Tate High School Chaparrals Place Second At Orlando Winter Guard Regionals
March 30, 2025
The Tate High School Chaparrals earned second place in the recent the Orlando Winter Guard International (WGI) Regional Competition in the Scholastic Regional A Classification.
“Competing against top color guard programs, the Chaparrals showcased their dedication, precision, and artistry, standing out among elite teams from Florida, Texas, and Indiana,” Tate Director of Bands Ronald Gray said.
WGI competitions bring together some of the most talented high school color guards in the nation, making this achievement a testament to the hard work and commitment of the Tate Chaparrals and their instructors, Gray added. Please join us in congratulating Briana Benito – Guard Director, Tabitha Dampson – Assistant Guard Director, and the Chaparrals members Emily Roberson, Hailey Locke, Keelin Guzman, Madison Hatcher, and Summerlyn Gaugler.
The team is under the leadership of Guard Director Briana Benito and Assistant Guard Director Tabitha Dampson, along with team members Emily Roberson, Hailey Locke, Keelin Guzman, Madison Hatcher, and Summerlyn Gaugler.
Looking ahead, the 2025 Rookie Camp for all incoming new members, color guard and winter guard auditions, and percussion auditions will begin on May 6. For additional details, visit the Showband of the South Facebook page or email Ronald Gray at Rgray1@ecsdfl.us.
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Play Ball! NWE Celebrates Opening Day (With Photo Gallery)
March 30, 2025
Saturday was Opening Day at Northwest Escambia Bradberry Park in Walnut Hill.
For a photo gallery, click here.
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A Champion’s Spirit: Michael Simpson’s Inspiring First Pitch at NWE Opening Day
March 30, 2025
Seven-year-old Michael Simpson took the mound to throw the ceremonial first pitch at Northwest Escambia Bradberry Park’s opening day on Saturday morning, marking a special moment in his journey both on and off the field for the young athlete.
Born with spina bifida, Michael has never let his condition define him.
“During the 2024 season, he played tee ball, showing his love for the game and his unbreakable spirit. Though he is currently unable to play due to medical treatments, Michael remains an important part of the NWE family,” NWE Commissioner Stephanie Gilmore said.
Michael’s selection for this honor was a testament to his resilience and positivity. By his side stood his grandfather, Toney Simpson—a longtime coach, mentor, and umpire at NWE—making the moment even more meaningful. Together, they shared a bond built on love, sportsmanship, and a deep passion for the game.
As Michael tossed the pitch, the ballpark erupted in applause.
“Michael’s story is a reminder that being part of a team is about more than just playing-it’s about heart, perseverance, and inspiring those around you,” Gilmore said. “His strength and positivity continue to uplift everyone he meets, proving that true champions are defined by their spirit, not their circumstances.”
Michael is the son of Jarrod and Jessica Simpson.
Related Story: NWE Celebrates Opening Day (With Photo Gallery)
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Molino Library Hosting Photography Meetup Group Monday Afternoon
March 30, 2025
Interested in learning more about photography?
The Molino Library will host the second meeting of Molino Library Photography Group at 2 p.m. on Monday.
Whether you are taking photos with your phone or a professional camera, the group is open to everyone.
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Escambia Property Taxes Are Due By Monday
March 30, 2025
Escambia County property taxes are due by Monday, March 31 for the 2024 tax year.
To avoid interest and additional fees:
- Pay by mail with a March postmark
- Pay online by midnight March 31 (escambiataxcollector.com)
- Pay at an office by close of business March 31
- Drop your payment in a drop box by close of business March 31
Drop boxes are open 24-hours a day are located at all four locations:
- Molino — 6440 Highway 95-A North, Suite A, Molino
- Brentwood — 5045 N Palafox St, Pensacola
- Downtown — 213 Palafox Place, Pensacola
- Warrington — 4051 Barrancas Avenue, Suite A, Pensacola
There is no additional fee to pay current taxes by echeck.
Century Explains Financial Issues To Florida Legislative Auditing Committee
March 29, 2025
The Town of Century has filed a response to an inquiry form the Florida Legislature’s Joint Legislative Auditing Committee (JLAC) requesting answers regarding findings from its last three years of audits.
The committee is established under rules of the Florida Legislature with a membership that includes members from the House and Senate. It has responsibilities that are designed to provide continuous oversight of government operations, in part, through the auditing and review activities of the Auditor General.
Specifically, the JLAC requested a response regarding audit findings that identified issues with cash management, account reconciliation, capital asset tracking, and the town’s overall financial condition.
In a written response to JLAC, interim mayor Alicia Johnson said the town acknowledge the findings, and “is actively implementing corrective actions to address them and ensure long-term financial stability.”
The letter included a corrective action plan:
Audit Finding: The town experienced issues with inadequate funds for customer deposits and debt service reserves in the Natural Gas Fund.
