Ernest Ward Middle School Names Students Of The Month
May 14, 2024
Ernest Ward Middle School recently named their Students of the Month for April. They are (L-R) Walker Maughon, Logan McClung, and Dylan McGlothren. They are pictured with Principal Tyvanna Boulanger. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Kingfield Elementary 4th Graders Silly String Teachers
May 14, 2024
Kingsfield Elementary School fourth graders had a little fun with silly string and teachers Jessica Kerkela and Kenli Orozco.
The students earned the time to silly string the teachers following a great year and FAST (Florida Assessment of Student Thinking) standardized test scores.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Ascend Community Park Temporarily Closed Due To Minor Storm Damage
May 14, 2024
The Ascend Community Park is temporarily closed to the public due to minor storm damage. A tree damaged by severe weather needs to be removed for the safety of park visitors. The park, located at 3098 Old Chemstrand Road, is expected to be closed for several days until the work is completed. Ascend officials hope to reopen the park to visitors later this week.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
The Ascension Cyberattack Update: Here’s What You Should Know
May 14, 2024
All Ascension Sacred Heart hospitals, physician offices, and care sites remain open and operational following a cyberattack.
Medical staff is using manual and paper based systems during the ongoing disruption to normal systems.
Ascension provided the following information:
Can I go to my doctor’s appointment?
Ascension Sacred Heart Medical Group doctor’s offices and care sites are operating with normal business hours, and all scheduled appointments are proceeding as planned.
Due to the transition to manual systems for patient documentation, patients may encounter longer than usual wait times and some delays. To help with delays, patients should bring notes on symptoms and a list of current medications, including prescription numbers or bottles. In the event that appointments need to be rescheduled, an Ascension associate will contact patients directly.
Can I get my prescription filled?
Ascension Rx retail pharmacies in Florida cannot fill prescriptions at this time. All other retail pharmacies across North Florida are able to fill prescriptions. Patients should work with their provider to have prescriptions filled at another local pharmacy.
Are Ascension’s urgent care centers/ walk-in clinics open?
At this time, Ascension’s urgent care centers and walk-in clinics are fully operating. Due to the transition to manual systems for patient documentation and care at certain centers, patients may encounter longer than usual wait times and some delays.
Are Ascension’s emergency rooms open?
All Ascension Sacred Heart emergency rooms in Florida remain open. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, dial 911, and local emergency services will transport you to the most appropriate hospital emergency room.
Can I still have my surgery?
Patients with upcoming scheduled elective surgeries should plan to arrive as planned unless otherwise notified. Should any rescheduling be necessary, Ascension will contact you directly. Due to the transition to manual systems for patient documentation, patients may encounter longer than usual wait times and some delays. To help with delays, patients should bring notes on symptoms and a list of current medications, including prescription numbers or bottles.
Will I be able to get my diagnostic imaging, other tests, and treatments?
Imaging, testing, and treatment are being offered at this time. Patients may experience delays, we are grateful for your patience. Should any rescheduling be necessary, staff will contact you directly.
NAS Pensacola Blue Angels Homecoming Airshow To Include US Air Force Thunderbirds
May 14, 2024
The Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola 2024 Blue Angels Homecoming Airshow – featuring the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels – is also scheduled to include the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds during this year’s Nov. 1 and 2 events in Pensacola.
“Having our military’s top flight demonstration teams perform at the ‘Cradle of Naval Aviation’ will undoubtedly be an experience you won’t want to miss!” said NAS Pensacola Commanding Officer Capt. Terry ‘Village’ Shashaty. “The Blue Angels and the Homecoming Airshow are most certainly ingrained in the identity of Pensacola and the surrounding communities, and we are proud to be able to host a family-friendly event showcasing the capabilities and precision of both the Navy and Air Force teams as well as our civilian performers.”
The Blue Angels Homecoming Airshow has been a mainstay in the area, one of the largest events in Florida’s Panhandle and drawing more than 250,000 spectators over two days. The Blue Angels’ annual schedule culminates with the show, the last of the season for the flight demonstration squadron.
“The NAS Pensacola Airshow is a special event, not just because it’s held in our hometown, but also because it’s a chance for our team to demonstrate the skills we have spent a whole show season honing.” said Cmdr. Alex Armatas, commanding officer and flight leader of the Blue Angels. “We take a great deal of pride in giving back to the community that supports us, and this airshow gives us an opportunity to celebrate with our local fans and community as a whole.”
For 77 years, the Blue Angels have showcased the teamwork and professionalism of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps through flight demonstrations and community outreach while inspiring a culture of excellence and service to country for nearly 500 million fans. The Blues showcase the mainstay of modern naval air power operating off U.S. aircraft carriers, the combat-proven F/A-18 Super Hornet, along with the Marine Corps’ premiere logistics support aircraft, the C-130J.
The Thunderbirds perform for people all around the world to display the pride, precision, and professionalism the U.S. Air Force represents. Through air shows and flyovers, they aim to excite and inspire. In addition to showcasing the elite skills all pilots must possess, the Thunderbirds demonstrate the incredible capabilities of the Air Force’s premier multi-role fighter jet, the F-16 Fighting Falcon.
