Results, Photo Gallery: 17 Bands Take Part In Assessments At Tate
October 17, 2013
The Florida Bandmasters Association Marching Music Performance Assessments were held Saturday at Tate High School. Seventeen bands from across the area took part in the event.
Tate and Jay high school received a final overall rating of “Superior”, while Northview’s Tribal Beat received a rating of “Excellent”. For Northview’s band, it was the first assessment event since 1996. The band had never scored a Superior rating in any category. This year, the band received Superior ratings in the Auxiliary (color guard, majorettes and dance team) and marching and maneuvering categories.
For a photo gallery featuring the Northview and Jay bands, click here.
The following schools received the highest final rating of “Superior”:
- Baker School
- Choctawhatchee High School
- Crestview High School
- Escambia High School
- Ft. Walton Beach High School
- Gulf Breeze High School
- Tate High School
- Jay High School
- Milton High School
- Navarre High School
- Niceville High School
- Pace High School
- Washington High School
- West Florida High School
The following school received a final rating of “Excellent”:
- Northview High School
- Pensacola High School
- Pine Forest High School
Child Molester Sentenced
October 17, 2013
Robert David Sanders, 50, entered a guilty plea Wednesday to lewd or lascivious molestation of a victim less than 12 years or age, sexual battery by a person in a position of familial or custodial authority, and harassing a victim involving prosecution for a life felony.
Following his plea, Circuit Judge Gary Bergosh sentenced Sanders to a split sentence consisting of 25 years in state prison to be followed by probation for the remainder of the defendant’s natural life. He was also designated as a sexual predator.
Sanders repeatedly victimized a minor child between 2004 and 2013.
Children Of The Swamp: Author To Promote Book Set In Escambia River Swamp
October 17, 2013
A Chicago-area author will discuss his book set in the Escambia River swamps at several local libraries.
Author J. Ferdinand Rizza will promote his book “Children of the Swamp” at three West Florida Public Library locations:
- Friday, October 18 – Tryon Branch Library, 11am-12 noon
- Friday, October 18 – Molino Branch Library, 2-3pm
- Saturday, October 19 – Main Library, 11am-12 noon
- Saturday, October 19 – Southwest Branch Library, 2-3pm
From the publisher:
“Children of the Swamp” Author, J.F. Rizza has set out to not only accomplish his personal best in the writing of this novel, but also to accomplish his personal best in his quest to land the fish of a lifetime. He knew the moment he entered the realm of the swamp that a novel was eminent. However, he did not originally set out with the intention of writing a novel. Instead the novel seemed to seek him out and demanded of him to be written.
The story begins as our main character, a poet, attempts to break a bad case of writer’s block by taking a peaceful hiatus in Florida. Being unfamiliar with the region and its people, he accepts an invitation to go fishing with two locals and soon finds himself venturing out into the Escambia River basin alone with these newly found acquaintances. As he finds himself traveling further and further out into this vast wilderness, he realized his vulnerability and dependency on these swamp-folk. Thus the story unfolds.
With his writer’s block broken, his prose and poetry flow freely throughout the text, coloring it and drawing you the reader deeper and deeper into the spirit of the swamp. The adventure grows as does his understanding of the swamp, its people and its pitfalls. The focus now being on his new found obsession, fishing for that monster of a catch, is the stuff of which legends are made.
Rizza’s writing style is captivation, colorful and rich in metaphor. His sense of character development is outstanding, and the storyline believable. Some of what you read will be very new to you, and much of it you will relate to quite readily. Fisherman, naturalists, campers, survivalists and readers with an interest in prose, poetry and unique American folk culture will find this book to be a “must read”.
“Children of the Swamp” is available from Amazon.com.
Camp Fire Kids Hold Trike-A-Thon For Children’s Hospital
October 17, 2013
The children at Camp Fire USA Century Youth Learning Center recently held their fifth annual Trike-A-Thon in support of St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. The children not only raised $652 for St. Jude; they also learned about trike safety and the importance of helping others.
Submitted photos by Pam Townson for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
No Injuries In Highway 97 Wreck
October 16, 2013
There were no injuries in a two vehicle accident Wednesday afternoon on Highway 97 south of Pilgrim Trail in Molino.
The accident happened about 4 p.m. as the driver of a truck with a gooseneck trailer hauling a tractor attempted to turn into a private drive. It appeared the the driver of a pickup was attempting to pass the truck and other traffic and lost control, running off the roadway and hitting a utility pole.
The accident is under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Senate Reaches Deal On Shutdown And Debt Limit
October 16, 2013
Leaders in the Senate have crafted a last-minute deal to reopen the federal government and avoid a default likely to have harmful effects on the global economy.
The deal would keep the government running through January 15 and raise the nation’s borrowing limit enough to put off the risk of default until February 7.
The Republican-led House intends to vote on the plan, a leadership aide said on Wednesday.
With the clock ticking toward a Thursday deadline, the aide said it is unclear if the House will have the votes to give final congressional approval to the bipartisan Senate proposal.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell had been working on a bipartisan proposal that could pass both houses of Congress Wednesday and be signed by President Barack Obama by Thursday.
