Herrington Throws Shutout As Chiefs Beat Escambia Academy (With Gallery)
March 11, 2017
Tori Herrington threw a shutout as the Northview Chiefs beat Escambia Academy (Atmore, AL) 10-0 Friday night in Bratt.
Herrington allowed just three hits, no runs, had no errors and recorded 11 strikeouts. At the plate, Herrington was 1-3, with one run and one RBI.
For Northview: Jamia Newton 2-4, 2R; Kendall Enfinger 2-3, 3R; Aubrey Love 2-3, 3 RBI; Peighton Dortch 1-2; Alana Brown 1-3, R; Valen Shelly 3-3, 2R, RBI; Lydia Smith 2-3; RBI; Tieranna Redmond 2-4, 2RBI.
The Lady Chiefs will travel to Jay on Tuesday — varsity at 6:00, JV at 4:00.
For a photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Tate Remains Undefeated With 4-3 Win Over Milton
March 11, 2017
Tate 4, Milton 3
Belle Wolfenden had three RBI’s as the Tate Aggies beat Milton at home Friday night 4-3.
In a complete game on the mound, Hannah Brown allowed just four runs, had two errors, walked to and had five strikeouts for the Aggies.
Hitting for Tate: Hayden Lindsey 2-3, 2R, RBI, 2B; Belle Wolfenden 2-3, 3 RBI; Kayleigh Cawthorn 1-3, R. Hannah Brown 1-2; Sydni Solliday 1-3.
The Aggies remain undefeated — 8-3 overall, 4-0 in district. Tate will host Pace on Tuesday.
Tate 5, Milton 0 (JV)
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Pine Forest Beats Tate; Northview Tops Freeport
March 11, 2017
Pine Forest 7, Tate 2
The Pine Forest Eagles defeated the Tate Aggies Friday night 7-2.
Tate was unable to recover as Pine Forest took a 2-0 lead in the second inning and added another unanswered runs in the third. Mason Land drove in two runs for the Aggies in the fifth.
For Tate: Mason Land 1-4, 2RBI, 2B; Hunter NeSmit 2-3; Ryan Green, 2-3, R; Jesse Sherrill 1-3, R.
Tate 12, Pine Forest 1 (JV)
Tate 4, Gulf Breeze 3 (9th)
Northview 10, Freeport 8
The Northview Chiefs took the lead with four runs in the seventh to defeat Freeport 10-8 on the road Friday night.
For Northview: Quinton Sampson 2-3, 2R, RBI; Josh Neese 1-4, R; Josh Chivington 2-4, 2B, R; Zach Payne 2R; Seth Killam 2-2, R; 2RBI; Blake Reid R; Daniel Macaro R; Devin Stabler R; Josh Smith RBI.
Up next: Northview travels to W.S. Neal on Monday.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Navy Federal Named To Fortune’s 100 Best Companies To Work For List
March 10, 2017
For the seventh year, Navy Federal Credit Union has been selected as a Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For.
“Navy Federal is an outstanding place for a career,” said Cutler Dawson, president/CEO of Navy Federal. “We believe that employees should come first in any organization. Creating a work environment where people can learn, prosper and grow while being part of a team they believe in is what a great place to work is all about.”
As part of Navy Federal’s recognition, Fortune noted that 95 percent of Navy Federal employees say they feel good about the ways Navy Federal contributes to the community, and 92 percent of team members feel a sense of pride in their accomplishments.
“Our goal is exceptional member service and experience. This is possible with motivated employees. It is all about our team members. They deserve a great place to work,” Dawson added.
Florida Taxwatch Issues Report On ‘The Bluffs’ 15,000 Job Plan For Cantonment
March 10, 2017
A new report by Florida TaxWatch finds that the growth of high-tech manufacturing is beneficial to Florida and that investing in the industry now can put the state ahead of competitor states in enticing companies to the state.
Florida TaxWatch analyzed the potential impact of The Bluffs, a project being developed in Cantonment that aims to be the nation’s premier industrial campus. TaxWatch data found that the new direct employment associated with The Bluffs would be an estimated 6,000 jobs, with an additional 9,000 jobs created indirectly, and that the full development of the project could result in $1.1 billion in additional Gross State Product for Florida’s economy.
