Two Additional Escambia County Children Arrested For School Threats
September 17, 2024
Monday, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office arrested two more Escambia County children for allegedly making school threats.
The ECOS said a 12-year-old student from McArthur Elementary was charged for threats made during a FaceTime conversation with other students. “He threatened to bring a firearm to school and kill one of the students,” the Sheriff’s Office said. The student has been charged with written or electronic threats with intent to kill or cause bodily harm to another.
Additionally, a 15-year-old homeschooled juvenile who allegedly posted threats on Snapchat has been arrested for written or electric threats with intent to kill or cause bodily harm to another. Investigators said he posted that he was going to shoot the schools up in the Snapchat post.
“We have been very clear about school threats. If you make such a threat, you will be arrested. Parents, PLEASE explain this to your children,” Sheriff Chip Simmons said in a statement released Monday night.
Two threats last week with one arrest
An 11-year-old Bellview Middle School student was arrested in connection with a Friday social media threat against schools in Escambia County.
The female student, whose name has not been released, was charged with written or electronic threats to conduct a mass shooting, a second degree felony, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. The arrest came after a joint investigation involving the ECSO, FBI and the Escambia County School District.
Investigators said the investigation is ongoing, and additional arrests may be forthcoming.
“Safety of our students is a top priority,” Sheriff Chip Simmons said. He said the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office takes all threats seriously.
“We are grateful to our students and staff for remaining calm and professional during what was a stressful morning. To the parents who entrust us with their children every day, thank you, as well,” the school district said in a statement Friday afternoon.
“Be certain, we will use every tool at our disposal to be sure the person or persons responsible for today’s disruption never has the opportunity to do something like this again. We will work with our partners in law enforcement as they investigate further and we will pursue charges. We want to send the message that this behavior will not be tolerated in any of our schools. To those who seek to promote chaos by knowingly spreading harmful and disruptive disinformation, we will pursue you with every legal means available.”
The safety and well-being of our students, employees and community at-large is, and will remain, your school district’s number one priority. We will not waver,” the district statement concluded.
Friday morning, the district said they were investigating a potential threat against several area schools. The district did not provide any additional details, and no specific schools were identified.
Numerous parents provided NorthEscambia.com with a copy of the alleged photo and threat that were posted online. A search indicated that photo was posted first a year ago and it was altered with additional text.
Friday’s threat was the second in Escambia County this week. A social media threat Monday (pictured below) against Ernest Ward Middle School was deemed unfounded by the district. Escambia County Schools Superintendent Keith Leonard said the alleged threat was discussed on social media and was believed to be “internal” involving students at the school in Walnut Hill.
NorthEscambia.com graphic and image, click to enlarge.
Scattered Storms Today, Drier Later In The Week
September 17, 2024
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tuesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 83. East wind around 5 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 67. Calm wind.
Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 86. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 68. Calm wind.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 87. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph in the morning.
Thursday Night: Clear, with a low around 66. Calm wind.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 87. North wind around 5 mph.
Friday Night: Clear, with a low around 66. Calm wind.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 87.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 67.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 85.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 66.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 84.
Wednesday Is An Early Release Day For Escambia County Schools
September 17, 2024
Wednesday, September 18 is an early release for all Escambia County Public School students.
Escambia County Public Schools scheduled three early-release days for students during the 2023-2024 school year. The remaining early release dates will be Wednesday, September 18, 2024, Wednesday November 6, 2024, and Wednesday, February 5, 2025.
There are also early-release dates immediately prior to Christmas Break and the last day of the 2024-2025 School Year. Those additional dates for students early-release are Friday, December 20, 2024, and Friday, May 23, 2025.
On all early release dates schools will serve lunch and regular transportation will be provided. For more information or questions about your school’s specific release time, please contact the school.
The early release days are intended to provide teachers and staff with regular opportunities for professional development.
Five Escambia County Students Named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists
September 17, 2024
Five Escambia County students have been named semifinalists in the 70th annual National Merit Scholarship Program.
They are:
- Pensacola Catholic High School: Emma Thompson
- Pensacola High School: Annabelle A. Apel, Charles B. Benson, and Isabelle R. Jenkins.
- Washington High School: Sophie B. Thompson
These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 6,870 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $26 million that will be offered next spring.
National Merit Scholarship Corporation, a not-for-profit organization that operates without government assistance, was established in 1955 specifically to conduct the annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Scholarships are underwritten by NMSC with its own funds and by approximately 280 business organizations, higher education institutions, and individual donors that share NMSC’s goals of honoring the nation’s scholastic champions and encouraging the pursuit of academic excellence.
