UWF Enrollment Reaches Record Of 13,000 Students
August 27, 2016
The University of West Florida has surpassed 13,000 in enrollment for the first time in the institution’s history, reaching 13,030 students for the Fall 2016 semester, as of today, Aug. 24, 2016.
“We have a lot to be excited about as we start the fall semester, and this news adds to that excitement,” said UWF President Dr. Judith Bense. “I am proud that we’ve reached this milestone, as it shows we are becoming a first-choice university. Enrollment is dropping at many mid-sized public and private universities, but we are growing and thriving. The future is bright at UWF.”
UWF reached 10,000 in enrollment in 2008 and 12,000 in 2012. The growth has been steady in recent years, reaching 12,416 in 2014 and 12,603 in 2015.
“We have added a number of new programs to meet student demand and regional workforce needs,” added Dr. Martha Saunders, executive vice president and provost. “Our cybersecurity, supply chain logistics and online programs have generated a great deal of enthusiasm. Combine that with the finest faculty on the planet, and we have a winning combination for a great academic year.”
Graduate students accounted for the largest growth entering Fall 2016. The total graduate student headcount increased by approximately 20 percent compared to Fall 2015.
Additionally, sophomore undergraduate students increased by approximately 15 percent for Fall 2016. The increase in sophomores is a direct result of the University’s increased focus on student retention.
Escambia Man Killed In Motorcycle Crash
August 27, 2016
A motorcyclist was killed in a traffic crash Friday afternoon on Pine Forest Road.
Austin Rickmers, 23, was pronounced deceased at the scene of the accident on Pine Forest Road near Loblolly Road. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Rickmers was southbound on Pine Forest Road when 72-year old Judy Courtney of Robertsdale entered the roadway from a driveway entrance in a Ford F-150 pickup and traveled into Rickmers’ path.
Judy Courtney and her 66-year old passenger, Russel Courtney, were transported by ambulance to Sacred Heart Hospital with minor injuries.
Any charges in the crash are pending the outcome of a traffic homicide investigation.
Reader submitted cellphone for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate Tops Biloxi (With Photo Gallery)
August 27, 2016
The Tate High School Aggies hit the road Friday night for their season opener to hand Biloxi High School a 44-22 loss.
The Aggies were first on the board with 8:12 on the clock in the first, and added another touchdown with 1:07 in the first to end the quarter with a 14-0 advantage. Tate scored again early in the second for comfortable 21-0 lead, but Biloxi scored in the second and again early in the third to make it 21-14.
Tate answered with 9:48 to go in the fourth to make it 28-14; however, the Indians scored again and had two point conversion for a 28-22 score.
The Aggies scored again twice in the fourth quarter for the 44-22 final.
The Tate Aggies (1-0) will be at home in Pete Gindl Stadium next Friday night as they host the West Florida Jaguars.
For more photos from Biloxi, click here.
Photos by Jennifer Repine for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Early Voting Ends Today, Over 7,000 Voted Early So Far In Escambia County
August 27, 2016
Today is the final day of early voting in Escambia County, with seven sites available. As of Friday, 7,092 residents — a 12 percent turnout — had voted early in Escambia County.
Early voting is available today at the following locations:
- Molino Community Center, 6450 Highway 95A North, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Escambia County Extension Office, 3740 Stefani Road, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Genealogy Branch Library, 5740 N. 9th Avenue, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Bellview-Saufley, 916 W Michigan Avenue, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Southwest Branch Library, 12248 Gulf Beach Highway, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Main Library, 239 N. Spring Street, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Supervisor of Elections Main Office, 213 Palafox Place, Second Floor, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Early voters cast paper ballots through digital scanners and may choose any one of the seven sites.
On Election Day, Tuesday, August 30, the polls will be open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. Voters must present a valid photo and signature ID and must vote at their home precinct on Election Day. Voters are encouraged to be sure to know where to vote on Election Day by checking their Voter Information Card, sample ballot, the precinct finder at EscambiaVotes.com, or by contacting us by phone or e-mail prior to Election Day. Any voters who need to change their address should contact the elections office prior to Election Day.
Vote-by-mail ballots must be received in the elections office by 7 p.m. on Election Day. The Postal Service recommends voters mail ballots at least one week before the due date. Vote-by-mail participants may track the status of their ballot at EscambiaVotes.com.
