More Earthquakes Today
April 11, 2019
There were more earthquakes in the North Escambia area today according to scientists.
The US Geological Survey says a 2.8 earthquake occurred at 3:11 p.m. near Big Escambia Creek in Escambia County, AL.
Another quake, a 2.5 magnitude, occurred in about the same area at 11:33 a.m.
The Geological Survey of Alabama said there were three earthquakes, but only two have been announced by the USGS.
Driver’s License Service, Vehicle Registration Event Returning To Century
April 11, 2019
Mobile driver’s license and vehicle registration services will return to Century early next month for a single day event.
Escambia County Tax Collector Scott Lunsford has partnered with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to bring the Florida Licensing On Wheels (FLOW) mobile office to Century on Tuesday, May 7 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Billy G. Ward Century Courthouse at 7500 North Century Boulevard.
FLOW is a stand-alone mobile office with technology to provide most motorists’ needs. The mobile unit provides a convenient method to renew a driver’s license, obtain a replacement driver’s license, conversion/reciprocation of out-of-state license, change a name or address on a current driver’s license or identification card, and get a first-time identification card. In addition to licensing services, the mobile unit also provides an opportunity to renew or replace a vehicle registration and apply, renew or replace disabled parking placards. Written and driving tests are not available from the FLOW unit.
Citizens can renew vehicle registrations up to three months and driver’s licenses up to 18 months in advance of expiration.
Citizens using the FLOW services are encouraged to visit EscambiaTaxCollector.com and click the “What Do I Bring” button for information on what is needed for these services.
Staff from the tax collector’s office will be on hand to answer all FLOW service questions and questions concerning all other tax collector services such as property tax, business tax receipts, concealed weapons licensing, etc. Citizens also can drop off property tax payments (checks only).
Pictured: The Florida Licensing on Wheels mobile office in Century on February 5. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Escambia County Council PTA Names Students Of The Year
April 11, 2019
The Escambia County Council PTA has named their students of the year from each school. They are:
Darion Bell – Henry McMillian Pre-K Center
Jake Webster – Suter Elementary School
Derr’ion Howard – Bellview Elementary School
Abby Vernier – Beulah Elementary School
Skyler Kafka – Blue Angels Elementary School
Desiray Bagwell – Bratt Elementary School
Shane Kellum – Brentwood Elementary School
Jayden Abney – Weis Elementary School
Calvin Peoples – Camelot Academy
Isabell Garza – Cordova Park Elementary School
Roberto Deras – Ensley Elementary School
Mattox Adkins – Escambia Westgate School
Kely Romero – Ferry Pass Elementary School
Donta’ Hall – Global Learning Academy
Camden Brockett – Hellen Caro Elementary
William Parsons – Jim Allen Elementary School
Courtney Gunter – Kingsfield Elementary School
Taylor Powell – McArthur Elementary School
Ja’mariyan Vander – Lincoln Park Elementary School
Carmen Estrada Cedillo – Longleaf Elementary School
Lysaiah White – Molino Park Elementary School
Catino Mobley – Montclair Elementary School
Naliya McClinton – Myrtle Grove Elementary School
Kaylen Greene – Cook Elementary School
Serenity Hawkins – Navy Point Elementary School
Antonio Booker – Semmes Elementary School
Donivan Montano – Oakcrest Elementary
Brayden Dadisman – Pensacola Beach Elementary School
Matthew McDonald – Pine Meadow Elementary School
Da’mya Flowers – Pleasant Grove Elementary School
Jordyn Banks – Lipscomb Elementary School
Freddie McCarthy – Reinhardt Holm Elementary School
Bella Salada – Scenic Heights Elementary School
Amiri Longmire – Sherwood Elementary School
Tahlecia Maye – Warrington Elementary School
Natalie Villegas – West Pensacola Elementary School
Tran Nguyen – Bellview Middle School
Sara Lypko – Beulah Academy of Science
Jeremiah Rivers – Beulah Middle School
Annalisa Pusateri – Brown Barge Middle School
Mykal Robin – Ernest Ward Middle School
Alexander Moore – Escambia Westgate School
Grace Catherine Williams – Ferry Pass Middle School
Teddy Robinson – Workman Middle School
Eva Carper – Bailey Middle School
Anthony Giulietti – Lakeview School Day Support
Aaron Rawski – Ransom Middle School
Hailey Demor – Warrington Middle School
Luna Lilla – The Success Academy
James Reid-Carter – Washington High School
X’zayvionna Lewis – Camelot Academy
Zacharie Tessier – Escambia High School
Ian Harden – Escambia Westgate School
Aine Kellett – Lakeview School Day Support
Brandon Berry – Northview High School
Alanea Dagnon-Hill – Pace Center for Girls
Ahna Cecil – Pensacola High School
Logan Holland – Pine Forest High School
Malloreigh Pellizzeri – Tate High School
Mia Zareck – West Florida High School
Six Months After Hurricane Michael
April 11, 2019
Wednesday marked six months since Hurricane Michael made landfall in Northwest Florida, leaving behind a trail of death and destruction.
