One Person Injured In Molino Rollover Crash
August 20, 2020
One person was injured in a single vehicle crash in Molino Thursday morning.
The driver of a Honda Accord ran off the road, struck a culvert, traveled through a fence and overturned multiple times into an open pasture on Nicholson Drive near the Molino Chapel.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour and others, click to enlarge.
Burglar High On Drugs Held At Gunpoint By Resident, ECSO Reports
August 20, 2020
An alleged burglar high on methamphetamine and spice was held at gunpoint until deputies arrived after he walked into a Cottage Hill home.
Matthew Arrington Haveard, age 35 of Cantonment, was charged with felony burglary of an occupied dwelling. He was released from the Escambia County Jail Wednesday on a $5,000 bond.
A resident of Wishbone Road told the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office that he was at home on his computer just after 9 p.m. Monday when he noticed Haveard inside the home. Haveard immediately raised his hands when confronted, and the resident grabbed his handgun before leading Haveard back outside.
The man and his grandmother, the owner of the home, were both inside the residence at the time, and both told deputies they had never seen Haveard before, according to an arrest report.
The Sheriff’s Office said home security video shows Haveard arrive in a Chevrolet pickup truck, walk through an open garage door and enter the residence through a side door.
Haveard told an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputy that he had smoked spice and methamphetamine a couple of hours prior to the incident and did not know where he was, according to the report.
Cantonment Murder Suspect Released On Bond; He’s Charged With Killing Navy Wife In 2001 During Adulterous Affair
August 20, 2020
A Cantonment man accused of murdering his wife nearly 19 year ago has been released on bond.
Gregory Paul Malarik, 57, is charged with first degree premeditated murder with a firearm.
During a bond hearing Wednesday, Judge Jan Shackleford set his bond at $400,000. Records show he was released from Escambia County Jail about 10:30 Wednesday night.
Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office arrested Malarik on July 28 for the 2001 murder of his wife, Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Sherri Malarik. Gregory Malarik, a former Navy Petty Officer 1st Class, was employed by the Naval Aviation Technical Training Center aboard Naval Air Station Pensacola.
The body of Sherri Lynn Malarik was found September 22, 2001, at about 8 a.m. inside a Dodge Caravan in the parking lot of the Winn Dixie and Movie Gallery at 1550 South Highway 29, less than three miles from the couple’s home. She was found by family members who are not named in the report.
An autopsy found that she was murdered – shot twice in the head with a .25 caliber handgun. She was found in the floorboard of the van. Forensic evidence indicated that she was shot while seated in the passenger seat.
The investigation revealed he was engaged in an extramarital affair with Jennifer f who, at that time, was his co-worker. Spohn later disclosed that he wanted to end the marriage but, having previously been married, did not want to go through another divorce proceeding. She related a conversation in which Gregory Malarick suggested he should just kill Sherri.
Investigators said they believed Gregory Malarik drove Sherri Malarik to the Winn Dixie in the minivan. Gregory told Spohn to meet him later that evening at the Winn Dixie to pick him up. When Spohn arrived at Winn Dixie at the appointed time, Gregory was there with the van, got into her vehicle, and told her to drive normally. Once out on Highway 29, Gregory discarded what appeared to be a long-haired wig. Spohn then dropped Gregory off at the marital residence.
Swabs taken from his hands the day of the murder were positive for gunshot residue, and pants believed to have been worn the night of the murder were found to have gunpowder in the left front pocket, the report states.
In 2017, a NCIS investigator examined phone records from the Malarik residence from the night of September 21, 2001. He found that multiple calls were made at 6:29 p.m., 7:59 p.m., 8 p.m. at 8:47 p.m. “This provided two periods of time sufficient for Malarik to have committed the homicide, transported (Sherri) Malarik’s body to Winn Dixie, and returned home,” the report states.
Multiple children in the home were interviewed in 2001 and have since been re-interviewed. All provided statements generally consistent with a timeframe provided by Gregory Malarik. However, one child said that Gregory Malarik called Sherri Malarik into the backyard on September 21, 2001. Shortly after seeing her go in the backyard, the child said they heard a “pop” similar to a firecracker. Gregory Malarik then immediately walked back inside, showered and changed clothes, the report states, before leaving for 10 to 15 minutes. That was sufficient time, the investigation found, to drive the victim to Winn Dixie.
