Rep. Matt Gaetz Announces 2024 Service Academy Nominations
January 26, 2024
Thursday evening, .S. Congressman Matt Gaetz (FL-01) announced his 2024 Service Academy Nominations for Florida’s First Congressional District at Navarre High School, including students from Northview and Tate High schools.
During the event, Rep. Gaetz nominated the following students to the U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy:
UNITED STATES NAVAL ACADEMY
- Jesse Burks, Great Mills High School (MD)
- Megan Corcoran, Florida Virtual High School
- Reeve Dwyer, Fort Walton Beach High School
- James Ervin, St. Mary’s Ryken High School (MD)
- Bailey Gable, Choctawhatchee High School
- Benjamin Johnson, Navarre High School
- Jacob Lawrence, West Florida High School
- Benedict Josef Maranon, AFNORTH International School (Netherlands)
- Edward O’Brien, Tate High School
- Alexis Parker, Pace High School
UNITED STATES MERCHANT MARINE ACADEMY
- Akadian Campbell, Baker High School
- Jhonatan Cardenas, Niceville High School
- Darrell Dunham, Trinitas Christian Academy
- Katelynn Johnson, Navarre High School
- Elizabeth Killman, Niceville High School
- Gabriel Mallard, Vilseck High School (Germany)
- Tanushri Maskar, Northview High School (GA)
- James Olman, Snowshine Homeschool
- Roman Romero, Zama High School (Japan)
- Clayton Root, Perdido Key Home Academy
- Wyatt Scruggs, Northview High School (FL)
- Zachary Simon, Pace High School
- Ryan Stevenson, Stuttgart High School (Germany)
- Griffin Woodley, Niceville High School
UNITED STATES AIR FORCE ACADEMY
- Jackson Arthaud, Ramstein High School (Germany)
- Lauren Bage, Choctawhatchee High School
- Emory Carroll, Pace High School
- Rafael Garcia, Gulf Breeze High School
- Matthew Jackson, Niceville High School
- Davin McArty, Crestview High School
- Rayne Mendez, Niceville High School
- Nathaniel Nocher, Crestview High School
- Alexander Porter, Fort Walton Beach High School
- Noah Scopac, Niceville High School
- Sarah Stillman, Gulf Breeze High School
- Carter Tobik, Fort Walton Beach High School
UNITED STATES MILITARY ACADEMY
- Van Carter, Niceville High School
- Kain Doebele, Crestview High School
- Austin Klidy, Choctawhatchee High School
- Jesse Lee, Navarre High School
- Michael Mancuso, Gulf Breeze High School
- Brenner Mavity, Navarre High School
- Samantha McCraney, Niceville High School
- Andrew Nettles, Gulf Breeze High School
- Anna Roth, Stuttgart High School (Germany)
- Gennaro Smith, Navarre High School
Alabama Executes Inmate With New Nitrogen Gas Method At Atmore Prison
January 26, 2024
Kenneth Eugene Smith was the nation’s first execution by nitrogen hypoxia Thursday night at Holman Prison in Atmore.
Smith was sentenced to death for the 1988 capital murder of Elizabeth Dorlene Sennett in Colbert County.
Smith’s last words, according to media witnesses, included: “Tonight Alabama causes humanity to take a step backwards…. Thank you for supporting me. Love all of you.” Whne the nitrogen as began to flow, Smith smiled and nodded toward his family and signed “I love you.”
According to al.com, “Witnesses saw Smith struggle as the gas began flowing into the mask that covered his entire face. He began writhing and thrashing for approximately two to four minutes, followed by around five minutes of heavy breathing.
His official time of death was 8:25 p.m.
“On March 18, 1988, 45-year-old Elizabeth Sennett’s life was brutally taken from her by Kenneth Eugene Smith. After more than 30 years and attempt after attempt to game the system, Mr. Smith has answered for his horrendous crimes,” Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey said.
““The execution was lawfully carried out by nitrogen hypoxia, the method previously requested by Mr. Smith as an alternative to lethal injection. At long last, Mr. Smith got what he asked for, and this case can finally be put to rest.
“I pray that Elizabeth Sennett’s family can receive closure after all these years dealing with that great loss.”
