Reptiles, Making Music And Teen Fun – This Week At The Century And Molino Libraries
July 10, 2018
Here are events this week at the Molino and Century branch libraries:
Reno’s Reptiles – Century, Molino
Wednesday, July 11, 11 a.m. – Century Branch Library
Thursday, July 12, 11 a.m. – Molino Branch Library
Local reptile expert, Tim Reno, shares some of his favorite creepy creatures with summer reading program particpants. Learn about snakes, tortoises and more.
Summer STEAM Making Music With Strings – Molino
Wednesday, July 11, 10:30 a.m. – Molino Branch Library
You can make music with almost anything. This time we will be making string instruments using mostly recyclable materials. Create it here and take it home with you for hours of fun.
Teen Summer Program – Molino
Wednesday, July 11, 2 p.m. – Molino Branch Library
Join us for fun with video games, board games and virtual reality. Bring your friends or come prepared to make new ones.
Pensacola’s White, Opponent Keep Pace In Florida GOP Attorney General Money Chase
July 10, 2018
Republican primary opponents in the race for attorney general — state Rep. Frank White and former Hillsborough County Circuit Judge Ashley Moody — were neck-and-neck in terms of fundraising during the fourth week of June, according to the latest campaign finance reports.
White, who remains the overall fundraising leader in the contest, picked up a combined $40,149 in his campaign account and political committee, United Conservatives, according to reports posted by the state Division of Elections.
Moody added $44,685 to her campaign account and Friends of Ashley Moody political committee during the same time period, the reports show.
White’s totals for the week of June 23 to June 29 were bolstered by a $20,000 contribution from business-backed Associated Industries of Florida. The Tallahassee-based lobbying giant and its affiliated political committees have donated generously to both candidates.
White, who serves as general counsel and chief financial officer for the chain of Sandy Sansing auto dealerships, had nearly $2.4 million on hand as of June 29. He has pumped $2.77 million of his own money into the race.
Moody, whose contributions during the week included $6,000 from a pair of pari-mutuels in Miami and Orange Park, had $2.2 million in her combined accounts.
by The News Service of Florida
Summer Gas Prices At Four-Year High
July 10, 2018
The price at the pump is the most expensive summer gas prices in four years in Florida.
Since June 1, Florida gas prices averaged $2.76 per gallon – an increase of nearly 50 cents compared to the average price last summer. But current pump prices remain 20 cents below this year’s high, set during Memorial Day weekend.
The average price per gallon in the North Escambia area is $2.74, up from $2.19 last year.
“Reduced global oil supplies have caused summer travelers to pay a higher price at the pump this year,” said Mark Jenkins, AAA spokesman, AAA. “Fortunately, domestic gasoline production remains strong, which should help prevent major swings in summer gas prices. But AAA said pump prices will pop if a major hurricane threatens refineries along the Gulf Coast.
NorthEcambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Ready For Aggie Football? Tate Season Passes On Sale
July 10, 2018
Tate High School football season passes are now on sale.
A limited quantity are available on a first come, first served basis. Passes included admission to all regular season home games for the freshmen, junior varsity and varsity teams, plus VIP parking. (Kickoff classic, spring game and playoff games are not included per FHSAA rules.)
To purchase or for more details, click here.
DOJ: Escambia Man Faked Being Marine to Steal VA Benefits
July 10, 2018
An Escambia County man has pleaded guilty to stealing from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Richard E. Kohl stole over $200,000, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
The Justice Department said Kohl falsely reported that he served in the Marines during the Korean War and was discharged in 1961, but he never served in any military branch. He then used the false form (Form DD-214) to claim veteran’s benefits to which he was not qualified.
Between February 2005 and February 2018 Kohl received benefit payments and services totaling approximately $219,719.39 from the VA.
“By defrauding the federal government for personal gain, Kohl stole resources needed to help real veterans,” said U.S. Attorney Canova. “These benefits are meant for the brave men and women who have served our country.”
