Local Lawmakers Thank Scott For Disaster Declaration
February 24, 2016
Escambia and Santa Rosa County Delegation members – Sen. Greg Evers, Rep. Doug Broxson, Rep. Mike Hill, and Rep. Clay Ingram — sent letters to Scott morning extending their sincere appreciation towards the governor’s actions on the behalf of the residents of Escambia County who suffered following the devastating aftermath of last week’s tornado.
Delegation members sent a letter to Scott that was signed Saturday as the group toured the damage in the Century area.
With the disaster declaration from the governor, those who experienced significant damage may be able to apply for possible grants, loans, and other restoration funds as they begin to rebuild their homes and lives.
The letters were as follows:
Dear Governor Scott,
I am truly grateful for your generous response to the disasters that occurred in the town of Century and Escambia County on Monday, February 15. Thank you for declaring one of the poorest counties in the State eligible for emergency disaster funds after last week’s devastating tornado.
The residents of Escambia County and I are grateful for all the efforts of the local Emergency Management Services and the continuous communications with the Department of Emergency Management, to provide swift assistance to all those who suffered in the tornado’s devastating wake. The rescue and aftermath labors were greatly appreciated from all local & state resources.
Thank you for your thoughtfulness and leadership of this great State in our time of need.
I am, respectfully,
State Representative Mike Hill
District 2
Dear Governor Scott:
Thank you for your leadership in declaring Century, FL a state of emergency following the devastation caused by a tornado on February 15, 2016.
This declaration will provide vital assistance to Escambia County and the residents of Century affected by the tornado. Our communities in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties are resolute, resilient, and have come together to help the residents of Century during this difficult time, but the people of Century are in need of all the assistance that can be provided.
I am grateful for your response and will continue to work hard to help those in need.
Respectfully,
Doug Broxson
State Representative
Dear Governor Scott,
Thank you for your immediate response to the recent devastation in the Town of Century and Escambia County, in the wake of the tornado on February 15th. The efforts of volunteers, local and state disaster relief teams, and the Escambia Emergency Management Services and the Florida Department of Emergency Management have been greatly appreciated. I know that under your leadership, the residents of Escambia County and the Town of Century will receive the best care during their time of need.
The declaration of the State of Emergency for the Town of Century and Escambia County is just the beginning to the road to recovery for the victims of the tornado last week. I appreciate all you have done to begin the fiscal recovery opportunities in one of the lowest income areas of my district.
Sincerely,
Greg Evers
District 2
A copy of Rep. Clay Ingram’s letter was not immediately available.
Pictured top: Local legislative delegation members sign a letter to Gov. Rick Scott last Saturday in Century. Pictured top inset: Evers and Rep. Clay Ingram (left) drag debris out of Front Street last Saturday. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Computer Coding As A Foreign Language Bill Ready For Senate Vote
February 24, 2016
The Senate is poised to vote on a bill that would allow high-school students to take computer-coding courses to satisfy two credits of foreign-language requirements.
Senators, however, changed the bill (SB 468) on Tuesday to remove a proposed requirement that high schools would have to offer computer-coding courses.
After an amendment, the bill now says schools “may” provide opportunities for students to take the courses. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Jeremy Ring, D-Margate, has drawn debate throughout the legislative session, including Tuesday on the Senate floor. As an example, Sen. Dwight Bullard, D-Miami, said he was concerned some students might not have access to the courses because of antiquated technology. But Ring said the bill would take effect with the 2018-19 school year, which would provide time. Also students would be able to take the courses through the Florida Virtual School, he said.
The Senate could vote on the bill as early as Wednesday. A House version (HB 887), filed by Rep. Janet Adkins, R-Fernandina Beach, is ready to go to the full House.
by The News Service of Florida
Deputies Seek Armed And Dangerous Attempted Murder Suspect
February 24, 2016
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is looking for a man that is wanted for attempted homicide.
Antonio Devon Williams, 22, is considered armed and dangerous. On Monday, February 22 at 5:38 p.m., Escambia County deputies responded to the 3400 block of West Hernandez Street were they found 25-year old Javier Chandler suffering from a gunshot wound.
Witnesses told deputies Williams shot Chandler then fled the scene. Chandler was taken to a local hospital.
If you know the whereabouts of Antonio Devon Williams contact Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
Firefighters Save U.S. Postal Service Vehicles From Truck Blaze
February 24, 2016
Quick work by firefighters from Florida and Alabama saved a couple of U.S. Mail trucks Tuesday night at the I-10 Welcome Center on the state line.
Firefighters from the Beulah Station of Escambia Fire Rescue and Baldwin County arrived to find the cab of a flatbed 18-wheeler fully involved. Fire crews were able to quickly extinguish the blaze and prevent further damage to two U.S. Postal Service vehicles it was carrying. One postal vehicle did receive minor damage.
