Gaetz Announces Service Academy Nominations for 2022
January 26, 2022
John Bashore from Northview High School and Northview graduate David Lamb were among the 2022 service academy nominations for Florida’s First Congressional District announced Tuesday.
During an event at Choctawhatchee High School in Fort Walton Beach, Rep. Matt Gaetz nominated the following students to the U.S. Military Academy (West Point), the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, and the U.S. Air Force Academy:
UNITED STATES AIR FORCE ACADEMY
Ashley Spear, Gulf Breeze High
Page Dolloff, Niceville High School
John Bashore, Northview High School
Zoe Racz, Choctawhatchee High School
Charles Sherwin III, Niceville High School
Aidan Stamp, Lakenheath High School
Gavin Unterreiner, Navarre High School
Emma Spanovich, Choctawhatchee High School
Mikala Urenda, Niceville High School
Creanna Shaw, United States Air Force Academy
James Ratley, Niceville High School
Nolan Sweeney, Stockholm International School
Massimo Grisotto, Niceville High School
Leanne Gujski, Niceville High School
Jon Tomlinson, Fort Walton Beach High
Kirsten Cannon, United States Air Force Academy
Aine King, Liberty Academy Online
Chance Gully, University of South Florida
UNITED STATES NAVAL ACADEMY
Charles Jasso, Pensacola Catholic High
Aidan Bryan, Pace High School
Zachary Peterson, Booker T. Washington High
Abigail Driskell, Gulf Breeze High School
Steve Brunache, Pace High School
David Lamb, Pensacola State College
Grace Mims, Pensacola High School
Winfred Allgyer, Homeschool
Sebastien Epplin, South Walton High School
UNITED STATES MILITARY ACADEMY (WEST POINT)
Nicklaus Fielder, Pace High School
Laurie Petracca, Humphrey’s High School
Eric Hill, Choctawhatchee High School
Zachary Hruby, Niceville High School
Christian Perry, Choctawhatchee High School
Keegan Detweiler, Niceville High School
Shayla Trotter, Crestview High School
UNITED STATES MERCHANT MARINE ACADEMY
Sven Dunham, Trinitas Christian School
Pictured: (L-R) Northview graduate David Lamb, Congressman Matt Gaetz and John Bashore of Northview High School during service academy nominates Tuesday at Choctawhatchee High School in Fort Walton Beach. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Learn How To Start Your Spring Garden At Free Master Gardener’s Program
January 26, 2022
UF/IFAS Extension Escambia Master Gardener volunteers will host a program “Starting Your Spring Garden” next month.
The program will take place on February 3 at noon at the Tryon Branch Library, 1200 Langley Avenue in Pensacola. Registration will open at 11:30 a.m.
Participants in the free program will learn about tips and tricks for planting warm season edibles.
Former Santa Rosa Sheriff Lieutenant Indicted On Federal And State Charges
January 26, 2022
A former Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office lieutenant is now facing federal charges.
Scott Haines is charged with four federal counts of wire fraud and with making fraudulent statements. He is facing additional state charges.
The federal indictment alleges that, between January 2015 and May 2021, Haines engaged in a scheme to defraud an elderly victim out of over $10,000. The scheme, according to the indictment, is alleged to be based upon Haines’s attempt to obtain the money after inserting himself into the personal and business affairs of the victim.
The indictment also alleges that, when confronted with these allegations by federal agents, Haines made multiple material false statements about his relationship in the personal and business affairs of the victim.
In addition to the federal indictment, Haines was arrested on state charges of exploitation of an elderly person or disabled adult, theft from a person 65 years of age or older, and unauthorized access of a computer system or network. He appeared in state court after his initial appearance in federal court in Pensacola in order to be advised of the charges against him.
Trial in the federal case has been set for March 7.
He was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $40,500 bond, according to jail records.
The case was investigated by the FBI and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David L. Goldberg and Assistant Statewide Prosecutor Karen C. Murillo.
Haines was demoted from captain to lieutenant following a 2020 sexual harassment investigation. He retired last year after an internal affairs investigation.
Photo: Santa Rosa Sheriff’s Office. Under Florida law, Haines’ mugshot was exempt from release.
Molino Home Damaged By Fire Sparked By Electrical Issue
January 25, 2022
Fire damaged a home in Molino Tuesday afterno0n.
The fire was reported about 3 p.m. in the 4000 block of Schaag Road, just north of Highway 196. It appeared the fire was contained to only part of the brick home.
The occupants were able get out of the house without any injuries The fire was quickly contained, and the origin was traced to an electrical issue inside a bedroom wall.
The Molino, Cantonment, Ensley, McDavid, Beulah and Bellview Stations of Escambia Fire Rescue responded, along with Escambia County EMS.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Pickup Truck Overturns Into Molino Creek; Driver Uninjured
January 25, 2022
A driver escaped injury when their pickup truck overturned off a bridge in to a creek Tuesday afternoon in Molino.
