Escambia, Florida, School Board Discusses Student Phone Policy; Escambia, Alabama, Will Lock Phones In Pouches
June 20, 2024
The school board in Escambia County, Florida is discussing how changes could be made to cell usage in local schools along with a Florida law already in place.
The discussion comes as Los Angeles school board on Tuesday moved to ban cellphones all day on campuses for a half million students in the nation’s second largest district.
Meanwhile, a new cell phone policy has already been adopted in Escambia County, Alabama, banning usage during the high school day. Students will be able to have their phones, but they’ll be locked in pouches.
Details on both Escambia counties are below.
Escambia County, Florida
A Florida law last year prohibits school networks from using social media, and gives teacher discretion to ban cell phone use in their classrooms during classroom time.
“I appreciate the guidelines we currently have in place, but cell phones and earbuds and headphones are a top problem in the classroom,” Escambia County teacher Cheryl Zigler told the school board. “They are a distraction in the classroom. I am not recommending banning them, but in districts where they have been banned, grades went up.”
“We do need a district-wide policy, so every school is doing the same thing,” Zigler added. “There’s a company that sells these awesome pouches that kids can lock up their phone; they get it back at the end of the day. They can carry around their phone, but they can’t open it (the pouch).
Parents need to work with their children on cell phone usage. Parents don’t need to text their kids at school during class,” she added.
“They use their cell phones to cheat; they’ll take pictures of test questions; they’ll text pictures to friends. We’ve got to do something.”
“This is a crisis across America,” District 1 school board member Kevin Adams said.
“School board are not the reason that students have cell phone,” District 5 board member Bill Slayton, nothing that the board did have regulations against cell phones in schools maybe 20 years ago. “But a father that was on the Legislature wanted to be able to get in touch with their child, and the Legislature passed the statute that said that we could not prohibit cell phones in schools. And look what we have come around to.”
“Please bear with us as we make this new rule,” Slayton continued. “It will probably have to be modified many, many times just because it is very difficult nowadays to stop it.”
“I do hate to see a child fail or be suspended because of this,” he said, holding up his phone. “But that is kind of where we are going…bear with us. This is going to take a while.”
Superintendent Keith Leonard said he’s discussed cell phones with students representing the district’s high schools, and they are planning a student-led “unplugged day” next school year.
“Every year, we have tried to give teachers and instructors more power over the cell phones in their classrooms,” District 4 member Patty Hightower said.
Escambia County, Alabama
The Escambia County Board of Education in Alabama has banned student cell phones during the high school day beginning with the upcoming school year.
The district will issue Yondr pouches to each student at the beginning of the school year. When they arrive on campus, they will lock their phones inside the pouch that will be unlocked by the school at the end of the school day. The students will be unable to unlock the pouch containing the phone without a special device, and if they damage the pouch, they will be charged $20. Pouch searches may be conducted during the school day.
The locking policy does not apply to school-issued computers.
“There is no reason that a student should need a cell phone during the regular school day,” the policy states. “In any instance requiring emergency communication with a student, our school will immediately assist the
student, a parent, or other responsible adult with that situation by using a school telephone.”
The policy also states, “instances may occur where administration will unlock pouches for students to call home such as severe weather, unplanned early release, etc.”
Violations can lead to in or out of school suspensions or even alternative school for 15 days following the sixth offense.
To read the Escambia County, Alabama, policy, click here (pdf).
Pictured: Escambia County (FL) School Board member Bill Slayton hold up his phone during a board meeting this week. NorthEscambia.com image, click to enlarge.
Friends Of The Library Announces Summer Book Sale
June 20, 2024
The dates for the Friends of the West Florida Public Library HOT Summer Book Sale have been announced with a hot summer sales twist.
The Friends’ Hot Summer Book Sale will be held July 26, 27 and 28th and this year. For every t10 items (books, DVD’s, audiobooks, and CDs) purchased, library supporters will be invited to select an 11th item – for free! This includes all books, (paperback, hardback, kids’ books, etc.) except those in the Collector’s Corner. The books in Collector’s Corner are always individually priced.
The books will be sorted by genre to make it easier to find your favorite novels, children’s books, books about gardening and decorating, biographies, and so many more.
Friday, July 26, 2024, 3-7 p.m., $5 admission (free for member), Hot Summer Sale: Buy 10 items and get one more for free.
Saturday, July 27, 2024, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., free admission, Half-off prices all day! Hot Summer Sale: Buy 10 items and get one more for free.