Crestview Beats Northview (With Photo Gallery)
August 27, 2016
Playing up multiple classes proved to be difficult for the the 1A Northview Chiefs Friday night as they lost 70-0 on the road to the 6A Crestview Bulldogs.
Crestview jumped out to a 7-0 lead with 9:54 to go in the first quarter. And they scored again in the first with 7:22 to go, again in the first with 3:53 on the clock and ended the first quarter with a 28-0 lead. And while the first quarter was ugly, it only got uglier from there for the Northview Chiefs.
By halftime, the Chiefs were down 49-0.
Crestview cruised a little slower as the clock ran faster on the Mercy Rule in the second half. In the third Crestview had just two touchdowns and one in the forth for the 70-0 final.
Northview will be looking for a much better outcome next Friday night as the Escambia Academy Cougars head south from Canoe, AL, to take on the Chiefs in Bratt.
For a photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Gary Amerson, click to enlarge.
Escambia Man Gets Federal Prison As ‘Armed Career Criminal’
August 27, 2016
An Escambia County man is headed to prison on federal firearms charges.
Robert Lamar Gerald, 37, was sentenced Friday to 210 months in federal prison, after pleading guilty in April 2016 to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
In June 2015, an Escambia Country Sherriff’s deputy on patrol stopped the vehicle Gerald was driving. After the traffic stop, Gerald fled on foot and was apprehended after a brief chase. The search of his vehicle revealed a loaded 9 millimeter pistol.
The indictment lists 14 prior state felony convictions for Gerald. As a previously convicted felon, Gerald is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law. Because his prior criminal record includes several violent felonies and drug offenses, Gerald qualifies for enhanced sentencing as an Armed Career Criminal under federal law.
This case resulted from investigations by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, and the Gun Crime Response Team.
Santa Rosa Man Gets Federal Prison For Facebook Child Porn
August 27, 2016
A Santa Rosa County man was sentenced Friday on federal child pornography charges.
Winston D. Foster, 40, was sentenced to 210 months in federal prison, after pleading guilty in April 2016 to production and distribution of child pornography.
In January 2016, law enforcement agents became aware that Foster was communicating via Facebook with a 12-year-old child. These communications included Foster requesting the child perform and photograph sexually explicit acts and then send him the images. Foster also sent many sexually explicit images of himself to the child. In February 2016, a search warrant was executed at Foster’s residence, and agents seized his computers and cellular telephone. A forensic review of Foster’s electronic media revealed approximately 46 images of child pornography, of which approximately 33 were of the victim.
The case was investigated by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Walton County Sheriff’s Office, and the North Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
Wahoos Take Home Series Over Mobile With 3-2 Win
August 27, 2016
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos bats sprung back to life at just the right time in the bottom of the ninth inning.
After scoring one run on three hits in the first inning, Pensacola got just one more hit and trailed, 2-1, in their last at bat of the game.
But with two outs Blue Wahoos left fielder Phillip Ervin blistered a ground ball down the third base line to drive in Jeff Gelalich with the second run of the ninth inning for a 3-2 victory Friday over the Mobile BayBears in front of 4,299 fans at Blue Wahoos Stadium. Pensacola extended its franchise record to 11 walk-offs this season.
Pensacola tied the game, 2-2, when Pensacola center fielder Jeff Gelalich hit a grounder to second base that forced out Blue Wahoos catcher Joe Hudson at second for the second out. But Gelalich hustled to first and beat the throw and allowed Taylor Sparks to score the tying run.
With two out, it was Pensacola second baseman Alex Blandino, who extended the inning with a bloop single to left field, allowing Ervin to be the hero Friday.
“I was just trying to keep it going and give us a chance,” Blandino said. “We battled back today and all year we’ve shown resilience, which is a lot of fun for the fans and a lot of fun for us.”
The victory was a big one for Pensacola with just 10 games left in the season. Not only did they win the series to improve to 11-2 in series at home this season, but they remained just three games behind Southern League South Division leader Mississippi Braves, which has lost 10 of its last 14 games.
The Braves are 33-25, while Pensacola, the first half champions, are 31-29. The BayBears dropped to 30-29.
“That’s the way we played all year,” said Pensacola manager Pat Kelly. “We’re very gritty down to the last out and we’ve gotten clutch hits.”
