Auburn Eagle ‘Spirit’, Other Raptors Visit Ernest Ward Middle (With Photo Gallery)
March 23, 2024
Friday morning, bald eagle Spirit visited Ernest Ward Middle School — home of the Golden Eagle mascot.
Spirit was the pre-game flight eagle at Jordan-Hare Stadium at Auburn University for nearly 20 years.
When Spirit arrived at the College of Veterinary Medicine’s Southeastern Raptor Center in the late 1990s, no one knew she would one day come to represent the Auburn spirit alongside the university’s official golden eagles known as War Eagles.
For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery, click or tap here.
Spirit was brought to Auburn after being discovered in Florida with an injured wing and beak. Due to her permanent beak damage, she was treated and found to be non-releasable. She soon began training for pregame festivities during home football games and made her first Jordan-Hare Stadium flight September 28, 2002.
She inspired Auburn fans during pregame festivities at 45 Auburn Tigers football games and is the only bald eagle to have flown as part of this nationally known Auburn tradition.
In 2021, Spirit is celebrating her 25th birthday and, since the median life expectancy for bald eagles in captivity is 16.5 years, raptor center staff and veterinarians decided it would be best to retire Spirit from stadium flights.
Now in retirement, Spirit is part of education presentations by Auburn’s Southeastern Raptor Center. Somewhat contrary to her imposing appearance, Spirit with her six-foot wingspan weighs in at only about seven pounds, and most of that is feathers, not body weight.
The raptor center’s mission is to rehabilitate and release injured and orphaned raptors, educate the public about these magnificent birds of prey and research raptor-related issues. The center, a division of the College of Veterinary Medicine, is given permission by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to house, care for and showcase non-releasable birds of prey in its educational mission.
Spirit was the star of the show Friday morning at the Raptor Center visited Ernest Ward Middle in program sponsored by United Bank. Students were able to see several other species of raptors, including a screech owl, barn owl, American kestrel hawk, a vulture and a small one-eyed red tailed hawk named Stump (who was found along the roadside looking like a stump after an apparent injury).
EMWS students had chance to ask question to learn more, including the secret of how exactly a bald eagle is trained to return to a handler in a crowded Jordan-Hare Stadium. Turns out it’s all about positive reinforcement — a tasty food treat is the motivating factor for returning to a leather circle. A touchdown on the leather circle is celebrated with food.
For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery, click or tap here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Mega Millions Jackpot Swells To $1.1 Billion
March 23, 2024
After no winner of the Mega Millions jackpot Friday night, the grand prize for Tuesday’s drawing grew to an estimated $1.1 billion.
Friday’s winning numbers were: 3, 8, 31, 35, 44 and Mega Ball 16. If there had been a winner, the ticket would have been worth $977 million.
The lottery said it’s the sixth time in less than six years that the Mega Millions jackpot has topped $1 billion.
While there was no big winner Friday, five tickets matched five of the numbers to win the game’s $1 million prize, Mega Millions said. Another player in Virginia won $3 million by activating the Megaplier, according to the lottery. One Florida ticket, sold in Boca Raton, is worth $1 million.
If the over $1 billion jackpot is won next Tuesday, it would be the fifth largest prize in the history of the game, according to the lottery. Tickets are $2 each.
40s Tonight; Increasing Clouds For Sunday
March 23, 2024
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
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Tonight: Clear, with a low around 43. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Sunday: Increasing clouds, with a high near 73. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon.
Sunday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 54. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Monday: Cloudy, with a high near 69. Windy, with a southeast wind 10 to 15 mph increasing to 20 to 25 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 40 mph.
Monday Night: A chance of showers between 1am and 4am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 4am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62. Windy, with a southeast wind 15 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Tuesday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 71. Breezy, with a south wind 10 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 52. North wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 73. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 48. North wind 10 to 15 mph.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 69.
Thursday Night: Clear, with a low around 43.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 72.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 47.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 76.
Electrical Short Blamed For Shed Fire That Spread To Mobile Home Near Byrneville
March 23, 2024
An electrical short is being blamed for a shed fire that led to heavy damage to a nearby mobile home Wednesday in Byrneville.
Escambia County Fire Rescue responded to a multi-residential structure fire in the 3000 block of Whites Lane about 3:15 p.m. They arrived to find the shed fully involved and that the blaze had spread to a nearby double-wide mobile home with heavy fire.
