Tate High School Class Of 2015 Graduates
June 3, 2015
The Tate High School Class of 2015 graduated Tuesday night at the Pensacola Bay Center.
“Before saying anything else, I must thank Jesus Christ, without whom I would never be standing before you today,” Tate Valedictorian Hannah Erin Philips (pictured) began her address.
“The Aggie family encourages one another,” she said. “I am here to encourage you today that whatever your plans may be after this, to do something that challenges you, something that makes your day worth waking up for. Don’t settle for what will be easy, reach your full potential and by doing so find your true worth and happiness.”
Graduates in the Tate High School Class of 2015 were:
Honors Graduates
Hannah Erin Philips – Valedictorian
Sarah Ashley Colburn – Salutatorian
Kyle Anthony Capehart
Emily Rose Washler
Chandler Weathers Cotton
Taylor Arden Ertel
Kayla Jaymes Dixon
Hannah Bethany Hargett
Brandon Lee Launstein
Jamie Leigh Hendren
Casey Ann McCrackin
Paxton Murray Metcalf
Marissa Sue Jackson
Jacob Colin Howard
Natalie Lauren Wright
Alexis Kay Dixon
Sarah Elizabeth Baxter
Elizabeth Joan Werdann
Emily Ann McAfee
Taylor McKenzie Wynn
Jonathan David Compton
James Mercado Craft
Gaylyn April Workman
Elyse Kelalani Locke
Jacob E Richards
Myranda Sue Kervin
Justin Thomas Baker
Valerie Louise Kennedy
Steffany Louise Brown
Julie Ann Menah
Lauren Taylor Brennan
Carolyn Maria Pearce
Jenna Naveen Loomis
Shakira Luqua Phillips
Kristin Lea Wheeler
Kathryn Lorraine Howard
Sarah Marie Rowzee
Marie Nicole McElveen
Asia Rae McLeod
Relashia Sharde’ Nicholson
Nicholas Andrew Krostag
Victoria Lynn Vanscyoc
Other Graduates:
Megan Leeanne Abel
Jacob Noah Adcock
Tristin Michael Albers
Sharah Deshawn Allen
Shea Daniele Allen
William Christopher Alley
Jared Russell Anderson
Lauren Nicole Anderson
Zaria Alika Anderson
Amber Nicole Andrews
Blake Jonathan Atteberry
Katelyn Gail Austin
Ashley Lynn Bachuss
Miah Devine Bailey
Ann Marie Barker
Graham Evan Barnes
Paul E Barretto
Anna Elizabeth Basham
Connor Ryan Baucum
Cassidy Olivia Beal
Madison Lee Beck
Landon Wesley Benson
Makia Jashae Benson
Barrett B Bentley
Ashleigh P Bentley
Kyle James Bish
James Codi Black
Keller Nicholas Blanchard
Jarrett Lee Boswell
Clayton Bovee
Joseph Mark Bragg
Zandra Faye Bricker
Jenna Nicole Brooks
Garrett Daniel Brooks
Brenden Kile Brooks
Shelby Michael Brown
Kayla Rebekah Brown
Jacob Lee Brown
Lauren Nichole Ray Brown
Hayley Joe Brown
Ciera Odessa Brown
William Lee Brown
Taquarius D’Vantae Bryant
Calvin James Burkhart
Samantha Lynn Burks
Bonnie Catherine Butler
Brayden Nicole Butler
Kara Leigh Byrd
Daniel John Cafarella
Te Anna Charda Campbell
Zachary Alan Campbell
Mikayla Campbell
Alyssa Carmona
Hannah Christine Carpenter
Carissa Jean Carroll
Eryn Kent Carter
Monaca Lasha Cartwright
Marquis Antwan Cass
Steven Nicholas Chesser
Hannah Paige Chism
Lael Ruth Christiansen
Alyssa Grace Cline
Susan Ashley Clyde
Jennifer Renee Clyde
Robert Cochran
Madison Dawn Cole
Alexus Jamae Coleman
Savannah Brooke Colley
Tyler Michael Collins
Marissa Marie Constantakos
Mariah Lynn Constantakos
Hunter Austin Cook
Tylor Ray Cook
Megan Rose Costa
Sean Austin Coulter
Destiny Alyse Cramer
Aaron Troy Crawford
Brittany Nicole Crouch
Faun Gabrielle Crouthers
Zachary Samuel Crum
