Tate High’s Innovative FAST Fest Works To Improve Scores For Over 1,000 Students
May 6, 2025
Tate High School recently hosted its second annual FAST Fest, an two-day academic celebration that engaged over 1,000 ninth and tenth grade students in a dynamic and interactive review of English Language Arts skills in preparation for Florida’s statewide FAST (Florida Assessment of Student Thinking) test.
The event, held on campus, transformed test prep into an exciting experience thanks to the dedication of 16 enthusiastic teachers and 60 12th-grade student volunteers who lead activity stations over the course of two days. Each station offered standards-based games, skill-building challenges, and opportunities for students to earn prizes—all designed to reinforce key English concepts in a fun, low-stress environment.
“FAST Fest was created to help students feel confident and ready for the FAST test, and it exceeded our expectations,” said the event’s organizer, a Tate High School teacher, Kristin Maum. “Not only did students enjoy themselves, but we’ve already seen measurable learning gains, with many students improving their scores from last year—some showing double-digit growth.”
Student feedback following the test echoed the event’s success. Many participants described FAST Fest as “fun” and said it “definitely helped” them perform better. One student said, “The hands-on activities really helped my memory recall for the test.” The combination of game-based learning and supportive teacher involvement proved to be both effective and inspiring.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Applications Open Wednesday For Escambia County Habitat Homes
May 6, 2025
Applications open Wednesday for 14 Escambia County Habitat homes.
Pensacola Habitat, in partnership with Escambia County, is selling the homes to eligible byers at or below 80% area median income. These homes will be selected and sold to buyers in order of approved applications.
With limited inventory, these homes are expected to sell quickly. Applications for these homes will open on Wednesday, May 7 at 8 a.m.
How to Apply:
- Applications for this program will be available beginning May 7 at 8 a.m. Click here for a list of documents that you will need to include in your application. Your application will not be complete or reviewed until all required documents are submitted. It’s a good idea to have these items ready before the application opens so you can submit quickly.
Next Steps:
- Prep for Launch: Create an account on the application portal to save that extra step on May 7. Habitat may close the application portal if it reaches capacity quickly, so be sure to apply early beginning on May 7 at 8 a.m.
- Home Selection: Once your application is submitted, you’ll have the opportunity to tour the homes and select your preferred property from available options. Remember – these homes are first come, first served, so apply early to make sure that the property you’re interested in is still available for selection. View the 14 homes, their specs and locations on the Pensacola Habitat website.
Additional Information:
As part of the application, buyers must provide proof of home mortgage pre-qualification of $150,000 from a SHIP Approved Lender (Click here for SHIP Lender list). Click here for Buyer Qualifications for SHIP Homebuyer Program.
These homes are completely separate from Pensacola Habitat for Humanity’s Homebuyer Program. If you have already started or submitted an application for a Pensacola Habitat for Humanity program, you will need to complete a new, separate application for one of these 14 homes. Application and Program requirements are different.
Buyers for these homes are not required to complete “sweat equity” or other Pensacola Habitat Homebuyer Program requirements, such as background and credit screenings. However, homebuyers for these homes will be required to attend an 8-Hour Pre-Purchase Homebuyer Workshop. Pensacola Habitat Program Staff will process applications and confirm income and assets per the agreement with Escambia County SHIP Program.
Escambia Man Charged With DUI After Crashing Into Deputy’s Patrol Vehicle
May 6, 2025
An Escambia County man was arrested after crashing his vehicle into a deputy’s vehicle.
Michael Joseph Turpin, 44, was charged with DUI with property damage by state troopers.
The Florida Highway Patrol said Turpin failed to maintain a single lane while traveling east of and I-10 ramp to I-10. Troopers said the car struck the right rear of the marked Escambia County Sheriff’s Office SUV traveling in the same direction. There were no injuries.
“During the crash investigation, there were signs of impairment observed from the driver of the sedan,” FHP said.
Turpin was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $2,500 bond.
Lipscomb Elementary Names Students Of The Month
May 6, 2025
Lipscomb Elementary School recently named their April Students of the Month. They are Grayson Cannon and Leena Abu Alloush. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
One Person Critically Injured In Monday Afternoon House Fire
May 5, 2025
One person was critically injured in a house fire Monday afternoon in the Kings Road Subdivision off East Kingsfield Road.
The patient was airlifted to an area hospital with serious burns.
