Wahoos And Smokies Suspended In Fifth
May 24, 2018
Wednesday night’s contest between the Blue Wahoos and the Tennessee Smokies has been suspended due to rain. The Smokies led the Wahoos 3-0 before play was halted. Play will resume Thursday at 5:05 p.m. prior to Thursday’s regularly scheduled game.
Eddy Martinez reached on an error to start the third inning and scored on a Trevor Clifton double which gave the Smokies a 1-0 lead. A two-run homer in the fourth from Yasiel Balaguert brought us where we are at now with the Wahoos down 3-0.
Prior to first pitch, Pensacola native and Pro football Hall of Famer Derrick Brooks was announced as a co-owner of the Pensacola Blue Wahoos. Masters champion Bubba Watson formally introduced Brooks during the ceremony. Brooks and Watson echoed Quint Studer’s vision of improving the quality of life in Pensacola.
In game two of the series, right-handed pitcher Keury Mella (4-2, 2.25) will start for the Wahoos against Tennessee right-hander Duncan Robinson (1-1, 3.83).
Vehicle Fire Causes I-10 Backups
May 23, 2018
A vehicle fire caused major traffic problems on I-10 westbound at Scenic Highway Wednesday afternoon. Several vehicle on an auto-hauler were destroyed in the blaze. The driver managed to detach the truck from the trailer.
As of 6:15 p.m., all lanes westbound were blocked, but the left shoulder was open as one lane.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Century Has Approved $2 Billion In Projects For Capital Trust Agency
May 23, 2018
Over the past 19 years, the Town of Century has served an integral role in the tax-exempt financing of over $1.5 billion worth of projects, including affordable housing projects, airport facilities, hotel and convention developments promoting tourism, health care projects, and K-12 educational buildings.
This week, the Century Town Council approved another $460 million funding this week for “public purpose” projects in Florida that will net up to $161,000 in fees for the town.
It’s a role that has provided hundreds of thousands of dollars for Century.
On the surface it might seem unlikely that Century, the poorest small city in the state, could play a part in the financing of dozens of multi-million projects including the Community Maritime Park in Pensacola, $439 million in hotel and convention centers for the Seminole Nation, airport cargo terminals, schools and apartment complexes.
The approvals were granted by Century and Gulf Breeze as members of the Capital Trust Agency, an independent public body for the purpose of financing or otherwise accomplishing development programs. Century entered into the Capital Trust Agency with Gulf Breeze in 1999 with Century essentially serving as the “second signature” for CTA, certifying that the projects meet a public purpose under IRS rules and regulations.
The CTA is structured in such a way to indemnify Century from any financial risk, whether it be from a company that defaults on repayment or any other legal liabilities, according to Michael Stebbins, CTA attorney. The funds used for the bonds are from the CTA’s funds, not from Century or Gulf Breeze.
Century has received over three-quarters of a million dollars in fees since the inception of CTA.
Funding approved this week included:
- Antares of Ormond Beach will a new senior living and memory care facility located in Ormond Beach. It will include 87 assisted living units and 37 memory care units. A bond issue of up to $35 million would mean a bond fee of $12,250 for Century. But it is more likely $30.675 million in bonds will be issued for fee of $10,850 for Century.
- The Rockledge Senior Housing Project Premium Edge, LLC, will include 55 independent living units, 58 assisted living units and 27 memory care units. A bond issue of up to $35 million would mean a bond fee of $12,250 for Century. But it is more likely $31.4 million in bonds will be issued for fee of $10,850 for Century.
- H-Bay Ministries of Texas plans to construct over 300 assisted living and memory care units in Hillsborough County, Lake County, Citrus County, Marion County and Niceville in Okaloosa County. A bond issue of up to $90 million would mean a bond fee of $31,500 for Century. But it is more likely $86.3 million in bonds will be issued for fee of $30,450 for Century.
- The University Bridge LLC Housing Project will be 886 rental units with 1,244 beds for students at Florida Atlantic University in Sweetwater. A bond issue of up to $300 million would mean a bond fee of $105,000 for Century. But it is more likely $210 million in bonds will be issued for fee of $73,500 for Century.
Tate High School Names The Top Of The Class Of 2018
May 23, 2018
Tate High School has named their honors graduates for the Class of 2018.
Valedictorian is Mollie Jean Anderson, and salutatorian is Rosemary Virginia Smyth (biographies below).
