Dedria’s Gift Presents Two Scholarships
May 20, 2020
Dedria’s Gift presented two cash scholarships to Flomaton High School students on Tuesday.
The scholarships were presented to Ta’Nyas Hall (pictured left) and Taylor Graves. . The scholarships were presented were distributed in memory of Dedria Robinson, who was killed in 2005 in an automobile accident at age 11.
Dedria’s Gift takes part in numerous community projects in Flomaton and North Escambia. Past projects have included scholarships, Christmas gifts for nursing home residents and school supply donations to area elementary schools.
Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Rotary Academic All-Stars Named
May 20, 2020
The Atmore Rotary Club has named 150 area high school students as Academic All-Stars.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the in-person ceremony could not be held this year, and students were mailed a recognition packet.
The Academic All-Star program is open to students who attend Northview High School, Atmore Christian School, Escambia County High School or Escambia Academy. To be named an Academic All-Star, a student must have maintained at least a B average in every subject for each grading period of the school year, with at least one A for each grading period.
Those who have maintained this status from the 9th through the 12th grades, were honored as Four-Year Academic All-Stars and received a scholarship. The program excludes Northview students that are full-time dual enrolled.
The Rotary Club is presented over $15,000 in scholarships this year to 24 seniors. Each four year Senior Academic All Star received a scholarship for $900. The seniors who have been an Academic All Stars for three years received $650, two year seniors received $550, and first year seniors received $450.
Rotarian presented the Academic All-Star award to 11 students from Atmore Christian School, 15 from Escambia Academy, 23 from Escambia County High School in Atmore, and 101 students from Northview High School.
Those honored as Atmore Rotary Club Academic All Stars were:
(Four-Year Academic All-Stars are denoted with an asterisk.)
NORTHVIEW HIGH SCHOOL
9th Grade
Olan Drew Albritton
Clayton Mitchell Allen
Erich Webb Amerson
Leah Kalyn Anderson
Ryan Steven Andrews
Cheyeyo Dasan Bingham
Terrell Luke Bridges
Ethan Scott Collier
Presley Sheree Dortch
Drake Allen Driskell
Logan Taylor Faith
Ashlin Nevaeh Flowers
Caitlyn Sarah Gibson
Emma Sage Gilmore
Audrey Grace Goetter
William Cross Goslee
Mathew Braydon Harigel
Cayla Jocelyn Houston
Kayla Nicole Johnson
Zacharie Neil Jones
Shelby Lynn Kent
Trent Austin Knighten
Emily Grace Levins
Sarah Kennedy Long
Travis Houston Lowry
Hadassah Raquel Mascaro
Braeden O’Bryan McGhee
Megan T McGhee
Ruth Nicole Mobley
Kaia Kalifa Montgomery
Elanna T Morales
David Kaden Odom
Chase Randal Pugh
Torian Aljahnea Richardson
Leila Katherine Sanders
Dustin James Santinelli
Kara Elizabeth Santorelli
Alana Shelly
McKenna Rae Simmons
Jessica Faith Stabler
Kristopher Kole Stewart
Audrey Michelle Stuckey
Elijah-Dean Schuster Suratos
Preston Clay Wilson
Blake Richard Yoder
10th Grade
Anna Faith Adams
Evelyn Liya Alexander
John Blake Bashore
Hunter Shane Borelli
Madeline Carol Brown
Tereasia Siamone Burt
Shelby Nicole Cotita
Olivia Elizabeth Crews
Casandra Lynn Davis
Weslyn Elizabeth Dunn
Kaitlin Hope Gafford
Jason Zane Gurganus
Jon Noah Harigel
Sarah Margaret Hetrick
Jesse Allen Hughes
Grayson Elizabeth James
Ethan Riley Kilburn
Taylor Lynn Levins
Taylor Elaine McMinn
Torka M Mills
Logan Christopher Misenar
Makayla Shana Ramsey
Paige Alyssa Ross
Benjamin Charles Rowinsky
Sarah Jane Sconiers
Mia Rain Starns
Aliyah Laura Ann-Marie Walker
Addison Lee White
Lillian Joan Worden
11th Grade
Maggie Lauren Amerson
