Escambia County Hires Four New Department Directors
December 5, 2019
Escambia County has hired four new department directors in recent weeks.
The are:
- Laura Coale — Director of Communications and Public Information
- Tonya Ellis — Director of Mass Transit
- Bart Siders — Director of Information Technology
- Jana Still — Director of Human Resources
Biographical information for each is below.
Laura Coale, Director of Communications and Public Information
Tuesday, Nov. 19 marked Coale’s first day with the county as the director of communications and public information.
“I’m honored to work with such a talented team and look forward to an exciting career serving the people of Escambia County,” Coale said.
Coale brings 20 years of communications experience in private and public organizations to Escambia County. Most recently, she served as executive director of strategic communications at Northwest Florida State College and Aims Community College in Colorado. Coale also served as the media relations director at Denver International Airport, communications director at the city and county of Denver’s Office of Strategic Partnerships and public information officer at Gainesville Florida Fire Rescue. Coale developed and implemented many award-winning strategic communications campaigns, including recognition for outstanding achievement in design and communication at community and technical colleges.
Coale graduated magna cum laude with a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from Kent State University. She also earned her bachelor’s degree in speech communication from Miami University.
Tonya Ellis, Director of Mass Transit
Tonya Ellis was approved and promoted on Tuesday, Nov. 19 as the new mass transit director for Escambia County Area Transit.
“I am truly excited about this opportunity, and I am looking forward to collaborating with our elected officials, community leaders, stakeholders, customers and employees to improve ECAT and paratransit’s overall operating efficiency,” Ellis said. “I feel that mass transit in Escambia County has the potential to be transformed to be the best transit system for this community.”
Ellis has worked in the transportation industry for more than 15 years where she has shown leadership skills with the ability to involve, motivate, and empower employees by building rapport and providing excellent customer service. Under her leadership she has developed connections with a variety of regional governmental entities to providing technical planning assistance to local and state governments. The Mass Transit operation provides more than 1.4 million ECAT public transit trips and 95,000 paratransit services in the Escambia County area.
For 13 years, Ellis served in the United States Army Reserve as E-5 Sergeant in Multi-Channel Radio Operations as a member of the 842nd Signal Company, United States Army Reserve. In 2000, she was awarded Unit Soldier of the Year.
Ellis obtained a bachelor’s degree in marketing from the University of West Florida. She is very active in numerous community outreach activities as well as professional organizations such as serving as a board member for the Florida Public Transportation Association and a member of the Technical Coordinating Committee of the Florida-Alabama Transportation Planning Organization.
Bart Siders, Director of Information Technology
William Bart Siders joined Escambia County on Monday, Oct. 21 as the director of information technology.
“I am very excited about joining the IT team who currently provides quality IT products and services to the employees of Escambia County,” Siders said. “I look forward to building on the team’s current success by establishing a culture of innovation and collaboration.”
Siders most recently served as Gulf Power IT technology leader with NextEra Energy. He directed and managed the planning, development, implementation, maintenance, and operation of all end-user environments for Gulf Power, Mississippi Power, APC-Mobile Division and Sequent Energy Houston. He also served as a coastal workplace support manager, regional IT manager, applications services manager, CSS lead analyst and corporate systems analyst at Southern Company Services from 1988 to 2018.
Siders obtained a bachelor’s degree in system science from the University of West Florida. He has been a member of the IT Technical Advisory Board for George Stone Vocational School, the Cyberthon Planning Committee, UWF Code-A-Thon Planning Committee and the Gulf Power Technology Innovation Team.
Jana Still, Director of Human Resources
Wednesday, Nov. 6, marked Jana Still’s first day as director of human resources.
“I am very excited about the opportunities I see for growth and change that can positively impact all employees as well as Escambia County as a whole,” Still said. “I feel that the current county administration is very progressive and open to change, so I am looking forward to working with everyone. I think as a team we can accomplish great things.”
