Early Voting Begins Saturday In Escambia County. Here’s Where To Cast Your Ballot.
March 6, 2020
Early voting for the Presidential Preference Primary Election in Escambia County begins Saturday, March 7, and continues through Saturday, March 14 at nine locations throughout the county:
- Supervisor of Elections Office, 213 Palafox Place, Second Floor (8 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
- Molino Community Center, 6450-A Highway 95A, Molino (9 a.m. – 6 p.m.)
- Escambia County Extension, 3740 Stefani Road, Cantonment (9 a.m. – 6 p.m.)
- University of West Florida, Building 90, Campus Lane (9 a.m. – 6 p.m.)
- Pensacola Interstate Fairgrounds, 6655 Mobile Highway (9 a.m. – 6 p.m.)
- Genealogy Branch Library, 5740 B, 9th Avenue (9 a.m. – 6 p.m.)
- Main Library, 239 Spring Street (9 a.m. – 6 p.m.)
- Southwest Branch Library, 12248 Gulf Beach Highway (9 a.m. – 6 p.m.)
- Brownsville Community Center, 3200 W. DeSoto Street (9 a.m. – 6 p.m.)
Early voters cast paper ballots through digital scanners and may choose any one of the nine sites. Each location is also equipped with an ExpressVote ballot marking device for use.
Another option for voters is to cast a vote-by-mail ballot, which can be requested through the online form at EscambiaVotes.com, or by e-mail (votebymail@escambiavotes.com), phone (850) 595-3900, mail, or fax (850) 595-3914. Requests must include the voter’s date of birth and address, and must be received no later than Saturday, March 7. Voted ballots must be received in the elections office no later than 7 p.m. on election day and may not be returned to a polling location on election eay. Voters may now drop-off a vote-by-mail ballot during early voting hours at any of the nine area locations. The U.S. Postal Service recommends voters mail ballots at least one week before the due date. Vote-by-mail participants may track the status of their ballot at EscambiaVotes.com.
The third option for voters is to cast a ballot at their precinct on Election Day, Tuesday, March 17. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.
Florida holds closed primary elections. The Presidential Preference Primary is open only to registered Democrats and Republicans. Voters registered without party affiliation (NPA) or in a minor political party are ineligible and will not receive a ballot. Voters are reminded to bring their photo and signature ID to vote, and are encouraged to visit EscambiaVotes.com for complete voting information.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Ransom Middle School Names Students Of The Month
March 6, 2020
Ransom Middle School has named Students of the Month for February. They are Lawson Killingsworth (pictured left) and Ashley Truong. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Scott Introduces Secure U.S. Bases Act Follow NAS Pensacola Attack
March 6, 2020
Thursday, Senator Rick Scott and Senator Joni Ernst introduced the Secure U.S. Bases Act to “reform and improve foreign military student training programs” following the terrorist attack at Naval Air Station Pensacola on December 6th, 2019.
After the attack, Scott called for a hard reset of the program and for all Saudi nationals training in the U.S. to be sent home until the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) completed a thorough review of the program.
The Secure U.S. Bases Act requires a thorough vetting process before a foreign student enters the U.S.; creates a special, limited visa for foreign students; and establishes a review process so that DOD is not operating training programs in the U.S. that would be better operated abroad.
“The safety and security of American men and women in uniform is always a priority for me, and it should be a priority of our entire government,” Scott said. “The tragic terrorist attack in Pensacola last year revealed an unnecessary risk. This terrorist should never have been allowed in our country, let alone on an American military base with easy access to American military men and women. The Secure U.S. Bases Act will make sure foreign military students training at U.S. bases are thoroughly vetted and monitored, and that our troops are protected and never have to experience a tragedy like this again.”
The Secure U.S. Bases Act:
- Creates a new visa category for foreign military students training on U.S. bases with restrictions on their travel and actions while in the country. Individuals who receive the new visa will be prohibited from possessing, acquiring, or using firearms, except for uses specifically required by their training program and be under the continual oversight of their commander regarding his or her whereabouts and activities.
- Alters the application process, vetting and monitoring requirements for foreign military students. The application to train on U.S. bases will require an official endorsement letter from the Chief of Intelligence of their country, personal information including a physical address, fingerprints, and other data, an in-person interview and an extensive background check that will include a review of social media activity. The U.S. Director of National Intelligence will be responsible for the final decision on whether to admit an applicant into the program.
