Florida Department Of Corrections To Hold Guard And Reserve Hiring Event
September 24, 2014
The Florida Department of Corrections is partnering with the National Guard to recruit staff with the skills and experience that will help it ensure the safety of Florida families and increase its retention efforts.
The DOC will hold a Guard and Reserve hiring event on Thursday, September 25 at the Florida National Guard Armory on Grow Street in Pensacola from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
Applicants will need their driver’s license, social security card, military ID, DD-214(member 4), high school diploma or GED, birth certificate or proof of citizenship, 10 years of residence history, five years of employment history (name, address, phone number and dates), and name change documentation(marriage, divorce) for the application process. Applicants will also have the opportunity to take the Criminal Justice Battery Aptitude Test (CJBAT) on site. Applicants who wish to take the CJBAT will need to bring a money order in the amount of $18 made payable to the Florida Department of Corrections.
For more information, call (904) 553-0265 or email Penelope.L.Justice.ctr@mail.mil.
Century, Jay Mayors Serve On Northwest Florida League Of Cities Board
September 24, 2014
The board of directors of the Northwest Florida League of Cities met recently in Jay. Century Mayor Freddie McCall (back row, second from left) and Jay Mayor Kervin Qualls (back row, third from left) are Board Members. The NWFLC is made up of municipalities from Escambia County to Jefferson County, just east of Tallahassee. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Florida Firefighters Head To California Wildfires
September 24, 2014
With California facing wildfires amid a drought, Florida this week sent 40 firefighters to help with a major blaze east of Sacramento, according to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
.
Two crews made up of 34 Florida Forest Service firefighters deployed Tuesday to battle what is known as the King Fire. They will do such jobs as creating fire breaks around the blaze.
Also, six Forest Service workers will help in other positions related to controlling the King Fire.
“Thanks to our current low fire danger in Florida, we are able to offer our skilled firefighters to western states while continuing to provide for the safety of our citizens,” said Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam, whose agency includes the Forest Service.
by The News Service of Florida
Highland Baptist Donates Paper To Molino Park Elementary
September 24, 2014
Highland Baptist Church, a Molino Park Elementary School Partner in Education, delivered 17 boxes of paper to the school this week. Each year, the church collects paper and school supplies at the beginning of the year to benefit Molino Park.
“We are so thankful for their continued support,” Principal Alice Woodward said. “Thank you to everyone that took part in this awesome donation.”
Pictured: Highland Pastor Brian Calhoun and Charles Woodward deliver a paper donation to Molino Park Elementary School. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
After ‘Permanent’ Repair, Highway 97 Shoulder Collapses Again Into 50-Foot Deep Gully
September 23, 2014
[Updated 2 p.m.] About two months after repairs were completed to a collapsed shoulder on Highway 97 in Walnut Hill, the heavily traveled state roadway is once again crumbling into a deep gully.
Back on May 15, the shoulder of Highway 97 about a mile south of Ernest Ward Middle School collapsed in an existing 50-foot deep gully after a drainage pipe separated and undermined the shoulder. About a month later, the situation worsened, with part of the paved shoulder falling into the hole, prompting temporary repairs by the Florida Department of Transportation.
Crews used sandbags to shore up the shoulder on temporary basis back on June 13, and what was suppose to be permanent repairs were completed by Scott Bridge, Inc. in late July for a total of $102,577. The FDOT did sign off on the repairs, and Scott Bridge was paid, according to Ian Satter, public information director for FDOT District Three.
But now the recently replaced slope into the gully has washed away, exposing the newly replace drainage pipe, and the paved shoulder of the road has once again collapsed into the deep hole.
The FDOT’s district maintenance contractor, Transfield Services, began making repairs Tuesday afternoon.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Northview Yearbook Receives Top Columbia Scholastic Press Association Award
September 23, 2014
The Northview High School Tribal Spirit yearbook staff has been honored with a Gold Medal from the nationally recognized Columbia Scholastic Press Association, affiliated with Columbia University in New York City and the Columbia Graduate School of Journalism.
The book received 910 points out of a maximum 1000 points to place it well within the Gold category (800-1000 points.) Yearbooks are judged in three areas – reference, verbal, and
visual. In the visual category, Northview received 388 points out of a possible 400, earning them All-Columbian Honors for Visual.
