FPL Donates $45,000 To Council On Aging
December 31, 2022
Florida Power & Light Company recently donated $45,000 to the Council on Aging of West Florida to support seniors in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. The donation will help fund programs for the roughly 2,200 vulnerable elders served by the agency.
The Council on Aging is a nonprofit organization that provides home and community-based services like Meals on Wheels, congregate dining sites, case management, and caregiver respite for older adults. The services aim to keep seniors living safely and independently in their homes where they are most comfortable.
“This generous donation is unrestricted, which means we can use it to draw down matched federal funds, and every dollar we raise in the community allows us to access another nine dollars from that funding,” says Josh Newby, president/CEO of the Council on Aging. “That means this donation will have an impact of almost half a million dollars for our area seniors.”
The agency also focuses on seasonal community needs by collecting air conditioners and fans in the summer and heaters in the cooler months. Currently, Council on Aging is collecting and distributing heater donations to keep area seniors warm and comfortable through the winter.
“We are honored to continue to support the Council on Aging of West Florida and the important work that they do to help protect some of the most vulnerable in our community,” said J.T. Young, vice president and general manager for Northwest Florida for FPL. “We are happy our donation will go to the areas of greatest need, especially as we enter the holiday and winter season. At FPL, we’re committed to making the communities that we serve even better places to live.”
Fireworks Are Legal For New Year’s In Florida; Escambia Fire Rescue Urging Caution
December 31, 2022
Fireworks are legal in Florida for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, and Escambia County Fire Rescue is reminding residents to be safe.
Between 2017 and 2021, Escambia County experienced six residential structure fires caused by fireworks. Four of those fires were caused by fireworks that were improperly disposed of after their use.
“ECFR experiences several fires related to fireworks each year,” said ECFR Fire and Life Specialist Ray Melton. “The causes are mainly due to throwing used fireworks in plastic trash containers, resulting in trash fires and house fires if the cans are near the home. We recommend that fireworks be placed in a bucket of water to complete remove of any smoldering. We also recommend that juveniles be supervised by an adult when using any type of fireworks, and do not hold sparklers near clothing or skin as the temperature of a lit sparkler can reach 1,500 degrees and cause severe burns. Do not use fireworks in or near a home, and airborne firework should never be shot off in the direction of any structure or person.”
In April 2020, Florida legalized consumer fireworks on New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day and Independence Day. Sparklers, noisemakers and the like are legal all year. On the three holidays, people are able to shoot real fireworks legally — the kind that explode or shoot into the sky.
NorthEscambia.com photo.
Portion Of Fowler Avenue Closed Next Week
December 31, 2022
A portion of Fowler Avenue will be closed beginning Tuesday.
Fowler will be closed between 9 1/2 Mile Road and McKinnon Lane for construction of two storm drain crossings. Work is expected to be completed by Friday, January 6. Traffic can detour on Highway 29 or Cove Avenue.
File photo.
FHP Remains Out In Force For Holiday Season
December 31, 2022
Florida High Patrol Troopers are out in force through January 1 for the National Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement campaign.
In December 2021, there were 35,859 crashes on Florida roadways that took the lives of 325 people and injured 1,524. In more than 28% of those crashes, the driver action reported for at least one of the drivers involved was operating a motor vehicle in a careless or negligent manner.
“Tragic crashes are unfortunately all too common, and often caused by someone who chose to not follow the law,” said FLHSMV Executive Director Terry L. Rhodes. “We see the heartbreak these crashes cause to families, friends, and communities; but seldom do we hear of the many crashes that are prevented by motorists who are courteous, sober, and focused on the road and their surroundings. These are the drivers that keep us safe and the type of driver all motorists should aspire to be this holiday season and into the new year.”
In December 2021, there were 917 alcohol-confirmed crashes, 96 drug confirmed crashes, and 86 drug and alcohol confirmed crashes, for a total of 1,099 crashes involving alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both in Florida. Under Florida law, DUI is an offense, proved by impairment of normal faculties by any substance or unlawful blood alcohol or breath alcohol level of .08 or above. If you see an impaired driver on the road, contact local law enforcement or dial *FHP (*347) to potentially save a life.
“Please remember to drink responsibly and make good decisions this holiday season,” said Colonel Gene Spaulding, Director of the Florida Highway Patrol. “Not only your life but the lives of others are in jeopardy if you decide to drink or use drugs and drive. FHP troopers will be aggressively enforcing impaired driving laws to ensure the safety of the citizens and visitors of Florida.”
To help ensure your safety, FHP will be out in force on the highways to aid motorists and remove dangerous drivers from the road. FHP Auxiliary Troopers will also volunteer to augment FHP during the holiday period. FHP’s increased presence throughout Florida helps to deter traffic violations and enhances services to motorists who need assistance while traveling.
Molino Man Sentenced To Three Years In Prison On Child Porn Charges
December 30, 2022
A 78-year old Molino man was sentenced Thursday to three years in state prison on child porn charges.
William David Pettus was arrested in March by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement on 25 counts of possession of child sexual abuse material. He entered a plea to eight of the felony charges, receiving the prison sentence on one court and five years probation consecutively on seven counts. The remainder of the charges were dropped.
Judge John Simon designated Pettus as a sexual offender and ordered him not to have any device with internet access, including phones or computers, one he is released from prison.
