Cantonment Man Takes The Chess Challenge To Homeless Camp Under I-110
August 2, 2021
Rafael Lopez of Cantonment loves the game of chess, and he is passionate about sharing that love.
Sunday, he set up his oversized chess board in what might seem like a very unlikely place — a homeless camp under I-110 in Pensacola.
Lopez was met by a large group of men and women that call the tent city home. It was hot, almost noon, when Lopez arrived.
“You could see the mood change instantly when we pulled up. Curiously at first, then once they knew we were there for good, many of them assisted me with putting the board together,” he said.
He supplied the pizza, doughnuts and water. And he gave away about 20 chess boards to those who wanted to play in the future.
“They asked me if I was going to come back and it’s hard for me to turn down a game of chess with anyone, so I agreed to another Sunday at the end of the month,” he said.
“The Chess Challenge” is Lopez’s charity. He said it will help the community by teaching better decisions through chess. He wants to create a “chess culture” in Escambia County and will fund a competitive tournament that will award a scholarship, cash or prizes.
“We brought a bunch of strangers at a homeless encampment together, and they were united through chess,” Lopez said.
Anyone that wants to help Lopez or participate in his next event can contact Lopez at RILopez818@gmail.com or call (850) 208-1996.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Here Are The School Supply Lists For Escambia County Schools (And Save With Tax Free Week)
August 1, 2021
Here are the school supply lists for Escambia County.
Florida’s sales tax holiday is continuing through August 9. Most school supplies and clothing are tax exempt, including certain school supplies selling for $15 or less per item; clothing, footwear, and certain accessories selling for $60 or less per item; and the first $1,000 of the sales price of personal computers and certain computer-related accessories purchased for noncommercial home or personal use.
For a printable elementary school list, click here.
For a printable middle school list, click here.
All elementary and middle schools in Escambia County have the same core supply list, including some optional items. Additional wish list items may listed on individual school or PTA sites, including social media. High schools do not have a general supply list.
RELATED STORY: Here’s The List Of Adjusted Start And Dismissal Times For Escambia County Schools
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
Headphones are not required, however, they are recommended for all grade levels.
Kindergarten
- Crayons — 4 (24-count packs)
- Scissors — 1 pair blunt tip
- Glue sticks — 12
- Glue — 2 (4-ounce bottles)
- Plastic Duo-Tang folders — 2 (solid colors)
- Plastic school box — 1
- Spiral notebooks — 3 wide ruled
- Dry erase markers — 4
- Copy paper — 2 reams (white)
- Pink erasers — 2
- Yellow wooden pencils — 24 (No. 2, sharpened)
- Headphones (recommended)
- Facial tissue (optional)
- Colored pencils (optional)
- Colored markers (optional)
- Antibacterial wipes (optional)
- Quart or gallon Ziplock bags (optional)
- Hand sanitizer (optional)
First grade
- Crayons — 4 (24-count packs)
- Scissors — 1 pair blunt tip
- Glue sticks — 6
- Glue — 1 bottle (4 ounces)
- Plastic Duo-Tang folders — 2 with pockets and prongs
- Plastic school box — 1
- Spiral notebooks — 2 wide ruled
- Dry erase markers — 4
- Copy paper — 2 reams (white)
- Eraser caps — 1 package
- Pink erasers — 4
- Yellow wooden pencils — 48 No. 2, sharpened
- Headphones (recommended)
- Facial tissue (optional)
- Highlighters (optional)
- Washable markers (optional)
- Antibacterial wipes (optional)
- Hand sanitizer (optional)
Second grade
- Crayons — 3 packs (24-count packs)
- Scissors — 1 pair
- Glue sticks — 6
- Glue — 1 bottle (4 ounces)
- Plastic Duo-Tang folders — 4 with pockets and prongs and in solid colors
- Plastic school box — 1
- Spiral notebooks — 3 wide ruled
- Notebook paper — 1 pack wide ruled
- Copy paper — 2 reams (white)
- Pink erasers — 4
- Eraser caps — 2 packages
- Yellow wooden pencils — 48 count No. 2, sharpened
- Headphones (recommended)
- Facial tissue (optional)
- Dry erase markers (optional)
- Hand sanitizer (optional)
- Highlighters (optional)
- Antibacterial wipes (optional)
- Colored pencils (optional)
Third grade
- Crayons — 2 (24-county packs)
- Scissors — 1 pair
- Glue sticks — 6
- Glue — 1 bottle (4 ounces)
- Plastic Duo-Tang folders — 5 with pockets and prongs and in solid colors
