Northview Teacher, School Board Chair Call For Review Of Over 100 ‘Obscene’ Books; School Board To Address Book Policy
September 27, 2022
The Language Arts Department chair at Northview High School and the chairman of the Escambia County School Board are calling for the immediate removal of over 115 books from school libraries until they can be reviewed.
Both are clear they are not out to randomly ban books.
Vicki Baggett has taught for over 30 years, with the last two decades at Northview. She’s compiled a growing list of 116 books that she says are inappropriate in schools, mostly due to sexual language and graphic drawings that she believes actually violate Florida’s obscenity laws.
She provided NorthEscambia.com with 14 pages listing the books available in Escambia County middle and high school libraries and cited hundreds of graphic and sexually explicit references. To see the book list, click or tap here.
Editor’s note: The remainder of this story includes content that some readers may find offensive or may not be appropriate for all ages.
Many of the books books on her list contain graphic and descriptive sexual language, include pedophilia and bestiality. One book uses the F-word 116 times. The are numerous books containing underage sex, what she termed “alternate sexualties”, “explicit violent content”, self-mutilation, suicide, rape, racism, and graphic drawings.
“I have asked the superintendent to quarantine or remove from circulation the challenged books until a review consistent with state statute is conducted,” School Board Chairman Kevin Adams said of Baggett’s list.
So far, that has not happened.
“The School Board has the authority to remove books from its libraries; however, it cannot do so simply because it disagrees with the message of a book or it offends the personal morals of an individual,” School Board General Counsel Ellen Odom said in an emailed statement on Monday. “Through the review process, if the School Board determines that a particular book is pornographic or obscene, is not suited to student needs and their ability to comprehend the material presented, is inappropriate for the grade level and age group for which the material is used, or is factually inaccurate or misleading, it can direct the removal of such book.”
Adams and Baggett both said it’s not a matter of banning books based upon their personal beliefs; rather, it’s a matter of using tax money to purchase obscene material and taking away parental choice. Both said parents have the right to allow their children access to the books through the public library or bookstores.
Several of the books are winners of major literary awards and accolades, but both said the books need to be reviewed to determine if they are age-appropriate for middle or high school readers.
“The biggest thing is we have to ensure children cannot access age inappropriate material without parental approval,” Adams said. “We have to respect parental rights.”
Adams pointed out that every Escambia County school student receives a library card for the West Florida Public Libraries, and some of the books can be accessed at those public libraries. “Would I advocate that? No. But they can,” he said.
“We have a rating system for everything. We have a rating system for movies. We have a rating system for music. Why don’t we have a rating system for books? We can even do that in the library,” Baggett.
The Escambia County School Board has scheduled a special workshop for 8 a.m. on October 10 to discuss a revised school library collection development policy and educational media review policy to ensure consistency with a recently passed state law, HB 1467, which requires school districts to be transparent in the selection of instructional materials, including library and reading materials.
To see the book list, click or tap here.
NorthEscambia.com will continue to follow this story.
Hurricane Ian Moves North With Increasing Winds
September 27, 2022
This is an archived, out of date story. For the latest information, see NorthEscambia.com.
Hurricane Ian made landfall in Cuba early Tuesday morning as a Category 3 storm with winds of 125 mph. It will continue to strengthen as it moves toward the Gulf of Mexico.
Confidence continues to grow that Ian will move east of our area in the direction of the Florida west coast. High surf and maybe some gusty winds will still be possible at the local beaches.
The latest details on Ian are in the graphics on this page.
Escambia County Mounted Posse Holds Demonstration For Molino Neighborhood Watch Group
September 27, 2022
The Escambia County Mounted Posse held a demonstration Monday evening for the Molino Mid-County Neighborhood Watch. The group will meet next at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, October 24 at the Molino Community Center on Highway 95A. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Driver’s License Services, Vehicle Registration Available In Century On October 4
September 27, 2022
The Florida Licensing On Wheels (FLOW) mobile office will return to Century next month.
FLOW is a standalone mobile office with technology to provide most motorists’ needs. The mobile unit provides a convenient method to renew a driver license, obtain a replacement driver license, conversion/reciprocation of out-of-state license, change a name or address on a current driver license or identification card, and get a first-time identification card. In addition to licensing services, the mobile unit also provides an opportunity to renew or replace a vehicle registration and apply, renew or replace disabled parking placards. Written and driving tests are not available from the FLOW unit.
Vehicle registrations can be renewed up to three months and driver licenses up to 18 months in advance of expiration.
The FLOW mobile office will be at the Billy G. Ward Century Courthouse, 7500 North Century Boulevard on Tuesday, October 4 from 9 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.
Citizens using the FLOW services are encouraged to visit EscambiaTaxCollector.com and click the “What Do I Bring” button for information on what is needed for these services. Staff from the tax collector’s office will be on hand to answer all FLOW service questions and questions concerning all other tax collector services such as property tax, business tax receipts, concealed weapons licensing, etc.
Pictured: The Florida Licensing On Wheels (FLOW) mobile office at the courthouse in Century in June 2022. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Wendy Meredith Named Escambia Extension Expanded Food & Nutrition Manager
September 27, 2022
Wendy Meredith is the new program manager for the Escambia Extension Expanded Food & Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP).
