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Escambia County Teachers, Support Staff Could Receive A Pay Raise

A pay raise cold be on the way for teachers and support staff in Escambia County.

Escambia County Public Schools, the Escambia Education Association (EEA), and the Union of Escambia Education Staff Professionals reached an agreement to improve salaries for teachers and educational support employees for the 2024-2025 school year.

The agreement provides an incremental raise for teachers that ranges from $800 to $3,000. Specific dollar amounts will be assigned using teachers’ current salary levels and performance ratings from the prior school year. The new minimum teacher salary will increase from $47,500 to $48,300. The education support employees will receive a 1% COLA and eligible employees will also receive a step roll (2%). School bus operators will receive two step rolls (4%) and other select employee groups will receive pay grade increases in lieu of a step roll, according to the agreement.

“This achievement reflects hours of dedicated effort and a shared commitment to those who serve our schools. While we celebrate this progress, we recognize that our work is far from over. We remain committed to fighting for further improvements that uplift our educators, support staff, and students. By continuing this collaborative effort, we aim to set a standard for excellence that other districts can look to as a model. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who played a role in these negotiations. Your dedication to the betterment of education in Escambia County has made this success possible. Together, we will build a stronger, more supportive educational community—one where both educators and students can thrive.”

Darzell Warren, Escambia Education Association president and Nicole Lindsey, Union of Escambia ESP president provided the following joint statement: “After extensive negotiations, we are proud to share a major victory for our educators and support staff in Escambia County. The Escambia Education Association and the Union of Escambia ESP have successfully reached a settlement with Escambia Public Schools, securing meaningful improvements in wages and working conditions.

“This achievement reflects hours of dedicated effort and a shared commitment to those who serve our schools. While we celebrate this progress, we recognize that our work is far from over. We remain committed to fighting for further improvements that uplift our educators, support staff, and students. By continuing this collaborative effort, we aim to set a standard for excellence that other districts can look to as a model. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who played a role in these negotiations. Your dedication to the betterment of education in Escambia County has made this success possible. Together, we will build a stronger, more supportive educational community—one where both educators and students can thrive.”

Over the next few weeks, the unions will be advertising the agreement and delivering ratification packets containing ballots for each work site. “It is important to make all of our employees aware of the upcoming ratification process. All union members and non-members should be well-informed and participate in the vote. The vote results are presented with the salary increase request for School Board approval.” stated Caroline Gray, ECPS chief negotiator. “At this time, voting will likely take place at the end of February, and the items will be on the Board Agenda for the March 18, 2025 meeting.”

Here’s What To Know About The Upcoming Century Special Election

Three candidates will appear on the ballot during and upcoming special election for Century Town Council Seat 4.

Seat 4 on the council was left open in early January when Alicia Johnson was appointed interim mayor after Luis Gomez, Jr., resigned for health reasons.

• John Bass
• Kathryn Fleming
• Lizbeth “Sparkie” Harrison

One candidate, Ben Boutwell, qualified for the position of mayor. He was elected automatically, and that contest will not appear on either the primary or general ballot. [Read: Century's Next Mayor Ben Boutwell Is Ready To Get To Work]

The special primary election with the county council candidates on the ballot will be held Tuesday, March 18.

A candidate that receives 50% of the vote plus one will be declared the winner. If no candidate receives a majority of the vote, the top two candidates will advance to the special general election on April 29.

Polls will be open on election day from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. at the Billy G. Ward Century Courthouse at 7500 North Century Boulevard in Century. The election is nonpartisan.

Voter registration deadlines are February 17, 2025, for the primary and March 31 for the general election. To be eligible to vote in the Century elections, you must be a registered voter and a resident of the Town of Century. Registration for the primary election closes on Monday, February 17, and registration for the general election will close on Monday, March 31.

If you wish to receive a vote-by-mail ballot for the Town of Century primary and/or general election, you must contact the Supervisor of Elections office by phone (850) 595-3900, by email at votebymail@escambiavotes.gov, by fax at (850) 595-3914, or by using the online form at EscambiaVotes.gov/vote-by-mail. Requests must be received by 5 p.m. 12 days before the scheduled election.

Pictured top: (L-R) Century council candidates John Bass (submitted photo), and Kathryn Fleming and Lizbeth “Sparkie” Harrison (NorthEscambia.com photos).

