Bratt Elementary Names May Students Of The Month
May 29, 2019
Bratt Elementary School has named their May Students of the Month. They are:
Pre-K
Ruth Bryan
Addison Godwin
Kindergarten
Tray Hartley
Weston Jones
Bella Coy
Chole Weaver
1st Grade
Houston Smith
Tikiya Sy;ria
Ivyonna Knight
Serenity Davis
Anniston Salter
2nd Grade
Mya McCants
Kendall Corey
Javan Thompson
Aubrey Flowers
3rd Grade
Parker Gainey
Jackson Sellers
Wyatt Mooney
Landon Allcock
Mackenzie Winchester
4th Grade
Savannah Lowry
Mikayla Ray
Presley Johnson
5th Grade
Gavin Laskley
Jeremy Thomas
Savannah Barrow
Kenslee Chavira
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Byrneville Elementary’s Luke Godwin Wins Local Essay Contest, Places Second In State
May 29, 2019
Luke Godwin, who just completed the fifth grade at Byrneville Elementary School, won first place in the Escambia Retired Teachers Association essay contest, and he also placed second in the state competition. His topic was his grandmother, Susan Moorehead, who is a second grade teacher at Byrneville. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia County Seeks Public Input On Tree Protection Standards
May 29, 2019
Escambia County is seeking public input on the county’s current tree protection standards.
Once the survey period has ended, the Escambia County Planning Board will host a workshop to discuss comments submitted through the survey and determine if revisions to the current tree protection standards are necessary.
Tree protection standards were originally adopted by the Board of County Commissioners in 1998 with revisions last made in 2015. Existing regulations can be found in the Land Development Code and Design Standards Manual here. Tree-related standards are available in LDC Section 5.7 Landscaping and in DSM Article 2 Landscaping. Definitions are found in LDC Article 6.
Pictured: A giant oak tree towers over a residence on McElhaney Road in Bratt. NorthEscambia.com photo.
Steven Wayne Carter
May 29, 2019
Mr. Steven Wayne Carter, age 44, passed away Saturday, May 25, 2019, in Destin, Florida.
Mr. Carter was a native of Ocean Port, NJ, former resident of Byrneville, FL and had resided in Jay, FL for the past six years. He was a 1992 graduate of Century High School, a member of the Jay, FL band boosters and the Pine Level Baptist Church. He was employed with CSX Railroad for the past 13 years.
He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Sanford C. and Alice Bush and Lance and Nina Carter.
He is survived by his parents, Lance C. (Mary Alice) Carter of Century, FL; wife of four years, Dawn Carter of Jay, FL; two sons, Xavier Carter of Casper, WY and Devin Enfinger of Jay, FL; two daughters, Kaedence Carter of Casper, WY and Brittany Lewis of Jay, FL and three brothers, Matt (Dawn) Carter of McDavid, FL, Mark (Shila) Carter of Byrneville, FL and William (Marissa) Rawlinson of Norfolk, VA.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 1, 2019, at 10 a.m. at the Pine Level Baptist Church with Rev. Brian Oakes and Rev. Nathan Brown officiating.
Burial will follow at the Pine Level Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Friday, May 31, 2019, from 5:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Jason Holley, Bobby Franklin, Matt Brooks, Lynd Coxwell, Jason White and Brian Hall.
In lieu of flowers donations can made to the Steven Carter Memorial Scholarship Fund at Gulf Winds Bank.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.
Five Home Runs Power Blue Wahoos To 7-0 Win
May 29, 2019
The Blue Wahoos launched five home runs into Tuesday’s thick, humid air during a season-high home run show in a 7-0 victory against the Mississippi Braves to start an extended homestand at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
There was plenty of entertainment at the ballpark Tuesday on the Summer Kickoff and Out of School Fireworks Night game theme.
No team in nine years had hit five home runs against the M-Braves, the Atlanta Braves affiliate, which has been an organization full of talented arms. The last time it happened was April 10, 2010.
“Home runs definitely come and go. They are contagious, I can tell you that,” said Blue Wahoos catcher Caleb Hamilton, whose two-run blast in the second inning became all the offense needed. He finished 2-for-4 while catching the Blue Wahoos tenth shutout win this season.”Other than the one Travis (Blankenhorn) hit Sunday, we haven’t hit a bunch recently, so it was nice to kinda explode out.”
No team in all levels of baseball has thrown more shutout wins than the Blue Wahoos. Tonight’s shutout came after a week of roster moves that left the Blue Wahoos without four of the five starting pitchers that comprised their rotation just a week ago.
Another former Wahoos starting pitcher, Devin Smeltzer, wowed Tuesday in his major league debut with the Minnesota Twins, throwing six scoreless innings in the Twins eventual 5-3 win against the Milwaukee Brewers.
“I am so happy for him,” said Hamilton. “I love that kid to death.”
