Paid Work Will Now Count For Bright Futures Scholarship Eligibility
June 28, 2022
Florida high school students applying for the state’s college and vocational school Bright Futures scholarship program will be able to substitute paid work experience for volunteering under a bill signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday.
Students who apply for the Bright Futures program starting in the next school year will be able to fulfill the volunteer requirement by working 100 hours. During a bill signing ceremony at Hillsborough Community College in Tampa, DeSantis said the change will help low-income families whose teenagers need to work.
This expansion will allow students who work after school jobs to apply their paid work contributions to their communities to substitute service hour requirements. The legislation allows students the opportunity to receive Bright Futures Scholarships who might not otherwise have been able to meet the requirements for a scholarship, the governor said.
“Florida students should not lose the opportunity to receive a Bright Futures Scholarship because they have to work to help their families make ends meet,” said DeSantis. “After school jobs teach our students valuable life lessons, much like community service hours do. I am glad to sign this bill and will continue to make sure higher education remains affordable in Florida.”
“Bright Futures has provided a pathway to success for nearly one million students,” said Education Commissioner Manny Diaz, Jr. “With today’s changes to Bright Futures eligibility requirements, no student will be forced to choose between supporting their family and meeting the volunteer hours necessary to earn a scholarship. I’m proud to join Governor DeSantis today as we expand access to postsecondary education for all students.”
The bill modifies the eligibility requirements for the Bright Futures Scholarship Program to include an option for students to use paid work hours to qualify for the scholarship. Paid work hours must meet the requirements for volunteer hours and there must be documentation of the hours.
10,000 Pound Food Giveaway This Afternoon In Cantonment
June 28, 2022
The Cantonment Improvement Committee will hold a drive-thru 10,000 pound food giveaway Tuesday afternoon at Carver Park on Webb Street.
The food distribution will begin at 3:30 p.m. and continue while supplies last for anyone in need of food. People should line up their vehicles, single file on Webb Street facing north; food will be loaded into vehicles. Identification is required.
If the weather is too hot or storming, distribution may begin “a little earlier,” according to organizers.
NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Deputies Seek Pair For Using Fraudulent Debit Card At Beulah Grocery Store
June 28, 2022
Deputies are looking for two people they say were caught on a camera using a fraudulent debit card.
The man and woman used the debit card to make a purchase at the Publix in Beulah, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. They were seen leaving in a newer model white Dodge Ram with a toolbox attached to the bed of the truck.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP or the ECSO at (850) 436-9620.
Judith Louise Doherty
June 28, 2022
Mrs. Judith Louise Doherty, age 77, passed away, Thursday, June 23, 2022 at her home in Oak Grove, Fl. surrounded by family and dearest friend. She was born in Bonifay, FL; and resided most her life in Oak Grove, FL.
Mrs. Doherty valued her time she got to spend with her family and friends. She took so much pride in her mission work that was her priority, spreading the gospel. She always took care of the shut-ins. She enjoyed quilting, and had a big heart with a little bit of sassy in her.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frankie L. (Beatrice Graham) Milstead, husband, Charles Doherty, and one daughter.
She is survived by her one daughter, Jenny L. Doherty, of Oak Grove, FL; (Trace Lewis), one brother, Vincent (Cindy) Milstead, of Oak Grove, FL; best friend, Elaine Godwin, of Bratt, FL; one grandchild Coralyne Lewis, other relatives, and friends.
Funeral service will be held Friday, July 1, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC.
Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Friday, July 1, 2022 from 10:00 AM until service time at 11:00 AM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC.
Pallbearers will be Jerry Sheppard, George Carpenter, Scott Warren, Jarrod Dawson, Ernie Hester, and Vincent Milstead.
Winston Edward “Wink” Killam
June 28, 2022
Mr. Winston Edward “Wink” Killam age 85, passed away, Monday, June 20, 2022 in Bay Minette, AL. He was born in Century, FL; and resided in Bay Minette, AL; since 2013. He was a graduate of Century High School of “Class of 1955”. He was a member of Poplar Dell Baptist Church and served in the United States Marine Corp. He was a construction engineer with many years of employment.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Leonard (Zeba Elizabeth Mathney) Killam, two brothers, James Killam, Claude Killam, one sister, Illa Mae Byrd.
He is survived by his niece, Glenda Killam White, of Flomaton, AL; and numerous other nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 25, 2022 at Poplar Dell Baptist Church at 11:00 AM with Rev. Mitch Herring officiating.
Burial will follow at Poplar Dell Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Saturday, June 25, 2022 from 10:00 AM until service time at 11:00 AM at Poplar Dell Baptist Church
Update: Roberts Circle Mobile Home Fire Cause Determined
June 28, 2022
Investigators have determined that a mobile home fire Saturday night was caused by a dryer vent.
The vent was “restricted” according to Escambia Fire Rescue in the mobile home in the 2000 block of Roberts Circle. When firefighters arrived about 9 p.m., smoke was visible from outside of the home.
“The home suffered significant damages but can be reoccupied after repairs,” ECFR stated.
The American Red Cross provided lodging for those that were displaced. There were no injuries.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Joel David Brown
June 28, 2022
Mr. Joel David Brown, age 85 passed away, Thursday, June 23, 2022, at his home in Perdido, AL. He retired from Masland Carpets with 34 years of service.