Tate High AJROTC Honors 9/11 Victims
September 17, 2024
submitted by Cadet Major Jayce Latzer
On September 11, the J.M. Tate High School Army JROTC staff held their third annual 911 Ceremony to honor the victims of the tragic events of 2001 and the heroes who lost or risked their lives in its aftermath. The staff arrived at school at 6 a.m. to prepare the courtyard. The ceremony began at 8 a.m. with a moving story from Coach David Bonucchi, who shared his experience from that day.
Throughout the day, the AJROTC staff performed a solemn march on a black mat, guarding the 911 wreath. Each cadet followed a precise sequence: marching 21 steps, halting for 21 seconds, turning, halting again for another 21 seconds, then marching 21 steps once more. The staff members took shifts of roughly 25 minutes throughout the day. Cadet Major Jayce Latzer led as the guard commander, overseeing each change of the guard ceremony. Before each new guard took their post, Cadet Latzer meticulously inspected their uniform. The staff continued this honorable duty from 8:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., enduring wind and rains.
Tate AJROTIC c/LTC Olivia Allgyer, c/MAJ Jayce Latzer, c/MAJ Braydon Stringer, c/CPT Daisa Vickers, c/CPT Ryan Gates, c/CPT Brandon Davis, and c/2LT Zachary Colston were among those that took part in the ceremony.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Northview Chiefs Fall Short In Five Sets To Escambia Gators
September 17, 2024
The Northview High School Lady Chiefs battled the Escambia High School Gators in a five-set volleyball match on Tuesday night at Northview High School in Bratt.
The Lady Chiefs ultimately fell short 3-2, losing the match by scores of 25-23, 25-18, 18-25, 22-25, and 15-6.
For a photo gallery, click here.
The match was a back-and-forth affair from start to finish. The Gators took the first two sets, but the Lady Chiefs roared back to win the third and fourth sets, forcing a decisive fifth set.
In the final set, the momentum shifted back in favor of Escambia, as they pulled away to secure the victory.
The Lady Chiefs will look to bounce back as they host Blacksher Bulldogs from Uriah, Alabama, Thursday at 5 p.m.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Food Truck Court Proposed For Highway 29, Archer Road
September 17, 2024
A food truck court could be coming to the corner of Highway 29 and Archer Road.
A proposal for the “Archer Road Food Truck Court” was filed by Environmental Engineer Services with Escambia County for 0.81 acres on two parcels at the northeast corner of the intersection by Environmental Engineering in Pensacola. Plans state that here is currently a mobile on one of the parcels, which are both owned by DKJ Real Properties, LLC. A small coffee and soda shop has been operating on the front parcel closest to Highway 29. Plans apparently indicate that the coffee shop will remain.
Submitted plans show access to a driveway through the food court on Archer Road with spots for two additional food trucks, a 204 square foot restroom facility, picnic tables and a sidewalk.
The proposal is currently in the initial application status with Escambia County Development Review Committee. A public meeting has not yet been set.
A conditional use to allow restaurant (including food trucks) use on the property was granted in August.
NothEscambia.com images, click to enlarge.
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Former Pensacola High Assistant Principal Arrested On Additional Video Voyeurism, Child Porn Charges
September 17, 2024
Additional voyeurism and child porn possession charges have been filed against the now former assistant principal of Pensacola High School .
In August, Sean Clark Roby, 55, was charged with felony video voyeurism by an offender age 19 or older. He was released from jail two days later on a $15,000 bond.
Now, Roby has been arrested again on new charges of:
- five counts of video voyeurism by person 19-years-old or older
- four counts of video voyeurism by person 24-years-old or older on child less than 16-years-old
- 20 counts of child porn possession
He remains in the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $520,000.
The victim in the initial case, who is now 23, alleged the crime occurred back in 2019 when she was 17-years-old. According to reports, Roby allegedly video recorded her nude while she was inside her bedroom.
According to new court documents, investigators discovered the child porn files following Roby’s first arrest.
Regarding the charges of video voyeurism on a child younger than age 16, the documents state that two of the counts stem from incidents in December 2016 when the child was age 15. The other two counts stem from incidents in January 2017 when the child was age 15.
