New FDLE App Allows Searches For Registered Sex Offenders Near You
October 31, 2018
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has launced a new mobile app to see where sexual offenders have registered a residential address in Florida. The “Search Sexual Offenders and Predators” button is one of seven FDLE public services featured in the new app.
(The example maps below are from the app, showing sexual offenders within two miles of Bratt, Jim Allen and Molino Park elementary schools.)
“I can’t think of a better time to launch this app,” said FDLE Commissioner Rick Swearingen. “I hope all parents will download this before going trick or treating and then use it often to help keep their families safe or to report suspicious activity.”
The app also allows users to search active AMBER, Missing Child and Silver Alerts, search wanted persons or stolen vehicle and gun information, search unsolved cases in Florida, and submit a tip about suspicious activity.
The FDLE App is available for download free of charge in the Google Play store and the Apple App Store. Search for “FDLE Mobile App” in the Google Play Store or for “FDLE” in the Apple App Store.
To use the interactive map to display the registered residential addresses of sexual offenders and predators, location services on the mobile phone must be turned on. However, all other sections of the app still work even if location services are not turned on.
The FDLE mobile app does not track a user’s location or store personal information. FDLE noted it should never be used as an emergency app because it is not monitored 24/7.
NorthEscambia.com graphics.
Vehicle Fire Shuts Down Highway 297A
October 31, 2018
A vehicle fire on Highway 297A briefly shut down Highway 297A near West Kingsfield Road Tuesday night. The fire was extinguished by the Cantonment Station of Escambia Fire Rescue. There were no injuries report. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
High School Football Playoff Point Standings Released
October 31, 2018
The Florida High School Athletic Association has released current projected football playoff point standings for local schools:
6A Region 1
Navarre 41.44
Niceville 40.89
Escambia 40.11
Pine Forest 40.00
Crestview 38.33
Gulf Breeze 37.78
Pace 36.11
St. Augustine 34.78
Ed White 33.33
Milton 32.56
Choctawhatchee 32.56
Tate 31.11
Nease 31.11
Fort Walton Beach 30.56
Washington (Pensacola) 29.22
Middleburg 29.11
Englewood 26.89
1A Region 1
Baker 39.25
Jay 38.13
Vernon 36.43
Northview 35.78
Graceville 35.33
Bozeman 33.14
Holmes County 32.5
Chipley 32.43
Freeport 31.71
5A Region 1
Trinity Christian (Jacksonville) 44.10
Godby 42.89
Wakulla 39.56
West Florida 39.50
Bolles 39.22
Ponte Vedra 38.67
Ribault 37.00
Mosley 36.88
Suwannee 36.22
Pensacola 35.00
Arnold 34.57
Rickards 33.78
Bishop Kenny 33.33
Terry Parker 32.44
Stanton 31.67
Bay 31.17
Westside 30.89
Yulee 30.22
Paxon 27.67
For more information on the points system, click here for a informative pdf.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Century Historic Board Nixes Fence Rules, Votes To Prohibit Storage Containers
October 31, 2018
The Century Historic Preservation Board voted Tuesday to do away with fence requirements in the Alger-Sullivan Lumber Company Residential Historic District that differ from those in the rest of of the town, and the board voted to prohibit the use of storage containers.
The historic board wants the town council to reverse course on a new ordinance recommended by the board to allow only wooden fences in the historic historic district while reducing the side and rear fence allowable height from eight to six feet, and allow only transparent picket fences can be used in front yards.
The board also agreed to restrict the use of freight containers as storage buildings in the historic district.
The historic board’s recommendations must be approved by the town council before becoming final.
Pictured: Members of the Century Historic Preservation Board met Tuesday. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Atmore Man Killed In Semi Accident At Jay Peanut Processor
October 30, 2018
An Atmore man was killed in a semi-truck accident at a peanut processor on State Street in Jay Tuesday morning.
Florida Highway Patrol said the semi was parked unloading a load of peanuts on State Street. After unloading the cargo, semi driver Anthony Mincey of Georgia received communication to pull forward, according to the FHP. Mincey was unaware that 59-year old Craig Sullivan of Atmore was under the trailer attempting to clear debris from the undercarriage.
Sullivan was struck by the moving vehicle. He was airlifted to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola where he later passed away from his injuries.
Any charges in in the incident are pending the outcome of the Florida Highway Patrol investigation.
Fire Destroys Pickup Parked Next To Home
October 30, 2018
Fire destroyed a pickup truck Tuesday afternoon in the driveway of a home on Warbler Terrace, south of Old Chemstrand Road. Firefighters were able to keep the fire from spreading to a nearby home and privacy fence. There were no injuries reported. NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Smith, click to enlarge.
Fire Destroys Storage Shed In Cantonment
October 30, 2018
Fire destroyed an outside storage shed on Old Novak Road in Cantonment Tuesday afternoon. The cause of the fire was not immediately released. There were no injuries reported. NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
FDOT Awards $2.7 Million Contract To Replace Bratt Road Bridge
October 30, 2018
The Florida Department of Transportation has awarded a $2.7 million contract to replace a bridge on Bratt Road that has been closed for nearly 11 months.
The $2,727,550.12 contract was awarded to low bidder Murphree Bridge. The second lowest bid submitted by Roads, Inc. was about $69,000 more. Two other bids were $3.12 and $3.16 million.
Once construction begins, it will take up 90-120 days to install a temporary bridge and open it to traffic. Once the temporary bridge is opened, construction will begin on a new permanent concrete bridge. Murphree will have 210 days from the start date to complete the project.
The bridge averaged 425 vehicles per day prior to closure. It was constructed in 1956.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Inmate Stabbed During Altercation At Century Prison
October 30, 2018
An inmate was stabbed at the Century Correctional Institution over the weekend.
The inmate was involved in an apparent inmate on inmate altercation Saturday afternoon, according to Patrick Manderfield, press secretary for the Florida Department of Corrections.
The inmate, whose name has not been released, was transported to a Pensacola hospital for treatment. Further details have not been released.
The incident is currently under investigation by the Florida Department of Corrections Office of the Inspector General.
Community Mourns Flomaton High Student Kelsie Padgett
October 30, 2018
Flomaton area residents are in mourning today after the loss of a local high school student.
Flomaton High School student Kelsie Padgett, 17, passed away Monday after a battle with brain cancer.
“Please say a prayer for The Padgett Family and Our Community… today our Sweet Kelsie gained her angel wings… We love you Kelsie and will miss you,” the Flomaton High School Quarterback Club posted on Facebook Monday night.
Pictured above: Flomaton High School student Kelsie Padgett. Pictured below: Members of the Flomaton High School cheerleading squad cheer for Kelsie during a fundraiser earlier this month at the Flomaton Fire Department. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.