Escambia County Fire Rescue believes the fire started in the attic of the 3,450 square foot home in the 1400 block of Glenmore Drive, just north of East Kingsfield Road. The fire quickly spread through the home and into a nearby camper.
Three dogs were rescued and are safe.
The Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the fire.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour.
Former Volunteer Tate Band Boosters Chairman Charged With Grand Theft, Fraud
May 5, 2025
A Cantonment man is charged with allegedly stealing over $5,200 from the Tate High School band boosters.
An Escambia County Sheriff’s Office investigation led to the arrest of 40-year-old Ronald W. McKinney, Jr. on felony charges of grand theft, fraud, and fraudulent use of a credit card.
According to an arrest report, the investigation began when school officials reported possible financial irregularities within the Tate Band Boosters Association.
McKinney, a volunteer, resigned as chairman of the band boosters “for personal reasons” during an October 25, 2024, football game, the report states. He had held the chairman position since July 2021.
Investigators said that after McKinney’s resignation, an item inventory was conducted and multiple food products that were not carried or sold in the Tate band program were discovered on a Sysco invoice that was purchased through a Tate Band Boosters checking account at PenAir Credit Union. A further review of Sysco purchases for the 2023/2024 school year, and there was a total product value of approximately $1,998 for items not sold or used by the Tate Band program.
McKinney allegedly used a band booster’s band card to make purchases totaling $1269.82 from Sam’s Club, but Sam’s would not provide the boosters with information about the purchases because they were made through a personal Sam’s account in McKinney’s name, according to the ECSO. The sheriff’s office has filed a subpoena for the records from Sam’s.
McKinney allegedly also used the band booster’s bank card to purchase three packages of 100 count silver plastic plates, a salad cooler, and an inflatable bar from Amazon.
The report states the Sysco account was attached to McKinney’s name with the Tate Band Booster Association’s tax exempt information, and that Sysco would deliver the food orders to the Tate campus before they were stocked in the concession stand by McKinney.
Investigators learned that McKinney had a food business that appeared to be named “Best Bad Dad Fun Food Lab,” according to the arrest report.
Tate High Principal Laura Touchstone told investigators that McKinney called her and stated that he had broken his partnership with his church and had previously used the church’s account to order from Sysco. She stated that McKinney claimed that Sysco was supposed to keep his ordered items separate from those of the band boosters and that he had just noticed that they were combined.
During an interview at the Sheriff’s Office, Tate Band Director Ronald Gray told deputies that he had identified 187 items totaling $3,281.93 that were purchased with the Tate Band Booster’s debit card but were not for the band. Some of those items included fruits, sushi, pizza, salmon fillets, catfish fillets, clothing, salad ingredients, premium plastic plates and cutlery.
McKinney’s wife sent $2,000 to the band boosters through Zettle on October 28, 2024, according to the ECSO report, which also states McKinney’s wife was making treasury reports and acting as treasurer, and that a band boosters PenAir card assigned to her was used to make the unknown Sam’s Club transactions. To date, McKinney’s wife has not been charged with any crime.
Florida Gas Prices Seesaw Up and Down Over The Last Week
May 5, 2025
Florida gas prices seesawed again last week. The state average went from $3.04 per gallon on Monday, back up to $3.18 per gallon by Thursday. On Sunday, Florida’s gas price had fallen back down to $3.10 per gallon, according to AAA.
Florida gas prices are poised to move lower this week,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Oil prices dropped last week on concerns that OPEC and its allies could add more oil to the market, at a time when the global economy braces for a potential slowdown – which typically results in lower fuel demand.”
The average price per gallon Sunday in Escambia County was $2.79. A low of $2.54 was available at a station on Pine Forest Road. In North Escambia, the low price Sunday night was $2.64 at multiple stations on Highway 29 in Cantonment
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Regional Softball Play Begins This Week For Northview, Jay, Tate, West Florida
May 5, 2025
The Tate Lady Aggies have earned an at-large bid on the road in the Region 1-6A tournament this week, while Northview and Jay will begin regional play in a bracket that could see the teams meeting each other again next week.
Region 1-6A
Regional Quarterfinals – May 8
- No 7. Tate at No. 2. Horizon (Winter Garden)
- No. 8 Fletcher @ No 1. Pace
- No. 4 Oakloaf @ No. 5 Bartram Trail
- No. 6 South Lake @ No. 3 Navarre
A more detailed backet is in the first image below.
