Molino Park Food Drive Helps Stock Two Local Pantries
November 29, 2023
Molino Park Elementary School held their annual food drive recently in partnership with Aldergate Methodist Church. The food collected thisyear was used to help stock the food pantroes at Aldersgate Methodist Church and Highland Baptist Church for distribution to needy families in the community.
Pictured: Molino Park Elementary School PTA representatives Lyndsey Cutler with her her children Paycen and Lexi Cutler, along with Rachel Parker and her children Jaxson and Madi Parker.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Ernest Ward Middle School Names Students of the Month
November 29, 2023
Ernest Ward Middle School has named their Students of the Month for Ocotober. They are (L-R) Ella Grace Diller, 6th Grade; Ava McCann, 7th Grade; Haylee Everette, 8th Grade; pictured with Principal Tyvanna Boulanger. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Urban Development Center, Mayor, Push For Continued YouthFirst Century Program Funding From Children’s Trust
November 29, 2023
The Urban Development Center pushed for continued funding during a Tuesday meeting of the Escambia Children’s Trust Program Committee.
The Escambia Children’s Trust (ECT) awarded a contract to the Pensacola non-profit Urban Development Center for “YouthFirst Century” to serve 750 youth ages 11-18 over a three-year period at a total cost of $1.2 million. In reality, they have only reached 30 children in their targeted ages of 11-18. They are pushing to lower their target age group to just 5-years old.
UDC directors, and Century’s mayor, addressed the board Tuesday morning.
“If you take this program away from Century, you’re not taking away one of the programs in Century. You’re taking away the only program in Century,” Mayor Luis Gomez said.
“We need this program to remain in Century. I know that it might be out of compliance a little bit,” the mayor continued. “This program is the only educational program in the town of Century. And we actually need it to stay in Century; it would be devastating to lose this program…just please keep it there.”
“It’s disappointing when I see 11 participants, 30 participants and yet we are spending $20-$30,000 dollars a month.” Escambia School Superintendent Keith Leonard, who sits on the ECT board, said “So, I will think long and hard prior to our next board meeting on where, where I will cast my vote.”
As they push for a second year of funding, UDC has requested a $189,256.70 reimbursement despite reaching just 56 children, with less than 30 of those in the target age range. That equals $6,308 per targeted child in the 11-18 age group.
UDC’s reimbursement request from ECT included about $60,000 for personnel, $6,212 in travel, $2,692 for advertising, $37,000 for program supplies, $1,201 for field trips, $59,000 in “sub-grants to partners”, and $21,000 for professional services for 56 children, 29 of which are not in the program’s target group.
In their application to ECT, UDC acknowledged that they did not have the cash on hand to operate under a cost reimbursement model. UDC approached the Century Town Council for help in early 2023. The town has provided the Century Business Center at 150 East Pond Street as meeting space, with upgrades such as lighting and an ice machine.
The Town of Century fronted $61,925 to The Urban Development Center to purchase items like computers and workbooks. The 500 workbooks at $52.75 per workbook were to be purchased from UDC for $26,375. UDC said they would reimburse the town after they received the ECT funding, but no specific deadline was established. At least $20,000 was recently repaid to the town.
The Children’s Trust board took no action Tuesday; they will vote at an upcoming December meeting.
Flomaton Christmas Parade Postponed A Week Due To Weather Concerns
November 29, 2023
The Town of Flomaton Christmas Parade has been postponed a week to Saturday, December 9 at 10 a.m. due to concerns about this Saturday’s weather.
There is currently a 70% chance of rain for this Saturday.
Pictured: The 2022 Flomaton Christmas Parade. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Multiple Buglaries At Cantonment Building Materials Business Under Investigation
November 29, 2023
Multiple burglaries are under investigation at a Cantonment business.
Pittman’s Cantonment Building Materials and Hardware says they have lost about $10,000 so far in at least two burglaries.
Video shows the culprits in dark hoodies with masks covering their faces.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 850-433-STOP or the ECSO at 850-436-9620.
Escambia Names 10 Teacher of the Year Finalists
November 29, 2023
Escambia County Public Schools has announced the Top 10 Teachers of the Year nominees. Nominated teachers will compete for selection as the school district’s overall Teacher of the Year.
In alphabetical order, they are:
- Candice Blackburn — Molino Park Elementary School
- Juanita Bordelon — Booker T Washington High School
- Priteyja Olige Brannon — C.A. Weis Elementary School
- Tammy Jo Dublin –Hope Horizon
- Mark Goolsby — Ferry Pass Elementary School
- Jessica Lenhart — Brown Barge Middle School
- Cassi Mcgee — Pine Meadow Elementary School
- Angela Rose — Ransom Middle School
- Jennifer Smith — Kingsfield Elementary School
- Rionna Wages — Lipscomb Elementary School
High Speed Chase Ends With Crash, Arrest On University Parkway
November 29, 2023
The Florida Highway Patrol said a high speed chase ended with a crash and arrest on University Parkway.
Patrick Colbie Koehler, 27, was charged with fleeing and eluding, habitual traffic offender, felony marijuana possession, methamphetamine possession, resisting without violence, and DUI. He also has a felony warrant out of Escambia County Alabama.
The Santa Rosa Sheriff’s Office chased Koehler westbound on I-10 just before midnight Monday, and FHP joined the pursuit. After traveling about 4.5 miles, a trooper performed a successful PIT maneuver on University Parkway near Davis Highway.
Koehler’s LandRover traveled over a raised median and was disabled, and he fled on foot. Troopers said was taken into custody after falling to the ground due to exhaustion.
