Escambia Public Safety Director Resigns Day After Firefighter Union Calls For His Removal
April 9, 2019
Escambia County Public Safety Director Mike Weaver has resigned, the day after the local firefighter union called for him to be removed.
After submitting his letter of resignation Tuesday, Weaver told NorthEscambia.com that he was ready to retire and that “some of the stuff going around is simply not true”.
In his resignation letter, Weaver said he was resigning because “false accusations about my work performance and character are being made by an employee union”. He said the “slanderous comments can only distract others from the true needs of their Public Safety Department.”
“I have always held myself that the needs of my neighbors are always paramount to those of my own,” Weaver wrote.
(story continues below image)
Last week, Fire Chief Rusty Nail and Human Resources Director Eric Kleinert both resigned on the same day. The county’s IT director also recently resigned. There has not been no connection announced between the resignations.
Weaver’s announcement came the day after the Escambia County Professional Firefighters Union has notified the Escambia County Commission that the union had a vote of no confidence in him.
“Director Weaver has continuously demonstrated his inability to effectively lead the divisions of Public Safety, and has repeatedly failed to advocate for the true needs of Escambia County Fire Rescue,” the letter from Nick Gradia, union president, states.
“Director Weaver, despite the documented information and recommendations of staff, lacks the vision and fortitude to appropriately advocate for necessary service levels. Director Weaver’s obstructionist mentality and lack of long-term strategic planning constrains the ability of the men and women of Public Safety to provide safe and efficient emergency services to the citizens of Escambia County,” it also states.
The letter calls for the “decisive action” of the county commission to immediately remove Weaver from his position.
Weaver declined to comment for this story.
To read the entire firefighter’s union letter, click here.
Cantonment Woman Charged After Toddlers Found Alone Crossing Busy Road
April 9, 2019
A Cantonment woman is facing multiple felony child abuse charges after her toddlers were found walking in a busy roadway just off Highway 29.
Melissa Brook Hughes, 31, was charged with two counts of child neglect and two counts of child abuse.
A 1-year old and a 3-year old were found walking alone near the railroad crossing on West Roberts Road, just off Highway 29 Sunday afternoon. Bystanders called the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies arrived to find Hughes carry the children back to a house, and a witness told him that the children had crossed the road and were almost hit by passing vehicles.
The deputy noted that Hughes’ home was in complete disarray with trash everywhere. There was no food in the pantry, spoiled food in the refrigerator, many dirty dishes in the home’s kitchen, “hazards” in the children’s bedrooms and bugs throughout the house, according to an arrest report.
The children had several injuries, including bruising, scratch marks and scabs, the report further states.
The Department of Children and Families took emergency custody of both children and transported them to a local hospital for evaluation.
Hughes remained in the Escambia County Jail with her bond set at $40,000.
Investigation Continues Into Shots Fired At Century Football Game; Team Owners, Mayor React
April 9, 2019
The investigation is continuing into gunshots that were fired following a minor league adult football game Saturday night in Century.
After the Pensacola Jets beat the host team T.C. Venom at Anthony Pleasant Park, a brawl broke out and at least three shots were fired by someone on the field. There were no injuries.
(Shooting can be heard at about 37 seconds into the video below.)
Now, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to review video obtained exclusively by NorthEscambia.com and question witnesses, and the two teams are blaming each other.
T.C. Venom head coach Luis Waters said a Pensacola Jets player provoked a female Venom fan before the game even started.
“I tried to de-escalate the situation by talking to the owner and head coach, Fred Barnett, of the Pensacola Jets. He pretty much said it was fine, and I told him that it wasn’t and this was our field and our rules.”
“I threatened to have that guy removed from the game before the game even started. That player later came to me on the sideline shortly before kickoff and apologized to me for his words and his actions,” he said.
It was that player, the Venom coach said, that was later ejected from the game “because he still couldn’t control himself. Players like that have a lack of disciple, lack of leadership. I feel like the owner and head coach of the Pensacola Jets has failed that player as a head coach by not being able to control his guys.”
In a statement, Barnett said, “The events that took place after our game in Century against the Venom was unfortunate and shouldn’t have happened and couldn’t been prevented. The Jets and the league are not about situations like this.”
Waters agreed the fight and subsequent gunfire should have never occurred. “No fight should ever happen at any sporting event. If you cannot be a man and show your sportsmanship… somebody’s got to win. You suck it up and show your sportsmanship. You shake hands, and you go home.”
