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.
Regional Semifinals: Northview Walks-Off Over Holmes; Jay Beats Chipley
May 7, 2025
Northview 1, Holmes County 0
The Northview Lady Chiefs earned a dramatic 1-0 walk-off win over Holmes County on Tuesday night.
The Rural Division semifinal game in Bratt was tied at zero in the bottom of the seventh inning when sophomore Mikayla McAnally laid down a sacrifice bunt, scoring Daviona Randolph.
Earlier, Randolph had reached on a wild pitch, a dropped third strike before stealing second and advancing to third on an error by the Holmes County catcher.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Randolph said she anticipated a rise ball on the third strike.
“I knew my bat couldn’t reach it, but I swung so maybe block the catcher’s view a little bit with my bat,” Randolph said. “And if it was close I was diving into the bag regardless. And I saw (head coach) Amy (Holland) was like you’re good, you’re good, I knew.”
John McAnally, who is the Northview hitting coach and Mikayla McAnally’s father, knew that Mikayla’s bunt was the right decision.
“They got to go for us at home, or they got to make a throw,” he said. “They read it perfect…She (MiKayla) read where the ball was and bunted. She had the confidence, and we worked on that every day. These girls work every day.
“That was a great fight out game for us tonight,” Holland said. “I’ll tell you that these two guys right here (pitching coach Shaun Tindall and McAnally) are the backbone of our team. John joined us last year, and Shaun joined us this year. My title is head coach, but these two guys right here are the backbone of our team. They are the backbone of our girls; they love them.”
““I just call the pitches,” Tindall said. “That’s just 20%t of the game, and she (McAnally) does the work. Let me just tell you she was on fire.”
McAnally had a stellar night in the circle with a one-hitter while striking out 13 and walking only one.
“I’m proud of my team,” the pitcher said. “I couldn’t have done it without them — if they didn’t get one base and score that run, I was going to have to keep pitching.”
McAnally and Avery Stuckey had the only hits — one each — for Northview as they faced the Blue Devils’ Bri Adams, who struck out then and walked one.
Northview will travel to Jay for a regional final game against the Royals next Tuesday, May 13, at 7 p.m.
Last week, Northview claimed the district title 9-1 over Jay as McAnally pitched a complete game, striking out 17 while allowing one earned run on three hits.
“I’m ready,” pitcher McAnally said, “to back at Jay.”
For a photo gallery, click here.
Jay 9 Chipley 1
The Jay Lady Royals beat Chipley 9-1 in a Rural Division semifinal in Jay.
Layna Lowry earned the win for Jay, giving up eight hits and one run in seven innings, striking out six and walking one.
Carleigh Baker led Jay with three RBIs as she went 1-3 for the night. Miley Mcgee went 2-2.
Jay will host Northview next Tuesday, May 13, at 6 p.m. in the regional finals.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
It’s Grocery Store Sale Day — A Great Time To Prepare For Stamp Out Hunger on Saturday
May 7, 2025
Residents in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties are encouraged to fill their Stamp Out Hunger bags with healthy, nonperishable food donations this week, and leave them by their mailbox on Saturday, May 10 for pick-up by their letter carrier in support of the 33rd Annual National Association of Letter Carriers’ Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive. Donations stay local and benefit the children, senior citizens, veterans, families, and individuals served by Manna Food Bank and other local pantries.
It is the largest, national, single-day effort to put food on the table for millions of Americans. Food collected in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties benefits five local food pantries, helping to feed those who are struggling with food insecurity in our community.
“Stamp Out Hunger is one of the most important annual food drives for many of the area’s food pantries, including Manna,” said Dede Flounlacker, Executive Director of Manna Food Bank. “Every food donation collected by letter carriers helps meet the needs of hungry neighbors in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.”
Residents of the two-county area should receive a white Stamp Out Hunger bag ahead of the food drive to fill with food donations; however, any bag can be used. Residents are encouraged to fill the bag with healthy, non-perishable food items, such as canned chicken, canned tuna, canned fruit in 100% juice, dry breakfast items (oatmeal, whole-grain cereal), canned vegetables, and peanut butter. Residents should be sure to place the bag next to their mailbox (traditional or non-traditional) prior to regular mail delivery this Saturday, May 10. Residents should not donate items in glass containers or items that have been opened or homemade.
Escambia and Santa Rosa letter carriers will collect the food donations that will benefit individuals and families served by Manna Food Bank, Feeding the Gulf Coast, ACTS Ministries, We Care Ministries, and Warrington Emergency Aid Center.
FCA Game Changer Awards Presented To Local Athletes
May 7, 2025
This week, the Northwest Florida Fellowship of Christian Athletes recently presented their “Game Changer” awards to local high school athletes.
The awards honored their participation in flag football, lacrosse, and tennis. The winners were chosen by their teammates based upon their integrity, dedication, character, and FCA values.
Flag Football
- Madison Levins — Northview
- Meya Dunn — PHS
- Nikari Taylor — Pine Forest
- Jolie Larche — Booker T. Washington
- Adrianna Middleton — Tate
Lacrosse – Girls
- Mattie Hendrickson — Gulf Breeze
- Jade Mills — Milton
- Julia Frosch — Catholic
- Mallory Orcino — Tate (pictured below)
- Lucy Adams Stevenson — PHS
Lacrosse – Boys
- Thomas Ramsey — PHS
- Ezekiel Maxwell — Milton
- Hudson Mitchell — Catholic
- Jacob Poljak — Washington
- Graham Pennington — Gulf Breeze
Tennis – Girls
- Maya Chavan — Catholic
- Madison “Lexi” Hodge — Washington
- Regan York — Escambia
- Parker Briscione — PHS
- Quinn Dunne — Milton
Tennis – Boys
- Dylan Broxton — Milton
- Holt Pair — Catholic
- Christian Revoredo — Escambia
- Alex Kinney — PHS
- Avery Grizzard — East Hill
Photos or NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