Mr. Brown valued his time he got to spend with his wife, family and church family. He enjoyed playing gospel and bluegrass music. He enjoyed going hunting, fishing, and working with his vegetable garden.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Wesley (Ethel) Brown, five sisters, Estelle Morris, Nora Ayers, Dorothy Hadley, Muriel Stewart, Shirley Hanks, two brothers, William Wesley “Bill” Brown, Samuel Paul Brown.
He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Shelby Brown, of Perdido, AL; two sons, Joel W. “Joey” (Bertha) Brown, of Perdido, AL; David Allan (Barbara) Brown, of Phillipsville, AL; one daughter, Trisha (Keith) Ganey, of Perdido, AL; one brother, John Daniel (Lucy) Brown, of Perdido, AL; three sisters, Christine Patterson, of Eight Mile, AL; Opal Paul, of Columbus, GA; Bobbi (Jim) Bryars, of Milton, FL; six grandchildren, Brandon Garrett, Jason Brown, Justin Brown, Shannon Turner, Janna Collier, Morgan Ganey, four great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
Funeral service will be held Monday, June 27, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC with Rev. James Peacock and Rev. Shawn Major officiating.
Burial will follow at Brown Memorial Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Monday, June 27, 2022 from 10:00 AM until service time at 11:00 AM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC.
Pallbearers will be Jason Brown, Justin Brown, Waylon Collier, Rusty White, Freddie Stewart, Angie Trest, and Jim Whidbee
Double Murder Suspect Turns Himself In At Escambia Jail
June 27, 2022
UPDATE: Suspect Tavarras Vondhay Thomas turned himself in at the Escambia County Jail Tuesday evening.
The Pensacola Police Department is asking for the public’s help in locating a man wanted for two counts of first degree premeditated murder.
Tavarras Vonshay Thomas, 42, is wanted in the shooting deaths of 24-year old Cieric Parker and 18-year old Dominique Bullard on June 22 in Attucks Court.
PPD said Thomas is considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP or 911.
8-Year Old Accidentally Shoots And Kills 1-Year Old, Injures 2-Year Old; 14-Time Convicted Felon Charged
June 27, 2022
1-Year Old Shot And Killed, 2-Year Old Injured; 14-Time Convicted Felon Charged
A one-year old was shot and killed by another child early Sunday morning in Escambia County with a gun from a 14-time convicted felon.
The incident happened in the early morning hours Sunday at the Lion’s Motel on Dr. Martin Luther King Drive.
According to Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons, 45-year old Roderick Dwayne Randall left his sleeping girlfriend and the young children in a motel room. Randall’s 8-year old found the gun in a closet and fired a shot. The bullet struck and killed a 1-year old girl and injured a 2-year old girl.
The 1-year old was pronounced deceased at the scene by Escambia County EMS. The 2-year old was taken to a local hospital and is expected to recover. Randall is not a parent to either child, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Randall returned to the scene and took the weapon and what was believed to be an amount of drugs, the sheriff said. “And he leaves the scene before returning back to the scene.”
“This is not how we treat our children,” Simmons said. “Our hearts go out to the rest of the families. This is ridiculous. These are two babies that are shot.”
Randall was charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, two counts of culpable negligence, tampering with physical evidence, and failing to store or leave firearm in a required manner. He remained in he Escambia County Jail with bond set at $41,000.
The sheriff said he has 129 pages of criminal history, 28 previous felony charges and 14 felony convictions.
Two Charged In Multiple Cantonment, Gonzalez Vehicle Burglaries
June 27, 2022
Two Cantonment men have been charged in connection with multiple vehicle burglaries recently in Cantonment and Gonzalez.
Anthony Jared Norman (pictured left), 20, and Mason Cole Zimmerman, 18, were charged with multiple counts including burglary of an occupied dwelling, burglary of a conveyance, petit theft, grand theft of a firearm and credit card fraud.
Two vehicles were unlocked inside a garage, and the resident forgot to close the garage door at their home on Bucyrus Lane off Chemstrand Road, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. The resident discovered several items missing from one vehicle, including a credit card.
The card was reported stolen, and a transaction at the Valero station in the 200 block of South Highway 29 was declined.
Surveillance video from the store showed a red four-door car that matched a car seen in other surveillance video from several vehicle burglaries that occurred in he area, an ECSO report states.
Two individuals, later identified as Norman and Zimmerman, entered the store wearing clothing that was later recovered, investigators said. They attempted multiple credit card transactions, some of which were successful.
Deputies said Zimmerman was later located at his girlfriend’s residence on Condor Drive, and several items reported stolen in several vehicle burglaries were recovered in the room. The girlfriend, who was not charged, told deputies that Zimmerman brough the items to her room after Zimmerman was out with an individual known as “AJ” or “Anthony”.
Clothing items matching that seen in surveillance videos from the vehicle burglaries and the Valero station were recovered from Norman’s residence on Virecent Road.
Zimmerman also had an outstanding warrant for two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon for allegedly pointing a gun at two individuals in a vehicle and threatening them on Camaree Place off East 10 Mile Road last April.
Norman remained in the Escambia County Jail Monday with bond set at $41,000, while Zimmerman was jailed with bond set at $98,000.
