Early Voting Opens In Escambia County
August 13, 2022
Early voting for the 2022 Primary Election in Escambia County continues through Saturday, August 20 at 10 locations throughout the county.
Those locations open daily are:
- Billy G. Ward Courthouse, 7500 N. Century Boulevard, Century (9 a.m. – 6 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.)
- Pensacola Interstate Fairgrounds, 6655 Mobile Highway (9 a.m. – 6 p.m.)
- UWF Center for Fine and Performing Arts, Building 82, University Parkway (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.)
- Supervisor of Elections Office, 213 Palafox Place, Second Floor (8 a.m. – 5 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.)
Voters may choose any one of the 10 locations, each of which is also equipped with a ballot marking device.
Voters can also cast a paper ballot at their precinct on Election Day, Tuesday, August 23. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. Voters are encouraged to check their polling place closely, as several have changed since the last election.
Cantonment Five-Time Convicted Felon Arrested On Drug And Weapons Charges
August 13, 2022
A Cantonment man is facing multiple felony charges after being caught with drugs and a weapon as deputies tried to arrest him on an outstanding warrant.
Mako Christopher Pert, 35, was charged with trafficking methamphetamine, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, fleeing and eluding and driving with a suspended license.
Deputies from the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Gun Crimes Unit and Warrants Unit spotted Pert on Pen Haven Drive. A vehicle takedown was conducted and Pert was detained.
Deputies observed a pistol in plain view on the floorboard behind the front passenger seat, according to an arrest report. A clear plastic bag containing 21 grams of methamphetamine was located in the center console, $600 in cash was located in his left front pocket and empty clear baggies were in his right pocket. A digital scale and a gun holster were also located.
On July 29, Pert fled from deputies at a high rate of speed when they attempted to stop his vehicle, according to a second report, and a warrant was issued.
Pert is a five-time convicted felon, according to the ECSO. He remained in the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $127,000.
FWC Law Enforcement Report: Fishing And Boating Violations
August 13, 2022
The Florida FWC Division of Law Enforcement reported the following recent activity:
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
Officers Cushing, Land and Bower were patrolling both state and federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Several miles away they observed an Alabama charter vessel in Florida state waters holding in the same location consistent with bottom fishing. Upon approach, the vessel turned in a different direction. When officers contacted the captain, he stated that he was having generator issues. The officers determined that there was red snapper on board during the closed season. They also determined that the passengers on board were fishing at that location. Further investigation and interviews revealed that the captain directed the deckhand to throw a fishing rod overboard to attempt to prevent the officers from realizing they were actively fishing. The captain was cited for the violation.
Officers Land and Cushing were on patrol in state waters of the Gulf of Mexico south of Pensacola working a detail targeting illegal red snapper harvest. Throughout their four days of patrolling, Officers Land and Cushing issued eight resource citations. Seven were for closed season red snapper and one to an Alabama charter captain that was actively fishing in Florida state waters without a Florida charter license.
Officers Cushing, Land and Bower were patrolling both state and federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico. They conducted several resource inspections south of Pensacola and located individuals in possession of red snapper during closed season. Citations were issued to persons on board two of the vessels for being in possession of red snapper.
Officer Cushing conducted a marine resource inspection of a vessel returning to the boat ramp. Officer Cushing questioned the fisherman and he stated that he had one small redfish. The officer asked him what the size limit was, and the fisherman stated 17 inches to 27-inch slot limit. Officer Cushing asked how big his fish was and the individual responded, “26 inches”. An inspection of the fish and measurement revealed the fish to be 34.5 inches. A citation was issued for the violation.
SANTA ROSA COUNTY
Officer Corbin received a complaint of a derelict vessel in Maquis Bayou. Officer Corbin located the vessel, and it was approximately 30 percent sunk and sitting on bottom. The vessel was previously tied off to the shoreline and appeared abandoned. Officer Corbin located the registered owner of the vessel, who was unaware his vessel had sunk and had not been checking on his vessel for some time. The registered owner has no means to remove the vessel and was issued a notice to appear citation for storing a derelict vessel on state waters. The registered owner was also cited for the vessel having expired registration, over 6 months, and warned for failure to update the address on the vessel registration.
