Tate Showband Of The South Has A New Director
July 27, 2024
The Tate High School Showband of the South has a new director.
Ronald B. Gray Jr. has been named the director of bands at Tate. Within the Tate Department of Fine Arts, his responsibilities include teaching the wind ensemble, concert band, Showband of the South, and jazz band.
Before his tenure at Tate, Gray served as the director of bands at Pine Forest High School for seven years, where he also held the position of Fine and Performing Arts department chair. At Pine Forest, he taught wind ensemble, instrumental techniques, jazz band, and sound engineering.
Under his leadership and with the support of the administrative faculty, staff, and community, the Pine Forest Super Sound Band became a staple in the community and achieved superior ratings for the first time in over a decade.
Gray also served as an adjunct professor in the College of Education at Florida A&M University, where he taught instrumental methods.
A native of Fort Lauderdale, Gray graduated from Stranahan High School before earning a Bachelor of Science in Music from Florida A&M University. During his time at FAMU, he held positions as a student assistant to the director of bands and university band president. He later obtained a master’s degree in music, with a concentration in brass performance, from the University of South Alabama.
Gray is a proud husband and father who loves fishing and “burning chicken on the grill”.
Navy Federal Employees Honored By Manna For Volunteer Efforts
July 27, 2024
Navy Federal Credit Union received the Manna Gold President’s Volunteer Service Award earlier this year for their employees’ volunteer efforts in 2023.
To qualify for the Gold President’s Volunteer Service Award, more than 500 volunteer hours must be given. Last year, Navy Federal Credit Union employees gave more than 1,345 hours – the equivalent of 27,036 healthy meals for neighbors in need in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, according to Mann.
Navy Federal Credit Union employees gave the most volunteer hours out of all Manna volunteer groups in 2023.
Each of the volunteers gave time out of their workweek to help Manna gross and fine sort food items, date- and quality-check food items, pack food bags and boxes, and a variety of other operational activities. The support of Navy Federal Credit Union employees was recognized at the 2024 Manna Volunteer Appreciation Dinner.
“Our team members go above and beyond to champion our communities,” said Jackie Biggs, senior vice president of Greater Pensacola and Contact Center Operations. “We are all in to help each other and aim to leave a positive footprint that is authentically driven by our service and culture of giving back. Our partnership with Manna helps us fight food insecurity in our region, and we’re so grateful for the chance to support our neighbors in need.”
In 2023, a total of 4,295 volunteers gave more than 13,691 hours of service to Manna – the equivalent of 261,229 healthy meals for neighbors in need. Manna hosts volunteer groups Monday through Friday on a scheduled basis throughout the entire year. Volunteer support makes Manna’s work in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties possible.
Pine Meadow’s Cassi McGee Received Florida Outstanding Teacher Leadership Award
July 27, 2024
Escambia County’s teacher of the year, Cassi McGee of Pine Meadow Elementary School has received the 2024 Outstanding Teacher Leadership Award at the Florida Teacher of the Year Gala.
The award is given to a teacher who believes that every student deserves to have a teacher that is better than the best teacher any of us ever had.
McGee has been employed by the district since 2005, when she began as a fifth grade teacher at Scenic Heights Elementary. She stayed in that position until she transferred to Pine Meadow Elementary, where she still teaches today.
McGee’s students have consistently achieved learning gains and met and surpassed state-mandated benchmarks. In 2022-2023, 90% of her students made learning gains in math, with an average rise from a level 2 to 3. She has also been a valuable asset at Pine Meadow as the Math Committee Chair and is active in the Writing and Language Arts committees. Thirteen years ago at Pine Meadow, she started the safety patrol program for fifth-grade students, which is still thriving. She also serves as a coach for Pine Meadow’s award-winning Math and Battle of the Books teams each year.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Man, 75, Arrested For Child Porn After FDLE, NCIS Investigation
July 27, 2024
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) has arrested an Escambia County man on child porn charges.
Lessly Howard Robison, 75, was charged with 20 felony counts of possession of child sex abuse material and one felony count of using a two-way communication device to facilitate a felony.
The investigation began in October of 2022 after agents discovered a peer-to-peer file sharing user downloading child sexual abuse material. Files were downloaded onboard the Pensacola Naval Air Station and off-base. Through the investigative partnership between FDLE and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) agents identified Robison as the user.
Agents served a search warrant at Robison’s residence and seized his laptop. A forensic preview of the laptop located numerous images depicting the sexual abuse of children, FDLE said.
The case is being investigated by the FDLE Pensacola Cyber Squad with assistance from NCIS.
Lessly was released from the Escambia County Jail on a quarter million bond.