- Plastic school box or zippered pouch — 1
- Composition notebooks — 2
- Notebook paper — 2 packs wide ruled
- Copy paper — 2 reams white
- Pink erasers — 2
- Eraser caps — 3 packages
- Yellow wooden pencils — 48 No. 2, sharpened
- Headphones (recommended)
- Dry erase markers (optional)
- Highlighters (optional)
- Hand sanitizer (optional)
- Facial tissue (optional)
- Antibacterial wipes (optional)
- Hand sanitizer (optional)
Fourth grade
- Crayons — 2 (24-count packs)
- Colored pencils — 1 (12-count pack)
- Glue sticks — 4
- Glue — 1 bottle (4 ounces)
- Scissors — 1 pair
- Plastic Duo-Tang folders — 1 of each color: yellow, red, blue, green, purple, orange and with pockets and prongs
- Composition notebooks — 4
- Notebook paper — 2 wide ruled
- Cap erasers — 24
- Yellow wooden pencils — 48 No. 2, sharpened
- Multi-colored highlighters — 1 pack
- Headphones (recommended)
- Facial tissue (optional)
- Hand sanitizer (optional)
- Dry erase markers (optional)
- White copy paper (optional)
- Hand sanitizer (optional)
Fifth grade
- Colored pencils — 1 pack
- Glue — 2 bottles (4 ounces) or glue sticks — 4
- Scissors — 1 pair
- Duo-Tang folders — 2 of each color: yellow, red, blue, green, orange with pockets and prongs
- Zippered pouch — 1 or plastic school box — 1
- Spiral notebooks — 3
- Notebook paper — 4 packs wide ruled
- Cap erasers — 24
- Yellow wooden pencils — 48 No. 2, sharpened
- Multi-colored highlighters — 1 pack
- Headphones (recommended)
- Facial tissue (optional)
- 1½ – 2 inch binder (optional)
- Dry erase markers (optional)
- Antibacterial wipes (optional)
- Hand sanitizer (optional)
MIDDLE SCHOOL
(All grades)
- No. 2 pencils
- Blue or Black ink pens
- Wide ruled notebook paper
- Pack of multi-colored highlighters
- Zippered binder or 2 inch, 3 ring notebook and set of 10 dividers
- Earbuds
- Texas Instruments TI30X solar powered calculator for Algebra I only
Ray’s Chapel Donates School Supplies To Byrneville Elementary School
July 25, 2021
Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church recently donated school supplies for students at Byrneville Elementary School. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Fundraiser Underway For Volunteer Firefighter In Need Of Kidney Transplant
July 22, 2021
A fundraiser is underway for a firefighter in need of an immediate kidney transplant.
Cody Green and his wife Sarah have a two-year old son. Cody is a Florida Forest Service wildland firefighter, and he is a volunteer firefighter at the Molino Station of Escambia Fire Rescue.
Cody suffers from focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), a serious condition in which scar tissue develops in parts of the kidney, and it can lead to full kidney failure.
About a year and a half ago he was at 40% kidney function, and doctors thought he would be able to live without dialysis or need of transplant until he was older in his 40s or 50s. But about six months ago he had only 15% kidney function left and within two months was at just 7%.
To donate to the Cody Green Transplant Fundraiser on Facebook, click or tap here. To donate on GoFundMe, click or tap here.
‘Hungry To Read’ Provides Books And Groceries At Century, Tryon And Main Libraries
July 22, 2021
Children and their families were able to receive a bag of groceries and a free book Wednesday at three libraries in Escambia County.
FoodRaising Friends, the Escambia County School District and West Florida Public Libraries hosted “Hungry to Read”.
The books and groceries were distributed to children and families at the Century, Tryon and Main libraries. The books were furnished by Navy Federal Credit Union
Pictured: A book and grocery distribution Wednesday morning at the Century Branch Library. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Christmas In July: Santa Takes Part In Walnut Hill Toy Giveaway
July 18, 2021
Santa Claus made a special visit to Walnut Hill Saturday for a Christmas in July Toy Giveaway.
The event was held at a the Walnut Hill Community Center for children ages 2-17. Preregistered families received a selection of toys and more.
For a photo gallery, click here.
The toy giveaway was sponsored by Youth and Family Community Outreach, Good 360, Toys for Tots, and Renovot.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Mission Outreach: Church Takes VBS To Century Park (With Gallery)
July 16, 2021
Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church in Bogia took their “Mystery Island’ Vacation Bible School on the road to a park in Century Thursday afternoon as missions outreach.