There were no injuries reported and no immediate word on the cause of the fire.
Reader submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Local Government Agencies Working Together On Century Tornado Cleanup
February 24, 2016
The ECUA grappler truck is on the job during the tornado cleanup on Jefferson Street in Century. It’s being operated by an Escambia County employee, with the assistance of a Town of Century Gas Department employee.
“It’s true intergovernmental cooperation,” said Larry Walker, ECUA District 5 board member.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Breezy And Cooler
February 24, 2016
Here is your official NorthEscambia area forecast:
Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers before noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 57. Breezy, with a west wind around 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
Wednesday Night: Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around 36. West wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 62. West wind 10 to 15 mph.
Thursday Night: Clear, with a low around 33. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 56. North wind around 5 mph.
Friday Night: Clear, with a low around 32. Northwest wind around 5 mph.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 62. North wind around 5 mph becoming west in the afternoon.
Saturday Night: Clear, with a low around 37. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 68.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 46.
Monday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 68.
Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 47.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 69.
All Escambia County Schools Are Open Today
February 24, 2016
All Escambia County (FL) schools are open today on their regular schedule, according to Superintendent Malcolm Thomas.
schools will open on their regular schedule Wednesday morning.
“We understand that there are some families facing great losses as a result of this storm and we want them to focus on recovery and know that any storm-related school absence will be excused,” said Thomas. “Opening schools will allow families to move forward and maintain their routines.”
School bus drivers will be exercising extra caution in the morning to ensure safety, so delays may occur in areas impacted by the storm, according to the school district.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Ottis N. Black
February 24, 2016
Ottis N. (Nick) Black, 78 of Molino, died Sunday, February 21, 2016, at Covent Hospice in Pensacola with family by his side. Nick was born February 22, 1937, in McKenzie, AL. He was self employed for many years as a small business owner. He served in the US Army for three years and was an active member of Gideon Ministries for many years.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Foy and Alice Black; brother, Thomas C. Black; and grandson, Russell Black.
Nick is survived by his wife of 51 years, Shirley (Dimple) Perry Black; son, Malcolm (Kelly) Black of Nallen, WV; grandsons, Wyatt and Dustin; brothers, Jimmy (Linda) Black of Enterprise, AL and James A. Black of Bryneville; sisters, Margene (John) McDonald of Fairhope, Ann Perdew of Chancellor, AL and Sharron (Roy) Godwin of Plantersville, AL; along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers were Harold Smith, Dean Hassebrock, Vernon Brown, Charles Barton, James Hughes and Terry St. Cyr.
Honorary pallbearers were Gideon Camp #U01129.
In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to Gideon Ministries or Covenent Hospice.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, February 23, 2016, at Highland Baptist Church in Molino with Reverend Brian Calhoun officiating.
Burial will be in the Church Cemetery.
Reatha Mae Eddins
February 24, 2016
Reatha Mae Eddins, 80, of Molino, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Friday, Februay 19, 2016. She was a loving and devoted mother of seven. She worked as a waitress most of her life until she retired. She lost her first husband and father of her children to early death and remarried later in life until losing him to death.
She is preceded in death by these two husbands, Thomas M. Covington and Jerald L. Eddins; two stepchildren, Steve Eddins and Judy Eddins; and her second grandson, Thomas Sellers.
She is survived by her seven children, Jimmy Tucker (Sonja), Janet Long, Wayne Covington, Karen Bragg (Jimmy), Rita Kritzmire (Robert), Becky Miller (Jimmy) and Regina Hall (Bobby); two stepsons, Jerry Eddins (Kathy) and Richard Eddins (Ann); 16 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, February 25, 2016, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North at 1 p.m. with Reverend Mike Mashburn officiating.
Interment will follow at Crabtree Church Cemetery.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is in charge of arrangements.
Donna Emmons Byrd
February 24, 2016
Donna Emmons Byrd, 52 of Excel, passed away Thursday, February 18, 2016, in Birmingham. Donna was born on December 3, 1963, to the late Edward “Red” and Helen Louise Emmons Wall. She was owner and operator of Southern Portable Buildings, where she was a hard worker devoted to providing for her family and others. Donna was a loving wife and mother. She enjoyed fishing, going to the beach and river.
Survivors include her husband, David Byrd of Excel; one son, Robbie (Kristen) Boyette of Atmore; one daughter, Lacey (John Russell) Smith of Uriah; two brothers, Christopher (Donna) Emmons of McCullough and Allen (Stacey) Wall of Uriah; three grandchildren, Micah, Maddox, and baby Smith; along with numerous family and friends.
Funeral services were held Monday, February 22, 2016, at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Mike Grindle officiating.
Interment was in McCullough Cemetery.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.