No. 1 UWF Gets Win Over No. 13 Texas A&M Commerce (With Photo Gallery)
September 19, 2021
Top-ranked UWF scored 21 unanswered points and held No. 13 Texas A&M Commerce to 67 yards of total offense after halftime in a 35-17 win at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
UWF (3-0) had 434 yards of total offense with a 6.5 yards per play average. A&M Commerce (1-2) finished with 231 yards of offense.
For a photo gallery, click or tap here.
Austin Reed threw for 274 yards and a pair of touchdowns, while leading the Argonauts to scoring drives on five of their eight possessions before ending the game in victory formation inside the Lions’ 10-yard line.
Shomari Mason powered an aggressive rushing attack with 94 yards on 17 carries and a touchdown. Jervon Newton and Anthony Johnson, Jr. each ran for a score as the trio combined for 169 yards on the ground and 4.6 yards per rush. Seven of UWF’s 12 live ball first downs in the second half were on the ground.
The UWF defense was stout all game long but put on a clinic in the second half. In addition to limiting A&M Commerce to 231 yards of total offense on the night, they sacked Jaiave Magalei five times and forced two turnovers in the fourth quarter. Trent Archie had eight tackles and two sacks, while Stephon Williams had eight stops and a sack as well.
The Lions played deliberate, ball control offense in the first half, using 17:53 of time of possession to build a 17-14 lead, including taking advantage of a muffed punt in the final minute of the half that led to a field goal. But UWF’s defense forced A&M Commerce to punt after drives of six and three plays, allowing the explosive Argo offense to get going.
Reed led scoring drives of eight plays, five plays and five plays while building the big lead. Newton and Mason each got to the end zone and David Durden was untouched as he caught a 19-yard crossing route in the end zone.
The win extended the UWF winning streak to a record nine games, while establishing new benchmarks for consecutive road wins and consecutive wins over ranked opponents, both of which are now at six games apiece. It was also the team’s fifth-straight road win over a ranked team as they improved to 10-5 all-time on the road against top-25 opponents.
UWF returns home next week for its first game at Blue Wahoos Stadium in 2021. The Argos will play host to the University of Fort Lauderdale (0-2) at 6 p.m. Tailgate lots at Community Maritime Park open at 2 p.m. and stadium gates open at 5 p.m.
The Blue Wahoos Stadium Box Office opens at 3 p.m.
For a photo gallery, click or tap here.
Photos: Courtesy Morgan Givens/UWF for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia School Board Rejects Mask Mandate
September 18, 2021
The Escambia County School Board on Friday rejected the idea of future discussion of a mask mandate for the county’s schools.
At a workshop meeting, several members of the public discussed the desire for mandatory masking, prompting the board discussion.
“I have had several conversations with Dr. Smith over the summer, so he can verify that I have not been happy,” board member Patty Hightower said. “I told him I was ready to go after the governor.”
Hightower said she was in favor of a discussing masks at a future school board meeting, but she wanted to make sure the public had proper notice that it would be on an agenda to give people on all sides of the issue a chance to weigh in. She asked the board if there was any support for a special meeting.
“As a parent, as a human being, I tend to agree with your side of the story,” board member Laura Edler told those speaking that supported masks at Friday’s meeting. “But if the other side comes also, I will do that same assessment. I believe as a board member, I’m in a Catch-22. If I favor with you all, I’m wrong. If I favor with the other group who doesn’t want masks, I’m wrong.”
“But I can tell you, your message was not overlooked,” added Edler. “I can’t tell you about the rest of the board members, but you got to my heart.”
“I’m also not in support of a mandatory mask mandate of any kind, I’ll put that out there right now. I don’t see why we need to meet on it,” board member Kevin Adams said. “My vote would be against any kind of mandatory mask mandate.”
“Somewhere along the line, we’ve got to get back to our business educating our children,” Adams said.
“My personal preference is to tell people wear a mask, but I cannot, and I will not, mandate that somebody does something,” board member Paul Fetsko said. “I will wear a mask, but I am not going to vote to make somebody wear a mask.
“I believe that parents that believe children should be wearing masks can convince them to wear masks, and they should, “said board member Bill Slayton. “If you believe your child should wear a mask, tell them to wear the mask. Don’t come tell us (the school board) to tell them. I fell like you are copping out to make us force a mask mandate. I’m sorry, I cannot support that.”
