Escambia County ‘Armed Career Criminal’ Gets Federal Prison Time
November 3, 2017
Escambia County resident Donald Anthony Santoriello was sentenced Thursday to federal prison on a weapons charge.
Called a “armed career criminal” by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Santoriello received 200 months as the result of his guilty plea on August 10 to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and 24 months consecutive for violating his federal supervised release.
In March 2017, Santoriello was under the supervision of the United States Probation Office for being convicted of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The Probation Office received information that Santoriello was in possession of a firearm, and subsequently law enforcement agents found a firearm in his residence. Santoriello previously had been convicted of crimes dating back to 1987, including first degree robbery, grand theft auto, aggravated assault, and second degree murder.
This case resulted from an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Man Arrested For Beating Victim With A PlayStation
November 3, 2017
UPDATE: The suspect has turned himself in to deputies.
An Escambia County man is wanted for aggravated battery after allegedly beating his victim with a PlayStation 4.
The Escambia County Sherriff’s Office said Keenan Antwan Hall broke the victim’s arm and repeatedly hit the victim in the head with PlayStation 4 game console, rendering the victim unconscious.
Hall was last seen running away from the scene on Donley Street wearing red shorts and a black shirt.
Anyone that knows his whereabouts is asked to call the ECSO at (850) 436-9620 or Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
Veterans Day Programs Planned Across The North Escambia Area
November 3, 2017
Numerous programs are planned over the next week to celebrate and honor veterans in advance of Veterans Day on Saturday, November 11.
Tuesday, November 7
Ernest Ward Middle School will present their annual Veterans Day Program on Tuesday, November 7 at 9:15 a.m. in the school’s gym. The school’s band and chorus will perform patriotic music and a special dramatic presentation will be performed by the drama class. Guest speaker will be Master at Arms First Class Wartley-Banks from Pensacola.
Thursday, November 9
Lipscomb Elementary School is inviting local veterans to a very special assembly to honor them on Thursday, November 9 at 8:30 a.m. Veteran guests are asked to meet at the flagpole at 8:30 to enter the school together to proceed to the cafeteria for the program.
Bratt Elementary School will present “Let’s Sing America,” a salute to Veterans, on Thursday, November 9 at 9 a.m.
Pine Meadow Elementary School will hold a Veterans Day program will be Thursday, November 9 at 9 a.m. Kindergarten and fourth grade students will sing during the program. All veteran’s related to Pine Meadow Elementary students are invited.
Beulah Elementary School second grade students will present a Veterans Day program on Thursday, November 9 at 9:00 a.m.
Northview High School will have it an annual Veterans Day Program on Thursday, November 9 in the school’s theater. Two identical programs will be presented – the first at 9:30 a.m. to be immediately followed by the second at about 10:30 a.m. The guest speaker will be Captain Chuck Kicker USN (ret) who served for 30 years as a Navy Surface Warfare Officer. He has continued his service to our country as a federal civil service employee and is currently the Executive Director of the Center of Naval Aviation Technical Training (CNATT), training future Sailors and Marines.
The Town of Century will host a Veterans Day celebration on November 9 at 1 p.m. at the Century Community Center on West Highway 4. Attendees are asked to bring a photo of their veteran to display during the ceremony.
Ransom Middle School will present a Veteran’s Day Program twice on Thursday, November 9 – at 2:25 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. The Ransom orchestra, chorus and band will perform.
Pictured top: The 2016 Veterans Day program at Northview High School. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Atmore Man Gets Prison For Brother’s Murder Despite Stand Your Ground Claim
November 3, 2017
An Atmore man has been indicted for the 2015 murder of his brother despite a stand your ground claim.
An Escambia County grand jury indicted James “Jamie” Tolin Scott on one count of reckless murder for the May 6, 2015, shooting death of Tony Tolin Scott. Tony Scott was shot to death with a small caliber rifle at James Scott’s home on Jefferson Avenue in McCullough, a small community north of Atmore.
Wednesday, James Scott was sentenced to 25 years in state prison for the murder of his brother.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office had responded multiple times to the home prior to the shooting due to fights between the brothers.
Shana Brown Named Molino Park Elementary Teacher Of The Year
November 3, 2017
Shana Brown has been named Molino Park Elementary School’s Teacher of the Year. Brown teaches science to all fifth grade students at Molino Park, where 92 percent of FSA Science test takers scored a “3″ or higher on the state assessment. That placed Molino Park in the 99th percentile in science achievement, outscoring 1,826 of Florida’s 1836 elementary schools.
Man Stabbed In Cantonment Neighborhood, Driven To McDonald’s
November 2, 2017
FOR AN UPDATE TO THIS STORY, CLICK HERE.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a stabbing Thursday afternoon in Cantonment.
The stabbing occurred about 3 p.m. in the 700 block of Escambia Avenue in the Harvester’s Homes neighborhood after two people became involved in a confrontation. The adult male victim was driven by a witness to McDonald’s on Highway 29 near Old Chemstrand Road.
The victim was transported from McDonald’s by Escambia County EMS as a trauma alert to an area hospital. He suffered a knife wound to the neck or upper body area, according to Maj. Andrew Hobbs, spokesperson for the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Hobbs said an adult male suspect was taken into custody and is being questioned to determine the events that occurred.
