Update: Girl, 11, Charged With Threats Toward Local Schools
September 13, 2024
UPDATE: 4:15 p.m – The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office has arrested an 11-year old middle school student for this threat.
There is an additional law enforcement presence as schools in Escambia County today following a social media threat Friday morning.
Escambia County Public Schools said in a statement that the district and local law enforcement were made aware early Friday morning of a potential threat against several area schools.
“In the early morning hours of Friday, September 13, Escambia County Public Schools and local law enforcement were made aware of a potential social media threat made against several area schools. In the hours since, local law enforcement has been working diligently to determine the source and validity of this threat. As a result, there will be heightened law enforcement presence at our campuses today,” the district said.
“We are grateful for our partners in law enforcement and will work hand in hand with them until we discover and hold accountable those who would threaten our campuses. Rest assured, we take all threats against our campuses very seriously and are taking appropriate precautions to protect our students and staff. We urge parents to have pointed conversations with their students about the seriousness of this type of behavior and to monitor their social media accounts. It is our intention to use every legal means at our disposal to mete out serious consequences to any person who would seek to jeopardize the safety of our schools.”
The district did not provide any additional detail, 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.
USPS Vows to Fix Cottage Hill Mail Delivery Problems
September 13, 2024
The Post Office says they are working to improve service in Cottage Hill.
Numerous residents of Cottage Hill reached out to NorthEscambia.com to complain about mail delivery problems in Cottage Hill. Residents complained about missing packages, missing paychecks, missing medications and other delivery problems. Others stated that they often would receive other peoples’ mail and then take it to them.
We contacted the the U.S. Postal Service for a response.
“The Postal Service plays an important role in the community, and we are committed to providing the best service possible. We apologize for any inconvenience that may have been experienced by our customers in Cottage Hill,” Ashley S. Holmes Mullenix, a USPS corporate communications specialist told us in an emailed statement. “Local management is aware of recent service concerns in the area and is working to resolve them. We are confident that customers should see improvements in service very soon.”
Mail delivery for Cottage Hill is handled by the Cantonment Post Office.
Mullenix said that if anyone needs assistance with mailing or shipping concerns involving the USPS, they can contact a manager or supervisor at their local post office, call or 1-800-ASK-USPS or visit them online.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Vendor Applications Being Accepted For Molino Craft Extravaganza
September 13, 2024
The Molino Mid County Historical Society is gearing up to host a Craft Extravaganza on Saturday, October 5. The event will showcase the talents of local artisans and crafters, offering a variety of handmade treasures.
From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., visitors can browse a wide selection of handcrafted items, including home decor, jewelry, walking sticks, wreaths, cups, flower arrangements, 3-D printed creations, gifts and more. Food vendors will also be on site to satisfy hungry shoppers..
The Craft Extravaganza will be held at the Molino Community Center, at 6450 Highway 95A North. For more information or to obtain a vendor application, contact the Historical Society at mmchs2000@gmail.com or (850) 587-5011. Vendor registration deadline is September 15.
Low In The 60s For Friday Night
September 13, 2024
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: A 10 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 69. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Saturday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 86. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. Calm wind.
Sunday: A chance of showers before 10am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 10am and 1pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 82. Southeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Sunday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. East wind around 5 mph.
Monday: A chance of showers before 10am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 10am and 1pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 80. East wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Monday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 81. East wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 67.
Wednesday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 83.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 66.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 86.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 66.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 86.
Meet The Tate Homecoming Court. And All the HOCO Details You Need To Know.
September 13, 2024
It’s Homecoming for the Tate High School Aggies tonight as they return back to Pete Gindl Stadium for the first time in a month.
The Senior boys and girls homecoming court members and their profiles are below.
Here’s the schedule of events:
4:45 – Ticket Gate open & ready for sales
5:50 – Band enters
6:00 – Band in stands
6:01 – Homecoming Parade begins
6:20 – Senior Boys’ Court presented on field.
6:30 – Underclassmen Court presented: Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors
- Senior Girls’ Court in position on field, introduced (name only)
6:45 – Spirit Line forms on field
7:00 – Kickoff
Halftime – The queen will be crowned and Pensacola Carriages will take the queen on a victory lap around the track.
The Tate High Homecoming Dance is Saturday, September 14 in the Fryman Gym
SENIOR GIRLS COURT
Brooke Alvare
Brooke completed the Early Childhood Academy.
She is a member of Student Council and Beta Club.
She was a Tate Varsity Cheerleader for three years.
Brooke has a 4.0 GPA.
Kayla Bailey
Kayla is captain of the Varsity Cheer team.
She’s a two-time FHSAA State Champion and NCA National champion.
She’s also a member of STUCO, Beta, and Early Childhood Academy.
Blakely Campbell
Blakely has been a member of Tate’s softball program for the last three years.
She has been a member of the J.M. Tate FFA Chapter and the Ag program all four years.
