North Escambia Memorials Honor Those That Served
May 30, 2016
People across North Escambia and the country will pause today to remember the brave men and women that have served our country as we celebrate Memorial Day.
In North Escambia, there are several memorials that honor those that have served in the military:
Walnut Hill Veterans Wall of Honor
The largest such memorial in the North Escambia area, the Veteran’s Honor Wall has stood in front of the Walnut Hill Community Center since its dedication in 2003. There are nearly 300 names on the wall, including names of just over a dozen soldiers killed in action. The wall honors those from the Walnut Hill area that have served in the nation’s military.
The Walnut Hill Ruritan Club began planning the wall in late 2001, and they decided that it would be a community project at no cost to the veterans listed.
Billy R. Ward began to engrave the names with an antique machine the club purchased off the internet, and there were 220 names on the wall when it was dedicated in 2003. He spent a lot of time on the project, even visiting the Wall South Memorial in Pensacola to get an idea what size the letters on the plaques should be.
On the Walnut Hill Veteran’s Honor Wall, everyone is equal. It was decided that no service rank would be include on the name plaques, just the branch and years of service.
It is estimated that about one-fourth of the veterans listed on the wall are now deceased.
The Walnut Hill Veteran’s Wall is located in front of the community center at 7850 Highway 97.
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LCpl Travis M. Nelson Park
The LCpl Travis M. Nelson Park was dedicated in Bratt on November 8, 2011, in honor of the local Marine killed in action in August 2011 in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. It was just two weeks after his 19th birthday and only about a month after he arrived in Afghanistan.
The park features a memorial in Nelson’s honor. It is located on West Highway 4, just west of Northview High School.
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Atmore Veterans Memorial
The Veterans Memorial in Atmore stands proudly on the lawn of the Atmore City Hall to pay tribute to those have served from around Atmore and North Escambia. Names of the fallen are on the spire, while commemorative bricks around the base of the spire name those that have served in the military past and present.
Those honored on the bricks date back to the Revolutionary War with a brick with the name of Benjamin Sasser, 1755-1840. His relative, Federick Sasser, 1794-1846, is also honored for his service in the War of 1812.
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Barrineau Park Wall of Honor
The Wall of Honor inside the Barrineau Park Community Center honors scores of area residents that have served in the military. The wall was a project of the Barrineau Park Historical Society. (Pictured above.)
Century Veterans Wall of Honor
About four dozen of those that served from the Century area are honored on the Century Veterans Wall of Honor at Century’s Roadside Park on Highway 29. The memorial was dedicated on July 4, 2008. (Pictured below.)
The Century Veterans Wall of Honor is located in the Nadine McCaw Park at the corner of North Century Boulevard (Highway 29) and Hecker Road.
NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Escambia Native Serving Aboard Nuclear Powered Submarine
May 30, 2016
A 2008 West Florida High School graduate and Escambia County Florida native is serving in the U.S. Navy as part of a crew working aboard one of the world’s most advanced nuclear-powered fast attack submarines, USS City of Corpus Christi.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Leeroy Ybarra is a machinist’s mate (auxiliary) serving aboard the Pearl Harbor-based submarine, one of 40 Los Angeles-class submarines making it the backbone of the submarine force.
A Navy machinist’s mate is responsible for maintaining pnuematic systems, atmospheric purification, diesel engine maintenance, hydraulics and oxygen generation aboard a submarine.
“I enjoy working with the wide variety of people you meet in the Navy, and I like the different ports that we pull into,” said Ybarra. “Singapore is very nice, Guam is always a great time, and Yokosuka [Japan] is also great!”
With a crew of 130, this submarine is 360 feet long and weighs approximately 6,900 tons. A nuclear-powered propulsion system helps push the submarine through the water at more than 25 mph.
Attack submarines are designed to hunt down and destroy enemy submarines and surface ships; strike targets ashore with cruise missiles; carry and deliver Navy SEALs; carry out intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions; and engage in mine warfare. Their primary tactical advantage is stealth, operating undetected under the sea for long periods of time.
“Submarine sailors never cease to amaze me with their ability to complete complex missions in the world’s most challenging environments,” said Rear Adm. Fritz Roegge, Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet. “Continued U.S. undersea superiority is not possible without their dedication, expertise and professionalism.”
