Share Your First Day Of School Photos

August 11, 2021

It’s a NorthEscambia.com tradition…share you first day of school photos with us! We are asking that you share your photos on this post on Facebook, or tag @NorthEscambia on Facebook.

Pictured: “First Day of School” sign at Jim Allen Elementary School. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.

Cantonment Woman Charged With Aiding Escape, Weapons Offenses

August 11, 2021

A Cantonment woman has been charged for allegedly helping a man escape from deputies in the Wedgewood area.

An Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputy responded to Wagner Road due to multiple reports of reckless four-wheelers and dirt bikes in the area. The deputy observed a man push start a Honda four wheeler that matched the description of one that had fled from deputies multiple times in the past. The deputy attempted to stop the four wheeler on the a public right of way with emergency lights and sirens activated, but the man jumped off and started to flee, an arrest report states.

That’s when deputies say Lacashia Monique Moultrie handed off a dirt bike to him, allowing him to escape. Moultrie told deputies that the man meant “nothing to her.”

A search following the arrest revealed a 9 mm Ruger pistol with six rounds in the magazine inside Moultrie’s backpack, according to the ECSO.

Moultrie was charged with aiding escape, possession of a concealed weapon without a permit, and possession of a concealed firearm during the commission of a felony. She was released on a $25,000 bond.

An arrest report notes the incident was captured by the video system in the deputy’s vehicle.

FEMA Testing Alert System This Afternoon; Your Phone Will Likely Alarm

August 11, 2021

FEMA will conduct a nation test of the Emergency Alert System at about 1:20 p.m. local time.

The test will alert most smartphones, much like severe weather and child abduction alerts, if the user has opted in to receive test message.

The test will also go to televisions and radios.

DeSantis Passes Out $1,000 Bonuses To Escambia County Deputies

August 11, 2021

Tuesday, Gov. Ron DeSantis presented $1,000 bonus checks to deputies at the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office for their work during the pandemic.

DeSantis joined Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons in presentig the one-time bonuses through the “Florida’s Heroes” initiative.

“Florida’s first responder relief checks allow us to show our appreciation to the law enforcement officers who have remained on the front lines, continuing to keep our neighborhoods safe,” DeSantis said during the afternoon press conference at the ECSO. “Over the course of the past year and a half, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office has protected and served us all, no matter the circumstance.”

The initiative is to recognize law enforcement officers, paramedics, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), and firefighters in the state of Florida with a one-time relief payment of up to $1,000 as an appreciation of the many selfless sacrifices made throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

“When law enforcement takes the oath to serve and protect our communities it means we stand at the front line of disasters, whether it’s a hurricane or global pandemic,” said Simmons. “The men and women of the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office didn’t get the option to stay home. We still had to protect and serve even though our families may have been battling the effects of COVID-19. I want to thank Governor DeSantis for his steadfast support of law enforcement and all first responders. He has maintained his support in word and deed, and it matters to the frontline heroes. In these difficult times, it is good to know that we have the support of our community and support from the highest levels of state government.”

The Department of Economic Opportunity was allocated approximately $208 million to distribute one-time relief payment of up to $1,000 to over 193,000 first responders, including more than 49,000 sworn law enforcement officers, 40,000 EMTs, 35,000 firefighters and 33,000 paramedics across the state. Payments will be issued and mailed to employee mailing addresses provided by the employer.

“Law enforcement officers in our state make countless sacrifices as they serve our communities,” said DEO Secretary Dane Eagle said during the presentation. “It is an honor to support Governor DeSantis in his mission to provide relief checks to our first responders in Florida.”

Pictured: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons handed out one-time $1,000 bonus checks to deputies Tuesday. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Escambia County 4-H Honors Members At Annual Awards Banquet

August 11, 2021

Escambia County 4-h celebrated at its annual banquet recently at the Langley Bell 4-H Center in Cantonment.

Over 70 guests participated in the celebration and recognition of Escambia County 4-H achievements in a fiesta theme setting.

Many awards were given out at the banquet to recognize the accomplishments of 4-H members. County council members and honored guests presented certificates, pins and awards.