The Top Ten Percent honors graduates are as follows:
- Mollie Jean Anderson
- Rosemary Virginia Smyth
- Matthew Gordon Blalock
- Ashlyn Brooke Adams
- Seth Tyler Godwin
- Hannah Marie Huggins
- Victoria Caroline Kelson
- Hunter Scott Welch
- Nathaniel Allen Walker
- Shelby Melissa Jackson
- Dylan Charles Brown
- Riley Katherine Orr
- Emma Katherine Grissom
- Maurice Vonsha Hendricks
- Madisyn Maelynn Mitchell
- Allison Nicole Payne
- Brandon Michael White
- Ethan Andrew Hayes
- Tyler Jacob Kintz
- Thomas George Young
- Jolie Rebecca Wise
- Sydni Michael Solliday
- Virginia Leigh Vaughan
- Jodie Katherine Clanton
- Elise Gabrielle Felt
- Nicole Lauren Woods
- Prestina Gail Sullivan
- Joshua Nathanael Perdue
- Kaitlyn Nicole Mcconkey
- Kinsey Allison Gill
- Jonathan Thomas Creek
- Sarah Lindsey Washler
- Camryn Brooke Daniels
- Matthew Allen Sharpsteen
- Samuel Lee Peterson
- Ulysses Enrique Silguero
- Daniel Wolff Hughes
- Hannah Elizabeth Wellenkamp
- Lathan David Lee
- Kelsey Leighann Strength
- Carley Marie Pope
- Arial Elizabeth Hill
- Josiah Michael Little
- Olivia Jacquelin Brown
- Jade Minori Edmonds
- Sean Benton Rollins
- Margaret Kathleen Pearce
- Miranda Christine Avery
- Trevor Logan Wiggins
- Nathan Christopher Tubbs
- Johnathon Kennedy Roy
Valedictorian – Mollie Jean Anderson
Final GPA: 5.4
Mollie is the daughter of Mrs. Cheryl Anderson and the late Mark Anderson. She is the president of Tate’s National Science Honor Society and is a member of the National Technical, National English, Mu Alpha Theta (Mathematics), and National Honor Societies. For all four years, she was a competitive member of Tate’s Academic Team. This year, she also competed in this year’s Spanish Competition in Orlando. Mollie has also been selected on the 2018 Tate Hall of Fame. For community service, Mollie has volunteered over 170 hours for numerous school activities, the Hadji Shrine Haunted House, various Academic Team tournaments, and various events for the Roy Hyatt Environmental Center.
In the fall, Mollie will be attending the University of Florida to major in biology or molecular biology and also biochemistry. She plans to participate in medical research and eventually apply to medical school to become a physician. In 2016, Mollie’s father passed away from cancer, and since then, it has been her goal to become a doctor.
Mollie has received the following local scholarships:
- Buona Fortuna (Sons & Daughters of Italy in America) Scholarship
- Boardwalk Pipeline Partners, LP Scholarship
- Pensacola Heritage Foundation Scholarship
- Northwest Florida Gator Club Scholarship
- Autumn Beck Blackledge Female Entrepreneur Scholarship
Salutatorian – Rosemary Virginia Smyth
Final GPA: 5.25
Rosemary is the daughter of Patrick and Winona Smyth. She is president of Tate’s National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta (Mathematics) Honor Society. While also a vice president of the National Technical Honor Society, she is a member of the National English, Science and Rho Kappa (Social Studies) Honor Societies. She also serves as president of Tate’s Service Club: the Community Care Givers. She is a 4-year member of Tate’s Veterinary Science Academy, and numerous volunteer hours with local veterinary clinics, she has completed her certification as a veterinary technician.
In the fall, Rosemary will attend the University of Alabama to study environmental science. She received the Presidential Scholarship and will receive $12,500 each semester for four years, up to $100,000.
Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
More Rain Possible All Week
May 23, 2018
Heavy rain is looking likely by the weekend as a subtropical or tropical system forms in the Gulf of Mexico and moves north.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Wednesday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms. High near 86. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Thursday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Friday: Showers and thunderstorms. High near 85. Southeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Friday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. East wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms. High near 85. East wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Saturday Night: Showers and thunderstorms. Low around 69. East wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms. High near 85. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Sunday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Memorial Day: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 87. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Monday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69.
Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 88. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Escambia Students Can Now Ride ECAT Buses For Free
May 23, 2018
Escambia County public school students can now ride all ECAT buses and trolleys for free.
