Northview Chiefs Fall To Pensacola Christian Warriors (With Gallery)
November 22, 2024
The Northview Chiefs fell to the Pensacola Christian Academy Warriors in varsity boys and girls action Thursday night in Bratt.
The PCA boys defeated Northview 68-33, and the PCA girls topped Northview 58-10.’
For a photo gallery from the boys game, click here.
Up next, Northview will be off until after fall break next week. The Chiefs boys will host L.E.A.D. Academy at 5 p.m. on December 2, and the Northview girls will host the Escambia High gators at 5:30 p.m. December 3.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Matt Gaetz Withdraws From Attorney General Consideration
November 21, 2024
Northwest Florida Republican Congressman Matt Gaetz has announced that he is withdrawing from consideration for U.S. attorney general.
“I had excellent meetings with Senators yesterday. I appreciate their thoughtful feedback – and the incredible support of so many. While the momentum was strong, it is clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance Transition. There is no time to waste on a needlessly protracted Washington scuffle, thus I’ll be withdrawing my name from consideration to serve as Attorney General. Trump’s DOJ must be in place and ready on Day 1,” Gaetz said on social media. I remain fully committed to see that Donald J. Trump is the most successful President in history. I will forever be honored that President Trump nominated me to lead the Department of Justice and I’m certain he will Save America.”
President elect Donald Trump reacted as social media:
“I greatly appreciate the recent efforts of Matt Gaetz in seeking approval to be Attorney General. He was doing very well but, at the same time, did not want to be a distraction for the Administration, for which he has much respect. Matt has a wonderful future, and I look forward to watching all of the great things he will do,” Trump wrote.
Gaetz’s nomination was overshadowed by allegation of sexual misconduct that was investigated by House Ethics Committee that was not released due to his resignation from Congress.
A three-year Department of Justice did not bring any charges, and Gaetz has vehemently denied the allegations.
As for Gaetz’s former Florida District 1 Congressional seat — which oversees Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Walton counties — the state will likely hold a special election to fill the vacancy. The House speaker hopes to fill the seat before Jan. 3, 2025. Gaetz likely cannot return to the seat without being reelected.
Escambia County Supervisor of Elections Robert Bender it’s the state’s final decision on the special election, but he expects it to happen.
Molino Dollar General Assistant Manager And Her Boyfriend Charged With Theft
November 21, 2024
A Molino man and his store assistant manager girlfriend have been charged with stealing from the Dollar General in Molino.
Ronald Lee Woods, 37, and Jessica Elizabeth Fail, 39, were both charged with grand theft and coordinating with others to commit retail theft. Both charges are felonies.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Molino Dollar General location on Highway 29 just north of Molino Road where a loss prevention manager told deputies that they were instigating Fail, the assistant store manager, for employee theft that had occurred multiple times over the course of a year. The loss prevention manager told deputies that Fail had admitted to several thefts with the help of Woods, her boyfriend. The loss prevention manager said Fail provided a written statement admitting to stealing over $3,000 worth of merchandise over a period of several months, according to an arrest report.
Dollar General alleged Woods would enter the store, fill a tote with merchandise, Fail would only ring up the price of the tote, and Woods would leave with the merchandise. Most of the statements made by Woods and Fail were redacted from the report.
Woods was released from jail on a $2,500 bond, while Fail was freed on a $12,000 bond.
Century Town Hall Closed For Portions Of Next Two Business Days
November 21, 2024
The Century Town Hall will be closed for portions of the next three business days for staff training.
Town hall will be closed:
- Thursday, November 21 from 9 a.m. until noon
- Friday, November 22 from 9 a.m. until noon
- Monday, November 25 from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m.
During closures, staff and administration will attend training training by Harris Computers and Florida Gas Utilities on the town’s utility billing software.
The town billing clerk recently abruptly left the position, leaving the staff without much of the knowledge needed to use the Inhance billing software, according to Mayor Luis Gomez. Jr.
Gomez said due to billing problems, the town will not be enforcing cutoff dates in November. The town council also authorized the mayor to use a staffing agency to find a temporary billing clerk at a rate not to exceed $18.20 per hour.
Troopers Say Semi Driver Fell Asleep Causing Crash That Block I-10 For Hours
November 21, 2024
A four-vehicle crash involving two semi-trucks Wednesday in Escambia County is being blamed on a truck driver that says he fell asleep.
