Molino Park Elementary Pre-K, First And Second Grade Awards
May 31, 2018
Molino Park Elementary School presented the following year-end awards to students in grades Pre-K to third grade:
PRE-K
Stellar Sunny Days
Addistynn Barlow
Alexis Barnes
Logan Brown
Kayle Chafin
Wyatt Golson
Collin Little
Hunter McLaughlin
Ellison Miller
Railyn Moore
Jase O’Donovan
Abigail Rockhill
Harper Scully
Mason Wales
Addilyn White
Leilani Wiltbank
Super Sunny Days
Easton Barlow
Isaac Coleman
Owen Duncan
Carra Maria Edmonson
Jaxon Flowers
Jaestin Gibson
Bratley Hallford
Railyn Moore
Alexander Mott
Jayce Sanderson
Colleen Spears
Amari Vanzandt
Braxten Vaughn
Sunny Days
Taylor Wood
Perfect Attendance
Alexander Mott
Pre-K Special Recognition
Improved Academics/Crites-Austin Yuhasz
Good Citizen of the Month/Crites-Logan Brown
Student of the Month/Crites-Railyn Moore
Most Books Read/Crites-Addistynn Barlow
Good Citizen of the Month/Hamric-Alexis Barnes
Most Books Read/Hamric-Easton Barlow
Improved Academics/Hamric-Leilani Wiltbank
FIRST GRADE
A Honor Roll
Raedon Barcinas
Alyssa Cook
Presley Davey
Hilde Davis
Nathan Davis
Lillyth Dekker
Braelyn Enfinger
Chase Gilmore
Kaylee Harris
Greyson Maughon
Ryan McCrory
Haleigh Mishoe
Ellie Raffield
Aubrey Reed
Peyton Sapp
Bailey Yuhasz
A/B Honor Roll
Davi-yon Abrams
Aila Davis
Joshua Douglas
Brayden Edmonson
Abigail Ednave
Jackson Erickson
Elam Fayard
Tessa Kendrick
Brista McIntyre
Travis McLaughlin
Ashlyn Mitchem
Kaylee Moore
Eli Morgan- Caldwell
Abigail Nigam
Easton Settle
Milo Soileau
Zanylah Staten
Kiley Webb
Connor Wiltbank
Perfect Attendance
Cameron Black
Good Citizenship
Davi-yon Abrams
Raedon Barcinas
Carter Bragg
Kameron Brown
Blake Butler
Luke Cagle
Daneigh Clifford
Alyssa Cook
Eli Davis
Hilde Davis
Kaylee Davis
Nathan Davis
Presley Davey
Lillyth Dekker
Joshua Douglas
Kaleb Downing
Brayden Edmonson
Abigail Ednave
Braelyn Enfinger
Elam Fayard
Jansen Freeman
Chase Gilmore
Kaylee Harris
Stella Houston
Donovan Johnson
Nivea Jordan
Tessa Kendrick
Greyson Maughon
Ryan McCrory
Brista McIntyre
Baileigh Minor
Haleigh Mishoe
Ashlyn Mitchem
Kaylee Moore
Eli Morgan-Caldwell
Abigail Nigam
Aubrey Reed
Peyton Sapp
Logan Sanders
Bentley Smith
Milo Soileau
Zanylah Staten
Kiley Webb
Jayden Williams
Connor Wiltbank
Bailey Yuhasz
First Grade Special Recognition
Outstanding Improvement in Reading-Skye Tanton
Excellent Effort in Reading-Kameron Brown
SECOND GRADE
A Honor Roll
Addysen Bolen
Gracyn Campbell
Ruby Driver
Carmen Garcia
Nicole Garcia
Allison Penton
Tucker Scully
Presley Spikes
Alena Staneart
A/B Honor Roll
Jordan Allen
Prestion Belongia
Landon Brown
Halee Burkett
Hunter Chance
Christopher Croll
Jakob Cutting
Jordyn Gibbs
Kensee Gibson
Conner Goetter
Jaylie Hall
Brylee Hassebrock
Valerie Hassebrock
Kristopher Hawthorne
Aubrey Jacobi
Danika Payne
Maximus Ridgley
McKinley Shoemo
Wyatt Sisson
Esabella Suratos
Gavin Switzer
Abigail Williams
Christopher Williams McFarlain
Perfect Attendance
Micah Callendar
Lauren Harris
Jayden Gibson
Danika Payne
Good Citizenship
Aadan Adams
Jordan Allen
Corbin Black
Addysen Bolen
Landon Brown
Halee Burkett
Gracyn Campbell
Huunter Chance
Christopher Croll
Jakob Cutting
Ruby Driver
Devyn Dyer
Carmen Garcia
Nicole Garcia
Jordyn Gibbs
Jayden Gibson
Kensee Gibson
Will Gilmore
Conner Goetter
Jaylie Hall
Jackson Hallford
Lauren Harris
Brylee Hassebrock
Kristopher Hawthorne
Aubrey Jacobi
Jidecah Lowe
Kimree Martin
Emily Maughon
Jax McLaney
Grayson Milam
Tristan Norton
Danika Payne
Allison Penton
Brody Ragsdale
Maximus Ridgley
Tucker Scully
McKinley Shoemo
Wyatt Sisson
Presley Spikes
Tucker Spurill
Alena Staneart
Esabella Suratos
Gavin Switzer
Abigail Williams