Sunday, July 28, 2024, 9a.m. – 3 p.m., free admission | $7 bag sale (Collector’s Corner closes on Sunday at 12:30 p.m.)
The sale will be held at the downtown library, located at 239 North Spring Street. Debit and credit cards will be accepted.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Century Votes To Spend Up To $15K For Flooring With Company That Can Start Work Fastest
June 20, 2024
The Century Town Council voted Tuesday night to spend up to $15,000 for new flooring in areas of town hall with the company that can get to work the fastest.
“We could take the lowest two and make a condition: whoever can get it done quicker,” was the recommendation of council member Alicia Johnson that became the motion approved by the council.
The two lowest bids were Home Depot at $12,926.44 and Shamar Carpet on North Old Corry Field Road in Pensacola for $15,000 to replace flooring in the back office area of town hall.
“I would say the one that could get here quickest, that we would engage them,” Johnson recommended.
The town also received a bid of $21,145.57 from Cannon’s Carpets in Brewton, and it previously reached out to Atmore Carpets, which has closed due to the owner’s retirement.
The town plans to pay for the purchase with American Rescue Plan funds.
In 2022, the town refinished the lobby floors at a cost of $2,952 (pictured).
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Before:
Amateur Radio Field Day Is This Weekend, Free Demonstrations At Ashton Brosnaham And Bratt Parks
June 20, 2024
Local ham radio operators will gather at two locations in Escambia County this weekend for the 2024 American Radio Relay League Field Day.
ARRL Field Day is an opportunity for thousands of amateur radio enthusiasts throughout the U.S. and Canada to set up temporary communications stations and make contact with like-minded people. Licensed radio operators, often called “hams,” spend the weekend practicing community outreach, emergency preparedness and technical skills.
Local hams participate in providing emergency communications during hurricanes and other disasters when normal communications are disabled and during local events like triathlons, bikeathons, parades or wherever real time communications are needed.
The Five Flags Amateur Radio Association will begin operations beginning at 1 p.m. Saturday and operate continuously until 1 p.m. Sunday at Ashton Brosnaham Park, 10370 Ashton Brosnaham Drive, off East 10 Mile Road.
The Southern Amateur Radio Union will participate from Travis Nelson Park on West Highway 4 in Bratt, just west of Northview High. Club members from both Escambia counties (Alabama and Florida) will participate from noon Saturday until noon Sunday.
The public is invited to stop by both locations to observe and learn.
“I’m excited to welcome our amateur radio friends back to Escambia County’s Ashton Brosnaham and Travis Nelson parks for their annual field day, and I wish them a fun and successful event,” District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry said. “I encourage the public to come watch amateur radio in action and learn more about the important service they provide. I’d like to thank both groups for all they’ve done over the years in our community, and for sharing their expertise with the public through these exciting events.”
The Escambia County Commission recently proclaimed June 17-23 as “Amateur Radio Week” in the county to recognize the key role amateur radio plays in our community.
Pictured: 2023 American Radio Relay League Field Day events at Travis Nelson Park in Bratt and Ashton Brosnaham Park. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Molino 12U All-Star Softball Wins Area Tournament
June 20, 2024
The Molino 12U softball team won the area all-star tournament recently in Semmes, Alabama. Up next, they will be playing in the state all-start tournament in Alexander City, Alabama. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Blue Wahoos Fall In Lopsided Loss To Chattanooga
June 20, 2024
written by Bill Vilona
The fireworks and capacity crowd easily won the night for the Blue Wahoos.
As for the game, well, it quickly became a forgettable experience in the home dugout.
Chattanooga pounded its way to seven runs in the first three innings en route to a 9-1 victory Wednesday on a specially-crafted Juneteenth recognition night before 5,038 fans at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
The game ended with the Blue Wahoos’ Harrison Spohn being robbed of extra bases on a sensational leaping catch by Lookouts left fielder Quincy McAfee.
A variety of pregame activities outside and inside the ballpark created a festive atmosphere, presented by Escambia County commissioner Lumon May, which included 1,000 fans being provided free tickets, courtesy of various entities.
It was capped by a massive fireworks show – double the number of fireworks shells – lighting up the sky above the bay and downtown Pensacola.
The City of Pensacola, Escambia County, the Escambia-Pensacola Human Relations Commission and Community Relations Equal Employment Fair Housing all joined together for the ticket giveaway and unique event wrapped around the game.
The Blue Wahoos wore uniforms of the Pensacola Seagulls, members of the Negro Southern League, originally formed during segregated times.