Kohl faces a maximum of 10 years in prison. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for September 19.
BayBears Trounce Wahoos 8-2
July 10, 2018
Pensacola struggled to keep the ball in the park against the BayBears as they fell to Mobile, 8-2, in Monday night’s ballgame at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
Pensacola starter Daniel Wright (L, 4-6) had a rough night. Wright pitched four innings and was charged with six runs (five earned) on seven hits, one walk, and four strikeouts. Wright also allowed a career-high four home runs, three of which came in the fourth inning. Robinson Leyer, Juan Martinez, and Jose Rafael De Paula totaled two runs on six hits, four walks, and four strikeouts over the final five innings.
The Wahoos avoided the shutout in the bottom of the eighth inning. Trailing 7-0, a Mitch Nay groundout scored T.J. Friedl and Brian O’Grady tripled to center field to score Jose Siri that cut the deficit to 7-2.
Jeremy Beasley (W, 1-0) impressed in his Double-A debut for Mobile. Beasley pitched five shutout innings on three hits, one walk, and nine strikeouts.
Designated hitter Jose Rojas also had a good night for the BayBears. He reached base in all five plate appearances and went a perfect 4-for-4 with four RBI and three runs scored. He belted two home runs to account for two of the runs and three RBI. He singled home Mobile’s final run in the ninth inning for his fourth hit.
Pensacola will look to bounce back in Wednesday night’s matchup. Right-hander Wyatt Strahan (5-8, 6.87) will start for the Wahoos against RHP Alex Klonowski (5-1, 3.86) who will take the hill for the BayBears.
Century Man Wanted For Armed Robbery; Considered ‘Armed And Dangerous’
July 9, 2018
A Century man is wanted in connection with an armed robbery of a local convenience store last week.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Offices said 26-year old Devante Aaron Knight robbed the Century Kwik Stop at 8130 North Century Boulevard just before 10 p.m. on July 2.
Knight is considered armed and dangerous and should not approached, the Sheriff’s Office said.
Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP or the ECSO at (850) 436-9620.
Century Medical Practice Relocated During Building Expansion
July 9, 2018
Community Health Northwest Florida has moved their adult and family care to their pediatric and dental location at 501 Church Street during the remodel and expansion of the Lakeview Center on Industrial Boulevard.
The renovation of the Lakeview Center building that housed the clinic will include the addition of two wings on each side of the current structure, an expanded lobby area, and a covered entry way with circle drive. The increased space will allow for five new treatment rooms, as well as the addition of new dental operations.
Community Health Northwest Florida is a non-profit dedicated to providing comprehensive healthcare services to medically underserved people in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. The agency was previously named Escambia Community Clinics.
For more information on Community Health Northwest Florida services, call (850) 724-4064. Patients should use the dental entrance on the side of the building at 501 Church Street.
Pictured top: The Community Health Northwest Florida location on Church Street in Century. Pictured below: Drawing of the remodeled Lakeview Center in Century and the current building. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Credit Report Freezes Are Now Free In Florida
July 9, 2018
The Credit Report Freeze Bill that was signed into law in Florida in March is went into effect July 1. It eliminates the $10 fee that credit reporting agencies were charging to freeze their credit.
A credit freeze prevents access to your credit report, which makes it more difficult for scammers to open credit lines in your name. The law also removed the paperwork requirements for victims of identity theft to freeze their credit without a fee.
“Protecting consumers’ hard-earned money from criminals is a top priority, and this legislation that removes the fee to freeze credit reports makes it easier for consumers to protect themselves from fraud,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam.
Here Are This Week’s Trouble Spots For Construction On State Roads
July 9, 2018
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- U.S. 29 Widening from Interstate 10 (I-10) to U.S. 90 (Nine Mile Road) – Drivers traveling U.S. 29 and Nine Mile Road will encounter traffic pattern changes from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, July 8 through Saturday, July 14.
