52 Escambia County Student Heros Honored
May 9, 2025
Fifty-two Escambia County students who have overcome significant hardships were honored at the annual Cox Inspirational Student Hero Awards and ECCPTAs/PTSAs Students of the Year Awards.
“Cox is proud to recognize these remarkable students and celebrate their inspirational impact on their peers and school staff,” said David Deliman, vice president of Cox’s Gulf Coast market. “Despite facing numerous challenges in their young lives, they continue to maintain a positive outlook. They’re true heroes who deserve to be celebrated.”
The students were selected by a committee of school leaders to honor their resilience in the face of adversity. Whether they have overcome the loss of a family member, medical issues, difficult family situations, or other hardships, they have done so with optimism while continuing to encourage and inspire those around them.
“The Escambia County Council on PTAs and PTSAs is humbled to honor these 52 outstanding students from across Escambia County,” said Melanie Gambill, president of the ECCPTAs/PTSAs. “Their resilience in the face of adversity and continued success in school reflect a remarkable strength of character. They truly are an inspiration to us all.”
“We’re honored to once again collaborate with Cox Communications and the Escambia County Council of PTAs to acknowledge these outstanding students,” stated Escambia County Public Schools Superintendent Keith Leonard. “Escambia County Public Schools greatly values this ongoing partnership, and we appreciate the positive impact on our students.”
During the event, Cox presented the students with personalized engraved medallions and certificates of honor, while the ECCPTAs/PTSAs awarded certificates, and medallions.
Additionally, the students received certificates of accomplishment from United States Senator Rick Scott, United States Senator Ashley Moody, Florida State Senator Don Gaetz, and Florida State Representatives Michelle Salzman and Alex Andrade. The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners also presented a proclamation at the event, congratulating all the student honorees and proclaiming May 2025 as Cox Inspirational Student Hero month in Escambia County.
Escambia County’s Cox Inspirational Student Heroes/ECCPTAs/PTSAs Students of the Year for 2025 are:
- A.K. Suter Elementary School – Ainsley Cochran
- Bellview Elementary School – Beyonce Bargaineer
- Bellview Middle School – LaTrell Jackson
- Beulah Elementary School – Tre’Niyah Jones
- Beulah Middle School – Kaden McKahand
- Blue Angels Elementary School – Otto Cohee
- Bratt Elementary School – Faith Miller
- Brentwood Elementary School – Robinson Choc
- Brown Barge Middle School – Marquise Gary
- Byrneville Elementary School – Jaxon Sparks
- C.A. Weis Elementary School – Ny’Asia McClain
- Cordova Park Elementary School – Barrett Lee
- Ensley Elementary School – George Young
- Ernest Ward Middle School – Kameron Brown
- Escambia High School – Hayden Boyd
- Escambia Westgate Center – Dominic DiChristopher
- Ferry Pass Elementary School – Pablo Llanquileo
- Ferry Pass Middle School – Winter Rose Tirado
- Global Learning Academy – Jaden Crayton
- Hellen Caro Elementary School – Abigail “Abby” Randall
- Holm Elementary School – Davieon Reid
- Hope Horizon – Elementary – Waylon Booher
- Hope Horizon – Secondary – Kaden McWhite
- Jim Allen Elementary School – Brycen Sigler
- Jim Bailey Middle School – Summer Smith
- Kingsfield Elementary School – Tevin Lane
- Lincoln Park Elementary – Zaydisen Vasquez
- Lipscomb Elementary School – Layla James
- Longleaf Elementary School – Logan Kling
- McArthur Elementary School – James Craig
- Molino Park Elementary – Gemma Phillips
- Montclair Elementary School – K’Jawn Washington
- Myrtle Grove Elementary – Cameron Cruikshank
- N.B. Cook Elementary School – Breana “Bre” Wilson
- Navy Point Elementary School – Caylee Deleo
- Northview High School – Brandon Odom
- Oakcrest Elementary School – Emilio Garcia
- OJ Semmes Elementary School – Princeton Wright
- Pensacola High School – Jaden Johnson
- Pine Forest High School – Tristan Johnson
- Pine Meadow Elementary School – Zoey Shoemaker
- Pleasant Grove Elementary School – Boonsita Sangpinich
- Ransom Middle School – Dominic Gill
- Scenic Heights Elementary School – Lakelyn Corcoran
- Sherwood Elementary School – Tre’dale Wiggins
- Success Academy – Shamar Montgomery
- Tate High School – Ellen Rigby
- Warrington Elementary School – Iilove Morris
- Washington High School – James Boswell
- West Florida High School – McKenzie Fuqua
- West Pensacola Elementary School – Jayda Gaston
- Workman Middle School – Aiden Renaud
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Wahoos Swept By Biloxi Shuckers In Twin Bill
May 9, 2025
written by Erik Bremer
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos lost back-to-back games for the first time in the 2025 season, falling 10-0 and 5-2 in a doubleheader at the hands of the Biloxi Shuckers on Thursday night.
