Cantonment Woman Charged With Aiding Escape, Weapons Offenses
August 11, 2021
A Cantonment woman has been charged for allegedly helping a man escape from deputies in the Wedgewood area.
An Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputy responded to Wagner Road due to multiple reports of reckless four-wheelers and dirt bikes in the area. The deputy observed a man push start a Honda four wheeler that matched the description of one that had fled from deputies multiple times in the past. The deputy attempted to stop the four wheeler on the a public right of way with emergency lights and sirens activated, but the man jumped off and started to flee, an arrest report states.
That’s when deputies say Lacashia Monique Moultrie handed off a dirt bike to him, allowing him to escape. Moultrie told deputies that the man meant “nothing to her.”
A search following the arrest revealed a 9 mm Ruger pistol with six rounds in the magazine inside Moultrie’s backpack, according to the ECSO.
Moultrie was charged with aiding escape, possession of a concealed weapon without a permit, and possession of a concealed firearm during the commission of a felony. She was released on a $25,000 bond.
An arrest report notes the incident was captured by the video system in the deputy’s vehicle.
DeSantis Passes Out $1,000 Bonuses To Escambia County Deputies
August 11, 2021
Tuesday, Gov. Ron DeSantis presented $1,000 bonus checks to deputies at the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office for their work during the pandemic.
DeSantis joined Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons in presentig the one-time bonuses through the “Florida’s Heroes” initiative.
“Florida’s first responder relief checks allow us to show our appreciation to the law enforcement officers who have remained on the front lines, continuing to keep our neighborhoods safe,” DeSantis said during the afternoon press conference at the ECSO. “Over the course of the past year and a half, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office has protected and served us all, no matter the circumstance.”
The initiative is to recognize law enforcement officers, paramedics, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), and firefighters in the state of Florida with a one-time relief payment of up to $1,000 as an appreciation of the many selfless sacrifices made throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
“When law enforcement takes the oath to serve and protect our communities it means we stand at the front line of disasters, whether it’s a hurricane or global pandemic,” said Simmons. “The men and women of the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office didn’t get the option to stay home. We still had to protect and serve even though our families may have been battling the effects of COVID-19. I want to thank Governor DeSantis for his steadfast support of law enforcement and all first responders. He has maintained his support in word and deed, and it matters to the frontline heroes. In these difficult times, it is good to know that we have the support of our community and support from the highest levels of state government.”
The Department of Economic Opportunity was allocated approximately $208 million to distribute one-time relief payment of up to $1,000 to over 193,000 first responders, including more than 49,000 sworn law enforcement officers, 40,000 EMTs, 35,000 firefighters and 33,000 paramedics across the state. Payments will be issued and mailed to employee mailing addresses provided by the employer.
“Law enforcement officers in our state make countless sacrifices as they serve our communities,” said DEO Secretary Dane Eagle said during the presentation. “It is an honor to support Governor DeSantis in his mission to provide relief checks to our first responders in Florida.”
Pictured: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons handed out one-time $1,000 bonus checks to deputies Tuesday. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
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.
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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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)
Residents Of Cantonment District Asked To Take Habitat For Humanity Survey (And Earn A Gift Card)
August 10, 2021
Pensacola Habitat for Humanity needs 200 resident of the Cantonment Redevelopment District to take a quick survey, and they are offering a $5 gift card to the first 200 participants.
Click or tap here to take the survey.
“The Community Impact Measurement Survey that we are conducting in Cantonment CRA will help us identify the greatest needs within that area and how we at Pensacola Habitat for Humanity can help,” said Kristin O’Bryan, senior communications associate at Pensacola Habitat for Humanity.
“Our goal is over the next few years be able to apply for funding to help address some of the infrastructure needs that are desperately needed in the area. Our mission at Pensacola Habitat is to bring people together to build homes, communities, and hope and this survey will go a long way to help us open some doors to help strengthen the Cantonment CRA community,” O’Bryan said.
The quick survey asks residents about living in the area, concerns and community needs.
The survey is available only to those living in the Cantonment Redevelopment District, an area bordered roughly by Well Line and Neal Road to the north, Nowak to the west, along Becks Lake Road to the east, and south of Booker Street to the south (see map).
Click or tap here to take the survey.
NorthEscambia.com graphic, click to enlarge.