Rain Likely Friday Night Into Saturday Morning
January 26, 2024
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before midnight, then a slight chance of showers between midnight and 3am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 3am. Patchy fog after midnight. Otherwise, cloudy, with a low around 61. Southeast wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Saturday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before noon, then showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly between noon and 3pm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. High near 70. Breezy, with a southeast wind 15 to 20 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.
Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45. Southwest wind around 10 mph becoming northwest after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.
Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high near 55. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 37. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 57. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 34. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 62. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the morning.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 41.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 63.
Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 38.
Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 61.
Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 39.
Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 63.
Pensacola Fitness Shooting Suspect Gets Life In Prison For Murder
January 26, 2024
An Escambia County man was sentenced Thursday to life in prison for a May 2022 murder of murder of Carla Williams inside Pensacola Fitness on 9th Avenue
Kennon Farrow pleaded guilty in December and received a mandatory life sentence on a first degree premeditated murder charge. He also pleaded guilty to violation of an injunction against domestic violence and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Farrow entered the plea two days after Judge John Simon ruled he was competent to stand trial for the murder of his ex-girlfriend.
Williams, 48, was an associate professor and former basketball player at Pensacola State College.
Photos: Local Officials Read To Lipscomb Elementary Students
January 26, 2024
First responders, elected officials, school district personnel and community partners read to students to help Lipscomb Elementary School celebrate Literacy Week Thursday morning.
Deputy Superintendent Shenna Payne, Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons, Pensacola Police Chief Eric Randall, Commissioner Steven Barry and several others dazzled and entertained students with lively readings of children’s classics.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
ECSO: Escambia Felon Shot Dog After It Bit His Lip
January 26, 2024
An Escambia County man is accused of shooting his dog after it bit his lip.
Nathaniel Bradley, 36, was charged with animal cruelty, using a firearm during a felony, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He remained in the Escambia County Jail without bond.
A witness told deputies that he was in his room with Bradley’s dog when Bradley walked in, appearing to be intoxicated.
Bradley started “to get in the dog’s face” before the man warned him the dog would bite him, according to an arrest report. The dog then bit Bradley on the lip.
Bradley then exited the room threatening the dog that was following him, the report continues.
Deputes found the dog with a gunshot wound to the left leg in a kennel on the front porch. The gun was located in Bradley’s room. Deputies noted in the report that Bradley appeared “extremely intoxicated.”
The dog was transported by Escambia County Animal Control for treatment.
Lawrence Joseph Taite
January 26, 2024
Lawrence Joseph Taite, age 60, passed away on Sunday, January 21, 2024 at Santa Rosa Center for Rehabilitation and Healing after a hard-fought battle with diabetes and many complications. He was born in Pensacola, Florida to Narvie and Mable Taite on September 24, 1963. He attended school in Escambia County and graduated from J.M. Tate High School in 1981. He lived in Stone Mountain,
Georgia for 20 years before returning home to Quintette, Florida.
Lawrence was preceded in death by his parents, Narvie and Mable Taite; three sisters, Ruby Slater,Carter Ree Jackson, Bernice Brooks; four brothers, Willie Taite, Norvel Taite, James Taite, and Humphrey Taite.
He is survived by one brother, Benjamin (Ann) Taite of Mississippi; three sisters, Patricia Boykin, Gloria (Robert) Donald, Barbara Taite of Quintette, Florida; sister-in-law, Kim Taite of Malcomb, Illinois; and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and friends.
Lawrence will be truly missed by many.
Funeral services will be held Monday, January 29, 2024 at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North. The family will receive friends for visitation from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. The funeral service will begin at 2:00 p.m. with Melvin Taite officiating.
Lawrence will be laid to rest at Williams Cemetery in Cantonment, Florida.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 South Highway 29, Cantonment, is entrusted with arrangements.
Charles M. “Slow” Stanley
January 26, 2024
Charles M. “Slow” Stanley, 87, who was born in Winterset, Iowa and lived in Pensacola, Florida, passed away on January 22, 2024.
He was retired military, 06 land survival instructor in the Navy. He loved playing golf and watching football with his sons. Charles was a Gator fan!! He enjoyed reading and writing as well as scrapbooking letters, notes and birthday cards to his loved ones. His favorite Bible verses were Proverbs 28:13 and Ecclesiastes chapter 12.
He is preceded in death by His three sons, Randy, Bill and Mike; his father, Lawrence Wayne Stanley; mother, Goldie M Hitsman and his sister, Betty Bird.