The .25 caliber handgun used in the murder was never recovered, but the investigation revealed Gregory Malarik owned such a weapon at the time of the homicide.
The arrest report states that emails recovered show Gregory Malarik and his mistress had discussed “how to trick a polygraph” as early July 31, 2001.
An email from Sherri Malarik to her sister stated: “I believe that there is spiritual warfare going on in my home and Greg just can’t see it…He is simply upset because he feel that I put other people before him when I listed to the possibility of masonry being something other than it seems…He feels as if I betrayed him. Please keep us in your prayers…we need all the help we can get.”
Spohn was re-interviewed in May 7, 2002, and gave a similar account to her 2001 statements. Spohn was interviewed again on March 6, 2020, during which she gave testimony that was inconsistent with her original statement, the arrest report states, leading investigators to believe her original statement about returning a lawn mower was a cover story. Those statements were redacted. Investigators believe she assisted in the homicide and the destruction of evidence which had been preplanned, possibility for several months as indicated by emails.
Escambia Superintendent Candidate Pool Narrowed To Four
August 20, 2020
The pool of candidates to become the next Escambia County school superintendent is now down from six to four.
The Escambia County School Board removed one name from the list this week, and one other candidate has withdrawn his name from consideration.
The four remaining semi-finalists are:
- Dr. Earl Johnson – Executive director Leadership/Operations Flagler County Schools (FL), 13,000 students, 2017 to present. Previous: High school and elementary principal Flagler County, 2004-2017.
- Keith C. Rittel — Superintendent, Provo, UT, 18,000 students, 2012-present. Previous: Deputy superintendent, Clover Park (Lakewood, WA), 12,000 students, 2008-2012.
- Dr. Timothy A. Smith – Executive area director of high schools, Orange County (FL), 212,000 students, June 2018 to present. Previous: Principal of Winter Park High School (FL), 3,400 students, July 2010-June 2018.
- Keith Leonard – assistant superintendent of Human Resource Services Escambia County, 40,500 students, June 2020-present. Previous: Director of Human Resources, Escambia County, 2007-2020.
Vincent Cotter withdrew from consideration due to family obligations, and the board did not advance Marques Stewart.
Board members expressed concern that Stewart did not have enough experience at the district level. Stewart, a 1996 Woodham High School graduate, is currently a 9th grade principal at an Atlanta high school and spent four years at middle school principal.
The only finalist to receive a vote from all five school board members was Smith, who has been in school administration in Orange County for three decades. The other three semi-finalists received three votes each from board members.
“I like the fact that he comes from a large district. He’s in Florida. He’s got education degrees, but his undergraduate degree was in business,” Board Chair Patty Hightower said. “He also mentions the military, needing to address the military and communicate well with the military.”
The school board will invite the four semi-finalists to Escambia County August 26-28. August 27 will be a day of interviews that will be streamed online for the public to see, and the public will have a chance to submit questions. Each of the four will also take part in one-on-one interviews with school board members.
In November 2018, Escambia County citizens voted to move from an elected to an appointed superintendent. Malcolm Thomas, the current elected superintendent, will retire in November. The school hopes to name his replacement by September 1 with an anticipated start date of November 17.
By The Numbers: Overall Downward Trend Continues In Local COVID-19 Hospitalizations
August 20, 2020
The latest daily COVID-19 local hospitalization numbers continue to show a decrease.
The data in the chart above, compiled by the City of Pensacola, reflects the current combined number of patients hospitalized on the listed date at Ascension Sacred Heart, Baptist Hospital and West Florida Hospital.
“We are seeing a downward trend, but we are not out of this yet. Please keep taking preventative actions, including wearing a mask, social distancing and washing your hands often,” Mayor Grover Robinson said Wednesday.
Tate Aggies Announce New 2020 Football Schedule
August 20, 2020
The Tate High School Aggies have announced their new 2020 football schedule.
The Aggies will kick off their 2020 season at home on September 18 they host the Pine Forest Eagles. All of the teams the Aggies will face in the eight game regular season are from Escambia or Santa Rosa counties.
