Escambia County 4-H Honors Members At Annual Awards Banquet
August 11, 2021
Escambia County 4-h celebrated at its annual banquet recently at the Langley Bell 4-H Center in Cantonment.
Over 70 guests participated in the celebration and recognition of Escambia County 4-H achievements in a fiesta theme setting.
Many awards were given out at the banquet to recognize the accomplishments of 4-H members. County council members and honored guests presented certificates, pins and awards.
Graduating seniors were recognized, and Jessica Conti, 2020-2021 County Council president, gave her retiring address. Escambia County 4-H also honored the members that made up the 2020-2021 County Council and inducted a new group of council officers for 2021-2022.
The new council officers are as follows: Taylor Anderson and Chloe B. as district delegates, Raimi Joseph as motivational leader, A.T. Bridgers as sergeant-at-arms, Madelyn Goss as parliamentarian, Alan B. as reporter, Tucker Padgett as treasurer, Kailee Dunlap as secretary, Ava Chauvette as vice president, and Gracie Meredith as president.
According to Brian Estevez, Escambia County 4-H Agent, the new officers were inducted in a lighting of the candle ceremony and were told that “good officers pledge their hands to the service of their 4-H council, its members, and the clubs they represent.”
There were 249 youth in Escambia County that were enrolled in one of 16 4-H Clubs. Six Escambia County 4-H members placed first in their respective divisions at state competitive events; and two judging teams won their respective state contests. More than 1,000 youth from Escambia County schools participated in at least 6 hours of 4-H programming.
“Escambia County 4-H would like to say thank you to all of the 4-H members, parents, sponsors, and guests that attended the 2021 4-H Awards Banquet,” said Estevez.
“The 4-H Awards Banquet was made possible with the donations from our many sponsors. Escambia County 4-H thanks you for your donations of money, time and effort to make the banquet possible,” said Aly Schortinghouse, Escambia County 4-H/Livestock Agent.
Clarence Arthur Hammonds
August 11, 2021
Clarence Arthur Hammonds passed away on Saturday, August 7th, after a long illness. He was born on February 22, 1943 in Flomaton, Alabama to Charlie Wade Hammonds and Emma Hammac Hammonds. He graduated from Flomaton High School. He married Wanda Morgan of Pensacola on August 24, 1977.
Clarence was preceded in death by his parents and sister Helen Lister. He is survived by his wife Wanda and sons, Jason and Sandy, and brothers Bodie, Ray, Wade, Carl, and sister Vera Hall.
After high school, Clarence was employed by Brewton Iron Works, Brewton Alabama for about 5 years. After moving to Pensacola, he gained employment with Builder’s Ready Mix in Cantonment (now known as American concrete Supply) for over 40 years until his retirement. Mr. Billy Campbell, owner of American Concrete Supply was his mentor and father figure to Clarence whom he dearly loved. Mr. Campbell’s family was also his extended family. Mr. Campbell regarded Clarence as one of his most reliable and dependable employees with contractors specifically requesting Clarence for delivery to their jobsite. Clarence also enjoyed attending church with Mr. Campbell at the Beams of Light Holiness Church in Cantonment until his illness prevented him from doing so. Clarence was an avid University of Alabama football fan and loved watching the games with his family.
Active pallbearers are Noel Watkins, Jeff Morgan, Bill Lewis, Paul Brown, Larry Woodward, and Ed Brown. Honorary pallbearers are Jack Morgan, Bodie Hammonds, Ray Hammonds and Carl Hammonds.
Services will be held this Friday, August 13th at 2pm with visitation beginning at 1pm. Burial will be at the private sector of the Morgan Cemetery in Molino, Florida. Phillip Deane, pastor of Beams of Light Holiness Church will be officiating.
A Big Lead Evaporates, Rain Suspends Blue Wahoos And Biscuits
August 11, 2021
The game was rolling smoothing in the Blue Wahoos favor Tuesday against the Montgomery Biscuits.
But the night ended badly.
Leading 7-2 in the ninth inning, the Blue Wahoos surrendered five runs, then were unable to answer with a quick turn at the plate before a massive thunderstorm struck Blue Wahoos Stadium, turning the field into a mess and postponing completion of the game until Wednesday.