Most recently, Still served as senior personnel classification and assessment specialist at the Mobile County Personnel Board, where she advised city and county municipalities concerning personnel selection, leadership, EEOC compliance, organizational development, employee relations and retention. She has also worked as a consultant for some private sector organizations. Still is currently an adjunct professor at the University of South Alabama where she teaches industrial/organizational psychology, behavioral neuroscience and general psychology.
Still earned a master’s degree in industrial and organizational psychology from the University of West Florida and bachelor’s degrees in psychology and sociology from the University of South Alabama.
Pensacola Gun Task Force Makes 117 Arrests In Just 90 Days
December 5, 2019
Well over 100 arrests were made through the efforts of the Protect Pensacola joint task force established by the City of Pensacola, Pensacola Police Department and the United States Attorney’s Office, with multiple local, state and federal agencies partnering to address gun violence.
The task force encompassed multiple operations over approximately 90 days, with a goal of working proactively to stop gun violence and maintain public safety in the Pensacola community. Task force operations led to the arrest of 117 criminals for primarily felony charges, including assault, robbery and harboring fugitives.
“We are incredibly proud of the partnerships and hard work that went into making this joint task force a success, and we are grateful for the willingness of our federal, state and local partners to assist us in tackling gun violence in our city,” Mayor Grover Robinson said. “Because of the efforts of all agencies involved, the City of Pensacola and surrounding community are now safer with these criminals behind bars.”
“This joint task force was an incredible success, targeting and apprehending violent felony offenders who were committing serious crimes in our community,” Pensacola Police Chief Tommi Lyter said. “I can say with confidence that Pensacola is safer today because of this operation – but our work isn’t finished. We will continue to work in partnership with the DEA, U.S. Marshals, ATF and all of our law enforcement partners to apprehend dangerous criminals and keep residents safe.”
The task force also sought to make additional arrests in the deadly shooting of Elizabeth Harris, which took place on May 27, 2019 near the Platinum Club in Pensacola. A fourth arrest was made on Oct. 22, with United States Marshals Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force arresting Cordellious Lashawn Dyess near Atlanta on a warrant charging him with Felony Murder, Attempted Murder, Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, and Shooting a Deadly Missile into a Dwelling or Vehicle.
“One of our primary priorities in federal law enforcement is an active level of cooperation and collaboration with local law enforcement agencies that serve on the front lines of protecting public safety every day,” said Larry Keefe, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. “We’re pleased to have entered in such a positive and productive alliance with our local partners here to Protect Pensacola with resources that have been effective and helpful in attacking gun violence.”
Participating agencies included the Pensacola Police Department, U.S. Attorney’s Office, U.S. Marshals Service, Office of the State Attorney, 1st Judicial Circuit, Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Florida Highway Patrol and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
“I appreciate the participation of all agencies in this matter,” State Attorney Bill Eddins said. “It is particularly refreshing to see our federal agencies participate.”
The Protect Pensacola joint task force partnering agencies will continue to work together on operations addressing crime and gun violence.
As part of the task force partnership, the Pensacola Police Department will also receive VALOR training in January through the U.S. Department of Justice Bureau of Justice Assistance Survive & Thrive program. The program includes training on safety and preparedness, officer-citizen encounters, leadership and critical decision making. The training will take place in Pensacola Jan. 22-23, 2020.
Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Pedestrian Passes Away After Being Struck By Vehicle In Beulah Last Week
December 5, 2019
A man struck by a car last week in Beulah has died.
Jared Scott Dunn, 42, was walking along Beulah Road near Nine Mile Road about 6:15 p.m. on November 30 when he was struck by a Chevrolet Traverse driven by 44-year old Constance Spencer of Pensacola.
The Florida Highway Patrol said Spencer was unable to see Dunn in time to avoid a collision.
Dunn was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital where he passed away due to his injuries on Wednesday, December 4.
