Navy Federal Announces Leadership Changes
February 10, 2021
Navy Federal Credit Union has announced that Captain Keith Hoskins (USN Retired), has been named to the role of executive vice president, branch operations and Kara Cardona has been selected to serve as the new leader of Greater Pensacola Operations. Hoskins served as lead executive for Greater Pensacola Operations since April 2019.
“Keith Hoskins has been a tremendous leader for Greater Pensacola Operations,” said Debbie Calder, chief operating officer for Navy Federal. “Between that experience and his 27 years of service in the U.S. Navy, Keith truly understands our members. I’m confident he will help our growing branch team meet the evolving needs of our members around the world.”
Hoskins takes the helm of the branch team from RADM Dietrich Kuhlmann (USN Retired) who was named chief real estate lending officer. Prior to joining Navy Federal, Hoskins was the western district manager for Gulf Power Company. His transition from military service came after 27 distinguished years in the U.S. Navy where he retired as commanding officer for Naval Air Station Pensacola, providing leadership and oversight to over 25,000 military and civilian personnel. In this role, Hoskins received the Chief’s Installation Excellence Award in 2015. He also served as a F-18 pilot on the Blue Angels flight demonstration team.
“One thing I have learned in my time so far with Navy Federal is this team, no matter where you serve in the credit union, has an unwavering commitment to be there for our members, each other, and our communities,” said Hoskins. “I am proud to be part of it, and look forward to leading our branch team.”
Cardona has been with the credit union for over 21 years, the last three years serving as the number two for Greater Pensacola Operations, Navy Federal’s largest operations site employing more than 8,400 people. Navy Federal is on track to reach its commitment of employing 10,000 people in the Escambia County community by 2026. Prior to her current role, Cardona served as vice president for the credit union’s branch operations.
“Kara’s commitment to our members, team members and the Pensacola community is outstanding,” said Calder. “I’ve always been impressed with her relentless focus on our members while continuing to improve the work experience for our team members.”
In addition to her senior executive role at Navy Federal, Kara also serves as vice chair on the board of directors for Baptist Health Care Inc. and as secretary on the board of directors for First Place Partners Economic Development Organization. She is also a member of IMPACT 100 Pensacola and serves as a big sister with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida. Kara holds a bachelor’s degree from Columbia College in interdisciplinary studies, with a minor in business, and is an alumnus of Navy Federal’s Executive Education program at Darden School of Business, University of Virginia.
“The opportunity to lead our Pensacola team is a great honor,” said Cardona. “I look forward to continuing to help our employees enjoy a world-class work environment so they can continue their exceptional service to our members while also strengthening our partnerships across the local community.”
Tate Soccer Wins District Championship For The First Time In Over A Decade
February 10, 2021
The Tate High School mens soccer team won the District 1-6A championship Tuesday night 1-0 over Niceville. It’s the first time Tate has claimed a men’s district soccer championship since 2010.
Regular play ended scoreless, and after two 10-minute over halfs it was still 0-0. The game then when into penalty kick overtimes with the Aggies coming out with the win.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Town Of Century Hiring For Multiple Positions
February 10, 2021
The Town of Century is hiring for multiple positions.
Available positions include:
- Wastewater and Water Operators, and trainees. Minimum starting salary of $15 per hour for licensed operators and $13 per hour for trainees.
- Service Worker I. Maintenance of roadways, right of ways, drainage systems, streets signs and building. Pay is based upon work history and experience.
- Citizens Services Clerk. Will interact with citizens concerning municipal operations including water, sewer, natural gas and solid waste. Pay is based upon work history and experience.
For more information, click or tap here.
The application deadline is 2 p.m. on February 18.
Check Out A ‘Blind Date With A Book’ From The Molino Branch Library For Valentine’s Day
February 10, 2021
As Valentine’s Day approaches, how about a blind date with a book from the Molino Branch Library?
It’s a chance to read something new and fresh.
Blind Date with a Book is pretty simple. Books are covered to obscure the author and titles. They are labeled with a few keywords to help make the perfect blind date match.
- Beach Read. Romance. Secrecy.
- Regency Romance. London. Historical Fiction. In Love With…
- New York City Library. Photographer. Romance. Autumn.
- Aliens. Cats. Funny.
Those are just a few of the blind date books available at the Molino Branch Library.
Storms Bring Ping Pong Ball Size Hail, Power Outages; And Here’s How Much It Rained
February 9, 2021
Hail was reported across the North Escambia area early Tuesday morning as storms moved through. There were also numerous power outages.
A NorthEscambia.com reader sent us this photo of hail that fell on Howell Road off Highway 97 in Walnut Hill about 3:10 a.m. Meteorologists with the National Weather Service in Mobile said the hail pictured is up to ping pong ball size, about 1.5 inches.
The ping pong ball size hail did damage an outdoor light, barn light, a horse trailer and vehicles on Howell Road.
NorthEscambia.com received reports of hail across the area — from Walnut Hill, Bratt, Century, Jay (confirmed quarter size), McDavid, Atmore, Flomaton, Pollard and more.