In game one, Pensacola starter Robby Snelling (L, 2-2) had an uncharacteristically shaky outing. The Blue Wahoos had allowed only two first-inning runs through their first 28 games of the season, but the Shuckers ambushed Snelling with a five-run frame thanks to a two-run double from Luis Lara and three-run homer from Zavier Warren.
The Shuckers added two more unearned runs in the second inning, leaving Snelling with seven runs allowed in two frames. A Brock Wilken solo homer in the fourth and two more Biloxi runs in the sixth would provide more than enough offense for Biloxi starter Coleman Crow, who pitched 4.2 scoreless innings in his longest start since returning from Tommy John surgery. Relievers Brian Fitzpatrick (W, 4-0) and Tyler Bryant finished off the combined three-hit shutout.
In game two, the Blue Wahoos took a quick 1-0 lead on a Jared Serna leadoff single and bloop RBI double from Nathan Martorella. But Evan Fitterer (L, 2-2) struggled in the home half of the first inning, allowing three runs on three hits and a pair of walks before departing with only two outs recorded and 41 pitches thrown.
Shuckers starter Abdiel Mendoza (W, 1-2) settled into a groove after his rocky first inning, completing 5.0 innings of one-run ball to earn his first win. Biloxi added on with a pair of solo homers off reliever Nigel Belgrave, as Garrett Spain went deep in the fourth and Ethan Murray went deep in the fifth, extending the lead to 5-1. Will Childers allowed two walks and a run in 2.0 innings of relief, but finished off the nightcap to send the Blue Wahoos to their first consecutive losses of the year with a 5-2 final.
Nelson Prada was ejected for the first time as Pensacola’s manager after arguing balls and strikes with home plate umpire Jamal Allen in the fifth inning of game two.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series Friday against the Shuckers. First pitch from Keesler Federal Park is scheduled for 6:35 p.m.
Century Finalizes Plans To Seek $6.9 Million In Grants, Most For Community Center
May 8, 2025
The Town of Century has finalized plans to apply for $6.9 million in grants, most of which will go for a new community center.
This week, the town voted to apply for a $5.4 million Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) from Florida Commerce to construct a new Carver Community Center on Jefferson Avenue. They will also seek $750,000 for a minor home repair program.
The town will also submit three applications totaling $750,000 to create the design to resurface of Barnwell Lane, East and West Cottage streets, and Cedar Street. The street portion of the request would be design only in anticipation of potential paving at a later date.
The minor home repair program would provide home repairs to address structural code enforcement issues and access issues such as ramps that would allow low or moderate income individuals to remain in their homes for a longer period of time. The town will determine later if roofing repairs or upgrades might be included.
If awarded, grant funds would construct a new Carver Community Center (design pictured below) on Jefferson Avenue. The town previously received a $3.255 million state grant for a community center on Jefferson Avenue, but most of the funds were clawed back by the state. The town was able to use $514,650 to pay for the engineering, architectural and grant administer expenses that left the town with no building but a complete set of shovel-ready drawings.
The town is accepting public comments to include with the grant applications. Comments should be emailed to cmoore@centuryflorida.us by May 12.
