Severe Storms Possible Friday Morning
May 5, 2022
Severe storms are possible Friday morning and perhaps into the afternoon across the area, with a threat level 2 of 5.
The slight threats include very large hail and damaging winds. Although, a few tornadoes cannot be ruled out.
The storms should be clear by early afternoon.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday: Showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1pm. High near 82. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 65. West wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 88. West wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday Night: Clear, with a low around 60. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 90. Light and variable wind becoming west 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 65. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 89. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 67. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 93.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 67.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 90.
Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 66.
Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 88.
Bye Verizon! Town Of Century Switching To AT&T
May 5, 2022
The Town of Century has used Verizon for the past decade or so for their employee cell phones. But now, citing poor service, the town is switching to AT&T.
“At the present time, Verizon’s signal is inadequate and it is often difficult to reach our employees in the field or inside the maintenance hop. Verizon has advised… they do not plan to add additional cell signal in our area and will not be attaching to Diamond Towers cell tower,” Mayor Ben Boutwell said.
Diamond Towers constructed a tower at Century’s Anthony Pleasant Park and makes a monthly payment of $1,500 to the town. AT&T became the first provider on the tower in late 2021.
Century will switch to AT&T FirstNet service that provides priority access for government agencies.
The town will activate 12 mobile hotspots at $35 per month for unlimited data and 17 smartphones at $40 per month for unlimited talk, text and data — a total of $1,100 per month for service. The phones and hotspots will cost the town 99 cents each. With rebates totaling $4,300 ($200 per phone, $75 per hotspot), Century officials expect to see a net bill credit of about $3,371.
The smartphones –most of which will be iPhone 12s — will go to town employees, some of which are currently using Verizon flip phones provided by the town.
“We’ve still got flip phones?” council member James Smith asked. “That’s scary.”
The hotspots will be used at the town hall, maintenance shop, wastewater treatment plant, community centers and other locations, and at least one will be used for administrative travel. Each of the five council members will also receive a hotspot for the purpose of accessing council agendas and conducting other town business at their homes.
The town will be under a month to month agreement with no cancellation fees.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Cox Inspirational Student Heroes Recognized From Each Escambia County School
May 5, 2022
Cox Communications recently hosted the annual Cox Inspirational Student Hero Awards in Escambia County, recognizing 53 students who have overcome extreme hardships in their lives. T
“We’ve all been through some difficult times over these past couple of years, but these students have overcome so much more in their young lives,” said Cox Gulf Coast Market vice president David Deliman. “They’ve not only been through the pandemic, but other family tragedies or life challenges, and they’ve pulled through with a smile on their faces while bringing happiness to others. They deserve their time in the spotlight for being such an inspiration to us all.”
“The Escambia County School District is extremely thankful to Cox Communications. Their heart for students, coupled with celebrating student achievement and perseverance, is both commendable and inspiring,” said Escambia County School District Superintendent Dr. Tim Smith. “We speak of unity throughout Escambia County for the benefit of our district and students; our partnership with Cox exemplifies this unity, and we are so very grateful for that.”
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 positive attitude 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, Florida Sen. Doug Broxson and Florida representatives Michelle Salzman and Alex Andrade.
Escambia County Commissioner Robert Bender was also on hand and presented a proclamation from the Board of County Commissioners, celebrating the students for their achievements overcoming obstacles.
