Inspirational Student Hero Awards Presented
May 11, 2019
The annual Cox Inspirational Student Hero Awards were presented to 52 Escambia County students.
“These students have overcome so much in their young lives while maintaining positive attitudes and being a joy for those around them,” said Gulf Coast Market vice president David Deliman. “They deserve their time in the spotlight for being such an inspiration to us all.”
The students were chosen by a committee of leaders at their school, due to their resilience in the face of adversity. Whether they have overcome a loss of a family member, medical issue, difficult family situation or other hardship, they did so with a smile on their face and continued to encourage and inspire others around them.
During the event, Cox presented the students with a personalized engraved medallion and certificates of honor. The students were also presented with certificates of achievement from Congressman Matt Gaetz and State Senator Doug Broxson.
The award recipients were:
A.K. Suter Elementary – Joseph Thomason
Bellview Elementary – Rebecca Dortch
Bellview Middle – Tex Jones
Beulah Elementary – Ashton Young
Beulah Middle – Jacob Botsford
Blue Angels Elementary – Morgan “Brinlee” Bennett
Bratt Elementary – Reece Starns
Brentwood Elementary – Alisha Straughn
Brown Barge Middle – Gary Lee, Jr.
Byrneville Elementary – Emily Carter
Camelot Academy – Linda Bruster
Cordova Park Elementary – Lula Wilson
Ensley Elementary – Alexander Patrick
Ernest Ward Middle – Olivia Bush
Escambia High – Bethaney Griffin
Ferry Pass Elementary – Alexa Mendoza
Ferry Pass Middle – Cele Leigh Hernandez Mendoza
Global Learning Academy – Gabriel Johnson
Hellen Caro Elementary – Sarah Stearns
Holm Elementary – Jai’Juan “JJ” McBride
Jim Allen Elementary – Coy Jenkins
Jim Bailey Middle – Roy Pettaway
Kingsfield Elementary – Leonardo “Leo” Rincon
Lakeview Day Support – Aine Kellett
Lincoln Park Primary – Jamarcus McKay
Lipscomb Elementary – Ronan Potter
Longleaf Elementary – Diamond Jenkins
McArthur Elementary – James Silvestre
Molino Park Elementary – Aryanna Smith
Montclair Elementary – Makiyah McMillian
Myrtle Grove Elementary – Eric Dennard
N.B. Cook Elementary – Ava Nelson
Navy Point Elementary – Ariana Seymour
Northview High – Cade Allen
O.J. Semmes Elementary – Connor Roper
Oakcrest Elementary – Nick Spencer
PACE Center for Girls – Eve Warnock
Pensacola High – Lakeisha King
Pine Forest High – Christopher “Chris” Bush
Pine Meadow Elementary – Nicolas Fayard
Pleasant Grove Elementary – Shyla Williams
Ransom Middle – Mia Portis
Scenic Heights Elementary – Zameena Harper
Sherwood Elementary – Nathan Horn
Tate High – Ezekiel “Zeke” Goodwin
Warrington Elementary – Kamoni Brown
Warrington Middle – Kaleb Hart
Washington High – Jaelen Moorer
Weis Elementary – Alishia Anderson
West Florida High – Chris Lee
West Pensacola Elementary – Zachary Krusen
Workman Middle – Jorge Gomez
EMS Report Finds North Escambia Problem, Commission Discusses Solutions
May 10, 2019
An ombudsman report on Escambia County Public Safety found an issue with ambulance service in part of the North Escambia area, and that led commissioners to discuss future funding during a Thursday meeting.
As part of her findings, Janice Kilgore told commissioners that there is often a coverage problem because ambulances are pulled away to calls further south in the county.
Kilgore said that if, for instance, the ambulance stationed in Century transports a patient to a Pensacola hospital, they may get diverted to calls in the south end of the county before they make it back to Century.
“They get stuck here, now they are the closest unit to that call maybe out on Nine Mile Road. So it takes a while for them to get back in the area, so that has a coverage problem in the north end ,” she told the commission.
District 5 Commissioner Barry said he has discussed the issue with several North Escambia volunteer fire chiefs and understands the issue will need discussion and attention in the upcoming budget.
“We get one (ambulance) down here, and it gets stuck down here. And then if there’s a call made, there’s not another one within a number of miles,” Barry said. “The utilization of the assets does need some attention up there.”
“I totally respect what you are saying there that the citizens in your district and the north part of Jeff’s (Bergosh), they are not getting the services that they are paying for,” Commissioner Doug Underhill said. “And I will be cognizant of that as we run through the budget cycle.”