Regarding the new charges of video voyeurism by person 19-years-old or older, the documents state the five incidents took place on these dates:
- 3 counts – May 2018
- 1 count – June 2018
- 1 count – January 2020
No further details have been released about the new charges.
Escambia County Public School released the following statement after Roby’s August arrest: “We can confirm the arrest of one of our employees yesterday, and are fully cooperating with our partners in law enforcement as their investigation unfolds. Out of respect for their investigative process, and in accordance with our policies as negotiated in our Employment Master Contract, we will not be able to provide further information at this time, other than to say this individual is suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.”
The school district said Monday that he has now been fired.
Clyde ‘Buck’ Kelley
September 17, 2024
Mr. Clyde “Buck” Kelley, known affectionately as “PawPaw,” passed away on Sunday, September 15, 2024, at the age of 87, following a brief illness. Buck was born on September 25, 1936, in Jay, Florida, to Perry Lee and Bessie Chavis Kelley. He grew up in a bustling household with eleven siblings and was a standout athlete at Jay High School, excelling in baseball, basketball, and football.
In 1957, Buck married the love of his life, Glenda Peterson, with whom he shared 67 wonderful years. Together, they built a life in Bogia, Florida, where they raised four children and became the cornerstone of a close-knit family. Buck worked diligently for 36 years at Monsanto as a chemical operator before retiring and discovering a passion for golf. He played regularly, even achieving a remarkable “hole in one.” His competitive spirit extended to games of dominoes, darts, and pool, and he was always eager to join in.
Buck’s enthusiasm for sports and the outdoors was a defining feature of his life. He devoted many years to coaching little league baseball in Century, Florida, where his passion for the game inspired and motivated young athletes. As a devoted fan, he attended numerous games to support his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, always cheering them on with unwavering enthusiasm.
Buck also had a deep love for fishing, often spending time on the Escambia River and teaching his family the joys of fishing, boating, and enjoying nature. His dedication extended to his yard and garden, where he took pride in his work, where he was frequently seen tending to the grass in the median in front of his home in Bogia. His vibrant spirit and commitment to these activities enriched the lives of his loved ones and left a lasting impact on those around him.
Remarkably resilient, Buck avoided hospitals and surgeries until the age of 80. His vitality and zest for life were evident in his unwavering commitment to his family and hobbies.
Buck is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Jerry Kelley, Wayne Kelley, and Houston Kelley, sisters Mary Bovia, Myrtle Lee Diamond, and Shirley Tidwell, and his son Timothy Lee Kelley Sr.
He is survived by his devoted wife Glenda Kelley, brothers James Kelley and Tink Kelley, sisters Polly Whitfield, Ann West, and Joan Struebing, children Ellen Sims (Darryl), Beverly Digmon (Mike), and Brenton Kelley, nine grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Buck Kelley’s legacy of love, dedication, and joy will be cherished by all who knew him.
Funeral service will be held Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at 1:00 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, with Rev. Grant Norris and Rev. Nathan Brown officiating
Burial will follow at Ray’s Chapel Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, September 18, 2024 from 11:30 AM until service time at 1:00 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC.
Pallbearers will be Colton Sims, Ethan Golson, Josh Harrell, Daniel Kelley, Jeffery Steadham, and Lee Kelley.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC Atmore, Alabama is in charge of all arrangements.
Century Puts Charter Changes On The November Ballot. But Wait, They Were Never Approved.
September 16, 2024
The Town of Century has placed three charter amendments on the November 5, 2024, ballot. But there’s a big problem.
The town never formally approved addling the charter change questions to the ballot.
That’s put sample and vote-by-mail ballots for voters inside the Century town limits on hold while lawyers talk about a problem that may simply just work itself out this week.
The Century town charter is the document that establishes the town, outlines its powers and spells out how it should operate. The charter has not been updated in almost 40 years, and that often creates problems in the operation of the town. In recent years, the town sat a charter review committee to create a new draft charter, and the town council set about reviewing those changes. There were several snaps along the way, from the pandemic to wrong documents, that delayed the process.
Now, the town had scrapped the full charter review committee recommendations, instead opting for three changes (more on that below).
How did the Century charter get on the ballot without approval?
The three Century charter questions are already on the ballots for Century precinct voters that live inside the town limits — already there on printed sample and vote-by-mail ballots. (left, click to enlarge). It’s the same General Election two-page ballot that all Escambia County voters will receive, plus one additional page that will go only to voters that live in the town.
The town council voted to approve the three questions for the ballot at their July 2 meeting; the approval came as three ordinances. That was step one, but ordinances require a second reading and a final vote to become official.
