Alabama Attempted Murder Suspect Jailed In Escambia, FL
March 30, 2015
An Alabama attempted murder suspect is now behind bars in Escambia County, FL.
Walter Lee Hodges, 43, was allegedly driving southbound on Highway 31 near Brewton, AL, on March 22 when he met a vehicle occupied by his ex-wife and her relative. He allegedly ran the vehicle off the road after giving chase, and then rammed his vehicle into the one occupied by his ex-wife multiple times. Authorities said the actions were no accident, that Hodges was acting in a purposeful manner intent on harming his ex-wife.
Hodges fled the scene, with warrants issued for his arrest for attempted murder. His ex-wife and her cousin suffered non-life threatening injuries.
Hodges is being held in the Escambia County (FL) Jail without bond as he awaits extradition back to Alabama. He is also be held on a Florida charge of failing to appear for a misdemeanor charge. Court records show he failed to appear on a 1998 charge of operating a motor vehicle with a suspending license.
What Is Your Church Doing For Easter? Share With Our Readers
March 30, 2015
What is your church doing for Easter?
NorthEscambia.com will provide free promotion for churches in North Escambia or North Santa Rosa counties in Florida, or Atmore or Flomaton in Alabama. If your church is having a special Good Friday and/or Easter service, or any other special service or event, let us know!
We will share your information with thousands of readers across the area. We will list the services on our Events page free of charge. Please try to keep your announcement for our events page to 100 words or less.
Send your announcement to news@northescambia.com or click here for our contact page. We will also be happy to publish photos after your event; email them to news@northescambia.com.
Pictured top and below: A morning “Sonrise Service” at Pensacola’s Maritime Stadium last year. Pictured inset: The sign last Easter at Poplar Dell Baptist Church sums up the Easter story in simple terms. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Education Changes Approved By House
March 30, 2015
Charter schools would get more construction funding, class-size penalties would be relaxed and school districts would be encouraged to enact dress codes under a series of education bills approved Friday by the Florida House.
Most of the school-related bills were passed in lopsided votes, though Democrats united to oppose a measure that could funnel local tax dollars to charter-school construction (HB 7037).
While the construction bill would change the standards needed to qualify for the facilities funding and make it easier for some charters to expand, the most controversial provision would allow charter schools to tap into local property taxes used to pay for capital projects at traditional public schools. If the Legislature failed to fully fund charter-school construction under a state formula, local districts would be required to use a portion of a 1.5-mill property tax to make up the difference.
That would amount to about $34 million in the budget year that begins July 1, even if lawmakers follow through on a House plan to spend $100 million on charter-school capital projects, according to one estimate.
Supporters of the change, which passed in a 75-35 vote, say charters receive less funding per pupil for construction costs than other public schools and that the new law would help ensure that their funding more closely tracks the number of students.
“That 1.5 mill puts the public charter-school student and the district school student on somewhat equal footing,” said Chris Moya, a lobbyist for Charter Schools USA, a management company.
But in a statement issued after the vote, House Minority Leader Mark Pafford blasted the change.
“The Legislature shouldn’t starve public schools while shoveling resources to special interests,” said Pafford, D-West Palm Beach.
A bill (HB 665) relaxing penalties for school districts that don’t comply with the state’s class-size limits was approved on a 107-3 vote. Voters added the class-size limit to the Florida Constitution in 2002, but some lawmakers complain that the funds could be better spent elsewhere.
The penalties are not established in the constitutional amendment, leaving lawmakers with the ability to ease them.
“What we’re trying to do now is make sure that those dollars go back into the classroom,” said Rep. Shevrin Jones, D-West Park.
But Pafford said the move was part of longstanding legislative efforts to undermine the class-size amendment.
“This is basically death by a thousand cuts in terms of class size,” he said.