Jose A Cruz-Noel
Joseph William Culbertson
Shaughn Douglas Dalee
Charlotte Leann Davis
Travis Lamar Dease
Christophe Ryan Tyler Debord
Harlie Michelle Diamond
Richard Austin Dodd
Geordan Douglas Doyle
William Caul Dubose
Hunter Gregory Duffy
Aaron Joshua Dunlap
Brandon Matthew Earl
Erica Jane Earnest
Annie Michelle Eddings
Cherry Maxine Eddy
Megan Addison Edgar
Alyssa Marie Edwards
Kali Erin Eggart
Amber Lashay Ephriam
Reema Waleed Eqab
Joshua Farina
Jacob Alexander Farsolas
Frank Allen Fellows
David Denzel Ferrell
Zachary Aaron Fine
Judy Marie Frasure
Erin Shanique Fray
Tristan Wyatt Fromm
Casey Talmadge Fuqua
Jessica Rose Gainey
Austin Lee Gardner
Amy Laverne Garlock
Aaron Anthony Gavin
Forrest Richard Gibbs
Kaleb Tyler Girdner
Faith Christian Golden
Marissa Rayanne Gonzales
Jasmine Vaneece Gonzalez
Brandon Anthony Govoni
Shanna Marie Gravitt
Caitlin Marie Gray
Cedric Terell Gray
Travis Lee Griffin
John Austin Grothe
Joseph Alton Grothe
Jesse Chandler Gunter
Kourtnei Mariam Hamilton
Dylan James Hammac
Jacob David Hamrick
Arah Noel Hans-Majors
Matthew David Hardy
Alexa McClaine Harmon
Stephen Lane Harris
Autumn Hope Helton
Anan Ziad Helwih
Jacob Mack Hendren
Mercedez Leann Hetherington
Dustin Mitchell Kimmons
Lauren Layne Hodges
Joshua Westley Holley-Matthews
Jared Reinhardt Holm
Miranda Sue Holt
Mitchell Lewis Hoover
Alexandra Anne Hopkins
Carrie Elise House
Kaylie Darlene Hudson
Zachery McClain J Humphries
Travoris Jamal Hunt
Coltin Anderson James
Mariah Marie Jenkins
Steven James Jennings
Myron Kody Jennings
Dakota Wayne Jerkins
Kirstyn Nicole Johnson
Zachary Reichmann Johnson
Ashley Madison Jones
Taylor Scott Jones
Marquez Hurdarius Jones
Jason Hayden Jordan
Ronald Seath Joyner
Earl Monroe Justice
Tara Summer Keith
Destinie Nicole Kelly
Patrick Lee Kelly
Cameron Delaney Kennedy
Nicholas Giatano Kensler
Kyla Marie Killam
Kayli Anita Kirklin
Haley Kitchin
Joshua Kyle Kozain
Dylan Allen Lammens
Austin Matthew Le Viness
Darren Lamar Lee
Edi Lesinger
De-Vekyo Malek Lewis
Antonius Ladre Lewis
Tierranie Shellesse Lewis
Jeremiah Michael Little
Jacob Daniel Lock
Kaitlin Noelle Lord
Anthony Jacob Lovold
Anastasia Leigh Lowe
Miranda Lynn Lowery
Nicholas Ross Lucia
Savannah Leigh Maddox
Kelli Hope Noel Madril
Kelsy Michelle Manning
James Jacob Margeson
Sayra Alyssa Mauldin
Kyle Justin McArthur
Caitlin Corine McDowell
Brianna Michelle McGahan
Lonnie Ray McGill
Andrew Thomas McKinney
Sean William McKnight
Ashlynn Victoria McPhail
Amani Criseve McRae
Kallie Marie Mendiola
Jessica Louise Merritt
Madison Ruth Metcalf
Triston L Midlam
Holden Alan Miller
Mark Robert Miller
Ethan Glen Millet
Brandon Christophe Mitchell
Samarii Mitchell
Keristyn Deon Mitchell
Seth Alan Modin
Sommer Alyssa Moore
Valerie Kristyna Moreno
Kyle Thomas Morgan
Eboni Idell Morgan
Christopher Alexander Morton
Brianna Moulyet
Timothy Zane Mullins
Scott Andrew Mullins
Brittany Nicole Nellums
Shelby Elizabeth Nelson
Clara Emiko Newman
Matthew Wesley Nickell
Abreona Aaliyah Nixon
David Alan Nolen
Melvin Charles Oakes
Kayla Nicole O’Gwynn
Tyler Valentine O’Quain
Hannah Ruth Orren
Jacob Celi’k Partyka
Wyatt L Peebles
Jessica Elizabeth Peet
Victoria Lee Perkins
John Christian Perrault
Ashten Marie Perrich
Zachary Phalen
Dariane Nicole Piehl
Evan Bryce Potter