Pictured top: A Cantonment stabbing victim was driven to McDonald’s on Highway 29 Thursday afternoon (courtesy WEAR 3 for NorthEscambia.com). Pictured below: The stabbing occurred on Escambia Avenue. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Molino Community Complex Expands With Remodeled Cafeteria Building
November 2, 2017
Escambia County has remodeled the old cafeteria at the Molino Community Center, and it will soon be available for public rentals.
The building includes tables and chairs and a full commercial kitchen.
The building will be managed by The Community Action Program Committee, Inc., a local non-profit organization, under a lease agreement with the county for $1 per year for an initial term of five years. F
At their regular meeting Thursday evening, the Escambia County Commission is expected to give final approval of the cafeteria lease agreement with The Community Action Program Committee. For use information, contact the Community Action Program office at (850) 679-4817 .
The Molino Mid-County Historical society will continue to mange the auditorium and meeting rooms in the main building of the Molino Community Center. For rental information call the Molino Mid-County Historical Society at (850) 587-5011.
Courtesy and NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Whitney Fike Named Communications Manager At International Paper Cantonment
November 2, 2017
International Paper announced Wednesday that Whitney Fike has been named manager, Communications for its Pensacola Containerboard and Pulp Mill in Cantonment. In her new leadership role, Fike will be responsible for the mill’s internal and external communications, which includes employee communications, media relations and community engagement.
Most recently, Fike (pictured left) owned a public relations company, Sparkplug Social, and worked with clients on public relations plans, social media management and content development. She has a vast background of communications experience and has worked in a variety of sectors including not-for-profit, government, tourism, financial, entertainment and events throughout her career.
Fike is a founding member of the local Lean In chapter, past-president of the Florida Public Relations Association Pensacola chapter and a 2012 graduate of Leadership Pensacola. Fike and her family reside in the Pensacola area.
In a related move, Janice Cooper Holmes has been promoted to Manager, Communications, Global Manufacturing System for International Paper. In her new leadership position, Holmes will provide strategic communications planning and support for IP’s Global Manufacturing System and serves as the subject matter expert for employee communications across the company, globally.
Most recently, Holmes (pitured left) was the Manager, Communications for the Pensacola Mill and prior to that Director, Communications for the University of West Florida. Holmes is a past-president of the Junior League of Pensacola, a 2003 graduate of Leadership Pensacola and currently serves as chair of the Creative Learning Academy Board of Trustees. Holmes and her family will continue to reside in the Pensacola area.
Walnut Hill VFD Fish Fry Set For Saturday
November 2, 2017
The Annual Catfish Fry at the Walnut Hill Volunteer Fire Department will be Saturday from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Walnut Hill Fire Station on Highway 97. Plates will be $8 each with your choice of catfish fillets or grilled chicken, plus baked beans, cole slaw, hush puppies, rolls and dessert.
There will also be drawing for door prizes beginning at 1 p.m. and a live auction. There will be bounce house and fire safety house for the kids. The Bloodmobile will also be on hand for a blood drive.
Escambia County EMS will also be on hand with equipment and personnel, and available to answer questions about their new service coming to Walnut Hill and Bratt.
Tate And Northview FFA Chapters Receive National Honors
November 2, 2017
The Northview High and Tate High FFA chapters received top awards at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, IN.
Both the Tate and Northview FFA chapters were recognized in the 2017 National Chapter Award Program from the National FFA Organization.
The Tate FFA chapter received the national Three-Star Chapter Award, while the Northview FFA received the national Two-Star Chapter Award.
The chapter award program recognizes outstanding FFA chapters from throughout the country that actively implement the mission and strategies of the organization. These chapters improve chapter operations and Agricultural Education using the National Quality FFA Chapter Standards and a Program of Activities that emphasizes growing leaders, building communities, and strengthening agriculture. Chapters are rewarded for providing educational experiences for the entire membership.
The Northview High School FFA Alumni received a national bronze award.
Northview graduate Mitchell Singleton received a silver ranking in Extemporaneous Public Speaking. The National FFA Extemporaneous Public Speaking LDE is designed to recognize outstanding FFA members for their ability to prepare and present a factual speech on a specific agricultural issue in awell thought out and logical manner. Members select one topic from a choice of categories, have 30 minutes to prepare a four to six minute speech, and respond to five minutes of questions following delivery.
Four other Northview graduates — Kaitlyn Kleinatland, Bethany Reynolds, Haylee Weaver and Courtney Weekley — were awarded the American FFA Degree. Miranda Vidak, a West Florida High School graduate also earned her American FFA Degree but did not attend the convention. The degree is presented after the FFA member graduates from high school. [Read more...]
The American FFA Degree is the highest honor bestowed upon any regular member of the National FFA Organization. The degree is presented to FFA members who have demonstrated the highest level of commitment to FFA and made significant accomplishments in their supervised agricultural experiences.
Pictured top: The Tate High School FFA Chapter at the National FFA Chapter in Indianapolis, IN. Pictured below: The Northview High School FFA Chapter at the National Convention. Pictured bottom: The Tate FFA also visited Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby, and other landmarks. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