“The NAS Pensacola Blue Angels Homecoming Airshow will provide an exciting finale to our 2024 season,” said Lt. Col. Nathan Malafa, Thunderbird 1, Commander/Leader. “Our demonstrations showcase the incredible milestones a team can accomplish when they work together. It’s an honor to perform alongside our Navy counterparts; we both started building the foundations of our 2024 teams together in El Centro and will end our seasons together in a
display of excellence.”
Reported Wrong-Way Driver Crashes On Highway 29 In Molino
May 13, 2024
A reported wrong-way driver was injured after crashing into a culvert on Highway 29 in Molino Monday morning.
Reported indicated the driver was going north in the southbound lanes of Highway 29 before crashing near CrossFaith Church. After hitting the culvert, the car came to a stop across the southbound lanes of Highway 29.
The driver was transported to an area hospital by Escambia County EMS.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
DeSantis Expands State Of Emergency To Include Escambia And Santa Rosa
May 13, 2024
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has expanded a state of emergency to include Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
On May 10, DeSantis issued a state of emergency declaration for several counties across north Florida following severe storms and tornadoes.
Tens of thousands in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties were left without power. Trees, power lines and power poles were reported down across the area following storms early last Friday morning.
The order allows the state to maximize resources and cooperative efforts to assist in recovery following last Friday’s severe storms and seek federal assistance.
Counties now included in the state of emergency are Baker, Columbia, Escambia, Gadsden, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lafayette, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Suwannee, Taylor, and Wakulla counties.
Reader submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Santa Rosa Under Rabies Alert After Rabid Fox Killed Near Chumuckla
May 13, 2024
The Florida Department of Health in Santa Rosa County (DOH-Santa Rosa) has issued a rabies alert in Santa Rosa County in response to a confirmed case of rabies in a fox that was killed in the Chumuckla area off Byrom Campbell Road on May 8. DOH-Santa Rosa is monitoring rabies among wild animals in the area. All residents and visitors should be aware that rabies is currently present in the wild animal population.
People and domestic animals should always avoid physical contact with wild animals (e.g., raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats, coyotes), which carry a higher risk of human exposure and a need for rabies post-exposure treatment. If you are exposed to rabies, receiving appropriate treatment after exposure will protect you from the risk of rabies.
This rabies alert is for 60 days and includes the following boundaries in Santa Rosa County:
- Northern boundary: County Road 182
- Southern boundary: Rock Creek Road
- Eastern boundary: Salter Road
- Western boundary: Roy Cook Road
Take the following precautions to prevent rabies exposure:
- Immunize your pets and livestock based on your veterinarian’s recommended schedule.
- Keep pets under direct supervision and on a leash, and keep livestock secured on your property. If an animal bites your pet or livestock, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately and contact Santa Rosa County Animal Services at 850-983-4680.
- Avoid contact with wild or stray animals. Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract them with outdoor pet food, open garbage cans, or other sources of food. If you have been bitten or scratched by a wild or domestic animal, seek medical attention, and report the injury to DOH- Santa Rosa County by calling 850-983-5200.
- Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home; instead, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
- Call your local animal control agency to remove any stray animals from your neighborhood. Contact Santa Rosa County Animal Services at 850-983-4680.
- Prevent wildlife, including bats, from entering living quarters or occupied spaces in homes, schools, and other similar areas where they might come in contact with people and pets.
18 Shot, Three Dead In North Baldwin County
May 13, 2024
Eighteen people were shot and three are dead during a gathering Saturday night in north Baldwin County, Alabama.
About 9:30 p.m. Saturday, deputies with the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of gunshots in the Stockton Community. The preliminary investigation revealed that local residents hosted a May Day event in an open field on Upper Bryant’s Landing Road. BCSO estimated that there were approximately 1,000 people attending this gathering.
According to witnesses, the event was peaceful until an argument took place, which led to at least one subject shooting multiple rounds into the large crowd. A total of 18 people were shot during this incident. Three of the victims succumbed to their wounds.
Investigators believe that there may have been more shooters and are following up.
“This is a tragic event that touches many lives in our community. We are working very hard to bring this case to a resolution, but we cannot make arrests or successfully prosecute the offenders without help,” BCSO said Sunday. Anyone with information is asked to contact the BCSO at (251) 972-8589, option 7.
Just Two Days Remain For Free Dog And Cat Adoptions At The Escambia Animal Shelter
May 13, 2024
Just two days remain for free dog and cat adoptions at the Escambia County animal shelter.
The Escambia County Department of Animal Welfare has partnered with the Bissell Pet Foundation for the “Empty the Shelters” adoption event until Wednesday, May 15.
Adoptions for all cats and dogs one year or older will be free. Puppies will be available for $50 and kittens will be available for $25. An $11 licensing fee will be applied to all adoptions for Escambia County residents. View all adoptable pets at the Animal Welfare and Adoption Center on 24petconnect.com.
“We are so excited to participate in the Bissell adoption event again,” said Escambia County Director for the Department of Animal Welfare John Robinson. “These events provide us with an opportunity to allow our community to see all of the wonderful dogs and cats that we currently have available at the Animal Welfare and Adoption Center. We encourage you to come visit us over these next two weeks and meet our amazing animals who are ready to be part of a family.”
The Escambia County Animal Welfare and Adoption Center is located at 200 W. Fairfield Drive. Hours of operation are Monday-Friday, 12-5 p.m., and Saturday from 11 a.m.-4 p.m