FWC Law Enforcement Report: Night Hunting, Spotlighting
January 24, 2024
The Florida FWC Division of Law Enforcement reported the following recent activity:
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
Officer Cushing was on patrol in an area that recently received reports of night hunting and observed a vehicle shining a spotlight in a manner likely to disclose the presence of wildlife. He heard two shots consistent with a .22 round and conducted a stop on the vehicle. While contacting two individuals in the vehicle, he discovered a spotlight, two .22 rifles and ammunition. Both subjects admitted to shooting at wildlife from the roadway. Officer Pettey assisted Officer Cushing and violations were documented accordingly.
While on patrol in the Perdido Wildlife Management Area during the early morning, Officer Cushing observed two vehicles parked near the clay pit in the Frank Reeder Trac. No one was in the immediate area. Officer Cushing waited in a concealed location when he heard two shots from a shotgun. After observing several birds being flushed from the area, Officer Cushing saw an individual along the wood line. Officer Cushing made contact with the subject when he neared the road. While speaking with the individual, it was determined he illegally shot a protected migratory bird, was hunting without a license and was illegally camping. The violations were documented accordingly.
SANTA ROSA COUNTY
Lieutenant Berryman and Officer Brown were on patrol in Blackwater Wildlife Management Area when they observed a subject hunting deer with dogs without the required 500 square inches of daylight fluorescent orange material as an outer garment, above the waistline. Upon talking with the individual, the officers detected an odor of cannabis coming from the subject’s vehicle. The officers questioned the subject, who admitted there was cannabis in the car and told the officers where it was located. The subject was cited appropriately for the violations.
Lieutenant Berryman and Officer Brown were on patrol in Blackwater Wildlife Management Area when they heard a gunshot that sounded like it came from the boundary of the still hunt and dog hunt area. The officers conducted a search of the area and located two trucks; one had a dog box. The officers observed a subject in the woods near the still hunt area wearing camouflage and a blaze orange vest. When the subject noticed the officer’s patrol truck he started to walk to the road. While Officer Brown was talking with the individual, Lieutenant Berryman located a shotgun the subject admitted to dropping due to being nervous. The subject stated he was in the still hunt area to look for a dog but brought his shotgun. While talking with the subject, Officer Brown observed the subject in the other truck walk out of the still hunt area with deer dogs and a shotgun. Both subjects were cited appropriately.
Officer Brown received a call regarding a subject hunting in the Blackwater Wildlife Management Area during closed season. Officer Waters arrived at the area and located the subject attempting to leave. Upon interview, the subject admitted to hunting the WMA during closed season and walked the officers to the treestand he had been hunting from. The individual was cited appropriately.
Officers Bower and Brown were on patrol in Blackwater Wildlife Management Area when they observed multiple individuals dove hunting. Upon conducting a resource inspection, the officers found one subject was hunting with a shotgun capable of holding more than three shells. The individual was cited appropriately.
While on patrol in the Blackwater State Forest, Officers Mullins and Brown observed a large group of approximately 40 off-road vehicles operating in the area. The officers went to an area known for off-roading and encountered about 25 vehicles from the party illegally operating off trail. The officers spoke with trail ride leaders and all the vehicle operators. The appropriate citations were issued. The group was educated about forest rules and regulations and directed to use only named or numbered roads in the forest.
While on patrol, officers Brown and Mullins encountered a group partying on a sand bar in Blackwater State Forest. The group had numerous violations including litter, alcohol, and vehicles off trail. Each subject was issued multiple citations. The subjects were directed to clean up and remove prohibited items from the area.
This report represents some events the FWC handled during the time period; however, it does not include all actions taken by the Division of Law Enforcement. Information provided by FWC.
NorthEscambia.com photo.
$1.7 Million Dawson Road Bridge Replacement Is Complete
January 23, 2024
After almost a year, a $1.7 million Escambia County bridge replacement project on Dawson Road just south of Century is now complete, and the bridge is open.
Temporary repairs were made in 2016 to the structurally deficient timber bridge over Pritchell Mill Branch that was constructed in 1965.
It has now been replaced with a 76-foot long concrete structure. The project also included replacement of about 270 feet of roadway, curb and gutter, guardrail improvements and ditch grading. The Town of Century also moved two a 3-inch water main and a 3/4 inch Town of Century gas main
The Florida Department of Transportation will pick up about $1.2 million of the cost through a Florida Department of Transportation Local Agency Partnership Agreement (FDOT/LAP) approved in 2017.