Taylor Brianna Prince
Gabriele Bailey Pyron
Chad Marcus Ratliff
Catrina Ann Rau
Robert Lewis Ray
Savana L Reed
Kayla Marie Reeves
Kent Garrett Reeves
Chandler Evan Renfroe
Kara Rene Rhodes
Jonathan Alexander Richards
Callie Jeanette Richardson
Keyla Deanna Richardson
Elisha Louis Richardson
Honya Faith Richbourg
Kaitlyn Frances Riddell
Marshall Mason Todd Rines
Daniel Mark Rivera
Kialannie Shanee Rivers
Hailey Victoria Roach
Arthur Montgomery Rocker
Griffin Navarre Roschel
Jessica Marie Roser
Savannah Jenae Roy
Vivienne Emily Rubardt
Hannah Nicole Saliman
Erica Jane Sallions
Courtney Gail Sanders
Cullen Macalister Sanders
Wesley Ryan Sapp
Jacob Michael Saulnier
Alexandra Brittany Scapin
Teresa Lashay Scott
Ryan Kevin Scott
Rebekah Michelle Seibert
Chase Franklin Seibert
Kaitlyn Nicole Serwack
Triston James Sherbrook
Regine Nicole Simmons
Jasmine Renay Simons
Quintarius Donte Simpkins
Shadow Keith Singleton
Nicholas Owen Slavey
Chandler Jacob Slay
Dylan Lloyd Smith
Dale Jonathan Smith
Todd Warren Smith
Holly Marie Smith
Lauren Ashley Spencer
Stephanie Leann Stanton
Elijah Michael Stepherson
Anthony Andre Stonewall
Hangnga Suon
Brian Anthony Sutton
Tyler Austin Swanson
David Alexander Sweatman
Elyza June Oarde Tango
Brianna Nicole Taylor
Christopher Earvin Terrell
Ladarius Michael Thomas
Isaiah Tingle
Bradly James Trombly
Demetrius Danshelle Turner
Matthew Edward Van Gemerden
Savannah Paige Vanderpol
Jeremy Darren Vaughan
Alexa Shaye Voss
Charles Edward Walker
Dillon Cole Walker
Jazmen Jabre Walker
Cory James Walker
Zhexin Wang
Nicholas Stephen Ward
Audie Kenneth Waters
Autumn Gabrielle Webb
Savanna Paige Weber
Tyler James Webster
Jessica Lynn Whaley
Jordan Ann White
Kaytlyn Diloy Wiggins
Daliss Reian Williams
Dytavia Lynette Williams
Alexa Lauren Windham
Travis Floyd Winters
Jacob Mathew Wise
Dalton Matthew Wood
David Michael Woodard
Kayla Simone Woods
Kaley Nacole Workman
Hunter Lane Worley
James Rudolph Wright
Jakeisha Breanna Wright
Rachel Leann Wright
Sierra Kayn Yors
Incumbent School Superintendent Malcolm Thomas Pre-Files For 2016
June 3, 2015
Incumbent Malcolm Thomas pre-filed Tuesday as a candidate for Escambia County Superintendent of Schools in the 2016 election as a Republican, according to the Escambia County Supervisor of Elections Office.
Thomas, a resident of Cantonment, was first elected superintendent in 2008, and re-elected to his second and current term in 2012.
Tate Senior Sawyer Smith Commits To UCF Knights
June 3, 2015
Tate High School senior quarterback Sawyer Smith has committed to the University of Central Florida Knights.
The 6-foot-3, 196-pound Smith has a state football championship in mind this fall at Tate; then he’ll head to UCF after a December graduation.
“I’m obviously focused on my senior year and looking to get better as the season goes on,” Smith told UCFSport.com “We’re trying to get to the state championship game. Then I’ll get to UCF and start grinding…I’m just looking forward to competing and helping everybody around me get better. I just want to be a good competitor.”
Photo courtesy UCFSports.com.
Molino Park Elementary Presents Pre-K To Second Grade Awards
June 3, 2015
Molino Park Elementary School presented the following year-end awards to students in Pre-K through second grade.