Escambia County Youth Employment Program Celebrates Future Workforce
July 27, 2024
Escambia County recently completed another cycle of the Summer Youth Employment Program, helping nearly 200 local youth gain valuable on-the-job experience while working toward their future career goals.
Through the paid internship program, participating youth worked up to 30 hours per week in various county departments, learning a variety of practical job skills along with workplace etiquette such as professional dress, timeliness and respect.
“Our Summer Youth Employment Program is one of the most important programs we offer at Escambia County, because it gives young people an opportunity to experience a professional workplace while helping them determine what career path they may want to pursue,” District 3 Commissioner Lumon May said. “The mentorship and job experience they gain from this program is invaluable, and I’m so proud of all of our participants for their hard work and dedication all summer long. I know their futures are very bright, and I’m excited to see the impact they will make in our community and beyond.”
In addition to learning new skills through their day-to-day work duties, program participants received job readiness training and post-employment briefings, which provided them feedback about their job performance. Youth worked in a variety of county departments this summer, including Animal Welfare, Building Services, Community and Media Relations, Development Services, District 3 County Commissioners Office, Engineering/Traffic, Extension Services, Facilities Management, IT, Library Services, Escambia County Area Transit, Natural Resources Management, Neighborhood and Human Services, Parks and Recreation and Public Safety. Summer youth employees also participated in internships with Community Action Program Committee, Community Health Northwest Florida, Escambia County Public Schools and the Supervisor of Elections Office through the program.
Escambia County’s 2024 Summer Youth Employment Program participants were recognized by D May and Neighborhood and Human Services staff for their hard work this summer during a ceremony at the Brownsville Community Center.
Spohn Delivers 3 RBIs As Blue Wahoos Delight With Win Against Shuckers
July 27, 2024
written by Bill Vilona
Harrison Spohn was just trying to continue his baseball career two years ago, following five collegiate seasons and a long-shot opportunity as an undrafted free agent.
“I don’t take any of this for granted,” said Spohn, the Blue Wahoos’ starting shortstop, who played at California Baptist before accepting a chance in the Miami Marlins minor league system. “It’s been a dream come true.”
Another special memory occurred Friday night when Spohn drove went drove home three runs on two singles, leading the Blue Wahoos to an 8-4 victory against the Biloxi Shuckers in front of a sellout crowd (5,038) at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
The score matched the Blue Wahoos’ victory Tuesday in the series opener. But this one had a different feel.
The Blue Wahoos at the plate produced seven hits, reached six other times on walks and struck out just six times. They seized control early with a 4-run second inning.
After Joe Mack was hit by a pitch and Nathan Martorella – the star of Thursday’s win – reached on a fielder’s choice, Sean Roby then walked to load the bases. Dalvy Rosario’s infield chopper scored Mack, then Spohn followed with a two-run double. Shane Sasaki completed the rally with an RBI single.
Eight of the nine batters in the lineup reached base in a game where the Blue Wahoos opened a 7-1 lead in the fifth inning and got their normal boost from the bullpen to finish the game.
“It was good to get going in that second inning,” Spohn said.It continued in the fifth inning when Jacob Berry’s 2-run single completed 3-run rally. Paul McIntosh started with an RBI single that scored Sasaki.
On the mound, Blue Wahoos starter Paul Campbell was designated for a limited outing, as he recovers from an injury. His last start was June 8. He was strong on Friday night, allowing no hits in his three innings and retiring nine of the 10 batters he faced.
Adam Laskey worked the next four innings, allowing three runs, followed by Woo-Suk Go, who pitched a scoreless eighth and Raffi Vizcaíno, who finished in the ninth.
The Blue Wahoos (52-41 overall) are now 15-6 this season against the Shuckers.
The Blue Wahoos will now try to claim the series on Saturday against the Shuckers
The Blue Wahoos will send righthander Jeff Lindgren (1-1, 4.21 ERA) on the mound. The Shuckers will throw right-hander Logan Henderson (4-2, 3.71). Pregame activities begin at 5:45 to include ceremonial first pitches. The actual game first pitch is at 6:05 p.m.
After Friday’s home game, the Blue Wahoos now have 20 home games remaining in the regular season. They are 28-21 this season at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
Highway 168 Bridge Reopened Friday After Repair Completed
July 26, 2024
A North Escambia bridge that abruptly closed July 3 after it it failed a state inspection has reponed.
The Highway 168 bridge over Hobbs Branch, about three-quarters of a mile east of Pine Barren Road near Bratt, was expected to be closed about 90 days for repairs, according to Escambia County officials.
