Summer Graduation Ceremony In The Works; Students Will Receive Grades For Last Nine Weeks, Thomas Says
April 21, 2020
Superintendent Malcolm Thomas said Monday afternoon that the Escambia County School District sill plans to hold a graduation ceremony this summer and will calculate grades for the entire school year.
“The Senior Class of 2020 will be recognized for their hard work. Steps are being taken to reschedule graduation ceremonies, but plans have not been finalized,” Thomas said. “This depends on precautionary COVID-19 restrictions being lifted. Tentative dates in June and July have been reserved for commencement exercises.”
On Saturday, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced that all public schools in the state will remain closed for the remainder of the year.
Thomas said students will receive grades for the fourth nine-week grading period allowing for grades for the 2019-2020 school year to be completed. He added the school district will continue to provide additional assistance to parents and students by utilization of dedicated employees working remotely each school day.
Employees will adhere to their established work calendars 10, 11 and 12 month classifications. Employees will be paid their regular salaries through the end of the school year as according to their contract. Employees will continue to follow their work schedules as defined by their immediate supervisors.
School feeding sites will continue to distribute free meals to students though the end of the school year.
The last day for instruction for all Escambia County students will be Friday, May 22.
Sunny Skies Today; Our Next Rain Chance Comes Wednesday Night
April 21, 2020
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Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 81. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph in the morning.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 56. Calm wind.
Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 81. East wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south in the afternoon.
Wednesday Night: Showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1am. Low around 64. Southeast wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1pm. High near 81. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 59. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 85. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 62. South wind around 5 mph.
Saturday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 83.
Saturday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 57.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 77.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 53.
Florida DOE Increases Access To Child Care Services For First Responders, Health Care Professionals
April 21, 2020
The Florida Department of Education’s Office of Early Learning (OEL), in coordination with local early learning coalitions, has prioritized and increased access to child care services for first responders and health care professionals. Currently, over 50 percent of Florida’s child care facilities are closed due to COVID-19. Many essential professionals, first responders and health care professionals rely on this care for their children, especially those working extended hours to provide medical care to those in need. OEL has created a referral process, in partnership with employers and statewide early learning coalitions to swiftly provide priority access and expedited referrals for children of first responders and health care professionals.
“Our first responders and health care professionals are on the front lines fighting COVID-19,” said Commissioner of Education Richard Corcoran. “These individuals are critical to providing medical care to those affected by the virus, and finding child care for their own children while performing these life-saving jobs allows them to continue serving the public. The Department of Education is committed to doing everything it can to help first responders and health care professionals find quality child care services while school campuses are closed.”
First responders and health care workers needing help finding a child care provider should contact their local early learning coalition for assistance. To find a map of Early Learning Providers throughout the state visit the Office of Early Learning website.
These services will be authorized for three months, and the continued need for child care will be reevaluated prior to the end of services.
Gulf Power Continues To Work To Restore Power In Escambia County
April 20, 2020
Gulf Power Company worked all day Monday to restore power in Escambia County following overnight storms.
The utility reported 15,000 customers without power in Escambia County about 1 a.m. Monday. By 5 p.m., all but 774 customers had service restored.
About 100 Gulf Power crews from areas in Okaloosa, Walton and Bay counties helped restore power in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, along with contractor crews. Along with Gulf Power crews and contractors they brought in an additional 150 resources to assist with the restoration effort.
Pictured: Gulf Power crews work to replace poles and restore power on Rebel Road at the Windy Hill Baptist Church. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
ECSO Arrests Former Nanny, Foster Parent On Child Sex Charges. Sheriff Morgan Says There Could Be More Local Victims.
April 20, 2020
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office arrested a nanny and foster care provider on child sex charges Monday morning, and the sheriff is warning that there may be additional victims in Escambia County.
Nicole Lynn Walter, age 27 of 10071 Foxrun Road, was charged with lewd and lascivious exhibition with a victim under 16, possession of child pornography, battery of a law enforcement officer and resisting arrest with violence. Walter, according to investigators, is a porn actress.
Walter has also used the names Nicole Steff and Nicole Stearns, according to investigators.
Sheriff David Morgan said a search warrant found child pornography in her home that possibly depicted children in her home or children that are somewhere in Escambia County. He said she previously worked as a nanny and was a licensed foster parent. He asked anyone whose children may have had contact with Walter to call ECSO Investigator Jeremy Horn at (850) 436-9586 or by email at jahorn@Escambiaso.com.
During her arrest, Walker allegedly began screaming and attempted to pull away during her arrest and attempted to strike a deputy, according to an arrest report.
Morgan said there has been a “tremendous uptick in online stalking”, often targeting children, during the current COVID-19 pandemic.
“These people are in our neighborhoods and they are preying on our children,” Morgan said, cautioning parents to be aware of what their children are doing online.
Walter was being held in the Escambia County Jail without bond Monday afternoon .
WARNING: Some readers will find the following details from an arrest report disturbing.
According to a tip received by the Florida Abuse Hotline, Walter is self-employed porn actress that makes videos of herself masturbating in public locations. Investigators were given a thumb drive containing three video files depicting Walter in various public places masturbating in the presence of the underage victims.
A three-year old female told investigators that Walter touched her privates and took photographs, according to an arrest report.
A Florida Department of Law Enforcement K-9 located a micro SD card underneath drawers in the bedroom that contained child pornography depicting female approximately 10-13 years old nude and posing in sexual positions, the report states. A laptop seized as evidence contained a videos of a completely nude Walter masturbating and engaging in conversation with two children and a third person whose name was redacted from the arrest report.
