Warrington Preparatory Academy Rescinds $7.4 Million Grant Request for Industry Certifications

Escambia County, FL (Newsradio 92.3) -- Warrington Preparatory Academy has rescinded its request for a $7.4 million grant from Triumph Gulf Coast aimed at funding industry certifications. According to the PNJ, school administrators say they are walking away from the grant due to "insurmountable" challenges. Despite this decision, the school says they were able to help students earn hundreds of industry certifications without using grant funds. The school says some grant requirements such as having no air space restrictions around the school and required documentation proved to be too difficult to adhere to. Administrators say they do plan to work with Triumph on future grant opportunities. Triumph Gulf Coast said the school had completed the necessary steps to secure the grant but never requested funds.

Nearly 1,000 Personnel from Guantanamo Bay Relocated to NAS Pensacola Ahead of Hurricane Melissa

Pensacola, FL (Newsradio 92.3) -- Nearly 1,000 non-mission essential staff from Naval Station Guantanamo Bay in Cuba were flown into NAS Pensacola on Saturday night due to the intensifying Hurricane Melissa.

"Just really appreciate the leadership that the Captain (Capt. Chandra Newman) is showing, as they are mustering together a lot of resources," Congressman Jimmy Patronis tells our news partners at Channel 3. "Working with the red cross and other parties to make sure there is adequate hot meals and bedding as the storm needs to pass through>"

Evacuees are being lodged at NAS Pensacola's Navy Lodge and Navy Inn. Hundreds of pets were also flown in and are being housed in a makeshift kennel. The USO of Northwest Florida was able to collect pet food through generous community donations and has already collected enough food and pet items to pause their donation efforts. The USO says there could be further donation efforts as they assess the needs of the evacuees.

There's no word on how long the Navy personnel and their pets will be here in Pensacola.

16-Year-Old Critcially Hurt in Accidental Shooting in Walnut Hill

Escambia County, FL (Newsradio 92.3) -- A teenager was critically hurt after an accidental shooting at a party on Sunday morning. Another teen is facing charges related to the incident. It happened at a property on South Highway 99 and Morgan Road in Walnut Hil. Deputies say the teen that fired the weapon was charged with grand theft of a firearm and possession of a firearm by a minor. He is not charged with the actual shooting -- as that was deemed accidental. The teen who suffered a gunshot wound was flown to the hospital in critical condition. The incident remains under investigation.