Braelyn Wiley
Christopher Williams McFarlain
Second Grade-Completion of Math Facts
Preston Belongia
Gracyn Campbell
Rebecca Carroll
Hunter Chance
Jakob Cutting
Nicole Garcia
Jerrod Gibbs
Jayden Gibson
Kensee Gibson
Brylee Hassebrock
Randy Jackson
Omar Jakobs
Taleah McNeal
Jeremiah Northard
Allison Penton
Maximus Ridgley
McKinley Shoemo
Wyatt Sisson
Alena Staneart
Esabella Suratos
Abigail Williams
Christopher Williams-McFarlain
Second Grade Special Recognition
Highest AR points in Mrs. Daniels’ Class-Lauren Harris
Highest AR points in Mrs. Venable’s class-Maximus Ridgley
Most Improved Reading in Mrs. Daniel’s class-Jax McLaney
Most Improved STAR reading in Mrs. Venable’s class- Aadan Adams
Highest AR points in 2nd Grade-Nicole Garcia
Pictured: Award winners from Mrs Daniels’ second grade class at Molino Park Elementary. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Wahoos Rally Past Shrimp
May 31, 2018
The Blue Wahoos rallied for three runs in the eighth inning to snap their three-game losing streak with a 6-4 win Wednesday night at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville.
The Blue Wahoos tied the game at 3-3 on an error in the seventh. Alberti Chavez led off with a pinch-hit single and scored from second on a routine ground ball past the Jumbo Shrimp third baseman.
In the eighth, the Blue Wahoos got singles from Luis Gonzalez, Daniel Sweet and Taylor Sparks to kick start the rally. Gonzalez went first to third on Sweet’s hit, then scored on an errant throw back to the infield from Cade Gotta in left field. Sweet scored on Sparks’s single, and Sparks came home on a wild pitch to make it 6-3 Blue Wahoos. Kyle Keller (L, 1-2) surrendered all the damage and suffered the loss for the Jumbo Shrimp.
The Shrimp got a solo home run from former Wahoo Eric Jagielo off Alejandro Chacin in the eighth, but that’s as close as they got. Each team belted two homers in the game, all four were solo shots. Despite suffering control problems on the mound, Keury Mella put the Blue Wahoos ahead with a solo homer in the third. C.J. McElroy hit his second of the season leading off the fifth.
Mella didn’t factor a decision after allowing three runs on just two hits over four innings. He fought his control all game with a season-high seven walks with six strikeouts. Kevin Canelon (W, 1-0) picked up the win. He joined the team before the game from high-a Daytona and worked a scoreless seventh inning. Alex Powers (S, 4) shut the Shrimp down in order in the ninth for the save.
The series continues with the middle game of five on Thursday night. The Blue Wahoos will turn to LHP Seth Varner (2-0, 3.33) for his second start against RHP Robert Dugger (0-0, 5.40).
Florida Moves Forward On Cybersecurity Money
May 31, 2018
Florida submitted paperwork Wednesday to draw down $19.2 million in federal funding to beef up elections cybersecurity.
The Florida Department of State announced the required documents had been sent to the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, a week after Gov. Rick Scott directed the action.
“Once the department receives the funding, we will work with the Florida Legislature to provide funding to supervisors of elections as well as bolster state efforts to enhance cybersecurity and voting practices prior to November’s elections,” department spokeswoman Sarah Revell said in a prepared statement.
Earlier in the day, U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., who has repeatedly warned of a “level of overconfidence” about the security of the nation’s election system heading into the 2018 elections, met with some county supervisors to discuss security.