School Wide Accelerated Reader Awards
Most Books Read/Kindergarten
- Elias Ridgley
Highest Points per Grade Level
- First Grade – Layton Woodward
- Second Grade – Austin Batz
Pre-K Awards
Perfect Attendance
- Haylee Hill
- Danika Payne
Citizenship – Stellar Sunny Days
- Aadan Adams
- Carmen Garcia
- Kensee Gibson
- Conner Goetter
- Brylee Hassebrock
- Aubrey Jacobi
- Aidan Kelley
- Emily Maughon
- Danika Payne
- McKinley Shoemo
- Presley Spikes
- Bella Ann Waldroup
- Cooper Waldroup
- Josiah Wilson
Citizenship – Super Sunny Days
- Hunter Chance
- Alyssa Creel
- Ruby Driver
- Makaylie Drew
- Devyn Dyer
- Jonathan Echele
- Isabella Joiner
- Brista McIntyre
- Tristan Norton
- Brody Ragsdale
- Maximus Ridgley
- Zachery Tincher
- Abigail Williams
Special Recognition, Improved Behavior
- Brista McIntyre
Special Recognition, Improved Academics
- Colton Kilgore
Accelerated Reader – Most Books Read
- Carmen Garcia – Crites
- Brista McIntyre – Blackburn
Kindergarten Awards
Good Citizenship
- Jordan Allen
- Samuel Ard
- Kaiden Barfield
- Isis Bates
- Callen Beaty
- Hayli Bobrowski
- Tristan Bucks
- Cortez Chambers
- Donald Cole
- Eli Crites
- Dalton Davidson
- Jagger Etheridge
- Kiara Ferrell
- Kobi Fiorenti
- Khloe Gibson
- Savannah Gilmore
- Hayden Gulsby
- Cooper Halfacre
- Manuel Harris
- Taylor Hart
- Austin Hodo
- Lacie Kittrell
- Ali Langley
- Auric Leithe
- Chelsea Mace
- Adalynn Manning
- London McAnally
- Zy’uanna McKay
- John Parker Miller
- Aydan Nigam
- Gavin Newman
- Mary Norris
- Gracey Oliver
- Addison Parsons
- Addison Pitts
- Zamari Reed
- Elias Ridgley
- Adlynn Salmon
- Tucker Spruill
- Rayna Thompson
- Brooklynn White
- Brinleigh Woodward
All S Honor Roll
- Samuel Ard
- Isis Bates
- Hayli Bobrowski
- Tristan Buck
- Donald Cole
- Dalton Davidson
- Kiara Ferrell
- Kobi Fiorenti
- Khloe Gibson
- Taylor Hart
- Austin Hodo
- Auric Leithe
- Chelsea Mace
- Adalynn Manning
- London McAnally
- Zy’uanna McKay
- John Parker Miller
- Gavin Newman
- Aydan Nigam
- Addison Parsons
- Addison Pitts
- Elias Ridgley
- Rayna Thompson
Perfect Attendance
- Cortez Chambers
- Eli Crites
Most Improved – Miss Cristofoletti
- Academics – Lacie Kittrell
- Citizenship – Kristina Hiscutt
Awards of Excellence – Mrs. Fountain
- Math – Aydan Nigam
- Reading – Chelsea Mace
Awards of Excellence – Mrs. Gilmore
- Math – Felix Soileau
- Reading – Hayli Bobrowski
Most Improved – Mrs. Miller
- Academics – Manuel Harris
- Behavior – Christian Ward
Most Books Read
- Christian Ward
Special Recognition – Ms. Scanlan
- Most Improved Student – Cortez Chambers
- Excellence in Reading/Writing – Autumn Dinkle
First Grade Awards
Good Citizenship
- Destiny Abrams
- Dallas Batz
- Kenna Bobrowski
- Cameron Bodiford
- Jack Boutwell
- Benjamin Boyett
- Alyssa Brooks
- Sherrod Chambers
- Ayden Crabtree
- Garrett Crabtree
- Lily Driver
- Desi Fryman
- Kamryn Gibbs
- Mileigh Gibson
- Kaiden Harris
- John Hatch
- Raegan Holley
- Austin Jackson
- Nicholas Kahalley
- Gus Leatherberry
- Chris Leger
- Darla Massey
- Caelen McKillion
- Hunter Mothershed
- Macy Miller
- Mary OliverDominic Picheo
- Shiloh Prince
- Ana Randall
- Ayden Silcox
- Aryanna Smith
- Dakota Smith
- Kailyn Wiggins
- Layton Woodward
A Honor Roll
- Destiny Abrams
- Alyssa Brooks
- Ayden Crabtree
- Garrett Crabtree
- Lily Driver
- Kamryn Gibbs
- Austin Jackson
- Macy Miller
- Mary Oliver
- Sophia St. Cyr
- Layton Woodward
A/B Honor Roll
- Dallas Batz
- Kenna Bobrowski
- Jack Boutwell
- Caden Eady
- Desi Fryman
- Mileigh Gibson
- Kaiden Harris
- Bailey Herrington
- Raegan Holley
- Chet Knable
- Gus Leatherberry
- Darla Massey
- Caelen McKillion
- Hunter Mothershed
- Will Nowlin
- Dominic Picheo
- Kaylea Pigeon
- Shiloh Prince
- Ayden Silcox
Special Recognition – Mrs. Bodiford
- Most Improved – Joel Minor
- Most Improved – Brodie Pitts
Special Recognition – Mrs. Calhoun
- Academic Excellence – Brian Simmons
- Best Effort & Most Improved – Camlin Lollis
Special Recognition – Mrs. Greene
- Outstanding Reading Expression – Kelsey Hiatt
Special Recognition – Mrs. Venable
- Most Improved – Dakota Smith
Second Grade Awards
Good Citizenship
- Austin Batz
- Camden Beaty
- Abbie Bertran
- Kenzie Blazek
- Kameron Cole
- Nehemiah Delarosa
- Alley Enfinger
- John Etheridge
- Jericha Finley
- Olivia Franks
- Rhianne Gayogoy
- Noah Goslee
- Sophia Jones