Thursday is the deadline when the U.S. Treasury Department has said it will reach its borrowing limit and risk default. Financial markets could plunge without a deal.
Billionaire investor Warren Buffett said Wednesday it would be idiocy for the nation’s leaders to allow the United States to default on its bills.
Grand Jury: No Charges Against Deputies In Two Shootings
October 16, 2013
An Escambia County Grand Jury has completed its review of the shooting death of James W. McGlothlin and the wounding of Roy Middleton. Both of the shootings involved Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputies.
The grand jury met over a three-day period and heard evidence from numerous witnesses including special agents from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, deputies from Escambia County Sheriffs Office and civilian witnesses. Based the testimony and other evidence, the grand jury found insufficient evidence to establish that any criminal violations were committed.
Grand Jury Recommendations
The grand jury did return a report making five recommendations to the Sheriffs Office regarding training and procedures.
Those recommendations, reprinted verbatim, included:
1. That the Escambia County Sheriff’ s Office establish more focused and intensive training for the first four years of a law enforcement officer’s career.
2. That greater mentoring be encouraged between junior and senior officers.
3. That the situations presented in both these cases be recreated for training purposes for use in the force on force room. These scenarios should be prepared with various outcomes.
4. In the case involving the death of McGlothlin, we realize that the ofñcers acted in a manner necessary under the circumstances. We do find, however, that these circumstances led to poor decisions. While we understand that the SWAT team was not available under these particular circumstances, we believe that other technological abilities should be available to deal with similar circumstances.
5. In cases where medical care becomes necessary, we believe that both blood or urine samples should be available for additional testing by law enforcement. Procedures should be established that provide that appropriate subpoenas or court orders are available to either obtain or retain such samples for additional testing.
Sheriff Morgan’s Response
“We are constantly striving to improve the quality of service we provide, and to enhance the safety and security of those who live and Work in Escambia County,” Escambia County Sheriff David Morgan responded in a letter to State Attorney Bill Eddins. “To that end, we will carefully consider the recommendations of the Grand Jury. We will incorporate the Grand Jury recommendations into our policies, procedures, and training plans as appropriate within the constraints of the law and funding.”
Roy Middleton Shooting
In July, an unarmed Roy Middleton was searching for a cigarette in his mother’s car when he was shot by deputies that had responded to a theft in progress call. Escambia County Sheriff’s David Morgan was Middleton was not compliant with his officers’ orders to get out of the car and put his hands up. Instead, the sheriff said, Middleton exited the car quickly with a lunging motion with one hand raised with something in it. Deputies then fired 15 rounds at Middleton. Morgan attributed the number of shots to “officer anxiety”.
Middleton and his family told a different story. Middleton said he at first thought the flashlights were those of his neighbors playing a trick on him. He said he followed the orders given by deputies and raised his hands, holding his car keys with metal flashlight. When he turned to face the deputies, they opened fire.
The incident has received national media attention.
James Wyman McGlothin Shooting Death
James Wyman McGlothin was shot and killed by an Escambia County Deputy in early July at the Lago Vista Apartments in the 400 block of South 72nd Avenue.
McGlothlin was reportedly driving a small red Honda vehicle when he ran off the road and became stuck in a flooded ditch off 72nd Avenue. He then ran into the apartment complex where a K-9 tracked him to a shed. Area residents reported hearing dozens of gunshots as deputies entered the shed.
According to a list released by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, McGlothlin was responsible for a long list of crimes in the area between June 21 and his death on July 5 including grand theft, vehicle theft, aggravated battery and the robbery of at least two businesses.
Special Meeting: A Little Boy In Need And An Unselfish Young Lady
October 16, 2013
Before Tuesday, Shelby Godwin of Bratt had never met Wyatt Johnson, an 18-month old from Century who is suffering from a chronic liver disease that will require a transplant. Hugs, smiles and happy tears filled the Bratt Elementary School Library Tuesday afternoon as Shelby saw Wyatt in person for the first time.
But there was already a special bond between the two, a little boy in need of all the help the world will give him and a young lady with an unselfish heart.
As we reported last month, Shelby saw a fundraising flyer with Wyatt’s picture at CVS in Century. She was so emotionally touched by the young man that she wanted to do something to help him.
Her idea was a fresh orange juice stand along East Highway 4 in Bratt, under the shade trees in front of her house. The 10-year old used her own money to purchase the oranges and supplies for her little business venture and borrowed an old fashioned juicer from a friend of her mom.
“Hey,” Shelby said to Wyatt, taking his hand in hers. “It’s good to meet you.” Tears poured from the face of Nicole Johnson, Wyatt’s mom, as she embraced Shelby in a hug. Afterwards, Shelby pushed her glasses up and wiped her eyes.
“Thank you, thank you so much,” mom Nicole said.
“You are an amazing young lady,” Escambia County School Superintendent Malcolm Thomas told Shelby. “This world needs more people like you.”
“We do need more people like you,” Century Mayor Freddie McCall added, presenting Shelby with an official proclamation in her honor. “You are very special. There’s a special place in heaven for you.”
