Six Candidates In The Running For Escambia County Administrator
April 12, 2019
There are six names on list of candidates to be interviewed for the Escambia County administrator position. They are:
- Craig Coffey from Flagler Beach, FL. County administrator in Flagler County from 2007-2019, has 20 years experience as a city/county manager with extensive Florida county government experience and 11 years additional local government experience.
- Patrick Thompson from Woodbury, MN. County administrator in St. Croix County, WI. Over 36 years local government experience.
- David Strahl from O’Fallon, MO. County administrator in City of O’Fallon, MO. 30 plus years local government administration experience, none in county government.
- Christopher Martin from Gulf Breeze. He served as the commanding officer of Pensacola Naval Air Station and spent 27 years in the Navy.
- Janice Gilley from Molino. She has held the position of vice president of External Affairs at the University of West Florida for 10 years. She served one year as the national policy director for the Foundation for Excellence in Education, one year as deputy chief of staff for the Florida House of Representatives and served as policy director and deputy policy director for year in the Executive Office of the Governor in Florida. She served as an Escambia County commissioner from 2002-2004.
- Cedric Alexander from Pensacola. He has 13 years government experience including deputy chief in the Office of the Mayor in Rochester, NY, public safety director in Dekalb County, GA, and a federal security director for the Department of Homeland Security.
Coffey, Thompson and Strahl were on a list compiled by the Florida Association of County Managers, hired by the county for $5,000 to create a short list from the 120 plus applicants
Michael Renshaw from Winder, Georgia, was the third name on the original list but pulled his name from consideration on Thursday after watching a BOCC Committee of the Whole meeting. In an email he said:
“I had an opportunity to view the live meeting of the Committee of the Whole this morning (April 11) pertaining to the County Administrator selection process. Please withdraw my name from any further consideration in this process. I wish you well in your future endeavors, and please extend my thanks to the members of FACM. If possible please advise your local media of my decision to withdraw as soon as possible, and confirm your receipt of this email.”
Renshaw was a county administrator in Barrow County, Georgia with nine years local government administration experience.
On Thursday, commissioners added Martin, Gilley and Alexander to the list. If they add any more candidates, they should be named by April 16.
The commission plans to interview candidates on April 29. Commissioners will meet individually with candidates one-on-one before conducting interviews in a public meeting.
Kenneth Griffin from Williamsburg, Virginia, was an alternate on the original list and withdrew his name after he accepted another position. He is a consultant and principal engineer at a private firm with five years experience as an assistant county administrator in Hillsborough County, FL.
Three Earthquakes Rattle The Area On Thursday
April 12, 2019
Three earthquakes struck Thursday in the North Escambia area, making eight earthquakes in the area in just over a month.
The US Geological Survey says a magnitude 2.6 earthquake struck at 10:51 p.m. near Upper Creek Road south of Sardine Road in Escambia County, AL, or about nine miles northwest of Century.
A 2.8 earthquake occurred at 3:11 p.m. a short distance away near Little Escambia Creek in Escambia County, AL. And another quake, a 2.5 magnitude, occurred in about the same area at 11:33 a.m.
NorthEscambia.com received multiple reports of shaking from the Flomaton, Pollard and Century areas.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the North Escambia area sits on the Bahamas Fracture Seismic Zone (the BSZ). Several earthquakes have occurred along this zone in recent years, but most are too weak to be felt by residents. A significant earthquake is not considered likely in the area.
NorthEscambia.com graphic, click to enlarge.
Work Zone Awareness Week: Bill Will Rename Part Of Highway 29 For Worker Killed In McDavid
April 12, 2019
It is National Work Zone Awareness Week as a bill continues makes its way through the Florida Legislature to rename a portion of Highway 29 after a worker struck and killed last year.
“When traveling through an active work zone, drivers are entering the ‘office’ of those working on the project and must be focused and eliminate all distractions,” said Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Kevin Thibault. “From moving equipment to directing traffic, there is a lot of activity in these areas, and motorists need to be mindful. Safe work zones are a top priority for the Department, and we will be working with our law enforcement partners to ensure a safe environment.”
