UWF Ranked No. 4 In Final 2022 AFCA D2 Coaches’ Top 25 Poll
December 21, 2022
The UWF football team was ranked fourth in the final 2022 AFCA Division II Coaches’ Top 25 Poll that was announced by the American Football Coaches Association.
UWF went 12-2 and advanced to the national semifinals of the NCAA Division II Football Championship, marking the program’s third appearance in the Final Four in four all-time postseason appearances since 2017.
This is the third time in the last five seasons to have a top four final ranking and the fourth time in that same span to be in the top 12. UWF has previously ended the 2017 season at No. 2, 2019 at No. 1 and 2021 at No. 12.
The Argonauts also won a share of the Gulf South Conference Championship for the second-consecutive year, going 6-1 in the league’s regular-season.
UWF is 56-21 all-time in six seasons since starting the program in 2016, and 12-3 in NCAA D2 Championship play, with the highest postseason winning percentage in D2 history at .800.
Photo: Morgan Givens/UWF.
Highway 29 Reconstruction Project In Century Set To Begin In January
December 20, 2022
Work is expected to begin in January on a $4.7 million Florida Department of Transportation safety improvement project on Highway 29 in Century.
FDOT plans a major reconstruction of Highway 29 from just south of East Highway 4 to the Alabama state line. The project includes the roadway reconstruction, curb and gutter, drainage upgrades, signal loop replacement, driveway modifications, and sidewalks.
A curve at Jackson Street (pictured inset and shown in graphic below) will be realigned with drainage improvements; the curve has been the site of several truck accidents in recent years.
The state budget signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis included $3,278,228 for the project.
FDOT has not announced a specific construction start date.
Pictured: Looking south into Florida on Highway 29 in Century. Pictured inset: Part of a Highway 29 safety improvement project will include the realignment of this curve. Graphics below show project details. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Need Those Gifts Wrapped? The Tate Band Has You Covered
December 20, 2022
The Tate Band Showband of the South will be wrapping gifts for donations through Christmas Eve. Look for the tent at JCPenney on North Davis Highway, just outside the entrance closest to Academy Sports.
Tate Band Gift Wrap Schedule:
- Dec. 21 — noon – 8 p.m.
- Dec. 22 — noon – 8 p.m.
- Dec. 23 — noon – 8 p.m.
- Dec. 24 — 9 am – 4 p.m.
Pictured. The Tate Showband gift wrapping tent outside JCPenney, next to Academy Sports.. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Snow, Santa And Gifts For All: Christmas Parade At Escambia Westgate
December 20, 2022
Every child received a gift during a Christmas parade at Escambia Westgate School.
The gifts were thanks to the employee-supported non-profit Ascend Cares, and the gifts were delivered by the Grinch and Santa Claus.
For more photos, click or tap here.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Rep. Salzman Holding Essay Contest For Students To Be A House Page Or Messenger
December 20, 2022
Rep. Michelle Salzman is holding an essay contest to select the 2023 page/messenger she will nominate to service in the Florida House program.
Pages and messengers work one week at the Florida Capitol during the 60-day regular legislative session. They assist representatives and their staff during the busy time while observing state government in action.
For essay contest rules and details, click or tap here. The deadline for students in grades 6-12 to enter is 5 p.m. on January 6, 2023.
While performing their duties, pages and messengers have the opportunity to observe lawmakers, lobbyists, staff, and constituents working together in the legislative process. Opportunities will include committee meetings, House sessions in the chamber, and occasionally press conferences with notable people or celebrities.
The page and messenger program is a longstanding tradition in the Florida House of Representatives, date back to 1865. Each student who serves as a page or messenger will have his or her name appear in the Journal of the House. This will be an official record of their time spent in the Florida House to perhaps one day show their children and grandchildren.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Residential Fires Add Red Bulbs In ‘Keep The Wreath Green’ Safety Campaign
December 20, 2022
On Monday, Escambia County Fire Rescue added three additional bulbs in the Keep the Wreath Green fire safety campaign.