Barry said that the volunteer fire service is his District 5 are “relatively healthy”.
“The citizens are being covered. It’s that we haven’t had a tremendous amount of the new employee staff or the new career firefighters have not been deployed in those stations,” Barry said. “But we still do have healthy volunteers, and it’s a fantastic asset to the entire county in my opinion having those volunteers in a number of the stations.”
Commissioner said a plan is in the works to build a new Beulah fire station in District 1.
“I just want the citizens out there to know that you do have dedicated fire coverage out there,” Bergosh said. “It’s all volunteer, Station 2. And God bless those men that volunteer their time.” In addition, he said the area receives assistance from neighboring fire stations.
“There’s coverage out there. Is there things we need to do to fix it and make it better? Absolutely,” Begosh added. “For my vote it’s not going to be a knee jerk, let’s raise tax rates on existing property owners until we extinguish every other possibility, including being creative and combining EMS with Fire together and looking at all revenue sources including capital purchases and making those with the intelligent funding source which is Local Options Sales Tax, not EMS reserves….I’m not going to raise people’s tax rates.”
Thursday’s discussion was part of a larger EMS report presented to the commission. Click here for a previous story.
Pictured: An Escambia County EMS ambulance at the Walnut Hill Fire Station. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Remains Of Missing WWII Pilot Returned Home (With Photo Gallery)
May 10, 2019
The recently identified remains of Army pilot killed in World War II were returned to Pensacola Thursday afternoon on their way to a proper burial.
Army Air Forces 2nd Lt. Walter B. Stone of Andalusia, AL, was killed in 1943. Several of his relatives reside in North Escambia.
His remains were flown into the Pensacola International Airport on Thursday and escorted to his hometown for a funeral service on Saturday.
In October 1943, Stone served as a pilot in the 350th Fighter Squadron, 353rd Fighter Group, VIII U.S. Fighter Command. On Oct. 22, 1943, Stone was killed when his P-47 Thunderbolt aircraft crashed in northern France during a bomber escort mission. Because France was enemy-occupied territory at the time of the crash, search and recovery operations were not possible.
In 1990, a French excavation group, called Association Maurice Choron (AMC,) carried out a limited excavation of the site in the forest near La Wattine, France, where Stone was believed to have crashed. Aircraft wreckage that matched Stone’s aircraft was located and a field investigation was recommended.
In April and May 2017, a DPAA Recovery Team excavated a site based on information from a local resident. During the excavation, an identification tag for Stone was located, as well as remains. The remains were sent to the laboratory for identification.
In 2018, in a contract with the University of Wisconsin, the site excavation was completed, with additional remains consolidated with the previously located remains. He was officially accounted for on February 20, 2019.
Funeral services for the veteran will take place Saturday at Pleasant Home Baptist Church in Andalusia, Alabama.
Pictured: The remains of WWII Army pilot Lt. Walter B. Stone arrived at the Pensacola International Airport Thursday afternoon. NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Rotary Academic All-Stars Named
May 10, 2019
The Atmore Rotary Club recognized 146 area high school students as Academic All-Stars Thursday night.
The Academic All-Star program is open to students who attend Northview High School, Atmore Christian School, Escambia County High School or Escambia Academy. To be named an Academic All-Star, a student must have maintained at least a B average in every subject for each grading period of the school year, with at least one A for each grading period.
Those who have maintained this status from the 9th through the 12th grades, were honored as Four-Year Academic All-Stars and received a scholarship. The program excludes Northview students that are full-time dual enrolled.
Those honored as Atmore Rotary Club Academic All Stars were:
(Four-Year Academic All-Stars are denoted with an asterisk.)