This was the first year that they entered their yearbook for critique. The purpose of the critiques and medal awards is to direct students and advisers toward a better publication through growing in knowledge of correct journalism standards.
“It was a pleasure to read and critique the 2014 Tribal Spirit Yearbook. It was quite evident that you and your fine staff contributed countless hours to produce this commendable publication. You especially excelled in achieving a strong grasp of journalism standards, writing skills, and photography techniques,” the judges commented.
The Tribal Spirit yearbook staff and their adviser, Alison Robinson, attended the Columbia Scholastic Press Association Convention in New York City in 2011 and 2013.
“Being on yearbook staff teaches life skills and technical skills that are unsurpassed in any other course. The students on this staff learn manual photography, how to make sales, write copy and captions, create and properly use graphic design, but mostly how to take constructive criticism and use it to improve themselves,” Robinson, a 20-year veteran staff adviser, said. “They have seen the results of constantly designing pages and taking pictures over and over until they get those technical aspects right. This is an ongoing learning process. The staffers work together on every part of the book and learn to use each individual’s strengths to fortify the team. It is because of their grit and determination that they have reached the Gold Medal level.”
Tamara Green, a 2014 senior editor said, “Receiving this award means so much to me because I know that we all worked so hard throughout the school year. Not every day was easy, but with much hard work and determination, we created a yearbook that was definitely one to remember.”
Another senior editor for the 2014 book, Dalton Daniel, said “I know we all put forth 110% to our work, and that’s what got us this medal.”
Yearbook Staff members for the Columbia Scholastic Press Association award-winning 2014 edition were – editors Justin King, Anna Fischer, Dalton Daniel, and Tamara Green; and Kamryn Brock, Jessica McCullough, Haylee Weaver, Bethany Reynolds, David Thorpe, Jessica Amerson, Mitchell Singleton, and David Weber.
To order this school year’s Northview High School Tribal Spirit yearbook, click here.
Pictured: Current Northview Tribal Spirit Yearbook staff members David Weber (standing background), Bradley Van Pelt (white shirt)), Jordan Taylor (standing), Bethany Reynolds (standing, foreground), Kamryn Brock (seated at computer) and Jessica McCullough (with camera). Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Search Continues For Cantonment Carjacking, Attempted Rape Suspect
September 23, 2014
New details have been released about a man that is suspected of attacking two women in Cantonment last week.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office believes the man that carjacked a woman Thursday morning at the Raceway gas station at Highway 29 and Muscogee Road is likely the same man that pulled a female jogger into the woods and tried to sexually attack her minutes later.
The complete description of the suspect, as released Monday by the Sheriff’s Office is:
- dark-skinned black male, about 5-foot 8 inches to 5-foot 10 inches tall
- medium, thick build
- broad shoulders
- his skin had a “rough” texture (similar to acne scars)
- may or may not have a mustache (the first victim said he did, the second said he did not)
- short black hair
- last seen wearing a black semi-faded t-shirt with short sleeves and white writing or logo, and blue jeans
Ab0ut 8:15 last Thursday morning, a women reported that she pumped gas at the Raceway station and entered the store. While she was inside, the black male suspect entered her unlocked vehicle and concealed himself in the backseat. The victim did not see the suspect and drove away from the store.
The suspect confronted the victim once the vehicle was moving. He told her that he had a knife and to keep driving or he would “stick” her. She drove around randomly and eventually drove to a neighbor’s residence. Once there she honked the car’s horn in distress to get someone’s attention. The suspect struck her and pushed her from the vehicle.
He left in the car, heading back towards Highway 29. The victim was treated at the scene for minor injuries. Shortly afterward, the vehicle was located on Pine Street.
Less than 20 minutes later, deputies received a call about the attempted sexual battery of a female jogger on Rocky Avenue. The victim reported that as she was jogging when an unknown black male suspect grabbed her from behind and dragged her into a wooded lot. Once there he struck her in the face and attempted to remove her clothing but the victim fought back and was able to escape. The suspect fled deeper into the wood lot while the victim contacted authorities. The victim was transported to a local hospital where she was treated for minor injuries and released.
Due to the time and location of the incident, description of the suspect and the vehicle found at the location, investigators believe the incidents are connected.
“Please be aware of your surroundings,” said Sena Maddison, public information officer for the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. “Don’t ever leave your vehicle unlocked, even for just a moment, while you run into a store.”