The board never took a formal vote, with Slayton saying it was obvious the board was not in favor of mandating masks, asking Smith for any comments.
“No, it’s up to you. That you for the discussion” Smith told the board. “That gives me clarity.”
As of Friday night, the Escambia district reported 216 students and 41 staff positive for COVID-19 in the past 14 days, and an additional 691 students in quarantine.
Pictured: Escambia County School Board members Bill Slayton (top), Laura Edler (middle inset) an Paul Fetsko (below) during a board workshop on Friday. Images for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Driver Seriously Injured After Crashing Into Tree In Walnut Hill
September 18, 2021
One person was seriously injured in single vehicle wreck early Saturday morning in Walnut Hill.
The driver lost control on North Cypress Street just off Arthur Brown Road and crashed into a tree about 1:45 a.m. The driver was transported as a trauma alert to a Pensacola hospital by Escambia County EMS.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating. The Walnut Hill Station of Escambia Fire Rescue also responded.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Sacred Heart Suspends Drive-thru COVID-19 Testing Due To Hospitalization Drop
September 18, 2021
Ascension Sacred Heart is suspending its drive-thru COVID-19 testing in Escambia County effective Saturday due to the recent decline in the number of COVID-19 hospitalizations in the area.
The last scheduled testing drive-through staffed by Ascension Medical Group will be Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 5192 Bayou Boulevard in Pensacola.
“We will be ready to set up the drive thru testing site if another major surge of COVID-19 cases hits our community again,” said Justin Labrato, chief operating officer of Ascension Medical Group Sacred Heart. “COVID-19 hospitalizations remain high in Pensacola, but the numbers have declined slowly but steadily during the past two weeks. Another positive sign is that the number of people seeking tests at our drive-through clinic also has declined over the past week.”
Testing services are still available every day in the community through the Florida Department of Health in Escambia County. No appointment is needed but those seeking a COVID-19 test should bring a valid form of identification.
Drive-thru testing is available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Brownsville Community Center at, 3200 West De Soto Street, and on Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Department of Health, at 1295 West Fairfield Drive.
Escambia Seeks Input On How To Spend $61.7 Million In American Rescue Plan Funds
September 18, 2021
Escambia County is seeking public input on how to spend American Rescue Plan Act Funding.
The public is asked to submit input to the Escambia County American Rescue Plan Survey by 11:50 p.m. on Thursday, September 30, 2021. The survey is available in English and Spanish online and at the community centers and libraries listed below. Survey results will be presented at an upcoming Committee of the Whole meeting.
The American Rescue Plan (ARP) includes $61.7 million in direct local recovery assistance for Escambia County. The first half of the county’s award has been received, totaling $30.9 million. The second half is comparable and will arrive approximately one year after the first payment. Escambia County’s plan will follow the U.S Treasury Departments Interim Final ARP Rule including allocating all funds prior to Dec. 31, 2024 and completing all expenditures by Dec. 31, 2026 as required. Escambia County recognizes the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the community and is committed to making investments for economic recovery and rebuilding.
Library Locations:
- Southwest Branch Library – 12248 Gulf Beach Highway, Pensacola
- Pensacola Library – 239 N. Spring St., Pensacola
- Westside Branch Library – 1301 W. Gregory St., Pensacola
- Tryon Branch Library – 1200 Langley Ave., Pensacola
- Genealogy Branch Library – 5740 N. Ninth Ave., Pensacola
- Molino Branch Library – 6450-A Hwy. 95A, Molino
- Century Branch Library – 7991 N. Century Blvd., Century
Community Centers:
- Beulah Sr. Citizen Center – 7425 Woodside Drive, Pensacola
- Felix Miga Sr. Citizen Center – 904 N. 57th Ave., Pensacola
- Lexington Terrace Community Center – 700 S. Old Corry Field Road, Pensacola
- Marie Ella Davis Community Center – 16 Raymond St., Pensacola
- Mayfair Community Center – 701 S. Madison Drive, Pensacola
- Perdido Key Community Center – 15500 Perdido Key Drive, Pensacola
- Brownsville Community Center – 3200 West DeSoto St., Pensacola
- Dorrie Miller Community Center – 2819 North Miller St., Pensacola
- Englewood Community Center (Boys & Girls Club) – 2751 North H St., Pensacola
- Marie K. Young-Wedgewood Community Center & Park – 6405 Wagner Road, Pensacola
- Barrineau Park Community Center & Historical Society – 6055 Barrineau Park School Road, Molino
- Byrneville Community Center – 1707 County Road 4A, Century
- Carver Park Resource Center – 208 Webb St., Cantonment
- Molino Community Center & Historical Museum – 6450 Hwy. 95A N, Molino
- Quintette Community Center – 2490 Quintette Lane, Cantonment
- Walnut Hill Community Center & Ruritan Club 7850 Hwy. 97N, Walnut Hill
Century Gas Station Customers Surprised With Free Food
September 18, 2021
People that stopped at a Century gas station got a little extra surprise Friday afternoon.
