Santa Rosa County K-9 Recovering After Being Hit By A Car
December 27, 2019
A Santa Rosa County K-9 is recovering after being hit by a car late Thursday afternoon.
Deputies were dispatched to Bayou Drive in Milton for a battery where Sgt. Rich Aloy said the suspect refused to comply with multiple commands given by a K-9 deputy. After tasing the suspect was not successful, the deputy deployed K-9 Orkon using a feature that automatically opened his cruiser’s door. A slow moving vehicle that was passing by struck the dog as it exited.
K-9 Orkon was transported to a veterinarian for examination and was cleared with only a minor rash type injury.
“He was in good spirits when he left the vet,” Aloy said. “He will be on light duty for a few days and is expected to fully recover.”
The battery suspect, 42-year old Eric Mayhugh, fled and led other deputies on a foot chase. He was apprehended and booked into the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office without bond on charges including battery, petit theft first degree and resisting an officer.
Pictured top: Santa Rosa County K-9 Orkon was released from the veterinarian with minor injuries Thursday night. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Driver’s License Service, Vehicle Registration Event Returns To Century Next Month
December 27, 2019
Mobile driver’s license and vehicle registration services will return to Century next month for a single day event.
Thee Florida Licensing On Wheels (FLOW) mobile office will be in Century from Tuesday, January 7 2020, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Billy G. Ward Century Courthouse at 7500 North Century Boulevard.
FLOW is a stand-alone mobile office with technology to provide most motorists’ needs. The mobile unit provides a convenient method to renew a driver’s license, obtain a replacement driver’s license, conversion/reciprocation of out-of-state license, change a name or address on a current driver’s 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.
Citizens can renew vehicle registrations up to three months and driver’s licenses up to 18 months in advance of expiration.
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. Citizens also can drop off property tax payments (checks only).
Pictured: Florida Licensing On Wheels (FLOW) provided motorist services such as driver’s license renewals during a previous visit to Century. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
FHP Out In Force During Holiday Period
December 27, 2019
The Florida Highway Patrol has joined law enforcement across the nation to crack down on impaired driving by sharing the message “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over”. The enforcement campaign runs through January 1, 2020.
“Florida Highway Patrol troopers and law enforcement officers statewide are trained to spot the signs of impaired driving, and will be out in force this holiday season,” said Colonel Gene S. Spaulding, director of the Florida Highway Patrol. “Impairment can cause drowsiness, an inability to react appropriately in simple situations, and a false sense of alertness. Please make good decisions and Arrive Alive this holiday season. Never drive impaired.”
Data shows that last December there were 549 alcohol impaired driving crashes in Florida, which was the most for any month in 2018, as well as 57 drug impaired and 34 alcohol and drug impaired crashes
Troopers are out in force on the highways to aid motorists and remove impaired drivers from the road. FHP Auxiliary troopers are also volunteering to augment the FHP during the holiday period.
The FHP offers the following travel tips:
- Every time you get in a vehicle, no matter where you are sitting, buckle up.
- Never drive impaired. Don’t get behind the wheel if you have been drinking or took drugs that cause impairment.
- Let your passengers help you navigate or change the music. Don’t drive distracted. Keep your hands on the wheel, eyes on the road and mind on driving.
- Make sure you get enough rest before you drive. Stop to take a break every 100 miles or two hours.
- Move over for stopped emergency, sanitation, utility service vehicles and wreckers when it is safe to do so.
- Be aware of the speed limit and adjust accordingly. In Florida, the limit will never be higher than 70 mph.
The said theirincreased presence throughout Florida helps to deter traffic violations and enhance services to motorists who need assistance while traveling.