Wyatt’s dad, Justin Johnson, presented Shelby with a single white rose, a card, and a “Team Wyatt” shirt. Shelby and her mother, Kim Godwin, gave Wyatt a gift, a teddy bear and a matching outfit. Wyatt looked at the teddy bear cautiously, smiled and began to play. His smile grew larger as he twirled the bear’s fur around his finger and poked at his nose.
The Godwins then presented Nicole with the proceeds from Shelby’s orange juice sales.
“Hey there,” Shelby said and she kneeled next to Wyatt for photos. As the camera clicked off the photos, their smiles became bigger and bigger as did those of everyone in a room. For a moment, all was well in the world of the new best friends, a little boy in need of all the help the world will give him and a young lady with an unselfish heart.
Shelby’s orange juice stand is open some Friday and Saturday afternoons in the 5100 block of West Highway 4, almost directly across from the Bratt Assembly of God. A small fresh squeezed orange juice is $1 and a medium is $2. Donations are welcome and very much encouraged. All proceeds benefit Wyatt Johnson. A fund has also been established in Wyatt Johnson’s name at Pen Air Federal Credit Union.
Pictured above: (front, L-R) Shelby Godwin, Nicole Johnson, Wyatt Johnson, Daisy Johnson, (back) Bratt Elementary Principal Karen Hall, Kim Godwin, Justin Johnson, Escambia School Superintendent Malcolm Thomas, and Century Mayor Freddie McCall.
Pictured above: Shelby Godwin makes fresh orange juice to raise money for Wyatt Johnson.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Envision Cantonment Workshops Scheduled
October 16, 2013
The Escambia County Community Redevelopment Agency will hold a series of meetings to discuss eight focus areas of the Cantonment CRA.
The meeting will be held at the Jim Allen Elementary School cafeteria at 1051 Highway 95A in Cantonment.
Meetings will be held the next two Tuesdays at 6 p.m.:
–Tuesday, October 22, 2013: Draft of Cantonment Redevelopment Plan
Draft of Cantonment Redevelopment Plan presented
–Tuesday, October 29, 2013: Review Final Draft of Plan
Final Review & Comment of Cantonment Redevelopment Plan
For more information, contact Zee Osuigwe, Development Program manager, (850) 595-3216.
School Grading ‘Safety Net’ Extended; Thomas Applauds State BOE Decision
October 16, 2013
The State Board of Education voted Tuesday to extend a policy preventing schools from dropping by more than a letter grade on their state-issued report cards through the 2014-15 school year, a move welcomed by Escambia County’s top educator.
The board voted 4-2 to continue the policy, which was first used in the school report cards issued following the 2011-12 school year and continued this year as superintendents said a slew of changes to Florida’s accountability system made it hard to tell what was causing unusual drops in school grades.
“It was the right move now with schools and teachers subject to so many changes and testing that was poorly defined,” Escambia County School Superintendent Malcolm Thomas said. “There is a lot of instability in the system and will be until you have new tests in Florida.”
State Board of Education members approved the change as an amendment to a package of rule revisions that state Department of Education officials described as technical. But the move drew concern even from some of the members who ended up voting for the plan, and particularly from those who opposed it.
Kathleen Shanahan, who is set to leave the board at the end of the year, called the move to amend the plan onto the rule changes “too cute by half.” She also pointed out that by the time the plan expired, a proposal that was originally intended to be temporary will have lasted for four years.
“A four-year safety net becomes a bureaucracy, in my opinion,” Shanahan said.
By extending the policy until the grades issued after the 2014-15 school year, the policy would buffer schools through the transition to a new testing regime under the “Common Core State Standards.” The new tests are expected to kick in during the 2014-15 year.
“I do think that it is more important on that final year [of the transition],” said Board Chairman Gary Chartrand.
The state is still trying to determine which tests to use under Common Core, after Gov. Rick Scott ordered the education agency to begin disentangling itself from a multistate consortium that has developed tests under the new educational benchmarks.
But Patricia Levesque, executive director of former Gov. Jeb Bush’s Foundation for Florida’s Future, knocked the school-grading move in a statement issued later Tuesday.
“Florida is in a period of transition to higher standards, and stability and transparency during these times is key,” she said. “That transparency provides valuable information on the state of student learning — what matters most — even when it’s not what we want to hear.”
The debate over Common Core has lingered over the board’s actions in recent weeks, after Scott issued an executive order regarding how the state would implement the new standards and measure student learning under them. Some conservative activists fear that the initiative, which was created in a state-led process and has been adopted by about four dozen states, could lead to too much federal interference in local education.
Following Scott’s order, the board also voted not to adopt a series of “appendices” to Common Core, including items like reading lists or suggested tasks for students. Shanahan also questioned that move, saying the appendices could help teachers.
“I don’t know why we’re disarming the teachers,” she said.
Last school year, six Escambia County schools benefit from the one letter grade drop protection: Ernest Ward, C.A. Weis, McArthur, Montclair, Navy Point and O. J. Semmes.
The News Service of Florida contributed to this report.