During the 12 a.m. hour, about 3,300 Escambia River Electric Cooperative customers lost power due the prolific lightning. That’s about 30% of all EREC customers. All but a handful had power restored within about an hour.
The weather station at Northview High School in Bratt recorded 1.7 inches of rain. Other rain totals as of 8:30 a.m. Tuesday were:
University of West Florida 1.36 inches
Washington High School 0.76 inches
West Florida High School 0.72 inches
Tate High School 0.61 inches
Escambia High School 0.44 inches
Pensacola High School 0.38 inches
Pine Forest High School (gauge was not working)
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Adult, Child Rescued From Overnight House Fire Near Flomaton
February 9, 2021
Two people were rescued from a house fire early Tuesday morning near Flomaton.
The fire in the 1000 block of Twin Bridges Road was reported about 3:30 a.m. Firefighters arrived to find fire on the first floor of the home.
An adult and child had been sleeping upstairs and were alerted by an alarm system. They were unable to go downstairs due to smoke and fire, and smoke had forced them outside onto the back deck of the second story.
“They were out there but the smoke was so bad it was hard for them to breathe,” Flomaton Fire Chief Steve Stanton said. Firefighters were quickly able to get them down and to safety.
Stanton said a lightning strike to a hot water heater was to blame for the fire.
The Flomaton, Friendship and Lambeth fire departments, with help from the Century and McDavid stations of Escambia Fire Rescue, were among those that responded.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Woman Airlifted After Highway 29 Crash That Injured Six People
February 9, 2021
Six people were reported to be injured in a two vehicle crash Monday night in Molino.
The 70-year old female driver of an SUV was airlifted by LifeFlight helicopter to Sacred Heart Hospital as a trauma alert. Five others, including two children, were transported to the hospital by Escambia County EMS with injuries that were not considered serious.
The crash happened about 6:50 p.m. at the intersection of Highway 29 and Highway 196.
The Florida Highway Patrol said the 79-year old Cantonment woman attempted to turn onto Highway 29 and pulled her Honda SUV from Highway 196 into the path of a king cab pickup truck pulling a work trailer.
The SUV came to rest upside down on Highway 29, while the truck continued off the roadway into the edge of a wooded area.
Highway 29 was closed for the investigation and cleanup, including the removal of nails and screws in the roadway.
The Molino, Cantonment and McDavid stations of Escambia Fire Rescue and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office also responded.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Santa Rosa Man Gets Life In Prison For Strangling His Girlfriend
February 9, 2021
A Santa Rosa County man that confessed to killing his girlfriend and keeping her body inside his home has been sentenced to life in prison.
Jerry Geisler Odum, 61, pleaded guilty to first degree premeditated murder for death of his girlfriend, Vicki Edge. according to State Attorney Ginger Bowden Madden.
On August 7, 2020, the Odum struck Edge in the head multiple times with a baseball bat before strangling her to death. Law enforcement became involved the following day after Edge’s family members became concerned that they had been unable to reach her.
The Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office responded for a welfare check. They later entered the residence and found Edge deceased inside the living room.
Odum said Edge had been at his residence for about two weeks. He stated he gave her a $15,000 check for their planned wedding, but he knew he did not have enough money in the bank, according to his arrest report.
After the incident, Odum said he took their dog and rode around for a while before returning to the residence where he dropped off the dog and left for Crestview to stay the night in a hotel room, according to the report. Odum stated that he got up on Friday morning and drove from the motel room back to his residence to “check on her.” He stated that he did not know what else to do. He let the dog out and visited with neighbors.
Odum also told deputies that he removed the license plate from Edge’s vehicle because he did not want anyone to see because he was not ready to tell anyone yet.
After Odum confessed to the murder, he was immediately sentence to life in prison by Circuit Court Judge John Simon.
ECSO: Two Teens Caught In The Act Of Burglarizing School In Century
February 9, 2021
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said two teens were arrested after being caught in the act of burglarizing a school in Century.
The ECSO responded to a burglary in progress call at the Pensacola State College campus on East Hecker Road in Century.
When they arrived on scene, Deputy Zachary Ward heard glass breaking inside the college, and Sgt. Bill Price witnessed a suspect throw a fire extinguisher through a glass window.
Deputies arrested and charged 16-year old Hezekiah Bell (photo not available) and 18-year old Joshua McCall of Flomaton (pictured) on charges of burglary and criminal mischief.
Cantonment Man Facing Vehicle Theft, Weapons Charges
February 9, 2021
A Cantonment man is facing vehicle theft and weapons charges.
Jakob Gunnar Oosterhof, 28, was charged with grand theft of a motor vehicle, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of drug paraphernalia and knowingly driving with a suspended license.
A deputy checked the tag on the Buick driven by Oosterhof as he pulled into the Circle K at 330 Kenmore road and discovered that the vehicle was listed as stolen.
A K-9 search of the vehicle found a .380 semi-automatic pistol, five hollow point rounds in the gun’s magazine and a clear glass smoking pipe, according to an arrest report.
Oosterhof also had outstanding warrants for robbery and battery. He was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $17,500 bond.