In her free time she loves to hunt, spend time in the sun, and be around her family and friends.
KJ Crow
KJ has a 4.08 GPA and has committed to Coastal Alabama to play college tennis and major in business and marketing.
She is a member of Student Council, Beta Club, Rho Kappa, National English Honors Society, Debate Club, and the World Language Club.
KJ has been a varsity starter on the tennis team since 9th grade and selected for the All Area team the past two years.
Faith Etheridge
Faith is a four-year Tate High School Cheerleader, with two years on JV and two years on Varsity.
She is an ambassador for 4EVR DEZ a local foundation helping girls find the perfect formal dress.
Faith is involved in Beta Club, Student Council, and Tate FFA.
Carlyn Ham
Carlyn has a 4.78 GPA.
She is a four-year member of Tate Softball, Student Leadership, National BETA Club, National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, and The Aggie Advanced Institute.
Carlyn enjoys spending time with her family and friends at the beach, and volunteering at The Voyage Church in her free time.
Hailey Locke
Hailey has been a member of Student Council for three years and a member of Beta Club, HOSA, Rho Kappa, SADD, S2S and World Language Club.
She has a 4.0 GPA and plans to attend Florida State University.
Hailey has been a part of the Showband of the South for four years and is currently Color Guard captain.
Caidance Peterson
Caidance has been a member of the Tate Early Childhood program for four years.
She plans to attend the University of West Florida to pursue a degree in business management and to get her license in real estate.
Her favorite color is blue.
Tristen Showalter
Tristen has played softball since she was 5-years-old.
She has been involved in FAB, SLB, Debate Club, NEHS, and Student Council.
She loves hanging out with her family and friends.
Savanna Wadsworth
Savanna has participated in competitive cheer for five years and was a Tate High School Cheerleader for two years.
She has been a member of the Early Childhood Academy for four years and the Diamond Girls.
In her free time, she enjoys going to the beach, spending time with friends and family.
Lacy Wilson
Lacy has played on the Varsity softball team since her freshman year.
She is a member of Student Council.
Her free time is spent at the beach and with family and friends.
SENIOR BOYS COURT
Marco Angel
Marco is the Tate mascot.
He plans to go to law school after high school.
Marco has been involved in Debate, Beta Club, and World Language Club.
Camden Beaty
Camden plays soccer.
He likes to hunt and fish in his spare time.
Camden loves going to the gym.
Dustin Burdette
Dustin has a 3.8 GPA.
He loves to be involved in the student section.
Dustin enjoys spending time with his family.
Trevor Hammac
Trevor is a young entrepreneur.
He wants to attend college at PSC.
Trevor enjoys traveling.
Noah Javier
Noah would like to attend FSU and go to dental school.
He can play five instruments.
Spending time with family and friends, going to the beach, and traveling are some of Noah’s favorite things to do.
Kristopher Kelley
Kristopher is a dual enrollment student with a 4.0 GPA at Pensacola State College and 4.8 at Tate
After high school he will be going to the University of Florida for pre-law or the University of Central Florida for civil engineering.
He cheers for Tate and Cheer Athletics Emerald Coast.
Jayce Latzer
Jayce is the Battalion Executive Officer and the Megaball Captain in the Aggie Battalion.
He is the student director of the Multimedia Academy.
He has placed first in the District 1 Competition for Digital Media Production with FBLA.
Aiden Maher
Aiden has a 4.1 GPA and is the district president and school president of FBLA.
In his free time, he works at a local daycare, practices MMA, and weightlifts.
Aiden plans to attend USA, studying to go into the technology part of medicine.
Xander Manoso
Xander wrestled one year and has played basketball for three.
After graduating he plans on studying to become a pilot and fly for an airline.
Xander’s GPA is 3.4 and his favorite subject is history.
Dillon Shelton
Dillon has played soccer his entire life.
He has a 3.0 GPA.
Dillon loves spending time with his family and friends.
Nico White
Nico is in his fourth year of the Multimedia Academy at Tate and has earned many certificates.
He wants to attend UCF for graphic design.
Nico has a 4.0 GPA and is a member of FBLA.
Student biographies provided by the students via Tate High School.
Here Is Friday Night’s High School Football Schedule
September 13, 2024
Here is this week’s high school Friday night football schedule, and a few Thursday night scores.
All games are at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted.