During one thirty minute video, Walter was masturbating nude on her bed while “constantly engaging her children in conversation” as she performed sexual acts on herself.
The report does not indicate that the children appeared on camera during the videos, but states the conversation in the video clearly indicates the children were present in the room an aware of what was happening.
Walter told investigators she uploads the videos to various pornographic websites for “clients” who pay for such material.
FHSAA Officially Cancels Remainder Of The 2020 Spring Sports Season
April 20, 2020
The Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) said Monday that the remainder of the spring sports season is now official canceled, and there were be no extension of eligibility for athletes.
All FHSAA affiliated events, including the state series and all championship events, for spring sports are canceled.
“The safety of our student-athletes, coaches, officials, and fans is our top priority,” FHSAA said in statement. “We are deeply saddened for our student-athletes who have seen their seasons and/or high school careers end so abruptly. Our association knows the impact and role high school athletics play in the lives of so many and will continue to work towards the betterment of high school sports. We know this is a trying time, but the health and safety of all is of utmost importance to this association.”
The FHSAA had previously held out hope that eligibility for student athletes could be extended, possibly finishing the season after graduation into the summer.
“Under the guidance of the Florida Department of Education regarding grade level retention, and upon review of the Florida Statutes and FHSAA Bylaws, no additional eligibility will be granted for spring sport athletes,” FHSAA said Monday.
“To all our senior student-athletes, we thank you for dedicating your time and efforts to your school, your coaches, and your teammates. Cherish the memories you have made and embrace all that the future holds for you. While we are saddened that you are unable to compete this season, we could not be prouder to have been represented by such hard-working individuals,” FHSAA said.
Pictured: Avery Beauchaine and Cam Wolfenden homered for the Tate Lady Aggies during a Tuesday, March 10 win over Navarre — just days before spring break and a COVID-19 school closure. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Vehicle Fire Slows Nine Mile, Chemstrand Traffic
April 20, 2020
A vehicle fire Monday afternoon slowed traffic and blocked part of the intersection of Nine Mile Road and Chemstrand Road. There were no injuries immediately reported. Reader submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Long-Term Care COVID-19 Cases Increase
April 20, 2020
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THIS STORY IS OUTDATED. CLICK HERE FOR AN UPDATE
The number of coronavirus cases in Escambia and Saturday Rosa counties were seven on Monday, according to the evening report from the Florida Department of Health.
The number of Escambia County cases in residents or staff of long-term care facilities increased by four to 69. The number of long-term cases in Santa Rosa County remained at 10.
There are now 315 total COVID cases in Escambia County, up by five since Sunday. Santa Rosa County’s total was up two to 140.
Statewide, there were 27,058 cases including 26,329 Florida residents. There have been 4,000 hospitalizations and 823 deaths.
Escambia County cases:
- Total cases — 315 (+6 since Sunday)
- Long-term care cases — 69 (+4 since Sunday)
- Pensacola — 250
- Cantonment — 35
- Bellview — 6
- Perdido Key — 1
- McDavid/Walnut Hill — 1
- Molino – 1
- Century — 1
- Residents: 263
- Nonresidents — 19
- Hospitalizations: 32*
- Deaths — 8
- Male — 138
- Female — 158
- Youngest — 0
- Oldest — 98
Santa Rosa County cases:
- Total cases — 140 (+2 since Sunday)
- Long-term care cases — 10 (+0 since Sunday)
- Milton — 75
- Navarre — 29
- Gulf Breeze — 24
- Pace — 10
- Jay — 2
- Residents: 129
- Nonresidents — 1
- Hospitalizations — 17*
- Deaths — 6
- Male — 96
- Female — 43
- Youngest — 2 months
- Oldest — 94
Florida cases:
- Total cases — 27,058
- Florida residents — 26,329
- Deaths — 823
- Hospitalizations — 4,000*
*“Hospitalizations” is a count of all laboratory confirmed cases in which an inpatient hospitalization occurred at any time during the course of illness. These people may no longer be hospitalized. This number does not represent the number of COVID-19 positive persons currently hospitalized. The FDOH does not provide a count of patients currently hospitalized.
Storms Wreak Havoc Across Escambia County (With Photo Gallery)
April 20, 2020
Severe storms caused damage across Escambia County Sunday night.
Much of the damage was concentrated in the Molino, Quintette, Cottage Hill and Beulah areas, but the storms brought damage to large area of the county.
Trees crashed down on several residences and vehicles. Roadways across the county were blocked by downed trees and powerlines. Small sheds and fences were destroyed in multiple locations.
There were no known reports of any injuries.
Gulf Power reported over 15,000 customers without power, while Escambia River Electric reported several hundred members in the dark.
Crews will survey the damage to determine if it was caused by straight line winds or possible tornadoes.
For a photo gallery, click here.
If you have photos of storm damage in Escambia County, email news@northescambia.com.
Reader submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
UPDATED: Storm Damage Reported Across Escambia County
April 20, 2020
1:30 AM SUMMARY REPORT
-Storms still moving through southern Escambia County
-Multiple trees and powerlines down Quintette, Cottage Hill areas
–Multiple trees and powerlines down in Beulah
–Reports of trees on houses or trailers on Quintette Road, Fowler Avenue and other locations
– Multiple roadways blocked by downed trees and powerlines, stay off the roads
–No reports of any injuries as of now
– The damage is across a wide area…this is not a complete report.
– Gulf Power reporting about 15,000 without power in Escambia County
– Gulf Power may shut down parts of power grid in Quintette, Cottage Hill area for first responder safety
–EREC reporting nearly 400 without power
Have photos of damage? If you have photos you can safely take and share, upload here or private message. Let us know where the pictured was taken.