Blue Angels License Plates Are Released And Now On The Road In Escambia County
August 8, 2021
The first Blue Angels license plates are now on the streets of Escambia County.
One Saturday, Escambia County Tax Collector Scott Lunsford held a distribution event, serving about 500 people that had preordered a voucher for the specialty plate. All total, 625 Blue Angels license plates were issued.
Lunsford told NorthEscambia.com that 1,767 Blue Angels license plates were sold to Escambia County residents.
Another distribution event will be held Saturday, August 14. To schedule an appointment, click or tap here on or after Monday, August 9. Attendees should bring proof of insurance and the tag number they are replacing.
Vouchers can also be redeemed or the plate can be purchased in-person beginning Monday. Anyone that purchased a voucher and wishes to have the plate mailed can also contact the tax collector’s office.
“Escambia County is blessed to be the home of the world-class Naval Aviation Museum and National Flight Academy,” stated Escambia County Tax Collector, Scott Lunsford. “We are proud to partner with the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation to promote this plate and honor all naval aviators on whose shoulders both institutions were built. The purchase of a Blue Angels specialty plate is an investment in our community and our children.”
“I am proud to join my colleagues to celebrate the release of the Blue Angels specialty license plate. We appreciate the tremendous outpouring of support from the community for this license plate and the Naval Aviation Museum,” Rep. Michelle Salzman said.
Rear Admiral Kyle Cozad, President and CEO of the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation noted, “The Naval Aviation Museum Foundation would like to thank Senator Doug Broxson, the entire Northwest Florida Legislative Delegation, and Escambia County Tax Collector, Scott Lunsford, for their extraordinary efforts in making the Blue Angels specialty plate a reality.”
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia School District Will Not Require Masks; Full List Of COVID-19 Protocols Released
August 7, 2021
There will not be a mask mandate for the Escambia County School District during the upcoming year. That was just one of the COVID-19 policies announced late Friday by the school district.
“Students may wear masks or facial coverings as a mitigation measure; however, the school must allow for a parent or guardian of the student to opt-out the student from wearing a face covering mask,” the policy states.
Students opted out of wearing masks cannot be subjected to any harassment or discrimination. Specifically, schools are forbidden from relegating the non-mask wearing students to certain physical locations, isolating them during school activities and fron excluding them from any school sponsored event or activity.
Routine cleaning of classrooms and high traffic areas will be encouraged under the plan, and Students will be encouraged to practice routine hand-washing throughout the day.
The Escambia County School District plans to allow for normal school activities such as field trips. Athletic events and extracurricular activities such as band and choral concerts will occur without seating capacity limits.
Volunteers will be allowed back on school campuses this year, and they will be allowed to chaperone field trips. Volunteers are subject to the normal pre-pandemic application process.
There will be no remote learning option this year, but the Escambia Virtual Academy is still available for grades K-12. Registration ends August 31.
To read the complete policy, including guidelines for COVID-19 positive or exposed students, click or tap here (pdf).
The first day of school in Escambia County is Wednesday, August 11.
Pictured: A classroom at Lipscomb Elementary School. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Man Charged With Trafficking Cocaine, Concealed Weapon Offense After Traffic Stop
August 7, 2021
A Cantonment man is facing drug and weapons charges after a traffic stop.
Samuel Cooler, Jr., 29, was charged with trafficking cocaine, possession of a concealed firearm without a license, possession of marijuana with intent to sell, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Numerous deputies were in the area of Olive Road and Old Spanish Trail Road after a man reported that he was robbed by several people and one or more of them fled in a gray Dodge Charger. An ECSO investigator spotted a vehicle that matched the description that headed east on Olive Road at up to 80 mph.
Deputies stopped the vehicle in front of an apartment complex on Olive Road. Deputies approached they vehicle and were able to see a large clear bag containing marijuana on the rear passenger seat and the handle of a gun between the center console and the driver’s seat, according to an arrest report.
