Tate High School Names The Top Of The Class Of 2018
May 23, 2018
Tate High School has named their honors graduates for the Class of 2018.
Valedictorian is Mollie Jean Anderson, and salutatorian is Rosemary Virginia Smyth (biographies below).
The Top Ten Percent honors graduates are as follows:
- Mollie Jean Anderson
- Rosemary Virginia Smyth
- Matthew Gordon Blalock
- Ashlyn Brooke Adams
- Seth Tyler Godwin
- Hannah Marie Huggins
- Victoria Caroline Kelson
- Hunter Scott Welch
- Nathaniel Allen Walker
- Shelby Melissa Jackson
- Dylan Charles Brown
- Riley Katherine Orr
- Emma Katherine Grissom
- Maurice Vonsha Hendricks
- Madisyn Maelynn Mitchell
- Allison Nicole Payne
- Brandon Michael White
- Ethan Andrew Hayes
- Tyler Jacob Kintz
- Thomas George Young
- Jolie Rebecca Wise
- Sydni Michael Solliday
- Virginia Leigh Vaughan
- Jodie Katherine Clanton
- Elise Gabrielle Felt
- Nicole Lauren Woods
- Prestina Gail Sullivan
- Joshua Nathanael Perdue
- Kaitlyn Nicole Mcconkey
- Kinsey Allison Gill
- Jonathan Thomas Creek
- Sarah Lindsey Washler
- Camryn Brooke Daniels
- Matthew Allen Sharpsteen
- Samuel Lee Peterson
- Ulysses Enrique Silguero
- Daniel Wolff Hughes
- Hannah Elizabeth Wellenkamp
- Lathan David Lee
- Kelsey Leighann Strength
- Carley Marie Pope
- Arial Elizabeth Hill
- Josiah Michael Little
- Olivia Jacquelin Brown
- Jade Minori Edmonds
- Sean Benton Rollins
- Margaret Kathleen Pearce
- Miranda Christine Avery
- Trevor Logan Wiggins
- Nathan Christopher Tubbs
- Johnathon Kennedy Roy
Valedictorian – Mollie Jean Anderson
Final GPA: 5.4
Mollie is the daughter of Mrs. Cheryl Anderson and the late Mark Anderson. She is the president of Tate’s National Science Honor Society and is a member of the National Technical, National English, Mu Alpha Theta (Mathematics), and National Honor Societies. For all four years, she was a competitive member of Tate’s Academic Team. This year, she also competed in this year’s Spanish Competition in Orlando. Mollie has also been selected on the 2018 Tate Hall of Fame. For community service, Mollie has volunteered over 170 hours for numerous school activities, the Hadji Shrine Haunted House, various Academic Team tournaments, and various events for the Roy Hyatt Environmental Center.
In the fall, Mollie will be attending the University of Florida to major in biology or molecular biology and also biochemistry. She plans to participate in medical research and eventually apply to medical school to become a physician. In 2016, Mollie’s father passed away from cancer, and since then, it has been her goal to become a doctor.
Mollie has received the following local scholarships:
- Buona Fortuna (Sons & Daughters of Italy in America) Scholarship
- Boardwalk Pipeline Partners, LP Scholarship
- Pensacola Heritage Foundation Scholarship
- Northwest Florida Gator Club Scholarship
- Autumn Beck Blackledge Female Entrepreneur Scholarship
Salutatorian – Rosemary Virginia Smyth
Final GPA: 5.25
Rosemary is the daughter of Patrick and Winona Smyth. She is president of Tate’s National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta (Mathematics) Honor Society. While also a vice president of the National Technical Honor Society, she is a member of the National English, Science and Rho Kappa (Social Studies) Honor Societies. She also serves as president of Tate’s Service Club: the Community Care Givers. She is a 4-year member of Tate’s Veterinary Science Academy, and numerous volunteer hours with local veterinary clinics, she has completed her certification as a veterinary technician.
In the fall, Rosemary will attend the University of Alabama to study environmental science. She received the Presidential Scholarship and will receive $12,500 each semester for four years, up to $100,000.
Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Students Can Now Ride ECAT Buses For Free
May 23, 2018
Escambia County public school students can now ride all ECAT buses and trolleys for free.
Students grades K-12 are now able to use their county-issued student library cards as a free bus pass year round.
In addition, Escambia County Area Transit’s Summer Wheels Youth Pass Program and free Pensacola Beach trolley season will launch Memorial Day weekend and run through Labor Day weekend.
The ECAT Summer Wheels Youth Pass Program will include free, unlimited rides for Summer Wheels Pass holders, ages 18 and under, from Memorial Day, May 28, through Labor Day, Sept. 3.
During last year’s Summer Wheels Youth Pass Program, 781 individuals were issued passes and 9,968 trips were taken. The free bus programs provide youth with the opportunity to explore Pensacola, travel to summer jobs, visit all county libraries and participate in summer camps. ECAT also offers free training for those who are new to the bus system to help read the Ride Guide, plan trips, and review safety.
The free Pensacola Beach Trolley service is funded through the Santa Rosa Island Authority and open to riders of all ages from Friday, May 25 through Labor Day weekend. The trolleys will run seven days a week, from 4 p.m. to midnight. The trolley has 35 stops along the beach, from the Fort Pickens gate to Portofino Island Resort.
To print the Summer Wheels Pass online and to view complete application details, click here (not necessary for Escambia County students with a county-issued library card).
Century Mayor Wants Security Cameras At Town Hall, Parks, Town Shop
May 23, 2018
Century Mayor Henry Hawkins wants to install security cameras at several town properties.
Hawkins presented the town council with a proposal from Security Center USA in Jacksonville for about $700 per month under a 36 month lease purchase with a $1 buyout.
The proposal includes eight HD cameras at town hall and the Nadine McCaw Park, seven HD cameras at maintenance shop on Alger Road and Showalter Park, and three HD cameras at the water treatment plant. Installation, video recorders, streaming, accessories and monitoring are included.
The council took no action on the proposal.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Overall Crime Down In Escambia County
May 23, 2018
The overall crime rate in Escambia County is down, according to a Uniform Crime Report released Tuesday by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
Escambia County’s overall crime rate was down 4.8 percent for the year, compared to 6 percent for the entire state.
Escambia County had 19 murders in 2016 and 2017. There was an increase in the number rapes ) and burglaries , while Escambia County reported a drop in the number of robberies, aggravated assaults, larcenies and vehicle thefts.
The countywide report covers crimes investigated by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, the Pensacola Police Department and other agencies.
Escambia County Crime Report
UP from 2016-2017
- Rape: 188 to 209
- Burglary: 1,978 to 2,004
DOWN from 2016-2017
- Robbery: 373 to 307
- Aggravated Assault: 1,400 to 1,198
- Larceny: 7,767 to 7628
- Vehicle Theft: 655 to 556
Bratt Elementary Names Students Of The Month
May 23, 2018
The following students were named Students of the Month for May at Bratt Elementary School.
Pre-K
Dillan Stuart
Myles Sellers
Kindergarten
Chloe McCann
Bentley Lowery
Zoey Davidson
Bella Walker
Bailey Campbell
First Grade
Javan Thompson
Kaedyn Eady
Mya McCants
Jamileon Syria
Second Grade
Jackson Sellers
Annabella Keen
Zachary Flowers
Tyler Amerson
Third Grade
Presley Amos
Khloe Mason
Savannah Lowry
Fourth Grade
Kailey Hawkins
Allison Flowers
Jordan Dawson
Joseph Hardenbrook
Fifth Grade
Cole Hughes
Jamison Gilman
Ashkia Weaver
Makayla Sells
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Proposed Special Session On School Funding Appears Dead
May 23, 2018
With Republicans lining up in opposition, a Democratic attempt to spur a special legislative session on education funding appeared dead Tuesday.
After a request by Democrats triggered the process, lawmakers are being polled this week about whether they want to hold a special session. Three-fifths of the members of each Republican-dominated chamber must support the request for a special session to be held. For the House, that means support from at least 70 of the current 117 members.