The House also passed, by a 102-8 margin, a bill (HB 7043) that would make it easier for school districts to approve student dress codes and establish financial bonuses for districts that do so.
by Brandon Larrabee, The News Service of Florida
Travis Smith Named Florida Peanut Producers Young Peanut Farmer Of The Year
March 30, 2015
Travis Smith from Jay has been named the 2015 Florida Peanut Producers Young Peanut Farmer of the Year.
A fifth generation farmer, he started his farming career as a youngster when he could barely see over the steering wheel of his father’s tractor. Several years ago he was a recipient of a scholarship from the Peanut Producers Association. Today, he still assists his father while farming over 200 acres of his own and managing a small herd of cattle.
Travis is married to Brittany Smith and they have three children: Leah, Lexie, and Tate. Travis is a member of the Florida Peanut Producers Association and is active in the Young Farmers and Ranchers program. Travis and his family are members of the Century Church of Christ.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Pedestrian Struck, Killed By Train In Cottage Hill
March 30, 2015
A pedestrian was struck and killed by a train Sunday afternoon in the Cottage Hill community.
The victim, reportedly a male, was pronounced deceased on the scene of the crash just south of the McKenzie Road crossing at Highway 95. The victim was struck by a southbound train.
A spokesperson for the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said the incident may have been intentional, rather than accidental. The incident remains under investigation. Further details have not yet been released.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Century Residents Can Apply For Windstorm Upgrades To Their Homes
March 30, 2015
The Town of Century will assist local residents strengthen their homes against hurricanes and other windstorms.
The program will provide funding for the installation of hurricane resistant windows and doors, roof upgrades, installation of hurricane straps or clips, anchor walls or columns to the foundation and other upgrades.
Applicants must meet HUD low and moderate income limits, based on family size and reside within the Century town limits.
To apply, call the Century Town Hall at (850) 256-3208 during the application period which ends at 3 p.m. on Friday, April 10. Funding will be provided by the Florida Division of Emergency Management.
Slight Chance Of Tonight, Sunshine And 84 Tuesday
March 30, 2015
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight
A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 9pm. Patchy fog after 1am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 56. West wind 10 to 15 mph becoming light southwest after midnight.
Tuesday
Partly sunny, with a high near 84. West wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday Night
Patchy fog after 1am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 59. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday
A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 82. West wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon.
Wednesday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59. South wind around 5 mph.
Thursday
A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 83. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 60. South wind around 5 mph.
Friday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 84. South wind 5 to 15 mph.
Friday Night
A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming west after midnight.
Saturday
A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 71
.
Saturday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 47.
Sunday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 73.
Sunday Night
A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 52.
Monday
A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 77.
Northview Grad Serving With Navy Strike Fighter Squadron
March 29, 2015
A 2014 Northview High School graduate is currently serving with the U.S. Navy’s Strike Fighter Squadron 122, also known as the “Flying Eagles”, stationed at Naval Air Station Lemoore.
Airman Willie Owens is an aviation ordnanceman with the squadron, which the Navy designates as VFA-122, and works with the Navy’s most lethal and versatile strike fighter aircraft, the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet.
“I am responsible for handling and maintaining the F/A-18 Super Hornet weapons systems,” said Owens.
The Super Hornet takes off from and lands on Navy aircraft carriers and is capable of conducting air-to-air combat as well as air-to-surface combat. It is approximately 61 feet long, has a loaded weight of 51,000 lbs., and a max speed of 1,190 miles per hour.
Operating from the sea aboard aircraft carriers, the Super Hornet gives the Navy the power to protect America’s interests anywhere, at any time. The versatile jet has the ability to destroy targets located hundreds of miles inland, without the need to get another country’s permission to operate within its borders.
“I enjoy the people and learning experiences the most,” said Owens.
Owens said he is proud of the work he is doing as part of the squadron’s 1140-member team, helping to protect America on the world’s oceans.
“My job trains the pilots to fly with and operate the weapons systems on the Super Hornet,” said Owens.