Town Response: The Town has taken steps to rectify the situation. Officials have implemented a monthly cash flow analysis to better track and manage the fund’s resources. Additionally, the Town is exploring potential rate adjustments to ensure the long-term stability of the Natural Gas Fund and is actively working to meet all debt service obligations. The report also indicated that funds will be transferred from the State Board of Administration to cover customer deposits and debt service requirements
Audit Finding: The town failed to properly reconcile multiple general ledger accounts, resulting in audit adjustments.
Town Response: The town has already taken corrective action in this area, implementing and continuing monthly reconciliations of multiple general ledger accounts. Acknowledging past staffing challenges, the town is currently conducting staff training aimed at enhancing the accuracy of financial reporting. Officials anticipate full resolution of this issue by the end of the current fiscal year, FY 2024-25.
Audit Finding: Due to leadership turnover, capital asset records were not properly maintained
Town Response: To address this, the town has initiated a comprehensive inventory of all assets and has established new tracking procedures. Officials anticipate having all assets accurately recorded and appropriately tagged by June 2025.
Audit Finding: The town continues to experience financial challenges, including deficit net positions in the General Fund and Natural Gas Fund.
Town Response: To address these broader financial concerns, the Town is actively implementing a financial recovery plan. This plan encompasses measures such as expenditure reductions, debt restructuring, and strategies for revenue enhancement. The Town is also considering an operating transfer for interfund loans with the goal of moving the affected funds towards a positive fund balance and a positive net position.
The town also included responded to the state with a “Strategic Initiatives for Improved Financial Oversight“.
The plan included:
- The town council contracted with the Local Government Consulting Group in December 2023. The municipal management consulting firm, with experience across multiple states including Florida, was tasked with developing a strategic plan to help the Town address the financial and operational issues identified in the 2022 audit.
- The town council discussed the potential benefits of hiring a full-time finance director and town administrator at their meeting on December 3, 2024. While a final decision was not reached, there was agreement on the potential efficiency of combining these roles into a single town administrator/finance director position.
- To formalize this approach, a proposed ordinance establishing the position of town administrator (who would also serve as finance director) is scheduled for discussion by the town council. This ordinance would pave the way for the town to hire a full-time administrator with a specific focus on financial oversight, utilizing the findings of the FY 2022-23 audit as a guide for direct action and improvement.
“The Town of Century remains committed to implementing sustainable solutions that strengthen its financial management practices and ensure compliance with all applicable regulations,” Johnson concluded.
Escambia County Man Charged With Dog Fighting, Animal Cruelty
March 29, 2025
An Escambia County man was arrested in connection with a dog fight operation on Friday.
Jerney Purifoy was charged with animal fighting and cruelty towards animals. He was released from the Escambia County Jail Friday on a $15,000 bond.
He was arrested by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office working on conjunction with Escambia County Animal Welfare. The ECSO SWAT team served a search warrant at his home.
During the search, the ECSO said they located evidence of dog fighting to include IV bags, wound care paraphernalia, training manuals, a rifle and a handgun.
The dogs were previously seized by Escambia County Animal Welfare.
ECSO said the investigation is ongoing. They are asking anyone with more information contact them at (850) 436-9620 or Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
Molino Library Hosts Community Cross Stitch Class
March 29, 2025
The Molino Library hosted a cross-stitch class Friday evening for participants.
The free class was open to all ages and skill levels and explored the art of cross stitching and introduced new techniques.
Another class will be held on April 25 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Molino Library, 6450-A Highway 95A in the Molino Community Center. All materials will be provided, and no experience is necessary—just bring your enthusiasm! This event offers a great opportunity to unwind, be creative, and connect with fellow crafters.
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Jay Slides Past Northview 5-3 (With Photo Gallery)
March 29, 2025
The Northview Chiefs fell 5-3 Friday night in Bratt.
Jax Lowery pitched a complete game win for the Royals, surrendered seven hits and five runs over seven innings, walking two and recording three strikeouts. Jase Portwood went a complete game for Northview, giving up 10 hits and three runs (one earned), walking one and striking out eight.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Brady Godwin led Jay at the plate with three RBIs, going 2-3 for the night, while Clay Norris had two hits.
Braynt Mason led at bat for Northview with two RBIs, and Brady Smith went 2-4.
Up next, Northview will be at West Florida on Tuesday, and Jay will host T.R. Miller on Monday.
In JV action Friday, Northview played to a 4-4 tie after seven innings.
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Kara Wine Homers As Tate Slips To Milton
March 29, 2025
The Tate Lady Aggies fell short 4-3 Friday night against the Milton Panthers in Milton.
Senior Kara Wine hit a solo home run to center field in the top of the fifth. On the night, Wine led Tate with two RBIs as she went 2-3. Kaylie Mitchell, Madison Smilie, and Jordan Smith added one hit each.
Jordan Smith took the loss for the Aggies in six innings, allowing four runs (two earned) on six hits, walking two and striking out five.
Next Week, Tate will travel to Crestview on Monday, before hosting Niceville on Thursday and West Florida in the Strike Out Cancer game on Friday at 7:00.
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