Memorial Service Set For PPD Officer Stephen Grogan
February 28, 2020
A memorial service for Pensacola Police Officer Stephen Grogan has been announced.
The service will be held on Thursday, March 5 at 12:30 at Olive Baptist Church in Pensacola.
Grogan passed away with his family by his side Tuesday morning after a battle with a rare brain cancer. He was 34.
Photo courtesy Pensacola Police Department for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
One Charged, More Arrests To Come In Social Media Shooting Threat Against Middle School In Atmore
February 27, 2020
One juvenile has been arrested in connection with a social media threat against Escambia County Middle School in Atmore, Escambia County Sheriff Heath Jackson confirmed. Jackson said more juvenile arrests are expected to come.
The name of the juvenile arrested Thursday morning has not been released as the investigation continues.
There was a strong law enforcement presence at Escambia County Middle School in Atmore on Thursday in response to an alleged threat made on social media on Wednesday.
In a post widely shared, someone wrote that “I will be shooting up the shooting up the school tomorrow I will hurt everybody”, and it continues with a list of student names and the name of a staff member (redacted from the image).
“We are aware of the threats that have been made in reference to the Escambia County Middle School,” the Escambia County (AL) Sheriff’s Office responded. “Our office, along with the Atmore Police Department are addressing this issue and will have a strong law enforcement presence at the schools tomorrow.”
The Escambia County (AL) Schools acknowledged the threat, saying that there will be Escambia County deputies and Atmore police officers on campus “to provide security and support”, and that school staff will have extra safety measures in place. The school district also vowed that law enforcement will continue to investigate until the responsible persons are located.
“Ensuring the safety of our students and staff remains our top priority and we will continue close communication with local law enforcement,” the school district posted.
Anyone with information on the threat is asked to call the Escambia County (AL) Sheriff’s Office at (251) 867-0304 or the Atmore Police Department at (251) 368-9141.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Train Derailment In Flomaton: No Injuries
February 27, 2020
Two cars of northbound CSX train derailed in Flomaton Wednesday evening.
It happened at the College Street crossing, not far from Flomaton Elementary School. Both railcars were empty and remained upright.
There were no injuries and no hazards to the public, according to officials.
“We are very blessed for the incident to have occurred as it has with no injuries,” Flomaton Police Chief Chance Thompson said.
The College Street crossing remained closed for hours awaiting the arrival of equipment and the removal of the railcars.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Northview Celebrates National FFA Week With Breakfast
February 27, 2020
FFA members at Northview High School are celebrating National FFA Week with a variety of events.
Wednesday morning, the FFA officers and members prepared a homestyle breakfast for teachers to thank them for their support. Northview’s FFA program has been recognized as one of the top chapters in both the state and the nation.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Frost Possible Tonight; Lows In The Lower 30s
February 27, 2020
With winds becoming light and overnight lows tonight dipping down into the lower half of the 30’s for much of the area north of I-10, there is potential for the development of patchy frost. Be prepared to protect your cold sensitive outdoor plants.
Here is your official North Escambia are forecast:
Tonight: Clear, with a low around 32. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 62. West wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday Night: Clear, with a low around 39. West wind around 5 mph.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 64. West wind around 5 mph.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 40. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph.
Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 68. Light southeast wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Sunday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53. South wind around 5 mph.
Monday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 72. South wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62.
Tuesday: A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 77.
Tuesday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Wednesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 74.
Passport Fair Saturday At The Gonzalez Post Office
February 27, 2020
A passport fair will be held from 8:30 until 11 a.m. Saturday at the Gonzalez Post Office at 1450 Old Chemstrand Road.
Appointments are not required on passport fair days, however, customers are encouraged to show up early, as applicants will be served on a first-come, first-served basis until the applicant maximum capacity has been reached. Passport photo services will be available for those needing a new or updated passport photo.
To save time, customers can visit www.usps.com/passport to learn about the application process and also download and complete an application form before coming to the Passport Fair.
To obtain a passport, applicants need to:
- Bring proper proof of American citizenship. This must be either a certified birth certificate issued by the city, county or state, naturalization certificate (a hospital-issued birth certificate alone is not acceptable), consular report of birth abroad, certificate of citizenship or a previous U.S. passport.
- Each applicant must bring a clear photocopy of their proof of American citizenship that will be presented at the time of passport acceptance. If the document is two sided, then a photocopy of the front and back of the document must be provided.
- Bring proof of identity. This must be either a previous U.S. passport or passport card, certificate of naturalization with identifiable photo attached, certificate of citizenship with identifiable photo attached, valid driver’s license (not temporary or learner’s permit), official U.S. military or military dependent identification card, government employee identification card (federal, state, municipal, county) or current valid foreign passport.
- Each applicant must bring a clear photocopy of their proof of identity that will be presented at the time of passport acceptance. If the document is two sided, then a photocopy of the front and back of the document must be provided.
- The passport application requires recent color passport photograph of you (2” x 2” in size), which the Post Office Passport Office can provide for $15.
- All applicants must appear in person (including minors).
- Minors under the age of 16 must appear with both parents. If one parent is not available, a notarized authorization from the absent parent is required.