Graduating seniors were recognized, and Jessica Conti, 2020-2021 County Council president, gave her retiring address. Escambia County 4-H also honored the members that made up the 2020-2021 County Council and inducted a new group of council officers for 2021-2022.

The new council officers are as follows: Taylor Anderson and Chloe B. as district delegates, Raimi Joseph as motivational leader, A.T. Bridgers as sergeant-at-arms, Madelyn Goss as parliamentarian, Alan B. as reporter, Tucker Padgett as treasurer, Kailee Dunlap as secretary, Ava Chauvette as vice president, and Gracie Meredith as president.

According to Brian Estevez, Escambia County 4-H Agent, the new officers were inducted in a lighting of the candle ceremony and were told that “good officers pledge their hands to the service of their 4-H council, its members, and the clubs they represent.”

There were 249 youth in Escambia County that were enrolled in one of 16 4-H Clubs. Six Escambia County 4-H members placed first in their respective divisions at state competitive events; and two judging teams won their respective state contests. More than 1,000 youth from Escambia County schools participated in at least 6 hours of 4-H programming.

“Escambia County 4-H would like to say thank you to all of the 4-H members, parents, sponsors, and guests that attended the 2021 4-H Awards Banquet,” said Estevez.

“The 4-H Awards Banquet was made possible with the donations from our many sponsors. Escambia County 4-H thanks you for your donations of money, time and effort to make the banquet possible,” said Aly Schortinghouse, Escambia County 4-H/Livestock Agent.

Clarence Arthur Hammonds

August 11, 2021

Clarence Arthur Hammonds passed away on Saturday, August 7th, after a long illness. He was born on February 22, 1943 in Flomaton, Alabama to Charlie Wade Hammonds and Emma Hammac Hammonds. He graduated from Flomaton High School. He married Wanda Morgan of Pensacola on August 24, 1977.

Clarence was preceded in death by his parents and sister Helen Lister. He is survived by his wife Wanda and sons, Jason and Sandy, and brothers Bodie, Ray, Wade, Carl, and sister Vera Hall.

After high school, Clarence was employed by Brewton Iron Works, Brewton Alabama for about 5 years. After moving to Pensacola, he gained employment with Builder’s Ready Mix in Cantonment (now known as American concrete Supply) for over 40 years until his retirement. Mr. Billy Campbell, owner of American Concrete Supply was his mentor and father figure to Clarence whom he dearly loved. Mr. Campbell’s family was also his extended family. Mr. Campbell regarded Clarence as one of his most reliable and dependable employees with contractors specifically requesting Clarence for delivery to their jobsite. Clarence also enjoyed attending church with Mr. Campbell at the Beams of Light Holiness Church in Cantonment until his illness prevented him from doing so. Clarence was an avid University of Alabama football fan and loved watching the games with his family.

Active pallbearers are Noel Watkins, Jeff Morgan, Bill Lewis, Paul Brown, Larry Woodward, and Ed Brown. Honorary pallbearers are Jack Morgan, Bodie Hammonds, Ray Hammonds and Carl Hammonds.

Services will be held this Friday, August 13th at 2pm with visitation beginning at 1pm. Burial will be at the private sector of the Morgan Cemetery in Molino, Florida. Phillip Deane, pastor of Beams of Light Holiness Church will be officiating.

A Big Lead Evaporates, Rain Suspends Blue Wahoos And Biscuits

August 11, 2021

The game was rolling smoothing in the Blue Wahoos favor Tuesday against the Montgomery Biscuits.

But the night ended badly.

Leading 7-2 in the ninth inning, the Blue Wahoos surrendered five runs, then were unable to answer with a quick turn at the plate before a massive thunderstorm struck Blue Wahoos Stadium, turning the field into a mess and postponing completion of the game until Wednesday.

The game will be resumed at 5 p.m. Wednesday, tied 7-7 and Montgomery batting in the top of the 10th with a runner on second base. The scheduled game Wednesday will be played 30-45 minutes following completion of the suspended game and will be the designated “Festival of Crabzilla” night with the Blue Wahoos changing into orange-colored uniforms.

But Tuesday seemed a formality after the Blue Wahoos led 6-0 in the sixth, 7-2 through eight innings.