The Senate needs 23 yes votes from the current 39 members. But the Department of State released results late Tuesday afternoon that showed 52 House members opposed to a special session and 36 in favor. Even if supporters could round up the remaining 29 votes — which is highly unlikely — they would fall short of the 70 votes needed in the House to hold a session.
In the Senate, 11 Democrats had supported holding a session, while nine Republicans had opposed it. Lawmakers have until noon Thursday to vote.
by The News Service of Florida
Atmore Walmart Cutting Hours
May 23, 2018
The Atmore Walmart Supercenter is cutting hours and will no longer be open 24 hours per day. Beginning Saturday, June 2, the store’s hours will be 6 a.m. until 1 a.m..
“These changes are being made because we’re continually looking at how we can best serve our customers. Based on a recent review of shopping patterns at our Atmore store, we are adjusting hours and reallocating resources to better serve our customers during peak shopping hours,” Casey Staheli, senior manager of national media relations for Walmart, told NorthEscambia.com.
The Atmore store was a smaller, prototype Supercenter. At 69,197 square feet, Atmore’s Walmart is about one-third the size of a larger Supercenter. By comparison, the Walmart SuperCenter on Highway 29 in Ensley comes in at 215,599 square feet, not counting the garden center and patio.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Deputy Forms Special Bond With Students, Completes SRO Program
May 23, 2018
An Escambia County deputy has found a new passion as a school resource officer.
In March the Escambia County School Board approved funding for school resource officers and armed private security in all traditional schools in the county. Deputy J. Caraway has been working a day or two a week at Pine Meadow Elementary.
But according to the Escambia County School District, he enjoyed it enough to complete school resource officer training.
Mrs. Lassiter’s kindergarten class at Pine Meadow Elementary School made a special connection with him because he says he had more questions about law enforcement from this group of students than any others. So, he decided to treat them to a special lunch, pizza, and he arranged for a special visit from a K-9 officer.
Early Morning Fire Closes Escambia County Taco Shop Named One Of The Best In USA
May 22, 2018
An Escambia County taco shop named one of the best in the country caught fire early Tuesday morning and is now closed for the time being.
The fire at Taqueria El Asador behind a Shell station on North Davis Highway at I-10 was reported at 3:41 a.m. Firefighters arrived moments later and found smoke coming from the roof. They were able to enter the building and quickly extinguish the fire.
In a social media post, the restaurant stated: “We are sad to inform you we will be CLOSED until further notice, due to a fire caused by an electronic malfunction. We are already working hard to open again soon. We will keep you informed, a look forward to serving you once again! Thanks for understanding.”
About a year ago, Business Insider and Yelp named Taqueria El Asador number four on their list of “The 50 best taco joints in America”.
Former Century Correctional Officer Charged With Stealing Drugs From Evidence Locker
May 22, 2018
A former correctional officer was recently arrested for allegedly stealing drugs from the work camp at Century Correctional Institution.
The Florida Department of Corrections Office of Inspector General charged 26-year old Joshua Vann Harrell with felony theft and tampering with evidence. Harrell is accused of taking “K2″ synthetic marijuana from an evidence locker.
The state says Harrell requested a sergeant open an evidence locker inside the Century Correctional Institution Work Camp, saying he needed to make sure he signed an evidence sheet or make sure a piece of evidence was signed. The sergeant complied before stepping away to answer a control room phone. She observed Harrell place his right hand into his pocket, but did not observe anything in his hand, according to a warrant affidavit. He returned to his post duty on the facility’s perimeter.
Officers reported finding a chain of custody form on the seat of the post vehicle used by Harrell, and they reported finding an evidence bag on top of a trash can located along the perimeter road.
The same day, another officer reported observing Harrell “wobble into the restroom” and become sick multiple times.
According to court documents, investigators determined that “K-2″ taken from an inmate was missing from the evidence locker.
He was released from the Escambia County Jail on $7,500 bond. The alleged incident occurred in September 2017. The arrest warrant was issued in March 2018 and recently served.
Harrell resigned on September 23, 2017, according to Patrick Manderfield, press secretary for the Florida Department of Corrections.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.