- 9/18 Pine Forest
- 9/25 @ Washington
- 10/2 @ Pensacola
- 10/9 Pace
- 10/16 Escambia
- 10/23 @ Pine Forest
- 10/30 Pensacola Catholic
- 11/6 @ Gulf Breeze
All games are at 7 p.m.
The Escambia County School District announced on Tuesday that the first practices allowed for fall sports will be Monday, September 7 with the first games a mere 11 days later on September 18.
Spectators will be allowed at sports in Escambia County, but football game attendance will be limited to allow adequate social distancing.
“Face coverings will be worn in district facilities as directed by staff and instructional leaders,” the Escambia School District said in a statement. If a situation arises whereas a student, member of staff, or a visitor is not wearing, or is incapable of wearing a face covering, such individual may be assisted or guided by appropriate authorities within the district to undertake alternative, reasonable, and accommodating actions to protect self and others.” The face mask requirement will include football stadiums.
Pictured: The Tate Aggies and the Washington Wildcats in October 2019. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Former Century Mayor Benny Barnes Passes Away At Age 86
August 20, 2020
Former Century mayor Benny Barnes has passed away at age 86.
Barnes served 13 total years as a councilman and mayor in Century. He also previously served as president of the Century Area Chamber of Commerce.
A Marine veteran, Barnes was born in Santa Rosa County and moved to Century from Byrneville in 1960. He also worked as power house operation for Monsanto.
He is survived by his wife Edna Earle Barnes, a son and numerous other family members and friends. A celebration of life service will be held at a later date.
For the complete obituary, click here.
Pictured top: Serving as Century Chamber president, Benny Barnes in his “Benny’s Bar-B-Q” apron serves up smoked pork in to Carver/Century K-8 School staff and faculty in 2008. Pictured inset: Barnes addresses a chamber meeting in 2011. Pictured below: Barnes addresses the Century Town Council in 2008. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
FloridaWest Confirms Manufacturing Firm Looking At Century Building; Cotton Gin Still On Hold
August 20, 2020
FloridaWest Economic Development Alliance is confirming that a manufacturing company is interested in an industrial building in Century after an offer from another potential tenant was put on hold by the town.
At Monday night’s meeting, the Century Town Council tabled action on a lease proposal for a 40,390 square foot facility in the town’s industrial park known as the Helicopter Technology building. The pause came after Mayor Henry Hawkins said he received an email shortly before from the meeting from FloridaWest advising a manufacturing company wanted to tour the building on Thursday and potentially bring 21 new jobs to Century.
“We can confirm it is a small manufacturing company. At this time we do not want to discuss number of jobs or additional details,” Scott Luth, CEO of FloridaWest, told NorthEscambia.com.
The council delayed action on a lease proposal from West Florida Gin in Walnut Hill until next Monday night, but Luth said any offer from the manufacturing company won’t come that soon.
“If the building meets the needs of the project we will bring additional details back to the city in September or October,” he said. “We appreciate the council’s assistance in showcasing this opportunity for job creation for Century and Escambia County.”
South Alabama Gin Company, doing business as West Florida Gin, proposed a lease of $6,000 per month for five years with an option to renew the contract for an additional five years. They want to occupy the building by October 1 and estimated that six employees would be associated with the the warehousing and distribution of cotton bales.
The gin company was the only company to respond after the town advertised for several weeks seeking lease proposals. It was the second time they had made an offer; the first was rejected.
According to Interim City Manager Vernon Prather, the council cannot simply lease the building to the manufacturing company. Instead, they would be required to reject the West Florida Gin offer and advertise again for formal proposals, much like a bid process.
For an earlier story, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Here’s Important Back To School Info For Tate And Northview High Schools
August 20, 2020
Here is important back to school information for Tate and Northview high schools.
TATE HIGH SCHOOL
Tate High School has made a virtual orientation and tour available online and announced several important dates before the first day of school on August 24.
The orientation and virtual tour of the school videos are available at www.tatestudents.com. The website also contains other valuable information, including a link to a new bell schedule and updated maps of the campus and classrooms.
Schedules will be available via the Focus portal on Thursday. Instructions on how to access schedules and tips for reading will be posted.
Open campus hours for students to walk around the campus and find their classes will be:
- Friday, August 21 from noon until 3 p.m.
- Saturday, August 22 from 10 a.m. until noon
On August 24, the first day of school, students will first report to their homeroom.