The driver lost control on a dirt portion of Cedartown Road southwest of Jahaza Road about 12:30 p.m. The truck came to rest on its side in Wilder Branch, next to a small bridge. The driver was reportedly able to crawl out of the truck.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating. The Molino Station of Escambia County Fire Rescue and Escambia County EMS responded.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Should Escambia County Employees Be Required To Resign To Run For Political Office?
January 25, 2022
Should Escambia County employees be required to resign to run for political office?
The county commission will consider an ordinance next month that might require employees to quit before filing as a candidate for any office.
It is not an unusual idea. Commissioner Robert Bender said during a recent meeting that state employees and employees of other counties are currently required to resign to run.
“If that’s the goal, then you want to have an ordinance that says anyone that is collecting pay from the Board of County Commissioners, for example, would not be able to run for elected office, including contract employees, anywhere on the work chart,” County Attorney Alison Rogers told commissioners.
Commissioner Jeff Bergosh said employees that become candidates can apply to get their job back, but there would be no automatic pass.
“If I decide that I’m going to run for mayor, and I resign this seat,” Commissioner Lumon May said. “If I don’t win mayor, I don’t come back to District 3 (commissioner). We are just out.”
“There’s risk in rewards. If you want to quit your job and run, quit your job and run,” May said, saying would not support any ordinance that would allow the person to return automatically to their job after their campaign.
Rogers said current law prohibits any county employee from, essentially, campaigning on the taxpayer’s dime.
“It is a crime for your employees to use their public time to do campaign activities,” Rogers said. “You need to be on leave. You are not supposed to be on county time, county computer, county phone…it is a crime. We do try to monitor this the best that we can.”
“I don’t have a problem with anyone running. But I will say this. The employer has a say,” Bergosh said.
Bergosh noted that he was not responsible for bringing a potential resign to run ordinance up for discussion. Two years ago, Johnathon Owens, who was an aide to District 2 Commissioner Doug Underhill, ran against incumbent Bergosh for the District 1 seat. Bergosh won with 38.71% of the vote. Owens finished third in the primary with 22.48% behind Jesse Casey with 31.01%
Rogers is expected to bring a resign to run ordinance back to the commission for further discussion and a possible vote in February. The ordinance would apply to any county employee that runs for any political office, not just the county commission.
Under state law, elected officials in Florida must resign in order to seek another elected office.
Groundbreaking Held For New $5.37 Million Tate High Agriscience Building
January 25, 2022
A groundbreaking ceremony was held recently for a new $5.37 million Agriscience Building at Tate High School.
The new 16,524 square foot building is under construction at the previous location of tennis courts just outside the Fryman Gym. Construction is expected to be completed in late 2022.
In August, the Escambia County School Board awarded the $5,370,000 project to low bidder Emerald Coast Constructors of Pensacola. There were six other bids submitted, ranging up to just over $6.3 million. The construction is being paid for by half cent sales tax funds.
For more photos, click or tap here.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Cat Country 98.7, Morning Show Nominated For Top ACM Awards
January 25, 2022
Cat Country 98.7 has been nominated by the Academy of Country Music Small Market Station of the Year.
It’s the 11th nomination in the last 16 years for the locally owned country radio station; the station won the national honor in 2006, 2009, 2011 and 2020.
Local personality Brent Lane and The Cat Pack Morning show gas also been nominated for ACM Small Market Radio Personality of the Year. Lane previously received the honor in 2009. Brent & Mel and The Cat Pak Morning Show are “Live & Local” from 5-10 a.m. weekdays.
““I’m so proud of this team and what they do for Pensacola. They are passionate about our community and about country music. This is a great honor to be considered amongst some incredible stations in the nation!,” said Dave Hoxeng, owner of CatCounty 98.7 and NewsRadio 92.3.
The 57th annual ACM Awards Show is set for Monday, March 7 in Las Vegas and will be live streamed on Amazon Prime Video.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Reminder: Wednesday Is An Escambia Schools Early Release Day
January 25, 2022
Wednesday, January 26 is an early release day for the Escambia County School District
All schools will serve breakfast and lunch to students on the early release day. Regular modes of student transportation will be provided.
Early release days provide teachers and staff regular opportunities for professional development.
Wednesday is the last early release day scheduled for the school year.
For more information, contact your child’s school.
One Injured In Cantonment Crash
January 25, 2022
One person was injured in a two vehicle crash late Monday afternoon in Cantonment.
The crash occurred about 4:50 p.m. on Highway 29 near Woodland Street. One person was transported by Escambia County EMS with injuries that were not considered serious.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating.
The Cantonment Station of Escambia County Fire Rescue responded.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
