FHSAA Suspends Pace Player For Fight During Tate Game
October 28, 2011
A Pace High School football player has been suspended for six games for his involvement in a what was determined to be a fight last Friday night in a game against the Tate Aggies.
The Florida High School Athletic Association handed down the automatic suspension for senior defensive tackle Troy Gaoa for the incident at Tate’s Pete Gindl Stadium in Cantonment. Pace High is expected to appeal the ruling.
Two other area players received the automatic six game suspension earlier this year following an alleged altercation. Both Jay and Baker high schools appealed, and both suspensions were reduced.
Pictured above: Action from Tate and Pace last Friday night in Cantonment. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
In The Mail Monday: $250 Million In Escambia Tax Bills
October 28, 2011
Collection of the 2011 real estate and tangible personal property taxes will begin November 1, according to Janet Holley, Escambia County tax collector
This year’s tax rolls include 177,000 accounts totaling $250 million. Bills will be delivered to the post office on October 31 for mailing, and there will be a 4% discount for early payment is good through November 30..
Other discount periods are as follows: December‑‑3%; January‑‑2%; February‑‑1%; and the gross amount is due in March 2012. Taxes become delinquent April 1 and are assessed a 3% penalty. When mailed, discounts are determined by postmark of payment. When a discount period ends on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the discount period will be extended to the next business day for walk‑in customers only.
Tax revenue is generated for the various taxing authorities and is approximated as follows: District School Board, $120 million; Escambia County Board of County Commissioners, $107.4 million; City of Pensacola, $15.2 million; Sheriff, $6.6 million; Northwest Florida Water Management, $566,000; Downtown Improvement Board, $358,000; and Town of Century, $27,000. Additionally, MSBU collections totaling $13.9 million include: County fire protection, $10.5 million; City Stormwater, $2.5 million; and various others, $910,000.
Residents can check the status of their taxes and pay on the website at www.escambiataxcollector.com. Online payments are available, along with other options including payment by mail, by phone, or in person. If a tax bill is not received by November 10, call the tax collector’s office at (850) 438‑6500, ext. 252.
Flomaton Beats Excel
October 28, 2011
The Flomaton Hurricanes defeated the Excel Panthers Thursday night, 42-7. With the non-region win, the Canes finished their regular season at 9-1.
Neiko Robinson returned an interception 77 yards for a touchdown, plus scored on runs on 5 and 26 yard for the No. 7 Hurricanes. Dustin Postlewait had 117 yards rushing for Flomaton, along with touchdown runs of 19 and 12 yards. Quarterback Ryheem Dixon was close behind with 109 yards on a dozen carries and a 15-yard touchdown pass to Hunter Bonds.
Excel (3-7) had less than 120 yards total offense for the night.
Flomaton is No. 2 in 2A Region 1, behind No. 1 Leroy. As playoffs begin next Friday night, the Hurricanes will host Region 4’s number three team Billingsley.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge
One Toddler Shooting Suspect Extradited, Cantonment Man Still On The Run
October 27, 2011
One suspect in the July 15 shooting of a Pensacola toddler is now behind bars in Escambia County, while police continue to search for a Cantonment man in the case.
Shaquill Jerell Besst, 18, was transported Tuesday from Tangipahoa Parish Prison in Amite, LA, to the Escambia County Jail. His bond was set at $2 million during a Wednesday afternoon court appearance.
Authorities are still searching for former Cantonment resident Dwayne “Money” Pinestraw, 19. He is the suspected triggerman in the shooting a death of 19-month old Ty’Quarius Moultrie at a Pensacola Village apartment on Fairfield Drive.
Multiple shots were fired into the apartment back on July 15, according to Pensacola Police, killing Moultrie and wounding 23-year old Vincent Dennis.
Prior to the shooting, Besst and Pinestraw were reportedly robbed by two armed men as they sat in a car on a North Davis Highway gas station. Besst, Pinestraw, and two other men allegedly went to Pensacola Village a short time later and fired a .45 caliber gun through an apartment window.
Besst was taken into custody in August in Lousiana, while Pinestraw remains at large. Pinestraw’s last known address was on Lake Drive in Cantonment.
Pinestraw is a black male, approximately 5-feet 6-inches tall and approximately 130 pounds. He should be considered armed and dangerous, according to Pensacola Police.
Anyone having information on Pinestraw’s location or the shooting is asked to contact Lt. Doug Baldwin at (850) 435-1908, Detective James Reese at (850) 435-1976, or the Desk Sergeant’s Office at (850) 435-1900.
Century Man Charged With Grand Theft, Also Wanted In Alabama
October 27, 2011
A Century man is facing a felony charge after allegedly selling a stolen boat and two stolen boat motors as scrap, and he will be extradited to Alabama to face additional charges.
Joshua Duane Griffis, age 24 of North Century Boulevard, is charged with grand theft and was booked into the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $50,000.
On October 11, a resident of Elsie Davis Road in Century reported that during the previous weekend someone had stolen several items from his yard, including three used boat motors, a 14-foot aluminum boat and three Poulan chainsaws.