Northwest Florida Community Outreach held an impromptu mini-food distribution at the Marathon Station at Highway 29 and East Highway 4. The non-profit handed out meat, eggs, yogurt, juice, bread and pastries for free.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Navarre Tops Tate 35-14
September 18, 2021
The Tate Aggies were off to a strong start Friday night on the road at Navarre but could not keep the momentum going. The Navarre Raiders topped Tate 35-14.
Andre Colston was in with a touchdown to put the Aggies up 7-0 in the first quarter.
The Raiders answered with a 40-yard touchdown run with 7:20 remaining in the first. After a missed Raiders extra point, and Tate was holding on to a 7-6 advantage.
With about nine minutes remaining in the half, Colston scored a big 80-yard touchdown, growing the Aggies lead to 14-6. And that closed out Tate’s scoring for the night in Navarre. The Raiders were up 20-14 before going on to their 35-14 win.
The Tate Aggies will be at the Escambia Gator’s Emmitt Smith Field next Friday night.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Jennifer Repine, click to enlarge.
North Escambia Area Football Final Scores
September 18, 2021
Here are football final scores from around the North Escambia area:
FLORIDA
- Escambia Academy at Northview* (canceled, more info below)
- Navarre 35, Tate 14 [Read more...]
- West Florida 51, Arnold 0
- Pine Forest 41, Pensacola 0
- Washington 28, Escambia 24
- Sweet Water (Ala.) 39, Jay 7
- Gulf Breeze 28, Milton 21
- Niceville 41, Pace 13
- Pensacola Catholic (bye week)
*Escambia Academy at Northview High in Bratt was canceled due to weather and field conditions. GoFan is expected to issue ticket refunds in 1-3 days. Northview Principal Mike Sherrill said that it appears unlikely that teams will be able to make up the game at a later date due to scheduling conflicts.
ALABAMA
- Escambia Academy at Northview* (canceled, more info above)
- Flomaton 21, Chickasaw 14
- Williamson 42, W.S. Neal 0
- T.R. Miller 14, Bayside Academy 0
- St. Michael 44, Atmore 12 (Thursday night)
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Santa Rosa Man Gets Life In Prison For Sexual Battery Of Juvenile
September 18, 2021
A 63-year old Santa Rosa County man has been sentenced to life in prison for sexually assaulting a juvenile male.
Leonard Starke was convicted by a jury of sexual battery on a victim helpless to resist. Prosecutors said on July 15, 2021, Starke gave alcohol to the minor and committed sexual battery on him while he was asleep.
As a prison releasee reoffender, Starke was sentenced to a mandatory life in prison.
“The Office of the State Attorney recognizes that the protection of our youth is paramount to the safety and security of our community,” State Attorney Ginger Bowden Madden said in a news release.
Escambia County Ratifies New Contracts With Firefighters And Corrections Officers
September 17, 2021
Escambia County has ratified new contracts with the firefighters’ union and corrections officers’ union. In addition, the board approved the purchase of five new trucks for fire services.
Firefighters Contract
The Escambia County Commission voted unanimously Thursday to approve the contract with the Escambia County Professional Firefighters, I.A.F.F. Local 4131. The last collective bargaining agreement expired three years ago and had been in negotiations since.
For information on the new trucks, and to learn which stations will get them, click or tap here.
“The men and women of Escambia County’s fire service put their lives on the line every day for the safety of our community,” said Interim County Administrator Wes Moreno. “These negotiations focused on recruitment and retention efforts, which included an increase in wages. The Board of County Commissioners thank these employees for their dedication to protecting our community.”
