Driver’s License Clinic To Assist Participants In Restoring Driving Privileges
December 9, 2020
The First Judicial Circuit will host a Driver’s License Clinic on Friday, March 26, 2021, to assist individuals whose licenses have been revoked, suspended, or cancelled. The event will be held from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the M.C. Blanchard Judicial Building in Pensacola. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, many if not most participants will be assisted virtually. Only certain participants who need to see a judge or hearing officer will be seen in the courthouse, and social distancing protocols will be carefully observed.
Registration now open in order that more services can be provided in advance of the actual clinic day.
Staff from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Escambia County Tax Collector’s Office, Florida Department of Revenue, Escambia County Clerk of Court, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Office of the State Attorney, and the Office of the Public Defender, along with judges and court and community corrections staff, will be available to assist registrants and provide individualized information relevant to each participant’s personal circumstances. The goal of the clinic is to provide “one-stop shopping” for citizens to interact with the appropriate state agencies and/or the court, so they can determine how to regain their driving privileges.
Drivers’ licenses may be suspended for a variety of reasons, including:
- failure to pay traffic tickets;
- the accumulation of too many points on one’s driving record;
- failure to pay child support;
- failure to pay or work off fines, fees, and costs imposed as part of a criminal sentence;
- failure to maintain automobile insurance; 6) failure to register a vehicle or keep or renew the registration;
- failure to obtain, renew, or return a car tag; or
- designation as an habitual traffic offender.
Licenses may also be revoked as a consequence of entering a plea to certain crimes, such as driving under the influence or certain drug-related offenses.
Clinic eligibility is outlined on the Escambia County Driver’s License Clinic event page at https://escambiacountydriverslicenseclinic2021.eventbrite.com
Registrants should use care to enter the precise weblink for registration, as search engines or inaccurate entry may result in access to an incorrect webpage. Availability is limited, so interested persons should register as soon as possible. Participants must be pre-registered in order to receive service at the clinic; walk-ins will not be accepted. A list of frequently asked questions is available at www.firstjudicialcircuit.org.
Florida Forest Service Offers Tips To Care For Timber After Hurricanes Sally And Zeta
December 9, 2020
Clean up and recovery from the 2020 hurricane season is well under way. While progress is being made, the damage done to timberland might impact your forest for years to come. Here are few tips and reminders from the Florida Forest Service for getting your timber stand back on track:
- Always be safety conscious. Watch for leaning trees and limb hangers in trees. These can come loose without warning and injure or kill.
- Document your damage (this can include photos, drone footage, scale tickets from salvage operations, damage estimates from a forester, invoices from clean up contractors, etc)
- Clear your access roads and firelines
- Repair eroded roadways and stream crossings
- Determine if you need to make any changes to your management strategies
- If needed, seek assistance for financial help, vendor lists, a new management plan, and/or recommendations on how to proceed
- Implement new or existing management plan
Damage from Hurricane Sally has been inconsistent with damaged forest stands scattered across Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. Hurricane Zeta further impacted timber in the northwest part of Escambia County.
In all, most areas in Florida saw only light damage. Often the best thing to do for lightly damaged timber is to leave it be or possibly something as simple as a well-timed prescribed burn. A few areas saw more significant damage that could require salvage operations or clearing, site preparation, and replanting. \
If you are uncertain what would be the best approach for your forest or are seeking financial assistance in your restoration efforts, contact Escambia County Forester Cathy Hardin in Molino at (850) 587-5237.
Six Additional COVID-19 Deaths, 91 New Positives Reported In Escambia County
December 9, 2020
THIS IS AN ARCHIVED STORY. SEE NORTHESCAMBIA.COM FOR THE LATEST DATA.
The Florida Department of Health reported six additional COVID-19 deaths and 91 new positive cases Tuesday in Escambia County.
