Clerk Pauses Payments For Escambia Commissioners’ Discretionary Fund Spending
April 11, 2025
Escambia County Clerk Pam Childers says she is going to review the use of discretionary funds by commissioners, which are part of the overall annual budget. In the meantime, she is pausing payments for funds already approved by commissioners until her review is completed and her opinion is issued.
The budget includes $50,000 per year for each commissioner, with a rollover, as part of the general fund classified as aids to private organizations. An expenditure request by any one commissioner must be approved by the entire board. (See below for the most recent requests.)
The funds have been used for community festivals, sports teams that could not afford trips to a state championship and more.
Childers said taxpayer dollars must be spent in a manner consistent with the Florida Constitution, requiring a lawful public purpose.
“The public purpose for discretionary expenditures is not obvious when you allocated to private galas, picnics, benefits, church revivals, school softball teams, and golf tournaments,” she said. “Looking at this in a different way, taxpayers do not pay taxes for the county to make donations to private organizations of their own choosing to enhance the mission of that organization.”
She also said there is a specific provision in the Florida Constitution preventing revenue from being taken from the public treasury to aid any church or religious denomination. She said seeing discretionary funding for churches on the agenda raised her awareness of the issue.
“You are doing contributions to churches for their picnics or something they are having; I think that’s a violation,” she said.
“It’s certainly alarming and disappointing that we’ve done it for 10 years, and at this point we’re beginning to do review in which we’ve helped multiple organizations,” May said,’ that benefits the good of the community.”
Is it not a common good to feed people? Is it not a common good to buy hamburgers and hotdogs for children in the inner city that don’t have food to eat when we are feeding homeless people, when we are giving out money? We’ve got to define that,” May said. “For the common benefit, for the common purpose of making sure that Brownsville Assembly is feeding people. That has to be a common good for the community.”
“If you believe that is the county government’s responsibility,” Childers replied, emphasizing the word government, “then we will have a form. You will write that…while funds are being under scrutiny, this is a really good time to look at this.”
The commission is expected to review Childers’ finding and potential policies at an upcoming meeting.
These are the most recent discretionary funding requests totaling $18,000 by commissioners as reflected on agendas to date in March and April:
District 1 (Steve Stroberger) $6,000
- $1,000 for Legion’s Boy’s State Program
- $2,500 for Valerie’s House
- $2,500 for Golf Elite Track and Field Club
District 2 (Mike Kohler) $1,500
- $1,500 for First Tee Gulf Coast
District 3 (Lumon May) $3,500
- $2,500 for an Autism Pensacola gala fundraising event
- $1,000 for First Tee Gulf Coast
District 4 (Ashlee Hofberger) $3,500
- $1,000 for a Holes 4 Heroes Charity Golf Tournament
- $1,000 for First Tee Gulf Coast
- $1,500 for ReadyKids! Kindergarten, Here We Come!
District 5 (Steven Barry) $3,500
- $2,500 for the Tate Aggie Classic
- $1,000 for a Saint Elizabeth Catholic Church fall festival
Tate Aggies Honored As Blue Wahoos Beat The Biscuits (With Gallery)
April 11, 2025
Thursday night was a big night for the Tate Aggies as they watched the Blue Wahoos beat the Blue Wahoos 8-5 in Pensacola.
The Aggies baseball team had their season awards dinner on the party porch with a group of 160 people that was a combination of team members, parents and friends. All six Tate seniors on the team — Kaleb Posta, Brayden Beck, Tate Davis, Nate Ozuna, Zane Warrington and Sheppard Edgar — were all honored by throwing out ceremonial first pitches to Blue Wahoos outfielder Dalvy Rosario.
For a photo gallery of the Aggies at the Blue Wahoos, click here.
Tate head coach Brett McCullough said he thought a team outing at Blue Wahoos Stadium was the perfect setting for a season team event. The Aggies will be in the district post-season playoffs beginning next week.
Spohn, Sasaki Lead Two-Out Attack in 8-5 Wahoos Win
Harrison Spohn ignores any scenario with each at-bat to ensure a consistent approach.
“Just keeping things simple,” he said. “Pretending there’s no one on base, just so my brain doesn’t go crazy.”
He was perfectly focused Thursday, driving in three runs on three hits, including a go-ahead triple, as the Blue Wahoos used two-out magic for all their runs in an 8-5 victory against the Montgomery Biscuits on Pensacola Mullets Night at Blue Wahoos Stadium. The team took on its alternate identity wearing Pensacola Mullets uniforms – a tradition that began years ago on each Thursday home game.
Spohn’s night was one half of the huge production from the bottom of the batting order. Centerfielder Shane Sasaki, robbed of a home run Wednesday night, had fate on his side this time, driving in four runs with two big swings. He doubled off the wall in left center in the second inning, then blasted a two-run homer that scored Spohn in the sixth inning.
Spohn also came up with the game’s biggest defensive play. The Biscuits were in position in the eighth inning with runners on second and third to again erase a Blue Wahoos lead. Matthew Etzel, who had driven in two runs earlier, scorched a line drive off reliever Ricky DeVito. But Spohn was in the right position for a big catch that resulted in an inning-ending double play. In the ninth, Dale Stanavich earned his first save by striking out Brock Jones with a sweeper pitch and two runners on base.