“We honor the memories of those who lost their lives and extend our condolences to the surviving family and friends. While the storm may be long gone, the devastating impacts are still felt. We are in this with you for the long haul,” Gov. Ron DeSantis said. “We will rebuild, we will recover, and most importantly, we will remember the resilient people of Northwest Florida.”
Michael came ashore as a Category 4 hurricane with winds of 155 mph on April near Mexico Beach, with destruction reaching well inland.
About 50 deaths have been attributed to Michael in Florida.
Pictured: Destruction in Mexico Beach just days after the landfall of Hurricane Michael. NorthEscambia.com photo.
FWC Presents Draft 10-Year Plan For Lake Stone
April 11, 2019
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission staff presented a 10-year draft land management plan for the Lake Stone Fish Management Area during a public meeting Wednesday night in Century.
Lake Stone is managed through a cooperative agreement between the FWC and Escambia County to conserve natural communities and use lake management techniques to maintain healthy fish habitats. The area features a man-made lake stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, black crappie and channel catfish. The impoundment, managed and maintained by FWC, was constructed in the late 1960s to provide additional freshwater fishing opportunities in an area where these opportunities are limited.
Escambia County maintains public camping facilities and a fishing pier, along with roads, trails and parking facilities in the area. In addition to fishing opportunities, the lake provides recreational opportunities such as wildlife viewing, hiking, paddling and camping. Gasoline boat motors are prohibited from use on Lake Stone; however, the use of electric trolling motors is allowed.
“This draft management plan provides conservation-based management for healthy terrestrial and aquatic habitats, cultural resources, along with fish- and wildlife-based outdoor recreation opportunities for public use,” said Dylan Imlah, FWC land conservation planner.
CLICK HERE TO READ THE DRAFT PLAN.
There is about $148,000 in the first year and an additional $428,000 over the 10-year life of the plan for capital construction.
About 15 campsites have been paved so far, and another 50 to 60 will be paved with county funding, according to Escambia County Parks and Recreation Director Michael Rhodes. The county also hopes to replace the playground and the office/caretaker trailer.
“We are also looking towards potentially building a new open pavilion, kiosk and new gate near the dam for the area, however these items have not yet been approved or vetted for funding,” said Imlah.
There are also two full-time employees in the plan.
“Currently, we have several employees from both the FWC and Escambia County assisting in managing the area. The two employees listed in the plan is based off of our proposed budget, showing that we would need at a minimum of two full time employees dedicated to the area in order to manage optimally. Currently, we have an FWC manager along with several other staff who help maintain the lake and fish populations. We also have FWC staff who monitor wildlife species and exotics that may occur on the upland areas. Additionally, the county pays a caretaker to live on the area and manage the recreational facilities. Not to mention county staff that assist in campsite reservations, facility development improvements,” Imlah told NorthEscambia.com.
There are no plans, she said, to change the public’s current use of Lake Stone, only improve access as funding allows.
Pictured: Lake Stone near Century, and a Lake Stone Management Plan meeting Wednesday night in Century. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Mother Charged With Manslaughter After Toddler Found Dead In Vehicle
April 11, 2019
An Escambia County mother has been charged with the death of her 2-year old.
Jessica Lynn Monell, 36, is charged with negligent manslaughter, child neglect, possession of a controlled substance without a prescription, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. She was being held without bond.
Her two-year old child was found dead Wednesday afternoon inside a van at the Aqua Porta Apartments on Meadson Road in southern Escambia County.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Aqua Porta Apartments on Meadson Road just before 4 p.m. where they found that the child had been left inside a vehicle. Maj. Andrew Hobbs of the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said the child was left in the vehicle for about eight hours.
Monell allegedly forgot the child was in the vehicle and went inside to sleep.
Hobbs said crystal methamphetamine and prescription narcotics without a valid prescription were found inside the apartment.
The investigation into the death is continuing by the Sheriff’s Office and the State Attorney’s Office.
A record high of 88 was set on Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.