The 6,000 acre master-planned development area includes about 1,700 acres of land that can be developed in an area east of Highway 29 bordered by the Escambia River to the east, Becks Lake Road near International Paper to the north, and the University of West Florida to the south. Although located along the Escambia River, most of the property to be developed is at a high elevation, about 100 feet above sea level, and not in a flood plain.
“Today’s global economy is becoming increasingly high-tech and in order for Florida to continue to be competitive, it must invest in high-tech manufacturing hubs,” said Florida TaxWatch President and CEO Dominic M. Calabro. “Projects like The Bluffs provide Floridians with high-wage jobs and will significantly benefit the state’s economy. Continuous investments by businesses and the state will go a long way in securing long-term growth of the high-tech manufacturing sector and make Florida the destination for those in the industry.”
Minimally, the project is expected to recruit approximately 10 companies that would occupy more than 3.9 million square feet of building space on 295 acres of land which will be significant to Escambia County and the regional economy.
“High-tech manufacturing is a major job creator in the Panhandle and developments like The Bluffs will continue to drive Florida into the 21st century global economy,” said Senator Doug Broxson. “Growing The Bluffs into a premier industrial campus is crucial in increasing our competitiveness and diversifying our economy.”
“The Bluffs will become a significant job creator for the Pensacola area and further diversify the area’s growing high-tech manufacturing sector. I’m pleased that Florida TaxWatch’s latest report analyzes the positive economic impact of this project and I look forward to The Bluffs development into one of the nation’s premier industrial campus,” said Representative Clay Ingram.
“High-wage, competitive jobs are critical in today’s global economy and Florida needs to position itself as a top destination for high-tech manufacturing,” said Representative Frank White. “The Bluffs is just one of many developments that will allow the private sector to create jobs, grow our economy and move Florida forward.”
The report recommends that the state invests public funds into infrastructure in order to facilitate the growth of high-tech manufacturing hubs; while continuing to work with private entities to ensure that long-term growth potential is met and ensure the state beats out other states vying for these high-tech manufacturing companies.
The project site plan for The Bluffs includes four primary development areas. The area known as “Live Oak Bluff” is likely to see the first development, he said. It is about 415 acres with 13 lots in an area that is currently accessible from Becks Lake Road. A Muscogee Road freight corridor is already in the works, expanding access from Becks Lake Road and Highway 29 to an upcoming I-10 exit in Beulah.
The plans also include making the campus an “environmental showcase” ensuring that the natural beauty of The Bluffs is preserved by building natural trails and encouraging green features for new tenants.
The effort includes partners already located in the corridor – Ascend, ECUA, Gulf Power and the University of West Florida – along with the PEDC,the Florida West Economic Alliance and the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity.
Florida TaxWatch is the state’s independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit taxpayer research institute and government watchdog.
Pictured top and below: Aerial concept maps show The Bluffs, click to enlarge to read map labels. Pictured bottom inset: The Bluffs will be designed to be an environmental showcase. Pictured bottom: Conceptual drawing of Live Oak Bluff, the likely first area to be developed off Becks Lake Road. Images for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
FDLE Arrests Man In Escambia Travel Fraud Scheme
March 10, 2017
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has arrested a man for a travel reimbursement fraud that cost an Escambia County company thousands of dollars.
Agents with the FDLE arrested Doug Landry, 37, on one count of organized fraud over $50,000, related to a fictitious over billing scheme.
In 2015, Landry orchestrated an elaborate fraudulent scheme based on his work-related travel expenses. He created fictitious reimbursement receipts, incorporated fraudulent companies, and provided fictitious receipts to his employer, a company located in Pensacola. The company’s accounting department reimbursed Landry for approximately $152,000 from 2015-2016. Landry also utilized his own company, Reign Industries in Louisiana, to further his fraudulent activities in Florida.