“We are going to back up; we are going to put this situation behind us. Hopefully the town of Century and the community of Flomaton stands behind us,” Water said. “We are going to tighten up on security at our next home game.”
Water said there were deputies at Anthony Pleasant Park on Saturday, but they were not paid security. He said he spoke to one of them at halftime, but they were no longer in the park by the end of the game.
In his statement, Barnett said, “The APDFL has zero tolerance for violence and guns, that’s why it is in our league bylaws that uniformed officers are required at each game. The Venom did not adhere to that rule.”
Mayor Reacts
“I was disappointed, because this was grown folks,” Century Mayor Hawkins said late Monday afternoon. “Somebody just acted irrationally and stupid.”
Hawkins said as far as he is concerned, the Venom will be able to play their remaining home game May 11 on the town’s field. He acknowledged the issue will likely be discussed the next town council meeting, but he will recommended that the game go on because Waters has promised to have adequate security.
In 2011, the town implemented a policy requiring a deputy at most events held at their two indoor community centers after two people were shot. Hawkins said that policy does not extend to the outdoor sports fields and any deputy would be the financial responsibility of the team.
“If I required deputies at these events (at the outdoor parks), I am going to have to require deputies at little league because sometimes the parents get worse than the children. That’s evident because of what happened Saturday,” he said.
NorthEscambia.com photos.
Cantonment Woman Charged With Child Neglect
April 9, 2019
A Cantonment woman was charged with felony child neglect after doctor noticed multiple injuries on her child.
Maranda Mixson took her child to the emergency room at Sacred Heart where doctors noticed bruises in various stages of healing on the child’s stomach, back, arms, elbows and legs, according to an arrest report. The doctors also said the child had large bruise across the front of the neck that appeared to be rope burn and numerous round marks on the stomach, feet and hands that appeared to be e-cigarette burns, the report states.
While the child’s age is redacted from the report, it states that the child had not see doctor in some period of time and had received no immunizations since she was two-years old.
Mixson was booked in to the Escambia County Jail and later released on a $5,000 bond.
Traffic Alert: Lane Closures At Nine Mile And Pine Forest Intersection
April 9, 2019
Drivers will experience alternating lane closures at the intersection of Nine Mile Road and Pine Forest Road in Escambia County from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Tuesday, April 9 through Friday, April 12 as crews perform asphalt testing. Traffic control officers will be on-site to help direct traffic.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather. Drivers are reminded to obey the 35-mph speed limit and to use caution, especially at night, when traveling through the work zone. Motorists should also watch for construction workers and equipment entering and exiting the roadway.
NorthEscambia.com photo.
Man Allegedly Threatened To Blow Up Courthouse, Kill Everyone Inside
April 9, 2019
An Escambia County man has been charged with allegedly threatening to bomb the county courthouse and kill everyone inside.
Joshua Michael Hanson, 38, was charged with a felony, and later released from the Escambia County Jail on a $10,000 bond.
Hanson told an assistant state attorney “I’m going to kill everyone and I am going to bomb this place” while in the foyer of a courtroom, according to arrest report.
As Hanson was escorted from the courtroom foyer, he began hyperventilating and crying hysterically. He waived treatment by Escambia County EMS.
According to court records, Hanson was in court for a plea hearing on a charge of violating a stalking injunction.
Northview Senior Bryant Offered Troy University Fishing Scholarship
April 9, 2019
Northview High School senior Jacob Bryant has been offered a fishing scholarship by Troy University. He is currently a member of the Panhandle Youth Anglers and plays varsity baseball for the Chiefs. . He recently won “biggest fish” at a state qualifier at Lake Talquin. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
USPS Forcing All Walnut Hill P.O. Box Holders To Change Addresses
April 8, 2019
Updated: One week after our request for more information, the USPS has responded. The story below has been updated.
Post office box holders in Walnut Hill are being forced to change their mailing addresses with very little advance notice.
There are about five dozen post office boxes in the 32568 Walnut Hill ZIP code. They are located inside Escambia River Electric Cooperative’s office next to Ernest Ward Middle School.
