It’s No Joke: School Threat Charges On The Rise In Florida
September 18, 2019
The number of children make school-related threats has steadily increased over the last three years, the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice said Tuesday during the announcement of a new awareness campaign.
In fiscal year 2016-2017, 629 Florida youth were charged with school threat related offenses, followed by 687 in 2017-2018, and 779 youth in Fiscal Year 2018-2019.
The Florida Department of Juvenile Justice announced a new awareness campaign Tuesday aimed at addressing school threats made by students in Florida. The “It’s No Joke” campaign aims to dissuade youth from making school threats, because doing so can lead to being arrested and charged with a felony.
“We want young people in Florida to understand that, in today’s environment, every threat is taken very seriously and, even if made in jest, can lead to devastating consequences,” said DJJ Secretary Simone Marstiller. “There is nothing funny about threatening a school, and there is nothing funny about being charged with a felony. We want young people to think twice before casually threatening violence in their schools.”
School related offenses include making false reports concerning a bomb, explosives, or firearms and possessing or discharging weapons or firearms on school property on a school-sponsored event. The “It’s No Joke” awareness campaign seeks to educate youth and parents that even threats made online, including on social media and gaming sites, can lead to a youth being charged with a felony offense.
Youth, parents, and teachers are also encouraged to report any and all threats they see or hear. They can notify law enforcement of a threat or can report a threat anonymously through Florida’s FortifyFL app, a suspicious activity reporting tool that allows you to instantly relay information to appropriate law enforcement agencies and school officials.
“Our top priority is the safety and security of students and teachers,” said Commissioner of Education Richard Corcoran. “It is critical that students take threats very seriously and report suspicious activity. I encourage all students and educators to download the FortifyFL app to report potentially unsafe situations, which could prevent a tragedy.”
Tate Finishes Strong In Golf Tourney; Beaver Ties For Lowest Score
September 18, 2019
The Tate High School golf team finished fifth in a 17 team event held at the A.C. Golf Course aboard NAS Pensacola with a team score of 334. Ethan Beaver tied for the lowest score during the round at 71. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tropical Storm Imelda Forms In The Gulf Of Mexico, And It’s Already Made Landfall
September 17, 2019
Tropical Storm Imelda formed in the Gulf of Mexico Tuesday, and it’s already made landfall.
Imelda formed in the Gulf just before making landfall about 1 p.m. near Freeport, Texas, with winds of 40 mph. It’s continuing to move inland and will quickly weaken below tropical storm status.
Earlier Tuesday morning, Imelda was just a tropical wave that was given only a 30 percent chance of development.
It will bring 6-12 inches of rain to parts of Texas.
Motorcycle Accident Blamed On Mechanical Problem
September 17, 2019
There were only minor injuries in a single motorcycle accident on Highway 29 in McDavid Tuesday afternoon.
Mechanical failure is being blamed for the incident about a half mile south of West Bogia Road. The adult female rider was transported by Escambia County EMS to a local hospital for treatment of road rash.
The McDavid and Century stations of Escambia Fire Rescue responded, along with the Florida Highway Patrol.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Man Flees From Deputies; ‘Every Time He Is Stopped By Law Enforcement, He Is Arrested’
September 17, 2019
A Cantonment man is facing multiple charges after fleeing from a traffic stop in Cantonment, telling them that he gets arrested every time he is stopped.
Marvin DeWayne Cooks, 45, was charged with possession of a controlled substance, resisting a law enforcement officer, fleeing an eluding and driving with a suspended license.
An Escambia County deputy confirmed Cooks had a suspended license and observed him drive out of the parking lot of the Tom Thumb on Highway 29 at Woodbury Circle.
The deputy activated his lights and siren, but Cooks failed to stop. He instead drove to a residence about three miles away on Cedar Street, where he ignored the deputy’s orders, exited the vehicle and walked into the residence, according to an arrest report. After Cooks returned outside, he was placed under arrest.
According to the arrest report, “Cooks advised every time he is stopped by law enforcement, he is arrested.” Cooks also told deputies that he thought the residence would be a safer place to stop.
Deputies discovered a small, white rock-like substance on Cooks that field tested positive for cocaine after his arrest.
