Northview FFA Celebrates National FFA Week With Appreciation Breakfast
February 20, 2025
It’s National FFA week, and the Northview High School FFA celebrated with an appreciation breakfast Wednesday morning.
FFA officers and members prepared a homestyle breakfast for teachers, staff and invited guests that support the FFA program. Northview’s FFA program has been recognized as one of the top chapters in both the state and the nation
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Century Reclassifies Assistant As Deputy Town Clerk, Discusses Salaries
February 20, 2025
The Town of Century has reclassified employee Mallory Walker’s position from administrative assistant to deputy town clerk in a split vote.
Council member Henry Cunningham voted against the move, which was recommended by interim Mayor Alicia Johnson. Johnson said it was important to cross-train employees to be ready if a position opens. She noted that Walker had essentially performed the duties of town clerk for months after the departure of Town Clerk Leslie Howington in April 2024.
Johnson proposed a $5 hourly increase for Walker, from her current $14.39, which Council President Dynette Lewis called “aggressive.”
The council ultimately settled on $18 an hour after reviewing the salaries of other deputy town clerks in the area.
Johnson said the town needs to increase wages and move employees away from near-minimum wage salaries. Florida’s minimum wage is currently $13 an hour, and some Century employees earn just $14.16.
“I’d like to remind everyone that our valued employees can go to McDonald’s and make the same amount of money flipping hamburgers. I think that’s inappropriate,” the interim mayor said, adding that the town risks losing employees to other municipalities offering higher salaries.
Pictured: Mallory Walker, a Century administrative assistant at the time, performs town clerk duties by taking minutes during a September 2024 town council meeting. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge
Tate High School Names Students Of The Month
February 20, 2025
Tate High School recently named their January Students of the Month. They are January- Levi Reed and Ellen Rigby. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Gonzalez Utilities Issues Boil Water Notice For Some Areas West Of Highway 29
February 19, 2025
UPDATE: This boil water notice was lifted Friday morning, February 21.
A boil water notice will be in effect for some customers of Gonzalez Utilities following a water main break Wednesday morning.
Outages impacted the west side of Highway 29, including:
- Grand Oaks
- Silver Glen
- Tate Road
- Cardinal Creek
- and surrounding areas in that vicinity.
At 11 a.m. Wednesday, Gonzalez Utilities said they were working to restore water as soon as possible, and a boil water notice will be in effect.
Residents located in the specified boil water notice area are advised to boil water for one minute at a rolling boil or to use eight drops of regular unscented household bleach per gallon of water, for water to be used for drinking or cooking purposes. Two independent bacteriological samples have been initiated, and the advisory will be lifted as soon as possible.
Precautionary boil water notices are issued as a part of the standard protocol following any loss of water pressure, whether as a result of planned maintenance activities or unscheduled repairs.
This story will be updated when the boil water notice is lifted.
Suspect Charged With Murder Of Man Found Shot And Lying In On McDavid’s Main Street
February 19, 2025
A 25-year-old man has been charged with murder after a Tuesday night McDavid shooting victim died.
Antonio Marshone DeSoto of McDavid was booked into the Escambia County Jail without bond about 4:30 Wednesday morning.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said the two had met for a marijuana deal.
The victim, a 34-year old Pensacola man, was found lying in Main Street directly in front of the McDavid Post Office about 8:40 p.m. Tuesday. He was just a few feet away from the driver’s door of a Chevrolet SUV that remained in the roadway.
The victim, who was suffering from two gunshot wounds, was transported by Escambia County EMS to the nearby McDavid Fire Station before being airlifted by Medstar AirCare helicopter to a Pensacola hospital where he later died. His identity has not been released.
DeSoto reportedly fled the scene in another vehicle toward nearby Highway 164. That’s where Escambia County Sheriff’s Office K-9 units and drones searched, later taking DeSoto into custody outside a home in the 100 block of Highway 164, just west of Highway 29 and Driver Road, about a half mile from the shooting scene.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
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.”
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
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.