Pictured above: Howard Brown, interim town manager, explains CDBG grant applications to the Century Town Council and local citizens during a public hearing this week. Pictured below: The Carver Community Center. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Local Student Teams Place In Escambia County Battle Of The Books
May 8, 2025
Escambia County Public Schools hosted the annual Battle of the Books competition recently.
A total of 77 teams comprised of 341 students competed against each other to see who had the most knowledge of this year’s Battle of the Books titles. Participating students read up to 15 titles from this year’s Sunshine State Young Readers and Florida Teens Read book lists. Teams met before, after, and during school with their coaches to develop their problem solving and collaboration skills, and to discuss the books’ themes, characters, settings, and main events.
For more photos from North Escambia area teams, click here.
The competition included four rounds of fifteen questions each, culminating with a final Lightning Round as a tiebreaker.
Winners were:
3rd Grade
1st Place – 3rd Grade Ultimate Readers, Hellen Caro Elementary
Coaches: Daniela Reid, Keri Peel, Danielle Tomlin
Team Members: Ashton Adams, Dahlia Noell, Silas Tomlin, Ryatt Mays, Kelsey Mysak
2nd Place – Suter Rockin’ Readers, A.K. Suter Elementary
Coach: Paula Stillman
Team Members: Ellie Mahne, Alex Rainey, Robert Leahy II, Reese Schweigert
3rd Place – Pleasant Grove Readers, Pleasant Grove Elementary
Coach: Aaron Foote
Team Members: Oliver Shedd, Ari Holmes, Yessiell Perez, River Giuffria, Silas Davis
4th Grade
1st Place – N.B. Cook 4th Grade, N.B. Cook Elementary
Coaches: Dawn Jackson, Nicki Smith
Team Members: Ava Wall, Piper Bennett, Landree Williams, Zoey Williams, Theodore Shehadi
2nd Place – 4th Suter Dolphins, A.K. Suter Elementary
Coach: Paula Stillman
Team Members: James Thompson, Emma Emmert, Kylie Gambill, Yared Ash, Jack McWilliams
3rd Place – Lipscomb Word Wizards – 4th Grade, Lipscomb Elementary
Coach: Jamie King
Team Members: Aria Whitfield, Syrena Solis, Katie Nguyen, Jacey Cohenour, Taylor-Lynn Mortellaro
5th Grade
1st Place – 5 Guys in Ties, Ferry Pass Elementary
Coaches: Laura Hobbs, Madison Watson
Team Members: Ariel Vincent, Fabiola Vallecillo-Medina, Stella Kroeger, Harper Miller, Lillian Coates
2nd Place – N.B. Cook Stars 4/5, N.B. Cook Elementary
Coaches: Dawn Jackson, Nicki Smith
Team Members: Erin Larsen, Lucas Senkbeil, Emmi Olson, Weston Berry
3rd Place – Pleasant Grove Roadrunners, Pleasant Grove Elementary
Coach: Aaron Foote
Team Members: Luke Lalane, Roman Harris, Violet Diehl, Zylah McComb
Middle School
1st Place – Brown-Barge Team 2, Brown-Barge Middle School
Coach: Kristy Imhof
Team Members: Alex Robertson, Aden Khan, Cameron Powell, Lucas Ramos
2nd Place – Brown-Barge Team 3, Brown-Barge Middle School
Coach: Kristy Imhof
Team Members: Carter Murray, Luke Poole, Eldon Dionne
3rd Place – Ernest Ward Eagles, Ernest Ward Middle School
Coach: Sherri Stallworth
Team Member: Jaelyn Connors
High School
1st Place – Tate High School
Coach: Maryjane Gardner
Team Members: Lily McArthur, Reagan Hatcher, Emma Nigam, Lily Laughlin, Abby Lynch
2nd Place – The Bookies, Pensacola High School
Coach: Heather Horn
Team Members: Aiden Martin, Jaeda-Kai Eiwuley, Kaiya Arrants
Pictured: Battle of the Books teams from Tate High School (top), Lipscomb Elementary School (first below), and Ernest Ward Middle School (second below). Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
The REAL ID Deadline Has Passed. Here Is What You Need To Know.
May 8, 2025
May 7 was the federal enforcement date deadline for Americans to have a REAL ID.
