Cox Recognizes Inspirational Student Heroes
July 8, 2021
Cox Communications honored a special group of Escambia and Okaloosa County students this past school year as Cox Inspirational Student Heroes. Combined, a record 85 students were celebrated for having overcome extreme hardships in their lives.
The students were chosen by a committee of leaders at their school, due to their resilience in the face of adversity. Whether they have overcome a loss of a family member, medical issue, difficult family situation or other hardship, they did so with a smile on their face and continued to encourage and inspire others around them.
“Recognizing these Cox Inspirational Student Heroes is always one of our favorite ways to give back to the community,” said David Deliman, market vice president for Cox Gulf Coast. “These students remind us that even as we face challenges in our lives, we still have an influence on those around us. They deserve to be celebrated and honored for being an inspiration to others. We salute all of this year’s heroes.”
In the mail, students received a personalized engraved medallion and certificates of honor from Cox, Florida State Senators Doug Broxson and George Gainer and state representatives Michelle Salzman, Alex Andrade, Jayer Williamson and Patt Maney.
This year’s award recipients in Escambia County were:
- AK Suter Elementary School – Lincoln Williams
- Bellview Elementary School – Madison “Madi” Garrick
- Beulah Academy of Science – McKenzie Fuqua
- Beulah Elementary School – Jayden Lewis
- Beulah Middle School – Lenita Floyd
- Blue Angels Elementary School – Kendyl Wynne
- Bratt Elementary School – Kendal Ard
- Brentwood Elementary School – Casin Wooten
- Brown Barge Middle School – Riley Valdez
- Byrneville Elementary School – Jordan Mullally
- CA Weis Elementary School – Maverick Knapp
- Cordova Park Elementary School – Ryan Tjung
- Ensley Elementary School – Scarlet Funez
- Ernest Ward Middle School – Ja’mya Thomas
- Escambia High School – Jason Sauceda
- Ferry Pass Elementary School – Breanna Rice
- Ferry Pass Middle School – Zy’mirrea Norris
- Global Learning Academy – Andrea Webster
- Hellen Caro Elementary School – Gracelyn “Gracie” Eubanks
- Holm Elementary School – Javarious Toler
- Jim Allen Elementary School – Akeem Dobbins
- Jim Bailey Middle School – Hannah Villarreal
- Kingsfield Elementary School – Aiden Griffin
- Laurel Hill School – Hayden Fryday
- Lincoln Park Elementary – Zavion Dennis-Thomas
- Lipscomb Elementary School – Ja’liah Spurlock
- Longleaf Elementary School – Brianna Smith
- McArthur Elementary School – Joshua “Josh” Johanson
- Molino Park Elementary – Randy Jackson
- Myrtle Grove Elementary – Shamlia Bentham
- N.B. Cook Elementary School – Emma Rathburn
- Navy Point Elementary School – Braeden Francis
- Northview High School – Payton Gilchrist
- Oakcrest Elementary School – Faheem Maddox
- OJ Semmes Elementary School – Cory Tepole
- PACE Center for Girls – Breiana Hendley
- Pensacola High School – Noah Anderson
- Pine Forest High School – Emilio Gonzalez
- Pine Meadow Elementary School – Raylan Rice
- Pleasant Grove Elementary School – Tyrus Richardson
- Ransom Middle School – Noah Jacobs
- Sherwood Elementary School – Nya Jackson
- Success Academy – Sanclaria Dumas
- Warrington Elementary School – Janiah Rolle
- Warrington Middle School – Lilly Moore
- Washington High School – Yasmin English
- West Florida High School – Kyla Bradford
- West Pensacola Elementary School – Jeremiah Slocum
- Workman Middle School – Antawn Wanliss
The Cox Inspirational Student Hero Awards program began 28 years ago in New Orleans, Louisiana. The program has spread to other Cox markets in the Southeast Region. To date, Cox has recognized over 4,500 students from Lafayette, Louisiana, to Gainesville, Florida.
Pictured: Some of the Cox Inspirational Student Heroes from North Escambia.com. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
FDC Announces $1,000 Hiring Bonus At Century And Santa Rosa Correctional Institutions
July 8, 2021
The Florida Department of Corrections has announced $1,000 hiring bonuses for Century Correctional Institution, Santa Rosa Correctional Institution and other facilities across the state.
The $1,000 hiring bonus is for newly certified correctional officers.
No experience is necessary to apply, and all training is provided. During training and academy, noncertified officers receive a competitive starting salary and benefits, including health insurance, on day one of their new career in public safety.
Upon successful completion of the basic training academy, newly certified officers at qualifying institutions will receive the bonus. Additional benefits such as a biannual uniform allowance, state college tuition waivers and criminal justice incentive pay become available after certification.
