Trial Delayed After Mom’s Attorney Withdraws In Tate High Homecoming Queen Case
January 29, 2022
Trial has been postponed for the former school official accused of illegally accessing student information to help her daughter win the Tate High School homecoming queen crown.
Laura Carroll appeared in an Escambia County courtroom Friday as a judge allowed her attorney, Randy Etheridge. to withdraw from the case. Etheridge filed the motion to withdraw due to a conflict of interest. He stated the main conflict of interest involves Carroll’s daughter Emily Rose Grover and the likelihood that she will be called to the stand.
Etheridge said he previously thought the case would end with a plea deal and not go to trial. Prosecutors said Carroll was offered a plea deal that she rejected — plead guilty to one felony and received probation, while the other felony charges would be dropped.
Trial was originally set to begin next week, but has now been set for April to allow Carroll’s new attorney, Chris Crawford, to prepare.
Carroll, former assistant principal at Bellview Elementary School, and her daughter Emily Rose Grover were charged by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement with one count each of felony offenses against users of computers, computer systems, computer networks, and electronic devices; felony unlawful use of a two-way communications device, felony criminal use of personally identifiable information, and conspiracy to commit these offenses.
Grover is entering a pre-trial diversion program that, if successfully completed, will result in the charges against her being dismissed.
Both were accused of illegally accessing the Escambia County School District FOCUS computer system and casting 246 votes for Tate homecoming queen in the fall of 2020. Grover won, but she was later expelled.
NorthEscambia.com photo (left) and Escambia County Jail photos, click to enlarge.
Escambia Records 3,180 New COVID-19 Cases, 32 Deaths Last Week
January 29, 2022
There were 3,180 new COVID-19 cases and 32 deaths reported over the last week in Escambia County, according to the Florida Department of Health and the CDC. There were 3,193 cases reported during the previous week and 5,010 two weeks ago.
Here is the latest data from FDOH and the CDC:
Escambia County cases:
Total cases: 72,938 (+3,180)
Positivity rate last week: 41.52%
Current Case Rate per 100k: 1,000
People vaccinated: 168,464 (+375)
Full vaccination rate (age 5+): 57.5%
New hospital admissions: 296
Current hospitalizations (as of Friday): 245
Total deaths reported last 7 days: 32
Santa Rosa County cases:
Total cases: 44,198 (+2,278)
Positivity rate last week: 41.14%
Current Case Rate per 100k: 1,232
People vaccinated: 97,804 (+226)
Full vaccination rate (age 5+): 55.6%
New hospital admissions: 36
Total deaths last 7 days: <10
Statewide cases:
Florida resident cases: 5,478,671 (+198,719)
Case positivity rate: 26.4%
Case Rate per 100k: 904..3
Deaths: 64,955 (+206)
Data sources: CDC, Florida Department of Health, Escambia County
No Serious Injuries In Highway 95A Rollover Wreck
January 28, 2022
There were no serious injuries in a rollover wreck Friday on Highway 95A south of East Roberts Road.
The crash about 9 a.m. involved two cars, with a Chevrolet Cruze coming to rest upside down. Both drivers refused transport by Escambia County EMS.
The Ensley Station of Escambia County Fire Rescue responded, and the Florida Highway Patrol is investigating.
Reader submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Nine Mile, Highway 29 Corridor Project Is Finally Complete, FDOT Says
January 28, 2022
The Florida Department of Transportation says Nine Mile Road and Highway 29 are now complete.
The $100 million corridor improvement project included the widening and improvement of Nine Mile Road in different sections from Highway 29 to Beulah Road. Work on Highway 29 was from East 10 Mile Road to I-10.
When announced in 2016, the Nine Mile Road project that was due to be completed in 2019 faced several delays — including Hurricanes Michael and Sally plus other tropical systems.
For more aerial photos, click to tap here.
Photos courtesy FDOT for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Molino Man Flees As State Trooper Attempts Traffic Stop
January 28, 2022
A Molino man was arrested after allegedly fleeing in his vehicle from a state trooper Wednesday afternoon.
Kevin Ashton Pippins, 25 was charged with fleeing and eluding law enforcement with lights and siren active, and driving while license suspended as a habitual offender.
A Florida Highway Patrol trooper attempted to perform a traffic stop on Pippins’ vehicle on Highway 29 at North Tate School Road.
“The car fled,” FHP Lt. Jason King said. “For safety, our trooper decided not to pursue.”
King said Pippins was later located in the area of Filly Road and Kingsfield Road and taken into custody.
He was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $10,000 bond on Thursday.
Several North Escambia Railroad Crossing Closures Planned For Next Week, Including Quintette Road
January 28, 2022
There will be temporary closures of several CSX railroad crossings beginning Monday in the North Escambia area.
The temporary closures will be at the railroad crossings as follows:
- Quintette Road (detoured to Highway 90)
- Barth Road
- Brickyard Road
- Cottage Hill
- Fairground Road
- Daffin Road
“The roads above will be temporarily closed at different times throughout the closure period depending on maintenance schedule,” according to a news release from Escambia County. Specific dates and times have not been provided.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
From A Mayor To A Sheriff, Guest Readers Help Celebrate Literacy Week In Escambia County
January 28, 2022
The Escambia County School District is continuing to celebrate Literacy Week with activities and events at schools across the district.