A bill introduced by Sen. Doug Broxson would designate Highway 29 between Cox Road and Sigler Road as “Maceo Perkins Parkway”.
Maceo A. Perkins, 41, was with a group of workers employed by Broad Spectrum working on Highway 29 near Siglar Road. Just after noon on April 6, 2018, he was hit by a vehicle driven by 60-year old Sharon Odom of Century. The Florida Highway Patrol said Odom’s 2006 Ford Mustang traveled off the roadway onto the west shoulder, colliding with Perkins and the workers’ unoccupied Dodge Ram truck.. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Odom passed away at her Century home four days after the crash.
Recent statistics from the National Highway Safety Administration’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) show (from 2016 to 2017) a two percent increase in total work zone fatalities and increase from 668 to 710 total work zone crashes. Those startling statistics further demonstrate the importance of spreading awareness of work zone safety and participating in NWZAW to spread the message that we all play a role in getting roadway workers home safely.
“We know that everyone wants to get home to their families, pets and personal lives at the end of the day, and our FDOT workers and contractors are no different.” said FDOT District 1 Secretary LK Nandam, P.E. “Please slow down and use extra caution when driving through a work zone so that everyone gets home safely.” Whether you work in an office or on nation’s roadways, everyone deserves to get home safely.
NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Mira Awards Honor Escambia’s Most Creative High School Seniors
April 12, 2019
Escambia County’s most creative high school seniors were honored Thursday night during the 2018 Mira Creative Arts Awards Banquet.
Mira Creative Arts Awards recipients were nominated for the award by their high school teachers and received commemorative engraved medallions and Congressional recognition.
Recipients of the 2019 Mira Creative Arts Award are listed below a photograph from each school:
Tate High School
Cecilia Bleam — Band
Lauren Brown — Orchestra
Amber Covalt — Theatre
Christopher Helt — Theatre
Rilee Hempfling — Choral Music
Riley Middleton — Journalism/Yearbook
Mia O’Hara Studio — Art 2D
Brooklynn McCoy — Ceramics/Pottery
James Shufelt — Choral Music
Nic Talley — Band
Northview High School
Shelby Bashore — Drama
Gabrielle Kline — Graphic Arts
Maxwell Odom — Drums
Zachary Prosser — Creative Writing
Delaney Reynolds — Yearbook
Charles Ian Williamson — Visual Arts
West Florida High School
David Berthod-Perez — MultiMedia
Sophia Blouin Visual — Fine Arts
Paul Jesse Bumann — Orchestra
Isabel Cauley Visual — Fine Arts
Jackilyn “Cheyenn” Coates — Band
Raelin Domingue — Orchestra
Isabella Gardner — Theatre/Directing
Summer Holland — Journalism/Photography
Jordan Randall — Journalism/Graphic Design
Madison Wood — Journalistic Writing
Pine Forest High School
Wyatt Gill — HBA Green Construction
Adam Hardwick — Wagner Culinary Arts
Glenda Javier — Design Services
Jeana Lawry — Chorus
Gavin McCollum — Band
Marianellie Ortiz — Journalism
Ashlynn Rhodes — Orchestra
Jason Wells — TV Production
Skylar Wilson — Visual Arts
Escambia High School
Laramie Cupp — Sculpture
Keosha Davis — Drawing
Wesley Delware — Strings
Braden Guillory — Jazz
Alyssa Norman — Band
Kearsten Rice — Dance/Colorguard
Bailee Robbins Schumacher — Theatre/Dance/Chorus
Margaret Smartt — Drama/Photography
Kaitlyn Speegle — Chorus
Sara Wooden — Sculpture
Pensacola High School
Andre Archer — Yearbook
Ahna Cecil — Journalism
Liam Chau — Orchestra
Lucy Hu — Instrumental Music
Mia Hughes-Keanon — Instrumental Music
Natalaie Maul — Theatre
Cameron Michles — Theatre
Andrew Penton — Instrumental Music
Kendall Uslan — Theatre
Ifasade White — Choir
Booker T. Washington High School
Adin Kind Josef Ballard — Orchestra
Brooke Gardner — Visual Arts
Olivia Johnson — Theatre
Kody Kimberl — Band
Ola Lewis Choral — Music
Madeline Markham — Band
Hannah Grace Sepe — Visual Arts
Caleb Simmons — Choral Music
Benjamin Spears — Theatre
Devin Thomas — Orchestra
NorthEscambia.com photos.
