Hundreds Of Families Receive Thanksgiving Meal During Food Distribution
November 24, 2024
Hundreds of families received a Thanksgiving meal during a food distribution Saturday morning at Marcus Pointe Baptist Church.
Rep. Michelle Salzman joined Sheriff Chip Simmons, Farm Share and other community partners to sponsor the food distribution. At least 300 families received a chicken and other side dishes for a complete Thanksgiving meal as over 30,000 pounds of food was distributed.
“The Food Distribution will help those who may be struggling and going through a hard time to supplement the holidays for their families,” Salzman said. “The Thanksgiving Giveaway will help our families in Escambia County get a little extra this holiday season. This time of year, it’s even more important that we give what we can to help those in need in our community. Our partners have rallied together again to create a food distribution that can also help get a family through Thanksgiving. The power of community is what we live by.”
Photos for North Escambia.com, click to enlarge.
Two Northview High Career Academies Create Food Cart
November 24, 2024
Two of the career academies at Northview High School recently teamed up to put their skills into a real-world food cart.
The Northview Building Construction Academy students constructed the food cart for Culinary Academy students to put it to use providing delicious items on the menu available for sale to faculty and staff.
Northview facility and staff can choose from salads, sandwiches like club or BLT, hot meals including daily specials or pizza, desserts and more. (See the complete menu below.)
The NHS Building Construction Academy examines four content areas for production: safety, quality, construction Skills, and maintenance awareness. Students are exposed to various construction skills that can produce higher quality construction, increase productivity, achieve greater customer satisfaction, and assure a safe and healthy work environment.
The NHS Culinary Academy is a three-year program that is designed to prepare students to work in the food service/hospitality industry and earn industry certifications. Students that complete three years in the programs have the opportunity to earn the Gold Seal scholarship as well as other scholarship opportunities. Three-year program completers have the opportunity to earn the Gold Seal scholarship as well as other scholarship opportunities. They may also be awarded three college credits from PSC to use toward any major of study.
The Culinary Academy was named the Escambia County School District’s 2023 Career Academy of the Year.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia County Corrections Welcomes 12 New Officer Trainees
November 24, 2024
Escambia County Corrections recently welcomed 12 new officer trainees to the department, where they will work to manage the inmate population and maintain safety in the county jail.
The officer trainees were among 19 graduates in the Corrections Academy at the George Stone Criminal Justice Training Center, marking the completion of a rigorous 420-hour training program designed to prepare them for careers in corrections. New Escambia County Corrections graduates include Brett Boutwell, Michael Cravatt, Hunter Holmes, Mackenzie King, Anthony McMurray, Eric Peterson, Dametrius Pharr, Travis Rush, Markita Sapp, Bryson Whelan, Mark Yuhasz, III, and Loghan Zellers.
Escambia County Corrections Captain Shawn Hankins expressed pride in the graduates and their commitment to public service.
“We are excited to welcome these graduates to our department,” Captain Hankins said. “Corrections officers play a critical role in the criminal justice system, and we are confident that these individuals will contribute to the safety and well-being of our community. Their dedication to excellence during their training is a testament to the importance of a well-rounded, rigorous education in criminal justice.”
Over the course of three months, the trainees underwent an intensive curriculum that combined physical training, academic studies, and hands-on certifications. The program, recognized for its demanding nature, equipped the students with the skills and knowledge necessary to handle the complexities of working in corrections.
The training curriculum covered essential topics including defensive tactics, physical fitness, and specialized certifications such as CPR, first aid, and firearms. Students also participated in academic courses that explored the legal, ethical and procedural aspects of corrections work.
“The graduates leave here not only physically fit, but with the academic and practical knowledge needed to perform their duties with professionalism and integrity,” said Escambia County Corrections Lieutenant Ashley Griffin, who also teaches at the academy. “They’ve worked hard, and they’re now ready to serve their communities in one of the most challenging and important fields in law enforcement.”
For graduate Mackenzie King, one of the most rewarding aspects of the academy was the opportunity to work alongside her classmates in hands-on training sessions.
“My favorite parts were firearms and defensive tactics because it was fun, and you got to practice all the techniques with your coworkers,” King said. “The most challenging part for me was the academic side, especially the test-taking, but it was all worth it in the end.”
Eric Peterson, who also graduated from the academy, shared advice for anyone considering a career in corrections.