Northview High School
9th Grade
Anna Faith Adams
John Blake Bashore
Lakyn Makenna Bodiford
Hunter Shane Borelli
Nevaeh Skye Brown
Tereasia Siamone Burt
Shelby Nicole Cotita
Olivia Elizabeth Crews
Miyhanna Patrice Davidson
Weslyn Elizabeth Dunn
Kaitlin Hope Gafford
Jason Zane Gurganus
Grayson Elizabeth James
Ethan Riley Kilburn
Taylor Lynn Levins
Kileigh Rai Lundy
Taylor Elaine McMinn
Logan Christopher Misenar
Makayla Shana Ramsey
Benjamin Charles Rowinsky
Sarah Jane Sconiers
Mia Rain Starns
10th Grade
Maggie Lauren Amerson
Hailie Marie Anderson
Naudia Briana-Nicole Carach
Staci Brianna Colter
Sophia Danielle Cotita
Savannah Corrinn Doremus
Alexis Madison Fleming
Amber Marie Gilman
Leia Madison Grantham
Hailey Nicole Harigel
Hannah Elizabeth Hughes
Rylee Evan Huskey
Maille Viola Kilcrease
Heather Lashea Knowles
Bryce Garrett Korinchak
David Allen Lamb
Abigail Lynn Levins
Meredith McKinley McGhee
Mary Paige Nassar
Abigail Elise Nelson
Libby Shay Pugh
Jalexis Sy’Rai Robinson
Michael Jerome Sanders
Madelin Michael Sheedy
Emily Grace Stabler
Summer Marie Waters
Autumn Hope Williams
William Lane Wilson
11th Grade
Addison Claire Albritton
William Milton Beach
Emily Grace Boutwell
Kelley Elizabeth Bradley
Keaton Adam Brown
Logan Alexander Brown
Lacie Elizabeth Carter
Karlee’ Nicole Criswell
Jason Nikijha Fayard
Jordan Skylar Godwin
Ragan Nicole Lassiter
Ansleigh Marie Maholovich
Kayla Marie McKillion
Kelli Shania Merchant
Charleigh Elaine Parham
Brianna Elizabeth Pugh
Kinzie Brooke Rackard
Samantha Lynn Sasser
Cloe Madison Smith
Savannah Nicole Steadham
Elana Marie Ward
Chunqi Yang
12th Grade
Austin Joshua Adams
Justin Alan Cruce
Rebecca Nicole Dunn
Dalton Dewayne Hamilton *
Keegun Patrick Johnston
Seth Hammac Killam *
Gabrielle Faith Nicole Kline
Margaret Alexander Lane
Aubree Grace Love
Jessie Hayden McCall
Lance Taylor McLaughlin
Olivia Grace Porter
Madison Alyssa Sherouse
Travis Lee Sutton
Aaliyah Raquel Tucker
Atmore Christian School
9th Grade
Caeden Battles
10th Grade
Micah Mast
Emma Overstreet
Megan Wilson
11th Grade
Lylia Albritton
Jace Weber
12th Grade
Kyle Hostetler *
Escambia Academy
9th Grade
Brady Howell
Christopher Long
10th Grade
Daughtry McGhee
Avery Mims
Disha Patel
11th Grade
Chase Bell
Anna Ruth Smith
Gaines Tanner
12th Grade
Kaile Gumapac
Lexie Hollinger *
Mary Thompson Lancaster *
Kiah Parker
Sara Rolin
Emma Caroline Sasser
Escambia County High School
9th Grade
Taniyah Etheridge
TyQueria Evans
Zakiyyah Ford
Racquel Knight
Vanaja McCants
Rachel Redmond
Aniyah Stots
Sheldon Williams
Jykeria Wilson
10th Grade
Destiny Brown
Nadija Graves
Jamarcus Leslie
Breanna McGowan
Madison Simmons
Mia Simmons
11th Grade
Jada Johnson
Kayley Johnson
Divyaben Patel
Amber Phillips
Joshua Richardson
Kylee Stancil
Brenna Watson
Ladarious Wilson
12th Grade
Khalil Askew
Cortez Finklea
Deondre Freeman
Darrica James
Christiara Jones *
Anaya Montgomery
Darriona Nichols
Latrice Pryear
Jasmine Rivers
Johnika Roberts *
Mardaizah Salter
Arianna Silar
Olivia Simmons *
Adonis Williams *
Luerensley Williams
None Of Rep. Mike Hill’s Bills Pass The Florida House
May 10, 2019
None of the bills sponsored by State Rep. Mike Hill passed the Florida House this session.
Hill, who represents North Escambia, sponsored nine bills.
A tobacco products bill would have prohibited the sale of flavored tobacco products, including products used in e-cigarettes, in retail location unless people under 18 where not allowed in the buildings. The bill was reported unfavorable by Government Operations & Technology Appropriations Subcommittee.
Hill’s firearms bill was withdrawn prior to introduction. It would have repealed all of the gun control measures that were passed after the Marjory Douglas Stoneman High School massacre.
Seven other bills by Hill were indefinitely postponed and withdrawn from consideration – including bills prohibiting abortions if a fetal heartbeat was detected, requiring the notification of parents in advance of classes that would include sex education, and protecting war memorials and monuments, including Civil War monuments.
A bill that would have provided $4.1 million to pave parking lots and roads at Pensacola State College also failed.
