Tate Aggies Debut New Video Scoreboard
August 22, 2023
Last Thursday night’s kickoff classic at Tate High School was the debut of the 2023 Aggies and their brand new video scoreboard.
The video screen with a scoreboard underneath was installed over the summer, thanks to private donations.
Tate head coach Rhett Summerford said community support has been big behind the Aggies football program.
“This is why I do this, and it’s really special,” he said.
The board is used for live play-by-play video, player spotlights and interviews, hype videos and advertisements. At the top of the board is a sign that proclaims “Madison Field”.
The field inside Pete Gindl Stadium is “Carl Madison Field” named in honor of the man that led the Aggies to a 1980 state championship and is one of the all-time winningest high school coaches in the nation.
Carl Madison, who turned 92 in January, sits at number two on Florida’s all-time football coaching victories list with a 326-129-7 record and is a member of the Florida High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Northview FFA Receives Grant To Improve Greenhouse, Hydroponics
August 22, 2023
The Northview High School FFA has received an $1,100 grant to improve the school’s greenhouse.
Tyler Riggs has operated the Northview Greenhouse for the last three years, maintaining the growing tables and hydroponics systems.
“Seeing a need for improvements to the greenhouse growing system, Tyler searched for resources to help offset the cost. He found the National FFA Grants for Growing Applications from National FFA,” Northview agritech instructor and FFA sponsor Brandon Korinchak said.
Grants for Growing (G4G) is a competitive grant program for middle and high school FFA chapters that are developing and improving project-based or experiential learning opportunities for students. Funding is provided by consumers who purchase an FFA paper emblem for any amount at Tractor Supply stores during checkout.
“We are so proud of Tyler’s accomplishments in the last few years and he is already searching for other ways to improve the Northview Agriscience Department and Northview FFA Chapter,” Korinchak said.
One Person Killed In Six-Vehicle Crash
August 22, 2023
One person was killed in a six-vehicle crash Monday afternoon on Davis Highway at Scenic Highway.
The Florida Highway Patrol said a 72-year old Pensacola woman was traveling westbound on Davis Highway when she had a serious medical emergency and lost control. Her vehicle caused a chain reaction crash involving the five other vehicles.
The driver of the first vehicle she hit at a high rate of speed, a 21-year old woman from Idaho, was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the third vehicle, a 36-year Pensacola woman and her three minor children were transported to Sacred Heart Hospital.
Multiple Inmates Reportedly Stabbed At Century Prison
August 22, 2023
Multiple inmates were reportedly stabbed during an incident at the Century Correctional Institution Sunday morning.
About 8:45 a.m., the prison called Escambia County for ambulances for the injured inmates. Multiple units that responded from Escambia County EMS and D.W. McMillan EMS.
Two inmates were airlifted by medical helicopters, according to Escambia County.
“FDC staff observed four inmates with injuries at Century Correctional Institution. Two of the inmates were transported to an outside hospital for further evaluation,” the Florida Department of Corrections told NorthEscambia.com Monday afternoon.
Due to an open investigation by the Office of Inspector General, the FDC would not provide the inmate names or further details.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
335 Lot Subdivision Planned For End Of East Kingsfield
August 22, 2023
A new 335-lot residential subdivision is proposed for the eastern end of Kingsfield Road.
The project would be constructed in one phase on 131 acres for a density of 2.55 single family lots per acre with access from East Kingsfield Road and also from Paddlewheel Way.
The proposal from Hammond Engineering is set for a pre-application meeting before the Escambia County Development Review Committee on Wednesday.
Cantonment Man Wanted By U.S. Marshals Charged With Fleeing Deputies
August 22, 2023
A Cantonment man wanted by U.S. Marshals was arrested with drugs after trying to flee from Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputies.
Deputies attempted to stop a Chevrolet four-door sedan driven by 31-year old James Lee Purifoy, Jr., in the area of Dudley Avenue and Willis Street. Purifoy fled at a high rate of speed, and the pursuit was terminated in a residential neighborhood for safety, according to the ECSO.
Deputies followed and observed the vehicle stop in the front yard of a home on Willis Street. Purifoy was detained and spontaneously stated he fled because he has federal warrants, an arrest report states. Deputies located a clear plastic bag containing seven grams of marijuana in his front shorts pocket.