Baseball Wins For Tate, Northview, Pine Forest; Softball Wins For Tate, Northview
April 12, 2019
Tate 6, Pace 2
The Tate Aggies defeated Pace 6-2 Thursday night.
Darrien McDowell pitched three and two-thirds innings, allowing one hit, one run and striking out six. Jace Dunsford went for one and one-third inning allowing one hit, one run and striking out one. Brantley Culbertson went two innings with one hit and striking out one.
Mason Land, Jadon Fryman and Sam Shackle had one hit each for the Aggies.
The teams will face each other again Friday night at Tate.
Northview 13, Chipley 3
The Northview Chiefs beat Chipley 13-3 Thursday night in Chipley.
Tanner Levins earned the win for the Chiefs in six innings, surrendering seven hits and three hits while striking out one.
Seth Killam went 4-4 for the Chiefs. Nick Venable, Jacob Bryant, Adam Aliff, Ben Wilson and Levins each had two hits for Northview.
Pine Forest 5, Washington 0
The Pine Forest Eagles flew past Washington 5-0 Thursday night.
Tekoah Roby pitched the win for Pine Forest, going seven innings with two hits, no runs, one walking and nine strikeouts.
Timmy Williams led the Eagles at the plate going 2-3.
SOFTBALL
Tate 6, Escambia 3
The Tate Lady Aggies defeated Escambia 6-3 Thursday night.
Abbie Burks pitched the win for the Aggies, giving up three runs on six hits while striking out three over seven innings.
Avery Beauchanie went 3-for-3 at the plate for the Aggies.
Northview 1, Paxton 0
The Northview Chiefs beat Paxton 1-0 in Paxton Thursday night.
Tori Herrington pitched the win with nine strikeouts. She also went 1-4 with a homerun.
Also for Northview: Makayla Jeneske 2-2, Aubree Love 1-3, Ashley Ragsdale 1-4.
Pictured: Tate beat Pace 6-2 Thursday night. Photos by Crystal Tolbert for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Wahoos Beat The Jumbo Shrimp
April 12, 2019
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos used more excellent starting pitching and late timely hitting on their way to a 4-3 win over the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp on Thursday evening at Blue Wahoos Stadium. Brusdar Graterol, the top pitching prospect in the Minnesota Twins organization, showed off his 100-mile-per-hour heat while earning his first Double-A win, throwing 5.2 shutout innings and allowing just three hits while striking out four.
In their first six games of the season prior to tonight, Pensacola’s offense has scored first in each contest. Tonight was no exception, as Jordan Gore led off the home half of the first with a single and came around to score following a single by Luis Arraez, a walk to Jaylin Davis, and an RBI base hit by Mitchell Kranson.
With a one-run lead, Graterol locked into a pitching duel with the Jacksonville staff. Jumbo Shrimp starting pitcher Robert Dugger was knocked out of the game in the first inning when Arraez’s single up the middle deflected off his shoulder. Called into early relief, Kolton Mahoney and Parker Bugg combined to throw 5.0 shutout innings out of the bullpen, allowing just three hits while striking out four.
After cruising through five innings, Graterol allowed a base hit to lead off the sixth. He bounced back by striking out the next two hitters, ending his outing with a 99-mile-per-hour fastball past John Silviano for strike three. As reliever Tyler Jay entered the game, Graterol left to a standing ovation from the home crowd.
Jay stranded the runner in the sixth before allowing two runs in the seventh (only one earned).
Clinging to a one-run lead, the Blue Wahoos pushed across an important insurance run in the bottom of the seventh. With Davis at first base and Gore at third and two outs in the inning, Jacksonville reliever Jeff Kinley attempted a pick off throw to first base. The throw drilled Davis in the shoulder as he returned to the bag and caromed away, allowing Gore to score from third and putting the Wahoos up 4-2.