Tate Freshmen Beat Gulf Breeze; Northview Baseball, Softball Reschedule Games
April 11, 2019
Tate 7, Gulf Breeze 3 (Freshmen)
The Tate High Freshmen beat Gulf Breeze 7-3 Wednesday night to improvie to 9-0-1 on the season.
Conner Wright pitched the win, going four innings, allowing one run on two hits and striking out five. Chase Lombardo came in for the save.
Tucker Griffin, Dagan Guy and Warren Henke each had a couple of hits to lead Tate at bat.
The Tate Freshmen will be in action next Monday in a home game against Navarre.
NORTHVIEW SCHEDULE CHANGES
Northview Softball
Thursday, April 11 – Away at Paxton 4pm JV, 6 pm Varsity
Friday, April 12 – Home vs. Jay 4pm JV, 6 pm Varsity
April 22 — Home vs. Paxton 4pm JV, 6 pm Varsity (senior night)
Northview Baseball
Northview will play at Baker on Tuesday, April 23, and Baker will be a Northview on Thursday, April 25. Both games are at 6 p.m. and are varsity only.
Tate Drama Presents “All’s Well In Roswell” Friday And Saturday Nights
April 11, 2019
The Tate High School Drama Department will present “All’s Well in Rosell” Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. in the school cafetorium. The comedy is about the “events” surrounding the claim that a UFO with alien life crashed in Roswell, New Mexico, in 1947.
Tickets at the door are $7.
Wahoos Homer Their Way To A Home Opener Win
April 11, 2019
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos picked up a 5-4 win over the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp on Wednesday evening, using three home runs and seven extra-base hits in the opening game of the newly-announced Seafood Buffet Series.
Jorge Alcala started on the mound for Pensacola and provided a strong outing, going 5.0 innings and allowing two runs on five hits while striking out four.
The Blue Wahoos took an early lead on a towering home run by Drew Maggi to left leading off the second inning. Following the homer, the next two hitters, Brian Schales and Jimmy Kerrigan, each doubled to put Pensacola up 2-0.
The Wahoos extended their lead to 3-0 in the fourth on a solo shot by Schales to left.
Jacksonville battled back into the game in the fifth, using a double, sacrifice, hit by pitch, RBI groundout, and RBI single to score twice and cut Pensacola’s lead to 3-2.
The Blue Wahoos answered in the bottom half of the inning with their third home run of the game, a solo shot to left by Jaylin Davis.
The two teams traded runs in the seventh. Jacksonville loaded the bases against reliever Jovani Moran, who then hit a batter to plate a run and pull the Shrimp within one. With the bases still loaded and just one out, manager Ramon Borrego turned to Jeff Ames out of the pen, who proceeded to strike out the next two hitters to escape the jam.
It was Schales again in the bottom of the seventh helping Pensacola to answer, drilling a two-out double to score Davis from first and put the Wahoos up 5-3.
With one out in the eighth, Jacksonville put runners on the corner with just one out against Ames. The Wahoos turned to Ryan Mason, who retired the first batter he faced on a ground out while a run scored, making it 5-4.
With a runner on second, the following batter Bryson Brigman knocked a single to left that looked like it would tie the game, but Pensacola leftfielder Ernie De La Trinidad made a perfect throw home from the outfield to gun out the runner at the plate and save Pensacola’s lead.
Mason set the side down in order in the ninth, striking out a pair, to earn his first save of the year and give Pensacola a 5-4 win in their home opener. Alcala (2-0, 1.80 ERA) earned the win while McKenzie Mills (0-1, 7.20 ERA) was saddled with the loss.
The two team’s will continue their five-game set at Blue Wahoos Stadium Thursday.
Joseph Donald “Donnie” Fillingim
April 11, 2019
Joseph Donald “Donnie” Fillingim, age 79, passed away at home on April 5, 2019 after an extended illness.
Donnie was born March 17, 1940 in Molino, Florida, where he resided most of his life. He served in the US Navy and retired from Monsanto in 1995. He was of Methodist faith.
Donnie is survived by his daughter and son in law, Donna & Michael Ishee, two grandchildren, Emily and Caleb Ishee of Pace, sisters, Diane (Dale) Kennerson of Molino and Joyce Irizarry of Pensacola. He also left behind many nieces, nephews, and numerous other family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence “Rit” and Mildred Harris Fillingim, brothers, Duke (Diane) Fillingim and Dee (Joan) Fillingim.
Visitation & Service will be Sunday, April 14, 2019 from 1:00pm-3:00pm at Eastern Gate Chapel followed immediately by a funeral service at 3:00pm with Pastor Pam Avery officiating.
Private interment of ashes to be held at a later date.
Eastern Gate Memorial Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.