Going into the end of the season, all of the players at the top of the Pensacola order are on a tear.
Blandino, the leadoff hitter, is hitting .316 in August after struggling all year. Ervin is hitting .294 over the last 10 games with a homer and three RBIs. No. 3 hitter and right fielder Sebastian Elizalde has a 12-game hit streak and is hitting .442 (23-52). Center fielder Brandon Dixon, hitting in the cleanup spot, has his own six game hit streak and is batting .459 in the last 10 games with six RBIs. And finally shortstop Zach Vincej has been one of the hottest hitters in the Southern League in the second half, hitting .370 in July and .285 since the All-Star break.
“We’re solid one through five every day,” Kelly said. “We have to just keep playing and giving someone a day off every day.”
Blandino said the team is taking a positive approach to the final two series of the season.
“We’re already in the playoffs but it definitely would have been a blow to lost that game and lose that series.”
Pensacola scored first when Vincej stepped to the plate with the bases loaded in the bottom of the first inning and lifted a fly ball to short right field. But the speedy Ervin snuck past the catcher and threw his left hand back to touch home plate for the 1-0 Blue Wahoos lead.
John Omahen made his first start for Mobile since June 30 after spending July and August with Triple-A Reno. He gave up three hits and a run in the first and then retired 11 of the next 12 through the fourth inning and did not give up another hit or run.
The BayBears righty worked five innings and did walk three batters and strike out five in his outing.
The Mobile bullpen then kept Pensacola off the bases until the ninth.
Meanwhile, Nick Travieso worked five innings, too, as Pensacola’s starting pitcher. He gave up two runs in the fifth inning that put Mobile ahead, 2-1, when BayBears shortstop Domingo Leyba clobbered a two-run homer into the Hill-Kelly Dodge Hill also bringing home center fielder Evan Marzilli who leadoff with a walk. Travieso ended up giving two hits, four walks and striking out four.
The homer by Leyba gave Mobile its 100th home run of the season, which leads the Southern League.
Century Resident Jailed After Threatening To Kill Man With A Toy Gun
August 26, 2016
A Century man was jailed after allegedly threatening to kill another man with toy gun.
James Mitchell, 68, was charged with aggravated assault with the intent to commit a felony. He was released from the Escambia County Jail on bond.
The victim told deputies he was walking on Jefferson Avenue in front of Mitchell’s residence when Mitchell confronted him, pointed a black handgun and told the victim that he would kill him, according to an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office report.
When deputies made contact with Mitchell at his residence, they reported finding an empty firearm magazine in his pocket. Mitchell then became upset and accused the victim of stealing his air compressor. Mitchell told deputies that a firearm was in his residence “but anybody could have put it there”, an arrest report states.
Mitchell gave deputies consent to search his residence, which was condemned by the Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office after a January fire. A toy replica handgun was located in a bedroom dresser drawer.
Pictured above: James Mitchell. Pictured below: Mitchell’s residence was condemned after a January fire. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Scott Plans DC Trip To Urge Zika Funding
August 26, 2016
Gov. Rick Scott will travel to Washington, D.C. in early September, when Congress returns from its summer recess, to seek funding to fight the mosquito-borne Zika virus.
“During Congress’ vacation, we have identified 43 cases of locally acquired Zika in four Florida counties,” Scott said in a prepared statement Thursday. “The Zika virus demands immediate federal action and I will impress upon our congressional members the urgency to protect our residents and visitors.”
Scott intends to meet Sept. 6 with members of Congress, which is in a seven-week recess.
President Barack Obama early this year proposed spending $1.9 billion to address the Zika issue, but Congress could not agree on funding.
The Florida Department of Health on Thursday reported that in addition to the locally transmitted cases, there are 534 travel-related cases of Zika in the state. Travel-related cases stem from people bringing the disease into the state after being infected elsewhere. The state reported 11 new travel-related cases Thursday, with three in Miami-Dade County, two in Alachua County, two in Orange County, and one each in Duval, Monroe, Osceola and Polk counties.
Florida also has a total of 70 cases involving pregnant women. The virus is particularly dangerous to pregnant women because it can cause severe birth defects. Much of the state’s focus on local transmissions have been on Miami’s Wynwood area and on an area in Miami Beach. However, this week cases of locally transmitted Zika were reported in Pinellas and Palm Beach counties.
by The News Service of Florida