According to Navy officials, because of the demanding environment aboard submarines, personnel are accepted only after rigorous testing and observation. Submariners are some of the most highly trained and skilled people in the Navy. The training is highly technical and each crew has to be able to operate, maintain, and repair every system or piece of equipment on board. Regardless of their specialty, everyone also has to learn how everything on the ship works and how to respond in emergencies to become “qualified in submarines” and earn the right to wear the coveted gold or silver dolphins on their uniform.
“The Corpus Christi is a 33-year old boat, and keeping her out to sea and operational is a challenge. I like that aspect,” said Ybarra.
Challenging submarine living conditions actually build strong fellowship among the elite crew, Navy officials explained. The crews are highly motivated, and quickly adapt to changing conditions. It is a busy life of specialized work, watches, and drills.
“I have a great sense of pride knowing that I’m protecting our country, and knowing that makes me feel that I have earned the right to all the great benefits the military provides,” Ybarra added.
by U.S. Navy Chief Mass Communication Specialist Bill Steele, Navy Office of Community Outreach Public Affairs
Appeals Court Rules In Escambia Case: Only One Parent Must Sign Off On Medical Procedures
May 30, 2016
In what could be first-of-its-kind case in Florida, an appeals court rejected arguments that both parents need to sign off before a child can undergo surgery.
The ruling, by a three-judge panel of the 1st District Court of Appeal, upheld an Escambia County circuit judge’s decision in a case in which parents had separated and the mother gave consent for a 3-year-old child to have adenoid and ear-tube surgery.
The father, Imad S. Angeli, had objected to the child undergoing surgery and filed a lawsuit against physician Evelyn Kluka and the Nemours Children’s Clinic, alleging battery and intentional interference with a parent-child relationship, the ruling said.
But the appeals-court panel found that state law only requires the consent of one parent and pointed to a potentially “untenable” situation if medical providers had to navigate disputes between parents about performing procedures.
“We conclude, just as the trial court did, that Florida law does not require health care providers to assume the burden of refereeing or going to court to resolve disputes between parents, so long as at least one legally authorized person provides consent,” said the nine-page ruling, written by Judge Susan Kelsey and joined by Judge T. Kent Wetherell and Associate Judge Angela Dempsey. “One would hope that parents committed to successful co-parenting, as they should be, would resolve these disputes between themselves or with the informal assistance of counselors or advisors. Failing that, a parent seeking to prevent the rendition of medical care or treatment to which the other parent has consented can go to court to seek an injunction and resolve the dispute.”
The Escambia County circuit judge, Ross M. Goodman, noted that the dispute appeared to be a case of “first impression” — meaning a first-of-its-kind case in Florida, the ruling said. The appeals court also pointed to “limited analogous case law” and cited one decade-old article in a legal publication about the issue.
Angeli, who the ruling said was formerly known as Imad S. Girgis, was going through divorce proceedings with his wife and had equal custody rights to their two children. The mother, who is not identified in the ruling, initially scheduled adenoid surgery for both children, but the procedures were canceled after the father called the doctor and objected.
The mother rescheduled surgery for the younger child about three months later. The father said he informed a member of the surgeon’s staff that he did not consent to the surgery, which was performed with the approval of the mother, according to the ruling. The surgeon noted in a medical chart that a nurse had informed her before the surgery that the parents had reached agreement on the procedure — though Angeli alleged the mother had misrepresented his position.
Nevertheless, the appeals court said no state law requires medical providers to get consent from both parents.
“The bottom line is that health care providers are not required to referee parental disputes about medical care for their minor children, and may render medical care or treatment upon the consent of only one parent,” the ruling said.
by Jim Saunders, The News Service of Florida
Escambia Extension Urges Smart Grilling For Food Safety
May 30, 2016
by Escambia County Extension Service
Safety is an important consideration when operating a grill. Improper use can cause a fire or explosion. Keep the area around a lighted grill clear of combustible materials, and never use a grill in an enclosed area such as a sheltered patio or a garage. Avoid wearing loose-fitting clothing that may catch fire. The cooking grids should be cleaned after every cookout. The last thing you want to do is cause someone to become ill due to improper cleaning or unsafe food preparation practices.
Wash your hands with hot soapy water for at least 20 seconds before starting to prepare any foods, and wash your hands again if you do anything else—change a diaper, pet an animal, or blow your nose, for example. Cover any cuts or sores on your hands with a bandage, or use plastic gloves. If you sneeze or cough while preparing foods, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue and turn your face away, or cough into your sleeve. Always wash your hands afterwards.
Bacteria multiply rapidly at room temperature. Most food-borne illness-causing bacteria cannot grow well at temperatures below 40°F or above 140°F. Thaw foods in the refrigerator or in the microwave. Never leave foods out at room temperature.