“We are grateful to the County Board of Commissioners for their willingness to work together to address serious issues affecting our County and the Fire Fighters that protect it,” said Lt. Nick Gradia, president of the Escambia County Professional Firefighters. ”
“By addressing Fire Fighter wage disparities and Fire Equipment deficiencies, Escambia County has demonstrated a willingness to address the needs of the department in order to provide a top-notch Fire and Rescue service to the Citizens we serve,” Gradia said in a written statement.
The base rate for each bargaining unit classification will be as follows:
- Fire Fighter – 24 (Pay Grade A4) $12.99 ;Estimated Annual Salary: $41,698
- Fire Fighter – 9 (Pay Grade A4) $16.80; Estimated Annual Salary: $41,278
- Fire Lieutenant – 24 (Pay Grade B1) $17.41; Estimated Annual Salary: $55,886
- Fire Lieutenant – 9 (Pay Grade B1) $22.52; Estimated Annual Salary: $55,332
- Fire Captain – 24 (Pay Grade B4) $19.75; Estimated Annual Salary: $63,397
- Fire Captain – 9 (Pay Grade B4) $25.55; Estimated Annual Salary: $62,776
- Battalion Chief – 24 (Pay Grade B8) $24.49; Estimated Annual Salary $75,527
- Battalion Chief – 9 (Pay Grade B8) $30.45; Estimated Annual Salary $74,816
The pay rate for all current incumbents in each bargaining unit classification will be placed at the step closest to their current rate in the specified pay grade on the BCC Pay Scale without incurring a decrease in pay rate. In addition, a 2% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) will be applied to each employee’s rate.
Employees covered by this agreement will be eligible to receive any across-the-board or COLA wage rate increase that may be approved by the BCC and provided to all other county employees.
After being placed on the BCC Pay Scale in the respective pay grade, fire fighters will receive an increase as follows:
- Fire Fighter – less than 1 year (Pay Grade A4) Pay Step B
- Fire Fighter – 1-3 years (Pay Grade A4) +2% increase
- Fire Fighter – 4-6 years (Pay Grade A4) +4% increase
- Fire Fighter – 7+ years (Pay Grade A4) +6% increase
Escambia Fire Rescue operates as a combination department with both volunteer and career firefighters. Career personnel staff 13 fire stations, including Cantonment, 24 hours a day. Century is staffed by career firefighters from 7 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday-Friday and operates with volunteers the remainder of the time. Other North Escambia area stations — Walnut Hill, McDavid, Molino and Beulah — are strictly volunteer.
Police Benevolent Association Ratify Union Contract
The Escambia County Commission and the Florida Police Benevolent Association, Inc. (FPBA), representing the certified officers with the corrections department agreed upon a new three-year contract on Thursday.
We are extremely pleased with the positive outcome of the contract negotiation for certified officers in the Corrections Department,” said Interim County Administrator Wes Moreno. “As part of the negotiations, the county focused on recruitment and retention efforts, which included conducting analysis on high vacancy positions and wages. These men and women dedicate their time to improve lives, and their service is greatly appreciated by the county.”
Effective upon the first full pay cycle following the effective date of this agreement, the pay grade and hourly base rate for each bargaining unit classification will be as follows:
- Corrections Officers – Trainees $15.79
- Corrections Officers $17.41
- Corrections Sergeant $20.15
- Corrections Lieutenant $24.49
Effective upon the first full pay cycle following the effective date of this agreement, current incumbents in each bargaining unit classification will be reassigned to the appropriate pay grade on the BCC pay scale at the pay step closest to the employee’s current rate without incurring a decrease in pay. After being reassigned to the appropriate pay grade and pay step, the hourly rate for current incumbents in each bargaining unit classification will be increased as follows:
- Corrections Officers – less than 1 year (Pay Step B)
- Corrections Officers – 1-3 years (+ 2% increase)
- Corrections Officers – 4-6 years (+ 4% increase)
- Corrections Officers 7+ years (+ 6% increase)
- Sergeants – less than 1 year (Pay Step B)
- Sergeants – 1-3 years (+ 2% increase)
- Sergeants – 4-6 years (+ 4% increase)
- Sergeants – 7 + years (+ 6% increase)
- Lieutenants – less than 1 year (Pay Step B)
- Lieutenants – 1-3 years (+ 2% increase)
- Lieutenants – 4-6 years (+ 4% increase)
- Lieutenants – 7+ years (+ 6% increase)
Pictured: Escambia County firefighters responded to numerous types of incidents in addition to fires, like this vehicle crash on Highway 29. NorthEscambia.com file photo.