Escambia Man Charged With Bank Robbery
October 20, 2022
An Escambia County man has been arrested for the robbery of a Pensacola bank on Tuesday.
Dwayne Carlton McDonald, 48, was charged with first degree felony robbery with a firearm and use of a firearm during a felony.
Investigators said McDonald was the man that walked into the Hancock Whitney Bank on Creighton Road near Davis Highway on Tuesday wearing a black ski mask, red jacket and a pair of sunglasses. He walked to the counter, said “this is urgent”, placed a gun on the counter, and demanded cash, according to an arrest report. The cash was placed in a white trash bag with a red drawstring.
He then allegedly walked to a maroon van parked nearby and fled.
Witnesses said McDonald is a regular customer at the bank, and they recognized both his “northern” accent and the Town Country van.
Wednesday, deputies conducted a traffic stop on McDonald as he was leaving his residence and found a white plastic trash trash bag with red drawstring, and he appeared to be wearing the same shoes as the bank robbery suspect.
Based upon information obtained during an interview with McDonald, deputies located a white trash bag in a dumpster at a liquor store in the 7400 block of Pine Forest Road. The bag contained the red jacket, black mask, gray t-shirt and black pants seen in the bank’s surveillance video.
Investigators later found the gun used in the robbery and recovered cash, an arrest report states.
McDonald remained in the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $75,000.
Century Blackcats Look To Change Playbook From Football To STEM Education
October 20, 2022
As their season comes to an end, the Century Blackcats youth football program is looking to change their playbook from football to STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education. It’s a super idea, according to two-time Super Bowl champion and Century native Anthony Pleasant.
“We believe that if we want to transform the lives of young people and our community, we have to bring about tangible changes. So, we seek to ensure that our young people acquire these skills,” coach Tony Robinson of the Century Blackcats said.
Wednesday night, members of the Blackcats football team and their parents got a look at computer programming from two University of West Florida students, including a quick introduction to the Python programming language that the players will have a chance to learn.
They are hoping that computer programming will be just one of the things that will keep the Blackcats engaged when the football season ends.
“This will allow them to successfully compete in the world. That’s becoming more and more technologically connected and more competitive,” Robinson said.
“You have a choice to take what you have, your abilities, and you can either put them in a hole or you can use them,” local pastor and coach Kris Chancery said during a Biblical lesson. “That’s what your reward is going to be.”
“You guys have Coach Robinson and Coach Kris. Those men are trying to pour something in you,” Pleasant told the players. “They want to see you be successful; they want to see you be productive young men.”
For more photos, click or tap here.
Pictured top: Two-time Super Bowl champion and Century native Anthony Pleasant addresses the Century Blackcats Wednesday night. Pictured below: The team learned about STEM activities. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Free Rent In Century Building Ends For Startup Transportation Company. Now It’s $1 A Month.
October 20, 2022
A six month rent-free ride for a startup transportation company in a building owned by the Town of Century comes to an end Thursday as their rent increases to $1 a month.
In late April, the council approved a zero dollar, three month lease for space in the Century Business Center with Metro Rapid Transport and their for-profit non-emergency medical and other transportation service business. That lease was set to expire July 20.
Then in July, the council extended the agreement by three months to October 20. At that time, the council said they would renew the lease before it ended and consider future options. Metro Rapid officials requested the additional three months as they continued to work toward a positive cash flow.
This week, Metro Rapid officials told the council that they are continuing to work on building their business while serving the town. But, they said there have been delays and difficulties in receiving payment from Medicaid and Medicare for services already rendered.
Expressing a desire to help the local business succeed while noting the town has no other paying tenants in their Pond Street complex, the council opted to extend the Metro Rapid lease for three months at $1 a month. They will revisit a fair rent before the end of the term.
During their use of the town’s building, Metro Rapid is responsible for utility costs. Under the lease, Metro Rapid accepted the premises “as is” with the town having no responsibility for any repairs or alterations.
Metro Rapid also has non-exclusive right to use the paved parking surfaces and driveway. The lease also allows the company to use a portion of the property to the east of the Century Business Center as a bus parking area, but the buses and other vehicles are not allowed at the Century Business Center at any time. Their use is limited to overnight and temporary parking of less than 12 hours. They are not allowed to make any repairs or service the vehicles on the property.