To qualify, interested applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years of age (no maximum age restriction)
- Be a United States Citizen
- Possess a high school diploma or equivalent
- Possess a valid driver’s license
- Pass a drug test and physical examination
- Pass a background investigation and fingerprinting, which includes but is not limited to; no felony convictions; no misdemeanor involving perjury or false statement; no misdemeanor conviction of domestic violence.
- Must demonstrate good moral character as determined by a thorough background investigation.
For more information, visit FLDOCjobs.com
Escambia County Judge Pat Kinsey Announces Retirement
July 8, 2021
Escambia County Judge Pat Kinsey has announced her retirement after nearly three decades of service.
Kinsey will not seek re-election and will enter retirement at the end of her current term on January 2, 2023.
“It has been the great honor of my life to serve the citizens of Escambia County on the bench of the First Judicial Circuit for more than 20 years,” said Kinsey. “The trust that voters placed in me to treat every case with fairness and respect will never be forgotten.”
Kinsey was first elected to the bench in 1998 after having served as assistant state attorney for seven years and was subsequently re-elected in 2010 and 2016.
Kinsey was instrumental in establishing the Civil Division of the Escambia County Court system following extensive damage to the Escambia Judicial Center caused by Hurricane Ivan that resulted in a backlog of more than 7,000 cases. Under Kinsey’s leadership, the backlog was cleared in under two years and the Civil Division made a permanent fixture of the First Judicial Circuit.
Before pursuing a legal career, Kinsey found success in the private sector as a regional vice-president for a division of Chase Manhattan Bank.
Kinsey earned her bachelor’s degree with highest honors from the University of West Florida and her juris doctorate with high honors from the Florida State University College of Law.
Her professional memberships have included the Task Force on Juvenile Delinquency, East Hill Association, the Florida Council on Crime and Delinquency and the Escambia-Santa Rosa County Bar Association. She has also been involved with IMPACT 100, Rotary International and Toastmasters International.
Voters will have the chance to select Kinsey’s successor in the primary election set to take place on August 23, 2022. Candidates wishing to qualify for the election must do so between April 25-29, 2022.
Escambia Health Department Resumes COVID-19 Testing Next Week
July 8, 2021
The Florida Department of Health in Escambia County (FDOH-Escambia) is resuming specimen collection for COVID-19 offered to all persons with or without symptoms beginning on Monday, July 12.
The primary focus is virus testing from swab samples to help identify those who are COVID positive and that need contact tracing. This effort is part of the continuing public health surveillance and monitoring for COVID-19 that is occurring across the state.
COVID-19 testing will be available at the health department at 1295 West Fairfield Drive Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.. The testing is open to anyone with or without symptoms, but an appointment is need. Call (850) 595-6554 to schedule.
For questions, call (850) 595-6500, option 6. Bring a valid form of identification. Cloth face coverings are required to enter the building
Chance Of Showers And Thunderstorms Hangs Around
July 8, 2021
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Friday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 1pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 86. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Saturday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 88. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the morning.
Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 89. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Sunday Night: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10pm, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. South wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Monday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 89.
Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71.
Tuesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 89.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 71.
Wednesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 90.
Wahoos And M-Braves Game Suspended Wednesday Due To Rain
July 8, 2021
Wednesday afternoon’s contest between the Blue Wahoos and the M-Braves was suspended due to rain and unplayable field conditions at Trustmark Park. The game was tied at 2-2 headed to the bottom of the fifth once the game was suspended.
In the top of the fifth inning and the Wahoos trailing 2-1, Pensacola initiated a rally that saw the visitors tie the game before the stoppage. With one out in the inning, Pensacola rattled off three consecutive singles before Blue Wahoo debutant Justin Twine lifted a sac fly to left field, which scored JJ Bleday. M-Brave starter Hayden Deal then dispatched J.D. Osborne before the heavens opened and play was halted.
Mississippi’s grounds crew and front office did all they could; but despite their best efforts, they were unable to pull the tarp over home plate and the dirt near first base. Once it became clear that the tarp was too heavy to move, it was obvious that baseball was done for the day.
Jake Eder—in his final start prior to the Futures Game in Denver—pitched 1.2 innings and allowed two runs, including a solo homer to Braden Shewmake. In total he allowed four hits and struck out four without walking a batter.
The plan entering tomorrow is to resume the game in the bottom of the fifth inning on Thursday beginning at 5:30. Once that game is concluded, the teams will play a seven-inning contest shortly after.