Cooler, the only occupant, was ordered out of the vehicle and deputies located a “large amount” of currency in his front left shorts pocket. A search of the vehicle located two large bags of marijuana, a loaded 9mm Smith and Wesson semi-automatic handgun, two cellphones and a backpack that contained a bag of about 36 grams crack cocaine, about 13 grams of cocaine powder, another large bag of marijuana, a digital scale and a box of empty sandwich bags, the arrest report states. The report notes Cooler is not a convicted felon and does not hold a concealed weapons permit.
Portions of Cooler’s statements to deputies were redacted from the arrest report, but the report states Cooler said the marijuana was in the vehicle but the cocaine was not his. He also said the approximate $2,300 in currency found in his pocket was obtained from his job at a security company.
Cooler’s vehicle and cell phones were seized.
Escambia Reports 1,944 New COVID-19 Cases In Last Week; Hospitalizations Increase
August 7, 2021
There were 1,944 new COVID-19 cases reported Escambia County over the last week by the Florida Department of Health.
Baptist, Ascension Sacred Heart and West Florida hospitals reported a combined 268 COVID-19 hospitalizations as of Friday.
Here is the latest data:
Escambia County cases:
Total cases: 38,193 (+1,944)
Positivity Rate Last Week: 25%
Santa Rosa County cases:
Total cases: 21,319 (+1,118)
Positivity Rate Last Week: 29.5%
Statewide cases:
Florida resident cases: 2,725,450 (+134,506)
Case positivity rate: 18.5%
Deaths: 39,695 (+175)
FDOH has moved from daily to weekly reports and removed the COVID-19 dashboard. The state is now releasing a weekly report with local data limited only to number of cases and positivity rate; the number of deaths by county or cases by local cities and communities has been removed.
Florida’s Back To School Sales Tax Holiday Continues
August 7, 2021
Florida’s 10-day back to school sales tax holiday continues through Monday August 9.
During the sales tax holiday period, qualifying items will be exempt from tax, including certain school supplies selling for $15 or less per item; clothing, footwear, and certain accessories selling for $60 or less per item; and the first $1,000 of the sales price of personal computers and certain computer-related accessories purchased for noncommercial home or personal use.
For complete details from the Florida Department of Revenue, click or tap here.
Here Are The School Supply Lists For Escambia County Schools
August 7, 2021
Here are the school supply lists for Escambia County.
Florida’s sales tax holiday is continuing through August 9. Most school supplies and clothing are tax exempt, including certain school supplies selling for $15 or less per item; clothing, footwear, and certain accessories selling for $60 or less per item; and the first $1,000 of the sales price of personal computers and certain computer-related accessories purchased for noncommercial home or personal use.
For a printable elementary school list, click here.
For a printable middle school list, click here.
All elementary and middle schools in Escambia County have the same core supply list, including some optional items. Additional wish list items may listed on individual school or PTA sites, including social media. High schools do not have a general supply list.
RELATED STORY: Here’s The List Of Adjusted Start And Dismissal Times For Escambia County Schools
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
Headphones are not required, however, they are recommended for all grade levels.