“While I have confidence in the competence and commitment of Florida’s election officials, cyber threats sponsored by a nation state are sophisticated and constantly evolving,”Rubio said in a statement. Rubio added he intends to push federal officials to share more information with Florida and other states regarding Russian-sponsored attacks during the 2016 elections.
A day before Scott’s directive on seeking the federal money, Secretary of State Ken Detzner had told reporters that counties shouldn’t expect the money before this year’s elections, as the Legislature — which has already held its 60-day regular session — must approve the spending.
A group of Democratic U.S. House members from Florida had also implored Detzner to apply for the federal money, which is available to Florida as part of $380 million included in a federal spending bill to help states secure election systems. Florida lawmakers have included $1.9 million in the state’s $88.7 billion budget for next fiscal year to establish a network-monitoring security program for the Division of Elections that provides automated alerts about threats, allowing county election officials to respond when data may be at risk.
The Legislature did not provide funding to fulfill the department’s request for five additional full-time employees to serve in cybersecurity positions. Earlier this month, Scott directed Detzner to hire five cybersecurity specialists to work as consultants with county elections officials.
by The News Service of Florida
Molino Man Arrested After Failing To Stop For Deputies
May 30, 2018
A Molino man was arrested Sunday after failing to stop for an Escambia County deputy.
A deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop near Oakfield on a vehicle driven by 28-year old Dwayne Tyson Kennedy.
Kennedy continued to drive north to a Circle K at Highway 29 and Kenmore Road, drove through the gas pumps and continued around the building and back out to Highway 29, according to an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office report. The deputy turned off his emergency lights and did not pursue the vehicle. When the deputy turned around, he saw the vehicle had returned to the parking lot, and he conducted a traffic stop.
The deputy reported the smell of marijuana coming from the vehicle when Kennedy rolled down his window, the report states, and deputies recovered a digital scale and a marijuana blunt. They reported finding $515 in cash on Kennedy’s person, along with what was described as a written log of drug transactions.
Kennedy was charged with felony fleeing and eluding, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving with a suspended license. He was also cited for a window tint violation. Kennedy was released from the Escambia County Jail on an $8,000 bond.
Deputies also located a loaded .9mm Luger in the parking lot behind the gas station immediately after the pursuit; however, Kennedy was not immediately charged with any weapons offense.
Kennedy’s Dodge Charger and the cash were seized, and the weapon was taken into evidence.
Clay Ingram Endorses Rebekah Bydlak For His State House Seat
May 30, 2018
State Rep. Clay Ingram has endorsed Rebekah Bydlak of Cantonment to succeed him in House District 1.
“Rebekah Bydlak is the conservative champion we need for Northwest Florida,” Ingram said. “Rebekah’s life and career have been in service to conservative values, defending the Constitution and our way of life. I’m confident Rebekah will be the strong voice we need in Tallahassee. I’m proud to stand with Rebekah and fully support her to be our next Representative in the Florida House.”
With eight years in the House, Ingram is unable to run again due to term limits.
“Rep. Ingram has served our community with integrity and a commitment to promoting our shared conservative values. I’m honored and humbled to receive Rep. Ingram’s endorsement and look forward to working with him during the campaign ahead and in the future to serve the people of District 1,” Bydlak said.
Escambia Emergency Boss: Time To Prep For Hurricane Season
May 30, 2018
After a near-miss with Subtropical Storm Alberto, John Dosh, Escambia County’s Emergency Management director, says residents should focus on preparing for a hurricane season that begins Friday.
For days, the National Hurricane Center forecast said Alberto would make a landfall in or near Escambia County, bring a foot of rain and flash flooding. Escambia County responded, making sand for sandbags available and warning residents of the flooding danger.
“We were very, very fortunate that Alberto did not bring us lots of rain. Forecasts and storms change,” Dosh said. “It’s always best for people to continue to prepare and not let their guard down.”
Escambia County Emergency Management and the National Weather Service of Mobile will host a Tropical Town Hall today from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Escambia County Public Safety building, located at 6575 N. “W” St. in Pensacola.
Everyone is invited to attend this free event, which will feature a presentation from the NWS on hurricanes, hurricane-related weather conditions and the associated hazards, as well as a presentation from Escambia County Emergency Management on disaster preparedness and local information. The town hall setting will give attendees an opportunity to ask NWS forecasters and Emergency Management staff their hurricane and disaster preparedness-related questions.