Rural Division
Regional Semifinals
- No. 4 Chipley @ No. 1 Jay (currently scheduled for Thursday, May
- No. 3 Holmes County @ N0. 2 Northview (7 p.m. Tuesday, May 6*)
* Bot the Northview and Jay games were rescheduled to Tuesday, May 6 at 7 p.m. due to forecasted rain.
If both win, there would be rematch with Northview and Jay in regional finals on May 13.
Other Local Teams
Region 1-5A (May
- No. 8 Gulf Breeze @ No. 1 Niceville
Region 1-4A (May 7)
- No. 3 Columbia @ No. 6 Escambia
Region 1-3A (May 7)
- No. 5 Yulee @ No. 4 West Florida
NorthEscambia.com file photos.
Wahoos Downed In Sunday Finale, Split Road Set
May 5, 2025
written by Carter Bainbridge
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos (18-9) fell in their series finale on Sunday against the Birmingham Barons (14-12) by a final score of 4-3.
Pensacola quickly fell behind in the bottom of the second inning. Facing Blue Wahoos starter Orlando Ortiz-Mayr (L, 2-1), shortstop Jacob Gonzalez drew a leadoff walk to begin the inning. The free pass set up third baseman Mario Camilletti, who hit a two-run home run to give Birmingham a 2-0 lead.
Birmingham tacked on more offense in the bottom of the third inning. Left fielder Caden Connor singled to lead off the inning before Jacob Gonzalez’s two-run home run doubled the Birmingham lead. After three complete innings, the Barons led 4-0.
Pensacola struggled to mount a response against Birmingham starter Hagen Smith (W, 2-0), who proved overpowering in a quality start (6.0 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 6 K). The Wahoos left men in scoring position in both the fourth and fifth innings and ultimately left seven men on base for the contest.
Birmingham’s 4-0 lead held into the seventh inning when the Blue Wahoo bats came to life. Facing Barons righthander Jordan Mikel, Pensacola put its first three men aboard to load the bases before catcher Sam Praytor drew a bases-loaded walk to give Pensacola its first run. With the score 4-1 and the bases still loaded, center fielder Shane Sasaki hit a single to left field to bring home a run and keep the bases loaded. Shortstop Jared Serna’s sacrifice fly to score third baseman Tony Bullard from third cut the Birmingham lead to one run, but the Barons stymied the threat and stranded two runners in scoring position to end the inning.
Pensacola threatened again in the top of the ninth against Birmingham righthander Peyton Pallette (S, 4). A one-out Sam Praytor single brought up Shane Sasaki, who doubled to right field. Barons right fielder D.J. Gladney unsuccessfully dove for the ball but recovered in time to begin a 9-4-2 putout that retired Praytor, who attempted to score from first on the play. Sasaki advanced to third on the throw to home, but the Wahoos stranded him when Jared Serna flew out to finish off a 4-3 Birmingham win.
With the defeat, the Wahoos split the series 3-3 in Birmingham, marking the first time this year that Pensacola has not won a series outright. With an 18-9 record, the Blue Wahoos resume play on Tuesday with the best record in the Southern League.
The Blue Wahoos continue their two-week road trip on May 6 when they begin a six-game series with the Biloxi Shuckers.
Plans Filed For Pine Barren RV Park On Highway 29 Near Camp O’ The Pines
May 5, 2025
Plans have been filed with Escambia County for a new RV park on Highway 29 just north of Cotton Lake Road, across from the Camp o’ the Pines camp.
The proposal, filed by Heather Cobb of Pensacola, states that a 22-acre plot will be subdivided to allow a single-family home while 15 acres will be zone commercial for Pine Barren Park. The current zoning is rural residential.
“The primary goal of the park is preservation of the current habitat and wetlands area to provide an enjoyable and nature focused RV park. All efforts will be taken to leave the natural state of the land intact,” the proposal states. A road will be constructed around the perimeter of the park with lanes about every fifty feet while removing only a minimum number of trees. The RV berths, each capable of house a 14-foot vehicle will remain grass and not be paved, according to the proposal. There also be an 800-square-foot office building. The park will served by a water well, and a septic field will be used for sewage.
“There will be various recreational amenities on the property including benches, swings, picnic tables and such,” the proposal says.
The application documentation does not explicitly state the number of RV berths.
A hand drawn application document appears to show six RV berths drawn in crayon.
Pine Barren Park has been set for a pre-application meeting with the Escambia County Development Review Committee at 1 p.m. on Wednesday.