The ECFR investigation determined that shed fire started with an electrical short before speaking to the mobile home.
The shed was a total loss, and the mobile home will need extensive repairs.
Whites located on the Florida/Alabama state line off Wawbeek Road north of Highway 168.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Grandson Indicted For First Degree Premeditated Murder In Escambia County Double Homicide
March 23, 2024
An Escambia County grand jury on Friday indicted an Escambia County man for the murder of his grandparents last month.
Jordon Dominique King was indicted on two counts of first degree premeditated murder.
The indictment stems from the deaths of King’s grandparents, Claiborne M. King, Jr., and Andrea Hutchins King. They were found beaten to death at in separate rooms of heir home on Greenbrier Boulevard near Sugar Creek Drive, just east of the intersection of Guidy Lane and East 10 Mile Road. Reports indicate they died from blunt force trauma.
which occurred on February 22, 2024, at the King residence on Greenbrier Boulevard near the intersection of Guidy Lane and East 10 Mile Road.
King remains in the Escambia County Jail without bond and is scheduled to be arraigned on March 28.
ECSO Presents Officer Of The Year, Other Awards
March 23, 2024
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office held an award ceremony this week to honor members of the department.
For more photos, click or tap here.
ECSO said:
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Officer of the Year Award was presented to Deputy Adam Norre (pictured above). From sheriff’s cadet to deputy with a criminal justice degree, Deputy Norre has consistently demonstrated outstanding dedication, intelligence, and leadership. His dependability and positive attitude are noteworthy, along with his initiative, sound decision-making, and mentorship abilities. Deputy Norre actively engages with the community, reflecting his commitment to public service, and aspires to contribute meaningfully by joining the Special Victims Unit and becoming a Field Training Officer. His exemplary service not only benefits our agency but also the citizens of Escambia County, making him a valuable asset.
Sergeant Chad Brown was presented with the Achievement Award. In October 2023, Sergeant Brown received the FBI-LEEDA Trilogy Award. He was awarded the Achievement Award in recognition of his dedication to professional development.
Sergeant Jason Comans was presented with the Commendation Award in recognition of his remarkable impact on addressing the concerning matter of missing juveniles from Cabot Heights.
Master Deputy Jenna Coates was presented with the Commendation Award in recognition of her mentorship of cadets, coordination of activities, and commitment to mission success, which have significantly increased our agency’s efficiency.
Master Deputy Dereck Sterling was presented with the Commendation Award in recognition of his innovative thinking to streamline paperwork distribution by placing a QR code on our business cards.
Deputy Ashley Wallace was presented with the Commendation Award in recognition of swiftly and effectively resolving a theft case in October 2023, leading to the recovery of stolen materials valued at a million dollars within three days.
Deputy Adam Norre was presented with the Commendation Award in recognition of his prompt action upon observing smoke at Flounders restaurant on Pensacola Beach in December 2023, averting significant property damage or potential loss of life.
Deputy Nicolas McKenna was presented with the Life Saving Medal. In 2023, Deputy McKenna’s quick response and prompt application of life-saving techniques saved the life of a three-year-old child involved in a near-drowning incident.
Deputy 1st Class Luke McCracken and Deputy Kevin Stack were both presented with the Life Saving Medal. In 2023, during patrol on Pensacola Beach, Deputies McCracken and Stack’s quick thinking and exceptional teamwork in response to a gunshot victim, significantly aided in the victim’s survival.
Deputy Bradley Foster was presented with the Life Saving Medal. In 2023, Deputy Foster responded to a cardiac arrest incident involving a 39-year-old male, performing CPR diligently for approximately seven minutes. The family of the individual acknowledged the deputy’s crucial role in his survival.
Deputy Kyndal Bray and Deputy Hunter Owens were both presented with the Life Saving Medal. In 2023, Deputy Bray and Deputy Owens promptly responded to an unconscious infant in distress. Their swift administration of first aid led to the infant’s chance of full recovery, as affirmed by the father and EMS.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Employee of the Year Award was presented to Lynnea McCray. Since 2006, Lynnea has excelled in various roles, culminating in her promotion to Administrative Supervisor in 2018. Her initiative in implementing the LEFTA Training Module and meticulous attention to detail significantly benefit our agency. Lynnea’s dedication exemplifies the highest standards of professionalism, making her a valuable asset to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and our community. Ms. Lynnea McCray is awarded the Employee of the Year.