Anyone with information on either incident or the suspect is asked to call the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620 or Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
Envision Escambia: Traffic Safety Survey Results
September 23, 2014
Escambia County has released the second in a series of surveys. The “Envision Escambia 2028: Traffic Safety” survey results, as provided by Escambia County, are below.
A third survey regarding residents opinions on storm water drainage systems is now being conducted. Future surveys will ask questions about traffic calming efforts, pedestrian safety, public safety, parks and recreation, job growth and natural resources.
Envision Escambia 2028: Traffic Safety
Question # 1: In which area of Escambia County do you currently live?
Twenty-eight percent of respondents to our second survey live north of Nine Mile Road, with close to 15 percent living between Cantonment and the Alabama state line. Another 20 percent came from the extreme southern portion of the County on Pensacola Beach. Nearly 9.5 percent lived in between Nine Mile Road and I-10. Over 7.3 percent of respondents were from Perdido Key and another 7.3 percent represented the neighborhoods in the area East of Palafox, South of Brent Lane/Bayou Boulevard to the Escambia Bay on the East and Pensacola Bay on the South. No area of Escambia County was unrepresented in this survey.
Question # 2: What are the biggest Traffic Safety Problems in Escambia County?
- 52.69 percent = Distracted drivers.
- 47.31 percent = Drivers who don’t obey speed limits and/or drive agressively.
- 39.78 percent = There are not enough bike lanes and/or sidewalks.
- 35.48 percent = There is too much traffic.
- 26.88 percent = The poor condition of roads leads to accidents.
- 13.98 percent = There is no where to pull over if you have car trouble.
- 4.3 percent = I don’t have any serious concerns about traffic safety.
Comments included:
“Northbound Pine Forest needs to widen/bike lanes and four lanes. Roberts Road and Pine Forest intersection needs to be a four way stop with flashing red lights in all four directions.”
“Need another north/south artery besides 29. What happened to the roads envisioned in the Optional Sector Plan.”
“So many ‘local’ roads feel and are designed for higher speeds …”
“The exits going onto and coming off of I-10 to Cantonment. Going from I-10 to 29 is a nightmare.”
“Too many unsynchronized lights.”
Question #3: If you walk or bicycle on County roads, have you ever felt your personal safety was threatened by motorists?
- 57.89 percent = Yes
- 4.21 percent = No
- 37.89 percent = I don’t walk or bicycle on County roads.
Question #4: Do you encounter unpaved roads in your daily driving routine?
- 3.23 percent = Yes, I live off an unpaved road.
- 11.83 percent = Yes, I drive an unpaved road at least once per month.
- 84.95 percent = No, I rarely or never encounter unpaved roads.
Question #5: Since the advent of Local Option Sales Tax in 1992, almost 250 miles of roads have been paved bringing asphalt to residents throughout the County. Approximately $8 million will be spent over the next three years to continue paving eligible dirt roads. Do you think this is a good expenditure of Local Option Sales Tax dollars?
- 82.42 percent = Yes.
- 17.58 percent = No
“However, I do no think LOST money should be used to 4-lane a state road like Perdido Key Dr. SR 292″
“I believe there are other pressing issues in the county that the tax dollars could be spent on.”
“Maintaining unpaved roads are a higher cost in the long run. Unpaved roads are more likely to damage vehicles and are generally less safe.”
“Paving dirt roads lessens the likelihood of having red clay wash into local waterways. Clay seriously deteriorates water quality in or bays and bayous.”
“I don’t like asphalt … but it is certainly better than mud and dust and ruts and all else that goes with dirt roads.”
Question #6: Several major road-widening projects are in the planning stages or under construction throughout the County. Some of these projects are funded by Local Option Sales Tax dollars and some are projects being conducted by the Florida Department of Transportation. Several common reasons for supporting road-widening projects are given below, as well as several concerns regarding road-widening. Please tell us whether or not you agree with the following statements.
Almost 71 percent of respondents who answered this question felt that roadways with wider lanes and paved shoulders had lower accident rates and close to 90 percent felt that adding shoulders to roads where they do not previously exist provides disabled vehicles with a place to stop safey. More than 70 percent also felt that wider lanes allowed drivers to better see pedestrians and bicyclists, while 74 percent agreed that adding shoulders to roads provided bicyclists and others a way to safely share the road with motorists. Fewer, but still the majority with 54.6 percent, said they felt that widening roads supported economic development and was good for job growth.