It was the first time the Blue Wahoos hosted a Juneteenth celebration night event during a game.
Most of the crowd remained for the fireworks show that followed the game. The start of the display initiated the biggest cheers of the night.
There were few opportunities in the game.
The loss further hindered the Blue Wahoos’ (35-29) hopes of winning the first half South Division in the Southern League. They caught a break when the Birmingham Barons held on to beat the Montgomery Biscuits 4-3, keeping the Biscuits lead to 1.5 games with four games remaining in the first half schedule.
Blue Wahoos lefthander Adam Laskey, making only his second start, had his roughest outing of the season. He allowed seven runs on seven hits to absorb his first loss. He entered the game 3-0 with a 2.61 earned run average.
But on this night, the Lookouts were lights out with clutch hits. They scored their first eight runs with two outs.
The Lookouts (19-46), the Cincinnati Reds’ Double-A affiliate, entered this week’s series with by far the worst record across all levels of Minor League Baseball. They were 2-8 in their previous 10 games. They now have won the first two games of this final week of the first half.
Just like Tuesday’s series-opening win, Chattanooga blasted big hits. A two-run double from Francisco Urbaez was the big one in the second inning. There were two out, none on when the Lookouts rallied with three hits and a walk.
In the third, Justice Thompson, who had not homered this season, launched a three-run bomb as part of a four-run inning.
The Blue Wahoos meanwhile were issued eight walks in six innings from Lookouts starter Kevin Abel. But they were unable to score a run until pushing across an eighth inning run on an error.
GAME NOTABLES
— The game’s pregame activities began with youth football players from the Southern Youth Sports Association Tigers and the East Pensacola Tigers playing a 15-minute scrimmage in shorts out in centerfield. The idea was to help promote the Soul Bowl in October – a series of age division games between the teams at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
— The Brownsville Silver Seniors performed several songs prior to ceremonial first pitches.
— Blue Wahoos team owner Quint Studer and Escambia County commissioner Lumon May addressed the stadium crowd before the National Anthem. May led efforts to give 1,000 free tickets to fans visiting an information booth. The tickets came with a food voucher at the stadium concessions, along with a Blue Wahoos hat.
— A moment of silence was held prior to the National Anthem and tribute was read for Willie Mays, one of the game’s greatest players and a Birmingham, Alabama native, who died Tuesday at age 93. The crowd produced a loud applause in tribute.
— The National Anthem was performed by Marilyn Franklin.
— Prior to the start of the fireworks show, Pensacola mayor D.C. Reeves and May addressed the crowd, along with a video tribute to Juneteenth and various officials and community leaders gathered at home plate before the fireworks.
WANT TO GO?
WHO: Chattanooga Lookouts vs. Blue Wahoos
WHEN: Thursday, 6:05 p.m.
WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium
School Board Makes Leadership Changes At Tate, Pine Forest And George Stone
June 19, 2024
The Escambia County School Board Tuesday night made several leadership changes at school across the county.
For the North Escambia area, the board voted unanimously to approve the following recommendations from Superintendent Keith Leonard:
- Melanie McElhaney was promoted from assistant principal at Tate High School to principal at Pine Forest High School.
- Tate agriculture teacher Austin Courson is now assistant principal at Tate High School.
- Northview High School teacher Megan Carroll is now assistant principal at George Stone Technical College.
- Stephen Brooks was promoted from assistant principal to principal at George Stone.
Other appointments were:
- Tracie Carollo – subject area specialist, language arts
- Nicole Everette – principal, Myrtle Grove Elementary School
- Amy Gordon – principal, Pensacola High School
- Anne McGowan – assistant principal, Booker T. Washington High School
- Barbara Spears – subject area specialist, music/fine arts
The board vote was unanimous following a motion by board member Bill Slayton and a second by David Williams.
Pictured: Escambia County School Superintendent Keith Leonard and school board members with new administrators Austin Courson (top), Megan Carroll (first below), Melanie McElhaney (second below) and Stephen Brooks (bottom photo). Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Man Gets Life In Prison For 2022 Murder
June 19, 2024
A 31-year-old man has been sentenced to life in prison for an October 2022 murder in Escambia County.
A jury found Jacob Monroe Colville guilty of the October 29, 2022, first degree premeditated murder of Jesse Allen Geoghagan at a home on Medford Avenue. Jude Coleman Robinson immediately sentenced him to life.
