Blue Angels Homecoming Weekend Continues (with Photo Gallery)
November 3, 2023
Tens of thousands of people attended the first day of the Blue Angels Homecoming Airshow Friday and at Pensacola Naval Air Station.
For more photos, click or tap here.
Day two is Saturday.Both the Main Gate, at the south end of Navy Blvd., and the West Gate, at the south end of Blue Angel Parkway, will open at 8 a.m. The airshow is scheduled to start at 9:30 a.m. The day-long series of events is scheduled to include performances by the United States Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, The Blue Angels; the U.S. Air Force’s F-16 Viper Demonstration Team; the U.S. Air Force’s F-35A Demonstration Team; Brian Correll Air Shows; Adam Baker Airshows; RAD Aerosports; the Stearman Flight Team; and the Third Strike WingWalkers. Additionally, the Budweiser Clydesdales are scheduled for appearances at the airshow.
Make sure you have your ID and observe traffic regulations when approaching the air station Individuals visiting Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola’s areas of public interest should observe all local traffic regulations. Parking along the side of roads entering the installation is prohibited.
No weapons, outside food or drink, bikes, roller blades, scooters, pets, drones, coolers or backpacks (besides small purses or diaper bags) are permitted.
No weapons, such as firearms and knives, are allowed on Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola. This includes weapons carried by individuals with a concealed weapons permit.
Themed 50 Years of Women in Naval Aviation, the 2023 NAS Pensacola Blue Angels Homecoming Airshow is designed to honor and recognize the significant contributions women have made to naval aviation since the enactment of the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act, which removed restrictions previously prohibiting women from serving in combat-related roles and ultimately opened the door for women to pursue careers as Naval Aviators. The first class of female Naval Aviators began training in 1973 at NAS Pensacola. The 2023 NAS Pensacola Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show is one of Pensacola’s largest events, attracting more than 220,000 spectators during the two-day event.
Pictured:The B lue Angels Homecoming Airshow on Friday. NorthEscambia.com photos by Perry Doggrell, click to enlarge.
Falling Back This Weekend: Why Not Keep Daylight Saving Time Year Round In Florida?
November 3, 2023
Why are we still falling back and off Daylight Savings Time?
During their 2018 session, the Florida Legislature passed a bill to keep daylight saving time year round that was signed into law by then-governor Rick Scott. But the change ultimately required Congressional approval, which has not happened yet.
Sen. Marco Rubio introduced the Sunshine Protection Act which would make daylight saving time permanent across the entire country.
The legislation, if enacted, would apply to those states who currently participate in DST, which most states observe for eight months out of the year. Standard Time, from November to March, is only observed for four months out of the year. The bill would simply negate the need for Americans to change their clocks twice a year. Many studies have shown that making DST permanent could benefit the economy and the country, according to Rubio.
“The practice of changing our clocks has outlived its purpose. Yet, we continue to fall back and spring forward. My Sunshine Protection Act would end this biannual and confusing practice. It is time to Lock the Clock.”, “Rubio said.
Alabamians have overwhelmingly expressed their support for the Sunshine Protection Act, and I promised them I’d continue pushing to do away with the outdated practice of adjusting our clocks twice a year. It’s time for America to move forward and stop falling back. Congress should listen to the people and make Daylight Saving Time permanent.” , Alabama Senator Tommy Tuberville said.
“Permanent daylight saving means more time in the sunshine and that’s something everybody should support. Changing the clock twice a year is outdated and unnecessary. I’m proud to be leading this bipartisan legislation with Senator Rubio that makes a much-needed change and benefits so many in Florida and across the nation. When I was governor of Florida, I was proud to sign this bill into law on the state level, and I will continue this effort in Congress. We need to get it all the way over the finish line this time. It’s time for Congress to act and pass this good bill today.” , Sen. Rick Scott said.
Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show Is This Weekend
November 2, 2023
The annual Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola Blue Angels Homecoming Airshow is Friday and Saturday at the air station in Pensacola, Florida. Both the Main Gate, at the south end of Navy Blvd., and the West Gate, at the south end of Blue Angel Parkway, will open at 8 a.m. The airshow is scheduled to start at 9:30 a.m. The day-long series of events is scheduled to include performances by the United States Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, The Blue Angels; the U.S. Air Force’s F-16 Viper Demonstration Team; the U.S. Air Force’s F-35A Demonstration Team; Brian Correll Air Shows; Adam Baker Airshows; RAD Aerosports; the Stearman Flight Team; and the Third Strike WingWalkers. Additionally, the Budweiser Clydesdales are scheduled for
appearances at the airshow.
Make sure you have your ID and observe traffic regulations when approaching the air station Individuals visiting Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola’s areas of public interest should observe all local traffic regulations. Parking along the side of roads entering the installation is prohibited.
No weapons, outside food or drink, bikes, roller blades, scooters, pets, drones, coolers or backpacks (besides small purses or diaper bags) are permitted.
No weapons, such as firearms and knives, are allowed on Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola. This includes weapons carried by individuals with a concealed weapons permit.
