Tate High Principal’s Secretary Jackie Barth Named District Employee Of The Month
February 19, 2025
Tate High School principal’s secretary Jackie Barth was recognized by the Escambia County School Board Tuesday night as the Stellar Employee for the month of February 2025.
“She consistently demonstrates the qualities of an exemplary employee, making her an essential member of the Tate High School community. Ms. Barth is widely recognized for her kindness, patience, and steadfast professionalism. She engages with students, staff, and parents with a friendly demeanor and authentic warmth. Regardless of the day’s demands, she remains calm and composed, ensuring that every task is completed efficiently and effectively,” Superintendent Keith Leonard said, reading a district proclamation.
“Her remarkable ability to manage multiple responsibilities is commendable. She frequently exceeds her role by supporting various areas of the office, whether it involves stepping in for the front office during the absence of the School Secretary or providing assistance in the finance office when a School Finance Specialist is unavailable. Ms. Barth takes ownership of her responsibilities and exhibits exceptional initiative, always ready to assist wherever needed.
“Her dedication, adaptability, and attention to detail contribute significantly to the smooth operation of the office. She fosters an environment where everyone feels supported, and her contributions are greatly appreciated.
“Jackie Barth is stellar because of her excellent work ethic and dedication to the staff and students throughout the Escambia County Public Schools. She contributes to the healthy culture that supports high performing teachers, leaders and staff. It is for these reasons, and so many others, that she has been selected as our stellar employee of the month,” Leonard concluded.
“Giving back to the community is very important to me,” Barth said. “At Tate, we are a strong family.”
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Atmore Mayor Jim Staff Announces Retirement
February 19, 2025
Tuesday, Atmore Mayor Jim Staff announced his retirement after 24 years of service to the city. His retirement will become effective at the end of May.
Staff served on the city council from 2000 to 2012 before being elected mayor in 2012.
“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the people of Atmore,” Staff said. “This city holds a special place in my heart, and I am grateful for the support of our residents, city officials, and community partners over the years. However, the time has come for me to step down and spend more time with my family.”
“Mayor Staff’s leadership has left a lasting impact on the city, and his retirement marks the end of an era for Atmore,” Shawn Lassiter, council chair pro tem, said.
The Atmore City Council will appoint an interim mayor to serve the remainder of Staff’s term.
ECSO Coffee With A Cop Thursday Morning At The Parking Latte
February 19, 2025
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office will host Coffee With A Cop Thursday morning.
The event will take place at The Parking Latte at 4178 North Highway 29 (just south of Highway 196) from 7:30 until 9:30 a.m.
Coffee with a Cop provides a unique opportunity for community members to ask questions and learn more about the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office’s work in the community. It is a great way for Escambia County deputies and community members to come together, build relationships, and, of course, drink coffee.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Foundation and sponsors will provide a free cup of coffee to each attendee.
File photo.
FCA Above The Rim, Beyond The Goal Awards Presented To Local Athletes
February 19, 2025
The Northwest Florida Fellowship of Christian Athletes recently presented their “Above the Rim” Basketball Awards and “Beyond the Goal” Soccer Awards to local athletes.
Girls’ Basketball
- Central: Autumn Boutwell
- East Hill: Claire Utter
- Escambia: Demi Liu
- Gulf Breeze: Layla Gronert
- Jay: Brady Godwin (not coming)
- Milton: Alexis Hawthorne
- Navarre: Jolee Storer (not coming)
- Northview: Madison Levins
- PHS: Zion Perkins
- Pensacola Catholic: Morgan Smith (not attending)
- Pine Forest: Chrisshona Bargaineer
- Tate: Taylor Malone
- Washington: Chamiah Francis
- West Florida: Macey Vegas
- UWF: Delaney Trushel
Boys’ Basketball
- Central: Donovan Dean
- East Hill: Austin Lockard
- Escambia: Peter Brasfield
- Milton: Elliot Wilson
- Navarre: Kaleb Woodward
- Northview: Brian Yoder
- PHS: Khlyen Eccles
- Pensacola Catholic: Terius Mason (not attending)
- Tate: Bryce King
- Washington: Pierce Bizerra
- West Florida: Heston Burns
- UWF: Rodney Bryant Jr.
Girls’ Soccer
- Escambia: Addisyn Cole
- Gulf Breeze: Sarah Cornwell
- Milton: Jacquelyn Marie Ruffini
- Navarre: Kennedy Kerns
- Pace: Ana Saenz
- PHS: Peyton Chester
- Pensacola Catholic: Emma Lacour
- Pine Forest: Angel Walden
- Tate: Bristol Guy
- Washington: Tyler Stubblefield
- West Florida Tech: Laney Jackson
Boys’ Soccer
- Escambia: Kayden Hall
- Milton: Sawyer Anderson
- Pace: Fletcher Carroll
- PHS: Zach Peterson
- Pensacola Catholic: Thomas Lawrence
- Pine Forest: Yeison Sosa
- Washington: Carson Smith
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
50th Annual Walnut Hill Ruritan Farm Auction Is Saturday
February 19, 2025
The 50th Annual Walnut Hill Ruritan Club Farm Equipment Auction will be held Saturday, February 22, beginning at 9:30 a.m.
The auction includes not only farm equipment, but also household items like tools and small equipment, lawn and garden items, antiques and more.