Meredith is no stranger to Extension or EFNEP as she has served as a nutrition educator for 13 years teaching adult clientele across Escambia County. In her new role, she will supervise and train youth and adult nutrition educators as well as work directly with sites who will benefit from EFNEP programming.
A Little More Fall-Like: High Of 80, Low Wednesday In The Lower 50s
September 27, 2022
For the latest on Hurricane Ian and limited local impacts, click here.
A red flag warning is in effect. A red flag warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior. Outdoor burning should be avoided.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 80. Breezy, with a north wind 10 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Wednesday Night: Clear, with a low around 51. North wind around 10 mph.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 77. Northeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 54. North wind around 10 mph.
Friday: A 20 percent chance of showers after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 81. North wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 60. North wind around 10 mph.
Saturday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Sunny, with a high near 82. North wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 59. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 84.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 61.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 83.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 61.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 84.
Tate Aggies Volleyball Honors Three On Senior Night
September 27, 2022
Tate High volleyball honored three players on senior night Monday.
The three senior Aggies are setter Kaylen Brock, libero Ansli Brown, and setter Alahna Erd.
In Monday night’s game, Tate swept Pensacola High in three straight, 25-21, 25-19, 25-18.
Pictured above: Tate volleyball seniors Kaylen Brock, Ansli Brown and Alahna Erd. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Stanley Benjamin Quimby
September 27, 2022
Stanley Benjamin Quimby, age 43, of Atmore, AL passed away on September 26, 2022 in Pensacola, FL. He was born on February 6, 1979 in Atmore, AL to Stanley Buford and Sandra Lovelace Quimby. Ben was a 1997 graduate of
Escambia County High School, and he earned a Bachelor's degree from Auburn University. He was a school teacher for several years, where he was loved by all of his staff and students. He was a member of First United
Methodist Church of Atmore, where he served working in the soundbooth and playing with the Cunningbells, the Handbell Choir. He had a deep love for holidays, especially Christmas. His creativity beamed through homemade gifts, numerous proms and school events, decorating homes and yards, and his witty humor.
He is survived by his husband, Brett Floyd of Atmore, AL; his siblings: Jon (Heidi) Quimby of Newport News, VA, David Quimby of Atmore, AL, Joey Quimby of Atmore, AL, Matthew Quimby (Ambre Kelly) of Daphne, AL and Kaitlyn Hambrick of Chattanooga, TN along with other family and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on October 4, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church of Atmore with Rev. Andy Gartman officiating.
Colorful flowers will be accepted, and donations can be made to the Atmore First United Methodist Church Cancel Choir and The Cunningbell Choir at:
First United Methodist Church of Atmore, 311 S Pensacola Ave. Atmore AL 36502
Nicole Diane Campbell
September 27, 2022
born December 18, 1982, passed away on Saturday, September 24, 2022, surrounded by family and friends.
Nicole is the daughter of Tina Martin and Cleve Campbell. She was the most kind hearted person. You could always find her taking care of everyone around her and has passed that kind heart along to her daughter, Serenity.
Nicole grew up riding horses. She enjoyed barrel racing on her beloved horse, Coco. She loved the sweet things in life and you could always count on her to have a bag of candy!
She is preceded in death by her daughter, Nevaeh Harvell; father, Cleve Campbell; and grandmothers, Faye Campbell and Charlotta Rhodes.
Nicole is survived by the loves of her life, daughter Serenity Harvell and son, Prestyn Harvell; her partner of 21 years, Damian Harvell; mother, Tina (Jack) Martin; grandparents, Billy (Joyce) Campbell and Dusty (Geraldine) Rhodes; siblings, Kristin (Josh) Harvey, Trey (Alesha) Campbell, Mariah (Russell) McAnally, Cara (Bryan) Coburn, TJ (Cody) Lepley, Caleb (Kelsey) Campbell, Ciara (Codie) Calloway; lifelong friend Amanda Davidson; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Nicole will be greatly missed by many, but we are comforted knowing she is rejoicing in Heaven with her Angel baby Nevaeh and all our loved ones who have gone before us.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 29, 2022 at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North with Bro. Phillip Dean officiating. Burial will follow in McCurdy Cemetery, Century, Florida.
The family will receive friends at 11:30 a.m. prior to services.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 South Highway 29, Cantonment, is entrusted with arrangements
Escambia County Makes Free Sand Available For Storm Prep
September 27, 2022
Escambia County has free sand available for residents living in flood prone areas.
The sand is available on a first come, first served basis at the following locations:
- John R. Jones Jr. Athletic Park – 555 E. Nine Mile Road
- Don Sutton Park – 2320 Crabtree Church Road, Molino
- Travis M. Nelson Park - 4541 Highway 4, Bratt
- Equestrian Center – 7750 Mobile Highway
- Escambia County Road Department – 601 Highway 297A
- Brent Athletic Park – 4711 N. W St., Pensacola
- Ferry Pass Middle School -available on northwest corner of school property on Parazine Street
- Baars Field Athletic Park – 13001 Sorrento Road, Pensacola
Residents must bring their own sandbags and shovels. Sandbags are usually available for purchase at home improvement and hardware stores.
Pictured: Sand at Travis M. Nelson Park in Bratt. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.