As part of their investigation, deputies contacted Advanced Environmental Recycling in Flomaton and discovered that on October 8 Griffis sold them an aluminum boat, two used boat motors and a Ford vehicle catalytic converter for $120.44, according to an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office arrest report.
The victim later identified the boat and motors as his property. On October 24, Griffis admitted to deputies during questioning that he was the person that sold the boat and motors to the Flomaton company, according to the arrest report.
Griffis has an outstanding warrant from Escambia County, Ala., for receiving stolen property second degree, according to the Escambia County (Fla.) Sheriff’s Office.
Judge: Lawsuit Against Conecuh Woods Landfill Can Proceed
October 27, 2011
An Alabama judge has ruled that a lawsuit can proceed against the developers behind the 5,100 acre Conecuh Woods landfill near Repton, Alabama.
Repton and Repton Mayor Terri Carter have been joined in the suit by a list of plaintiffs, including Escambia County, Ala.; Escambia County, Fla.; Century, Atmore, Brewton, Flomaton and the Escambia County (Fla.) Soil and Water Conservation District.
According to an Escambia County (Fla.) resolution, the county opposes the landfill because it poses a threat to Escambia River, Escambia Bay and Pensacola Bay, as well as the drinking water supply in the county.
In late April, attorneys filed the original suit in Conecuh County Circuit Court on behalf of Repton (pop. 280) and Carter seeking an injunction to block the 5,100 acre Conecuh Woods landfill. The landfill was approved 3-2 by the Conecuh County Commission just a week before the lawsuit was filed contending that the application violated applicable law and the public did not have ample opportunity to comment on the proposal.
Conecuh Woods’ landfill, will include a 1,600 acre “disposal cell” from Range to Repton to near the Big Escambia Creek. Big Escambia Creek flows southward into Escambia County, Alabama, Flomaton and drains through a North Escambia swamp into the Escambia River and then into Escambia and Pensacola bays.
Pictured: Repton (Ala.) Mayor Terry Carter explains her position against the landfill to the Century Town Council earlier this year. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Dept. Of Children And Families Impersonator Sought
October 27, 2011
Law enforcement is investigating at least two incidents where someone impersonated Department of Children and Families’ child protective investigators.
One incident occurred in Santa Rosa County when a mother received a call at work from an unknown male subject who identified himself as “Matt Lyles” and said he was an investigator with DCF. The man said he was investigating a case about her son having bruises. The called was described as very professional and he knew details about her family, including her name, phone number, place of employment, date of birth, address, child’s daycare, husband’s name and his place of employment.
After the phone call, the mother went to her son’s daycare, who said they had not been contacted and did not notify DCF about any issues. The daycare center contacted DCF but the agency did not have an open case with the family.
A second incident occurred in Bay County when an unknown male and female knocked on a family’s door and asked for their baby. The mother told them the baby was with another family member. The male was dressed in a dark-colored uniform that looked like law enforcement or security and the family said he was wearing a “weird” badge. The suspects never produced any identification or explained why they were there to see the child before leaving. The mother called the local DCF office and was informed there was no open case and no one had been sent to see her.
According to DCF, their investigators always carry proper identification. The identity of a DCF investigator can also be determined by calling a state hotline at (800) 962-2873 or a local DCF office.
Escambia Man Charged With DUI Manslaughter
October 27, 2011
An Escambia County man has been charged with DUI manslaughter in connection with a September crash.
The Florida Highway Patrol says Larry C. Johnson, 57, was traveling northbound in the southbound lane of Blue Angel Parkway in a 1995 Saturn at 9:35 p.m. on September 26 when he crashed head-on into a 2006 Land Rover driven by Tanieka Wilson, 29, of Hoover, Alabama. Wilson received minor injuries in the crash, while Johnson was transported to Baptist Hospital in critical condition.
Larry Johnson’s passenger, 54-year old Kenneth L. Johnson of West Palm Beach, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Florida High Patrol said Larry Johnson had a blood alcohol level of .293 at the time of the crash. Johnson surrendered and was booked into the Escambia County Jail on Wednesday morning, October 26. He was being held without bond.
Escambia County’s October Students Of The Month Named
October 27, 2011
Escambia County Students of the Month for October have been named by the Escambia Association for Administrators in Education. The awards are presented monthly to two or three students from participating schools.
The following students were named from participating North Escambia area schools:
- Bratt: Justin Cruce, fifth grade; Zykuria Fountain, kindergarten.
- Jim Allen: Christopher Daniel, fourth grade; Austin Skipper, fourth grade.
- Molino Park: Lillian Hatch, kindergarten; Brier Thompson, kindergarten.
- Ernest Ward: Ashley Davis, seventh grade; Bailee Hinote, sixth grade; Allison Woodfin, eighth grade.
- Ransom: Maurice Hendricks, sixth grade; Emma Jenkins, sixth grade.
- Northview: Devon Cottrell, 11th grade; Ashley Duncan, 11th grade.
- Tate: Madison Bell, 11th grade; Isaac Heller, 11th grade.