- Aubree Jordan
- Tristan Joy
- Kristopher Kelley
- Joshua Kennedy
- Brooke Lytton
- Hunter Manning
- Braydon McCarra
- Mattie McLaney
- Cherry Murphy
- Emma Nigam
- Lauren Pardue
- Noel Pugh
- Naoki Rogers
- Morgan Salmon
- Grayden Sheffield
- Tony Smith
- Gabe Staneart
- Brooklyn Summerlin
- Kylee Thompson
- Ralin Trump
- Keeley Wiggins
- Brooke Wilson
- Makayla Woods
A Honor Roll
- Austin Batz
- Alley Enfinger
- Jericha Finlay
- Aubree Jordan
- Joshua Kennedy
- Logan Shoffner
A/B Honor Roll
- Camden Beaty
- Kimberlee Davis
- Aiden Harris
- Kristopher Kelley
- Brooke Lytton
- Hunter Manning
- Douglas Ragsdale
- Caleb Rea
- Noaki RogersBrooklyn Summerlin
- Kylee Thompson
- Damarcus Turner
Perfect Attendance
- Nehemiah Delarosa
- Hunter Manning
Special Recognition – Mrs. Daniels
- Math Facts – Joshua Kennedy
Special Recognition – Mrs. Solchenberger
- Most Improved – Noah Goslee
Jeb Bush: ‘My Hope Is I’ll Be A Candidate’
June 3, 2015
Receiving a returning hero’s welcome, Jeb Bush wowed a crowd of more than 400 businesspeople Tuesday as the former Florida governor capped off a day of speeches from declared and potential GOP presidential candidates at an invitation-only economic summit hosted by Gov. Rick Scott.
Bush received two standing ovations and the warmest welcome of the six candidates — all current or former Republican governors — who showed up in person to make their pitches in a precursor to the coming months in the Sunshine State, a coveted electoral prize.
U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., kicked off the event in a video appearance Tuesday morning. Rubio — one of the few announced candidates — canceled an appearance at the event so he could remain in Washington for a critical vote on a measure dealing with national security.
Bush, who has not officially entered the race, repeatedly said that he is “not a candidate” but delivered what by all accounts was a stump speech Tuesday afternoon before telling reporters that it he is “nearing the end of the journey” about making a decision regarding entering the race.
“There’s a lot of support for a more-hopeful, optimistic message. So hopefully I’ll make my decision relatively soon. My expectation, my hope is I’ll be a candidate. I really do,” Bush said.
Bush said he “won’t be the last guy in” and is “pretty excited about the prospect” of running for president. He also joked about what is expected to be a crowded GOP field.
“It’s a rambunctious deal. We’ve got 75 people running,” Bush said. “There’s going to be some elbows and knees under the boards. This isn’t tiddlywinks we’re playing.”
Bush boasted of his achievements during his eight years as governor, ending in 2007, relating how he raised the graduation rate, lowered unemployment and raised the median income level, while shrinking state government.
He also used the “Florida story” as a lesson for the nation.
“We’re the kind of state that’s dynamic and aspirational and the kind of dreams that we have might be bigger than other places,” Bush said. “The net result is by believing in limited government, by having a passion for reform and having a resiliency that is the envy of the rest of the country, Florida’s done really well.”
Bush called his tenure as the state’s chief executive “a stark contrast” to the current situation in the nation’s capital.
“I was called a lot of things when I was governor, but I was called ‘Veto Corleone.’ This is the one I love the most,” Bush said. “We reduced the size of government by creating discipline.”
And he was unapologetic about the “Bush” name, which is viewed by some as a liability in a country that has already seen two Bush presidencies.
“I’ll use my brother, my sister, every relative, every person I can,” Bush told FOX News personality Neil Cavuto during a taping at the Disney Yacht & Beach Club Convention Center, where Scott’s summit was held.
Bush echoed themes expressed by the other GOP governors — Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee and former Texas Gov. Rick Perry — who spoke earlier in the day.
The governors almost universally bashed President Barack Obama, gave little if any attention to Democrat Hillary Clinton, and struck a federalist note by pledging to cede more power to states.
Bush compared his story of “leadership” and “accomplishment” with that of Obama.