ECSO Receives $549K Grant For Mental Health Services
October 20, 2022
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office has received a $549,000 mental health grant.
The grant will fund three deputies that will work with mental health clinicians from Lakeview Center, forming two co-responder teams. The teams will work alongside mental health professionals for mental health-related calls, and to provide immediate care and resources for community members in their time of need.
This will not only provide individuals with mental health-specific responses, but it will also free patrol deputies to answer other calls for service, according to the ECSO.
The Sheriff’s Office applied for the grant earlier this year as part of ECSO Mental Health Wellness Unit, led by Colonel Mindy Von Ansbach Young. The unit provides support to employees at the ECSO and works in conjunction with local mental health providers. The co-responder unit is the latest addition to the ECSO’s mental health initiatives.
“Utilizing crisis-based services in combination with law enforcement responses will expedite care and minimize the likelihood of law enforcement arrests, baker acts, and marchman acts,” Young said.
The $549,000 will not only be used to train deputies but will also fund the employees’ salaries for three years.
Cantonment Lodge Adopts Ransom Middle Teacher, Ernest Ward Middle
October 20, 2022
Cantonment Masonic Lodge #322 has adopted Ernest Ward Middle School and a teacher at Ransom Middle School as part of their “Adopt a School” and “Adopt a Teacher” programs.
During a Public Education and Citizenship Appreciation dinner, the Lodge honored Ernest Ward Middle Assistant Principal Tyvanna Boulanger. EWMS was adopted to help support their Positive Behavior Support program.
Ransom Middle teacher Trevor Webb was adopted as a first-year teacher.
Pictured top: The Cantonment Masonic Lodge recognized Ernest Ward Middle Assistant Principal Tyvanna Boulanger. Pictured below: Ransom Middle teacher Trevor Webb was adopted by the Lodge. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia County Names Teachers Of The Year
October 19, 2022
Escambia County Teachers of the Year have been announced.
One of them will be named the Escambia County School District’s overall Teacher of the year.
NorthEscambia.com will introduce you to many of the individual North Escambia area Teachers of the Year in the coming weeks.
The Teachers of the Year by school are:
Elementary Schools
- Jim Allen Elementary — Kristi Mims
- Bellview Elementary — Erin Bartush
- Beulah Elementary — Sara Smith
- Blue Angels Elementary — Mary Crisson
- Bratt Elementary — Pamela Trice
- Brentwood Elementary — Audrey Brown
- Hellen Caro Elementary — Andrea McGinnis
- N. B. Cook Elementary — Dawn Jackson
- Cordova Park Elementary — Jessica Stallings
- Ensley Elementary — Lashandra Dean
- Ferry Pass Elementary — Lisa Moss
- Global Learning Academy — Carmen Dones
- Holm Elementary — Michelle Davison
- Kingsfield Elementary School — Melanie Johnson
- Lincoln Park Elementary — Jamila Richardson
- Lipscomb Elementary — Holly Griffin
- Longleaf Elementary — Susan Watkins
- McArthur Elementary — Dawn Bechtol
- Molino Park Elementary — Christin Love
- Montclair Elementary — Kathryn Lovely
- Myrtle Grove Elementary — Mershun Deas
- Navy Point Elementary — Kayla Murray-Galloway
- Oakcrest Elementary — George Grace
- Pine Meadow Elementary — David Vaughn
- Pleasant Grove Elementary — Jacqueline Hogan
- Scenic Heights Elementary — Heather Gagnet
- O.J. Semmes Elementary — Krystin Johnson
- Sherwood Elementary — Nina Bryant
- A. K. Suter Elementary — Anna Harageones
- Warrington Elementary — Jennifer Godwin
- C. A. Weis Elementary — Sierra Yingst
- West Pensacola Elementary — Debbie Jewell
Middle Schools
- Bailey Middle School — Rachel Bryans
- Bellview Middle — Leslie Schottgen
- Beulah Middle — Danielle O’Connor
- Brown Barge Middle — Lauren Meiss
- Ernest Ward Middle — Michelle Thomas
- Ferry Pass Middle — Rebecca Duben
- Ransom Middle — Christopher Norris
- Warrington Middle — Sharde Wiggins
- Workman Middle — Tyrese Person
High Schools
- Escambia High School — Kylee Tullos
- Northview High School — Donna McMillan
- Pensacola High School — Lisette Guttery
- Pine Forest High School — Dr. Tonita Goldston
- Tate High School — Nikki Gill
- Washington High School — Gary Horne
- West Florida High School — Angela McFarland
Other Schools and Centers
- Escambia Westgate — Jimitre McMillan
- Achieve Academy — Angela Griffith
- Alternative Education — Karen Hutchinson
- Beulah Academy of Science — DeEdra Wesemann
- Capstone Academy — Angelique Smith
- Escambia Virtual — Linda Patti
- Hope Horizon — Elizabeth (Beth) Howard
- Success Academy — Allison Roberts
Leaders Discuss Escambia Gun Violence Solutions
October 19, 2022
Tuesday night, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office hosted a Gun Violence Round Table event to address gun violence and explore potential solutions.