“Keep going and don’t quit,” Peterson said. “It might be tough some days, but you learn something new every day. You grow with your classmates throughout the academy, and that makes it all worthwhile.”
To further encourage qualified individuals to pursue careers in corrections, Escambia County Corrections is offering sign-on bonuses for certified corrections officers and officer trainees. Certified corrections officers are eligible for an $8,000 sign-on bonus, and officer trainees who wish to join the George Stone Corrections Academy and become certified are eligible for a $5,000 sign-on bonus, plus a paid scholarship to attend the Corrections Academy.
The next Corrections Academy at the George Stone Criminal Justice Training Center will begin in February 2025, providing another opportunity for aspiring officers to enter the profession and receive the training required for success.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Special Election To Replace Matt Gaetz In Congress Set For April Fools’ Day
November 23, 2024
A special election will be held on April Fool’s Day to fill the House seat vacated by Matt Gaetz, and the current officer holders that want to run must resign by Monday.
The Florida Department of State announced the special election timeline Friday afternoon.
“At Gov. Ron DeSantis’ direction, this special election is being conducted as quickly as statutorily possible,” Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd said in a press release. “We are committed to ensuring this election is held as soon as we are allowed to hold it by state law.”
The special primary election will be held on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, and the general election will be held on Tuesday, April 1, 2025.
Two state legislators that have said they are running — Michelle Salzman and Joel Rudman –for the seat. Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis has also indicated that he may run. Each one of them, and any other current elected official that decides to run, will be required to resign by Monday under Florida’s so-called resign to run law. A two-day qualifying period will be open December 5-6.
The Florida 1st Congressional District seat — which represents Escambia, Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties with a portion of Walton County, was held by Matt Gaetz until he resigned after being nominated for U.S. attorney general by President-elect Donald Trump. Gaetz later withdrew his nomination and Trump nominated former Florida AG Pam Bondi to lead the Justice Department.
The complete special election timeline is as follows:
- Friday, November 22 – Gov. Ron DeSantis issued executive order setting election
- Sunday, November 24 – Notice of election is published
- Monday, November 25 – Final day for current elected officials to submit resignations
- December 5-6 – Qualifying period for candidates on December 5, ending at noon on December 6
- December 14 – Vote-by-mail ballots sent to absent stateside and overseas military and U.S. civilians
- December 19 – Vote-by-mail ballots sent to domestic voters
- December 30 – Voter registration ends for special primary election
- January 18-25 – Early voting
- January 28 – Special primary election day
- February 11 – Deadline to certify primary election results
- February 15 – Vote-by-mail ballots sent to absent stateside and overseas military and U.S. civilians
- February 20 – Vote-by-mail ballots sent to absent stateside and overseas military and U.S. civilians
- March 3 – Voter registration ends for special election
- March 22-29 – Early voting
- April 1 – Special election day
Food Distribution Held Friday In Walnut Hill, Saturday In Cantonment
November 23, 2024
A Farm Share food giveaway was held Friday morning in Walnut Hill, and there is another special distribution is set for Saturday in Cantonment.
Friday’s Thanksgiving giveaway by Justified Incarcerated Ministries and sponsored by Escambia County Commissioner Steven Barry, was held at the Walnut Hill Community Center.
Justified Incarcerated Ministries held another distribution at Carver Park in Cantonment with the Cantonment Improvement Committee on Saturday.
Pictured: A Thanksgiving food distribution Friday morning in Walnut Hill. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Schools Announce Top 10 Teachers Of The Year
November 23, 2024
Escambia County Public Schools have announced the Top 10 Teachers of the Year nominees.
The Top 10 Teachers of the Year (in alphabetical order) are:
- Brooke Ferrara – Beulah Elementary
- Nora Guy – Brown Barge Middle
- Stacie Hammer – Ransom Middle
- LeAnne Jenkins – Beulah Middle
- Kristin Maum – Tate High School
- Karen Privett – Washington High School
- Erin Quinlan – Hellen Caro Elementary
- Kelly Reed – Global Learning Academy
- Jacey Taylor – Jim Allen Elementary
- Laura Wiggins – Kingsfield Elementary
Nominated teachers will compete for selection as the school district’s overall Teacher of the Year.