Here is the latest data:
Total cases: 17,793 (+91)
Non-Florida residents: 1,945
Total deaths: 324 (+6)
Long-term care facility deaths : 151 (+5)
Current hospitalizations: 141 (+8)
Number of tests last day: 524
Percent positive last day: 12.2%
Percent positive last week: 9.9%
Escambia County cases by location:
Pensacola: 13,010 (+62)
Cantonment: 1,411 (+8)
Century: 967 (+1)
—-including 773 Century prison inmates
Molino: 212 (+2)
McDavid: 111
Bellview: 29 (+1)
Walnut Hill: 27
Perdido Key: 14
Gonzalez: 9
Santa Rosa County cases:
Total cases: 8,208 (+65)
Non-Florida residents: 105
Total deaths: 105 (+1)
Long-term care facility deaths: 23
Cumulative Hospitalizations: 464*
Number of tests last day: 283
Percent positive last day: 20.3%
Santa Rosa County cases by location:
Milton: 4,227 (+19)
Navarre: 1,468 (+20)
Gulf Breeze: 1,424 (+9)
Pace: 670 (+9)
Jay: 214
Bagdad: 20
Florida cases:
Total cases: 1,073,770
Florida residents: 1,056,065
Deaths: 19,378
Hospitalizations: 56,906*
*“Hospitalizations” in the statewide and Santa Rosa County totals is a count of all laboratory confirmed cases in which an inpatient hospitalization occurred at any time during the course of illness. Most of these people are longer be hospitalized. The FDOH does not provide a count of patients currently hospitalized. The Escambia County number is current data compiled each day from the local hospitals.
*The Florida Department of Health does not have a clear standard or definition of “recovered” and does not report a number of recovered individuals.
**Data Sources: Florida Department of Health, Escambia County, City of Pensacola, local hospitals.
Man Charged With Murdering His Former Stepson Off East Kingsfield Road
December 9, 2020
A man is charged with murdering his former stepson in a domestic incident Friday afternoon in neighborhood off East Kingsfield Road, and authorities said he was arrested after returning to the scene of the crime.
It happened in the 2300 block of Packwood Drive about 1:15 p.m. The victim, 38-year old Christoper Roan, was found deceased inside the home with multiple gunshot wounds.
The suspect, 54-year old James Isiah Blackmon, was booked into the Escambia County Jail charged with second degree murder, first degree attempted premeditated murder and firing deadly missiles for shooting his weapon. Roan was identified by the ECSO as Blackmon’s former stepson.
“The murder stemmed from an argument between the two family members and escalated when Blackmon shot and killed Roan,” ECSO spokesperson Amber Southard said.
Southard confirmed that Blackmon left the scene and then returned.
Neighbors told NorthEscambia.com that Blackmon fled in a red sports car immediately after the shooting before coming back and surrendering to deputies.
Exclusive photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Nathan Wayne Jackson
December 9, 2020
Mr. Nathan Wayne Jackson, age 62, passed away on Sunday, December 6, 2020 at his home in Flomaton, Alabama.
Mr. Jackson was a native of Stockton, CA, former resident of Griffin, GA (40 years) and had resided in Flomaton, AL for the past 8 years. He was an Industrial Painter, painting houses, and was a true professional in all he did. He loved fishing, being outdoors, dominoes and Georgia Football. He attended the Holy Ground Holiness Church. He is preceded in death by his parents, Edmond and Evelyn Jackson and brother, Edward Myrick.
He is survived by two brothers, Roger Dale (Margaret) Jackson of Flomaton, AL and Stephen Jackson and numerous nieces, nephews and many friends.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, December 10, 2020 at 2:00 PM at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Sis. Kathy Stophel officiating.
Burial will follow at the Ebenezer Church Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, December 9, 2020 from 6 to 8 PM at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Blue Angels Announce 2022 Show Schedule
December 8, 2020
The Blue Angels on Tuesday announced their 2022 show schedule.
The Blue Angels are scheduled to perform 63 demonstrations at 32 locations in 2022. That includes a return to a two-day show on Pensacola Beach July 9-10 and homecoming at NAS Pensacola November 11-12.