Four Pensacola pitchers combined Tuesday to rack up 15 strikeouts against the M-Braves, led by new starter Bryan Sammons, who had eight in four innings of work.
Sammons, 23, a left-hander elevated Monday from the Fort Myers Miracle, the Twins’ Advance-A affiliate, struck out the side in the first and second innings – mixed around three walks – but his pitch count (80) for innings prevented a longer night.
“It is always fun when you get moved up and make that first start for a new team,” said Sammons, a Western Carolina University grad and eighth round pick by the Twins in 2017. He pitched one game last year in Double-A for then affiliate Chattanooga.
“I didn’t necessarily have the control I wanted, but overall I will take the outing and look forward to improving from here on out,” said Sammons. It was probably a little extra jitters, but after the first batter you get back to playing baseball again. I felt I was pitching better as the game went on.”
Like the Twins have done this season, the Blue Wahoos on Tuesday displayed a diverse power show.
Outfielder Jimmy Kerrigan returned from being sidelined a month to hit a homer, his third this season. Alex Kirilloff, a top-10 overall prospect in the game, blasted his first Double-A homer in the eighth inning, following a first-inning double.
Shortstop Jordan Gore hit his first home run this season with a solo shot in the seventh that followed Mitchell Kranson’s two-run bomb three batters earlier.
“Kirilloff had his first one, Jordan had his first one, Jimmy hit one. That was very good to see,” said Blue Wahoos manager Ramon Borrego.
The win pushed the Blue Wahoos’ league-best record to 31-20 and kept two-games ahead of surging Biloxi, the Brewers’ affiliate, in the Southern League South Division, setting up a two-team race for the first half, division title between the Gulf Coast rivals.
After allowing 31 runs against the Tennessee Smokies, the Blue Wahoos staff settled back into a season-long groove Tuesday. Relievers Adam Bray, Tom Hackimer, and Sam Clay followed Sammons with a combined five innings, allowing just one hit, no walks and getting seven strikeouts.
“It’s great to see Sammons in his debut,” Borrego said. “He gave us a solid outing. He ran a little bit out of gas because of the pitches he threw, but he was able to battle through four innings.”
The Wahoos and M-Braves will square off again Wednesday night in game two of Pensacola’s 10 game home stand.
Cecil Ronald Rhinehart
May 29, 2019
Mr. Cecil Ronald “Ronnie” Rhinehart, age 72, passed away Monday, May 20, 2019, at his home in Canoe, Alabama.
Mr. Rhinehart was a native and former resident of Mobile, AL and had resided in Canoe, AL since 1981. Daddy has always taught us to love God, family, country, and to respect other people. He was an avid golfer, fisherman, woodworker and our ultimate repairman for materialistic or life lessons. He was a great daddy, husband, and the most awesome granddaddy. In respect to our life lesson of loving this country he instilled pride and love for this freedom that he fought for in the Vietnam War. He served abroad land and sea for 20 years. Daddy was a loyal Alabama football fan, we would say “Rest in Peace Daddy” but he would say “ROLL TIDE”. He was a member of the Unity Baptist Church.
He is preceded in death by his father, Cecil Rhinehart and one sister, Janet Rhinehart Carlton.
He is survived by his mother, Adelene “Red” Wooten Rhinehart of Canoe, AL; wife of 53 years, Joyce Rhinehart of Canoe, AL; one son, Sean (Melissa) Rhinehart of Canoe, AL; two daughters, Theresa (Leo) Collins of Destin, FL and Tina (David) Morris of Perdido, AL; one brother, Stephen Scott Rhinehart of Saraland, AL; one brother-in-law, Clarence Carlton of Canoe, AL; and seven grandchildren, Cortney Morris, Destany Morris, Lauren Collins Bonertz, Logan Collins, Devon Rhinehart, Wyatt Rhinehart and Reba Rhinehart.
Funeral services were held Friday, May 24, 2019, at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Rev. Josh Long officiating.
Burial was at the Oak Hill Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Scott Rhinehart, Sammy Singleton, Tony Wooten, Brandon Carlton, Bobby Wooten and Logan Collins.
Honorary pallbearers were Clarence Carlton, Wayne Tucker, Larry Wooten, Devon Rhinehart and Wyatt Rhinehart.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.
Tammy K. Nichols
May 29, 2019
Tammy K. Nichols passed away on Sunday, May 26, 2019 at the age of 59.
She was born on May 1, 1960 in Flomaton, Alabama. She married Dennis Nichols and raised two children, Kevin and Ashley Nichols. Tammy loved her family, her friends, the mountains, music, dancing, camping, and going to concerts with close friends and family. During her time on earth she touched many lives. Tammy’s brave battle with Cancer was a testimony to her strength. She will be forever treasured and remembered by her family, friends and loved ones.
She is preceded in death by her parents, John P. Ryland, Jr. and Ruby Faye Harper Ryland; her maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Harper; and her paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. John P. Ryland, Sr.