Still Time To Sign Up! Let The Miracle League Fry Your Thanksgiving Turkey
November 23, 2024
There is still time to reserve your spot to have the Miracle League of Pensacola fry your Thanksgiving turkey.
A minimum of $30 per turkey or turkey breast is necessary to help cover costs, and any additional donation will benefit the Miracle League of Pensacola.
Call (850) 380-4994 with questions or to schedule your appointment (leave a message if no answer). Walk-ups are welcome, but reservations should be made early as the number of time slots is limited and appointments take priority.
There are a few things to remember after scheduling an appointment. Completely thaw your turkey, removing all of the inside packaging and giblets. Write down exactly how much your turkey weighs so it is fried perfectly and take it to the Miracle League Park at 555 East Nine Mile Road at your appointment time between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Wednesday, November 27. And be on time for your appointment.
Individuals interested in volunteering should also call (850) 380-4994.
File photo.
Tate Aggies Beat Atmore Blue Devils 71-68 In Nailbiter Home Opener (With Gallery)
November 23, 2024
The Tate Aggies beat the Escambia County (Atmore) Blue Devils 71-68 in a nailbiter that came down to the final seconds Friday night in Cantonment.
For a photo gallery, click here.
For the Aggies and Coach Clyde Abney, it was big home opening win as they improved to 2-0 after an 80-68 defeat of Choctaw on the road Wednesday night. The Blue Devils are now 4-1 as a four-game winning streak came to a half at the hands of the Aggies.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
FDLE Charges Escambia Man With Child Porn Possession
November 23, 2024
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has arrested an Escambia County man on child pornography charges.
Connor Putnam Lindsey, 31, was charged with 20 counts of possession of child sexual abuse material by FDLE. He remained in the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $300,000.
Agents initiated the investigation in October after discovering an online user offering to share child sexual exploitation files. The investigation identified Lindsey’s residential address as that of the online user.
Agents recently served a search warrant at Lindsey’s home and seized his electronic devices. A subsequent forensic analysis of the evidence located numerous files depicting the sexual abuse of children, some as young as toddlers, FDLE said.
The case is being investigated by the FDLE Pensacola Cyber Squad and prosecuted by the Office of the State Attorney, First Judicial Circuit.
Cantonment Man Charged With Sexual Battery, Molestation Of 5-Year-Old
November 22, 2024
A Cantonment man has been charged with the felony sexual abuse of a 5-year-old family member, and law enforcement says he was charged after a confession.
Adrian Mark Enfinger, 70, was charged with three capital felony counts of sexual battery of a person less than 12-years of age by a person of familial on custodial authority – domestic violence, and one life felony charge of lewd or lascivious molestation of a person less than 12-years of age by a person 18-years of age or older – domestic violence. He was booked into the Escambia County Jail without bond.
The abuse is alleged to have taken place between January 1, 2024, and October 20, 2024, at his home in Cantonment.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office opened their investigation after being contact by the Spanish Fort (AL) Police Department. Witnesses told Spanish Fort Police that they observed Enfinger alone in a bedroom with the victim who was not wearing underwear and later disclosed the alleged inappropriate sexual contact. He was then made to leave the residence.
Escambia deputies observed text messages from Enfinger. “In the messages, Adrian talked about breaking the family’s trust, asking for forgiveness, and making a terrible mistake. He described what happened as only occurring for a limited amount of time,” according to an arrest report.
Deputies later reported obtaining additional text messages.
According to the report, “In the messages, Adrian asked for forgiveness. He asked them to keep what occurred in their family circle, warning if it became public, there will be bad repercussions. Adrian described his soul as dead and how easy it is to fall into “‘Satan’s web’. He expressed deep remorse, sorrow, and shame for what he did. He believed something in his brain said ‘wrongly’ it wasn’t all that bad and felt it wouldn’t hurt anyone. He told (redacted) that what he did was wrong, but he did not abuse (redacted) as much as she believed.”
In a forensic interview, the 5-year-old girl told investigators that Enfinger touched her inappropriately at her residence in Spanish Fort, and she related incidents of sexual contact as his residence in Cantonment.
On Monday, Enfinger was interviewed under oath by an Escambia County deputy.
“He admitted to touching (the victim’s private area) with his mouth. He stated (the victim) does not lie. He confessed that everything that (the victim) stated did, in fact, happen,” the ECSO deputy wrote in his report.