Tate FBLA Members Showcase Skills, 59 Qualify For State Conference (With Gallery)
January 27, 2025
Tate High School Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) members showcased their exceptional skills and leadership at the District 1 FBLA Leadership Conference recently at the University of West Florida.
The conference, which hosted over 480 students from three counties, was a called a resounding success, thanks to the efforts of Tate’s own Aiden Maher, who serves as both the District 1 president and Tate High School FBLA president, along with his dedicated leadership team.
The District Leadership Conference gave students the chance to compete in a variety of events, build connections with peers, and sharpen their professional skills through interactive workshops.
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There were 59 students from the Tate High School FBCA chapter that qualified for the State Leadership Conference in March.
- Accounting I — Jaydin Bartholomew, Cody Rzepka
- Accounting II — Connor Hall, Timothy Pac
- Agribusiness — Brayden Gryskiewicz, Wyatt Kimbro
- Business Communication — Carly Gray, Kyleigh Lovelace
- Business Law — Kadence Lovelace, Hannah Sipes, Emily Tejada
- Coding & Programming Team 1 — Brycen Kirchharr, Gage Startzell, Tristan Whitson
- Computer Application — Rubing Wu
- Computer Problem Solving — Austin Dickens, Kaven Powell
- Cyber Security — Nathaniel Meyer
- Digital Animation — Carter Shaffer
- Digital Video Production Team 1 — Abigale Fowler, Addison Fowler, Jayce Latzer
- Digital Video Production Team 2 — Brogan Henley, Anthony Neptune, Aamir Sardar
- Economics — Elizabeth LeDuc
- Financial Math — Kyra Stokes
- Future Business Educator — Gianna Della Ratta
- Health Care Administration — Juayreaa Elnahrawy, Courtney Reichard
- Impromptu Speaking — Dustin Burdette
- Insurance & Risk Management — Kenneth Rathel
- Introduction to Business Communication — Isabelle (Izzy) Eden, Kensee Gibson
- Introduction to Business Concepts — Baylie Pittman
- Introduction to FBLA — Mason Darby, Ariana Jorge
- Introduction to Information Technology — Estelle Lentini
- Journalism — Willow Beachner, Natalie George, Nicolas White
- Networking Infrastructures — Aiden Maher, Carsyn Spurlock
- Organizational Leadership — Wyatt Ormand
- Personal Finance — Hayden Graybill, Landon Wise
- Public Policy & Advocacy — Shacora Caldwell
- Public Speaking — Anna Lippitt
- Securities and Investments — Julie Young
- Supply Chain Management — Marco Angel, Liberty Fernandez, Alysun Young
- UX Design — Bodie Adams, Alexander Lakian, Logan Shoffner
- Visual Design — Isabelle Aviles, Ryanna McClung
- Word Processing — Jacelyn Seals, Eli Whitton
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Here Are Tips Ahead Of Tuesday’s Congressional Special Primary
January 27, 2025
- Florida holds closed primary elections. This election is for registered Republican voters only.
- Confirm the location of your polling place prior to Election Day: It is listed on your sample ballot (with the exception of Precinct 98), voter information card, online at EscambiaVotes.gov, or call (850) 595-3900.
- There have been three polling location changes since November 2024. Voters in the following precincts will need to report to these updated locations on Election Day.
- Precinct 98: St. John Divine Baptist Church, 620 E Jordan St., Pensacola
- Precinct 22: Billy G. Ward Century Courthouse, 7500 N Century Blvd., Century
- Precinct 24: St. John’s Episcopal Church, 401 Live Oak Ave., Pensacola
For a complete list of polling locations, visit EscambiaVotes.gov/where-to-vote.
- If you are unsure of your registration status, check EscambiaVotes.gov/am-i-registered, e-mail us at soe@escambiavotes.gov, or call (850) 595-3900.
- If you need to update your address, contact us prior to Election Day so you can be directed to your proper polling location. Visit EscambiaVotes.gov/update-my-info for more information.
- Photo and signature ID is required for all voters – if you do not present one of the 12 approved forms of photo ID, you may vote a provisional ballot.
- Be sure to review your sample ballot prior to Election Day to familiarize yourself with the contest and bring it with you to the polls. A sample ballot was mailed to eligible voters who did not have a vote by mail request on file, and you can view your sample ballot online at EscambiaVotes.gov/sample-ballots.
- Remember to make only one selection on your ballot. Please review your ballot carefully.
- The registration deadline for this election has passed. New registrations and party changes for this election may not be made at the polls.
- You may not return your completed Vote By Mail ballot to your precinct on Election Day – it must be returned to the Supervisor of Elections Office by 7 p.m. on Election Day.