“People can say we had a president that really didn’t have a lot of experience. He promised us a lot of stuff. He didn’t fulfill our promises and maybe we ought to go with something that’s a little more proven. So part of it will be the Florida story,” Bush said. “And part of it will be to offer ideas that really matter for people so that they know that any campaign is about the future. And part of it is about who has the leadership skills to make it so.”
In his video message, Rubio hit on the generational divide that has become a cornerstone of his campaign narrative.
“Our outdated leaders continue to cling to outdated ideas,” the 44-year-old said, calling for a “new generation of leaders.”
Bush, a onetime mentor of Rubio, gave a sarcastic rejoinder when asked if Rubio was referring to the former governor.
“It’s kind of hard to imagine that my good friend Marco would be critical of his good friend Jeb,” Bush, 62, said.
The warm reception given to Bush “was an indication of how much people trust him,” said Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association President Carol Dover.
“He’s got a proven record. He’s not one that just stands up at the podium to hear himself talk. What he says, he implements. Everything he ran on, he kept his promises and his values. He stayed true to his core beliefs,” Dover said. “I just think it’s a shame that anybody in our country would immediately judge him based on his name. I think he needs to be judged based on his substance and his policies and who he is. How he left our state after eight years, which is why he got a standing ovation. We want him back. He governs fair. He was a great, great governor for Florida, and he would make a fantastic president.”
Scott personally selected the invitees to the event, co-hosted by his “Let’s Get to Work” political committee and the Florida Chamber of Commerce. Some of Tallahassee’s most influential lobbyists and longtime Scott supporters, including Billy Rubin and Brian Ballard, were among the movers-and-shakers in attendance at what Scott called the “Economic Growth Summit.”
The summit, a brainchild of Scott, was assembled without the participation of the Republican Party of Florida, which typically sponsors a presidential candidate forum closer to Florida’s presidential primary election. Florida’s primary will take place next March.
Scott, who introduced the speakers, predicted that one of the participants at his summit would be the next president and that Florida should be used as a model.
“Our strategy of less taxes, less regulation, streamlined permitting is working,” Scott said. “So the next president has got to do what we’ve done if we’re going to get this economy going. … In Florida we’re in the business of growing opportunity. We’re not in the business of growing government.”
by Dara Kam, The News Service of Florida
West Florida High Class Of 2015 Graduates
June 3, 2015
The West Florida High School Class of 2015 graduated Tuesday afternoon at the Pensacola Bay Center.
“Today, our dreams become goals,” said West Florida High Salutatorian Amy Elizabeth Murph of Bratt (pictured). “Our goals become stepping stones. Our stepping stones become reality. Today, we choose to leave the past behind and look to the greatness that lies ahead. Today, we take on the world.”
“We have no definite control over the paths that our lives take; we do not know what will happen when we walk out of these doors,” said Valedictorian Raleigh Elizabeth Nesbitt. “All aspects of our lives are not pre-ordained. What we do have control over, however, are our minds and our decision making capabilities. As the doors of high school close behind us today, countless doors of opportunity stand open and waiting for their thresholds to be crossed.
West Florida High School honor’s graduates were:
Summa Cum Laude Graduates (4.0 an higher)
Allen, Dutch Gerrit
Ames, Tyler Scott
Anderson, Delaney Nash
Bain, Austin L
Barajas, Ignacio Rae
Bell, Hannah Grace
Bjorensen, Samantha L
Bonanno, Christopher Ramon
Boucher, Mariah Veronica
Brown, Lauren Elaine
Burridge, Makenzie Leigh
Butler, Jamie Marie
Cobb, Ashley Rose
Crowley, Ashley Lauren
Cutaio, Alexandria Dominique
Davidson, Breeann Denise
Davila, Addie Leah
Davis, Nakeria Marissa
Donaghy, Randall Hunter
Ellenberger, Abigail Janiece
Estrada, Antonio Zane-Kai
Evans, Jasmine Keionna
Gould, Christian Jamal
Gray, Maeliah
Hagan, Kaylee Marie
Hagen, Lauren Kristene
Hampton, Rebecca Carlene
Humphreys, Reagan Lea
Izonritei, Melissa Jeanne
Jackson, Kyle Jeffery
Johnson, Michael Arnett
Keyes, Austin K
Le, PhucSang
Linam, Benjamin Matthew