Sehoye Rose Buckley
Staci Brianna Colter
Alexis Madison Fleming
Leia Madison Grantham
Rylee Evan Huskey
Alexia Taylor Jeneske
Heather Lashea Knowles
David Allen Lamb
Taylor Brooke Lashley
Meredith McKinley McGhee
Kenna Jenae Redmond
Michael Jerome Sanders
Leland Stanford Seaton
12th Grade
Alexia Lee Broadhead
Keaton Adam Brown *
Logan Alexander Brown
Lacie Elizabeth Carter *
Garrick Neal Davis
Jason Nikijha Fayard
Kelli Shania Merchant
Kinzie Brooke Rackard *
Teriana Jayde Redmond
Kyle Austin Sconiers
Cloe Madison Smith
Elana Marie Ward
Chunqi Yang
ATMORE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
9th Grade
Elliott Classen
Claire Girby
Sydney Mast
Abigail Weber
10th Grade
Caeden Battles
11th Grade
Micah Mast
Reese White
Megan Wilson
12th Grade
Lylia Albritton *
Paxton Hobbs
Jace Weber *
ESCAMBIA ACADEMY
9th Grade
Tiffany Gookin
Abby-Kate Helton
Hannah Stone
10th Grade
Braden Crysell
Emma Hall
Brady Howell
Jamison Janes
Christopher Long
11th Grade
Tyler Ray Cloud
Sam Fields
Daughtry McGhee
Disha Patel
Austin Washington
12th Grade
Chase Bell
Gaines Tanner *
ESCAMBIA COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL
9th Grade
Hasten Dean
Breona Gaines
Tykeria Lambert
Ne’Kaylia Perryman
James Willis
10th Grade
Zakiyah Ford
Nyla Graves
Alyssa McMillan
Aniya Stots
Sheldon Williams
Jykeria Wilson
11th Grade
Samantha Forkins
Nadija Graves
Revontae McMillan
Shantel Richardson
Madison Simmons
Mia Simmons
12th Grade
Anna Forkins
Kirsten Hollinger
Kayley Johnson *
Brianna Lee
Divya Patel
Jaclynn Tucker
Organizers said if a student’s name appears on the list above and the student does not receive a packet by May 23, contact Cindy Lee, Academic All-Star coordinator, at cindydlee92@gmail.com or school administration to confirm s mailing address.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Rain Chances Continue Daily Through The Weekend
May 20, 2020
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
This Afternoon: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 81. West wind around 5 mph.
Tonight: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 63. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Thursday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 84. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Friday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 89. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 70. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.
Saturday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 68. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Sunday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph.
Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 67.
Memorial Day: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90.
Monday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 68.
Tuesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 88.
Pictured: A rainy drive through North Escambia. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
State Approves Escambia County Short-Term Vacation Rental Plan
May 19, 2020
Tuesday ,the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation approved Escambia County’s plan to reopen short-term vacation rentals.
Gov. Ron DeSantis said Friday that counties could submit their own plans to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation for approval. In March, DeSantis suspending short-term vacation rental bookings.
The ban was extended indefinitely under his first phase reopening plan. But he left the door open for individual counties.
“What we’re doing is telling counties, if you want short-term rentals, you request it to be authorized through the state and provide your safety plan,” he said in Jacksonville Friday as he announced his “Full Phase One” reopening plan.