Kindergarten
- Crayons — 4 (24-count packs)
- Scissors — 1 pair blunt tip
- Glue sticks — 12
- Glue — 2 (4-ounce bottles)
- Plastic Duo-Tang folders — 2 (solid colors)
- Plastic school box — 1
- Spiral notebooks — 3 wide ruled
- Dry erase markers — 4
- Copy paper — 2 reams (white)
- Pink erasers — 2
- Yellow wooden pencils — 24 (No. 2, sharpened)
- Headphones (recommended)
- Facial tissue (optional)
- Colored pencils (optional)
- Colored markers (optional)
- Antibacterial wipes (optional)
- Quart or gallon Ziplock bags (optional)
- Hand sanitizer (optional)
First grade
- Crayons — 4 (24-count packs)
- Scissors — 1 pair blunt tip
- Glue sticks — 6
- Glue — 1 bottle (4 ounces)
- Plastic Duo-Tang folders — 2 with pockets and prongs
- Plastic school box — 1
- Spiral notebooks — 2 wide ruled
- Dry erase markers — 4
- Copy paper — 2 reams (white)
- Eraser caps — 1 package
- Pink erasers — 4
- Yellow wooden pencils — 48 No. 2, sharpened
- Headphones (recommended)
- Facial tissue (optional)
- Highlighters (optional)
- Washable markers (optional)
- Antibacterial wipes (optional)
- Hand sanitizer (optional)
Second grade
- Crayons — 3 packs (24-count packs)
- Scissors — 1 pair
- Glue sticks — 6
- Glue — 1 bottle (4 ounces)
- Plastic Duo-Tang folders — 4 with pockets and prongs and in solid colors
- Plastic school box — 1
- Spiral notebooks — 3 wide ruled
- Notebook paper — 1 pack wide ruled
- Copy paper — 2 reams (white)
- Pink erasers — 4
- Eraser caps — 2 packages
- Yellow wooden pencils — 48 count No. 2, sharpened
- Headphones (recommended)
- Facial tissue (optional)
- Dry erase markers (optional)
- Hand sanitizer (optional)
- Highlighters (optional)
- Antibacterial wipes (optional)
- Colored pencils (optional)
Third grade
- Crayons — 2 (24-county packs)
- Scissors — 1 pair
- Glue sticks — 6
- Glue — 1 bottle (4 ounces)
- Plastic Duo-Tang folders — 5 with pockets and prongs and in solid colors
- Plastic school box or zippered pouch — 1
- Composition notebooks — 2
- Notebook paper — 2 packs wide ruled
- Copy paper — 2 reams white
- Pink erasers — 2
- Eraser caps — 3 packages
- Yellow wooden pencils — 48 No. 2, sharpened
- Headphones (recommended)
- Dry erase markers (optional)
- Highlighters (optional)
- Hand sanitizer (optional)
- Facial tissue (optional)
- Antibacterial wipes (optional)
- Hand sanitizer (optional)
Fourth grade
- Crayons — 2 (24-count packs)
- Colored pencils — 1 (12-count pack)
- Glue sticks — 4
- Glue — 1 bottle (4 ounces)
- Scissors — 1 pair
- Plastic Duo-Tang folders — 1 of each color: yellow, red, blue, green, purple, orange and with pockets and prongs
- Composition notebooks — 4
- Notebook paper — 2 wide ruled
- Cap erasers — 24
- Yellow wooden pencils — 48 No. 2, sharpened
- Multi-colored highlighters — 1 pack
- Headphones (recommended)
- Facial tissue (optional)
- Hand sanitizer (optional)
- Dry erase markers (optional)
- White copy paper (optional)
- Hand sanitizer (optional)
Fifth grade
- Colored pencils — 1 pack
- Glue — 2 bottles (4 ounces) or glue sticks — 4
- Scissors — 1 pair
- Duo-Tang folders — 2 of each color: yellow, red, blue, green, orange with pockets and prongs
- Zippered pouch — 1 or plastic school box — 1
- Spiral notebooks — 3
- Notebook paper — 4 packs wide ruled
- Cap erasers — 24
- Yellow wooden pencils — 48 No. 2, sharpened
- Multi-colored highlighters — 1 pack
- Headphones (recommended)
- Facial tissue (optional)
- 1½ – 2 inch binder (optional)
- Dry erase markers (optional)
- Antibacterial wipes (optional)
- Hand sanitizer (optional)
MIDDLE SCHOOL
(All grades)
- No. 2 pencils
- Blue or Black ink pens
- Wide ruled notebook paper
- Pack of multi-colored highlighters
- Zippered binder or 2 inch, 3 ring notebook and set of 10 dividers
- Earbuds
- Texas Instruments TI30X solar powered calculator for Algebra I only
Heavy Hitters Go Quiet In 4-0 Shutout Loss
August 7, 2021
Noah Zavolas (W, 4-6) pitched seven shutout innings as Pensacola came up short in a 4-0 loss to Biloxi Friday night at MGM Park.
Zavolas turned in one of his best outings of the year scattering five hits and three walks across his start while also striking out seven.