Friday, ECFR responded to a residential structure fire Friday in the 1600 block of Eagle Terrace caused by a discarded cigarette. There were no injuries in the fire that damaged the rear of the single-story home.
On Saturday, ECFR responded to a mobile home fire in the 800 block of North Green Street. No one was at home at the time, and there were no injuries. The home was a total loss.
And on Sunday, ECFR responded to a residential fire that destroyed a home in the 100 block of Ensley Street. Three dogs perished in the fire, which was blamed on space heaters and wiring issues.
Each time firefighters respond to a residential fire with damage, a green light bulb will be replaced with a red one in wreaths at fire stations across the county to remind citizens of the dangers posed by fires in homes.
If your home does not have a working smoke detector, please call Escambia County Fire Rescue at 850-595-HERO (4376) or 850-436-5200 for City of Pensacola residents.
File photo.
FHP Seeks Hit And Run Driver That Struck A Molino Man
December 19, 2022
The Florida Highway Patrol is looking for the driver of a brown pickup truck that struck a pedestrian from Molino last week.
The 20-year old was hit by the pickup truck about 9:30 a.m. on December 14 in the area of Edison Drive and Garfield Drive in Escambia County. Troopers said the pickup turned in front of the pedestrian and immediately fled the area.
Troopers said the pickup could have damage to the driver’s side near the rear of the vehicle.
The name of the Molino man has not been released. He suffered minor injuries.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Florida Highway Patrol at *FHP or Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
Smith Says Goodbye; At Least Five Want Appointment To Century Town Council
December 19, 2022
The Century Town Council will appoint two new members in two weeks, and we now know the names of at least five of the persons interested in a seat.
Council member James Smith, Jr. recently said goodbye to the council at their final schedule meeting of 2022. He praised the work done by Mayor Ben Boutwell, Town Clerk Leslie Howington and the council in advancing Century.
Smith was elected to the council as a political newcomer in 2018. He chose not to seek a second term.
Council member Leonard White also did not seek reelection, and resigned from the council on September 27, citing time constraints due to his full time job.
That will leave both seats open when the council reconvenes for a new term on January 2. At that time, Sandra McMurray Jackson will be sworn in for another term; she ran unopposed this year. Then, the council will appoint two members to serve until a special election for the seats, which will mostly likely take place in March 2023.
Five citizens have formally expressed their interest in a temporary appointment, according to a town document. They are Shelisa Abraham, Michelle Dixon, Edward (Eddie) Hammond, Alicia Johnson and Corenda Phifer. Johnson has told town officials that she does not intend to run for the council during the special election, while the other four said they will likely seek election.
During his final council meeting, Smith said he won’t rule out placing his name on the special election ballot.
Any citizen interested in a temporary appointment to the council can contact town hall or current council members Luis Gomez, Sandra Jackson or Dynette Lewis.
Pictured: Century council member James Smith, Jr. says goodbye during his last last regularly scheduled meeting recently. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Fire Rips Through Outbuilding In Cottage Hill Sunday Night
December 19, 2022
Fire destroyed an outbuilding in Cottage Hill Sunday night.
The fire was reported just before 7 p.m. in the 1300 block of Parker Road.
Firefighters arriving on scene reported the structure involved in fire, and they reported ammunition inside the building was going off.
Relatives described the building as a smokehouse sed for smoking meats.
There were no injuries reported, and no immediate word on the cause of the fire.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Northview High NJROTC Orienteering Team Wins Area Championship, Bid To Nationals
December 19, 2022
The Northview High School NJROTC won the NJROTC Area 8 Orienteering Championship over the weekend.
Their next step is the NJROTC Orienteering National Championship in March 2023.
Orienteering involves navigation with a map and compass with a goal of getting from point to point in the fastest time possible.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