Purifoy was charged with fleeing or eluding law enforcement with lights and sirens activated, knowingly driving a motor vehicle while his driver’s license was suspended second or subsequent offense and possession of marijuana under 20 grams. He remained in the Escambia County Jail with a hold from the U.S. Marshals.
The ECSO report does not specify the nature of the federal charges.
ECUA To Vote On 9.5% Sanitation Rate Increase With ‘Free’ Second Can, 5% Hike For Water And Sewer
August 21, 2023
The Emerald Coast Utilities Authorities will vote Tuesday on a proposed 9.5% rate increase for all sanitation customers and 5% for water and sewer.
Facing a potential $1.8 million shortball and big problems with the wrong items being placed in recycling cans, staff had proposed a more modest 3.5% rate increase for sanitation customers plus a $3 a month recycling fee.
The 9.5% increase will raise the rate for a 90-gallon container from $27.67 to $29.88 and include an optional additional trash or recycling can at no cost.
ECUA is also raising rates on seven entities outside Escambia County — like Foley, Fort Walton Beach and Okaloosa County — from their current $15-$45 per ton for recyclables to a flat $60 per ton due to high contamination levels.
ECUA staff had proposed a 4% rate increase for water and 6% for wastewater. The board will consider an increase to both water and wastewater by 5%.
The rate increases will return to the ECUA board Tuesday at 3 p.m. for a final vote.
Kickoff Classic Bonus Photos: Northview, Ernest Ward Cheerleaders
August 21, 2023
The Northview Chiefs and the Ernest Ward Middle Eagles took on Baker Friday night in a kickoff classic.
For a bonus photo gallery with the cheerleaders from NHS and EWMS, click here.
For a game action story and photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Longtime Santa Rosa Commissioner Don Salter Passes Away
August 21, 2023
Former Santa Rosa County Commissioner Don Salter passed away Sunday morning.
Salter was born in Jay in 1947.
He attended Troy State University and graduated with a master of science degree in management. After graduating, Salter proudly served his country as a United States Army paratrooper from 1965 to 1968. His last 15 months in Vietnam were served with the 173rd Airborne Brigade as a combat platoon sergeant where he was awarded the bronze star medal.
Upon leaving the Army, Salter started his career with the Gulf Power Company where he quickly moved up to serve as the Santa Rosa County District Manager. He retired from Gulf Power in 2000 after 32 years of service.
After retiring he decided to run for county commissioner to continue serving the county he loved. He was first elected in November 2000 and then re-elected in 2004, 2008, 2012, and 2016. He served as chairman in 2004, 2009, 2014 and 2020.
As a county commissioner, Salter was instrumental in economic development, agriculture, military and veteran affairs. He worked for many years protecting and enhancing military installations, especially NAS Whiting Field.
Over a span of more than 20 years, Salter was involved in many community organizations. He was the founder of the Santa Rosa Veterans Memorial Plaza. He also served as chairman of the Emerald Coast Honor Flight, the Santa Rosa Initiative Committee and the Santa Rosa Military Advisory Council.
Salter received many leadership awards including the Community Leader of the Year Award, Santa Rosa County Hall of Fame Award, Santa Rosa County Man of the Year Award, Spirit of Santa Rosa Award, Friend of Agriculture for Santa Rosa County, and the Business Leader of the Year Award, among others.
In 2022, Don Salter Boulevard leading into the Whiting Aviation Park was named in his honor.
Century Man Arrested On Drug Charges After Traffic Stop
August 21, 2023
A Century man was arrested on drug charges after a traffic stop in Atmore.
Jeffie Dewitt Morris, 50, was charged with two counts of possession of a controlled substance and one count of possession of drug paraphernalia.
An Atmore Police Office conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Morris for any equipment violation.
“The officer noticed some strange behavior during their interaction,” Sgt. Darrell McMann said. An Escambia County (AL) Sheriff’s Office K-9 deputy stopped to assist, and his K-9 alerted on a vehicle.
A subsequent search located located a green leafy substance that was identified by Morris as synthetic cannabis (Spice), multiple blunts containing a green leafy substance that field tested positive for marijuana, a spoon with a crystal-like residue that field tested positive for methamphetamine, and a glass pipe with a crystal-like residue that field tested positive for methamphetamine, according to police. He was also cited for improper lights.
Morris was released on bond from the Escambia County (AL) Detention Center.