Mathis, Britney Ann
McCormick, Devin Kelby
McGraw, Seth Christian
Milstead, Dakota B
Murcko, Garrett Ashton
Murph, Amy Elizabeth
Nesbitt, Raleigh Elizabeth
Nguyen, Hydee Thien An
Nguyen, Luan D
O’Brien, Colin Campbell
Orf, Christopher J
Peppers, Morgan Ann
Pyle, Samuel Coleman
Schubeck, Brianna Michelle
Shin, David Dong
Simbulan, Marffee
Skinner, William Scott
Small, Michael Allen
Smylie, Constance I’man
Sortino, Jordan Mackenzie
Stolsig, Dane Theodore
Strohl, Isabelle Quinn
Thompson, Henry Aaron
Tran, Kaitlyn Thuy
Tran, Quan Minh
Trimble, Jasmyne Simone
Turner, Kaitlyn Ashley
Venable, Josephine Noel
Waters, Caitlyn Renae
Webb, David Joseph
Wise, Tamara Lynn
Magna Cum Laude Graduates (3.85-3.99)
Ballard, Brandon C
Fuller, Jacklyn Noelle
Harris, Gabrielle R
Healy, Ethan James
Hodge, Semegne Marie
Maund, Madeline Susannah
McCombs, Branson Reid
Sanders, Bradley Wayne
Stroehl, Cameron Tyler
Cum Laude Graduates (3.5-3.84)
Anderson, Erica Lin
Anglin, Jeremiah Devonte
Barker, Samuel David
Bergosh, Nicholas Cole
Blount, Robert James
Bryant, Megan Lee
Chadwell, Jacob Allen
Cole, Paige Victoria
Day, Alicia Erin
Dombek, Katarina Michelle
Doty, Gavin Andrew
Elliott, Lewis Truman
Farrell, Alyssa A
Grant, Devan Lee
Hardy, Destiny Heather
Henderson, D’Asia Jakiyah
Inghram, Victoria Lynn
Jackson, Jewel Hope
Johnson, Sommer Eliese
Loring, Emily Elaine
Manning, Christopher Daniel
Miller, Kayla Nicole
Mroz, Haley Alexis
Nicholson, Austin Lamar
Norrell, Daniel John
Ortiz, Rafael Shaquile
Pellegrino, Morgan Ashley
Richardson, Makya M
Rogers, Breana Nicole
Stroman, Rozetta Genemae
Suggs, Danielle Samone
Szafran, Alexander Charles
Mobile BayBears Sweep Pensacola Blue Wahoos
June 3, 2015
Mobile BayBears second baseman Brandon Drury flared a single to center field for a, 2-1, walk-off victory over its rival Pensacola Blue Wahoos.
The BayBears took the first game of Tuesday’s doubleheader from Pensacola, too, holding on for a, 6-5, win at Hank Aaron Stadium.
The Blue Wahoos last played on Friday, May 29 — five days ago — after three consecutive rain outs. Those included the final two games on the road against the Mississippi Braves and Monday’s game against Mobile.
Pensacola appeared a little rusty, especially closer Kyle McMyne who gave up his first earned run since May 5 to earn the loss, 1-1. McMyne, who earned the Southern League’s BC Relief Pitcher of the Month for May, had gone 11.2 innings without an earned run and converted five of five saves, while his ERA plummeted from 1.46 to 0.76.
But with a, 1-1, tie on the line in the second game of Tuesday’s doubleheader, Drury drove in a bases loaded, one out single for the game winner in the seventh inning. Southern League doubleheaders last just seven innings.
Mobile had tied the game in the sixth when first baseman Rudy Flores singled to left to score right fielder Zach Borenstein, who walked and stole second base.
In the top of the fourth inning Pensacola went up, 1-0, with two out when right fielder Kyle Waldrop doubled on a line drive to center field and then scored on a single by third baseman Seth Mejias-Brean.
In the first game, Pensacola scored five runs in the sixth inning but failed to overcome Mobile, losing, 6-5.
Mobile went ahead, 6-0, in the third inning when second baseman Gerson Montilla hit a grand slam to left center field, his seventh homer of the season.
In the sixth, Waldrop tripled to right to score first baseman Ray Chang, who singled to lead off the inning. Waldrop would cross the plate on a wild pitch by Mobile pitcher Aaron Blair to cut the lead, 6-2.
The Blue Wahoos then loaded the bases on walks to Mejias-Brean and catcher Cam Maron and a pinch single by Marquez Smith. Ryan Wright then had a pinch hit sacrifice fly to right field to score Mejias-Brean, which brought Pensacola within, 6-3. Left fielder Jesse Winker then smashed a two-out, bases loaded single to center that scored Smith and Maron and the Blue Wahoos trailed by one, 6-5. Pensacola went down in order in the top of the seventh to end the first game.
Florida Safe Phone Zones Announced
June 3, 2015
The Florida Department of Transportation has announced a a public-private partnership with GEICO Insurance unveiled a statewide safety campaign to tackle the problem of distracted driving on Florida’s roads. As part of a national effort to encourage drivers to pull into a safe location to use their phone for calling, texting and accessing mobile apps, Florida has designated 64 Rest Areas, Welcome Centers and Turnpike Service Plazas throughout the state as “Safe Phone Zones,” more than any other state.