Century Correctional Officer Assaulted By Inmate
May 10, 2019
A correctional officer was recently assaulted at Century Correctional Institution, according to information just released by the Florida Department of Corrections.
Last week, inmate Ricardo Glasco assaulted an officer. according to the FDC. At about 10:10 p.m., Glasco became combative and staff responded appropriately. While the inmate was being subdued, he tackled an officer to the ground. Medical staff examined the officer and noted injuries.
The FDC said Glasco will receive a disciplinary report for the assault.
Glasco remains at Century CI serving an 11 year sentence for numerous drug and weapon convictions in 2012 from Brevard County.
Ombudsman Presents Public Safety Report To Escambia Commission
May 9, 2019
An ombudsman report into Escambia County Public Safety was presented to the Escambia County Commission Thursday morning.
Janice Kilgore began work on the report on April 17 and interviewed over 50 people including public safety employees, county administration and volunteer fire chiefs.
Her findings dealt mostly with issues like funding and staffing and did not include the state investigation into possible wrongdoings with Escambia EMS since that inquiry has not concluded.
Kilgore said the union vote of no confidence on now-resigned public safety director Mike Weaver was because Weaver was not adequately representing the department to the county and its citizens.
“No just one person caused this problem, and no just one person can fix this problem,” she said.
Kilgore said 8 to 10-year old policies and a lack of funding are major talking points that need to be addressed.
Her report said the county needs to improve coordination between fire and EMS divisions, use the workforce more effectively and improve training. There has been no medical training since October 2018, a public safety fire training facility is needed and training needs to be more skills based and hands on.
Kilgore’s report also found a multi-year vehicle replacement program is needed, EMS coverage in North Escambia needs to be improved and the department’s public image needs addressing.
Commissioners said many of the issues will need to be addressed during the preparation of the county’s next budget.
Interim County Administrator Amy Lovoy appointed Kilgore as an ombudsman after Weaver’s resignation. She worked for the county for 36 years, moving from a clerk for the Santa Rosa Island Authority to county Emergency Preparedness head. She was named Public Safety director when the position was created in 1997.
Coughlin Named Acting County Administrator Until July 1
May 9, 2019
The Escambia County Commission has voted to appoint Matt Coughlin as acting county administrator for a few weeks.
Interim County Administrator Amy Lovoy departs today, May 9, and Janice Gilley won’t begin as the new administrator until July 1.
Coughlin, who had already submitted his resignation, has agreed to change his departure date and serve as the acting administrator until July 1.
In his resignation letter, Coughlin thanked former County Administrator Jack Brown, Interim Administrator Amy Lovoy, County Attorney Alison Rogers and department directors before writing “Regrettably, today in Escambia County there is neither the ability or willingness to rise to the occasion and lead together. Rather, those with the capability to help reverse this downward progression have resorted to tribalism. Its effects are pervasive and wide ranging. Unfortunately, along the way, our mission has become a failure and our citizens have become the casualty.”
In addition to Coughlin and Lovoy, Public Safety Director Mike Weaver, Fire Chief Rusty Nail and Human Resources Director Erik Kleinert have all resigned in recent weeks.
Century Man Charged With Mistreating Nine Dogs
May 9, 2019
A Century man is facing multiple animal cruelty charges.
Melvin Manuel, 34, was charged with nine counts of unlawful confinement or abandonment of animals.
Escambia County Animal Control responded to his residence on Hilltop Road where they found nine dogs being kept improperly on chains and in pens filled with feces and urine, according their report. All of the available water on the property was filled with algae and non-potable.
The dogs had fresh wounds and scars and were unlicensed and unvaccinated, according to court documents.
The ribs and spines of two dogs were visible from a distance, and a puppy was in a pen filled with feces and urine, animal control reported.
All of the dogs were seized and taken to the Escambia County Animal Shelter.
Century Man Charged With Battery Of His Mother And Grandmother
May 9, 2019
A Century man has been charged with the alleged battery of his mother and his 79-year old grandmother.
Emanuel Rabun Bethea, 33, was charged with felony battery of a person 65-years of age or older and misdemeanor battery.
The victim told deputies Bethea grabbed her by her face and twisted it, according to arrest report. She said she and Bethea were arguing when he grabbed her, and then shove his mother when she attempted to intervene. The grandmother stated to deputies that she believed Bethea was using drugs again, the report states.
Bethea, according to his arrest report, told deputies that he did not batter either person, and they suffer from mental issues.
Bethea was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $7,500 bond.