The crash happened on I-10 westbound near Pine Forest Road.
The Florida Highway Patrol said a semi overturned. The driver – a 46-year-old Sacramento man, told troopers that he stated that he thought he fell asleep and went off the roadway. The front tires entered the grassy median, which caused the truck hauling 37,000 pounds of cranberry juice to roll onto its passenger side. As the truck left the roadway, it collided with a four-door sedan driven by a 93-year-old Pensacola man. His sedan collided a car driven by a 47-year-old Milton woman. A semi drive by a 34-year-old Hattiesburg woman then jackknifed while attempting to avoid the collisions.
None of the drivers were injured.
The crash blocked all westbound lanes for about two hours.
Free Dental, Vision and Medical Care Available At Weekend Clinic
November 21, 2024
Remote Area Medical (RAM) is offering a free, comprehensive healthcare clinic at Pensacola Interstate Fairgrounds this Saturday and Sunday. The clinic will provide dental, vision, and medical care to those who might otherwise
go without these essential services.
RAM’s clinics seek to be a lifeline for underserved communities, offering free dental cleanings, dental fillings, dental extractions, dental X-rays, eye exams, eye health exams, eyeglass prescriptions, eyeglasses made on-site, women’s health exams, and general medical exams. By bringing healthcare directly to those in need, RAM seeks to remove the barriers of cost and distance that often prevent people from seeking care.
The clinic in Pensacola is open to anyone in need, with no insurance and no ID required. RAM encourages anyone who could benefit from these services to attend and receive the care they deserve. The parking lot will open no later than 11:59 p.m on Friday night, Nov. 23-24 and remain open for the duration of the clinic. Once in the parking lot, patients will receive additional information regarding clinic processes and next steps. Clinic doors open at 6 a.m., and services are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Sunday’s clinic operations will be an abbreviated day, so patients are advised to arrive as early as possible. Due to time constraints, patients should be prepared to choose between dental and vision services, and all patients are offered general medical care.
For more information on the upcoming RAM Clinic, including how to volunteer or donate, visit wwww.ramusa.org or call (865) 579-1530.
Farm Share Food Distributions Friday In Walnut Hill, Saturday In Cantonment
November 21, 2024
(This updates a previous story to add a food distribution in Cantonment.)
Justified Incarcerated Ministries will hold Farm Share Food giveaways Friday in Walnut Hill and Saturday in Cantonment.
Walnut Hill Food Distribution
Justified Incarcerated Ministries will hold a Thanksgiving Food Giveaway on Friday, November 22 beginning at 9 a.m. and continuing while supplies last at the Walnut Hill Community Center. The Feeding the Gulf Coast distribution is sponsored by Escambia County Commissioner Steven Barry.
What: Walnut Hill Thanksgiving Food Giveaway
When: Friday, November 22 beginning at 9 a.m.
Where: Walnut Hill Community Center, 7850 Highway 97, Walnut Hill
Cantonment Food Distribution
Justified Incarcerated Ministries is hosting a Farm Share Food Giveaway in Cantonment with the Cantonment Improvement Committee on Saturday, November 23 beginning at 9 a.m. and continuing while supplies last.
What: Cantonment Food Distribution
When: Saturday, November 23 beginning at 9 a.m.
Where: Carver Park, 208 Webb Street, Cantonment
File photo. Food items may vary by location.
ECUA Elects Board Officers, Appoints Advisory Committee
November 21, 2024
At an organizational meeting this week, ECUS elected officers, chose committee members and set mewing dates for the next year.
District 1 member Vicki Campbell was elected to serve as board chairman and District 5 member Kevin Stephens was re-elected to the vice-chairmanship. District 3 members Larry Williams, Sr. was elected to the chairmanship of the Citizens’ Advisory Committee (CAC) and District 4 member Dale Perkins was elected to serve as the CAC vice-chairman.