The sale will take place at the Walnut Hill Community Center, 7850 Highway 97, just north of Ernest Ward Middle School. Items will be accepted for auction beginning at 7 a.m. Thursday and continuing all day Friday. The deadline for adding lots is 8:00 a.m. Saturday.
This is an open, no reserve sale. Ten percent of the final price will be assessed to the buyer for all lots sold, with a $500 maximum. There is a $5 minimum fee per lot. Settlement must be made the day of the sale with cash, check, cashier’s check or credit card. All sellers will be paid by a check in the mail.
For more information or consignments, call (850) 324-3358.
Pictured: Hundreds attended the annual Walnut Hill Ruritan Club 2023 farm equipment auction. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
1A Northview Lady Chiefs Fall To Defending 6A State Champion Pace
February 19, 2025
The 1A Northview Lady Chiefs opened their season with a 3-0 loss on the road at Pace, defending 6A state champions.
Jamison Gilman started in the circle for the Lady Chiefs, giving up two runs on three hits, walking three and striking out five in five innings. Mikayla McAnally closed, allowing one hit and one run while striking out one and walking none in one inning.
Gilman went 1-for-3 at the plate to lead the Lady Chiefs for their only hit of the night.
Up next, Northview will be at Pensacola Catholic Thursday night.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Walnut Hill Man Charged With Armed Burglary
February 18, 2025
A Walnut Hill man that claimed to be returning thousands of dollars’ worth of items has been charged with the armed burglary of a Highway 97 home.
Jared Lee English, 24, was charged with felony armed burglary of a residence, grant theft of a firearm, grand theft, and felony criminal mischief
In mid January, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to a burglary in progress call at home in on Highway 97 near Pine Forest Road in Davisville. The 911 caller reported that he was told by the armed suspect that his friend has broke into the home and he was returning items.
An ECSO deputy arrived to find the suspect, later identified as English, in the backyard of the home with a holstered semi-automatic pistol a holster in plain view. The deputy drew his service weapon and detained English in handcuffs without further incident.
English’s weapon was a .22 caliber Glock loaded with 10 rounds with an additional loaded 10 round magazine in the holster, an arrest reports states. English told deputies that he was returning items to the residence after finding them in his cousin’s home in Atmore.
The individual that called 911 told deputies that he did see English take a few items into the house.
Inside English’s vehicle, deputies reported finding thousands of dollars’ worth of items, including watches, clothing, cow halters, toilet paper, paper towels, tools, ammunition, ammunition, hunting and fishing items and dozens of other items. On the ground, deputies reported finding bags with items that included 500 rounds of ammunition, tools, a coin set, pickled string beans, jelly, taco holders, toothpaste and a Bible.
The total value of items located and returned, according to the ECSO, was $5,666.
The victim reported other items missing from the residence include numerous firearms, ammunition and camera and more.
The ECSO served a search warrant at English’s residence on Highway 97 and recovered many of the items.
English remains in the Escambia County Jail without bond is set to be arraigned later this week.
Driver’s License, Tag, Tax Collector Services Available Thursday In Century
February 18, 2025
Driver’s license and other tax collector services will be available in Century on Thursday.
The Escambia County Tax Collector will be at the:
- Billy G. Ward Courthouse in Century on Thursday, February 20 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Mobile Licensing and Identification Office (MILO) is a fully functional tax collector office on wheels, offering a range of services. The mobile unit provides a convenient method to renew a driver license, obtain a replacement driver license, conversion/reciprocation of out-of-state license, change a name or address on a current driver license or identification card, and get a first-time identification card. In addition to licensing services, the mobile unit also provides an opportunity to renew or replace a vehicle registration, receive a parking placard, transfer a title, pay property taxes, and apply for a business tax receipt. Written and driving tests are not available from the MILO unit.
The Billy G. Courthouse is at 7500 North Century Boulevard.
Pictured: The Escambia Tax Collector’s MILO at the Walnut Hill Community Center. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Seven Students Attend EREC 2025 Tallahassee Youth Tour
February 18, 2025
Seven area high school students took part in the recent Escambia River Electric Cooperative 2025 Youth Tour in Tallahassee.
During their two days in Tallahassee, the students had an up close and personal look at state government in action, including live debates in the Senate and House.
The students were:
- Olivia Doyle, Northview High School
- Kaylee Oswald, Northview High School
- Major Rowell, Jay High School
- Brea Lyle, Jay High School
- Jayme George, Central School
- Aurora Godwin, Central School
- Gabriella Magdaleno, Central School
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
At The Bottom Of The SPHL Standings, Pensacola Ice Flyers Oust Head Coach
February 18, 2025
The Pensacola Ice Flyers have outsted their head coach as the team sits at the bottom of the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) standings.
The Ice Flyers announced Monday that Gary Graham was been relieved of his coaching duties effective immediately.
Graham, who led the Ice Flyers to their first President’s Cup championship in 2013, returned to the team in July 2023.
“We are grateful to Gary for his dedication and hard work with the Ice Flyers and wish him all the best in his future endeavors,” said owner Greg Harris.
Former Ice Flyers head coach Rod Aldoff will step in as interim head coach for the remainder of the season. Aldoff brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record, having previously led the team to three championship victories.
“Rod has been an integral part of our organization’s success in the past. His familiarity with our team culture and his coaching acumen make him the right choice to guide us through the remainder of the season and become a playoff contender,” Harris said.