For their 75th anniversary in 2021, the Blue Angels have shows previously scheduled July 10 on Pensacola Beach and November 5-6 for their traditional homecoming at NAS Pensacola.
Early Morning Fire On Nine Mile Road Under Investigation
December 8, 2020
A fire early Tuesday morning on Nine Mile Road is under investigation.
About 1:45 a.m., Escambia Fire Rescue was dispatched to small outside fire with smoke in the area of Nine Mile Road and Ashland Avenue. It became apparent to responding firefighters approaching the intersection that there was a structure fire and additional units were dispatched.
They arrived in the 1300 block of West Nine Mile Road to find a detached three car garage that was fully involved in fire. The fire was brought under control about 2:08 a.m., and the state fire marshal was called to investigate the cause and origin.
The primary residence at the location appeared to be vacant. There were no injuries.
Escambia Public Safety Director Jason Rogers Resigns, Cites Family Health Issue
December 8, 2020
Escambia County Public Safety Director Jason Rogers has resigned just a few months after taking the job.
“As you are aware, after I had started in June there was a significant medical event in my immediate family,” Rogers said in his resignation letter. “Since that time unforeseen complications have compounded making my departure necessary. I want to maintain a professional distance and don’t wish to disclose the private circumstances as I realize this is a public record.”
Rogers was hired in May started work with Escambia County in June, bringing 27 years of public safety experience from Indiana to Escambia County. He served as both the director of emergency management and as the executive director of the Delaware County Emergency Medical Services in Muncie, Indiana, and began his career as a paramedic and police officer. Delaware County, Indiana, has a population of about 114,000 people, about one-third the size of Escambia County.
“My family has always sacrificed for me over the past 20+ years of my public service. I am choosing to resign to support and care for my family as they have always done for me,” Rogers wrote in his letter to Escambia County Administrator Janice Gilley.
Rogers indicated that he would work out the timing of his departure with Gilley.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Molino Man Charged With Neglect Of Elderly Woman After DUI, Hit And Run Arrest
December 8, 2020
A Molino mas has been charged with neglecting an elderly woman in his care after he was arrested for driving under the influence.
Nathan Dwight Pettis, 49, was charged with neglect of an elderly disabled adult, hit-and-run and DUI.
On December 5, Pettis was involved in a hit and run crash on I-10 at Highway 29, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. His truck entered another lane and collided with another vehicle before driving away. FHP troopers were able to stop his truck a short time later, and found Pettis smelled of alcohol, had slurred speech and could not keep his balance. Pettis was jailed about 7 p.m. Saturday for DUI.
A family member heard that Pettis had been arrested and went to check on the elderly woman. Pettis is her sole caregiver, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, and he did not alert anyone at the jail to check on the woman because he was in jail.
Sunday, the woman was transported to a local hospital by Escambia County EMS after she was found alone and sick at her Pettis’ home. She was in a recliner, had soiled herself, and she was unable to reach her walker. She had not had food or water for about 24 hours, according to the arrest report.
The responding deputy wrote that the victim “talked softly and was still confused about what was happening to her”.
Pettis remained in the Escambia County Jail Tuesday morning with bond set at $7,250.
How Do You Put A 42-Inch Drainage Pipe Under Railroad Tracks Without Touching Them?
December 8, 2020
So how do you put a 42-inch drainage pipe under railroad tracks without touching them?
The Florida Department of Transportation said many months of preparation and coordination went on behind the scenes before this “jack and bore” operation could take place.
Drainage crews needed to bore under the Alabama and Gulf Coast Railway (AGR) tracks that cross Nine Mile Road just west of the Highway 29 overpass—without touching the railroad tracks. To connect the new drainage facilities on either side of the railroad tracks, crews used a jack and bore technique.
Instead of opening the ground and interrupting railroad services, an auger machine drove two runs of 42-inch pipe 66 feet horizontally under the tracks. Personnel from the FDOT, designer and contractor worked with AGR to ensure the operation did not disrupt or undermine the railroad tracks.
strong>Photo: FDOT for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.