Tate High Names Charlery, Ray As Students Of The Month
December 27, 2019
Tate High School recently named Dylainie Charlery and Elias Ray as Students of the Month. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
College Football Bowl Games, And Where To Watch Them On TV
December 27, 2019
The 2019-20 college football bowl schedule with kickoff times and TV information is below:
Dec. 28
Camping World Bowl — Dec. 28
No. 15 Notre Dame vs. Iowa State
Camping World Stadium
Orlando, FL
11 a.m. | ABC
Cotton Bowl Classic — Dec. 28
No. 10 Penn State vs. No. 17 Memphis
AT&T Stadium
Arlington, TX
11 a.m. | ESPN
Peach Bowl (College Football Playoff semifinal) — Dec. 28
No. 1 LSU vs. No. 4 Oklahoma
Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Atlanta, GA
3 p.m. | ESPN
Fiesta Bowl (College Football Playoff semifinal) — Dec. 28
No. 2 Ohio State vs. No. 3 Clemson
State Farm Stadium
Glendale, AZ
7 p.m. | ESPN
Dec. 30
First Responder Bowl — Dec. 30
Western Kentucky vs. Western Michigan
Gerald J. Ford Stadium
Dallas, TX
11:30 a.m. | ESPN
Music City Bowl — Dec. 30
Louisville vs. Mississippi State
Nissan Stadium
Nashville, TN
3p.m. | ESPN
Redbox Bowl — Dec. 30
California vs. Illinois
Levi’s Stadium
Santa Clara, CA
3 p.m. | FOX
Orange Bowl — Dec. 30
No. 9 Florida vs. No. 24 Virginia
Hard Rock Stadium
Miami Gardens, FL
7 p.m. | ESPN
Dec. 31
Belk Bowl — Dec. 31
Kentucky vs. Virginia Tech
Bank of America Stadium
Charlotte, NC
111 a.m. | ESPN
Sun Bowl — Dec. 31
Arizona State vs. Florida State
Sun Bowl
El Paso, TX
1 p.m. | CBS
Liberty Bowl — Dec. 31
Kansas State vs. Navy
Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium
Memphis, TN
2:45 p.m. | ESPN
Arizona Bowl — Dec. 31
Georgia State vs. Wyoming
Arizona Stadium
Tucson, AZ
3:30 p.m. | CBSSN
Alamo Bowl — Dec. 31
No. 11 Utah vs. Texas
Alamodome
San Antonio, TX
6:30 p.m. | ESPN
Jan. 1, 2020
Citrus Bowl — Jan. 1
No. 13 Alabama vs. No. 14 Michigan
Camping World Stadium
Orlando, FL
Noon | ABC
Outback Bowl — Jan. 1
No. 12 Auburn vs. No. 18 Minnesota
Raymond James Stadium
Tampa, FL
Noon. | ESPN
Rose Bowl Game — Jan. 1
No. 6 Oregon vs. No. 8 Wisconsin
Rose Bowl
Pasadena, CA
4 p.m. | ESPN
Sugar Bowl — Jan. 1
No. 5 Georgia vs. No. 7 Baylor
Mercedes-Benz Superdome
New Orleans, LA
7:45 p.m. | ESPN
Jan. 2
Birmingham Bowl — Jan. 2
No. 21 Cincinnati vs. Boston College
Legion Field
Birmingham, AL
2 p.m. | ESPN
Gator Bowl — Jan. 2
Indiana vs. Tennessee
TIAA Bank Stadium
Jacksonville, FL
6 p.m. | ESPN
Jan. 3
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl — Jan. 3
Nevada vs. Ohio
Albertsons Stadium
Boise, ID
2:30 p.m. | ESPN
Jan. 4
Armed Forces Bowl — Jan. 4
Southern Miss vs. Tulane
Amon G. Carter Stadium
Fort Worth, TX
10:30 a.m. | ESPN
Jan. 6
LendingTree Bowl — Jan. 6
Louisiana vs. Miami (Ohio)
Ladd-Peebles Stadium
Mobile, AL
6:30 p.m. | ESPN
Jan. 13
College Football Playoff National Championship Game — Jan. 13
Mercedes-Benz Superdome
New Orleans, LA
4 p.m. | ESPN
Man Charged With Pointing Gun At Two People Playing Basketball On Tate Road
December 26, 2019
A Cantonment man was charged with allegedly pointed a gun at two people as they played basketball near a local road.
Kenneth Lee Pedicord, 18, was booked into the Escambia County Jail two felony counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
Pedicord was allegedly the passenger in a vehicle that stopped as two people were playing basketball at a residence near the road in the 1200 block of Tate Rate. Pedicord allegedly asked the victims if they wanted any marijuana before pointing a handgun in their direction. Both victims ran into a nearby wooded area.
Pedicord was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $1,000 bond.
State Officials Warn Stay Alert To Gas Pump Skimmers During Holiday Travel
December 26, 2019
During the busy holiday travel period, state officials are offing tips for consumers to avoid fraud by gas pump skimmers:
Take a close look at the pump: Avoid using pumps that are open or unlocked, have had the tamper-evident security tape cut or removed, or otherwise appear unusual. If anything seems cracked, loose, or tampered with, use a different pump. Some newer pumps may also have encrypted credit card readers — look for an illuminated green lock symbol near the credit card reader.