Any charges are pending the outcome of the FHP investigation.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
What’s That Being Built In Molino? It’s Bigger Than You Think
December 4, 2019
NorthEscambia.com has received numerous questions about what is being built along Highway 29 near Jimmy’s Grill, and we’ve learned that it involves a project much larger than the 18 acre lot.
“Gulf Power is using as a staging site for the pipe in preparation for the construction of the Crist Lateral Pipeline,” said Kimberly Blair, spokesperson for Gulf Power. The property is located on the east side of Highway 29 just south of Chance Road.
As NorthEscambia.com first reported last February, Gulf Power is constructing an underground natural gas pipeline from Century to Plant Crist, a power plant that is being converted from coal burning to natural gas.
The proposed natural gas pipeline will run about 39 miles from the existing Florida Gas Transmission Pipeline near the Florida/Alabama border outside Century south through McDavid, Molino and Cantonment to Plant Crist on Pate Street just northwest of the University of West Florida. Over 85 percent of the proposed route will be located on existing right of way like Gulf Power transmission line corridors.
“Construction is expected to be begin in early 2020, after we receive all permits,” Blair said Tuesday.
The Gulf Power documents indicate the conversion of Plant Crist to natural gas will mean cleaner energy and projected lower bills for customers. It is estimated the project would create 375 “good-paying” jobs at peak construction and $37 million in tax revenue for Escambia County during the 35-year operating life of the pipeline.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
OK. That’s Weird. And Kind Of Creepy. And It’s Going Viral.
December 4, 2019
It’s weird, and kind of creepy at the same time. And like a bad meme, it’s going viral locally on social media.
It’s a really big stuffed dog sitting in the ditch facing northbound vehicles on Pine Barren Road. Round a curve northbound at night and there it is, staring back.
That part of Pine Barren Road is, well as the name implies, a lonely stretch through the woods. Pitch black at night. Truth is it’s the kind place you would expect something creepy after watching the wrong movie.
Pictures of the dog were posted on Facebook and Instagram Tuesday night with all kinds of theories…from it was just trash tossed on a lonely road, to it’s bait to lure people into the woods, to it was dropped off by aliens. Toss in a creepy clown with a red balloon meme, and you get a viral post. And maybe a few chill bumps. And the urge to call your momma for a comforting voice.
Is it innocent roadside trash, a practical joke or the makings of a horror movie?
NorthEscambia.com headed out just after midnight to solve the mystery. Before we made it to Pine Barren Road, a black cat crossed the road in front of us. Seriously happened, and admittingly would not be a good omen for the superstitious. But we pressed on for the story.
We photographed the dog, and yes we got out of the car. Nothing bad happened. At one point, a fog began to move over the dog (pictured below). A little unnerving, until you remember it’s cold and it’s exhaust from the car.
Things were moving in the woods. And we did see eyes looking back from the woods nearby…those woods are full of a lot of deer and who knows what else.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Tate High Graduate Wins Food Network’s Great Cookie Challenge
December 4, 2019
A Tate High School graduate has won a national cooking baking championship.
Stephanie Torres, who graduate from Tate in 2009, won the $10,000 grand prize in the “Christmas Cookie Challenge” that aired Monday on The Food Network.
Torres and the other bakers face challenges that included making Christmas cards and tree toppers from cookies.
“This experience was surreal. When I was contacted last December to see if I was interested in interviewing, I really didn’t think I would want to even try to be on the show,” Torres said. “I really didn’t think I would want to even try to be on the show. I was unsure of leaving Addie for 5 days, I wasn’t even sure if I had the personality to be in a competition like this, and I was unsure of how my mental health would respond if I utterly failed! Thankfully, with the help of my friends and family, I took the leap and went through the crazy interview process and found out I was casted.”
The show was filmed last February, but she had to keep the results secret until the final episode aired.
Torres now lives in Hialeah Gardens, Florida, with her husband and children where she operates the Little Love Cookie Company. She was a culinary specialist in the Coast Guard for six years, and her husband is still active duty.