The game will be resumed at 5 p.m. Wednesday, tied 7-7 and Montgomery batting in the top of the 10th with a runner on second base. The scheduled game Wednesday will be played 30-45 minutes following completion of the suspended game and will be the designated “Festival of Crabzilla” night with the Blue Wahoos changing into orange-colored uniforms.
But Tuesday seemed a formality after the Blue Wahoos led 6-0 in the sixth, 7-2 through eight innings.
They exploded with a six-run rally in the fifth inning and received strong pitching from starter Kyle Nicolas.
But the bullpen and fielders could not hold it.
The Biscuits got runs in the sixth and seventh. In the ninth, reliever Andrew McInvale, the fourth reliever Pensacola used, was unable to close the game. He gave up a leadoff single, a walk, then an RBI single for the first Biscuits run. Then a ground ball was botched by second baseman Zack Kone to load the bases.
On a 3-2 pitch, McInvale gave up a two-run single to Austin Shenton. The Blue Wahoos then summoned Colton Hock, who was formerly their top closer. He gave up a sacrifice fly to score another run, then a two-run double to tie the game.
With lightning popping nearby and the wind howling, the umpires made a decision to play the bottom of the night. Montgomery got three quick outs when the skies unloaded at 10:10 to halt the game.
It became another no-decision for Nicolas despite throwing five shutout innings.
Making his third Double-A start for the Blue Wahoos, Nicolas allowed just one hit – a bloop single – by Jake Palomaki to lead off the fifth inning. But he struck out the final two batters to end the inning to complete his stellar night.
Nicolas has allowed just two earned runs since being promoted July 27 from the Beloit Snappers, the Miami Marlins High-A affiliate in Beloit, Wisconsin. He entered the season ranked as the Marlins’ No. 17 prospect by Baseball America.
J.J. Bleday reached base all five time at the plate on four walks and a single. He drove in a run on bases-load walk in the sixth and later scored in that inning.
by Bill Vilona, Blue Wahoos senior writer
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Scattered Afternoon Showers And Storms On The First Day Of School
August 11, 2021
For the latest tropical weather update, click here.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 90. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. Calm wind.
Friday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. Calm wind.
Saturday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. North wind around 5 mph becoming east in the afternoon.
Saturday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Calm wind.
Sunday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 92.
Sunday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72.
Monday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 90. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Monday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73.
Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Jimmie Odell Self
August 11, 2021
On Sunday August 8th 2021, Jimmie Odell Self, loving husband, father, and grandfather, walked into God’s arms after 72 years of earthly life.
Jimmie was born on May 14, 1949 in Brewton, AL to Odell and Frances Self. He relocated to Pensacola, FL at the age of 14 and graduated from Tate High School in the class of 1967. He attended Jefferson Davis Junior College and Louisiana State University, New Orleans, where he was an excellent basketball player and star shooter. He spent the majority of his career at Escambia Molded Plastics.
Jimmie married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Debbie (Owen) Self on August 2nd, 1969. They had two daughters. They were married 52 years, celebrating their anniversary just a few days before his passing.
Jimmie loved sports, and especially golf and University of Alabama football. He enjoyed spending time with his family, and especially his grandsons, who each called him a different name…Grumps, Dumps, Dumpy, and Bumpy, respectively. He was known for his quick wit and for his protective love of his family. Jimmie was a member of Allen Memorial United Methodist Church.
Jimmie was preceded in death by Odell Self (father), Frances Self (mother) and siblings Gregory and Kathy. He is survived by his wife, Debbie, his two children, Shannon Self-Brown (Charlie) and Karyn Norris (Ben), his brother Danny Self and family [Mary Kaye Self (sister-in-law), Jessica Self (niece), Matt Self, (nephew)], Chris Ross (nephew), and several aunts, uncles, and cousins. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren, Baylor Brown, Eli Norris, Kamron Norris, and Zaine Norris.
A celebration of life is planned for August 21, 2021, at 10 a.m. at Allen Memorial United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Allen Memorial Methodist Church.
Inmate Captured Shortly After Escape From Work Detail At Ashton Brosnaham Park
August 10, 2021
An Escambia County Jail inmate that escaped early Tuesday afternoon from a work detail at Ashton Brosnaham Park is back behind bars.