He is survived by his daughter, Theresa Kay Barrow; his granddaughter, Brandee Danielle Barrow; great-granddaughter, Kylee Danielle Clifford; his great grandson, Rowan Parker Blaine O’Brien; and his daughter-in-law, Paula.
A visitation will be held at Pensacola Memorial Gardens Funeral Home on Tuesday, January 30, 2024 from 1:00pm until the service begins at 2:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, for those who wish, donations may be made to St Jude’s Children’s Cancer Research in remembrance of Charles Melvin Stanley.
Century Correctonal Inmate Assaulted Officer, FDC Says
January 26, 2024
A Century Correctional Institution inmate assaulted a correctional officer recently, according to the Florida Department of Corrections.
Inmate Tiyari Hogan assaulted a correctional officer by pushing the officer, and the incident was captured on camera, according to FDC.
Cotney was serving a five-year sentence on drug charges out of Walton County.
EREC’s Fiber Network Completed In Escambia County; First Santa Rosa County Customer Connected
January 25, 2024
After completing a fiber buildout in Escambia County, Escambia River Electric Cooperative (EREC) and ConexonConnect, have connected their first customer in Santa Rosa County to gigabit-speed fiber internet.
EREC and ConexonConnect announced their fiber-to-the-home project in February 2023, with plans to launch and deploy a 1,500-mile fiber network providing high-speed internet access to homes and businesses starting in Escambia County before moving to Santa Rosa County.
The first Escambia County member* went live on the fiber network in Bratt on August 13, 2023.
All EREC members in Escambia County now have the availability to access gigabit-speed internet, and member connections are currently being scheduled and completed.
There were several periods of unanticipated downtime during the first few months of service in Escambia County, but now “Multiple sources in Escambia County are in place to help prevent any downtime issues and the same will be done in Santa Rosa County,” EREC said this week.
“I’m very proud of all the hard work and long days everyone involved put into the completion of the Escambia County fiber-to-the-home project. A special thank you to our members for your patience as we constructed our fiber system and we look forward to continuing to serve the needs of our community,” EREC CEO Ryan Campbell said.
“I could not be happier knowing nearly 5,000 households in north Escambia county now have access to affordable high speed internet. A few short years ago it was only a dream, but it’s now a reality,” District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry said. “As with most successful public service projects, it still would not be possible without tremendous partners like EREC and Conexon. Also, I want to specifically recognize Ryan Campbell, EREC CEO, for his diligence and persistence getting the project across the finish line.”
Chumuckla resident Lynne McDonald was connected to fiber broadband in Santa Rosa County this week, as rural EREC members now have access to 2 Gbps service internet that is among the fastest and most robust in the nation.
“Bringing fiber internet to Santa Rosa County is going to be a game changer for EREC members and our community. From a teacher’s perspective, it means enhancing connectivity and access to a wealth of educational resources for ourselves and our students. Utilizing online tools more efficiently, conducting virtual classes, and engaging students in innovative ways that will increase learning outcomes and involvement,” McDonald said. ““As an EREC member for over 35 years, the arrival of fiber internet signifies a huge step towards progress and opens up a world of endless possibilities for local businesses to compete on a more global scale. I truly feel that fiber internet is going to lay the foundation for economic growth and prosperity in my community by empowering EREC members, schools and businesses. Paving the way for a brighter future for everyone.”
“EREC members were being left behind in the digital age,” Campbell added. “Now, thanks to the vision of our Trustees and the hard work of our employees who have taken on the mission of closing the digital divide, EREC members are gaining access to world-class internet service. This opens the doors for new opportunities such as online education for all ages, expanded employment options, and streaming and smart device use in the home that many in other areas take for granted.”
The Town of Jay is very proud of the work EREC has done with the State’s Rural Broadband Initiative,” says Eric Seib, Manager of the Town of Jay.” We are thankful to have a forward thinking team at EREC making tomorrow better for all of us.”
*Full disclosure: The first Escambia County EREC member to receive EREC fiber at their home was NorthEscambia.com Publisher William Reynolds. Editor’s note: NorthEscambia.com operates in the cloud; it does not operate on the Conexon service. For over 15 years, it has been hosted by a major provider elsewhere in the U.S.
Pictured top: Chumuckla resident Lynne McDonald was connected to fiber broadband in Santa Rosa County his week, photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge. Pictured inset and below: Escambia County’s first customer was connected in August, 2023. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