The REAL ID Act became effective nationwide on May 11, 2008. Florida began issuing REAL ID compliant credentials after January 1, 2010. The new credentials have a star in the upper right corner of the card of a Florida driver’s license.
REAL ID implemented as nationwide effort to improve the integrity and security of state-issued driver licenses and ID cards, which in turn was designed to help fight terrorism and reduce identity fraud.
Most Escambia County residents — about 99% — currently a REAL ID, according to Escambia County Tax Collector Scott Lunsford:
Here are some quick REAL ID facts from Lunsford:
- May 7 is not the last day citizens can obtain a REAL ID.
- May 7 is the federal enforcement date for REAL ID. Starting today, anyone 18 or older will need a federally accepted form of identification to fly within the U.S. or enter certain federal facilities. Acceptable forms of ID include a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card, a valid and unexpired passport or passport card, an active military ID, or other approved identification.
- If you do not plan to fly in May or anytime soon, there is still plenty of time to get a REAL ID at your local tax collector’s office. Currently, nearly 99% of Escambia County residents are already REAL ID compliant.
- REAL ID is not a new requirement—Florida has been issuing REAL ID compliant cards since 2010. Although the law was passed by Congress in 2005, federal enforcement was delayed due to state compliance issues and the COVID-19 pandemic. The REAL ID Act requires individuals to present federally approved identification for domestic air travel and to access certain federal facilities, enhancing national security.
- A gold star will be displayed at the top right corner of your License or ID. If you already have a star, you are already Real ID compliant.
- If you have a valid, unexpired passport, passport card, or another form of federal ID accepted by the TSA, you may use that instead of a REAL ID for domestic flights.
- A REAL ID is not required to drive in Florida. If your driver license is not REAL ID compliant, you can still legally operate a motor vehicle as long as your license is valid and not suspended.
This Is Who Claimed A Winning $121,663 Fantasy 5 Ticket Sold In Beulah
May 8, 2025
We now know who had a winning Florida Lottery Fantasy 5 ticket sold in Beulah.
The ticket sold at the Publix at Nine Mile Crossing in Beulah was the only winning ticket in the April 25 evening drawing and was worth $121,663.84.
According to the Florida Lottery, the cash option on the winning ticket was claimed by Stephen Allen Jacobs of Satsuma, Alabama. The winning numbers were 4-11-16-19-26.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Blue Wahoos, Shuckers Postponed By Rain
May 8, 2025
Wednesday’s scheduled game at Keesler Federal Park between the Pensacola Blue Wahoos and Biloxi Shuckers was postponed due to rain.
The game will be made up as part of a doubleheader on Thursday, with two seven-inning games beginning at 5:35 p.m. Game two of the twin bill will begin approximately 30 minutes after the conclusion of game one.
Man, 96, Dies Following Crash While Turning Into Pensacola Blvd. Walmart
May 8, 2025
A 96-year-old Pensacola man has passed away after a crash Wednesday morning on Pensacola Boulevard in front of Walmart.
The Florida Highway Patrol said the man was southbound on Pensacola Boulevard when he failed to yield the right of way and turned his SUV in front of a car that was headed north. The car struck the passenger side of the elderly man’s SUV.
The man was transported to an area hospital where he was later pronounced deceased. The 33-year-old female driver of the car was seriously injured in the 8:15 a.m. crash and was transported to a local hospital.
Further details were not released by FHP.
Pictured: A 96-year-old man died after attempting to turn into entrance to Palafox Square and Walmart on Pensacola Boulevard on Wednesday. NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Century Town Council Member And Town Clerk Submit Resignations
May 7, 2025
A Century town council member and the town clerk have tendered their unrelated resignations, but the town will negotiate to keep the town clerk on the job with a pay and benefit increase.
Council member Sandra McMurray-Jackson (pictured above) and Town Clerk Carrie Moore (pictured below) have both submitted their resignations.
Council Member Sandra McMurray-Jackson
Seat 5 council member Sandra McMurray-Jackson, who was first elected in 2010, resigned during Tuesday night’s council meeting, citing a desire to focus on other things. Her resignation was effective Tuesday night.