Lance Allen Chatman, 36, escaped while working at the park on Ashton Brosnaham Drive, just north of 10 Mile Road, according to Escambia County. He was captured within 21 minutes by an Escambia County Corrections K-9 team.
Chatman was being held on charges of burglary, larceny, vehicle theft and damage to property. He is now facing an additional felony charge of escape.
ECSO Seeks ‘Armed And Dangerous’ Bank Robbery Suspect
August 10, 2021
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is searching for the man that robbed a bank on the south end of the county Tuesday morning.
About 11 a.m. the ECSO responded to an armed robbery at the Warrington Bank on Sorrento Road.
The suspect was described as possibly a Hispanic male, wearing a shoulder length wig. He walked into the bank and struck an employee with a firearm. The suspect then took an undisclosed amount of cash and left the scene on foot.
Photos on this page show the suspect without the wig he was described as wearing at the time of the robbery. The ECSO said the suspect is considered to be armed and dangerous.
Anyone with information about the suspect or the robbery is asked to call the ECSO at 850-436-9620 or Crime Stoppers at 850-433-STOP.
Pictured: The scene at Warrington Bank on Sorrento Road shortly after a robbery late Tuesday morning. Pictured inset and below: The suspect who should be considered armed and dangerous (ECSO). Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Leak Repairs Complete At Molino Branch Library; It Will Reopen Wednesday
August 10, 2021
The Molino Branch Library was closed part of Monday and all day Tuesday due to a water leak.
The library, located in the Molino Community Center, will reopen at 10 a.m. Wednesday.
Normal library hours are:
Sunday: Closed
Monday: 10 a.m. — 7 p.m.
Tuesday: 10 a.m. — 7 p.m.
Wednesday: 10 a.m. — 7 p.m.
Thursday: 10 a.m. — 7 p.m.
Friday: 10 a.m. — 7 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. — 4 p.m.
NorthEscambia.com photo.
School Superintendent Is Excited For A Return To Class. But It’s A Cautious Optimism Due To COVID-19.
August 10, 2021
Escambia County School Superintendent Tim Smith is excited about the first day of school on Wednesday. But it’s really more of a cautious optimism as COVID-19 looms over the local community as tens of thousands of students return.
“I hope these COVID metrics show declines here very soon because it’s important for us to get out of the gate quickly and strongly in our return to a brick and mortar setting on a full-time basis,” Smith told NorthEscambia.com “I really hope the kids are excited and have a good positive start.”
“I think that’s important with our teachers too. I hope they feel ready and prepared. I hope just everybody in the schools is excited. I think with COVID we just have to be very flexible. It’s a fluid condition that exists, and we need to make sure we’re staying in compliance with the guidelines provided by the medical experts. In this case our guidelines that we’re following are those put out by the Florida Health Department and the Florida Department of Education.”
Those guidelines, released just last Friday, do not include a mask mandate, giving parents or guardians the opportunity to opt out their student from wearing a face covering. There will be a return to normal activities such as field trips, and volunteers will be allowed back on campuses. Athletic events and extracurricular activities such as band and choral concerts will occur without seating capacity limits. [Read the complete policy...]
“It’s just important I think for us to get to a level of functionality where we’re holding class, kids are able to think and concentrate, and engage in learning. That’s going to be our goal is to provide that type of environment and of course safety is always, always important for us.”
“If we have a student who is showing symptoms, we will quickly, quickly have them attended to, and we will need family to come pick that student up,” Smith said. “One of the important things is if the student is showing symptoms is to not come to school. I think our parents did a great job with that (last year). I think those steps, that quick reaction to a student showing symptoms, is a key piece. I think what helped us a lot last year was that quick and responsive set of protocols that we had. Our principals were able to call and work with our health coordinator and her team as she frequently communicated with the Department of Health.”
For students that are required to quarantine, in some cases up to 10 days, they will be able to continue the learning process at home, but it will be different from last year.
“We don’t have the remote blended platform like we did last year where you have a teacher with both students in class and online,” Smith said. “We really didn’t anticipate having to work with that virus the whole year.”
“That whole blended remote platform was designed for flexibility because if you were taking let’s say you’re chemistry class and you are at home you still had the same teacher in the same course section so you could just come right back. That sunsetted with the end of the executive order from the commissioner of education and the governor.”