Many schools have had guest readers throughout the week.
Thursday, Century Mayor Ben Boutwell read to students at Byrneville Elementary School, where it was also “alien day”.
Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons and Commander Andy Hobbs read to a kindergarten class at Beulah Elementary School where students were celebrating the 100th day of school.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Jay High Gym Dedicated As ‘John Clarence Smith Gymnasium’ In Honor Of Legendary Coach
January 28, 2022
The Jay High School gym was renamed the “John Clarence Smith Gymnasium” during a Thursday night ceremony.
Smith, now 96-years old, is a legendary coach and an iconic figure in the community.
He coached the Jay Royals for 36 seasons, from 1951 to 1989, with 613 career wins.
Smith graduated from Jay High School as salutatorian in 1944. The World War II veteran was an educator in Santa Rosa County for 38 years.
In 1991, he was inducted as a charter member of the Florida High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame.
Players from four decades were on hand for the celebration.
Photos: The John Clarence Smith Gymnasium dedication ceremony Thursday night. Photos courtesy WEAR 3 for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Florida Dept. Of Environmental Protection Fines Town Of Century Over Fuel Tank Violation
January 27, 2022
The Florida Department of Environmental (FDEP) has fined the Town of Century for failing to follow Florida statutes and code regarding two fuel storage tanks.
A February 2021 inspection found that leak detection gauges were damaged on two above ground petroleum storage tanks at the town shop on Alger Road. In addition, the department found the town failed to conduct annual operability testing of the devices. One tank contained 2,000 gallons of unleaded gasoline, and the second tank contained 2,000 gallons of vehicle diesel fuel.
The Florida Department of Health in Escambia County, on behalf of FDEP, conducted the inspection and sent the town a letter explaining the findings and requesting a response within 15 days. The town did not respond, according to state documents, and the case was referred to FDEP for formal enforcement action.
According to an October 13, 2021, letter from FDEP, actions were completed to bring the tanks into compliance, but the department proposed $3,000 in civil penalties plus $250 for costs and expenses with payment in full due by November 5, 2021.
In January 2022, FDEP reduced the proposed civil penalties to $750 plus $250 for costs and expenses.
“The Respondent (Town of Century) requested a reduction in the penalty based on good communication with the Department (FDEP), urgency resolving the violations after discovery, and the low-income status of the municipality which owns and operates the facility. The facility has also implemented a system of calendar alerts for annual and periodic regulation requirements to prevent the violations from occurring again,” according to a FDEP letter to the town.
The Town Council, told that the fine was due to a lack of communication, approved paying the $1,000. Payment in full is due by February 8.
On January 20, NorthEscambia.com made a public records request to the town for “the documentation referenced in the discussion Tuesday night (during a council meeting) about a state fine regarding a town fuel tank, including the settlement agreement and notice(s)”. The public records had not been received as of this story’s publication the morning of January 27. NorthEscambia.com instead obtained documents from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for this story.
Pictured top: The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has fined the Town of Century for faulty leak detection gauges on two fuel storage tanks located at the town shop. The photos below, according to FDEP, show damaged gauges on the fuel tanks. Photos courtesy FDEP for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Pensacola Children’s Chorus Forms New Tri-City Children’s Choir For Century, Flomaton, Jay
January 27, 2022
The Tri-City Children’s Choir (TCCC) has been formed as regional initiative of the Pensacola Children’s Chorus.
TCCC will welcome young singers in grades 2-6 who reside in the Century, Flomaton, Jay and surrounding area.
The choir will be under the direction of Holley Driver, a Century-based music teacher.
“I believe this is a wonderful opportunity for the children in our community because locally, not driving a great distance, or driving to the city, or going downtown Pensacola, but locally, they will receive cultural, academic, and social growth fostered by participating in a choir with like minded peers and they will be exposed to a high quality level of musical training and musicianship,” Driver said.
Singers will meet weekly on Thursdays, with the spring session March 3-May 12 from 4:30 until 5:15 p.m. at Century First United Methodist Church, 530 Church Street. TCCC is a tuition-based program and costs $5-$15 per week. Families may choose the weekly amount that works best for their household finances, and scholarships are also available.
Alex M. Gartner, artistic and executive director of the Pensacola Children’s Chorus, said making music with others provides children with an opportunity for immense personal and social growth.
“By studying music, participating in rehearsals, and sharing performances with the community, singers learn invaluable lessons in responsibility, teamwork, accountability, empathy, and confidence,” Garner said. “In this, TCCC not only strives to inspire talented young musicians, but to mold them into assured individuals and powerful contributors to their community.”
For more information on joining the choir, or make a contribution, visit www.tricitychoir.org. Registration officially opens February 1.
Driver taught music in the Escambia County School District for over 15 years, served as the choral director at Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Molino for nine years, and teaches in her own studio.