Escambia County’s Cox Inspirational Student Heroes for 2022 are:
- AK Suter Elementary School – Luca Grasso
- Bellview Elementary School – Monique Daniels
- Bellview Middle School – Cornell Hewitt
- Beulah Elementary School – Dae’lyn Grace
- Beulah Middle School – Kay-leigh Smith
- Blue Angels Elementary School – Eric Moudy
- Bratt Elementary School – Gaberiel Dunsford
- Brentwood Elementary School – Christian Funderburk
- Brown Barge Middle School – Austin Jackson
- Byrneville Elementary School – Allison Grant
- CA Weis Elementary School – Malik Lovette
- Cordova Park Elementary School – Nigel Goromo
- Ensley Elementary School – Said Rodriguez-Izaguirre
- Ernest Ward Middle School – Jessica Williams
- Escambia High School – Tyanna Hosea
- Escambia Westgate Center – Joseph Dull
- Ferry Pass Elementary School – Ka’Nyla Stanley
- Ferry Pass Middle School – Tredarius Lewis
- Global Learning Academy – Taejohn “TJ” Oliver
- Hellen Caro Elementary School – Cayman Nantista
- Holm Elementary School – La’Travion Hardy
- Hope Horizon (Elementary) – Gavin Lee
- Hope Horizon (Secondary) – Marcus Siewert
- Jim Allen Elementary School – Uriel Trevizo
- Jim Bailey Middle School – Leiland Remo
- Kingsfield Elementary School – Enrico Middleton
- Lincoln Park Elementary – Liana Blackmon
- Lipscomb Elementary School – Emmalyn Young
- Longleaf Elementary School – Brynne Reber
- McArthur Elementary School – Nicholas Stallworth
- Molino Park Elementary – Eli Miller
- Myrtle Grove Elementary – Tobiah Faunteroy
- N.B. Cook Elementary School – Ava Greene
- Navy Point Elementary School – Sophia Escobar
- Northview High School – Chevy Bingham
- Oakcrest Elementary School – Amyriah Barge
- OJ Semmes Elementary School Amelia Jampetro
- PACE Center for Girls – Eurshila Ross
- Pensacola High School – Tam Nguyen
- Pine Forest High School – Jason Le
- Pine Meadow Elementary School – Kristiyanah Backus
- Pleasant Grove Elementary School – Jaiden Lewis
- Ransom Middle School – Bryce Joachimi
- Scenic Heights Elementary School – Jamarion Hauser
- Sherwood Elementary School – Piper Dujmovic
- Success Academy – Zamyhia Turner
- Tate High School – Dawson Guy
- Warrington Elementary School – Shawntiava Washington
- Warrington Middle School – Joey Morrell
- Washington High School – Martin Bucio
- West Florida High School – Oscar Cano-Gasque
- West Pensacola Elementary School – Jeremiah Stevens
- Workman Middle School – Melody Garcia
The Cox Inspirational Student Hero Awards program began nearly 30 years ago in New Orleans, Louisiana. The program has spread to other Cox markets in the Southeast Region. To date, Cox has recognized nearly 4,500 students from Lafayette, Louisiana, to Gainesville, Florida.
The Heroes were recognized at a ceremony at the University of West Florida. This is the first Heroes event that was held in person at UWF since the beginning of the pandemic. In 2020 and 2021, the students were recognized virtually via a television show.
Tate FFA Alumni Rodeo Is Friday And Saturday Nights
May 5, 2022
The Annual Tate FFA Alumni Foundation Rodeo will be Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30 at the Escambia County Equestrian Center on Mobile Highway.
Advance tickets are available online at GoFan or from Farm and Nursery Mart, Hill Kelly Dodge, Barnes Feed Store Pensacola and Cantonment Mercantile Tickets are $10 for adults and $3 for children in advance or $12 and $5 at the gate. Children age four and under will be admitted free.
For more information, call (850) 937-2308.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Wahoos Coast To 8-3 Win Over M-Braves
May 5, 2022
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos scored eight early runs to coast to victory on Wednesday night, defeating the Mississippi Braves 8-3 to even up their road series one game apiece.
A five-run first saw the Blue Wahoos string together a season-high six hits, and was highlighted by back-to-back home runs from Paul McIntosh and Griffin Conine. McIntosh’s 454-foot blast off the batter’s eye in center field was a three-run homer, and began a 2-for-3 night with 4 RBI for the Pensacola catcher.
In the second, debuting Mississippi starter Tanner Gordon (L, 0-1) was unable to put his rough first frame behind him. The Blue Wahoos turned four walks and a pair of sacrifice flies from McIntosh and Victor Victor Mesa into three more runs, extending their lead to 8-0.
Blue Wahoos starter Cody Mincey (W, 1-1) earned his first Double-A win, completing 5.0 solid innings while allowing three runs. RBI singles from Logan Brown and Luke Waddell threatened to give the M-Braves some momentum, but Mincey retired the final five men he faced to prevent a significant threat.
Neither team collected a hit after the fifth inning. Eli Villalobos, Dylan Bice and Colton Hock combined to give the Blue Wahoos 4.0 scoreless innings of relief and seal the win.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Mississippi Braves on Thursday.
County Set To Approve $8.44 Million Beulah Fire Station Contract Thursday, Break Ground Friday
May 4, 2022
Escambia County is set to approve the construction contract for the new Beulah Fire Station on Thursday, the day before a groundbreaking ceremony.
The recommended low bidder on the project is Emerald Coast Constructors for $8.44 million. Five other bids ranged from about $10.15 million to $12.45 million. The construction will be funded with Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) funds.
The existing Beulah Fire Station was built in 1977 and is at the end of its useful life, according to the county. The proposed new facility will be a total of 14,503 square feet area and have four vehicle bays including one for EMS, along with a small community meeting/training room.
