Woman Accused In Tate High Homecoming Vote Scandal Enters Not Guilty Plea
April 8, 2021
The mom and former assistant principal accused along with her daughter of improperly using school district computers to cast Tate High homecoming queen votes entered a plea of not guilty in court Thursday morning.
Laura Carroll, former assistant principal at Bellview Elementary School, and her 17-year old daughter, Emily Rose Grover, were charged by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement with one count each of offenses against users of computers, computer systems, computer networks, and electronic devices (a third degree felony), unlawful use of a two-way communications device (a third degree felony), criminal use of personally identifiable information (a third degree felony) and conspiracy to commit these offenses (a first degree misdemeanor).
Carrol, who is free a $6,000 bond, waived her right to appearance and was not in court Thursday morning. Her case is next set for a docket hearing on July 21.
Grover, who was named Tate High School’s 2020 homecoming queen, will be tried as a juvenile in the case that has received international media coverage.
The investigation began in November 2020 when the Escambia County School District contacted FDLE to report unauthorized access into hundreds of student accounts. The investigation found that Carroll, an assistant principal at Bellview Elementary School, and Grover, a student at Tate High School, had accessed student FOCUS accounts. Carroll had district level access of the school board’s FOCUS program which is the school district’s student information system. FOCUS users are required to change their password every 45 days and Carroll’s annual training for the “Staff Responsible Use of Guidelines for Technology” was up to date.
In October 2020, hundreds of votes for Tate High School’s Homecoming Court voting were flagged as fraudulent, with 117 votes originating from the same IP address within a short period of time. Agents uncovered evidence of unauthorized access to FOCUS linked to Carroll’s cellphone as well as computers associated with their residence, with a total of 246 votes cast for the homecoming court. Multiple students reported that the Grover described using her mother’s FOCUS account to cast votes. The investigation also found that beginning August 2019, Carroll’s FOCUS account accessed 372 high school records and 339 of those were of Tate High School students.
Arrest affidavits obtained by NorthEscambia.com provide more details into the allegations.
When two FDLE special agents responded to Carroll and Grover’s residence in Cantonment to interview them, Carroll immediately stated that she would defer any questions to her attorney, FDLE said.
FDLE received nine statements from students and a teacher that all stated Grover spoke about accessing Carroll’s FOCUS account or they have seen her access it for almost four years.
“I have known that Emily Grover logs into her moms school account in order to access grades and test scores since freshman year when we became friends,” one student said in a statement to FDLE. “She has looked up [redacted] student ID before to [redacted]. She also knows that if she logs into her moms account at Tate it will ping that Laura Grover signed in at Tate High School. She looks up all of our group of friends grades and makes comments about how she can find out our test scores all of the time.”
“When Emily Grover was a sophomore [redacted] class, I recall times that she logged onto her moms focus account and openly shared information, grades, schedules, etc. with others. She did not seem like logging in was a big deal and was very comfortable with doing so,” another statement written by a witness said.
According to FDLE, the Escambia County School District FOCUS program contains grades, medical history, test scores, attendance, disciplinary actions, personnel information, emergency contacts, schedules, exceptional student education (ESE) information, student picture and student identification number. Teachers and staff members are able to view student profiles or more depending on access level.
The school district uses an application called Election Runner to perform activities such as homecoming court voting. FDLE was notified that Election Runner contacted the school district regarding over 100 flagged votes and an ethics complaint involving the Tate High School homecoming voting.
Carroll contested Grover’s expulsion from Tate High School that stemmed from the incident. An administrative hearing was held, and Grover’s expulsion was upheld.
Pictured above and below: Laura Rose Carroll, Bellview Elementary Facebook and Escambia County Jail; Emily Rose Grover, Tate High School’s 2020 homecoming queen, NorthEscambia.com photos.
Woman Not Yet Charged After Shooting And Killing Boyfriend In Atmore Domestic Violence Incident
April 8, 2021
A woman shot and killed her boyfriend in Atmore Wednesday, but so far police say she has not been charged.
The woman called 911 to report that she had shot her boyfriend during a domestic violence incident in the 3300 block of Woods Road.
The Atmore Police Department, Escambia County (AL) Sheriff’s Office and ASAP Ambulance responded. Officers entered the home and found a male on the floor suffering from a single gunshot wound, according to Atmore Police Chief Chuck Brooks.
James Dennis Stanley II of Prichard, Alabama, was pronounced deceased on the scene.