- If you requested a Vote By Mail ballot but chose not to return it, you can vote at your polling place on Election Day. Though not required, we request that you bring your unvoted ballot package so it can be cancelled.
- Busiest times at the polls tend to be 7:00 a.m. until 9:00 a.m., mid-day, and 4:00 p.m. until polls close.
- Emergency Pick-up of Vote By Mail ballots can be obtained up by voters (or their designees) at our office on Monday and Tuesday. Emergency Affidavits are required.
- Early voting ended Saturday, January 25. If you have not yet voted or did not request a Vote By Mail ballot before the deadline, you must go to your designated precinct on Election Day.
- If you voted-by-mail, you can visit EscambiaVotes.gov/track-my-ballot for the status of your ballot.
Here Are This Week’s Road Construction Slow Down Areas
January 27, 2025
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads and projects in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- U.S. 98 (Gregory Street) Resurfacing from North Palafox Street to east of 14th Avenue – Drivers on Gregory Street, from North Palafox Street to 17th Avenue, will encounter alternating, intermittent lane closures Sunday, Jan. 26 through Thursday, Jan. 30, between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m., for milling and paving operations.
- North Palafox Street (U.S. 29) Resurfacing from Cervantes Street to Brent Lane (State Road (S.R.) 296) – The week of Sunday, Jan. 26, drivers may encounter intermittent daytime lane closures on North Palafox Street, from Cervantes Street to Brent Lane, as crews perform paving operations.
- Interstate Circle Bridge Over Eight Mile Creek Construction – Interstate Circle is closed at the Eight Mile Creek Bridge through mid-2025 while crews replace the bridge. Signage is in place to detour drivers around the work zone using Pine Forest Road, Longleaf Drive and Wymart Road.
- Interstate 10 (I-10) at Nine Mile Road Interchange (Exit 5) Construction – Drivers will encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions Sunday, Jan. 26 through Thursday, Jan. 30, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.:
- Intermittent I-10 inside lane closures near the Nine Mile Road interchange.
- Nine Mile Road will be reduced to one travel lane in each direction between the I-10 ramps. Law enforcement will be on site, and directional signage will be in place to guide drivers through the work zone.
- I-10 at U.S. 29 Interchange (Exit 10) Construction – Drivers will encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions:
- North Palafox Street, between Hope Drive and Whitehead Drive, will have intermittent daytime lane closures. Signage will be in place to direct drivers safely through the work zone.
- I-10 between U.S. 29 and I-110, is reduced to two travel lanes in each direction.
- The U.S. 29 northbound ramp to I-10 eastbound is closed. U.S. 29 northbound drivers are being detoured to make a U-turn at Broad Street onto U.S. 29 southbound to access I-10 eastbound.
- A new temporary on-ramp for U.S. 29 southbound drivers accessing I-10 eastbound is now open. Detouring traffic to the temporary ramp will allow crews to continue work to reconstruct the I-10/U.S. 29 interchange.
- U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard) Resurfacing between S.R. 4 and the Alabama State Line – Drivers on North Century Boulevard, between S.R. 4 and the Alabama State Line, may encounter intermittent lane closures for paving operations. Signage will be in place to direct drivers safely through the work zone.
Santa Rosa County:
- U.S. 90 Resurfacing from west of Avalon Boulevard to east of Stewart Street – Drivers may encounter intermittent U.S. 90 lane closures, between Avalon Boulevard and Stewart Street, Sunday, Jan. 26 through Thursday, Jan. 30, from 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., for milling and paving operations.
- U.S. 90 Bridge Replacement over Simpson River – Drivers on westbound U.S. 90 may encounter intermittent lane closures over the Simpson River Bridge, Sunday, Jan. 26 through Thursday, Jan. 30 between 8 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. as crews perform shoulder work. Drivers are reminded that the speed limit is 35 mph through the work zone.
- U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive – Motorists will encounter the following traffic impacts:
- Median and turn-lane closures from Bayshore Road to Tiger Lake Drive.
- Intermittent lane closures and additional median closures between Bayshore Road and Tiger Lake Drive, Sunday, Jan. 26, through Friday, Jan. 31, from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for stormwater drainage improvements and paving operations.
- S.R. 281 (Avalon Boulevard) Routine Bridge Maintenance over Garcon Point Bridge – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures Monday, Jan. 27 through Friday, Jan. 31 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. for routine bridge maintenance.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Florida Average Gas Price Rises A Few Cents
January 27, 2025
During the past two weeks, Florida’s state average gas price exceeded $3.20 per gallon.
Sunday’s state average of $3.22 per gallon is 3 cents per gallon more than a week ago, 11 cents more than a month ago, and 5 cents more than this time last year.