“I have had the opportunity to work on many projects that have been beneficial to the community,” she said, reading from a prepared resignation letter. “I have served beside several mayors and council members while making decisions that were that felt were in the best interest of our community as well as the livelihood of the town residents. I am thankful for the opportunities I had…each decision was made with best interest of our residents in mind.”
“I feel it is in my best interest to step down from the town council to become more focused on other areas of my life, but personal and professional,” she added. “Thank you for the support I received and for having entrusted me to be a part of making our town a better Century.”
Jackson’s current term on the council was set to end in January 2027. Her resignation will set into motion a process that, according to the town charter, will lead to the appointment of an interim council member. With more than six months remaining in her term, a special election to fill the seat will be scheduled between 60 and 90 days from May 6.
Her resignation comes just before the town is set to swear in John Bass to the council on Friday, which would have returned the council to its full five members for the first time since Alicia Johnson. Johnson resigned in early January after she was appointed interim mayor to replace Luis Gomez, Jr. who resigned as mayor for medical reasons effective January 10, just as his new four-term was beginning.
Johnson did not seek election to post. Former mayor Ben Boutwell, who previously resigned as mayor in August 2023, won a recent election without opposition and will be sworn in as mayor on Friday.
Town Clerk Carrie Moore
“Carrie Moore has tendered her resignation, and I’ve been able to talk with her about it,” interim town manager Howard Brown said Tuesday night. “So, I would ask that the mayor be authorized to negotiate some terms.”
In December 2024, the council voted to hire a Michigan woman as town clerk with an annual starting salary of $86,000 and three-week’s annual vacation, but she backed out a few days later. The council then voted to hire Moore in January 2025 at an annual starting salary $10,000 less at $76,000.
Brown said the mayor will negotiate with Moore to remain in her position for same $86,000 annual salary offered to the Michigan woman, along with three weeks annual vacation.
Moore, who was acting as clerk at Tuesday night’s meeting, did not address the council during Brown’s comments and ensuing council discussion about her future.
Pictured top: Sandra McMurray-Jackson reads her prepared letter of resignation from the Century Town Council on Tuesday night. Pictured below: Century Town Clerk Carrie Moore. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Retired Naval Aviator Celebrates 101st Birthday at National Naval Aviation Museum
May 7, 2025
Retired U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Clyde “Cash” Barber celebrated his 101st birthday May 6 at the National Naval Aviation Museum (NNAM) onboard Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola.
“There’s no secret about it,” said Barber. “All you have to do is thank the dear lord for another beautiful day … that’s what has worked for me, and that can work for anybody.”
Barber, a veteran of World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War, has been a dedicated volunteer at the NNAM for over a decade. He said that he spends every Tuesday sharing his experiences with visitors in front of a PBY-5 Catalina aircraft—the same model he served on during World War II.
“There are very few of us left,” said Barber. “If we don’t tell our stories then there won’t be any stories to tell. I’m blessed to be able to tell my stories, and I love telling them, so it’s my pleasure to be here once a week.”
“It’s just a great day, and he is so representative of the men and women who serve this great country and have done so for 250 years,” said NNAM Director Capt. (ret.) Sterling Gilliam.
Barber enlisted in the Navy in May 1941 at the age of 17. He served as a flight engineer on Catalina patrol bombers in the Pacific theater during World War II, participating in missions from Midway to the Philippines. After the war, he continued his service and retired in 1971 after he rose to the rank of lieutenant commander.
The birthday celebration took place on the Cabot Flight deck of the museum with family, friends and museum visitors and staff. NNAM Foundation President and Chief Executive Officer Rear Adm. (ret.) Kyle Cozad praised Barber’s commitment to service and education at the museum.
“We have the opportunity to sit and listen to the stories that only Cash Barber can tell about his experiences,” said Cozad. “Cash is an example of the most important thing about this museum, and it’s not the more than 150 beautifully restored airplanes – it’s the people behind those airplanes and the stories they have to tell.”
story by Garrett Dipuma, Naval Air Station Pensacola
U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist 1st Class Russell Lindsey for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