“Evidence collected at the home by investigators suggest a violent confrontation occurred shortly before the shooting occurred,” Brooks said. “At this time, no arrest has been made, but the case is still under investigation by APD Investigations.”
Fire Destroys Log Truck In Cantonment
April 8, 2021
Fire destroyed a log truck in Cantonment Thursday morning.
The blaze was reported shortly before 11 a.m. on Robinson Street, just off Muscogee Road. Firefighters from the Cantonment and Ensley stations of Escambia Fire Rescue used foam to extinguish the flames.
There were no injuries reported and no word on the cause of the fire.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Friday Rural Internet Roundtable With Florida CFO Jimmy Patronis Moved To Cantonment
April 8, 2021
A roundtable discussion on rural internet on Friday has been moved from an outdoor venue in Molino to Cantonment due to weather.
Florida CFO Jimmy Patronis, District 5 Escambia County Commissioner Steven Barry and other leaders will explore the opportunities and challenges of broadband deployment, access and adoption during a roundtable discussion on Friday, April 9 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Escambia County Langley Bell 4-H Center at 3730 Stefani Road in Cantonment. Masks are required.
Other roundtable guests are scheduled to include:
- Brooke Adams, Florida 4-H State Council parliamentarian
- Dawn Rudolph, president, Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital, Pensacola
- Dr. Brian Unruh, associate center director and professor, University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS)
- Jacob Gilmore, owner/operator, Gizmo Angus Farm
- Jessica Conti, Escambia County 4-H Council president
- Marva Johnson, GVP, state government affairs, Charter Communications
- Scott Luth, CEO, Florida West Economic Development Alliance
- Scott Walker, manager/operator, Walker Farms
- Steve Harrell, director of Workforce Education for the Escambia County School District
In addition, Charter Communications will award the outstanding achievements of 4-H students across the state.
Gas Station Shootout Suspect Charged With Threats At Car Dealership, Wanted In Georgia For Terroristic Threats
April 8, 2021
The suspect in a wild shootout at a Nine Mile Road gas station has been arrested again after allegedly threatening employees at a local car dealership.
Delanie Jamal Battle-Donson, 32, is now charged with three counts of assault/threat to do violence, marijuana possession and possession of drug paraphernalia after an incident this week at Pensacola Honda.
Last month, he was arrested following a SWAT team standoff after he barricaded himself inside a home off 10 Mile Road.
Battle-Donson was charged with three felony counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, felony criminal mischief and misdemeanor criminal mischief for the shootout. The parking lot at the Circle K on Nine Mile and I-10 contained dozens of shell casings after the March 21 altercation between Battle-Donson and a group of bikers.
Free on bond, Battle-Donson dropped his vehicle off at Pensacola Honda for service this week and returned a short time later upset that his vehicle had not been serviced. He walked toward an employee yelling vulgarities and moving his hand under his shirt “as if he had a gun located here”, according to an arrest report. Other dealership employees evacuated the area due to his previous aggressive and threatening behavior, and his involvement in the Circle K shootout, the report states.
A manager told the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office that Battle-Donson continued to yell obscenities and stated, “don’t make me go off on these [expletive]“. The employee stated he was in fear for his life and his customers’ lives.
When deputies searched a black duffel bag being carried by Battle-Donson, they reported finding rolling papers and marijuana.
Battle-Donson also has an active warrant out of Gwinnett County, Georgia, for making terroristic threats. He remained in the Escambia County Jail without bond.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Possible Strong Storms Into The Weekend
April 8, 2021
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1am. Increasing clouds, with a low around 64. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 79. South wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Friday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65. Southeast wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. High near 76. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Saturday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59. South wind around 5 mph.
Sunday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 78. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph in the morning.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 53. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming northeast after midnight.
Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 80. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 56.
Tuesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 79.
Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 59.
Wednesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 77.
FDOT Planning To Widen I-10, Add Diverging Diamond Intersections At Pine Forest, Beulah Roads
April 8, 2021
Diverging Diamond interchanges are planned as part of a Florida Department of Transportation I-10 widening project.
The project would widen I-10 from four to six lanes from the weigh station near the Alabama state line to Highway 29, and the interchanges at Nine Mile Road and Pine Forest Road will be reconstructed as diverging diamond interchanges.
Project details were presented during a Florida Department of Transportation public hearing this week, and residents still have a chance to make public comment. For video of the meeting, click or tap here.