Officer Corbin was on patrol at Shoreline boat ramp when he observed a subject operating a personal watercraft (PWC) carelessly around other vessels and in a congested area. The operator retuned to the boat ramp and pulled the vessel from the water. The operator had difficulty backing the trailer down the boat ramp and was not wearing a life jacket while operating the PWC. Officer Corbin contacted the operator and conducted a boating safety inspection. Throughout the inspection the operator’s movements were slow, he could not remember where he had placed items, he had bloodshot and watery eyes, and a moderate odor of alcohol coming from his breath. During the inspection the operator advised he had medical marijuana on board and had smoked marijuana within the hour. The operator provided a plastic tube containing marijuana that was not sealed nor labeled as medical marijuana. The operator agreed to conduct Standard Field Sobriety Tasks (SFST) and showed numerous clues of impairment throughout the tasks. The operator was placed under arrest for Boating Under the Influence (BUI). The operator was charged with operating a vessel with an unlawful breath alcohol level, possession of marijuana under 20 grams, and possession of drug paraphernalia. The operator was also cited for careless operation and not wearing a life jacket while operating a PWC.
District 5 Quintette Neighborhood Cleanup Collects Nearly 27 Tons of Debris
August 13, 2022
Escambia County collected and disposed of nearly 27 tons of debris and waste during the District 5 Quintette Neighborhood Cleanup in July. The event allowed residents to leave items at the curb to be disposed of free of charge by the county and partnering agencies.
The cleanup resulted in the collection of 26.76tons of debris, 740 pounds of household hazardous waste, and 179 tires and 15 gallons of paint.
The county’s neighborhood cleanup program is hosted by the Escambia County Community Redevelopment Agency’s Safe Neighborhood Program. Local partners include Escambia County Waste Services, Environmental Code Enforcement, Public Works, Animal Services and Road Prison, along with the City of Pensacola Sanitation Department.
A similar neighborhood cleanup was held last Wednesday in Cottage Hill. Totals from that collection are not yet available.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia County 4-H Holds Annual Awards Banquet
August 13, 2022
submitted by Brian Estevez, UF/IFAS Escambia County 4-H Agent
Escambia County 4-H celebrated its annual 4-H Banquet on August 5 th at the Langley Bell 4-H Center in Cantonment. More than 120 guests participated in the celebration and recognition of Escambia County 4-H achievements in a mardi gras theme setting.
Guests were greeted in front of the building by a 4-H mardi gras float, complete with thrown beads and music. Many awards were given out at the banquet to recognize the accomplishments of our 4-H members. County council members and honored guests presented certificates, pins and awards to the recipients.
“The 4-H Awards Banquet was made possible with the donations from our many sponsors. Escambia County 4-H thanks you for your donations of money, time and effort to make the banquet possible,” said Aly Schortinghouse, Escambia County 4-H/Livestock Agent.
Our graduating seniors were recognized on-stage and 4-H volunteers received awards for their service. Escambia County 4-H also honored the members that made up the 2021-2022 County Council and inducted a new group of council officers for 2022-2023. The new council officers are as follows: A.T. Bridgers and Reid Spagnuolo as district delegates, Syrah Chauvette as motivational leader, Matt Dunlap as sergeant-at-arms, Tucker Padgett as parliamentarian, Alan Bray-Crews as historian, Laney Clarke as reporter, Ava Chauvette as treasurer, Kailee Dunlap as secretary, Madelyn Goss as vice president, and Gracie Meredith as president.
According to Brian Estevez, Escambia County 4-H agent, the new officers were inducted in alighting of the candle ceremony and were told that “good officers pledge their hands to the service of their 4-H council, its members, and the clubs they represent.”
The past 12 months have been an outstanding year for Escambia County 4-H. Four hundred and fifty-eight youth were enrolled in sixteen 4-H clubs, volunteer enrollment increased, and day camp and workshop quality were the best they have ever been. Escambia County 4-H members placed first in multiple state 4-H competitions including: 2021 state 4-H tailgating contest, 2021 junior horticulture judging, 202 1intermediate horticulture judging, 2022 senior Insectathon, 2022 Gator Pit entrepreneur contest, 2022 avian bowl, 2022 junior and senior graphic design, and 2022 junior and senior photography. Belinda Spann, 4-H senior office support assistant, was also recognized on-stage for being selected as the 2022 Florida Association of Extension 4-H
Agent’s Support Staff of the Year.