- Differentiates military training programs based on risk. The bill requires the Secretary of Defense to develop a method for classifying relative risks, by country, and to consider the overall risk profile of each country when making determinations of applicants’ eligibility. The DOD must also to consider implementing appropriate training programs in other countries when appropriate.
Pictured above: Gov. Ron DeSantis meets with NAS Pensacola Commanding Officer Tim Kinsella two days after the deadly terrorist attack on the base. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
The Outside Collection Box At The Cantonment Post Office Was Broken For Months. We Asked Why. They Fixed It Before Answering.
March 6, 2020
The outside collection box at the Cantonment Post Office had been neatly wrapped in plastic for months. Since at least early November.
A sign taped over the mail chute said “Box Vandalized. Do Not Use. Broken.”
Numerous NorthEscambia.com readers have asked us why or if the post office ever planned to reopen the box. We stopped by and snapped photos of the box Tuesday afternoon, and we emailed an official U.S. Postal Service spokesperson Tuesday night. He read and acknowledged the email Wednesday morning.
The box was fixed by Wednesday afternoon, over four months after it was taken out of service.
“The Postal Service strives to provide the best possible service to our valued customers,” wrote USPS Strategic Communications Specialist Floyd Wagoner wrote in an email dated Wednesday to NorthEscambia.com. “We apologize for any inconvenience that may have been experienced, due to the temporarily damaged blue collection box located at the Cantonment Post Office. An unforeseen delay in replacement components caused the blue collection box to be out-of-service longer than first anticipated. However, we are pleased to inform our customers that blue collection box service at the Cantonment Post Office has resumed today.
Have a question about something we could help with in the North Escambia area? Email news@northescambia.com.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Stuckey Throws Perfect Game In Northview 17-0 Shutout Of Central; Niceville Tops Tate
March 6, 2020
Northview 17, Central 0 (4 innings)
Aubrey Stuckey threw a perfect game Thursday evening to lead the Northview Chiefs over Central 17-0.
Stuckey allowed no hits, no runs and no walks while striking out four in a four inning game shortened by the 10-run mercy rule.
Payton Gilchrist led the Chiefs by driving in six runs, going 3-4 with doubles in the first and fourth. Also for Northview: Heather Knowles 1-2, 3R, 3RBI; Ashley Ragsdale 2R, RBI; Kaitlin Gafford RBI; Anna Sullivan R; Libby Pugh R, RBI; Kaylin Watson 1-2, 3R, RBI; Nevaeh Brown 1-1, R; Kayla Dixon 1-2, 2R; RBI; Aubrey Stuckey R; Emma Gilmore R; Rylee Huskey R.
The Lady Chiefs were also error-free in the field.
Niceville 8, Tate 2
Niceville defeated the Tate Aggies 8-2 Thursday night in Niceville.
Avery Beauchaine, , Madison Holland, Cristina Mason, Hannah Halfacre, Cam Wolfenden and Lilly Locke each had a hit for the Aggies.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Alabama Executes Man For Killing Three Police Officers
March 6, 2020
Alabama death row inmate Nathaniel Woods, 43, was executed Thursday night by lethal injection at the Holman Correctional Facility. The execution was carried out at 8:38 p.m. Woods was pronounced dead at 9:01 p.m.
Woods was sentenced to death for the 2004 capital murder of three Birmingham Police Officers in Jefferson County. Woods did not give a final statement.
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey released the following statement following the execution:
“On June 17, 2004, four Birmingham police officers went to the apartment of Nathaniel Woods, a known drug dealer, to issue a warrant of arrest. Unfortunately, only one of those officers lived to recount the horrendous assault upon him and his fellow officers.
As explained by the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals, the evidence showed that Woods was an integral participant in the intentional murder of these three officers. On the day the officers were killed, Mr. Woods talked to others about killing police officers; he taunted the officers and lured them into his apartment, where he knew they would be met by gunfire; he pointed the gunman to the third police officer; and he escaped with the gunman.
“Each officer died of multiple gunshot wounds. Two officers were shot in the back and one in the head, and none of the officers had an opportunity to discharge return fire. In fact, one officer’s weapon was still holstered.
“The state offered the testimony of 39 witnesses at Woods’ capital murder trial, including Officer Michael Collins, 25 other law enforcement officers, and forensic experts. There is no evidence, and no argument has been made, that Nathaniel Woods tried to stop the gunman from committing these heinous crimes. In fact, he later bragged about his participation in these horrific murders. As such, the jury did not view Woods’ acts as those of an innocent bystander; they believed that he was a fully engaged participant.