Keep everything that touches food clean. Bacteria can hitch rides around your kitchen on all sorts of things—plates and cutting boards, dirty utensils, dish rags and sponges, unwashed hands.
Never chop fresh vegetables or salad ingredients on a cutting board that was used for raw meat without properly cleaning it first. If possible, keep a separate cutting board just for the preparation of raw meat, poultry, and fish.
Wash cutting boards thoroughly with hot soapy water, and then sanitize with a solution of household bleach and water.
Keep raw meat, poultry, fish, and their juices from coming into contact with other foods during preparation, especially foods that will not be cooked. Wash all utensils and your hands with hot soapy water after contact with raw meat.
Marinate meat, poultry and seafood in the refrigerator in a covered, non-metal container. Throw away any leftover marinade.
Grill food to a safe internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer to assure correct doneness of the food being grilled.
Safe minimum internal temperatures:
- Poultry (whole, ground, and breasts): 165°F
- Hamburgers, beef: 160°F
- Beef, veal, and lamb (steaks, roasts and chops):
- Medium rare: 145°F
- Medium: 160°F.
- All cuts of pork: 160°F.
Hold meat at 140°F until served. Use a clean platter for transferring cooked meat from grill to serving table.
Summer is the time for getting together with friends and family and cooking outdoors. Make your outdoor grilling experience safe and enjoyable.
For further information regarding food safety and other related topics, go to the University of Florida’s Solutions for Your Life website: http://www.solutionsforyourlife.com.
By the Escambia County Extension Service. Reference: Safe Food Handling Fact Sheet, United States Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Series.
Dixon Smashes Two Homers In Wahoos Win
May 30, 2016
Brandon Dixon hit a grand slam over the left field wall in the bottom of the first inning to give the Pensacola Blue Wahoos a lead it would never relinquished.
With one swing off of Birmingham lefty Blair Walters, Dixon gave Pensacola a, 4-3, lead and added another solo shot in the fifth inning to left center as the Blue Wahoos defeated Birmingham, 12-5, Sunday in front of its third straight sellout of 5,038 at Blue Wahoos Stadium. Pensacola is now 5-for-5 in five-game series at home, beating Birmingham 4-1.
Blue Wahoos southpaw Amir Garrett uncharacteristically walked four batters in a row in the first inning, after getting the first two outs of the game on three pitches. After 35 pitches he finally got out of the inning giving up three runs to the Birmingham Barons.
Dixon was hitting .163 against left-handed pitchers entering the game. But he ended up with two homers for the second time in his minor league career. He had a career-high six RBIs. The second baseman now is tied with Pensacola outfielder Phillip Ervin with five home runs, leads the team with 25 RBIs and is batting .277 on the year.
In its franchise history dating back to 2012, the Blue Wahoos have hit 10 grand slams total.
“It definitely was one of my best games for sure,” the soft-spoke Dixon said. “I was looking for something up over the plate. I’ve struggled against lefties this year.”
Pensacola manager Pat Kelly said he saw Dixon play in the California League two years ago and admired his swing.
“He’s one of those guys who has a different sound coming off of his bat,” Kelly said. “He’s got raw power and he’s starting to harness it. He has really been swinging the bat well.”
The Blue Wahoos remained in first place in the Southern League South Division at 30-20 and improved to 18-7 at home.
Not only did Dixon hit two blasts, but Garrett settled down after his rough start.
Birmingham scored in that first inning when Garrett gave up a two-out bases loaded walk to catcher Jeremy Dowdy to score DH Eudy Pina. The next batter Nick Basto hit a two-out, line drive double down the third base line that scored both Barons left fielder Courtney Hawkins and third baseman Trey Michalczewski to put Birmingham on top, 3-0.
“In the past, (Garrett) has been really emotional and really hard on himself,” Kelly said. “He was terrific. He pitched a solid six innings.”
Garrett would then bear down and throw 58 pitches the rest of the way. He retired the last seven batters he faced, striking out the last four before giving way to Pensacola reliever Kyle McMyne in the seventh.
Garrett, who gave up a double in the first inning gave up one more hit the rest of the way – a bunt single to Birmingham right fielder Keenyn Walker. Garrett, the Cincinnati Reds No 3 prospect, worked six innings, giving up three runs on two hits and four walks and striking out seven.
He’s now 4-3 on the year with a 1.79 earned-run average and a 1.06 WHIP. His ERA is fourth in the Southern League and he moved into third in strikeouts with 61 on the year.