The Pensacola Beach/Precinct Unit was presented with the Unit Citation Award for their steadfast commitment to safeguarding the safety and well-being of Pensacola Beach visitors and its residents, particularly evident during more than 100 annual events held on the beach. Members of this unit included: Captain Kevin Pachucki, Lieutenant James Barnes, Sergeant Scott Rivkin, Sergeant Chase Horne, Deputy Howard McGuire, Deputy Phillip Goble, Deputy 1st Class Luke McCracken, Deputy Miguel Felan, Deputy Bobby Purvis, Deputy Kevin Stack, Deputy Deqwaun Walker, Deputy Zachary Banks, and Deputy Adam Norre.
The following service awards were also presented:
Master Deputy Thomas Joyner – 20 Years of Service
Lt. James Barnes – 25 Years of Service
Sgt. Scott Rivkin – 25 Years of Service
Master Dep. Dereck Sterling – 25 Years of Service
Lt. Walter Matthews – 30 Years of Service
Lt. Jack Holland – 30 Years of Service
Lt. Michael Workman – 30 Years of Service
Karen Lucas – 30 Years of Service
Victoria Hodge – 30 Years of Service
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate Students Present Vocal Performances For School Board
March 23, 2024
Three talented Tate high School students performed this week for the Escambia County School Board.
Violet Manning was first, singing “Part of Your World” from The Little Mermaid. She was followed by Max Troung, who sang “I’m Alive” from Next To Normal. Isabella Brown closed out the performance with an animated rendition of “Parents Lie” from Freaky Friday the Musical.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Century Owes FDOT Over A Half Million Dollars For Highway 29 Utility Relocation
March 22, 2024
Relocating utilities for a current Highway 29 construction project will cost the Town of Center over a half million dollars over the next 15 years.
A $4.7 million Florida Department of Transportation safety project to resurface Highway 29 between Henry and Cottage streets began in January 2023. FDOT will also upgrade traffic signals, drainage structures, pavement markings, and driveways, while also improving curb ramps and sidewalks to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.
While the Highway 29 project is a state project, the Town of Century was required to relocate water, sewer and natural gas lines at the town’s expense.
In August 2022, it was estimated that the total cost would be $264,772.83, with the town making payments over a decade.
Now that the utility relocation is nearing completion, the new total is $554,964.
The town council this week authorized Mayor Luis Gomez, Jr. to sign a 15-year promissory note with FDOT for the full amount.
The entire project is expected to be completed later this year.
Pictured: Work on Highway 29 in Century as seen Thursday afternoon. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Retired Deputy Wayne Gulsby Inducted Into U.S. Police Canine Hall of Fame
March 22, 2024
Retired Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Master Deputy Wayne Gulsby of Molino was inducted into The United States Police Canine Association Region 1 Hall of Fame during a ceremony Thursday.
Gulsby’s law enforcement career began when he started working at the Escambia County Road Prison at age 20. Two years later, he transferred to the Escambia County Jail as a corrections officer. In 1001, he took over the only canine position in the jail, working with a single purpose K-9 named Magic. In 1992, he was promoted out of K-9 to the position of corporal at the jail.
While working at the jail, he attended the police academy at George Stone.
After completing the police academy at working at the jail for another nine years, he took a voluntary demotion with a pay cut to become a deputy sheriff. In 2000, he was partnered with a K-9 named Duke and assigned to the ECSO Street Crime Unit. He was assigned to do school searches and K-9 demonstrations.
He received numerous awards and certifications over the years.
Pictured: Retired Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Master Deputy Wayne Gulsby and his wife Abbie. Photos by Mary Land for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge
Pace Tops Tate 14-4 To Win Aggie Classic (With Gallery)
March 22, 2024
The Pace Patriots won the 29th annual Aggie Classic championship Thursday night 14-4 over the Tate Aggies.
For a photo gallery, click or tap here.
Sammy Roberts earned the win for the Patriots, giving up three hits and one run in five innings, striking out one and walking one.
Logan Kimmons took the loss for the Aggies, going three and two-thirds innings, allowing seven runs and six hits while striking out three and walking three.
Ketch King went 1-for-3 at the plate and one RBI to lead the Aggies. Kaleb Posta, and Brayden Beck each added one hit for the Aggies.
Grant Walters was 3-3 for Pace with a home run and three RBIs. Glenn Brooks also had a Patriot homer.
The Patriots were undefeated in the Aggie Classics, while Tate was 3-1.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