FLORIDA
Milton at Tate
Central at Northview
Baker at Jay
West Florida at Walton
Bay at Escambia
Choctaw at Pine Forest
Gulf Breeze at Pace, 7:30
Pensacola at Destin
Pensacola Catholic at Montgomery (AL) Catholic
Washington Fort 22, Walton Beach 0 (Thurs)
Mosley 30, Navarre 0 (Thurs)
ALABAMA
T.R. Miller at Flomaton
Mobile Christian at Escambia County
W.S. Neal at Orange Beach
Pictured: The Tate Aggies defeated Pine Forest in Jamboree game earlier this year. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Escambia County Elementary Schools Hold Open House Events
September 13, 2024
Elementary school open house events were held this week in the Escambia County Public School district. Pictured: Open House Thursday evening at Bratt and Lipscomb elementary schools. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Northview Chiefs Edge Hoboes in Three Set Battle (With Gallery)
September 13, 2024
The Norview Chiefs defeated the Hoboes of Laurel Hill in three sets Thursday evening on their home court in Bratt.
The Chiefs took the first set by a score of 25-20. The Chiefs secured a 25-21 victory in the second., and Northview took the third set 25-23.
For a photo gallery, click here.
The Chiefs will travel to Laurel Hill for a rematch with the Hoboes on Thursday, September 19.
The Northview Chiefs will host the Escambia Gators on Monday at and J.U. Blacksher Bulldogs on Tuesday. All of next week’s games will begin at 5:00.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Biscuits Blast Past Blue Wahoos For Twinbill Sweep And Second-Half Crown
September 13, 2024
written by Bill Vilona
After fringes of a hurricane interrupted this final homestand, the Blue Wahoos returned Thursday and were hit with a power surge.
The Montgomery Biscuits blasted five home runs, including four by different players in the first game and a big first-inning blast in the nightcap, to sweep a doubleheader with 10-3 and 4-3 wins that clinched a second-half division crown and eliminated the Blue Wahoos from playoff contention.
Following the game, the Biscuits (80-54 overall, 40-25 in second half) celebrated in the visitors’ dugout with a variety of beverage sprays and chugs of beer.
Their playoff opponent in the Southern League divisional series next week will likely be the Biloxi Shuckers, who led late in their Thursday game over the Mississippi Braves with a magic number of one.
For the Blue Wahoos (68-65 overall, 30-35 in second half), it’s the first time they’ve missed the playoffs since 2021.
They faced long odds this week, needing to win at least five games against a Montgomery team loaded with nine of the top 10 prospects in the Tampa Bay Rays minor league system.
Following Wednesday’s postponement – the first time the Blue Wahoos were forced to postpone a home game in two years — the Biscuits’ dual wins in two seven-inning games at Blue Wahoos Stadium continued a season trend. The weather Thursday turned sunny with a wind blowing out to left field and the Biscuits took full advantage.
They are now 19-8 this season against the Blue Wahoos. They’ve won all three games so far this week heading into the final weekend of the regular season.
The first game Thursday had the Biscuits holding a 3-1 lead into the fifth inning. The Blue Wahoos scored the game’s first run on newcomer Kemp Alderman’s second inning homer.
But in the sixth, the Biscuits got a pair of runs against Blue Wahoos reliever Chandler Jozwiak, then walloped three homers in the seventh against relievers Josh Ekness and Josh White in a five-run rally that blew open the game.
In Game 2, Montgomery shortstop Carson Williams, the No. 2 rated prospect in the Tampa Bay Rays organization, hit a three-run homer off starter Jacob Miller. The Biscuits then made it 4-0 in the second after Jalen Battles reached on an error, then scored on Williams’ RBI single.
The Blue Wahoos halved the deficit on Johnny Olmstead’s two-run homer in the fourth inning. They added another on Andrew Pintar’s RBI double in the fifth inning, but left the bases loaded with one out in a sequence that proved decisive.
The Blue Wahoos did not get a base runner in the final two innings against the Biscuits bullpen.
These losses dropped the Blue Wahoos to a losing home record (32-34) this season. They have not won a six-game home series since the first week of June.
They will now try to get a win Friday in the fourth game of the series with righthander Tristian Stevens (2-3, 3.98 ERA) on the mound.
WANT TO GO?
WHO: Montgomery Biscuits vs. Blue Wahoos
WHEN: Friday, 6:05 p.m.
WHERE: BlueWahoos Stadium
Man Sentenced Gets 30 Years For Exposing Himself To Kids Inside Davis Hwy. Business
September 13, 2024
An Escambia County man has been sentenced to 30 years is state prison and labeled as a sexual predator for exposing himself to two children at a Davis Highway business earlier this year.
Christopher Scott Steele, now 45, was sentenced by Circuit Court Judge John Simon. Steele pleaded guilty to two counts of lewd or lascivious exhibition in the presence of a victim under age 16.
Prosecutors said Steele was inside BJs Wholesale Club when he exposed his genitals to two minor children in a lewd manner. He was arrested a short time later by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
“Steele was convicted of a sex related offense in 2003 in the State of Alabama. After moving to Florida, this defendant has been in and out of state prison over the last twenty years for failure to follow sex offender registration laws. Steele has shown a blatant disregard for the laws of this State and this sentence will help protect the community and children in the future,” Carrie Gilmer, prosecuting attorney, said in a statement.