The Blue Wahoos (5-1) got eight runs on eight hits. That kind of offense was needed on this night.
“It’s always nice to get the season on the right start, but it’s a long season. We gotta keep it going,” said Spohn on the post-game stadium interview with the Blue Wahoos’ Carter Bainbridge.
Blue Wahoos starter Robby Snelling, the team’s highest-rated prospect, encountered difficulty but struck out a season-high nine batters. He gave up a pair of homers and four runs, while becoming the first Blue Wahoos starter to work into the sixth inning. Snelling seemed in command with a 4-1 lead through four innings. But a leadoff homer by Willy Vasquez in the fifth inning was followed by a pair of singles, then runners advancing into scoring position, when Mathew Etzel delivered a two-out, two-run single.
In the game-deciding sixth inning, Cody Morissette had a one-out single, then stole second. Spohn followed with his RBI triple.
“Just (looking for) something in the zone, right?” Spohn said of his approach. “That’s all you got to do in this game in Double-A.”
Sasaki then blasted a slider over the left center wall with a 106 mph exit speed to make it 7-4. In the eighth inning, Spohn’s RBI single with two outs scored Johnny Olmstead, who had reached on a two-base error.
WANT TO GO?
WHO: Montgomery Biscuits vs. Blue Wahoos
WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium
WHEN: Friday Thru Sunday.
GAME TIMES: Friday and Saturday games all start at 6:05 p.m. The game on Sunday starts at 1:05 p.m.
Game action written by Bill Vilona.
Sappington’s Hat Trick, Helmig’s Saves Power Tate Girls Lacrosse To 7-3 Playoff Win
April 11, 2025
submitted for NorthEscambia.com
Junior standout Tori Sappington recorded a hat trick and sophomore goalie Carly Helmig anchored a stout defense as the Tate Aggies girls lacrosse team defeated Milton in the first round of the 2A District 1Girls Lacrosse tournament at Tate High School.
Sappington was the offensive engine for Tate, finding the net three times on nine shots on goal. Her scoring prowess set the tone, but the offense featured contributions across multiple classes. Junior Taelyn Hubbard added a goal and the team’s lone assist, while sophomore Abigayle Keever, freshman Ashlee Edgar, and senior Hannah Keeler each chipped in with a goal apiece. Edgar and Keeler were notably efficient, converting their only shots of the game into goals. As a team, Tate registered 17 shots on target.
While the offense put up seven goals, the defense and goaltending were equally impressive. Helmig played the entire game in cage, turning aside 9 of the 12 shots she faced for a strong .750 save percentage. Her performance kept the opposition largely in check, allowing just three goals against.
The defensive effort extended to controlling loose balls, as Tate collected 26 ground balls throughout the match. Sappington led the way here as well, scooping up a team-high 5 ground balls. Sophomore Lily Meteiver contributed 4, while Hubbard and freshman Brooke Odom added 3 each.
Tate also found success on the draw, winning 7 draw controls, with Sappington again playing a central role in gaining possession for her team.
No. 4 Tate advances to the semifinals at 6 p.m.on Monday, April 14 at No. 1 Gulf Breeze.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Northview Softball And Baseball, Tate Softball Earn Wins Thursday Night
April 11, 2025
SOFTBALL
Northview 11, West Florida 1
The Northview Lady Chiefs dominated the West Florida Jaguars 11-1 on Thursday night in Pensacola.
In a complete game, Mikayla McAnally gave up two hits and one run while walking none and striking out 10 in a seven innings.
Avery Stuckey went 3-4 for the Chiefs, while Addysen Bolen and Jamison Gilman each had three RBIs. Bailey Burkette, Aubrey Hadley, and Daviona Randolph each had multiple hits.
Up next for the Chiefs is a trip to rival Jay on Tuesday, April 15.
Tate 4, Gulf Breeze 3
The Tate Aggies beat Gulf Breeze 4-3 Thursday night in Cantonment.
Peyton Womack earned the win for the Lady Aggies, surrendering eight hits and three runs in seven innings, walking four and striking out five.
Mykamia Padgett recorded two RBIs, going 2-3 for the night. Peyton Womack also had two hits for Tate. Kinzlee Biggs, Aubrey Jordan, Taylor Robinson and Carlyn Ham each added one hit.
Tate will host Navarre Friday at 6:30 for senior night.
BASEBALL
Northview 4, Baker 2
The Northview Chiefs earned a big 4-2 district win over Baker Thursday night in Bratt.
Braynt Mason earned the win for Northview, surrendering just one hit and no runs in five innings, walking one and striking out five. Jase Portwood and Grayden Sheffield pitched in relief for Northview. Sheffield allowed two hits and two runs while walking one and striking out two in one and two-thirds innings, while Portwood allowed no hits and no runs in the final third of an inning.
Northview will host W.S. Neal at 6:30 in their final regular season game of the season.