Each passport for an adult must be accompanied by a check or money order for $110 made payable to the U.S. State Department and a $35 execution fee made payable to Postmaster. Fees for children under 16 are $80 and $35.
The cost to expedite processing at the Department of State is $60 paid per application in addition to required fees.
The cost to expedite delivery service is $17.13 paid per application directly to the Department of State for the delivery of an issued passport book from the Department of State to the customer. This service is only available to mailing addresses within the United States. Not valid for passport cards.
Annual Walnut Hill Ruritan Farm Auction Is Saturday. And It’s Not Just Farm Equipment.
February 27, 2020
The 45th Annual Walnut Hill Ruritan Club Farm Equipment Auction will be held this Saturday, February 29, beginning at 9:30 a.m.
The auction includes not only farm equipment, but also household items like tools and small equipment, lawn and garden items, antiques and more. Items will be received all day Thursday and Friday.
Concessions will be available all day Saturday from the Ruritan Club. The sale will be located at the Walnut Hill Community Center, 7850 Highway 97, just north of Ernest Ward Middle School.
For more information or consignments, call (850) 327-4479 or (850) 380-9973.
For complete information, click here.
Pictured: Hundreds attended the annual Walnut Hill Ruritan Club farm equipment auction last year in Walnut Hill. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Northview Boys Weightlifting Improves To 2-1 With All-Class Sweep Of Jay
February 27, 2020
The Northview Chiefs Boys Weightlifting team defeated the Jay Royals on Wednesday afternoon by a score of 75-7.
The Chiefs won all 10 weight classes.
The following Chiefs placed individually:
119-lb. class: Jacob Daw (1st); Garrett Bodiker (2nd)
129-lb. class: Dustin Santenelli (1st)
139-lb. class: Caze Bradley (1st); Johnathon McCarthy (2nd)
154-lb. class: Colten Dockens (1st); Braxton Peebles (3rd)
169-lb. class: Mekhi White (1st); Blake Yoder (2nd)
183-lb. class: A’hazvion Gregory (1st); Jacob Houston (2nd)
199-lb. class: Aunterio Minor (1st); William Swearengin (2nd)
219-lb. class: Jacob Hawkins (1st); Trevor Scott (2nd)
238-lb. class: Jojo Parker (1st); AJ Hasty (2nd)
UNL-lb. class: Cameron Findley (1st); Garrick Davis (2nd)
The Chiefs improved to 2-1 on the season, after defeating Pensacola High School and falling to Escambia High School last week.
The team returns to action next Wednesday, travelling to Milton to take on the Milton Panthers and Jay Royals in a tri-meet.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate Lady Aggies Beat The Dolphins In Gulf Shores
February 27, 2020
The Tate Lady Aggies defeated the Gulf Shores Dolphins 10-9 on the Alabama coast Wednesday night.
Abbie Burks pitched a complete game win for the Lady Aggies, allowing nine runs on nine hits and striking out five.
Christina Mason, Avery Beauchaine and Sophia Jones had three hits each for the Lady Aggies. Courtney Lundquist and Taylor Noack had two each.
UWF Unveils New Business Incubator For Entrepreneurs
February 27, 2020
On Wednesday, the University of West Florida’s Center for Entrepreneurship celebrated the grand opening of the Commons Entrepreneurship Incubator, a new student work space for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Located on the first floor of University Commons, the Commons Entrepreneurship Incubator is designed to help UWF students transform their ideas into reality by providing networking opportunities and expert support from faculty and staff, and community partners.
“At UWF, one of our most beloved attributes is our intimate, tight-knit learning community,” said UWF President Martha D. Saunders. “The Commons Entrepreneurship Incubator is the latest example of this and I am looking forward to learning about the experiences that are created within this new space.”
Up to five student-led enterprises can participate in the Commons Entrepreneur Incubator program each semester. Each startup accepted will receive priority access to a private meeting space, office equipment and administrative support as well as one-on-one consulting with subject matter experts to overcome hurdles related to the launching and running of a new enterprise. This space can also be used as a dedicated area to showcase products and marketing messages to peers and the campus community. Scholarships will be awarded for copies, printing and other related startup needs. When not reserved, any UWF student or Commons patron may use the meeting space and, at their own cost, the office equipment.
“The University’s support from community business leaders allows students to think and operate as entrepreneurs, and the Commons Entrepreneurship Incubator provides opportunities for students from all majors to develop and refine their innovative ideas,” said Dr. Ed Ranelli, director of the Center for Entrepreneurship and dean emeritus for the College of Business.
The Center encourages and supports educational initiatives related to entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial thinking. Since inception in 2016, the Center has reached over 2,200 unique students and hosted or supported over 115 events on campus and in the community. With the generosity and support of UWF’s Entrepreneur-in-Residence, Quint Studer, and UWF’s newest Entrepreneur-in-Residence, Bert Thornton, the Center has provided students with direct connections to over 300 academic, business and community leaders who have shared their time and knowledge to advance students’ education.
“Communities and universities flourish together,” said Quint Studer, Pensacola businessman and philanthropist. “The Commons Entrepreneurship Incubator allows business leaders a presence on campus and grants students an experience that they will use throughout their careers as entrepreneurs. It’s an enduring investment, and one I’m grateful to help move forward.”