“We are thankful Governor DeSantis recognized the importance of short-term vacation rentals to our community yesterday during his press conference,” said County Administrator Janice Gilley said Saturday. “This short-term vacation rental plan was created with input from county commissioners and members of ESF-18 such as the Greater Pensacola Chamber, Visit Pensacola and the DMO. ”
Under Escambia County’s plan, reservations and stays will be allowed from U.S. states with a COVID-19 case rate less than 700 cases per 100,000 residents as of May 15. Reservations from COVID-19 hotpots identified by the governor, such as New York, New Jersey and New Orleans, will be avoided for the next 30-45 days, and no reservations from international travelers will be allowed.
To read Escambia County’s complete plan, click here.
Escambia County COVID-19 Deaths Increase To 21; Dozen New Cases Reported
May 19, 2020
THIS STORY IS OUTDATED. VISIT NORTHESCAMBIA.COM FOR THE LATEST.
The Escambia County death toll from COVID-19 has increased to 21, and 12 new cases were reported in the county on Tuesday, according to the Florida Department of Health.
The latest death was a 92-year old male. The FDOH reported does not indicate that he was a resident of a long-term care facility.
The number of cases in Escambia County increased by 11 to 719, and Santa Rosa was up by one to 186.
Of the 20 deaths in Escambia County, at least 15 have been long-term care facility residents or staff. There have been eight deaths in Santa Rosa County, seven at the Blackwater River Correctional Facility and none in long-term care facilities.
Statewide, there were 46,944 cases including 45, 684 Florida residents. There have been 8,494 hospitalizations and 2,052 deaths.
- Total cases — 719 (+12 since Monday)
- Pensacola — 533
- Cantonment — 48
- Bellview — 6
- Perdido Key — 1
- McDavid/Walnut Hill — 1
- Molino – 4
- Century — 2
- Hospitalizations: 60*
- Deaths — 21
- Male — 249
- Female — 348
- Youngest — 0
- Oldest — 105
Santa Rosa County cases:
- Total cases — 186 (+1 since Monday)
- Milton — 103
- Navarre — 35
- Gulf Breeze — 26
- Pace — 16
- Jay — 2
- Residents: 129
- Nonresidents — 1
- Hospitalizations — 23*
- Deaths — 9
- Male — 123
- Female — 60
- Youngest — 2 months
- Oldest — 94
Florida cases:
- Total cases — 46,944
- Florida residents — 45,684
- Deaths — 2,052
- Hospitalizations — 8,494*
*“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.
Hurst Hammock Fire Now 100% Contained; Santa Rosa Fire At 97% Containment
May 19, 2020
After nearly two weeks, the Hurst Hammock Fire in Beulah is now 100% contained, the Florida Forest Service said Tuesday morning. The fire has burned since May 7 and consumed 1,191 acres.
The 2,215 acre 5 Mile Swamp Fire in Santa Rosa County is 97% contained.
More than an inch of rain fell on both fires but widespread heat sources throughout the area of the 5 Mile Swamp Fire warrant monitoring and mop up. With previous dry conditions, the fire has burned deep into the vegetative matter that lies below the surface. While the rains have helped, more is needed to reach those pockets of lingering heat. More rain is forecast for the area this evening and tomorrow.
Today will be an evaluation and assessment day as engine crews continue to patrol the area of known hot spots and see if smoke returns as afternoon sun and winds dry out surface fuels. Residents are likely to witness what’s known as reburn as trees that were affected by the fire but not completely burned will drop their remaining leaves and needles as they begin their recovery process. These needles and leaves could land in lingering hot spots that are well inside the fire lines and flare up.
Escambia, Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties have enacted burn bans and the Florida Forest Service is not issuing burn authorizations. Residents are asked to call the non-emergency line for their respective area to report violations and 911 for emergency situations only.
Motorists are encouraged to be on the lookout for smoke on the road anytime there’s a wildfire nearby. Drivers should treat the smoke as fog, turn on low-beam headlights and slow down. If conditions worsen, drivers should pull safely off the side of the road and turn on their hazard lights while waiting for visibility to improve.