Jacksonville took a run back in the eighth, using a lead-off triple by Justin Twine and an RBI groundout to pull within one run. With the tight lead, reliever Dusten Knight recorded the final six outs to earn his second save of the year, preserving the win for the Blue Wahoos, and capping the night by doing his signature back flip on the mound.
The win improves Pensacola’s record to 5-2 on the year, while Jacksonville falls to 3-4. The two teams will continue their five-game set at Blue Wahoos Stadium Friday.
Driver’s License Service, Vehicle Registration Event Returning To Century
April 11, 2019
Mobile driver’s license and vehicle registration services will return to Century early next month for a single day event.
Escambia County Tax Collector Scott Lunsford has partnered with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to bring the Florida Licensing On Wheels (FLOW) mobile office to Century on Tuesday, May 7 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Billy G. Ward Century Courthouse at 7500 North Century Boulevard.
FLOW is a stand-alone mobile office with technology to provide most motorists’ needs. The mobile unit provides a convenient method to renew a driver’s license, obtain a replacement driver’s license, conversion/reciprocation of out-of-state license, change a name or address on a current driver’s license or identification card, and get a first-time identification card. In addition to licensing services, the mobile unit also provides an opportunity to renew or replace a vehicle registration and apply, renew or replace disabled parking placards. Written and driving tests are not available from the FLOW unit.
Citizens can renew vehicle registrations up to three months and driver’s licenses up to 18 months in advance of expiration.
Citizens using the FLOW services are encouraged to visit EscambiaTaxCollector.com and click the “What Do I Bring” button for information on what is needed for these services.
Staff from the tax collector’s office will be on hand to answer all FLOW service questions and questions concerning all other tax collector services such as property tax, business tax receipts, concealed weapons licensing, etc. Citizens also can drop off property tax payments (checks only).
Pictured: The Florida Licensing on Wheels mobile office in Century on February 5. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Escambia County Council PTA Names Students Of The Year
April 11, 2019
The Escambia County Council PTA has named their students of the year from each school. They are:
Darion Bell – Henry McMillian Pre-K Center
Jake Webster – Suter Elementary School
Derr’ion Howard – Bellview Elementary School
Abby Vernier – Beulah Elementary School
Skyler Kafka – Blue Angels Elementary School
Desiray Bagwell – Bratt Elementary School
Shane Kellum – Brentwood Elementary School
Jayden Abney – Weis Elementary School
Calvin Peoples – Camelot Academy
Isabell Garza – Cordova Park Elementary School
Roberto Deras – Ensley Elementary School
Mattox Adkins – Escambia Westgate School
Kely Romero – Ferry Pass Elementary School
Donta’ Hall – Global Learning Academy
Camden Brockett – Hellen Caro Elementary
William Parsons – Jim Allen Elementary School
Courtney Gunter – Kingsfield Elementary School
Taylor Powell – McArthur Elementary School
Ja’mariyan Vander – Lincoln Park Elementary School
Carmen Estrada Cedillo – Longleaf Elementary School
Lysaiah White – Molino Park Elementary School
Catino Mobley – Montclair Elementary School
Naliya McClinton – Myrtle Grove Elementary School
Kaylen Greene – Cook Elementary School
Serenity Hawkins – Navy Point Elementary School
Antonio Booker – Semmes Elementary School
Donivan Montano – Oakcrest Elementary
Brayden Dadisman – Pensacola Beach Elementary School
Matthew McDonald – Pine Meadow Elementary School
Da’mya Flowers – Pleasant Grove Elementary School
Jordyn Banks – Lipscomb Elementary School
Freddie McCarthy – Reinhardt Holm Elementary School
Bella Salada – Scenic Heights Elementary School
Amiri Longmire – Sherwood Elementary School
Tahlecia Maye – Warrington Elementary School
Natalie Villegas – West Pensacola Elementary School
Tran Nguyen – Bellview Middle School
Sara Lypko – Beulah Academy of Science
Jeremiah Rivers – Beulah Middle School
Annalisa Pusateri – Brown Barge Middle School
Mykal Robin – Ernest Ward Middle School
Alexander Moore – Escambia Westgate School
Grace Catherine Williams – Ferry Pass Middle School
Teddy Robinson – Workman Middle School
Eva Carper – Bailey Middle School
Anthony Giulietti – Lakeview School Day Support
Aaron Rawski – Ransom Middle School
Hailey Demor – Warrington Middle School
Luna Lilla – The Success Academy
James Reid-Carter – Washington High School
X’zayvionna Lewis – Camelot Academy
Zacharie Tessier – Escambia High School
Ian Harden – Escambia Westgate School
Aine Kellett – Lakeview School Day Support
Brandon Berry – Northview High School
Alanea Dagnon-Hill – Pace Center for Girls
Ahna Cecil – Pensacola High School
Logan Holland – Pine Forest High School
Malloreigh Pellizzeri – Tate High School
Mia Zareck – West Florida High School
Six Months After Hurricane Michael
April 11, 2019
Wednesday marked six months since Hurricane Michael made landfall in Northwest Florida, leaving behind a trail of death and destruction.