The bridge has been closed for construction since early February 2023. A short detour of about one mile was in place during the work.
Pictured: A new bridge on Dawson Road as seen January 22, 2024. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Florida’s Graduation Rate Increases To 88%; Escambia County At 80.5%
January 23, 2024
Monday, theFlorida Department of Education announced that the state’s 2022–23 high school graduation rate climbed to 88 percent, while Escambia County’s was several points lower at 80.5%, up from 78.4% in 2021-2022.
Florida’s graduation rate was an increase of 0.7 percentage points over the previous school year and a 1.1 percentage point increase over the pre-pandemic graduation rate in 2018–19.
The 2022–23 high school graduation rate also represents the highest rate ever, with the exception of the pandemic school years 2019–20 and 2020–21, in which graduating classes were exempt from statewide, standardized assessment requirements stipulated in state law.
Escambia County graduation rates were as follows:
- Tate High School — 91.3%
- Northview High — 90.3%
- Pensacola High School — 78.1%
- Escambia High School — 84%
- Pine Forest High School — 80.9%
- Escambia Westgate School — 93.8%
- Washington High — 86.9%
- West Florida High — 98.4%
“Florida’s graduation rate continues to climb because our educators place a sole focus on academics in the classroom,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Whether Florida students choose a four-year university or non-traditional post-secondary learning, they will have built a strong foundation to set them up for success.”
NorthEscambia.com images, click to enlarge.
Ernest Ward Middle School Hosting Literacy Week Family Night (And There’s Pizza)
January 23, 2024
Ernest Ward Middle School will celebrate Literacy Week with a Family night on Thurday, January 25 from 5:30 until 7 p.m.
Families are encouraged to attend as the school shares building blocks to student success. Families will rotate through literacy stations and receive student data. Take-home packages will be available.
Pizza will be served.
Tacky Tourists: Celebrating Literacy Week At Jim Allen Elementary
January 23, 2024
Escambia County Schools are celebrating literacy this week with a variety of activities and dress-up day. At Jim Allen Elemenatry School Monday, “tacky tourists” were everywhere as students dressed up. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge
Fire Destroys Mobile Home In Bratt
January 22, 2024
Fire destroyed a doublewide mobile home in Bratt Monday night.
The fire was reported about 7:10 p.m. in the 9400 block of Bratt Road, just west of Travis M. Nelson Park.
The home was fully involved in fire when the first firefighters arrived on scene.
There were no injuries immediately reported.
The cause of the fire was under investigation.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Century In The Midst of $30 Million In Grant Funded Projects
January 22, 2024
The Town of Century is currently in the midst of nearly $30 million in projects funded by grants.
The largest grant, just over $10 million, will be used to demolish the old Century High School gym on Hecker Road and build a shelter that can double as a multi-purpose facility. There is funding to replace the failed Freedom Road bridge that has been closed for years, and several projects related to potable water and wastewater.
Most of the projects are in the early stages, and most have not seen much physical work begin, accoriding to a document distributed to the town council
Last October, Mayor Luis Gomez, Jr. addressed members of the Escambia County Legislative Delegation – Sen. Doug Broxson, State Rep. Alex Andrade and State Rep. Michelle Salzman, but he did not ask for any additional state funding.
Broxson suggested at the time that Century might eventually give up its charter and let Escambia County take over.
“We know you are in tough circumstances. I would hope that at some point if things continue where it’s a challenge to meet your budget, that you would consider de-chartering Century so you could come under the umbrella of Escambia County and let them take their resources and help you with some of your major problems. I’ve watched it, “I know you’ve tried, but we really need a bigger hand to help you get to where you need to be,” the state senator said.
“Your tax base is very low, and your needs are very great,” Broxson told Gomez.
In-progress grant projects include:
Miscellaneous Wastewater Improvements – Phase I $1,042,036.99 CDBG,DEO and Escambia County
Lift station start-up at Industrial Park and some final electrical work is all that remains. Completion date 1-30- 2024.
Miscellaneous Wastewater Improvements – Phase II $8,862,336.00 FDEP
$21,305.00 spent to date, $8,841,031.00 remaining — Targeting bidding the project in the first quarter of 2024. will bill as two separate projects – WWTP work and lift Station work.