- Nine Mile Road at the U.S. 29 overpass: North and southbound traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction. Alternating traffic shifts will direct all traffic onto the westbound or eastbound lanes as crews continue construction of the new center bridge deck. Nine Mile Road lane restrictions are Sunday through Friday.
- U.S. 29 between I-10 and 9 1/2 Mile Road: Drivers may experience alternating lane closures as crews continue drainage and paving operations. U.S. 29 lane restrictions are Monday through Saturday.
- Northbound traffic has been shifted onto the newly constructed bridge section as demolition efforts continue on the northbound span.
- Due to the increased vertical clearance of the new bridge, the on-ramp has been extended up to the entrances of Emerald Cuts Salon and the Unitarian Universalist Church. This temporary shift will affect access to businesses and residences on the east side of U.S. 29 between 9 Mile Road and 9 1/2 Mile Road. For the next two months, motorists seeking access to properties on the east side of U.S. 29 will utilize the northbound on-ramp. Only right turns will be permitted for vehicles exiting driveways from these properties between 9 Mile Road and 9 1/2 Mile Road.
· U.S. 29 Resurfacing between U.S. 90 and Muscogee Road – Paving operations continue between Muscogee Road and West 9 ½ Mile Road. Lane closures will be in effect from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, July 8 through Thursday, July 12.
· I-10 / U.S. 29 Interchange Improvements Phase I – The following traffic impacts are planned on I-10 and U.S. 29 near the interchange (Exits 10) from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, July 8 through Thursday, July 12.
o Alternating lane closures on I-10 east and westbound and U.S. 29 north and southbound.
o The U.S. 29 on-ramps to I-10 eastbound will be intermittently closed. Traffic will be detoured on U.S. 29 to access I-10 eastbound.
o Alternating lane closures on the I-10 westbound exit ramp to U.S. 29 north and south (Exit 10).
· U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – Alternating lane closures on U.S. 98 east and westbound, between 14th Avenue in Pensacola and Bay Bridge Drive in Gulf Breeze from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, July 8 through Thursday, July 12 as crews perform construction activities.
- Airport Boulevard from S.R. 291 (Davis Highway) to S.R. 289 (9th Avenue) – Intermittent lane closures on Airport Boulevard east and westbound, between Davis Highway and 9th Avenue from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, July 8 through Thursday, July 12 as crews perform construction activities.
Santa Rosa County:
- I-10 Widening from Escambia Bay Bridge to Avalon Boulevard (S.R. 281/Exit 22) – Alternating lane closures on I-10, from the Escambia Bay Bridge to east of S.R. 281 (Avalon Boulevard/Exit 22), from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, July 8 through Friday, July 13 as crews work to widen the roadway. In addition, alternating lane closures on Avalon Boulevard, near the I-10 interchange, will also be encountered as crews reconstruct the travel lanes.
· U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – Alternating lane closures on U.S. 98 east and westbound, between 14th Avenue in Pensacola and Bay Bridge Drive in Gulf Breeze, from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, July 8 through Sunday, July 12 as crews perform construction activities.
- S.R. 87 Multilane from Eglin AFB boundary to Hickory Hammock Road – Intermittent lane shifts on S.R. 87 north and southbound, between Eglin Air Force Base boundary and two miles south of the Yellow River, the week of Monday, July 9 as crew perform paving operations. Traffic between County Road. 184 (Hickory Hammock Road) and the Eglin AFB boundary is restricted to loads less than 11-feet wide. The restriction will be in place until the project is complete.
- S.R. 87 Landscape between U.S. 98 and River Road – Drivers can expect intermittent turn lane restrictions between U.S. 98 and River Road 9 a.m. through 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday as crews install landscape and irrigation.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or re-scheduled in the event of inclement weather. Drivers are reminded to use caution, especially at night, when traveling through a work zone and to watch for construction workers and equipment entering and exiting the roadway.
Pictured: A construction zone on Nine Mile Road. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.