In late March, boxholders received a “Notification of Mailing Address Change” from Ramona Hunter at the Century Post Office stating that their addresses will change on April 15. Instead of the “Post Office Box (insert number), Walnut Hill, FL 32568″ address that many customers have used for over two decades, addresses will become “PMB (insert number) 4950 Highway 99A, Ste 1, Walnut Hill, FL,” which is the physical location of the post office. [Read USPS instruction letter ...]
“PMB” is the abbreviation for “private mailbox.”
If customers do not complete a change of address form by April 15, their mail will be returned to the sender, according to Twana Barber, spokesperson for the USPS.
“Our goal is to deliver all mail to our customers as efficiently as possible. Customers who complete a COA will have their mail forwarded from the old P.O. Box address to the new PMB address for a period of one year. Mail addressed to the old P.O. Box address, for customers who do not submit a COA, will be returned to sender, effective April 15, 2019. This is why it is so critical that customers complete PS Form 3575 to prevent service disruptions,” Barber said.
“EREC has recently been informed that during a USPS audit, it was discovered that EREC’s contract was incorrectly set up by the USPS and would need to be updated to a new contract postal unit model,” said Nick Jackson, vice president of energy and member services for EREC. “Under the new model, post office box holders will have to change their address to a longer contract postal unit address. EREC contacted the regional management office for any alternative options that EREC could provide in an effort to prevent this inconvenience to members. However, federal guidelines require this change be made. The Century postmaster notified EREC that all changes must be made by April 15.”
EREC said the member-owned cooperative does not operate the post office for profit but as a community service.
“In 1999, EREC planned to open a satellite office in Escambia County in Walnut Hill. At that same time, residents of Walnut Hill, who had worked hard to get their own post office for their community, were looking at its eminent closure by the U. S. Postal Service due to low volume,” Jackson said. “EREC stepped up and agreed to operate as the post office as a contract station to keep it from closing. EREC would operate the post office and its own satellite facility from the same building using EREC representatives to operate both businesses in an effort to serve the needs of the local community.”
Because the post office boxes are becoming private mailboxes, customers are required to submit two forms to the USPS by April 15. A normal change of address form, and a PS Form 1583 “Application for Delivery of Mail through Agent” must be completed before April 15. The mail agent form must be delivered in person to the Walnut Hill post office with two forms of valid identification.
Customers will also need to update items printed with the post office numbers such as checks and stationary.
The changes do not apply to street addresses.
Pictured: Post office boxes in Walnut Hill. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Man Sentenced After Pleading To Reduced Battery Charge
April 8, 2019
A Cantonment man has been sentenced to 12 months probation after being accused of hitting a man in the head with a pipe during an argument
Jeremiah John Fontaine, 21, was originally charged with felony aggravated battery with a deadly weapon but pleaded no contest to a reduced charge of misdemeanor battery.
Fontaine told deputies that he remembered getting into a big argument which led to a physical altercation before he left the scene, according to an arrest report, but he did not mean to kill or harm anyone.
He also received 50 hours community service.
FDOT: Weekly Construction Traffic Delay List
April 8, 2019
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads and projects in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- · U.S. 29 Widening from Interstate 10 (I-10) to U.S. 90A (Nine Mile Road) – The following traffic impacts will occur from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, April 7 through Saturday, April 13.
-
- Nine Mile Road at the U.S. 29 Overpass: Alternating traffic shifts will direct all traffic onto the westbound or eastbound lanes as crews continue construction of the new northbound bridge deck. Nine Mile Road lane restrictions are Sunday through Friday.
- U.S. 29 between I-10 and 9 1/2 Mile Road: Drainage and paving operations continue. Drivers can expect alternating lane closures Monday through Saturday.
- U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement Bridge- Bridge construction will require the following lane closures from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, April 7 through Sunday, April 14:
-
- U.S. 98 east and westbound from North 14th Avenue in Pensacola to just east of the Pensacola Bay Bridge in Gulf Breeze.
- North 17th Avenue in Pensacola between U.S. 98 and the CSX Railroad overpass (Graffiti Bridge).