Entering Friday’s game, Garrett walked 17 in 54.1 innings or 2.81 per nine innings. He did throw a season high five walks against the Biloxi Shuckers May 8.
Dixon was happy to give Garrett a lift.
“That’s the name of the game,” Dixon said. “We’ve been doing it all year long. After that (grand slam) Amir was lights out.”
With two outs and the bases loaded in the first inning, Dixon walked to the plate and promptly jumped on the first pitch by Birmingham lefty Blair Walters to put Pensacola ahead, 4-3, for good with his first grand slam of the season.
Dixon then hit a bullet over the left center wall for a 10-3 Pensacola lead. His sixth and final RBI came when he doubled in the eighth inning to score DH Donald Lutz.
Birmingham committed five errors and gave up 13 hits to Pensacola.
Other than Dixon, Tony Renda led the way at the plate going 2-3 with a double and two runs scored and an RBI. Renda is now batting .308 on the season after going 11-22 against the Barons this series.
Escambia Pedestrian Killed
May 29, 2016
A pedestrian was struck and killed near an Escambia County Walmart Saturday night.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, 18-year old Haley G. Jennette was westbound on Mobile Highway at Tonawanda Drive when 49-year old Sonya Leona Henderson walked directly into the path of her vehicle. Troopers the accident happened in a dark area of the roadway.
Henderson was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Jennette, who was not injured, was not charged.
Northview High School Class Of 2016 Graduates
May 29, 2016
The 109 members of the Northview High School Class of 2016 graduated Saturday.
Salutatorian Moriah McGahan thanked numerous people for helping the class achieve their goals, including parents and Northview faculty.
“Most importantly, however, I would like to thank my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ for setting the standard to strive for and for forgiving us when we fall short,” McGahan said. “I am thankful for the unique gifts and challenges he has given every one of us. And I am thankful for the opportunity he has given me to share these last four years with you.
“We have completed our run through high school,” Valedictorian Bethany Reynolds said, comparing life to a runner’s race and the encouragement of others in life to a refreshing cup of water.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and learn not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight,” she said, quoting a verse from Proverbs. “I recognize my limits of understanding and know that God has a deeper and greater will that will make all of my races end just as they should…I trust God and his plans for me…I hope that we remember not to let the world change and influence us into its mold, but rather to trust in God and follow Him through His wisdom for He will be our coach.”
“Other people will join our path as we continue to run and be there to encourage us. We always need to remember in our moments of weakness that someone will be there to help us. Therefore, also be someone else’s strength in their moment of weakness. We also need to consider giving back the same love and encouragement that we have received as we cross other people’s paths. Be someone’s cup of water in their moment of weakness.”
Editor’s note: Look for more photos, including individual graduate photos, next week on NorthEscambia.com.
School Superintendent Malcolm Thomas praised the Class of 2016 for their numerous academic and athletic accomplishments, and for earning over $1.4 million dollars in scholarship money.
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The Northview High School Class of 2016 graduates were:
Summa Cum Laude 4.0 and above
1. Bethany Cheyenne Reynolds -Valedictorian
2. Moriah Renee’ McGahan – Salutatorian
3. Jessica Kathryn Amerson
4. David Franklin Thorpe
5. Madison Paige Weber
6. Bradley Andrew Van Pelt
7. Abbie Elizabeth Johnson
8. Haylee Alease Weaver
9. Harmoni Faith Till
10. Savanna Brianne Roux
11. Jada Mona Tucker
12. Trevor Dale Levins
13. Courtney Bryce Weekley
14. Tyler Ray Houston
15. Jordan Caroline Taylor
16. Jason Andrew Perritt
17. Christopher Gavin Grant
18. Benjamin Tate Preston
19. Jadlyn Skye Agerton
20. Leah Grace Fischer
21. Lawrence C W Douglas
Magna Cum Laude 3.85 and above
22. Jacob Wade Dunsford
Cum Laude 3.50 and above
23. Jewel Regina Garner
24. Trevor James Lassiter
25. Jordan Noelle Helmken
26. Katelyn Michelle Born
27. Jensyn Lillian Warner
28. Carly Marie Ward
Alpha Order
29. Austin Payne Adams
30. Lillie Kathryn Allen
31. James Austin Ates
32. Shnala O’Daija Banks
33. Lauren Breanna Barnes
34. Jessica Renee Barrows
35. Tamara Lee Barrows
36. Wykeyiah Sinclair Barton
37. Olivia Antoinette Bellamy
38. Tyler Christophe Berry
39. Rheanna Lee Black
40. Brittany Ann Brooks
41. Zachary Thomas Calloway
42. Breanna Charmaine Campbell
43. Johna Monae Carter
44. Raymond Wayne Clark
45. Ureil Neil Codrington Jr.
46. Christopher Noah Coker
47. Gavin Aubrey Coon
48. Kasey Ray Dorch
49. Sarah Elizabeth Dutton
50. Jonathan Anton Elliott
51. Kody Tommel Fountain
52. Amber Renee’ Freeman
53. Ramsey Wade Gafford
54. Nathan Anthony Galvan
55. Jamie Ray Garrett
56. Hanna Nicole Ging
57. David Lane Godwin
58. Cheyenne Raven Gray
59. Dariane Breeze Guy
60. Michela Francis Hall
61. Zachary Tyler Holland
62. Beverly Ann Hughes
63. Ivory Ladell Johnson
64. Tonie Breanna Johnson
65. Daniel Eugene Kelly Jr.
66. Shelby Joe Kiser Jr.
67. Kaitlyn Nicole Kleinatland
68. Logan Lambeth
69. Roman Dee Manning
70. Jessica Ashlynn McCall
71. Sykeema Anastasia McConnico
72. Bethany Anne Merchant
73. Kerri Cheyanne Merchant
74. Thomas Monroe Moore
75. Dezmine Sirpatrick Moorer
76. Taylor Danielle Morris
77. Jessica Ann Mullins
78. April Gail Payne
79. Joshua Nicholas Poston
80. Laurie Elaine Purdy
81. John Triston Reaves
82. Courtney Nicole Reid
83. Grady Bryant Rigby
84. Danielle Chanel Robinson
85. Elizabeth Anne Sanders
86. Julian Carter Satterwhite
87. Dustin William Shaw
88. Nathan James Singleton
89. Dylan Jacob Siu
90. Lexy Marie Small
91. Jamilia Nicole Smiley-Knight
92. Kyle David Smith
93. Levi Godwin Solomon
94. Sharnice Labraishia Spears
95. O’Neshia Kuiana Spencer
96. Bronica Lynn Spruill
97. Zachary Thomas Steele-Reich
98. Christopher Allen-Ray Stevens
99. Destiny Kathy Stevens
100. Brianna Monique Taylor
101. Ladarrius Deante Thames
102. Joshua Edward Thomas
103. Jared Elijah Townley
104. William McDonald Walker
105. Emily Brooke Walston
106. Chelsea Ann Waters
107. Brianna Letricia Weaden
108. Morgan Cheyenne Wiggins
109. Autumn Marie Wilbanks
Is Your Church Having VBS?
May 29, 2016
Now is the time to submit your Vacation Bible School announcements to NorthEscambia.com so that we can include them on our events page and let everyone know.
Email your VBS event details to: news@northescambia.com
Please try to submit your information as far in advance as possible.
Memorial Day Closures
May 29, 2016
The following will be closed Monday in observance of the Memorial Day holiday:
Escambia County
- Escambia County Board of County Commissioners
- West Florida Public Library System
- Escambia County Property Appraiser
- Escambia County Tax Collector
- Escambia County Supervisor of Elections
- Escambia County Clerk of the Court & Comptroller
- Perdido Landfill, excluding the administrative offices, will be open
- Oak Grove Convenience Center will be closed
- Escambia County Area Transit (ECAT):
- Administrative offices closed
- ECAT will ONLY operate the following routes on Memorial Day:
- 59 Express
- 64 Beach Jumper
- Beach Trolley
- UWF Trolleys will not operate
ECUA
- ECUA Business Offices will be closed
- Residential and commercial sanitation collections will be unaffected and will follow normal schedule
Cities/Town Of Century, Pensacola, Jay
- All city offices and departments will be closed
Santa Rosa County
- Santa Rosa County Board of Commissioners, including the library system and animal shelter
- The Central Landfill is open Monday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Santa Rosa County Clerk of the Court
- Santa Rosa County Property Appraiser
- Santa Rosa County Supervisor of Elections
- Santa Rosa County Tax Collector
Video: Northview High Graduation
May 29, 2016
This is a replay video of the Northview High School graduation:
(Video is provided by the Escambia County School District and is embedded here as a service of NorthEscambia.com. If the video does not work, click here to visit the school district homepage and follow the links to the video.)