Themed 50 Years of Women in Naval Aviation, the 2023 NAS Pensacola Blue Angels Homecoming Airshow is designed to honor and recognize the significant contributions women have made to naval aviation since the enactment of the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act, which removed restrictions previously prohibiting women from serving in combat-related roles and ultimately opened the door for women to pursue careers as Naval Aviators. The first class of female Naval Aviators began training in 1973 at NAS Pensacola. The 2023 NAS Pensacola Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show is one of Pensacola’s largest events, attracting more than 220,000 spectators during the two-day event.
Pictured: NorthEscambia.com photos by Perry Doggrell, click to enlarge.
Perfect Sunny Weekend In The Forecast
November 2, 2023
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Today: Sunny, with a high near 80. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Tonight: Clear, with a low around 47. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 79. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph in the morning.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 48. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 80. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 52. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 80. East wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southwest in the morning.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 55. South wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 82. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 59.
Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high near 81.
Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59.
Friday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 76.
High School Football Scoreboard
November 2, 2023
Here are a high schoool football scores from around the North Escambia area.
FLORIDA
- West Florida 35, Gulf Breeze 32
- Tate 44, Washington 0
- Nicevile 63, Navarrre 34
- Walton 54, Northview 14
- Escambia 47, Pensacola 7
- Pace 35, Lafayette 7
- Catholic 34, JP 13
- Jay 41, Blacksher 20,
- Godby at Milton
- St. John Paul II at Pensacola Catholic
- BYE: Pine Forest
ALABAMA
- Flomaton 63 Marengo 0
- T.R. Miller 36, W.S. Neal 8
- Chambers Academy 55, Escambia Acacdemy 18
Tate, Washington Face Off Friday Night In First City Bowl At Wahoos Stadium
November 2, 2023
written by Bill Vilona
The Blue Wahoos have always tried to seek ways to be innovative with special
events at their stadium outside of baseball season.
The inaugural First City Bowl game, presented by Cox Communications on Friday at 7 p.m. represents the latest one.
With its unique backdrop and configuration, the event is more than just a season-finale, high school football game between the Tate Aggies and the Washington Wildcats.
It’s the first time that Blue Wahoos Stadium has staged a regular-season, prep football game, utilizing both schools’ bands and other components to provide a different kind of experience. “I think this really meets our mission, which includes creating a community type of event like this game,” said Blue Wahoos president Jonathan Griffith, whose idea it was a year ago to bring two area high school teams for a game with a special name. “We thought it would be fun to name it the First City Bowl and get people excited about it and hopefully we will have many more of these games. “What you want is all these kids playing Friday to one day bring their own kids out to the stadium and say, ‘I played on this field.’ It’s another way to create those memories for life.”
The admission price, online ticketing, game operations matches the way all high school games are played in this area. The stadium will utilize all of its concession stands. The video board will have the game action. Cox Communications is providing a televised broadcast available on its YurView channel for Cox subscribers. With it being Washington’s home game, the Wildcats will be in the Blue Wahoos clubhouse and their band will perform pregame, along with both school bands performing at halftime. Tate will be in
the visiting team clubhouse at the stadium. “It’s been fun for me to see how open these two schools have been to this event,” said Shannon Hannah, the Blue Wahoos events manager. “They seem to be happy for the partnership. “Since we first announced in
ugust this game being played here and calling it the First City Bowl, the schools have been super responsive, excited and enthusiastic about to play the game here. “It’s a community experience,” said Hannah, who worked with both schools to handle logistic challenges. “We have never done this before and I think the kids are going to be excited to play here and have the experience of playing here.”
For both teams, the game represents a positive way to end the season. Washington won its season-opener, but has since lost the other seven games. “I think it was an easy trade (when proposal to was made months ago) on moving our home game to a professional baseball stadium that is one of the best in the country,” said Wildcats coach Ryan Onkka. “This will be our senior night moved to a new place. That will be a unique experience and a great first- time experience for these kids. “To us, it’s like our Super Bowl. That is how we will view it to build off and welcome it.”
Tate (4-5) will have a chance to finish with a winning record for the first time since 2017. The Aggies have already made significant strides under head coach Rhett Summerford, working his second season at Tate. The Aggies had won just one game in each of the previous four seasons. “It’s huge,” Summerford said, after his team dropped its third consecutive game in a loss at Escambia. “I am so glad we are playing there (at Blue Wahoos Stadium. Because it gives our kids some excitement. “We need some excitement now. Our guys are still playing their tails off, but we’re just not doing some of the things we were doing earlier this year. “We are playing in a phenomenal venue. It’s a great way to send our seniors out. We are going to prepare and play as hard as we can to play our best.”
WHEN: Friday, 7 p.m.
WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium
ADMISSION: $7.
TICKETS: Available online at www.bluewahoos.com/tickets. Or stadium box
office.
INFORMATION: www.bluewahoos.com/firstcitybowl.
PROMOTION: Early-arriving fans will receive special light-up bracelets,
courtesy of Cox Communications. There is a limited number.
GAME INFO: Seating is general admission, no reserved seating. Both teams’
bands will perform at halftime. Other special activities will occur.