- U.S. 90 (North Davis Highway) and State Road (S.R.) 10A (Scenic Highway) Utility Work- Drivers will encounter intermittent lane restrictions from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. until Saturday, April 6 on North Davis Highway and Scenic Highway in Pensacola at the following locations as crews trim trees around utility lines:
- North Davis Highway: Northbound from south of Scenic Highway to Airport Boulevard
- Scenic Highway: Westbound from I-10 to North Davis Highway
- U.S. 90 (Mobile Highway) and County Road (C.R.) 99 (Beulah Road) Intersection- Operations may require intermittent lane closures near the intersection the week of Sunday, April 7. There will be no lane closures allowed from 6 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
- U.S. 98 Resurfacing from S.R. 298 (Lillian Highway) to west of S.R. 173 (Blue Angel Parkway)- Work activities will begin the week of Monday, April 8. The $1.4 million improvement project will include milling and resurfacing the roadway, widening turn lanes, guardrail enhancements, drainage improvements and new signs and pavement markings.
- S.R. 291 (Davis Highway) Routine Maintenance On-Ramp to I-10 Westbound/I-110 Southbound- The outside, right lane from southbound Davis Highway to I-10 westbound/I-110 southbound will be closed from 8 p.m. Monday, April 8 to 5 a.m. Tuesday, April 9 as crews make guardrail repairs.
- S.R. 289 (9th Avenue) Utility Operations from Wynnehurst Drive to Fisher Street- There will be intermittent lane restrictions between Wynnehurst Drive and Fisher Street from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 9 and Wednesday, April 10 as crews trim trees around power lines.
- U.S. 90A (Nine Mile Road) Widening from S.R. 297 (Pine Forest Road) to U.S. 29- There will be alternating lane closures at the intersection of Nine Mile Road and Pine Forest Road from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Tuesday, April 9 through Friday, April 12 as crews perform asphalt testing. Traffic control officers will be on-site to help direct traffic.
- Crary Road Bridge Replacement over Pritchett Mill Creek- Crary Road is closed between Tedder Road and Byrneville Road as crews continue to construct a bridge culvert. Motorists will be detoured via C.R. 4 and Byrneville Road. The project is anticipated to be complete summer 2019.
- Bratt Road Bridge Replacement over Canoe Creek - Bratt Road will continue to be closed near Canoe Creek. Drivers on Bratt Road, west of the bridge, will be detoured to Pine Barren Road and C.R. 4. Drivers east of the bridge will be detoured east on Bratt Road. The project is anticipated to be complete summer 2019.
- Hanks Road Bridge Replacement over Breastworks Creek - Construction activities have begun. The roadway will be temporarily closed during construction. Drivers on Hanks Road, west of the bridge, will be detoured to C.R. 99 and C.R. 4. Drivers east of the bridge will utilize Pine Barren Road.
Santa Rosa County:
- S.R. 87 Pavement Markings Replacement- Traffic will encounter minor delays at the following locations from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday through Thursday until Thursday, April 25 as crews remove and replace pavement markings in the roadway. Law enforcement will be on site to direct traffic:
- U.S. 90 to Nicholas Lake Road
- U.S. 98 to Vonnie Tolbert Road
- U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – Bridge construction will require the following lane closures from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, April 7 through Sunday, April 14:
- U.S. 98 east and westbound from North 14th Avenue in Pensacola to just east of the Pensacola Bay Bridge in Gulf Breeze.
- North 17th Avenue in Pensacola, between U.S. 98 and the CSX Railroad overpass (Graffiti Bridge).
- I-10 Widening from Escambia Bay Bridge to Avalon Boulevard (S.R. 281/Exit 22) – The following construction related traffic impacts are planned for I-10 and Avalon Boulevard from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. the week of Sunday, April 7:
- Drivers may encounter alternating lane closures on Avalon Boulevard, near the I-10 interchange, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Monday through Thursday as crews perform construction activities.
- Alternating lane closures on I-10, from the Escambia Bay Bridge to east of S.R. 281, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, April 7 through Friday, April 12 as crews work to widen the roadway.
- · S.R. 87 South in Navarre Utility Operations between River Road and East Bay Boulevard- There will be intermittent lane closures between River Road and East Bay Boulevard from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday, April 8 as crews trim trees around power lines.
- · U.S. 98 Utility Operations from Pala Alto Avenue in Santa Rosa County east to Woodland Avenue in Okaloosa County- Drivers will encounter intermittent and alternating lane restrictions between Pala Alto Avenue in Santa RosaCounty and Woodland Avenue in Okaloosa County from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, April 8 through Thursday, April 18 as Pike Electric performs routine maintenance on power lines.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather. Drivers are reminded to use caution, especially at night, when traveling through a work zone and to watch for construction workers and equipment entering and exiting the roadway.