The new facility will be constructed behind the current station at 6400 West Nine Mile Road. A groundbreaking ceremony for the facility will be held at 11:30 a.m. Friday, and the public is invited.
As NorthEscambia.com first reported last month, the new fire station will likely be named in honor of two local heroes.
“It will be my intention to dedicate the facility to two men and their families who have sacrificed so much over the years to this community and this station,” Escambia County Commissioner Jeff Bergosh said.
He intends to ask the commission to approve the name “The Bradshaw-McNair Fire Station” in honor of Chief Dwain S. Bradshaw who died in the line of duty in November 2019, and Chief Steve McNair who dedicated over 50 years to fire service in Beulah.
A paid fire crew has staffed the current Beulah Fire Station since October 2021 from 7 a.m. until 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Volunteers cover responses at other times.
Tate Beats Crestview To Head To District Championship Game
May 4, 2022
The Tate Aggies advanced to the 1-6A championship game on Thursday with a big 12-2 semifinal win over Crestview Tuesday night.
Josiah Glodfelter pitched a complete game for Tate, allowing five hits and two runs in five innings while striking out three.
Cady Kelly led the Aggies at the plate with two hits. Clif Quiggins, Drew Reaves, Bray Touchstone, Jackson Penton and Jay Davis had one hit apiece.
No 2. Tate will face No. 1 Pace Thursday for the district championship.
For more photos, click or tap here.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Laura Glodfelter, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Woman Charged With Escambia High Speed Chase That Led To Shots Fired SWAT Standoff
May 4, 2022
A Cantonment woman arrested last year in Alabama in a shots fired standoff with a SWAT team has now been charged in Florida for a high speed chase through North Escambia.
Amanda Nicole Thompson, 37, fled from Escambia County (FL) Sheriff’s Office deputies on October 16. 2021, when they attempted to stop her due to outstanding warrants. The pursuit crossed from Muscogee Road onto Highway 112 in Alabama. She came to a stop in afield near Highway 112 and Tower Road, nearly nine miles into Alabama. She allegedly fired a handgun several times, prompting the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office to respond with SWAT and K-9 units, and close the roadway. Authorities said Thompson barricaded herself in her vehicle. After about three hours of negotiations, she exited the vehicle early Sunday morning with the firearm.
Thompson was booked into the Escambia County Jail on charges of felony fleeing and eluding with disregard to others and driving with a suspended license. She remained in jail Wednesday morning without bond.
An Escambia County deputy spotted Thompson driving a 1999 Ford E350 van painted in a camouflage pattern on Holsberry Road. The deputy followed her east on Ten Mile Road, north on Chemstrand Road, west on Kingsfield Road and north on Pauline Street while warrants were checked. An active Baldwin County warrant for kidnapping and Florida warrants for violation of probation on a felony battery charged and criminal mischief were verified.
An Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputy activated his lights and sirens on his marked patrol vehicle at Pauline Street and Archer Road. Thompson continued north on Highway 95A where a PIT maneuver was unsuccessfully attempted to stop her van. She continued to Highway 29 and went through a red light at Highway 29 and Muscogee Road, according to an arrest report, and continued into Baldwin County.
Speeds in the pursuit through North Escambia ranged from 22 to 99 mph, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Northview Shuts Out Baker, Advances To District Championship Against Jay
May 4, 2022
Jamarkus Jefferson threw a complete game shutout Tuesday night as Northview beat No. 4 Baker 10-0 in Bratt.
No. 1 Northview advances to the District 1-1A championship against No. 2 Jay at 7 p.m. Thursday at Northview. Jay beat No. 3 Central 9-2 Tuesday afternoon.
Jefferson gave up just one hit in five innings while striking out eight for Northview.
Josh Landis went 3-3 to lead the Chiefs at the plate. Jefferson and Rustin Pope had two hits each. The remainder of Northview’s starting lineup had one hit each — Kaden Odom, Luke Bridges, Ethan Collier, Wyatt Scruggs, Trent Knighten and Cason Burkett.
For more photos, click or tap here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Northview Softball Beats Paxton, Will Face Jay For District Championship
May 4, 2022
The No. 3 Northview Lady Chiefs beat No. 2 Paxton 4-3 Tuesday night in the district semifinals in Paxton.
They will advance to the district championship in Jay at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Jay Royals. No. 1 Jay beat No 4. Baker 12-0 Tuesday.
Northview’s Jamison Gilman allowed five hits and three runs while striking out five over six innings. Emma Gilmore pitched one inning in relief, allowing one hit and striking out two.
Kaitlin Gafford and Kayla Dixon had two hits each for the Lady Chiefs. Gilman, Gilmore, and Kailyn Watson each had one hit.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