The Escambia Virtual School, with registration open through August 31, allows a student to have an online environment for the full year. But for a student that is out a few days to over a week due to a required COVID-19 quarantine, there is no such established remote learning mechanism in place this school year.
But education will go on, Smith said.
“That’s where our amazing teachers will step up, and they will do great work on making the lesson and the activities at home blended,” Smith said. “That’s not always easy to do, but that’s the goal so there can be a number of steps that are taken. You can use some electronic platforms that have lesson components built in, and the students can just go through those lesson components. You can do electronic activities where the kids go in and pull their work. We may even have some teachers post videos, or who do all kinds of things.”
“That is the charge — to make it as connected as possible, and our teachers will be very creative,” Smith said.
Here Are The New Start And Dismissal Times For Escambia County Schools
August 10, 2021
The Escambia County School District has provided a list detailing the start and dismissal times for every school in the county, many of which were adjusted due a shortage of bus drivers.
Escambia County School Superintendent Tim Smith said Monday that the district is still trying to recruit new bus drivers, but that has been a very difficult undertaking.
To help overcome the shortage, the district has most bus drivers running an extra elementary route each day, in addition to their normal routes. Start and dismissal times were adjusted for several schools as a result, as much as 20-30 minutes in some cases.
“That’s why the times were adjusted. Our transportation team did it a remarkable job on figuring that out,” he said. “That was a highly complex venture and took a number iterations to get the correct schematic in place.”
“We have to make sure our bus routes and drivers are ready to go,” he said. “To do that with a limited number of buses in operation from the bus driver shortage, it became rather complicated to do this.”
Here are the 2021-2022 school year start and dismissal times for every Escambia County School District school:
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
7:10 a.m. until 1:25 p.m. (11:35 a.m. early release)
- Ensley Elementary
- Global Learning Academy
- L.D. McArthur Elementary
- Longleaf Elementary
- Montclair Elementary
- Navy Point Elementary
- Oakcrest Elementary
- O.J. Semmes Elementary
- Scenic Heights Elementary
- West Pensacola Elementary
7:35 a.m. until 1:50 p.m. (noon early release)
- Beulah Elementary
- Bratt Elementary
- Hellen Caro Elementary
- Molino Park Elementary
7:50 a.m. until 2:10 p.m. (12:20 p.m. early release)
- Bellview Elementary
- Blue Angels Elementary
- Brentwood Elementary
- Cook Elementary
- Cordova Park Elementary
- Ferry Pass Elementary
- Holm Elementary
- Jim Allen Elementary
- Kingsfield Elementary
- Lincoln Park Elementary
- R. C. Lipscomb Elementary
- Myrtle Grove Elementary
- Pine Meadow Elementary
- Pleasant Grove Elementary
- Sherwood Elementary
- A. K. Suter Elementary
- Warrington Elementary
- C. A. Weis Elementary
MIDDLE SCHOOLS
8:40 a.m. to 3:20 p.m. (1:10 p.m. early release)
- Brown Barge Middle School
9:05 a.m. until 3:45 p.m. (1:35 p.m. early release)
- Ernest Ward Middle School
9:30 a.m. until 4:15 p.m (2:10 p.m. early release)
- Bailey Middle
- Bellview Middle
- Beulah Middle
- Ferry Pass Middle
- Ransom Middle
- Workman Middle
9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m (2:10 p.m. early release)
- Warrington Middle
HIGH SCHOOLS
8:25 a.m. until 3:05 p.m. (12:55 p.m. early release)
- West Florida High
8:30 a.m. until 3:10 p.m. (1:20 p.m. early release)
- Escambia High
- Pensacola High
- Pine Forest High
- Tate High
- Washington High
8:45 a.m. until 3:20 p.m. (1:10 p.m. early release)
- Northview High
ALTERNATIVE SCHOOLS/CENTERS
- Hope Horizon Lakeview Center — 7:20 a.m. until 1:20 p.m. (noon early release)
- Westgate Center — 7:50 a.m. until 2:10 p.m. (12:20 p.m. early release)
- District Extended (times vary, early release at noon)
- KAPS K-5/ Achieve 6-12 — 8:45 a.m. until 3:25 p.m. (2 p.m. early release)
- Success Academy — 9 a.m. until 2:35 p.m. (12:30 p.m. early release)