Pictured:The Hurst Hammock fire in Beulah on May 7. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Century Applies For Grant To Finish Updates To Land Development Code
May 19, 2020
The Town of Century is applying for a $30,000 grant to update the town’s land development code (LDC).
The town council voted Monday to approve apply for a Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Community Planning Technical Assistance Grant for fiscal year 2020-2021. If the town receives the grant, it will be used to update portions of the LDC that were adopted in 1991, prepare a zoning map and offset the cost of publishing the changes.
Portions of Century’s land development code were previously updated. The $30,000 grant will allow them to finish the project.
In 2016, the town received a $25,000 Community Planning Technical Assistance Grant from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity that was used to updated five chapters of the LDC. They applied for another grant in 2018, but did not receive funding.
Pictured: Century Assistant Clerk Kristina Wood, Peggy Fowler of Peggy Fowler and Associates and consultant Debbie Nickles at a 2017 land development code workshop in Century. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
State Appeals Court Tosses Convicted Sex Offender’s Appeal Because It Was Filed Too Late
May 19, 2020
A state appeals court has denied an appeal filed by a convicted sex offender.
In February, Jason James Vazquez, 40, was sentenced by Escambia County Circuit Court Judge Jan Shackelford to 29 years after he entered a plea to four counts of sexual battery while in the position of familial or custodial authority, two counts of lewd or lascivious molestation, and three counts of battery. Vazquez was designated a sexual predator and will be required to register as a sexual predator and comply with all statutory requirements.
The Florida First Court of Appeals tossed Vasquez’s appeal because it was not filed within the statutorily required 30 days, noting that he can file a proper petition seeking a belated appeals.
In May 2019, the 14-year old child disclosed to a family member that Vazquez had been abusing her for several years. Tthe Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and the Gulf Coast Kid’s House launched an investigation that led to Vazquez’s arrest.
Donate Blood At OneBlood And Find Out If You Have The COVID-19 Antibody
May 19, 2020
If you donate blood with OneBlood you will find out if you have the coronavirus antibody.
That’s because the non-profit OneBlood is testing all donations for the COVID-19 antibody.
The antibody test is authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and will indicate if the donor’s immune system has produced antibodies to the virus, regardless of whether they ever showed symptoms. Donors will be able to see their results approximately 48 hours after donating by logging into their donor portal.
“The testing brings many benefits. In addition to donors learning if they have the antibody, OneBlood will be identifying additional people who can be COVID-19 convalescent plasma donors”, said Susan Forbes, OneBlood’s senior vice president for of corporate communications and public relations.
Convalescent plasma donors have a special ability to help critically ill coronavirus patients. By transfusing plasma that is rich with coronavirus antibodies into a patient still fighting the virus it can help boost the patient’s immune system and potentially help them recover.
“OneBlood is working closely with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Florida Surgeon General Scott Rivkees M.D., to provide de-identified data on the number of people testing positive and the geographical location. This information will help in decision making for reopening the economy”, said Forbes.
OneBlood is one of the first blood centers to begin testing for the coronavirus antibody and plans to provide the antibody testing for the foreseeable future.
Due to social distancing measures that OneBlood has in place, all donors are required to make an appointment to donate. Appointments can be made online at www.oneblood.org or by calling 1-888-9DONATE
Hungry? Check On The Food Trucks Tuesday And Saturday At Equestrian Center
May 19, 2020
Food trucks will be at the Escambia County Equestrian Center on Tuesdays and Saturdays through May 26.
Here’s the schedule for this Saturday:
Saturday, May 23
- 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Who Cut the Grilled Cheese and Cake
- 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Arlene Williams BBQ & Grill
- 11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Fantastic Foods Sweets and Snacks
- 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Jordan Valley Mediterranean
- 4 p.m.- 7 p.m. Chick-fil-A
- 4 p.m.- 7 p.m. Rubens Concessions
- 4 p.m.- 7 p.m. The Po Boy Shack