Lane Closures Wednesday Night For Bridge Work On West Highway 4 At Canoe Creek
July 7, 2021
Drivers can expect lane closures tonight on one or both bridges on West Highway 4 at Canoe Creek, between Bratt and Byrneville, west of Century. The Florida Department of Transportation did not provide a timeframe for the closures. Drivers should use caution when approaching the area. These photos were taken about 8:40 p.m. Monday. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Last Chance To Save: Florida Freedom Week Sales Tax Holiday Ends At Midnight
July 7, 2021
Florida’s new Freedom Week Sales Tax Holiday ends today with tax savings on outdoor recreation, live events, museums and more.
Through July 7, purchases of admissions to music events, sporting events, cultural events, specified performances, movies, museums, state park annual passes, and fitness facilities for events held from July 1 – December 31, 2021, will be tax free. Additionally, purchases of season tickets are also exempted. (For a complete list, click here for a printable pdf.)
The Freedom Week Sales Tax Holiday also applies to sales of boating and water activity supplies, camping supplies, fishing supplies, general outdoor supplies, and sports equipment.
Boating and Water Supplies: The tax holiday applies to the first $75 of the sales price of life jackets and coolers; the first $50 of the sales price of safety flares; the first $150 of the sales price of water skis, wakeboards, kneeboards, and recreational inflatable water tubes or floats capable of being towed; the first $300 of the sales price of paddleboards and surfboards; the first $500 of the sales price of canoes and kayaks; the first $75 of the sales price of paddles and oars; and the first $25 of the sales price of snorkels, goggles, and swimming masks.
Camping Supplies: The tax holiday applies to the first $200 of the sales price of tents; the first $50 of the sales price of sleeping bags, portable hammocks, camping stoves, and collapsible camping chairs; and the first $30 of the sales price of camping lanterns and flashlights.
Fishing Supplies: The tax holiday applies to the first $75 of the sales price of rods and reels, if sold individually, or the first $150 of the sales price if sold as a set; the first $30 of the sales price of tackle boxes or bags; and the first $5 of the sale price of bait or fishing tackle, if sold individually, or the first $10 of the sales price if multiple items are sold together.
General Outdoor Supplies: The tax holiday applies to the first $15 of the sales price of sunscreen or insect repellant; the first $100 of the sales price of sunglasses; the first $200 of the sales price of binoculars; the first $30 of the sales price of water bottles; the first $50 of the sales price of hydration packs; the first $250 of the sales price of outdoor gas or charcoal grills; the first $50 of the sales price of bicycle helmets; and the first $250 of the sales price of bicycles.
Sports Equipment: The tax holiday applies any item used in individual or team sports, not including clothing or footwear, selling for $40 or less.
WWE Superstar Wrestler ‘Jimmy Uso’ Of Cantonment Arrested On DUI Charge In Pensacola
July 7, 2021
WWE superstar wrestler Jonathan Solofa Fatu of Cantonment, whose ring name is Jimmy Uso, has been arrested on a DUI charge by the Pensacola Police Department.
Fatu was booked into the Escambia County Jail at 1:03 a.m. Tuesday.
According to an arrest report. Fatu was speeding in the area of Garden and I streets Monday night. An officer observed Fatu run a red light at Garden and A streets and made a traffic stop. The officer reported smelling alcohol, and Fatu failed a field sobriety test, the report states.
According to the PPD arrest report, Fatu’s breath tests showed alcohol levels of .202 and .205, more than twice the legal limit of .08.
He was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $500 bond.
In July 2019, Fatu was arrested for DUI by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
A deputy parked at Publix and observed a vehicle turn from Pine Forest Road onto Highway 297A, rapidly accelerate, and come very close to another vehicle. The vehicle’s speed was verified by radar at 86 mph in a 45 mph zone. The deputy conducted a traffic stop on 33-year old Fatu in the area of Highway 297A and Brockwood Place, just south of Kingsfield Road in Cantonment. Fatu, 33, seemed to be confused, had bloodshot and watery eyes, droopy eyelids, dilated pupils and slow, slurred speech, the deputy noted in his report.
Fatu was later found not guilty of DUI after the 2019 arrest.
Century Council Moves Back To Town Hall After COVID-19 Decline
July 7, 2021
Now that COVID-19 cases have decline, the Century Town Council has moved their meeting s from a large community center venue back to their relatively small council chambers.
After holding meetings via Zoom for much of 2020 due to COVID-19, the council returned to in-person meetings at the Century Community Center back in January to allow room for more social distancing.
Monday night, the council was back at the table in their chambers at town hall, 7995 North Century Boulevard.
Century’s next step in returning to a post-pandemic normal is a workshop at 5:30 p.m. on July 22 to discuss rental agreements for town community centers and the splash pad.
Pictured above: Monday night’s Century Town Council meeting back in council chambers at town hall. Pictured below: A panoramic view of a recent Century Town Council meeting at the Century Community Center. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