For more information, and to submit a public comment, click or tap here.
What is a diverging diamond interchange?
According to the Federal Highway Administration, a diverging diamond interchange is a simple design innovation that improves safety and mobility, often at a much lower cost, compared to conventional interchange designs. The key to what makes a DDI work so well is how left turns are handled.
The DDI resembles a conventional diamond interchange, which is the most common form in the United States. Drivers make right turns at a DDI just as they would at a regular diamond interchange.
The crossover intersections are what make DDIs different, and they are very intuitive for the driver. The crossovers gently transition – or diverge – traffic from the right side of the road to the left side of the road and then back again. Because traffic is on the left hand side between the crossovers, all left turns occur without having to cross opposing traffic. The road geometry, signs, and pavement markings all work together to make this very simple. In cities where DDIs have been built, drivers say they don’t even notice the crossover intersections. according to the Federal Highway Administration.
NorthEscambia.com graphics/FDOT data.
Tate Aggies Shut Out Pensacola High
April 8, 2021
The Tate Aggies shut out the Pensacola High Tigers 11-0 Wednesday night.
Tucker Griffin earned the win for Tate, lasting two innings, allowing one hit and no runs while striking out four and walking none. Ethan McAnally, Joseph Pusateri, and Colton Swiers pitched five total innings in relief, collectively allowing just one hit and no runs while striking out six.
Jadon Fryman went 3-4 at the plate for the Aggies with two runs and three RBIs. Drew Reaves wen 2-4 with four runs. Zak Licastro and Jordan Jarman had two hits each. Frankie Randall and Ethan McAnally added one each.
Photos by Laura Glodfelter for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge..
Blue Wahoos To Welcome Back Near Capacity Crowds For 2021 Season
April 8, 2021
Baseball will return to Blue Wahoos Stadium this year with near capacity crowds, but face masks will be required.
“We are thrilled to have received approval from Major League Baseball to welcome our great fans back to Blue Wahoos Stadium in 2021,” team president Jonathan Griffith said. “Our staff has worked closely with Major League Baseball to develop a comprehensive plan to ensure fans can safely return to the ballpark and to maximize our capacity so our community can enjoy the Wahoos Life together.”
In coordination with Major League Baseball, the Blue Wahoos have set the following safety guidelines for Blue Wahoos Stadium in 2021:
- Face Masks: Face masks must be worn at all times by all fans over the age of two. Masks may be removed briefly when fans are actively eating or drinking while seated in their assigned seat. Major League Baseball’s mask mandate includes all Minor League stadiums, regardless of local, state, or federal guidelines.
- In-Seat Concessions: To prevent lines on the concourse and allow fans to enjoy the game from their seats, mobile concession ordering with in-seat delivery through StadiumDrop will be available.
- No Bags: To reduce contamination and ensure safe reduced-contact entry for fans and staff, bags will not be permitted to be brought into Blue Wahoos Stadium, except for medical or diaper bags.
- Physical Distancing: Physical distancing will be enforced on the concourse, concession lines, Bait and Tackle Shop, and at all entrances and exits.
- Multiple Entrances & Exits: Guests will be directed to enter and exit the stadium through designated entry gates to expedite the process and limit crowding at any one entrance. At the conclusion of the game, guests will receive instructions on safe exit procedures and exit locations. In weather delay situations, fans will be permitted to return to their cars during the delay and allowed to re-enter the stadium when the game resumes to prevent crowding on the stadium’s concourse.
- Buffer Zone: For the safety of players, coaches, and fans, there will be a two-row buffer comprising the first two rows of seats closest to the field in areas frequented by players and coaches. No contact will be permitted between players and fans, including for autograph requests and fans will not be allowed to gather near the dugouts, bullpens, or other areas near the players.
- Staff Screening: All Blue Wahoos staff members are required to pass a temperature and health screening before being admitted to the stadium. All staff are required to wear face masks inside the stadium.
- Enhanced Sanitation: Blue Wahoos staff will frequently clean, disinfect, sanitize, and monitor common-touch surfaces and high-use guest areas frequently and consistently throughout games. Hand sanitizer will be available to fans in multiple locations throughout the stadium.
Tate High’s Jacori Simpkins Commits To Webber International
April 8, 2021
Tate High School’s Jacori Simpkins on Wednesday signed to play football at the next level. Simpkins committed to Webber International University in Babson Park, Florida. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