“We honor the memories of those who lost their lives and extend our condolences to the surviving family and friends. While the storm may be long gone, the devastating impacts are still felt. We are in this with you for the long haul,” Gov. Ron DeSantis said. “We will rebuild, we will recover, and most importantly, we will remember the resilient people of Northwest Florida.”
Michael came ashore as a Category 4 hurricane with winds of 155 mph on April near Mexico Beach, with destruction reaching well inland.
About 50 deaths have been attributed to Michael in Florida.
Pictured: Destruction in Mexico Beach just days after the landfall of Hurricane Michael. NorthEscambia.com photo.
FWC Presents Draft 10-Year Plan For Lake Stone
April 11, 2019
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission staff presented a 10-year draft land management plan for the Lake Stone Fish Management Area during a public meeting Wednesday night in Century.
Lake Stone is managed through a cooperative agreement between the FWC and Escambia County to conserve natural communities and use lake management techniques to maintain healthy fish habitats. The area features a man-made lake stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, black crappie and channel catfish. The impoundment, managed and maintained by FWC, was constructed in the late 1960s to provide additional freshwater fishing opportunities in an area where these opportunities are limited.
Escambia County maintains public camping facilities and a fishing pier, along with roads, trails and parking facilities in the area. In addition to fishing opportunities, the lake provides recreational opportunities such as wildlife viewing, hiking, paddling and camping. Gasoline boat motors are prohibited from use on Lake Stone; however, the use of electric trolling motors is allowed.
“This draft management plan provides conservation-based management for healthy terrestrial and aquatic habitats, cultural resources, along with fish- and wildlife-based outdoor recreation opportunities for public use,” said Dylan Imlah, FWC land conservation planner.
CLICK HERE TO READ THE DRAFT PLAN.
There is about $148,000 in the first year and an additional $428,000 over the 10-year life of the plan for capital construction.
About 15 campsites have been paved so far, and another 50 to 60 will be paved with county funding, according to Escambia County Parks and Recreation Director Michael Rhodes. The county also hopes to replace the playground and the office/caretaker trailer.
“We are also looking towards potentially building a new open pavilion, kiosk and new gate near the dam for the area, however these items have not yet been approved or vetted for funding,” said Imlah.
There are also two full-time employees in the plan.
“Currently, we have several employees from both the FWC and Escambia County assisting in managing the area. The two employees listed in the plan is based off of our proposed budget, showing that we would need at a minimum of two full time employees dedicated to the area in order to manage optimally. Currently, we have an FWC manager along with several other staff who help maintain the lake and fish populations. We also have FWC staff who monitor wildlife species and exotics that may occur on the upland areas. Additionally, the county pays a caretaker to live on the area and manage the recreational facilities. Not to mention county staff that assist in campsite reservations, facility development improvements,” Imlah told NorthEscambia.com.
There are no plans, she said, to change the public’s current use of Lake Stone, only improve access as funding allows.
Pictured: Lake Stone near Century, and a Lake Stone Management Plan meeting Wednesday night in Century. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