Tammy is survived by her husband, Dennis Nichols; daughter, Tamara Ashley (Joe) Nichols Mathis; son, Kevin Nichols; brother, Steve Ryland; sisters, Judy Miller and Lisha Smith; six grandchildren; and one great granddaughter.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 29, 2019 at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North with Bro. Jimmy Lancaster officiating. Burial will follow in Godwin Cemetery, Bratt, Florida.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 28, 2019 at the funeral home.
Pallbearers will be Gavin Bloodsworth, Kevin Nichols, and Joe Mathis.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:
he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of
righteousness for his name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow
of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me;
thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence
of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil;
my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall
follow me all the days of my life: and I
will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Amen
Psalm 23 KJV
See Moon Rocks During STEAM Program At The Library
May 28, 2019
Moon rocks are coming to a library near you. The West Florida Library has borrowed real moon rocks and meteorite samples from NASA.
During Summer STEAM programs the library, the items will be on display, and there will be a program of activities to explore lunar science and cosmic impacts.
The program schedule is as follows (North Escambia locations are bolded):
- Wednesday, May 29, 10:30 a.m. – Molino Branch Library
- Wednesday, May 29, 2 p.m. – Tryon Branch Library
- Thursday, May 30, 10:30 a.m. – Southwest Branch Library
- Thursday, May 30, 2 p.m. – Westside Branch Library
- Friday, May 31, 10:30 a.m. – Genealogy Branch Library
- Friday, May 31, 2 p.m. - Century Branch Library
- Saturday, June 1, 10:30 a.m. – Tryon Branch Library
- Saturday, June 1, 2 p.m. – Tryon Branch Library
- Tuesday, June 4, 10:30 a.m. – Pensacola Library
- Tuesday, June 4, 2 p.m. – Pensacola Library
- Wednesday, June 5, 10:30 a.m. – Molino Branch Library
- Wednesday, June 5, 2 p.m. – Tryon Branch Library
- Thursday, June 6, 10:30 a.m. – Southwest Branch Library
- Saturday, June 8, 10:30 a.m. – Pensacola Library
- Saturday, June 8, 2 p.m. – Pensacola Library
Pictured: A Summer STEAM program with moon rocks Tuesday at the Pensacola Library. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Mom Sentenced For Death Of 9-Year Old
May 28, 2019
An Escambia County woman has been sentenced to state prison for the death of her adopted daughter.
Grace Smith, 71, received a 20-year sentence by Circuit Judge Jan Shackelford. She was previously found guilty of aggravated manslaughter and aggravated child abuse after Veronica Posey, her 325-pound niece Veronica Posey sat on 9-year old Derricka Lindsay as a form of punishment. Lindsay could not breathe and died.
On October 14, 2017, law enforcement was called to the home of Grace and James Smith for a report of an unresponsive child. It was later learned, Grace Smith had summoned her niece Veronica Posey to the home to assist her in disciplining her adopted children.
During the punishment, Posey sat on the child’s back for several minutes as she was bent facedown into the seat of a chair; and as a result, the child died from mechanical asphyxia. Evidence from the autopsy also showed the child had been severely beaten on the day(s) prior to her death, and both Posey and Grace Smith admitted to striking the child. James Smith was also present in the room when the death occurred. Both he and Grace Smith admitted being present and doing nothing to intervene with Posey’s method of discipline.
On March 15, Posey was convicted by an Escambia County jury of first degree felony murder and subsequently sentenced to life in state prison. On November 29, 2018, James Smith entered a plea straight to the court to one count of aggravated manslaughter of a child and received 10 years in state prison.
Man Facing Drug Charges After Fleeing From Deputy In Cantonment
May 28, 2019
A Flomaton man was arrested on multiple drug charges after allegedly fleeing from deputies in Cantonment.
Toney Maurice Harrison, 21, was charged with trafficking MDMA (commonly known as ecstasy), possession of marijuana, resisting a law enforcement officer and fleeing and eluding from law enforcement.
An Escambia County deputy attempted to stop a Nissan Altima driven by Harrison on Highway 29 near Woodbury Circle. The deputy, with lights and siren activated, followed the vehicle north on Highway 29 to Highway 95A. The vehicle did not stop until it neared the intersection of Eden Lane and Highway 95A.
Because the deputy could not see the driver due to the dark window tint, he approached with his firearm drawn. As he approached the driver’s door, he reported smelling a strong odor of marijuana. Harrison refused to exit the vehicle, forcing the deputy to grab his shirt and pull him out, according to an arrest report.
A search of the vehicle revealed 20.4 grams of ecstasy pills, marijuana and $254 in cash, the report states.
Harrison also received a citation for window tint violation; deputies tested the window tint at 19%, below the legal limit of 28%.
Harrison was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $32,000 bond.