Escambia Fire Rescue To Train At Ascend Performance Materials Under New Agreement
March 11, 2026
Escambia County and Ascend Performance Materials recently entered an agreement for routine and technical fire rescue training at Ascend on Chemstrand Road.
The agreement was unanimously approved by the Escambia County Commission recently.
Ascend Performance offers enhanced training that relates to hazardous materials and technical rescue, which are services currently provided by Escambia County Fire Rescue, according to the county. The training props at Ascend consist of rail cars**,** confined spaces, rope rescue, and propane fires.
“These skill sets will transition from on-premises to any area of Escambia County. Additionally, the knowledge gained from the facility and its operations will only increase efficiencies in the event of an emergency,” the county said.
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Escambia Man Pleads Guilty To Selling Machine Gun Conversion Devices On Facebook
March 11, 2026
An Escambia County man has pleaded guilty to selling machine gun conversion devices on Facebook.
Alaisjah Dayshawn Perkins, 22, pleaded guilty in federal court to the receipt, possession, transfer, and making of a firearm not registered in the National Firearms Registration & Transfer Record and not identified by a serial number. He faces up to 10 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on May 19.
According to court documents, on April 26, 2025, law enforcement officers observed posts on a Facebook profile advertising the sale of machine gun conversion devices (MCDs). An undercover officer communicated with Perkins between April and May 2025, conducting multiple undercover purchases of the devices.
During the execution of a search warrant at his home, officers located tools and supplies for manufacturing MCDs. Upon his arrest, a bag containing 13 MCDs was found in his pocket. The devices were sent to the Firearms and Ammunition Technology Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) for technical examination. Experts determined they were designed to convert AR-style firearms from semi-automatic to fully automatic.
This case was a joint investigation by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and the ATF.
FDLE Charges Escambia Felon With Attempted Firearm Purchase
March 11, 2026
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has charged an Escambia County felon with the attempted purchase of a firearm after a child p
James Frank II, 37, was charged with one felony count of possession of a firearm, weapon and ammunition by a convicted felon.
The arrest was made on March 4, 2026, when FDLE agents served a search warrant on Frank’s residence for a related investigation. During the search, agents discovered two handguns and ammunition inside. Frank had previously served time for a narcotics related conviction and was released in May 2025.
Tate High School Students Earn Top Honors At Florida French Competition
March 11, 2026
For the first time, Tate High School students recently participated in Le Congrès de la Culture Française en Floride, held in Orlando.
The statewide event brings together students from across Florida to celebrate French language, culture, and the arts through academic and performance-based competitions.
Despite having only about two months to prepare for the event, Tate students demonstrated remarkable dedication as they prepared entries across numerous categories, including theatrical performances, poetry recitation, musical performance, impromptu speaking, cultural projects, reading comprehension, and creative design competitions aligned with this year’s theme, “The World of French Cinema.”
Led by veteran French teacher, Evangeline Leventhal, the students represented Tate High School with distinction, earning recognition in several categories:
Superior Merit
- Original French Skit (Writing and Performance): Shiloh Cash, Kaala Cowell, Duyen Luc, Khloe McMillian
- 3-D Cultural Project: Jagger Etheridge, Kira Kimmons
- Individual Poetry Recitation: Mariah Foster
Excellent Merit
- French Play Adaptation: Shiloh Cash, Kaala Cowell, Mariah Foster, Estelle Lentini, Duyen Luc, Khloe McMillian, Kiley Menser
- Individual Poetry Recitation: Kira Kimmons, Kiley Menser
Honorable Mention
- Individual Poetry Recitation: Kaala Cowell
- Impromptu Speech: Shiloh Cash
- Reading Comprehension Test: Jagger Etheridge, Nikolaus Huber, Khloe McMillian
- French Song Performance: Estelle Lentini, Anh Luc
In addition to their competitive events, students also created a cultural scrapbook highlighting how French language and culture are represented at Tate High School and designed a themed T-shirt connected to the competition’s focus on francophone cinema.
While the awards were a significant achievement, the students said the experience itself was equally meaningful. Students dedicated many hours outside of class memorizing lines, rehearsing performances, and refining their French language skills.
Their commitment allowed them to confidently present and perform in French while competing alongside schools with long-established programs, Principal Laura Touchstone said. “Participation in the competition fostered strong collaboration among students and teachers and provided an unforgettable opportunity to celebrate language learning, creativity, and cultural appreciation.”
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