Now That’s a ‘Scary Looking Cloud’
May 30, 2018
This photo was taken near Jay Tuesday afternoon, and it is a scary looking cloud. But it was not a tornado or any kind of severe weather.
“It’s just a scary looking cloud (aka a scud cloud),” the National Weather Service in Mobile told NorthEscambia.com. There were no tornado warnings or severe thunderstorm warnings.
The NWS defines a scud cloud as “small, ragged, low cloud fragments that are unattached to a larger cloud base. These clouds are often seen behind thunderstorm gust fronts. These clouds are generally associated with cool moist air, such as thunderstorm outflow.”
Reader submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Rep. Byrne Discusses Rural Hospital Issues During Atmore Visit
May 30, 2018
Alabama Rep. Bradley Byrne visited Atmore Community Hospital Tuesday to discuss challenges facing Alabama’s rural hospitals.
Byrne said at least twelve 12 hospitals have closed in Alabama since 2011, and another dozen are in danger of closing in the next two years.
Byrne said he is working with his Alabama colleagues in Congress to solve problems relating to the Medicare Wage Index, which severely hurts Alabama’s hospitals. Alabama has the lowest Medicare reimbursement rate in the country. He said Alabama hospitals are reimbursed as much as 21 percent below the national average and at rates considerably lower than neighboring states.
“This is a fight I am going to keep up because the issue is so very important,” he said.
Officials from hospitals throughout Southwest Alabama, local elected officials and community leaders joined Byrne in the Atmore meeting.
Byrne also visited a local pharmacy.
“I’m committed to making sure Alabamians have reliable access to necessary medications,” he said.
Community Flea Market Saturday In Cantonment
May 30, 2018
St. Monica’s Episcopal Church in Cantonment will host a Community Flea Market on Saturday, June 2 beginning at 8 a.m.
Spaces are available for $25. Those selling new or used wares, vegetable or plant growers, retailers or non-profits, artists and craftsmen are all welcome. Food and beverages will be available on-site.
The church is located at 699 South Highway 95A in Cantonment.
For more information: www.st-monicas.org/flea-market.
Tourism Boost Sought After Alberto
May 30, 2018
As winds and rains let up from Subtropical Storm Alberto, Florida officials Tuesday were quickly spinning ways to draw tourists to areas that may have missed out on Memorial Day crowds.
State Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis and Gov. Rick Scott, during an appearance at the Walton County Emergency Operations Center in DeFuniak Springs, expressed a need for Visit Florida, the state’s public-private tourism arm, to emulate post-Hurricane Irma promotional efforts for the Panhandle and other parts of the state.
“This weekend should have really been the second busiest weekend of the whole year,” said Patronis, whose family runs Capt. Anderson’s Restaurant in Panama City. “We, the restaurant, we did 40 percent of what we should have done.”
Scott said he would call Visit Florida President and CEO Ken Lawson. But before the half-hour appearance at the emergency operations center was complete, Lawson called Patronis, who handed the phone to Scott.
“The Legislature gave us $76 million again this year (for Visit Florida), and part of that money is to work on when we have something like this, to let people know we’re back open for business,” Scott told reporters after the appearance. “A lot of people are very dependent on tourism here. And a lot of people are getting paid just based on how many tourists show that day. They’re tied to tips and things like that. So, we have to get the tourists back.”
Stephen Lawson, a spokesman for Visit Florida who is unrelated to Ken Lawson, said even though there was little on social media from Florida travelers about Alberto, steps are being taken “in an abundance of caution” to show locations across the Panhandle remain unfazed by the storm.
“We’ll be spotlighting the Panhandle across our social channels later this week to show that they are 100 percent open for business,” Lawson said.
A Facebook live event will also be held from Sandestin later in the week.
The promotional effort won’t require a special ad campaign similar to the $5 million spent to highlight the Florida Keys after Irma.
Otherwise, officials called Alberto a good tune-up for the six-month Atlantic hurricane season, which begins Friday.
Few roads were impacted by flooding, with Panhandle officials telling Scott that almost all roads, bridges and beaches were open Tuesday morning. Officials were waiting to see total amounts of rain that Alberto dumps into rivers in Alabama.
The storm also appeared to cause relatively few power outages.
At 3 p.m. Monday, 9,861 electricity customer accounts in the state were without power, according to the Florida State Emergency Response Team. That total indicates 99.91 percent of all power customers had electricity.
By 9 a.m. Tuesday, just over 1,000 accounts had not been restored.
by Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida
Pictured: Pensacola Beach on Saturday. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.