant Ever
December 17, 2008
The new drama club at Ernest Ward Middle School presented their first major production Tuesday night.
The students presented “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever”, a drama and musical presentation that focuses on the poorly-behaved children of the Herdman family, who discover the true meaning of Christmas through participation in a church play about the birth of Jesus.
The play was followed by a concert of seasonal music by the Ernest Ward chorus and bands.
Ticket proceeds from the event will go toward the purchase of new sound equipment for the school.
For a complete photo gallery from the play and concert, click here.
Students participating in the program included:
Cast Members: Kent Smith, Anna Donald, Shalmali Bhadkamkar, Lily Townson, Jessica Warner, Danielle Scott, Mason Solchenberger, Chelsea Ward, Lauryn Walker, Rachel Presley, Hannah Ziglar, Karmen Watson, Ashley Cunningham, Alli Davis, Ashlynn Webster, Chelsea Turner, Lakelynn Parker, Anna Fischer, Megan Bryan, Kristen Byrd, Caitlyn Rigby, Brett Sawyer, Jerah
Parker, Emily Gudell, Kortney Reid, Chloe Leonard, Ashley Kite, Shaina Gibson, Catrina Rau, Alliana Davis.
Beginning Band: Penny Banda, Aquanis Brown, Eathan Coon, Austin Cunningham, Alliana Davis, Kayla Fears, Kristin Guinto, Davy Hanks, Julie Hester, Matthew Lee, Kayla Nahkala, Catherine Nassar, Morgan Packer, Breanna Payne, Danielle Suggs, Cara Thompson, Kaylynn Welford.
Advanced Band: Jordan Bodiford, Taylor Brook, Levi Carlson, Madalyn Coon, Alex Edmonson, Casey Godwin, Hannah Greer, Kayla Haag, Destiney Hall, Michael Hall, Justin Halteman, Christopher Hendrix, Cory Hester, Brandon King, Luke McDaniel, Willie Owens, Jerah Parker, Marisa Penland, Timothy Rackard, Stephanie Roach, Natasha Suggs, Justin Thompson, Joshua Vihnanek, Chelsea Ward, Tyler Williams, Victoria Wright.
Chorus: Jacey Barker, Kamryn Brock, Skye Brown, Megan Bryan, Mikayla Cash, Anna Donald, Desiree Elaird, Shaina Gibson, Ashley Kite, Rebakah Miles, Catherine Nassar, Shelby Nielson, Morgan Packer, Madison Presley, Danielle Scott, Mason Solchenberger, Jennifer Spears, Deanna Strehl, Peyton Ulrich, Brittany Victor, Shauna Walker, Joselynn Wiedel, Tamara Wise, Hannah Ziglar, Katelyn Zisa.
Others involved with the program were: Joe Wright, band; Sharon Poulsen, sound; Mark Forsman , props and stage design; Sara McGinnis, Laura Chavers and Sherri Mims, stage crew.
Drama Club Members: Kelsey Taylor, Lindsey Francis, Shaina Gibson, Ashley Kite, Chloe Leonard, Caitlin Rigby.
Spotlight: Dale Brown and Jeremy Stacey.
Pictured above: A scene from “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” Tuesday night at Ernest Ward Middle School. Pictured below: The Ernest Ward Chorus performs. NorthEscambia.com exclusive photos, click to enlarge.
Another Victory In Local Man’s Crusade To Prevent More Deaths
December 15, 2008
A local man took on the Florida Department of Transportation and won…caution lights are up and the speed limit as lowered at Highway 29 and Byrneville Road. And now, Escambia County has done their part to improved safety at the intersection with the addition of a caution light on Byrneville Road.
Leroy White (left) lost his granddaughter on Thanksgiving day 2005 at the intersection of Byrneville Road/Bluff Springs Road and Highway 29. It’s a tragedy that he says could have been prevented with a traffic signal, and he went on a mission to have the Florida Department of Transportation make some changes.
He was first told “no” by the Florida DOT, and they even denied his public records request for accident data on the intersection.
His crusade include a petition with 450 signatures requesting improvements at the intersection and an August 15 article on NorthEscambia.com.
Tommie Speights, a spokesperson for the Florida Department of Transportation, said that petition and the news coverage on NorthEscambia.com led the DOT to study the intersection.
Flashing yellow lights have been installed on “intersection ahead” signs both north and southbound as Highway 29 approaches the intersection (pictured left). The Highway 29 speed limit near the intersection was lowered from 65 to 55 mph, Speights said.
And recently, Escambia County installed a flashing caution light warning of the upcoming intersection on Byrneville Road. Brush along the county right of way was also trimmed to make the stop sign more visible.
“Everything we asked for is pretty much done,” White said. “They’ve done pretty much everything we asked for. We just want to thank everybody that had a part in this.”
“Hopefully it will do some good,” White told NorthEscambia.com. “There’s been too many wrecks there. I’m glad they are finally doing something about it.”
Callista LeEtta White died November 27, 2003, at the intersection. She was returning to Pensacola after spending time on Thanksgiving with her family. It was raining, and she approached Highway 29 too fast, apparently not realizing that she was near the intersection. She missed the stop sign and hydroplaned into the path of of a tractor trailer truck on Highway 29 about 7:35 p.m. The 2003 Northview High School graduate died a short time later at West Florida Hospital.
The most recent fatality at the intersection was on June 23 when Carolyn Hightower, 60, of Pensacola died as a result of injuries she sustained in a two vehicle accident there. Her husband, Richard Hightower, 63, was seriously injured in the crash. The Florida Highway Patrol said that Floyd D. Calloway, 65, pulled into the intersection from Bluff Springs into the path of the Hightower’s SUV.
“I just didn’t want to see it happen to another family,” White said.
Pictured top: Escambia County recently installed this flashing light and sign on Byrneville Road to warn drivers that they are approaching the Highway 29 intersection. Pictured middle: The new caution light on Highway 29 looking south toward Byrneville Road.. Pictured below: The accident at the intersection that claimed the life of a Pensacola woman on June 23. NorthEscambia.com photos.
Molino Christmas Parade Celebrates The Season
December 14, 2008
The 6th Annual Molino Christmas Parade was held Saturday afternoon, with a host of local floats and personal Santa Claus visits in the ballpark.
The parade ended the Don Sutton Park, where Alabama Wing House Barbecue was available while children visited with Santa Claus.
All funds raised from parade entry fees, the bake sale and the barbecue meals will benefit needy children in the Molino community, according to Sonja Luker, one of the parade organizers. The guidance counselor at Molino Park Elementary School will assist in choosing Molino area children in need of Christmas gifts.
Donations such as toys and non-perishable foods can be dropped off at Fran’s Diner.
For a complete NorthEscambia.com photo gallery from the parade and the ballpark events, click here.
Pictured above: A couple of young “Snowflakes” sing Jingle Bells during the 6th Annual Molino Christmas Parade Saturday afternoon. Pictured inset: Santa hears Christmas wishes. Pictured below: The Highland Baptist Church Kids Klub float. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