Students grades K-12 are now able to use their county-issued student library cards as a free bus pass year round.
In addition, Escambia County Area Transit’s Summer Wheels Youth Pass Program and free Pensacola Beach trolley season will launch Memorial Day weekend and run through Labor Day weekend.
The ECAT Summer Wheels Youth Pass Program will include free, unlimited rides for Summer Wheels Pass holders, ages 18 and under, from Memorial Day, May 28, through Labor Day, Sept. 3.
During last year’s Summer Wheels Youth Pass Program, 781 individuals were issued passes and 9,968 trips were taken. The free bus programs provide youth with the opportunity to explore Pensacola, travel to summer jobs, visit all county libraries and participate in summer camps. ECAT also offers free training for those who are new to the bus system to help read the Ride Guide, plan trips, and review safety.
The free Pensacola Beach Trolley service is funded through the Santa Rosa Island Authority and open to riders of all ages from Friday, May 25 through Labor Day weekend. The trolleys will run seven days a week, from 4 p.m. to midnight. The trolley has 35 stops along the beach, from the Fort Pickens gate to Portofino Island Resort.
To print the Summer Wheels Pass online and to view complete application details, click here (not necessary for Escambia County students with a county-issued library card).
Century Mayor Wants Security Cameras At Town Hall, Parks, Town Shop
May 23, 2018
Century Mayor Henry Hawkins wants to install security cameras at several town properties.
Hawkins presented the town council with a proposal from Security Center USA in Jacksonville for about $700 per month under a 36 month lease purchase with a $1 buyout.
The proposal includes eight HD cameras at town hall and the Nadine McCaw Park, seven HD cameras at maintenance shop on Alger Road and Showalter Park, and three HD cameras at the water treatment plant. Installation, video recorders, streaming, accessories and monitoring are included.
The council took no action on the proposal.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Overall Crime Down In Escambia County
May 23, 2018
The overall crime rate in Escambia County is down, according to a Uniform Crime Report released Tuesday by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
Escambia County’s overall crime rate was down 4.8 percent for the year, compared to 6 percent for the entire state.
Escambia County had 19 murders in 2016 and 2017. There was an increase in the number rapes ) and burglaries , while Escambia County reported a drop in the number of robberies, aggravated assaults, larcenies and vehicle thefts.
The countywide report covers crimes investigated by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, the Pensacola Police Department and other agencies.
Escambia County Crime Report
UP from 2016-2017
- Rape: 188 to 209
- Burglary: 1,978 to 2,004
DOWN from 2016-2017
- Robbery: 373 to 307
- Aggravated Assault: 1,400 to 1,198
- Larceny: 7,767 to 7628
- Vehicle Theft: 655 to 556
Bratt Elementary Names Students Of The Month
May 23, 2018
The following students were named Students of the Month for May at Bratt Elementary School.
Pre-K
Dillan Stuart
Myles Sellers
Kindergarten
Chloe McCann
Bentley Lowery
Zoey Davidson
Bella Walker
Bailey Campbell
First Grade
Javan Thompson
Kaedyn Eady
Mya McCants
Jamileon Syria
Second Grade
Jackson Sellers
Annabella Keen
Zachary Flowers
Tyler Amerson
Third Grade
Presley Amos
Khloe Mason
Savannah Lowry
Fourth Grade
Kailey Hawkins
Allison Flowers
Jordan Dawson
Joseph Hardenbrook
Fifth Grade
Cole Hughes
Jamison Gilman
Ashkia Weaver
Makayla Sells
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Proposed Special Session On School Funding Appears Dead
May 23, 2018
With Republicans lining up in opposition, a Democratic attempt to spur a special legislative session on education funding appeared dead Tuesday.
After a request by Democrats triggered the process, lawmakers are being polled this week about whether they want to hold a special session. Three-fifths of the members of each Republican-dominated chamber must support the request for a special session to be held. For the House, that means support from at least 70 of the current 117 members.
The Senate needs 23 yes votes from the current 39 members. But the Department of State released results late Tuesday afternoon that showed 52 House members opposed to a special session and 36 in favor. Even if supporters could round up the remaining 29 votes — which is highly unlikely — they would fall short of the 70 votes needed in the House to hold a session.
In the Senate, 11 Democrats had supported holding a session, while nine Republicans had opposed it. Lawmakers have until noon Thursday to vote.
by The News Service of Florida