Alyssa Marie Blackburn and Lawrence Bonner, Jr. were both indicted for principal to first degree premeditated murder with a firearm in the case.
On October 29, the ECSO responded to the 1000 block of Medford Avenue where they found Geoghegan. with multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.
Blackburn contacted the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office to report that he had been shot inside the residence.
Bonner allegedly gave Colville the gun used in the murder. According to the Sheriff’s Office, Colville shot Geoghagan twice inside a closet, before shooting him a “few more times” as he limped out of the bedroom.
They fled in a stolen 1996 Toyota Avalon, which was later found burning under the Mobile Highway Bridge over Eleven Mile Creek.
A security system in the residence captured the murder, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Blackburn and Bonner remain in jail without bond awaiting trial. Both are due back in court in mid-August.
House Ethics Probe Continues Into Matt Gaetz And Allegations Of Sexual Misconduct, Drug Use
June 19, 2024
The House Ethics Committee announced Tuesday that it will further review allegations against Northwest Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz involving sexual misconduct, illicit drug use and that he accepted improper gifts.
Gaetz has denied all of the allegations, and the committee said it has experienced “difficulty in obtaining relevant information from Representative Gaetz”.
“Based on its review to date, the Committee has determined that certain of the allegations merit continued review. During the course of its investigation, the Committee has also identified additional allegations that merit review,” the committee said in a statement Tuesday.
House investigators are looking further into accusations Gaetz “engaged in sexual misconduct and illicit drug use, accepted improper gifts, dispensed special privileges and favors to individuals with whom he had a personal relationship, and sought to obstruct government investigations of his conduct.” The complete statement and allegations are below.
Gaetz released the following statement on social media:
“The House Ethics Committee has closed four probes into me, which emerged from lies intended solely to smear me. Instead of working with me to ban Congressional stock trading, the Ethics Committee is now opening new frivolous investigations. They are doing this to avoid the obvious fact that every investigation into me ends the same way: my exoneration.
“This is Soviet. Kevin McCarthy showed them the man, and they are now trying to find the crime. I work for Northwest Floridians who won’t be swayed by this nonsense and McCarthy and his goons know it.”
(article continues below)
The following is the complete statement from the House Ethics Committee:
“On April 9, 2021, the Committee announced it had initiated a review into allegations that Representative Matt Gaetz may have engaged in sexual misconduct and/or illicit drug use, shared inappropriate images or videos on the House floor, misused state identification records, converted campaign funds to personal use, and/or accepted a bribe, improper gratuity, or impermissible gift, in violation of House Rules, laws, or other standards of conduct. The Committee deferred its consideration of the matter in response to a request from the Department of Justice (DOJ). In May 2023, the Committee reauthorized its investigation after DOJ withdrew its deferral request.
“There has been a significant and unusual amount of public reporting on the Committee’s activities this Congress. Much of that reporting has been inaccurate. The Committee’s investigations are conducted confidentially, but the Committee’s confidentiality rules do not prohibit witnesses from disclosing information about the Committee’s requests or conversations with Committee investigators. The Committee is confident in the integrity of its process.
“Representative Gaetz has categorically denied all of the allegations before the Committee. Notwithstanding the difficulty in obtaining relevant information from Representative Gaetz and others, the Committee has spoken with more than a dozen witnesses, issued 25 subpoenas, and reviewed thousands of pages of documents in this matter. Based on its review to date, the Committee has determined that certain of the allegations merit continued review. During the course of its investigation, the Committee has also identified additional allegations that merit review.
“Accordingly, the Committee is reviewing allegations pursuant to Committee Rules 14(a)(3) and 18(a) that Representative Gaetz may have: engaged in sexual misconduct and illicit drug use, accepted improper gifts, dispensed special privileges and favors to individuals with whom he had a personal relationship, and sought to obstruct government investigations of his conduct. The Committee will take no further action at this time on the allegations that he may have shared inappropriate images or videos on the House floor, misused state identification records, converted campaign funds to personal use, and/or accepted a bribe or improper gratuity.
“The Committee notes that the mere fact of an investigation into these allegations does not itself indicate that any violation has occurred. No other public comment will be made on this matter except in accordance with Committee rules.”
Tri-County Junior League All-Star Team Wins Section Championship
June 19, 2024
The Tri-County Junior League All-Star team won the Florida Section 1 Championship Tuesday evening.
With the win, Tri-County advances to state beginning July 5 in Melbourne, Florida. The team is organizing fundraisers for the trip, and the Jay Recreation Association already accepting donations via Paypal.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.