No Serious Injuries When Train Strikes Pickup At East Kingsfield Crossing
November 2, 2023
There were only minor injuries reported Thursday when a train collided with a pickup truck on East Kingsfield Road.
Just before noon, a white Nissan pickup was stopped in traffic facing west on East Kingsfield Road approaching Highway 95A. A CSX train was traveling south on the railroad approaching the crossing.The train engine collided with the rear of the Nissan pickup. The 66-year old driver of the pickup sustained only minor injuries, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
File photo.
Fields Of Faith: Community Worship Service Held
November 2, 2023
Northview High School’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes hosted a spring Fields of Faith on a cold Wednesday night in Tommy Weaver Memorial Stadium.
Fields of Faith is a national student-led initiative. “Students invite, pray for, share with, and challenge their peers to read the Bible and follow Jesus Christ. An athletic field provides a neutral, rally point where a community can come together,” according to national organizers.
For more images, click or tap here.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Circuit Court Releases More Info On Computer Hack
November 2, 2023
The investigation is continuing into an “information technology security event” that impacted court in the First Judicial Circuit. This week, the court issued the following statement
This provides an update on the First Judicial Circuit of Florida’s (“Circuit”) investigation into a cyber incident. As our investigation is still ongoing, the Circuit is committed to providing information about the incident, our response, and steps for potentially impacted individuals to follow for protection against the possibility of identity theft or fraud. The Circuit takes this incident very seriously and is using this opportunity to further strengthen our policies, practices, and technology to protect against future attacks.
What Happened and What the Circuit Has Done: Upon detecting suspicious activity on its network, the Circuit responded quickly and temporarily disconnected computer systems to mitigate risk to sensitive information. Circuit Administration began investigating the cyber incident, including coordinating with law enforcement authorities, and utilizing Mandiant, leading global cybersecurity experts, to assist our team in forensic investigation and remediation efforts. The Circuit worked quickly to restore safe and secure access to court operations, services, and systems.
What Information Was Affected: Review and analysis of the affected data involved in this cyber incident is ongoing. While the impacted information varies based on the individual and their relationship with the Circuit, the following information may have been accessed as a result of this incident: name; Social Security number; taxpayer identification number; date of birth; driver’s license information; and state identification number. In addition, for some individuals, certain types of health and insurance information may also have been accessed.
What Information Was Not Affected: The Clerks of the Court in Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, and Walton Counties maintain the official records of the court in a separate system. As a result, based on the investigation to date, the Clerks’ records and data are not impacted by this incident.
What Should Individuals Do: Out of an abundance of caution, individuals may wish to take steps to protect themselves against the possibility of identity theft and fraud. The Circuit will notify impacted entities and individuals, as appropriate, through various communication channels, including through a media press release, letters mailed and/or emails.
Potentially affected individuals are encouraged to remain vigilant against incidents of identity theft by reviewing personal accounts and credit history for unusual activity and reporting any suspicious activity promptly. The Circuit has established a dedicated website, www.firstjudicialcircuit.org/NoticeofDataIncident, which provides additional resources for individuals.
The Circuit sincerely thanks everyone for their patience during this challenging matter. Special recognition to the Clerks of Court for their invaluable assistance and cooperation in restoring court operations; the Office of the State Attorney; the Office of the Public Defender; and the Office of Criminal Conflict and Civil Regional Counsel, along with other partner agencies, who stepped in to provide support with responding to this incident.
Disaster Declared: Loan Program Available in Escambia County Due To Drought
November 1, 2023
The U.S. Small Business Administration announced Wednesday that federal Economic Injury Disaster Loans are available in Florida and most private nonprofit organizations with economic losses due to the drought conditions that began on Oct. 3, 2023.
The declaration includes Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties in Florida, and Escambia and Baldwin Counties in Alabama.
“Working capital loans from the SBA are essential to eligible small businesses when the Secretary of Agriculture declares a disaster due to farmers’ crop losses,” said Francisco Sanchez Jr., associate administrator of SBA’s Office of Disaster Recovery & Resilience. “These loans help sustain rural economies when a disaster occurs.”
Under this declaration, the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program is available to eligible farm-related and non-farm-related entities that suffered financial losses as a direct result of this disaster. Apart from aquaculture enterprises, SBA cannot provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers and ranchers. Nurseries are eligible to apply for economic injury disaster loans for losses caused by drought conditions.
The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates of 4% for small businesses and 2.375% for private nonprofit organizations with terms up to 30 years. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due until twelve months from the date of the first loan disbursement. Eligibility is based on the size of the applicant, type of activity and its financial resources. These working capital loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that could have been paid had the disaster not occurred. The loans are not intended to replace lost sales or profits.
Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via the SBA’s secure website at sba.gov/disaster and should apply under SBA declaration # 20038.
Disaster loan information and application forms may also be obtained by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (if you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services), or sending an email to DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov. Loan applications can be downloaded from the SBA’s website at sba.gov/disaster.
Completed applications should be mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155. Submit completed loan applications to the SBA no later than June 10, 2024.