He was booked into the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $52,000
Bratt Elementary School Celebrates November Leaders Of The Month
November 29, 2023
Bratt Elementary School November Leaders of the Month enjoyed story time and a pizza party Tuesday. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
New Pet Pantry at Escambia Animal Shelter Helps Feed Pets In Need
November 28, 2023
If she has to choose between feeding her four dogs and two cats or feeding herself, Escambia County resident Miriam Grant will always choose her pets.
“They’re my babies, and I’ll give up my food before I let them go hungry,” said Grant, who is on a fixed income each month. “They’re my life.”
Thanks to a new partnership between local nonprofit Jo Jo’s Paws and Escambia County Animal Welfare, hopefully that’s a choice Grant won’t have to make in the future.
Jo Jo’s Paws recently relocated their pet pantry program to the Escambia County Animal Welfare and Adoption Center on Fairfield Drive, providing free cat and dog food to residents in need, along with a variety of essential pet items and resources.
Grant visited the pantry for the first time this month to get food and treats for her dogs and cats, after hearing about it from her friend Ann Walker. Walker also lives on a very limited disability income, so Jo Jo’s Paws has helped her several times with keeping her two dogs fed.
“It’s been incredibly helpful,” Walker said.
Jo Jo’s Paws Director and Founder Patti Roberts said they aim to provide judgment-free assistance to those who need a little help ensuring their pets don’t go hungry – whether it’s due to homelessness, living on a fixed income, or just some unexpected financial difficulties.
“Our main goal is to help people not have to make that choice of whether they’re going to eat or are their pets going to eat,” said Roberts, who manages the pantry with her friend Linda Signer. “Maybe their paycheck is a little tight, or maybe they just need some support or someone to talk to.”
The pet pantry is open to Escambia County residents with a valid driver’s license, although Roberts said exceptions can sometimes be made depending on the circumstances and number of available donations. The pantry is open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Escambia County Animal Welfare Director John Robinson said he’s excited about the partnership with Jo Jo’s Paws, which ultimately helps keep pets out of the shelter by providing much-needed resources to owners who are struggling to care for their pets.
“Through this partnership, we can help provide citizens with a way to keep their animals instead of surrendering them to the shelter or having to give them away because of difficult circumstances,” Robinson said. “This will help keep pets in their homes or with their families, which in most cases is the best place for them to be.”
Jo Jo’s Paws previously operated their pantry in another location on Fairfield Drive until the building was sold, moving into Escambia County Animal Welfare about a month ago. Since April 2023, Jo Jo’s Paws has distributed more than 8,300 pounds of pet food to individuals in need, including 894 pounds of pet food distributed in just the first half of November.
Escambia County Animal Welfare provides the pantry space to Jo Jo’s Paws free of charge, and Robinson said he hopes to continue growing the partnership to help as many pets as possible. Roberts agreed.
“It’s been really great, and I feel that with the partnership, there’s a lot we can do,” Roberts said. “It may not happen fast, but I believe that over time, there are a lot of things we can help the community with – whether it’s low-cost vaccinations, low-cost spay/neuter, or other assistance programs.”
Jo Jo’s Paws is donation-driven, so Roberts said they are always appreciative of anyone willing to donate and help them assist even more people and pets.
“We want to keep pets out of the shelter and help the community – let them know there’s someone who’s there for them, empathizes with them and is there to help them through their situation,” Roberts said. “And with the county partnership, I believe we’ll be able to help a lot of people in the community.”
The most-needed items for Jo Jo’s Paws are cat and dog food (wet or dry), cat and dog treats, and 1-gallon or larger resealable plastic storage bags. Jo Jo’s Paws will gladly accept any pet items, including pet jackets or clothing, pet beds, blankets, collars and leashes, and kitty litter.
Donations can be dropped off at Escambia County Animal Welfare, located at 200 W. Fairfield Drive, during normal business hours: Monday-Friday from noon to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed Sunday).
For questions about donations or assistance through Jo Jo’s Paws, please contact Jo Jo’s Paws at (850) 760-7876 or jojospaws2021@gmail.com.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
11 Purple Star Schools Named For Outstanding Support of Military Families
November 28, 2023
Eleven additional Escambia County Public Schools have been recognized by the Florida Department of Education as Purple Star Schools of Distinction.
The purpose of the Purple Star School of Distinction Designation is to recognize schools that support the unique needs of military families, help military-connected students navigate critical challenges and provide resources for military-connected students when transitioning to a new school environment. The program was established by the Florida Legislature (House Bill 429) and signed into law in June 2021.
The most recent schools to achieve this honor include:
- Bellview Elementary School
- Beulah Elementary School
- Booker T. Washington High School
- Brown-Barge Middle School
- Ernest Ward Middle School
- Hellen Caro Elementary School
- J. H. Workman Middle School
- J. M. Tate High School
- Lipscomb Elementary School
- Pine Forest High School
- Pleasant Grove Elementary
There are now 20 Escambia County schools recognized as a Purple Star School of Distinction including nine (9) earning the distinction last school year.
- Bailey Middle
- Beulah Academy of Science
- Blue Angels Elementary
- Escambia High School
- Global Learning Academy
- Jim Allen Elementary
- N.B. Cook Elementary
- Pine Meadow Elementary
- West Florida High School
“It was a privilege to guide the schools through the application process as the district’s military point of contact,” said Monica Willis, military Liaison for the Escambia County Public Schools. “There are amazing things happening in our schools to support military families on a daily basis.”