NORTHVIEW HIGH SCHOOL
Northview High School Principal Mike Sherrill explained the return to school to students and parents in a telephone call-out. Here is the text of that call as provided by the school:
Orientation for 9th grade and New Students:
Due to the pandemic, Northview was not able to have its regular orientation for incoming 9th graders and new students to Northview. Instead Northview will offer incoming 9th grade students, new students, and their parents the option to walk through the main building on Friday, August 21st, between 3:30 and 5:00 PM. It is not a requirement to attend, and the walkthrough is really for students who are not familiar with the main building. The walkthrough is not a time to meet with teachers or staff, and there will not be any presentations. It is simply an opportunity to pass through the main halls and see where everything is located. Parking should occur in the student parking lot, and students and their parents should enter through the east breezeway gate near the gym. You will then walk down Wing C, pass through the main hallway, and then walk down Wing D which will take you out of the building. You can then exit out the same gate you entered and return to your vehicle. It will probably take 10 or 15 minutes for someone to walk through. Parents and students should wear a mask if they choose to come to and walk through the main building. The gym and theater will not be available for the walkthrough due to groups using them during this time.
First Day of School and Chromebooks:
All traditional students will be allowed to enter the building between 8:20 and 8:40 AM. Bus riders will enter through the bus loop, and students that drive or are dropped off will enter through the east breezeway gate near the gym. Breakfast and lunch are free for all students. Students that do not eat breakfast will be spaced in the gym until 8:40 AM, when all students report to their first class. Classes begin at 8:45 AM when the tardy bell rings, so students that drive or are dropped off can choose to arrive close to that time as long as they are not tardy.
All students and staff will need to bring a mask when they come to school, and they will need to wear their mask in all common areas such as the cafeteria, hallways, and the Innovation Center. Masks will also need to be worn when a student arrives at school and leaves at the end of the day. You will also need to wear masks during all class changes, and possibly in some classes. Parents will need to wear a mask when they come to school to take care of any school business.
Parents and students will have access to FOCUS class schedules on Thursday, August 20th. Bus information is also available on the Transportation Tab in FOCUS. It will be helpful if traditional students know their schedule when they arrive on Monday, so they can report to their second period class at 8:40 AM. Second period teachers will also have a new class schedule for them to keep.
Remote students will also need to look up their schedule in FOCUS on Thursday, and information has also been mailed to each remote student to explain expectations and procedures. Remote students should also receive a call from one of their teachers this week. Incoming 9th grade remote and full time virtual students may also bring their old Chromebook to the bus loop on Friday, August 21st to exchange it for a new one between 1:00 – 3:00 PM. Also, remote and full time virtual students Grades 10-12 may also come at this time to exchange their Chromebook, if it is not working properly. Simply drive up in the bus loop, stay in your car, and someone will come help you. Northview will try to work with families later if you are not able to come at this scheduled time. Traditional 9th grade students should bring their old Chromebooks with them to Northview starting on the first day of school, and they will be able to exchange it for a new one on the first day. All students should have a fully charged Chomebook every day.
Practices Begin Sept. 7 For Fall Sports In Escambia County, First Games Sept. 18
August 19, 2020
The Escambia County School District will allow practices for fall sports to begin September 7, with the first games as early as September 18.
Tryouts for student athletes will be conducted the week of August 31 through September 4.
School athletic directors are will work together to create game schedules, with as little travel out of the area as possible, said Escambia County School Athletic Director Roger Mayo.
It’s not known yet if schools will take part in the state playoff series or if an small regional conference might be formed.
Mayo said a Panhandle regional conference has been discussed For Escambia, Santa Rosa and other Panhandle counties. The possibility is still in play presently.
“It’s just too early to tell right now,” Mayo said Monday.
Spectators will be allowed at sports in Escambia County, but football game attendance will be limited to allow adequate social distancing.
“Face coverings will be worn in district facilities as directed by staff and instructional leaders,” the Escambia School District said in a statement. If a situation arises whereas a student, member of staff, or a visitor is not wearing, or is incapable of wearing a face covering, such individual may be assisted or guided by appropriate authorities within the district to undertake alternative, reasonable, and accommodating actions to protect self and others.”
Mayo said the face mask requirement will include football stadiums.