Sailors’ jobs are highly varied in VFA-122. Approximately 220 officers, 660 enlisted and 260 civilian men and women make up and keep all parts of the squadron running smoothly — this includes everything from maintaining aircraft airframes and engines, to processing paperwork, handling weaponry, and flying the aircraft.
“The Sailors here are the epitome of a team,” said Cmdr. Ernie Spence, VFA-122’s commanding officer. “Everyone here is professional, skilled in their job, and they are great team players which enables us to accomplish our mission.”
The Flying Eagles are the Navy’s West Coast Fleet Replacement Squadron for the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. They train aircrew and maintainers to prepare them to go to the fleet and join the squadrons that fly the Super Hornet. VFA-122 trained aircrews have flown combat missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Inherent Resolve.
“I’m proud to be in the Navy and I’m glad I’m serving my country,” said Owens.
Submitted article and photo by Navy Office of Community Outreach Public Affairs for NorthEscambia.com.
Vietnam Veterans Get Emotional ‘Welcome Home’ (With Photo Gallery)
March 29, 2015
It was a tearful welcome home Saturday for a small group of Vietnam veterans….a welcome home decades overdue.
National Vietnam Veterans Welcome Home Day is observed on March 29, the 42nd anniversary of the last U.S. troops leaving Vietnam — except for the prisoners of war. Saturday, a few dozen people gathered for a ceremony sponsored by the Atmore Memorial Ladies Auxiliary to VFW Post 7016.
For a long time, Vietnam veteran Mike Hanks, one of Saturday’s guest speakers, said he did not talk about the Vietnam War. “I didn’t figure anybody wanted to hear about it.”
He related the story of his “Freedom Flight” home following his tour, and of the business woman sitting next to him on that plane. Her reaction to being seated next to a returning solider from Vietnam and what she said to the stewardess still resonates deeply with Hanks, an Ernest Ward High School graduate.
“I want a different seat; I don’t want to sit by a baby killer,” she said loudly.
“That hurt me more than anything, because she couldn’t understand how much I love kids. and it hurt,” an emotional Hanks said, as other veterans in the audience were visible moved. One veteran grabbed his walking cane and made his way a short distance away.
“It hurts. I just can’t stand it, still. It’s been a long time. Oh man, why did he say ‘baby killer’? We were all called that, and it still hurts so much,” the veteran said, standing under the American flagpole. Tears streamed down his face. “Oh it still hurts so much. We were just doing what we were told for our country.”
“Words cannot describe how much it helps the healing process for you to have something like this for our veterans,” Hanks concluded as he thanked the organizers of the welcome home ceremony. “I’ve got news for you. I am a Vietnam veteran of the U.S. Army. Any I am proud of it, and I’m proud to be an American.”
For a photo gallery, click here.
Yellow ribbons were tied to trees around Atmore’s Heritage Park for the event which included the patriotic music, food and fanfare of a welcome home ceremony most of the Vietnam veterans in attendance had never received.
The ceremony concluded with VFW Ladies Auxiliary members giving each Vietnam Veteran a gift, a handmade card from Bratt Elementary School students and a hug — and sometimes a quick kiss on the cheek — to thank them for their service. It was a scene reminiscent of a welcome home ceremony that has played itself out over and over for other American wars.
And tears that were decades overdue fell from the eyes of several veterans as they were finally welcomed home.
Organizers are already planned a ceremony for the last Saturday in March 2016.
For a photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Warm Monday, Slight Chance Of A Shower
March 29, 2015
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight
Patchy fog after 1am. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 53. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday
A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 81. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday Night
A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Patchy fog after 1am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 57. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.
Tuesday
A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 80. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday Night
A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 61. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday
A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 80. West wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday Night
A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59. South wind around 5 mph.
Thursday
A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 82. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 63. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday
A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 84.
Friday Night
A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 63.
Saturday
A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 72.
Saturday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 47.
Sunday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 75.