Sheriff Chip Simmons said there have been 25 homicides so far this year, but none of them have been random, and none have been gang-related. The increase is not across the board; he said the number of violent crimes like aggravated assaults, robberies and sexual batteries not increasing.
“You may hear that crime is going up and up but statistically, that is not true in every benchmark,” Simmons said during the event at the Brownsville Community Center. “I can tell you that these numbers that are considered violent crime are at or below last year’s level.”
“When a gun discharges, we are missing a lot of shots fired calls because people become so immune to it in their community that they just figure that nothing can be done about it. That’s unacceptable,” Pensacola Police Chief Eric Randall said.
The group, consisting of city, county and state officials, agreed that it will take time to find the ultimate answer to gun violence in Escambia County. They plan to schedule additional meetings to work toward executing solutions.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
VFW Essay Contest Winners Named
October 19, 2022
Savanna Hudson has been named Northview High School’s winner of the Atmore VFW Post 7016 essay contest.
Second and third place winners of the “Why The Veteran Is Important” themed contest were Tyler Carach and Samantha Minchew. English teacher Vicki Baggett organizes the event for Northview, and selected teachers grade the essays.
They will now compete with other students from the area for scholarship opportunities.
Pictured: (L-R) Samantha Mitchell, Tyler Carach and Savanna Hudson. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Man Charged With DUI, Felony Grand Theft Of A Stop Sign
October 19, 2022
A Cantonment man charged with DUI and felony grand theft for allegedly stealing a stop sign after crashing into it.
Dean Micah Hatcher, 20, was charged with DUI, leaving the scene of a crash involving property damage and grand theft of a stop sign.
An Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputy responded to a prowler complaint on Old Bridge Road in Cantonment. He arrived to find Hatcher behind the wheel of a red GMC truck that was idling stationary with the rear half of the vehicle in the road and the front half in a driveway. The deputy also observed two stop signs in the back of the truck, a ong with the street signs for the intersection of Annie Bell Drive and Earl Gene Road. One of the stop sign poles had paint transfer from the truck that was consistent with damage to the front of the truck, all according to an arrest report.
The deputy and a responding Florida Highway Patrol Trooper both noted in the report that they could smell the odor of alcohol on Hatcher’s breath. A field sobriety test was conducted, and he was placed under arrest. He was released on a $4,000 bond.
Under Florida law, the theft of any stop sign is a felony offense.
Northview And Tate Fall In District Volleyball Tournament Play
October 19, 2022
Both Northview and Tate fell in district volleyball tournament play Tuesday.
In 6A District 1, Gulf Breeze defeated Tate in three straight, 25-17, 25-11, 25-9. Navarre will be at Gulf Breeze Thursday night for the district championship
The Aggies finished their season at 13-14 overall.
In 1A District 1, Baker beat Northview in three straight, 25-6, 25-17, 25-11.
Jay defeated Central 3-2 to advance to the district championship Thursday night against Baker.
Northview’s season ended at 6-11.
Pictured: Gulf Breeze at Tate earlier this season. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