Northview 10, Baker 0 (JV)
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Teen Injured In Molino 4-Wheeler Crash
April 11, 2025
A teen was airlifted to the hospital after a 4-wheeler crash near Molino.
A 4-wheeler occupied by two teens reportedly overturned about 4:40 p.m. near the 2900 block of Highway 196, east of Schifko.
One of the teens was flown to an area hospital by AirCare medical helicopter.
Further details have not been released.
File photo.
Century Creates Town Administrator Position
April 10, 2025
The Town of Century has officially created the position of town administrator in a move aimed at improving local government operations, financial management, and daily oversight of municipal functions.
The new position, established by a recently passed ordinance, designates the town administrator as the operating officer of the town, serving under and reporting directly to the mayor. The administrator will assist in managing the day-to-day operations, budgeting, personnel, and implementation of town policies.
According to the ordinance, the town administrator may be hired as a direct employee, as an independent contractor, or through a contracted firm with expertise in municipal management. Regardless of the arrangement, the individual or firm selected will require final approval by the town council.
Qualifications for individual candidates include a bachelor’s degree in public administration, business, or a related field (with a master’s degree preferred), at least five years of experience in municipal administration, and strong leadership and decision-making skills.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Assisting the mayor with daily operations and business functions. Ensuring that town projects, services and operations are executed in accordance with the mayor’s directives and town council policies.
- Serve as financial services director responsible for budget preparation, financial planning, and fiscal accountability.
- Helping with hiring, firring supervising, and evaluating town employees. Conduct a periodic review of jobs descriptions, qualifications, and performance evaluations.
- Oversee the procurement process and approve vendor contracts.
- Advise the mayor and town council on policies and assist with informed decisions making.
The mayor will conduct an annual performance review of the town administrator. The position may be terminated by the mayor with the approval of the town council through a majority vote. There is no provision in the ordinance for the council to directly remove the administrator unless the mayor initiates the removal.
The town council has voted to extend the current contract with interim town manager Howard Brown and his Local Government Consulting Group until a town administrator is hired.
As of Wednesday night, the position advertisement had not been posted by the town.
NorhtEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Tate Geometry And Pre-Cal Teams Shine At Tournament
April 10, 2025
Tate High School’s geometry and precalculus teams recently placed at the Nicky Walker Math Tournament, held at Milton High School.
The Tate geometry team took first place, with members Kristina Vasileva, Bryan Chen, Aden Bailey, Fathi Abuokab, and Christopher Pennewell leading the charge. They were coached by Cody Nelson.
The precalculus team claimed 2nd place, thanks to the efforts of Courtney Reichard, Hayden Graybill, Carter Hayden, and Lawson Killingsworth. Their success came under the guidance of coach Rachel Wisdom.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia County EMS Hosting Open House This Saturday
April 10, 2025
Escambia County EMS will host a free open house for the public on Saturday from 12-4 p.m.
“Escambia County EMS is excited to welcome everyone to our open house,” said EMS Chief Chris Watts. “We invite you to learn more about your EMS provider, participate in hands-on activities, and enjoy delicious chili prepared by our team. As we continue to evolve as an organization, we want to get to know the neighbors we serve daily. This is a family-friendly event with a lot of activities for the kids, including an Easter Egg Hunt, so we invite the whole family to come out on April 12.”
Attendees will have the opportunity to tour the EMS facility, check out brand-new ambulances and life-saving gadgets, participate in first responder demonstrations, learn hands-on CPR, enjoy fun activities for the kids, and be a judge in the EMS employee chili cook-off.
The open house will occur in the EMS ambulance parking lot, behind the Escambia County Public Safety building at 6575 N. “W” Street.
The event was previously scheduled March 15 but was rescheduled due to weather.
File photo.
Cantonment Masonic Lodge Honors And Adopts Ernest Ward Middle School Educators
April 10, 2025
Cantonment Masonic Lodge #322 honored several educators from Ernest Ward Middle School recently.
The Lodge recognized Teacher of the Year Maria Willis. They also adopted two novice teachers, Courtney Barrow and MaryBeth Geary.
Additionally, the Lodge formally adopted Ernest Ward Middle School as part of its ongoing commitment to supporting local education initiatives.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Molino Park Elementary PTA Carnival Is Friday Evening
April 10, 2025
Get ready for an evening of family fun as Molino Park Elementary School hosts its 2025 Spring Carnival this Friday, April 11th. Sponsored by the Molino Park PTA, the event promises a delightful experience for the entire community.
From 5-8 p.m., the grounds of Molino Park Elementary, located at 899 Highway 97, will transform into a vibrant carnival atmosphere. Attendees can look forward to a wide array of classic carnival games, delicious food, lively music, and various local vendors.
Adding to the excitement, the carnival will feature a bake-off competition, highlighting the culinary talents within the community. A live and silent auction will offer attendees the chance to bid on unique items and experiences, with proceeds supporting PTA initiatives and school programs.
Organizers emphasize that this event is designed for the whole family to enjoy together.
Wristbands are available from 7:10 until 8 a.m. with cash sales only on Thursday and Friday. Pre-sale wristbands are $12; regular price is $15 at the carnival Friday evening.