Photos courtesy Food Network for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Family Members Identify Fiery Fatal Crash Victim As Atmore Native
December 4, 2019
Family members have identified the victim of a fiery fatal crash as an Atmore man.
They say 28-year old Randell Gordon Nichols, Jr. passed away in the crash about 3:30 a.m. Friday, November 29 near Brushy Creek on Deere Creek Road, just north of Alabama-Florida state line. Nichols only person found inside the burned vehicle.
Nichols’ obituary says he was an Atmore native now living in Birmingham and was in Atmore for Thanksgiving.
Alabama State Troopers did not immediately release Nichols’ name following the crash as they worked to make a positive identification.
Jim Allen Fifth Graders Decorate Escambia Sheriff’s Office Christmas Tree
December 4, 2019
Fifth grade students from Jim Allen Elementary School decorated the Christmas tree in the lobby of the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Tuesday.
It’s an idea that started with Jim Allen’s school resource officer. Over the last few weeks , the students worked to create the handmade ornaments to trim the tree.
For a photo gallery, click here.
“We’ve got some folks that the holidays are a huge deal at the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. They are people that, guess what, reach out to our community. So, when we can draw the school systems into this, itjust makes it that much better,” Sheriff Morgan says.
This was the first year students have decorated the ECSO tree, but Morgan says they will invite the students back year.
The Jim Allen students also got a behind the scenes tour of the ECSO including the dispatch center, and they also saw a K-9 demonstration and met the people and horses of of the mounted posse.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, including photos courtesy NewsRadio 92.3/1620, click to enlarge.
Pensacola Beach Lifeguards Holding Tryouts
December 4, 2019
Pensacola Beach Lifeguards will host two tryout events in December for a job with a starting pay of $14.57 per hour.
Tryout dates:
- Saturday, Dec. 7 at 11 a.m
- Saturday, Dec. 14 at 11 a.m.
The tryouts will take place at the University of West Florida Aquatic Center, located at 11000 University Parkway, Bldg. 72. Applicants are asked to arrive at least 15 minutes early and to bring all relevant certifications to the tryout event.
Position requirements for employment include the following:
- Able to swim 600 yards in a pool in 10 minutes or less
- Able to run 1.5 miles on a track in 12 minutes or less
- Be at least 16 years old
- Possess a valid driver’s license
- American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification is preferred
Attending and passing a tryout is required to be considered for employment. If you pass the physical tests in the allotted time and meet all of the other requirements, you will be scheduled for an interview. If selected to be hired, you will receive paid training. Training includes, but is not limited to, successfully passing 80 hours of open water training and emergency medical training.
Click here if you are a student at an accredited secondary school, vocational school, college or university to fill out an online application prior to the tryout. Students must be currently enrolled or have intent to enroll next term.
Click here if you are a non-student to fill out an online application prior to the tryout.
Stafford Announces Availability Of 2020 College Scholarship
December 4, 2019
Escambia County Supervisor of Elections David Stafford has announced the 2020 Florida State Association of Supervisors of Elections (FSASE) college scholarship. Three $1,200 scholarships will be awarded this summer by FSASE for the 2020 school year.
The scholarship is available to juniors or seniors attending an accredited Florida university or college, with a major in: political science, public or business administration, or journalism/mass communications. Among the requirements, students must have maintained a “C” average or above the previous year, demonstrate financial need and be registered to vote.
Copies of the application and full eligibility requirements may be downloaded from the Escambia County Supervisor of Elections website at EscambiaVotes.com or may be picked up at the Elections Office, 213 Palafox Place, Second Floor. Completed applications must reach the Supervisor’s office by close of business Friday, February 28, 2020.
Stafford will forward one application with a written recommendation to the FSASE Scholarship Committee, which will review the submissions from all 67 Florida counties. The scholarships will be awarded by the Association and the winner will be announced at the 2020 FSASE Summer Conference in May.
Students from Escambia County were scholarship winners in 2006, 2009, 2010 and 2016.