Only 23 percent of survey respondents felt that widening lanes made roads more dangerous by encouraging increased speeds and 25.5 percent said they thought that road widening fuels new development at the expense of existing residents and businesses.
Question #7: Do you have any additional comments questions or concerns?
“Gulf Beach Highway needs to be widend (sic) or 4 laned. The traffic is horrible and dangerous!”
“Traffic is too fast on South Navy Blvd.”
“Consider an LDC requirement that new sprawl residential developments include additional roadway connectors …”
“Synch lights and add left and right turn lanes.”
“The light at Casino Beach is a problem especially during a big event.”
“Highway 29 is a nightmare on my drive to work.”
“I am an avid cyclist but I refuse to ride on many roads in the county due to a near-guarantee of being struck or threatened by a motorist.”
“How is increased traffic to/from the new Bay Bridge going to be handled?”
Hill Bolsters Finances In Re-Election Bid
September 23, 2014
Rep. Mike Hill, R-Pensacola raised more than $35,000 from August 30 to September 12 to help fuel his re-election campaigns, according to newly filed finance reports.3
Hill, who is running in House District 2 in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, collected $35,450 during the two-week period, bringing his overall total to $153,856. Democrat Jeremy Lau, who is trying to unseat Hill, had raised a total of $10,295 as of September 12.
by The News Service of Florida
Local Students Awarded Take Stock In Children Scholarships
September 23, 2014
Recently, 26 students — including several from the North Escambia area — were introduced as new Take Stock in Children scholarship recipients. The Escambia County Public Schools Foundation introduced the students at the annual Take Stock in Children Kick-Off Dinner, bringing the total number of students in the program to 118 in Escambia County.
These students are currently in grades 7-12 and they will receive a college scholarship upon graduation from high school, as long as they maintain program standards. Students sign an agreement to maintain good grades and attendance; to be good citizens; to remain crime and drug free; and to meet weekly with a volunteer community mentor.
Take Stock in Children is a statewide, non-profit organization that provides “scholarships, mentors and hope” to deserving young people selected through a need-based application process. They are identified by their public middle schools at the end of their sixth grade year. Twenty-one of the new students are seventh graders and five others were selected from previous years’ alternate lists.
New students, their mentor and their school include:
- Mya Acoba, mentor Mari Abbate, Brown Barge Middle
- Savanna Bowen, mentor Lynne Bates, Ransom Middle
- Brandon Brantley, mentor Dave Bates, Bellview Middle
- Sylvia Callihan, mentor Veronica Dias, Warrington Middle
- Tristan Cravatt, mentor Jack McNulty, Bailey Middle
- Breona Dean, mentor Fernaundra Ferguson, Ferry Pass Middle
- Lucas Dinsmore, mentor Pete King, Bailey Middle
- Lina Foust, mentor Anita Prentiss, Pine Forest High
- Diamond Franklin, mentor Ruth Jenkins, Escambia High
- Morgan Garner, mentor Neeltje McNulty, Bailey Middle
- Ian Gifford, mentor Bob Goforth, Ernest Ward Middle
- Angel Goldsby, mentor Stephanie Noa, Workman Middle
- Haley Hennington, mentor Mallory Studer, Bellview Middle
- Madison Hurston, mentor Cindy Barrington, Ransom Middle
- Issiah Johnson, mentor Ken Biland, Bailey Middle
- Lari McCann, mentor Cynthia Worrell-White, Northview High
- Thinh Pham, mentor John Fromularo, Warrington Middle
- Annemarie Pigg, mentor Susan Myrick, Bailey Middle
- Ben Potts, mentor Rusty Branch, Brown Barge Middle
- Malcolm Pressley, mentor Andy Arnold, Workman Middle
- Teriana Redmond, mentor Sherri Stallworth, Ernest Ward Middle
- Ashleigh Smith, mentor Freida Nichols, Ferry Pass Middle
- Kiplin Smith, mentor Charity Hamilton, Workman Middle
- Taylor Smith, mentor Sandra Durr, Tate High
- Austin Witt, mentor Bob Hoyt, Woodham Middle
- Ashten Wright, mentor Ray Sellers, Ernest Ward Middle
Money for each scholarship is donated locally and a dollar-for-dollar match is received from Florida Prepaid College Foundation when scholarships are purchased.