“A jury of Mr. Woods’ peers convicted him of four counts of capital murder. In the past 15 years, his conviction has been reviewed at least nine times, and no court has found any reason to overturn the jury’s decision.
“Under Alabama law, someone who helps kill a police officer is just as guilty as the person who directly commits the crime. Since 1983, Alabama has executed two individuals for being an accomplice to capital murder.
“After thorough and careful consideration of the facts surrounding the case, the initial jury’s decision, the many legal challenges and reviews, I concluded that the state of Alabama should carry out Mr. Woods’ lawfully imposed sentence this evening.
“This is not a decision that I take lightly, but I firmly believe in the rule of law and that justice must be served. My thoughts and most sincere prayers are for the families of Officers Chisholm, Owen and Bennett. May the God of all comfort be with these families as they continue to find peace and heal from this terrible crime.”
Tate High Tennis Edges Milton
March 6, 2020
The Tate High Girls Tennis team had a 5-1 home win over Milton Thursday, and the boys team finished the day with a 3-2 edge over Milton with two doubles matches to complete.
The Tate Aggies Tennis Girls overall record is now 5-1, and boys pulled toa 3-3 record.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Inez Jinright
March 6, 2020
Inez Jinright, 84, of Cantonment, FL passed away Monday, February 24, 2020. She was born in Monticello, MS on August 17, 1935.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Hayward Jinright, and parents Marvin and Lizzie Lee Farmer.
She is survived by her four children, Gregory (Debbie), Jeffrey, Steve (Danielle) and Teresa (Roger); grandchildren, Haleigh Sullivan, Jacob Jinright, Machaela Russell, Emily Williams and Miranda Sevcik; great-grandchildren, Cayden Jinright, Ryleigh Williams, Bailey Williams, Jace Williams, Kennedy Sevcik, Jackson Sevcik, and Mckinley Sevcik; and numerous nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.
Inez was a devoted Christian, wife, mother and grandmother. Her early married years were spent making a home for Hayward and their children. Together they made sure Gregory, Jeffery, Steve, and Teresa had a foundation of faith and made church a priority. They wanted their children to be happy, healthy, and loved.
After Hayward’s death, Inez continued being actively involved in her children’s lives. As much as she loved being a mother, becoming a grandmother was one of her biggest joys in life. When she wasn’t busy spoiling her grandchildren, you could find her somewhere enjoying a cup of good coffee and conversation with friends or family.
Funeral Services were held Saturday, February 29, 2020, at First Baptist Church of Cantonment with Dr. Will Stone, Rev. Larry Huff, and Rev. Micah Gandy officiating.
Interment was at Bayview Memorial Park.
Pallbearers were Roger Commander, Tyler Jackson, Kenny Phillips, Curtis Wiggins, Lamar Wiggins, and Phillip White.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is entrusted with arrangements.
Dr. John Willard Neff
March 6, 2020
Dr. John Willard Neff, 90 of Atmore, AL, passed away February 18, 2020, at his residence. He was born on June 8, 1929, in State College, PA to the late Joseph and Viola Hoy Neff. He was a Clinical Psychologist had an undergraduate at Penn
State University, Master’s degree at Florida State University and a PhD at Ohio State University.
He is preceded in death by his four brothers, Joseph L. Neff, George Harris Neff, James Irvin Neff, William Russell Neff and one sister, Anna Viola Neff.
He is survived by his two sons, Eric (Linda) Neff and David (Christy) Neff; six grandchildren, Angie, Kory, Kristi, Natalie, Danielle, Lisa (Matt) and five great-grandchildren Annabelle, Peyton, Isabel, Angelena, Khloe.
A private memorial service was held at his home.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Christina Marie Atkins
March 6, 2020
Christina (Chrissy) Marie Atkins, 37 of Atmore, AL, passed away Saturday, February 15, 2020, in Atmore. She was a homemaker. She was born in Monroe, Washington on March 11, 1982, to Dennis John Fecteau and Brenda Taylor.
She is preceded in death by her father, Dennis John Fecteau.
She is survived by her parents Brenda (Timothy) Brock of Atmore, AL; two daughters, Keyonna Atkins and Kasiyah Atkins; two brothers, Dennis “D.J” Fecteau and Kristopher Fecteau; one sister, Cheyenne Brock and many family and friends.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 7, 2020, at 2 p.m. at Unity Baptist Church with Bro. Josh Long officiating.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.