Got this2025 Tate Baseball Rosters, Diamond Girls Announced

Tate High School Baseball has named their 2025 teams and Diamond Grils. They are:

VARSITY

• Brayden Beck
• Aiden Bramblett
• Nathan Connors
• Griffin Cook
• Taite Davis
• Connor Dethlefs
• Shepphard Edgar
• Cal Foxworth
• Logan Kimmons
• Bryton McClellan
• Nathan Ozuna
• Jackson Peterson
• Kaleb Posta
• Kaden Posta
• Cohen Rush
• Landon Stoos
• Evan Taylor
• Zane Warrington

JUNIOR VARSITY

• Lance Brady
• Beau Bryant
• Mason Bryant
• Hunter Clayton
• Dylan Dirks
• Jonathan Flynn

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• Kannon Ham
• Cooper Halfacre
• Cade McNair
• Aydan Nigam
• Ethan Priest
• Levi Reed
• Chandler St. Amant
• Brody White

FRESHMAN

• Bryson Adams
• Kash Brown
• Tanner Clark
• Jordan Edmond
• Trenton Godwin
• Carter Petero
• Camden Siefert
• Falcon Sidner
• Hunter Taylor
• Cayden Thompson
• Parker White
• Elijah Wilbanks
• Mason Williams

DIAMOND GIRLS

• Brooke Alvare
• Kadyn Austin
• Callen Beaty
• Mya Beane
• Abigail Blackburn
• Rieslin Colvin
• T’Niyah Denson
• Jocelyn Hawkins
• Kyra Hawk
• Ashton Helton
• Shelby Holden
• McKenna Hughes
• Olivia Johnson
• Maddie Jarman
• Savana Lowery
• Addy Lynn
• Adrianna Middleton
• Olivia Noble
• Laila O’Neal
• Caidance Peterson
• Courtney Reichard
• KayLee Ramey
• Cherish Simpkins
• Falcon Sidner
• Jasmine Stanger
• Kacie Tolbert
• Marcia Tolbert
• Beatrice Tosi
• Lillian Vige
• Savanna Wadsworth
• Kylie Williams
• A’Miyah Williams
• Madison Wise
• Lauren Womack

NWS Confirms EF-1 Tornado Hit Industrial Park Tuesday, Injuring Three

The National Weather Service has confirmed it was an EF-1 tornado with winds peaking at 95 mph that hit the  Ellyson Industrial Park on Tuesday afternoon, causing three minor injuries.

It happened about 4:25 p.m.and traveled about 1.5 miles.

The NWS said the tornado first touched down about a quarter mile south of Copter Road and just east of Paul Star Drive. At the starting point, several boats were pushed into fencing with a few boats overturned. The tornado moved northeast across an industrial complex, causing significant damage to some metal roofs. Metal side paneling and doors were also blown out on a few buildings. Three minor injuries were reported in this area. The tornado quickly weakened as it moved north of Copter Rd and lifted near Addison Drive with only some small tree debris located.

Two people were transported to the hospital with minor injuries, while one person was evaluated on scene.

For more photos, click here.

Photos  for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Ben Boutwell Is Century’s Next Mayor; Three Seek Council Seat

Former Century Mayor Ben Boutwell will be the next mayor of Century. He was the only candidate to qualify for the seat before the noon deadline on Wednesday.

Boutwell was automatically elected as the only candidate for the mayoral position. We are awaiting confirmation of his swearing in date from the town.

Three candidates — John Bass, and Kathryn Fleming, and Lizbeth “Sparkie” Harrison — qualified for an open seat on the town council. They will face off in a special primary election on March 18. If no candidate receives 50% plus on vote, the top two will move on to the special general election on April 29.

Boutwell defeated incumbent Henry Hawkins for mayor during the 2020 elections before resigning in August 2023 after tumultuous period with the town council, particularly then council president Luis Gomez, Jr.

Gomez was named interim mayor and then elected to the position without opposition in a special election. Gomez ran unopposed again in 2024 but resigned for medical reasons at the first meeting of his term in January 2025. Seat 4 on the council was left open in early January when Alicia Johnson was appointed interim mayor to replace Gomez.

Editor’s note: This story has been updated to reflect an official decision that the one candidate must receive 50% of the vote plus one vote in order to win the primary without a general elect.

NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.

Cantonment Man Charged With Felony Domestic Violence Battery By Strangulation

A Cantonment man has been charged with felony domestic battery by strangulation of a woman.