They exploded with a six-run rally in the fifth inning and received strong pitching from starter Kyle Nicolas.

But the bullpen and fielders could not hold it.

The Biscuits got runs in the sixth and seventh. In the ninth, reliever Andrew McInvale, the fourth reliever Pensacola used, was unable to close the game. He gave up a leadoff single, a walk, then an RBI single for the first Biscuits run. Then a ground ball was botched by second baseman Zack Kone to load the bases.

On a 3-2 pitch, McInvale gave up a two-run single to Austin Shenton. The Blue Wahoos then summoned Colton Hock, who was formerly their top closer. He gave up a sacrifice fly to score another run, then a two-run double to tie the game.

With lightning popping nearby and the wind howling, the umpires made a decision to play the bottom of the night. Montgomery got three quick outs when the skies unloaded at 10:10 to halt the game.

It became another no-decision for Nicolas despite throwing five shutout innings.

Making his third Double-A start for the Blue Wahoos, Nicolas allowed just one hit – a bloop single – by Jake Palomaki to lead off the fifth inning. But he struck out the final two batters to end the inning to complete his stellar night.

Nicolas has allowed just two earned runs since being promoted July 27 from the Beloit Snappers, the Miami Marlins High-A affiliate in Beloit, Wisconsin. He entered the season ranked as the Marlins’ No. 17 prospect by Baseball America.

J.J. Bleday reached base all five time at the plate on four walks and a single. He drove in a run on bases-load walk in the sixth and later scored in that inning.

by Bill Vilona, Blue Wahoos senior writer

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Scattered Afternoon Showers And Storms On The First Day Of School

August 11, 2021

For the latest tropical weather update, click here.

Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:

Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 90. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.

Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. Calm wind.

Friday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. Calm wind.

Saturday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. North wind around 5 mph becoming east in the afternoon.

Saturday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Calm wind.

Sunday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 92.

Sunday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72.

Monday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 90. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Monday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73.

Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Jimmie Odell Self

August 11, 2021

On Sunday August 8th 2021, Jimmie Odell Self, loving husband, father, and grandfather, walked into God’s arms after 72 years of earthly life.

Jimmie was born on May 14, 1949 in Brewton, AL to Odell and Frances Self. He relocated to Pensacola, FL at the age of 14 and graduated from Tate High School in the class of 1967. He attended Jefferson Davis Junior College and Louisiana State University, New Orleans, where he was an excellent basketball player and star shooter. He spent the majority of his career at Escambia Molded Plastics.

Jimmie married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Debbie (Owen) Self on August 2nd, 1969. They had two daughters. They were married 52 years, celebrating their anniversary just a few days before his passing.
Jimmie loved sports, and especially golf and University of Alabama football. He enjoyed spending time with his family, and especially his grandsons, who each called him a different name…Grumps, Dumps, Dumpy, and Bumpy, respectively. He was known for his quick wit and for his protective love of his family. Jimmie was a member of Allen Memorial United Methodist Church.

Jimmie was preceded in death by Odell Self (father), Frances Self (mother) and siblings Gregory and Kathy. He is survived by his wife, Debbie, his two children, Shannon Self-Brown (Charlie) and Karyn Norris (Ben), his brother Danny Self and family [Mary Kaye Self (sister-in-law), Jessica Self (niece), Matt Self, (nephew)], Chris Ross (nephew), and several aunts, uncles, and cousins. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren, Baylor Brown, Eli Norris, Kamron Norris, and Zaine Norris.

A celebration of life is planned for August 21, 2021, at 10 a.m. at Allen Memorial United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Allen Memorial Methodist Church.

Inmate Captured Shortly After Escape From Work Detail At Ashton Brosnaham Park

August 10, 2021

An Escambia County Jail inmate that escaped early Tuesday afternoon from a work detail at Ashton Brosnaham Park is back behind bars.

Lance Allen Chatman, 36, escaped while working at the park on Ashton Brosnaham Drive, just north of 10 Mile Road, according to Escambia County. He was captured within 21 minutes by an Escambia County Corrections K-9 team.

Chatman was being held on charges of burglary, larceny, vehicle theft and damage to property. He is now facing an additional felony charge of escape.

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