Here is the complete list from across Escambia County:
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
- Bellview: Marissa Balkum, kindergarten, Zharius Mayes, third grade.
- Beulah: Myah Harne, fourth grade; Kaitlin Weeden, fourth grade.
- Blue Angels: Brayden Miculka, first grade; Olivia Wells, first grade.
- Bratt: Justin Cruce, fifth grade; Zykuria Fountain, kindergarten.
- Brentwood: Jonathan Cook, first grade; Drake Kelley, first grade.
- Cordova Park: Joel Lett, fourth grade; Ashley Van Matre, fourth grade.
- Ferry Pass: Ayden Bailey, first grade; Julianna Reagin, first grade.
- Global Learning Academy: Joshua Jones, kindergarten; Isaiah Turner, kindergarten.
- Helen Caro: Jazlyn Caza, fourth grade; Brianna Cox, fifth grade.
- Holm: Everett Audorff, fifth grade; Michelle Luther, fifth grade.
- Jim Allen: Christopher Daniel, fourth grade; Austin Skipper, fourth grade.
- Lipscomb: Maddison Harte, third grade; Railynn Hughes, second grade.
- Longleaf: Kaetlen Hamlet, fourth grade; Tiera Robinson, fourth grade.
- McArthur: Jacob Caldwell, fourth grade; Nicholas Piazza, third grade.
- Molino Park: Lillian Hatch, kindergarten; Brier Thompson, kindergarten.
- Montclair: Trevor Tucker, fourth grade; Charlize Wilson, fourth grade.
- Myrtle Grove: Zachary Batten, fourth grade; Breanna Ellard, fourth grade.
- Navy Point: Jada Johnson, fourth grade; Jeffrey Sinclair, first grade.
- Oakcrest: Jasmyne Davis, fourth grade; Jessica Jones, fourth grade.
- Pine Meadow: Angelina Adams, first grade; Skyler Matson, first grade.
- Pleasant Grove: Emily Johnson, kindergarten; Alexander Mejia, kindergarten.
- Semmes: Dilan Adams, fifth grade; Dajuan Thomas, fifth grade.
- Sherwood: Isaiah Brown, fourth grade; Jaynessa Westfall, fourth grade.
- Suter: Chloe Eads, fourth grade; Danielle Ward, fourth grade.
- Warrington: Abrianna Skipper, third grade; Amayia White, third grade.
- Weis: Teya Baldwin, fourth grade; Arianna Riley, fourth grade.
- West Pensacola: Gabriela Guillen-Guillen, first grade; Joshua Smith, first grade.
MIDDLE SCHOOL
- Bailey: Jeffrey Nelson, seventh grade; Maya Woods, seventh grade.
- Bellview: Kayla Knight, eighth grade; Joseph Milsteen, eighth grade.
- Brown Barge: Thomas Cummins, eighth grade; Allyson McGuffin, seventh grade.
- Ernest Ward: Ashley Davis, seventh grade; Bailee Hinote, sixth grade; Allison Woodfin, eighth grade.
- Ferry Pass: Allison Davies, seventh grade; Austin White, seventh grade.
- Ransom: Maurice Hendricks, sixth grade; Emma Jenkins, sixth grade.
- Warrington: Cassandra Harrison, eighth grade; Ti’quilla Hosea, eighth grade.
- Woodham: Da’shawn Clark, seventh grade; Leslie Degraaf, seventh grade.
- Workman: Maximilian Levesque, seventh grade; Lindsey Mitchell, seventh grade.
HIGH SCHOOL
- Northview: Devon Cottrell, 11th grade; Ashley Duncan, 11th grade.
- Pine Forest: Alyssa Enrile, 10th grade; Joseph Gammons, 12th grade.
- Tate: Madison Bell, 11th grade; Isaac Heller, 11th grade.
- Washington: Victor Nall, 11th grade.
- West Florida: Joseph Clark, 12th grade; Amber Reeves, 10th grade.
Pictured top left: Northview October Students of the Month Devon Cottrell and Ashley Duncan. Pictured top right: Ernest Ward Students of the Month for October Bailee Highnote (standing), Allison Woodfin (left), and Ashley Davis. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Education Commissioner Recommends Tougher FCAT Scoring
October 27, 2011
Education Commissioner Gerard Robinson said Wednesday he will recommend new “cut” scores that will be used to determine a student’s score on the FCAT 2.0 and new Algebra 1 end-of-course assessment. .
These scores will be used to determine whether a student’s score is labeled at a Level One (the lowest) all the way up to Level Five (the highest). The new scores will be recommended for FCAT 2.0 Reading in grades 3-7 and in FCAT 2.0 in mathematics in grades 3-8 and in all Algebra 1 end-of-course exams. The remaining grades need more time for public input before recommending cut scores, Robinson said.
The State Board of Education will consider whether to approve the new scores at its December meeting.
“Our state has long-established high expectations for our students,” Robinson said in a statement. “As we move forward, it is vitally important that students are well prepared to move to the next level.”