Escambia County Supervisor of Elections (SOE) Robert Bender said the town had been given a deadline of the week of the August 20 primary to submit the ballot items for the November election.
The town had a regular meeting scheduled for August 20, but they rescheduled the meeting and d two workshops because the council chambers were being used for primary voting under an agreement with Bender’s office. The meeting was rescheduled for the following day, August 21. The charter ballot ordinances were on the agenda for that night, but the vote was deliberately delayed until September 17 –after the SOE deadline — at the request of Mayor Luis Gomez, Jr.
“Madame president, I would like to have those three items tabled until September 17,” Gomes said with no explanation. He did not tell the council about the deadline imposed by Bender’s office, nor did he disclose the council that the charter changes had been submitted for the ballot two days prior.
Without any discussion, the town council unanimously approved the mayor’s request.
What happened after the mayor requested a delay?
“We received the changes for the ballot on August 19,” Bender said Friday afternoon after the incomplete approval was discovered. “We thought they (the town) had met before the August 20 primary and had approved them,” he added, saying his office though the town met prior to the meeting that originally set for August 20.
At 11:45 a.m. on August 19, Century administrative assistant Mallory Walker sent an email (pictured below) to the Supervisor of Elections Office with the subject line “Town of Century Ballot Questions for November 5, 2024 Election”. The email, copied to Gomez and interim town manager Howard Brown, simply stated, “Attached you will find 3 Ballot Questions in English and Spanish translation for the November 5, 2024 Ballot. Please confirm you have received this email and the attachments.” An attachment contained a copy of all three ballot questions, with nothing indicated that approval by the town council was still pending.
“Now, it’s already on the printed ballot because of that,” Bender said Friday afternoon. “Our attorney is making contact with the town’s attorney.”
Now, the three charter questions are on the town council’s agenda for Tuesday night, the date requested by Gomez back on August 20.
What’s next?
Most issues on the a Century council agenda typically have a “recommended action” coming from the mayor or the appropriate staff, and the council moves forward with that recommendation or takes other action. On this Tuesday’s agenda, there is no “recommended action” listed; only agenda items that state “Motion to pass”.
For now, Bender’s office is holding the vote-by-mail and sample ballots for voters in the town of Century to see what happens with the vote Tuesday night. If final approval is granted by the council, the process will continue to move forward. If the ordinances fail to pass, Bender said his office is prepared to shred the paper ballots that contain the charter amendment questions. If they should pass in some altered form, Bender said his office will reprint the page in-office with the approved changes.
The SOE is facing a deadline of September 21 to send vote-by-mail ballots to “Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act” (UOCAVA) voters, according to the Florida Division of Elections. The deadline period to send vote-by-mail ballots to domestic voters is September 26, 2024 – October 3, 2024.
“We are just waiting to see what action Century takes,” he said, “but we will make the deadlines.”
What are the three chanter questions on the ballot?
The exact ballot questions for voters won’t be determined until Tuesday night, if they are approved at all by the council.
The ballot questions that were submitted without final approval are as follows:
Question 1:
TOWN CHARTER AMENDMENT PROVIDING FOR TOWN PURCHASING TO BE GOVERNED BY COUNCIL-APPROVED PURCHASING POLICIES
Amending the Town of Century Charter to remove specific bidding, contracting, purchasing, and expenditure requirements and procedures from the Charter, and provide that Town bidding, contracting, purchasing, and expenditures will be governed by Town ordinances, policies, and procedures adopted by the Town Council. Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?
Question 2:
TOWN CHARTER AMENDMENT CONCERNING MAYOR’S EMPLOYMENT AUTHORITY
Amending the Town of Century Charter to expand the Mayor’s powers to select, appoint, suspend, and remove town employees and appointive administrative officers, by limiting the requirement for Council approval of such actions solely to the selection, appointment, suspension, or removal of the Town Clerk, Town Attorney, and Town Manager. Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?
Question 3:
TOWN CHARTER CLEANUP AMENDMENT
Amending the Town of Century Charter to correct scriveners and codification errors, and to conform charter provisions to the requirements of the Florida Election Code. Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?
At this point, the text above is the only information that will appear on the ballot. Once the ballot questions receive final council approval and move forward onto the ballot, NorthEscambia.com will provide more coverage before the election on the specifics of each ballot question and the ordinance behind them.
NorthEscambia.com photo, images, click to enlarge.