The Board then appointed the following citizens to serve on the CAC:
- Chuck Kimball – District 1
- Dean Kirschner – District 2
- Louis Brown, III – District 3
- George Sigler- District 4
- David Murzin - District 5
- Imelda Cromartie – at large
- Louise Ritz – at large
The ECUA board also approved the proposed schedule for its regular monthly meetings for the 2025 calendar year, which will be typically held at 3:00 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of the month. CAC meetings are typically held on the Tuesday of the week prior to the Board meeting, also at 3:00 p.m. The proposed schedule for the 2025 ECUA Board meetings is as follows:
- January 28
- February 25
- March 25
- April 22
- May 27
- June 24
- July 22
- August 26
- September 23
- October 28
- November 18
- December 16
NorthEscambai.com graphic.
One Injured In Highway 29 Crash
November 20, 2024
One person was injured in a two-vehicle crash Wednesday morning on Highway 29 near West Roberts Road.
The individual was transported to an area hospital by Escambia County EMS following the crash with injuries not considered life threatening.
The Florida Highway Patrol has not released the cause of the crash or other details.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Escambia Commission Installs Four Commissioners, New Chair And Vice-Chair
November 20, 2024
The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners installed the newly elected and re-elected commissioners and reorganized to appoint the new chairman and vice chair during a meeting Tuesday.
During the meeting, District 1 Commissioner Steve Stroberger, District 3 Commissioner Lumon May, and District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry took the oath of office for their term through November 2028. District 4 Commissioner Ashlee Hofberger took the oath of office for her term through November 2026.
For a photo gallery, click here.
“I’m honored to step into the role of County Commissioner for District 1,” Stroberger said. “Although I’m new to elected office, I’ll bring years of executive experience and leadership, a fresh perspective, and a commitment to serving our community with a renewed dedication. Thank you, Escambia County, for your support and trust.”
“What an honor to serve as District 3 Commissioner for another four years,” May said. “I want to thank God and my family for believing in me and giving me the strength to serve my community. It remains my highest honor and privilege to serve the citizens of Escambia County. Investing in human capital has always been my priority and will remain a focus over these next four years. I couldn’t do it without the support of my colleagues on the board, and I’m grateful for their commitment to make Escambia County better for all of our citizens. It’s been a blessing to serve on this board and I look forward to another term as your commissioner.”
“I am honored to serve Escambia County as the District 4 representative and grateful for the trust placed in me by our community,” Hofberger said. “I want to thank everyone who supported me, especially my family. My focus remains clear: to support our first responders, facilitate business growth, and ensure responsible management of taxpayer dollars. I am committed to enhancing resources for those who serve our community, streamlining operations to help local businesses thrive, and making strategic investments that benefit the residents of Escambia County. I look forward to working hard as we complete the projects underway and begin new initiatives that will positively impact our district. I believe that a collaborative approach will allow us to make a lasting difference together.”
“I’m very grateful for another opportunity to serve our community in District 5,” Barry said. “I’m thankful to my wife, Ellen, and of course our children, Sloane and Jack, for their support during my time as District 5 Commissioner, especially now as I enter a fourth term. I could not have been re-elected without Ellen’s love and support, but I would not have ever won, or even run for office, without it. Campaigns are tough on our families, and this was especially tough on ours. I want to also thank the voters for selecting me to represent the community we all love. The attitude of a public servant is one who leads by actions and by service. We’ve made incredible progress in District 5 in the last 12 years, and I intend to keep that momentum going. I look forward to working with my counterparts on the board to continue to move District 5 and Escambia County in a positive direction. It’s an honor and a privilege to serve the community I grew up in. I will continue to work hard to make District 5 the best it can be for our families, children, and neighbors, and I’m excited to see what else we can accomplish for Escambia County.”
In addition, the board reorganized to appoint Kohler as chairman and Hofberger as vice chair. Commissioner Kohler accepted the gavel from former chairman Barry. Commissioner Kohler will serve as the commission chairman until November 2025.
“It’s an honor to serve the citizens of Escambia County and represent District 2 as the chairman,” Kohler said. “I’m grateful to Commissioner Steven Barry for his leadership as chairman over the last year and I’m humbled to accept the gavel from him as incoming chairman. I look forward to a productive year with my colleagues on the board. We are all public servants, and it is our duty to listen and work diligently for what is fair and right. As chairman, I plan to ensure our board maintains integrity, honesty, and transparency. We’ve made great strides over the last year, and I will continue to work with my fellow board members to bring calm and steady leadership that will move Escambia County in a positive direction for our residents.”
A reception was held following the installation ceremony at the Artel Gallery.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