The new highway signs sponsored by GEICO can be seen along the highways leading to those FDOT facilities. Additional signage within the facilities reminds motorists to take this opportunity to use their cell phones in a safe location.
“Motorist safety is our top priority and we are committed to reducing distracted driving on our roads,” said FDOT Assistant Secretary for Engineering and Operations, Brian Blanchard. “By calling our Rest Areas, Welcome Centers and Service Plazas ‘Safe Phone Zones,’ we are saying they are much more than just Rest Stops – they are Safe Stops.”
Pictured: “Safe Phone Zones” are announced. Pictured below: Safe Phone Zone rest stops in northern Florida begin to the west at the Florida Welcome Center in Escambia County. Photos and image for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Scott Vetoes Bills On Convenience Stores, Citizens Insurance
June 3, 2015
Gov. Rick Scott vetoed bills Tuesday that were intended to increase convenience-store security and to give policyholders more options as the state seeks to move them out of Citizens Property Insurance Corp.
Scott said one measure (HB 755) would force convenience stores to add “potentially costly security.” The second bill (HB 1087), he said, “undermines progress” in shifting policies into the private insurance market from the state-backed Citizens.
Lawmakers approved both bills without opposition during this spring’s regular legislative session.
Scott expressed concern in a letter to Secretary of State Ken Detzner about the state adding “overbroad, state-mandated” regulations by requiring a variety of security measures at convenience stores.
“Mandating compliance with the security standards in the bill would place a significant new financial burden on these small businesses, which is unnecessary,” Scott wrote. “I believe family owned small businesses, working with their landlords, can better decide the appropriate security infrastructure for their businesses.”
The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Charlie Stone, R-Ocala, would have required convenience stores to have security camera systems, drop safes for restricted access to cash receipts, policies to limit cash after 11 p.m. and height markers at the doors.
Any convenience store where a murder, robbery, sexual battery, or aggravated assault occurred would have been required to have two employees on the clock when open between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. The bill would also have required all employees at such locations to receive robbery-deterrence and safety training within 60 days of being hired.
In a separate letter to Detzner, Scott expressed concerns about a provision in the Citizens-backed bill (HB 1087) that would have allowed policyholders to choose to get no more than one “takeout” offer every six months.
“This provision is inherently unfair to Citizens policyholders in that it limits policyholders’ private market options, which means they may miss an opportunity to move to a better property insurance alternative,” Scott said in the letter.
Scott’s second issue with the legislation, sponsored by Rep. Michael Bileca, R-Miami, was a provision that would have allowed policyholders to return to Citizens after being insured by private carriers.
“This perpetuates reliance on Citizens, which increases the potential for burdensome assessments on Florida families,” Scott wrote.
The legislation also would have allowed consumers to retain eligibility for Citizens insurance through its clearinghouse if private insurers increase initial premiums by more than 10 percent within 36 months after policyholders are moved out of Citizens.
Work to reduce the size of Citizens has shrunk the number of policies from 1.5 million in 2012 to 591,883 policies as of April 30.
“We supported the bill in its final form and will continue to work with its sponsors and other stakeholders,” Citizens spokesman Michael Peltier said in an email after veto.
The bill also sought to require that Citizens customers be told when one or more private insurers expressed interest in assuming their policies. Also, a policy couldn’t have been removed from Citizens unless the policyholder received information that could be used to compare takeout offers.
The vetoes came as Scott signed 17 other bills into law, including a measure (HB 779) that will require tenants to receive 30 days notice before they can be evicted from a foreclosed homes and a bill (HB 239) that will impose a maximum fine of $10,000 or the amount of the purse, whichever is greater, if prohibited medications are found in a racing horse or greyhound.
Lady Astros 18U Team Take Second In Weekend Tourney
June 3, 2015
The Molino Lady Astros 18U softball team took the runner-up spot in their first softball tournament of the summer last weekend.
On Saturday, the Lady Astros won one and lost won, before winning five straight games on Sunday for a chance to play for the tournament championship. Casey McCrackin, Hannah Brake, Ashley Allen and Kaley Workman each hit a home run.
In the final and championship game Sunday, the Lady Astros lost 2-1 for a second place finish.
“It was a great weekend for the team,” Coach Donnie Nicholson said. “Our pitching, offense and defense were great.”
Pictured: (front, L-R) Kaley Workman, Emily Loring, Savannah Colley, Breana Rogers, (back) Coach Donnie Nicholson, Shelby Willet, Dana Blackmon, Casey Mccrackin, Briana Morgan, Hannah Brake, Gracie Kilcrease , Ashley Allen and and Coach Pat Thomason. Not pictured are Tori Perkins, Laureen Brennan and Samantha Burks. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.