Escambia County said a permanent repair was completed by Gulf Marine Construction, Inc. , the prime contractor who performed the work on the bridge.
The bridge was reopened Friday with the same weight restrictions as before the closure. The weight restriction is 24 tons for a two-axle vehicle, 28 tons for three axles.
The short wood bridge with a concrete deck was built in 1965.
When NorthEscambia.com photographed the bridge July 3, it was obvious that at least one wooden support was extremely deteriorated and almost completely broken in two (pictured below). It was not possible to photograph the same support the afternoon of July 26 due to a higher water level in the branch.
The Pine Barren Road and Bratt Road detour remains in place for Highway 4 as work continues to complete a new bridge. At last report, completion was expected by late July, barring any weather delays.
Pictured above and first photo below: The Highway 168 bridge over Hobbs Branch on July 26. Pictured last three photos below: The same bridge on July 3. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Bicyclist Critical After Being Struck By Vehicle In Century
July 26, 2024
A bicyclist was critically injured when he was struck by a vehicle Friday morning in Century.
It happened about 9:30 a.m. in the area of the Billy G. Ward Courthouse on North Century Boulevard.
The 44-year-old was airlifted by LifeFlight helicopter to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola. An update on his condition was not available.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Two Century Correctional Officers Charged With Smuggling Drugs Into The Prison
July 26, 2024
Two Century Correctional Institution correctional officers have been were arrested this week for
Ysuna Myteria Staples, age 29 of Atmore, was charged with delivery of synthetic cannabinoids and smuggling contraband into a prison.
Brandi Shaniece Major, age 29 of Mobile, was charged with delivery of synthetic cannabinoids, smuggling contraband into a prison, and trafficking methamphetamine.
All of the charges are felonies.
In February, Staples and Major were subject to random “pat-downs” before entering the prison for their shifts.
“During these pat-downs, items were felt on each officer’s person that appeared to be contraband,” an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputy wrote in his report.
According to the arrest report:
Major was asked and voluntarily removed three plastic packages from her pants that contained 166.5 grams of methamphetamine and 269 grams of MDPV (methylenedioxypyrovalerone, commonly known as “bath salts”).
Staples was asked and voluntarily removed a single plastic package of 165.5 grams of spice.
The incident was captured on Century CI surveillance cameras.
Major was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $100,000 bond. Staples was released on a $30,000 bond.
More Details Released In Case Of Man Accused Of Killing Estranged Wife
July 26, 2024
Update: The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office initially said the dog that was shot died at the vet after being shot, but said Friday that they were giving incorrect information. The dog is continuing to recover.
More details have been released in the case of an Escambia County man is accused of murdering his estranged wife, who was reported missing, and shooting a dog.
Timothy Joseph Kramer, 51, was charged with first-degree premeditated murder for the death of his wife, 47-year-old Rosa Maria Kramer, and aggravated animal cruelty for the shooting the dog.
An arrest reports says Rosa Kramer left her husband Timothy about two weeks ago and had been living with someone else.
About 6 a.m. Tuesday, she returned to the couple’s former home in the 2600 block of Hillcrest Avenue, about a block from Longleaf Elementary School, in order to collect her belongings before he was to return home from work about 8 a.m.
The report states he actually got off from his overnight job at PetSmart on Davis Highway and returned home about 5 a.m. and parked his truck in the backyard of the home in an attempt to conceal it behind a privacy fence, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said.
Rosa Kramer was reported missing after she missed taking her father to a doctor’s appointment.
The report states a concerned individual called and texted her phone several times with no response. He then messaged her on Facebook, receiving a reply that she was having a drink at the beach. The arrest report states the man messaged back saying “Timothy better not have done anything,” to which a reply was received stating “he did nothing but give me my stuff and I left”.
About 11:30 p.m. Tuesday, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office issued a notice that 47-year-old Rosa Maria Kramer was missing and was last seen about 6 a.m. Tuesday. The sheriff’s office said that time that she was in the company of Timothy Kramer.
The ECSO pinged the phone of both Kramers, with only response from Timothy’s phone at a Milton apartment complex.
The report states Milton Police located him there with a woman who said Timothy contacted her and said he had just shot Rosa in self-defense. Deputies found that her story was true, and she was not charged as an accessory.
Deputies went to the Hillcrest Avenue home and found Rosa deceased in a bedroom with two gunshot wounds, one of which was in her head. A dog was also found with a gunshot wound to the mouth. It was transported to a veterinarian for treatment.
Timothy Kramer requested a lawyer and refused to speak to investigators, the report says. He remained in the Escambia County Jail Thursday morning without bond.