Fischer Landing To Be Closed Wednesday For Maintenance
September 17, 2019
Fischer Landing in Century will be closed Wednesday from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. for maintenance. City crews will be working to remove sand from the boat launch and mowing, according to Mayor Henry Hawkin Pictured: Fischer Landing as seen in early August. NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Man Found Lying In The Road At Bratt Intersection
September 17, 2019
A man was a found lying in the road Monday night near Northview High School.
First responders arrived to find the adult male lying on Pine Barren Road at West Highway 4 about 9 p.m. His pickup truck was parked a few feet away on the shoulder of the road.
It was not clear exactly why the man was in the roadway; he was unable to tell first responders any information about how he ended up there.
The man was medically evaluated by the Walnut Hill Station of Escambia Fire Rescue and Escambia County EMS before being given a ride to his home in Walnut Hill. He did not suffer any apparent injuries, and he was not charged with any crime.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office also responded.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Local Man Arrested For Scamming Elderly NJ Woman
September 17, 2019
An Escambia County man has been charged with scamming an elderly New Jersey woman.
Parth C. Patel was charged with grand theft of a victim over the age of 65. He was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $10,000 bond.
Last week, the East Windsor New Jersey Township Police Department requested assistance from the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Fraud Unit. The New Jersey authorities reported a 72- year old victim had been scammed out of a large sum of money.
NJ Police stated the victim was told that they had “pending criminal actions” against them and needed to send money via FedEx to resolve the matter or their social security may be seized. Even though the victim had no criminal history, they complied out of fear and was provided an address location where to send the money via FedEx to Escambia County, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
After a search warrant was served, Patel was taken into custody.
Escambia County investigators said they believe there may be more victims tied to Patel’s activities.
Volleyball Senior Night: Jay Defeats Northview (With Photo Gallery)
September 17, 2019
The Jay Royals defeated the Northview Chiefs 3-2 Monday night in Bratt.
The Lady Chiefs celebrated senior night, honoring senior Teriana Redmond, Lexi Broadhead, Payton Jackson, Hailie Anderson and Abi Mascaro (pictured bottom).
The Chiefs will host their Gold Digger event against W.S. Neal beginning at 4:30 Tuesday. The Royals will be at T.R. Miller on Tuesday.
For a photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Take Stock in Children Announces 34 New Students Selected For Local Scholarship Program
September 17, 2019
Take Stock in Children recently introduced 34 new scholarship recipients and their mentors. There are 29 new seventh graders and five alternates from eighth or ninth grades among the new class..
Students will receive a college scholarship upon graduation from high school as long as they maintain good grades, attendance and citizenship, remain crime and drug free, and meet weekly with a volunteer community mentor.
The newly selected students include:
- Bailey Middle – Dewey Cushing Jr, Jacquelynn Davis, Landon Green, Xandria Smith, Gabriella Soto
- Bellview Middle – Allison Banks, Raven Falzone, Bethany Gurley
- Beulah Middle – Izaiah Cubias, Andrew Moles
- Brown Barge Middle –- Lana Carter, Tyrin Joiner, Elizabeth Mendiola (8th grade), Kenya Wadley (8th grade)
- Ernest Ward Middle – Jackson Davis, Laura Laborde, Jared Long, Genesis Scott-Johnson
- Ferry Pass Middle – Retag Abdelhamid, Jayden Brown, Kyleigh Cox, Azarria MGhee, Amiya Rudolph, Alysa Sutton, Mary Kaitlyn Johnson (8th grade), Catherine Wester (8th grade)
- Ransom Middle – Jayda Fillingim, Adrianna Middleton, Ceth Morris, Kaylyn Weiss
- Warrington Middle – Shynia Bowie, Nyking Curry, Christian Stone
- West Florida High – Patrick Delcour (9th grade)
Take Stock in Children is a statewide non-profit organization operating locally under the Escambia County Public Schools Foundation. Take Stock provides “scholarships, mentors & hope” to deserving young people selected through a need-based application process through the public middle schools at the end of their 6th grade year. Scholarship donations from local foundations, organizations, businesses and individuals are matched dollar-for-dollar when scholarships are purchased from Florida Prepaid College Foundation each year and are held until students successfully graduate from high school.
There are now a total of 138 students in grades 7-12 in Escambia County’s program.