They invited neighborhood children to take part in music, Bible stories and more while at the Nadine McCaw Park on North Century Boulevard.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Northview NJROTC Cadets Clean Two Parks For Community Service Day
July 15, 2021
Wednesday was community service day at the Northview High School NJROTC NS1 camp. The cadets served the community by cleaning the Travis M. Nelson Park in Bratt and the Byrneville Park. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Just Peachy! Cantonment Couple Named Airbnb’s Most Hospitable Hosts In Florida
July 14, 2021
A Cantonment couple has been named the most hospitable Airbnb hosts in the entire state of Florida.
Kim and Richard Davis have two listings on Airbnb — Quiet Delight! and Just Peachy! A Vintage Airstream. They have over 300 combined reviews on their listings without ever getting less than a 5-star review in the hospitality and safety categories, according to Airbnb. There were only seven hosts in Florida that achieved this standard, but Kim and Richard received the number one ranking across the state with the most reviews.
“We are excited,” Kim Davis told NorthEscambia.com Tuesday afternoon as she walked around their quiet neighborhood near Tate High School. “We were pretty blown away when you consider all of the Airbnbs in the state. Our listings are not something like you think of when you think Florida with all the beaches.”
“Just Peachy! A Vintage Airstream” is a “cool and charming” retro 1973 Airstream Argosy. “Quiet Delight!” is a guest apartment on the same property, and it was their first Airbnb.
The apartment had been used by one of their parents who moved into a facility.
“Our son asked what we were going to do with the apartment, and he said we could do an Airbnb,” Kim said. “My response was an air what-n-what?”
Kim said she and husband Richard thought they would be lucky to book their listings 10 nights a year. Now, they are book most nights and enjoy working together as Airbnb hosts.
‘We are a team. He does the cleaning, and I do the setup. I work hard to make our guests feel like they are special and nobody has ever stayed there.”
She said in the warmer months, most of their guests are looking for a place to stay that does not make a big dent in their vacation budget. The rest of the year, they in town for family events, graduations, or simply traveling through the area looking for a place to stay.
Kim said there most memorable guest was in face their second ever.
“She was a lovely woman and her husband; they were Irish and stayed four nights,” she said. “I was a nervous wreck, afraid something would go wrong. There was an Irish apron in my kitchen, and that really broke the ice. She left the nicest review about the birds singing every morning and how she liked to walk in our nice, safe neighborhood.”
“Some people just want a place to stay. Some come as guests and leave as friends.”
Pictured above and first below: “Just Peachy! A Vintage Airstream”. Pictured bottom two photos: “Quiet Delight!”. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
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Three Children Died In An Easter Morning 2001 Fire At Katie Mae Marshall’s Walnut Hill Home. Saturday, A New Park Was Dedicated In Her Honor.
July 11, 2021
Katie Mae Marshall loved the Lord, and she loved children.
She lived on North Cypress Street in Walnut Hill in a modest mobile home, always taking care of children that needed a place to stary on about $800 a month. She provided them love, and raised them by the Bible. Neighborhood children knew they were always welcome.
Always love, always laughter at Miss Katie Mae’s house on that dusty dirt road.
Until about 3 a.m. on Easter morning 2001.
A raging fire swept through that modest mobile home with 10 children inside. Nine-year old Laura Marshall, eight-year old Jason Richardson, and his three-year old brother Floyd Richardson did not survive.
Saturday, 20 years after that horrible fire, the ribbon was cut on a new Escambia County Park dedicated in her honor — the Katie Mae Marshall Memorial Park. Once again, Miss Katie Mae, who passed away a decade ago, is again bringing the laughter of children back to North Cypress Street.
“Neighborhood children knew they were always welcomed to Miss Marshall’s home. She had a compassion for children that cannot be explained. Without hesitation the community thought it would be befitting to name the park in her honor,” said Chandra Fountain, who helped bring the park to reality.
“Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others, and she treated people with love and respect no matter who you were,” Marshall’s son Jerry Russell told NorthEscambia.com in an email.
“She was well known in and outside of the community from a helping hand to simply a sweet inspiring conversation. It didn’t take much to make her happy — a phone call, a card, a visit, or a kiss before saying good night. She lived to make our lives better and was proud to do so,” Russell continued. “She raised a lot of kids and touched a lot of hearts … this memorial park will continue to carry on her love that she had for the community.”
The Katie Mae Marshall Memorial Park is located at 39 North Cypress Street in Walnut Hill, just north of Arthur Brown Road (click to map). Escambia County constructed the park on a small parcel of land owned by the county.
“It’s the first step. Over the next couple of years, we think we can continue adding,” Escambia County Commissioner Steven Barry told a small crowd at Saturday morning’s ribbon cutting. “Your community was in need of one (a park), and we are glad to be able to put that on the ground.”
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