The Wahoos best chance to score may have come early in the game. In the top of the first the Wahoos loaded the bases via three Zavolas walks; however, Demetrius Sims flew out to right field with two outs to end the threat.
In an abbreviated outing for Pensacola, Jake Eder (L, 3-5) was handed a tough-luck loss as he yielded one unearned run in three innings of work. After Eder retired the leadoff hitter to begin the bottom of the first, Sims and Marcos Rivera botched back-to-back grounders to set up the Shuckers with first and second and only one out. Alexander Palma followed with an RBI single to put the Shuckers ahead 1-0. Eder remained composed and forced David Fry into an inning-ending double play to end the threat.
Eder finished the night having surrendered one hit and picked up three strikeouts in his three innings on Friday,
In the second inning, Santiago Chavez led off the road half of the inning with a lead-off double for the Wahoos. Zavolas, unphased, retired the next three batters to end the potential threat.
Pensacola’s top four hitters in the lineup (JJ Bleday, Peyton Burdick, Griffin Conine and Brian Navarreto) struggled against Biloxi’s starter. The four hitters finished the night a combined 0-for-14 with two walks and four strikeouts.
Most of Biloxi’s damage came late in the game. Eight of the Shuckers 10 hits came in the final three innings of the game. After Alberto Guerrero allowed a run in his 2.1 innings of work, Dylan Bice was tagged for a pair of runs, courtesy of a David Hamilton two-run homer in the seventh.
Trailing 4-0, Colton Hock made his return to the Blue Wahoos. He worked a scoreless eighth inning in his first appearance since July 4th, which was also against the Shuckers.
ECSO Update: Woman Will Not Face Charges Of Kidnapping Her Grandchildren
August 6, 2021
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office now says the 50-year old Escambia County woman originally accused of kidnapping her grandchildren will not face charges.
The ECSO said Thursday that Amy Patterson Cannon was arrested and her grandchildren were found safe, a day after stating she was wanted for two counts of kidnapping minors under the age of 13.
After further investigation, it was determined that Cannon will not face an charges, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said Friday morning.
Northview’s Student Athletes Rank No. 6 Academically In Florida Class 1A
August 6, 2021
All of Northview High School’s student athletes were collectively ranked No. 6 academically in the state in Class 1A for the 2020-2021 school year, according to rankings from the Florida High School Athletic Association.
Northview High School students not only work hard athletically, but also in the classroom,” said Obreonne Smith, Northview athletic director. “This is a great accomplishment for the students, staff and school.”
Pictured: Class of 2021 members of the Northview High School Lady Chiefs softball team. Pictured below: Last year’s Chiefs baseball team celebrates a district win over Jay. NorthEscambia.com photos.
Escambia Considers Zoning Change To Allow Larger Retail Space In Some Rural Areas
August 6, 2021
When Dollar General considered building a new store in Walnut Hill earlier this year, their development company ran into a problem with Escambia County zoning. But now the Escambia County Commission is considering a Land Development Code change that would make such development possible in rural areas.
Teramore Development had three properties under contract at the intersection of Highway 97 and Highway 99A in Walnut Hill, next to Ernest Ward Middle School, for a 10,640 square foot Dollar General.
The property is currently zoned Rural Mixed Use (RMU) which allows commercial buildings up to 6,000 square feet. There is currently no provision whatsoever to grant any exceptions to construct a larger commercial building.
Now, the BOCC is considering an ordinance recommended Escambia County Planning Board that would allow up to 15,000 square feet in RMU districts with a conditional use approval for any business, not just a Dollar General. That conditional use provision, County Attorney Alison Rogers told NorthEscambia.com, would mean each request for RMU retail sales construction up to 15,000 square feet would required individual approval by the Board of Adjustment.
The county commission held the first of two public hearings on the ordinance Thursday night. The second public hearing and final vote will come on August 19.
Properties zoned as RMU in Escambia County are typically located near rural community centers and most are not currently used for agriculture.
To date, a Dollar General for Walnut Hill has not moved forward in the development or permitting process.
Pictured: A proposed Dollar General for Walnut Hill as presented in February 2021 by their development firm. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