Kelley Rashad Liston Thoms, 35, was later released from the Escambia County Jail on a $2,500 bond.

The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said the victim showed injuries consistent with her allegation that Thomas grabbed her by the neck with his right hand until she could not breathe. She said Thomas had tried to start a fire in a fireplace while stating that he would burn the house down, according to an arrest report, after a verbal altercation evolved and they began to break each other’s possessions.

Thomas told deputies that he did not try to burn the house down, but he forgot that the fireplace was “clogged”. He said that he did not put hand on or choke the victim and she tried to kick him several times, the report continues.

In their report, a deputy noted that there was smoke in the house, a hole in the living room wall, and the residence was in disarray.  He also noted that alcohol may have been a factor in the incident.

Ernest Ward Names Students Of The Month

Ernest Ward Middle School named their December students and employee of the month.

They are:

Pictured (L-R) Amanda Bailey, Haley Miller, Dillan Seamans, Bailey Yuhasz., and Principal Tyvanna Boulanger.

Applications Now Open For 2025 Summer Youth Employment Program

Escambia County’s Neighborhood and Human Services Department is now accepting applications for the 2025 Summer Youth Employment Program. The program is open to Escambia County youth ages 16-24 interested in an opportunity to receive paid work experience this summer.

Online applications are available now at MyEscambia.com/youthemployment until Monday, March 10 at 3 p.m. Physical applications are not available. Incomplete applications or applications submitted after the deadline will not be accepted.

Last summer, over 200 youth participated in the program, working in county departments including Engineering, Public Safety, Escambia County Area Transit, West Florida Public Libraries and more.

Limited positions are available. Requirements for the program are as follows:

• Must submit complete application packet by prescribed deadline.
• Must be a resident of Escambia County, FL, at the time of application and for the duration of program participation.
• Must complete up-front job readiness preparatory training classes.
• Must complete post-employment debriefing sessions.
• Must not have any felony convictions.
• If enrolled in school, must submit enrollment verification.
• Must be between the age of 16 years old and 24 years old at the time of enrollment.
• Must show proof of identify (state-issued driver’s license or state ID card).
• Must show proof of address.
• Must meet hiring criteria of the temporary employment agency.
• Must submit completed application with all supporting required documentation to be considered.
• Must attend the end of the Summer Youth Program Award Ceremony.

For additional information, call Neighborhood and Human Services at (850) 595-3927 or (850) 595-1620.

ECSO Basic Recruit Academy Recognized By State

The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Basic Recruit Academy recently received a “Perfect Audit” for the 2023 / 2024 year. This Meritorious Award was presented by Florida Department of Law Enforcement Bureau Chief Glen Hopkins and FDLE Director Chad Brown at the Criminal Justice and Standards quarterly commission meeting held in Orlando.

The ECSO was one of 11 training academies out of 48 in Florida that were recognized for a “Perfect Audit”. This award means that ECSO Basic Recruit Academy has been recognized by the State of Florida as being one of the top academies in Florida, going beyond minimum standards set by FDLE.

In February 2023, under the direction of Sheriff Chip W. Simmons, the CJSTC approved the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office to administer their own in-house Basic Recruit Academy. Since then, three academy classes have graduated, and the fourth academy class will graduate in May.

Academy Staff: Lieutenant Drew Kilgen, Sergeant Brittany Tate, Deputy 1st Class Timothy Graves, Deputy Aaron Myers, Deputy Timothy Cole and Curriculum Coordinator Leilani Powell.

Northview Chiefs Fall To South Walton In Season Opener (With Gallery)

The 1A Northview Chiefs fell 17-0 in their season opener Tuesday night, to South Walton, last year’s 4A state runner-up.

The Seahawks, with roster that boosts several major league prospects that drew a small crowd of scouts to Bratt Tuesday night, took an early 5-0 lead in the first and never looked back.

For more photos, click here.

Grayden Sheffield led the Chiefs with one hit in two at bats.

Jayden White opened on the mound for Northview, giving up three hits and 10 runs, four of which were earned, in two innings, striking out none while walking five. Dane King pitched one and a third innings, including through a moderate rain shower, giving up two hits and seven runs while waking four and striking out one. Brayt Mason closed two-thirds of an inning, surrendering one hit and striking out two.

Pictured: The Northview Chiefs played through moderate rain showers as they host the South Walton Seahawks Tuesday night in Bratt. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.

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