FDLE began its investigation in October 2016 with assistance from the Escambia County State Attorney’s Office. Landry was arrested today by FDLE agents and the Louisiana State Police and booked into the jail located in Hammond, Louisiana, Tangipahoa Parish.
He will extradited back to Escambia County to face local charges.
Students Awarded For Sawmill Pageant Program Design
March 10, 2017
Artwork and designs by Northview senior Hadley Woodfin and sophomore Ashtyn Carnley were picked to be featured on the front and back covers of this year’s Sawmill Pageant sponsored by the Century Lions Club. Both received prizes for their work. The Century Lions Club will present the 25th Annual Sawmill Pageant on March 18.
Pictured top: Ashtyn Carnley (left) and Hadley Woodfin. Pictured below: Sawmill Pageant program front cover (left) designed by Hadley Woodfin, and back cover (right) designed by Ashtyn Carnley. Photo/images for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate Defeats Pine Forest
March 10, 2017
The Tate Aggies shut out Pine Forest 7-0 Thursday night.
Logan McGuffey pitched a complete game, allowing two hits, no runs, no errors, two walks and 11 strikeouts.
Ian Ruiz 1-1, R, 2 RBI; Logan Blackmon 2-4; Hunter NeSmith 3-3, 2 R; Jesse Sherrill 2-2, 2 RBI; Mason Land 1-3, R; Logan McGuffey 1-3; Logan Blackmon 2-4; Tray LaFleur R; Ethan Bloodworth 1-2; RBI.
Escambia Man Gets 25 Years For 2016 Shooting
March 10, 2017
An Escambia County man is headed to prison for a 2016 shooting.
Antonio Devon Williams was sentenced by Circuit Judge John L. Miller to 25 years in state prison as a mandatory minimum sentence under Florida’s 10-20- Life law. This means that Williams will serve his sentence day for day without the possibility of parole. Williams was found guilty by an Escambia County jury of attempted second degree murder with a firearm on January 25, 2017.
On February 22, 2016, Javier Chandler was shot in the neck by Antonio Williams in the driveway of Williams’ residence. Chandler had been seated in the driver’s seat of his vehicle when Williams shot him from a standing position outside of the car. Williams then fled the scene.
Williams turned himself in to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office within 24 hours of the shooting and claimed self-defense.
The two had been childhood friends and had a dispute regarding the purchase of a firearm.
IP Releases Preliminary Findings From Explosion Investigation
March 9, 2017
International Paper has released their preliminary findings on the cause of the January 22 explosion at their Cantonment mill.
“The findings indicate that an explosive atmosphere was created by a combination of off-gasses normally produced in the pulping process and air introduced to maintain pressure while the vessel was not in operation. The explosive nature of the off-gasses and air combination was likely related to the extended period of mill down time prior to the incident where no chips and liquor were flowing into the digester,” a statement from Tom Ryan, director of IP’s corporate communications, said.
“The gas mixture, combined with one of several possible ignition sources, provided the necessary components for the incident. The unusual set of circumstances set in motion a chain of events unlike any that International Paper had ever seen or heard of. The company has implemented enhanced procedures and protections across the entire mill system and has also taken the step to share this information industry-wide, to ensure enhanced safety measures are in place across the entire industry,” he said.
Ryan said all IP employees are back to work and have been for some time, and a portion of mill has been restarted.
“We continue to dedicate all resources to a safe return to full operations, but it is important we follow all responsible steps to do so. Hundreds of mill team members are working safely and diligently to get the facility fully operational,” Ryan said.
“International Paper remains committed to the entire remediation effort. We are not going anywhere. We are going to be here,” Cantonment Mill Manager Brett DeJong said.
IP said cleanup of homes is now complete. A citizen’s information line remains in place at (850) 968-4208.
Pictured top: Emergency crews on the scene following an explosion January 22 at International Paper in Cantonment. Pictured below: First responders coordinate their response efforts from a command post at IP shortly after the explosion. Pictured bottom: A vehicle that was passing the mill at the time of the explosion covered in black liquor from the explosion. NorthEscambia.com file photos.