Well Rehabilitation (Well No. 1, 2, & 3) $468,453.00 State Legislature via FDEP
$77,226.25 spent to date, $77,226.25 — Permits submitted, bid opening planned for mid- January
Water Meter and Service Replacement $1,301,892.00 State Legislature via FDEP
$21,250.00 spent to date, $1,280,642 — Design underway, targeting bidding second quarter of 2024 as two projects, service line replacement and meter replacement
Carver Community Center and Century Ag Building $3,255,000 CDBG
Grant was to renovate the Carver Community Center and Century Ag Building. However, no work is being completed on the Century Community Center.
Freedom Road Bridge $1,297,000 State Legislature via FDOT
Grant received October 30, 2023. Survey and Geotechnical Investigation are underway. Wetland flagging has been completed.
Well #3 Replacement at Prison $626,000 State Legislature via FDEP
Survey and preliminary design completed.
Freedom Road Bridge, Jefferson Avenue Culvert, & Alger Road Bridge $2,869,637.00 CDBG Hurricane Sally Funds
Administrative and engineering consultants have been selected and contracts are being prepared. Once the state approves the contracts, work will begin.
Gym/Hurricane Shelter $10,022,500 CDBG Hurricane Sally Funds
Administrative and engineering consultants have been selected and contracts are being prepared. Once the state approves the contracts, work will begin.
Notes: CDGB = Community Development Block Grant. FDEP = Florida Department of Environmental Protection. FDOT=Florida Department of Transportation. DEO= Florida Department of Economic Opportunity.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
60 Lot Subdivision Planned For 14.5 Acres On West Roberts Road
January 22, 2024
A new 60-lot subdivision named “Makaira West’ is planned for West Roberts Road in Cantonment.
The 60 lots would be located on 14.5 acres between Twisted Oak Drive and Camellia Drive.
The project is currently before the Escambia County Development Review committee. It is set for a public meeting on Wednesday, January 24 at 1 p.m. at the Escambia County Central Complex Building at 363 West Park Place.
New National Chain ‘Dutch Bros’ Coffee Shop Proposed For West Nine Mile Road
January 22, 2024
An initial application filed with the Escambia County Development Review Committee shows a new drive-thru coffee shop on an outparcel in front of the Home Depot on Nine Mile Road.
If approved, the Dutch Bros coffee shop will be a 950 square foot building on 0.79 acres at 523 West Nine Mile Road, at the corner of West Nine Road and Untriner Avenue, according to the application.
Dutch Brothers is a publicly held drive-through coffee chain headquartered in Oregon.There are currently about 670 franchise locations, most in the western United States.
The plans are currently in an initial application status with the Escambia County Development Review Committee and were last set for staff internal review.
Gov. Ron DeSantis Suspends Presidential Bid; Endorses Trump
January 22, 2024
Ron DeSantis dropped out of the presidential race on Sunday while endorsing Donald Trump.
In a video released Sunday on social media, the Republican candidate suspended his campaign, after a distant second place finish in Iowa, an expected even more distant third place in the New Hampshire.
“Now, following our second place finish in Iowa, we’ve prayed and deliberated on the way forward. If there was anything I could do to produce a favorable outcome, more campaign stops, more interviews, I would do it. But I can’t ask our supporters to volunteer their time and donate their resources if we don’t have a clear path to victory accordingly. I am today suspending my campaign,’ he said.
The exit of DeSantis makes the GOP contest a two-person race between Nikki Haley and Trump.
“Now, it’s clear to me that a majority of Republican primary voters want to give Donald Trump another chance. They watched his presidency get stymied by relentless resistance and they see Democrats using lawfare to this day to attack him.”
“While I’ve had disagreements with Donald Trump, such as on the coronavirus pandemic and his elevation of Anthony Fauci, Trump is superior to the current incumbent Joe Biden,” DeSantis said.
“With a few days left until President Donald J. Trump’s victory in New Hampshire, we are honored by the endorsement from Gov. Ron DeSantis and so many other former presidential candidates. It is now time for all Republicans to rally behind President Trump to defeat Crooked Joe Biden and end his disastrous presidency,” Trump’s campaign said in a statement before taking aim at the last viable GOP candidate in the race.
“Nikki Haley is the candidate of the globalists and Democrats who will do everything to stop the America First movement. From higher taxes, to decimating Social Security and Medicare, and to open borders, she represents the views of Democrats more than the views of Republicans.
“I signed a pledge to support the Republican nominee and I will honor that pledge. He has my endorsement because we can’t go back to the old Republican Guard of yesteryear: A repackaged form of warmed over corporatism that Nikki Haley represents. The days of putting Americans last of kowtowing to large corporations of caving to woke ideology are over.”