Pay with a credit card: If a credit card number is skimmed, you’re protected by the card issuer’s zero-liability policy — but a stolen debit card number could be far more damaging. If you must use a debit card, choose to use it as credit, instead of selecting debit and entering your PIN. Use a credit card chip reader if it is available.
Pay inside instead of at the pump: It takes just seconds for criminals to place a skimmer in a gas pump — but it’s far less likely that a skimmer has been placed on the payment terminal in front of the clerk inside the gas station or convenience store. Take the few extra minutes to pay inside with cash or a credit card to protect yourself from fraud.
Choose gas pumps closest to the physical building: Don’t use gas pumps out of the attendant’s line of sight, such as those around a corner or behind a building. Thieves placing skimmers are less likely to put them in pumps where the store attendant may catch them in the act.
Check your card statements and sign up for fraud alerts: Nearly every credit card issuer offers fraud alerts, and many will email or text you when your card is used at a gas station. Check your credit card and debit card transactions regularly to make sure no fraudulent activity has occurred. Consumers who suspect their credit card number has been compromised should report it immediately to authorities and their credit card company.
When in doubt, consumers should contact the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services — all consumer complaints will be investigated. To file a consumer complaint, visit FloridaConsumerHelp.com or call 1-800-HELP-FLA or 1-800-FL-AYUDA (for Spanish speakers).
The Big Fix: Friends Of The Escambia Animal Shelter Now Has Mobile Spay/Neuter Unit
December 26, 2019
The Friends Of The Escambia County Animal Shelter now has the area’s first mobile spay/neuter unit thanks to a grant
Animal Aid USA spent 250 hours over six months putting the unit together in a refurbished travel trailer. Last Chance Ranch donated equipment to be used in the mobile unit, and many other organizations donated toward the project.
The nonprofit Friends will be announcing cost, schedule and other details soon.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
UWF Ends Season At No. 1 In Final AFCA Coaches Poll
December 26, 2019
The University of West Florida’s football national championship was confirmed in the latest coaches poll.
The UWF football team was voted number one in the final coaches poll as announced by the American Football Coaches Association this week.
UWF finished the season 13-2 after winning the program’s first national championship, 48-40 over Minnesota State, on Saturday night. The Argonauts rose 19 spots from 20 at the end of the regular season as they completed one of the most remarkable postseason runs in NCAA history, defeating three number one seeds and four-consecutive undefeated teams for the first time ever en route to the University’s 10th team national championship.
UWF received all 31 first place votes and is ranked number one in the coaches poll for the first time in history. The previous best was number two at the end of 2017 following the run to the title game that season, and during the first two rankings of 2018.
The Argos beat each of the other four teams in the top five during their 2019 run. MSU finished second, followed by Ferris State at No. 3, Lenoir-Rhyne at No. 4 and Valdosta State at No. 5. Wingate, UWF’s opening round opponent, ended the year at No. 19.
UWF was playing in it’s second NCAA Championship Game in four seasons of football. The team improved to 35-17 all-time after starting in 2016. The Argonauts are 9-1 in NCAA postseason games and own the highest winning percentage in D2 history among teams who have played a minimum of 10 playoff games.
Mobile Home And Heavy Truck Registrations Due December 31
December 26, 2019
Scott Lunsford, Escambia County Tax Collector, reminds those residents who own mobile homes, heavy trucks, nine-passenger, for hire and commercial vehicles to renew their registrations by December 31.
Mobile homes not taxed as real property are subject to annual registration fees. Each section of the mobile home requires a separate registration that must be displayed and visible from the roadway. Registration fees are based on the length of the mobile home and must be renewed by December 31. A delinquency fee will be charged if the registration is not renewed by January 10, 2020. Mobile homes taxed as real property (RP) must display a permanent RP decal.
Florida law requires that registrations for all trucks with an empty weight of 5,000 pounds or more expire in December. The registered owner is required to declare a gross vehicle weight (GVW). Registration fees are determined by the gross vehicle weight.
Citizens are encouraged to visit EscambiaTaxCollector.com, click the “Express Lane – Same-Day Vehicle/Vessel Registration Renewal and Pick Up” button to renew online fee free with eCheck. Renewals processed before 3 p.m. Monday through Friday can be picked up the same day. Renewals after 3 p.m. can be picked up the next business day.
Customers who do need to visit our offices can join the line online at EscambiaTaxCollector.com and manage their time their way. Citizens select an office location and type of service, receive a message with approximate service time and then continue their regular activities until the service time approaches.