“Escambia County 4-H would like to say thank you to all of the 4-H members, parents, sponsors, and guests that attended the 2022 4-H Awards Banquet,” said Estevez.
The 4-H Awards Banquet was made possible with the donations from our many sponsors.
Escambia County 4-H would like to thank: Beasley Jewelry, Escambia County Farm Bureau, the Langley Bell family, Escambia County 4-H Foundation, Inc., and the Escambia County Home and Community Educators. Escambia County 4-H thanks you for your donation of money, time, and effort to make the banquet possible.
Lower Rain Chance For Sunday
August 13, 2022
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. Calm wind.
Sunday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 72. Calm wind.
Monday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Tuesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. West wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Wednesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89.
Wednesday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72.
Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 85. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Thursday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70.
Friday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 83. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Christopher “Chris” Lee Thompson
August 13, 2022
Christopher “Chris” Lee Thompson, age 49, of Pensacola died August 8, 2022.
He lived in Escambia County his whole life. Chris worked as a truck driver for Gulf States Enterprises.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Barbara Hope Ellingson and father, Kenneth E. Thompson. Left to cherish his memory are his children, Timothy Thompson, Jared Thompson, Courtney Briceno Thompson (Ivan Briceno), Eliana Thompson and 6 grandchildren.
The family will receive friends at Pensacola Memorial Gardens Funeral Home Wednesday, August 17 th from 1-2 pm with funeral service to follow at 2pm.
McCambley Shines, Nuñez Delivers In 6-3 Wahoos Win
August 13, 2022
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos won their second game in a row over the Birmingham Barons on Friday night, as Zach McCambley and Nasim Nuñez led the way in a 6-3 victory.
McCambley (W, 6-7) struck out 10 batters over 6.0 one-run innings, biding his time until the Blue Wahoos exploded for four runs in the bottom of the sixth to swing the game in their favor.
The Blue Wahoos and Barons traded zeroes until the fifth inning, when Evan Skoug hit a solo homer to put Birmingham ahead 1-0. Pensacola finally broke through against Barons starter Emilio Vargas (L, 1-5) in the sixth, as Griffin Conine doubled and Will Banfield singled before J.D. Osborne tied the game with an RBI single to left field.
Banfield scored the go-ahead run on a wild pitch from reliever Taylor Broadway, and Nuñez capped the big inning with a two-out, two-run single to put Pensacola ahead 4-1.
In the seventh, Jose Rodriguez got the Barons within a run at 4-3 with a two-run homer against Eli Villalobos. Pensacola answered back in the bottom of the eighth, however, as Will Banfield led off the frame with his fourth hit of the night and Thomas Jones brought him home with an RBI triple. Jones scored on a wild pitch from Vince Vannelle to extend the Blue Wahoos lead to 6-3.
In the ninth, Sean Reynolds (S, 2) walked the first two batters but struck out the next three to earn the save.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Barons on Saturday.
by Erik Bremer, Pensacola Blue Wahoos
Habitual Traffic Offender Arrested In Bratt After Trying To Outsmart Deputy
August 12, 2022
A habitual traffic offender was arrested this week in Bratt after allegedly trying to outsmart an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputy.
Joshua Thomas Lange Johnson, 36, was charged with multiple criminal traffic offenses, including felony driving with a suspended license habitual offender and operating a motorcycle without a license. He was released on a $9,500 bond, according to jail records.
An Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputy observed a motorcycle estimated to be traveling above the posted speed limit on North Highway 99 near Bratt. As the deputy attempted to catch up to the motorcycle, the driver pulled into the driveway of a home on North Highway 99 near Amerson Drive. The deputy returned to find Johnson and his passenger standing in front of the home.
According to an arrest report, Johnson had no business at the home and had pulled into the driveway in an attempt to avoid the deputy and a traffic stop.
According to records, Johnson’s driving privileges have been suspended indefinitely in Florida, and he is classified as a habitual traffic offender. He also had an outstanding warrant for other traffic offenses.
The passenger on the motorcycle was not charged with any crime.
Private Donor Contributes $20,000 To Tate Quarterback Club
August 12, 2022
A private, unnamed donor contributed $20,000 this week to the Tate High School Quarterback Club.
“To say we are thankful would be an understatement,” the QB Club said in a social media post. “You believe in us and for that we are thankful!”
The Tate Quarterback Club supports the Tate High School Aggies football program.