Escambia County’s average was $2.94, one of the lowest regions in the state. A North Escambia low price of $2.85 was available Sunday night at several stations on Highway 29 in Cantonment. The cheapest in Pensacola was $2.71 at a station on West Nine Mile Road.
“Drivers will likely continue to see gas prices fluctuate through the week, but there doesn’t currently appear to be any significant measure of relief on the way as of now,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
All Library Locations Accepting Donations For Children’s Home Society
January 27, 2025
West Florida Public Libraries is holding a supply drive throughout January to support the Children’s Home Society (CHS) Navigator Program. Donations can be made during open hours at all library locations.
The drive seeks school supplies, household products, and hygiene items, including pads, tampons, detergent, soap, body wash, lotion, deodorant, towels, washcloths, neutral-colored backpacks, socks, underwear, and clothes hangers. All items must be new, unused, or in their original packaging.
The CHS Navigator Program helps at-risk students and their families by connecting them with essential resources such as food, clothing, and government assistance programs.
FHP: Pickup Driver Failed To Maintain Lane In Double Fatal Walnut Hill Crash
January 26, 2025
The Florida Highway Patrol says a pickup truck driver caused a double fatal three-vehicle crash Thursday afternoon in Walnut Hill.
The crash happened on Highway 97 just south of North Highway 99 and involved two pickup trucks and a passenger car.
FHP said Saturday a pickup driven by a 27-year-old Cantonment man was traveling south on Highway 97 midday Thursday when the driver “failed to maintain his lane of travel and collided with 2 vehicles traveling northbound.”
The pickup struck a Mazda sedan, which left the roadway and collided with a large fence post. The driver of the Mazda, a 30-year-old female from Molino, and her passenger, a 66-year-old female from Molino, were both pronounced deceased on the scene.
After the initial collision, the first pickup struck a northbound pickup drive by a 54-year-old Milton man. The first pickup truck came to rest upside down on Highway 97. That driver was airlifted to the hospital with what troopers said were minor injuries. The second pickup ran off the road and struck a ditch; that driver was not seriously injured.
There was no obvious snow or ice on the roadway following the crash.
FHP said Saturday that the crash remains under investigation, and that fatal crash investigations can take six to nine months or more to be finalized.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Jimmy and Gloria Bidding Farewell As New Era Begins for Jimmy’s Grill In Molino
January 26, 2025
Jimmy’s Grill is entering a new chapter as longtime owners Jimmy and wife Gloria Carter pass the torch to the Gardner family, according to a social media post made Saturday night by the beloved Molino restaurant.
In a heartfelt announcement, the couple expressed gratitude to the community, their staff, and loyal patrons for their unwavering support over the past 14 years.
“We are humbled by the unwavering support from our guests, who have become an extension of our family over the past fourteen years, and the divine blessings from our Lord Jesus Christ,” they wrote.
The official transition will take place on February 1, with the Gardners set to continue the legacy of excellence. The Gardeners were not named in the post, but Jimmy voiced confidence in them, stating their passion for the community would elevate Jimmy’s Grill to new heights.
The couple closed their message with well-wishes for the Gardners and thanks to all who contributed to the restaurant’s success, marking the end of an era for their family and a promising new beginning for Jimmy’s Grill.
File photo.
West Florida Libraries Waiving Fines For Overdue Items Following Winter Storm
January 26, 2025
Worried about fines at the library because they were closed for snow? Don’t be.
Due to weather closures, no fines will be added to accounts for items due January 19 through January 31.
All West Florida Libraries bookdrops are closed through 10 a.m. on Wednesday, January 29. Materials can be returned to the service desk at any location.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Attic Fire Damages Molino Home Saturday Evening
January 26, 2025
An attic fire damaged a Molino home Saturday evening.
The fire was reported about 5:20 p.m. in the 6000 block of Highway 95A, across the street from Highland Baptist Church.
Firefighters were able to quickly bring the fire under control, but they were forced to cut a hole in the roof during the effort. The home also suffered water damage.
The fire was believed to have been sparked from a chimney. There were no injuries.
For additional photos, click here.
The Molino, Cantonment, Walnut Hill, and McDavid stations of Escambia County Fire Rescue and Escambia County EMS responded.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Troopers Investigating Cottage Hill Rollover Crash
January 26, 2025
One person was reportedly injured in a single vehicle rollover crash Saturday afternoon in Cottage Hill.
The crash happened about 4:45 p.m. at Wishbone Lane and Wishbone Road. The driver of a Kia lost control, with the vehicle come to rest on its roof between a utility pole and a wooded area.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating and has no released the cause of the crash.
NorthEscambai.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