The FDLE investigation began in August 2021 after agents identified child sexual abuse material being shared from a computer in Escambia County. Agents obtained and executed a search warrant at Pettus’ residence in February 2022. Forensic examinations of his electronic devices uncovered evidence of videos featuring children being abused, according to FDLE.
In documents obtained by NorthEscambia.com, a FDLE special agent said an IP address belonging to Pettus was used to share files of known pornography between August 3, 2021, and again between January 23 and January 24, 2022. A search warrant was served at Pettus’ home at 3101 Crabtree Church Road in March 2022.
“William Pettus identified the two desktop computers in his office were his and that his wife did not use computers”, an arrest warrant states.
According to FDLE, 25 child pornographic images of male and female children as young as three were recovered from Pettus’ desktop computer, CDs, and external hard drives.
The investigation was conducted by FDLE with assistance of the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and U.S. Homeland Security Investigations.
Jay Woman Charged With Felony Child Abuse
December 30, 2022
A Jay woman was charged after allegedly causing physical injuries to an elementary age child.
Sierra Daniele Chapman, 27, was charged with one felony child abuse without great bodily harm.
Chapman allegedly caused injuries to the elementary age child multiple times, dating back to August 2022.
In August, the child arrived at her elementary school with an abrasion to her elbow. The child claimed the injury was a rug burn caused by Chapman throwing her to the floor, according to an arrest report.
In September, the child complained of leg pain and told the school nurse she was spanked with a spatula and a belt. The school nurse and principal believed the bruising to be excessive, the report states.
The school resource officer was contacted both times, and the child was examined by an advanced pediatric registered nurse from Gulf Coast Kids Houses. According to the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office, the nurse indicated that there were positive signs of physical abuse.
In November, the SRSO responded to Santa Rosa Kids House where the child had been examined for injuries caused when Chapman allegedly hit her with a belt, the report states.
Chapman’s statements to the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office were redacted from the report obtained from the State Attorney’s Office. Her exact relationship to the child was also redacted.
$4.7 Million Highway 29 Reconstruction Safety Project In Century Begins On Tuesday
December 30, 2022
Work is set to begin Tuesday on a $4.7 million safety project to resurface Highway 29 in Century.
FDOT plans a major reconstruction and realignment of Highway 29 from just south of East Highway 4 to the Alabama state line.
The project includes reconstructing a 700-foot curved segment of Highway 29 from north of Henry Street to Cottage Street; the curve has been the site of several truck accidents in recent years.
FDOT will also upgrade traffic signals, drainage structures, pavement markings, and driveways, while also improving curb ramps and sidewalks to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.
During construction, drivers may encounter temporary traffic shifts and daytime and nighttime intermittent lane closures. Access to adjacent businesses and other properties will be maintained at all times.
FDOT estimates the project will be completed in late 2024.
All activities are weather-dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
The current state budget signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis included $3,278,228 toward the total cost of the project.
Pictured: Looking south into Florida on Highway 29 in Century. Pictured inset: Part of a Highway 29 safety improvement project will include the realignment of this curve. Graphics below show project details. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
‘Some Bunny Special’ Is Now Home From The Molino Post Office
December 30, 2022
A little good news update — “Some Bunny Special” has made it home from the Molino Post Office.
Just before Christmas, we told readers that he was accidently separated from its family at the post office.
The owners of the very special bunny saw the NorthEscambia.com post. We are happy to report that the bunny was picked up from the post office on Thursday and is now back home with his child friend.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Highland Baptist Church Welcoming New Senior Pastor
December 30, 2022
Highland Baptist Church in Molino will welcome their new senior pastor this Sunday, January 1.
Bro. Josh Helton, along with his wife Aly and their children are excited to join the family at Highland. He was called by Highland on December 4 and affirmed by a unanimous vote of the church body.
“We can’t wait to meet and get to know the people of Molino and the surrounding areas. We are looking forward to what God is going to do through His people at Highland Baptist Church to reach this community,” Helton said.
Helton was raised in Holley Pond, Alabama, and saved at the East Hanceville Baptist Church in 2004. After high school he attended Snead State Community College and the University of South Alabama. It was during his time at
South Alabama that Josh felt called into ministry in 2007. After that calling, he transferred to and graduated from Athens State University in 2011 with a bachelor of science in mathematics and a minor in religion. He obtained a master of arts in Christiaan education from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in May 2020.
Helton has wife Aly have served at various churches in Alabama and Florida in over 15 years of ministry.
According to Highland, the Heltons “both strongly desire to serve the Lord through being relational with others. Bro. Josh believes that the best way to reach people is to do life with them and that true life change happens when we allow God to change the hearts and lives of others through relationships with believers”.
Operation Santa Provided For Over 1,400 Children In Welfare System
December 30, 2022
Over 1,400 children in the child welfare system from Escambia to Walton County experienced the magic of Christmas thanks to the support of donors to Operation Santa.
Organized through FamiliesFirst Network, Operation Santa is an annual donation drive helping children who have experienced abuse, neglect or trauma enjoy the magic of Christmas. Caregivers were invited to submit wish lists so that gifts could be personalized to each child. Donors sponsor a child and shop for their Christmas wishes or give a monetary gift so the team could shop for them.
“We are fortunate to benefit from several area toy drives, as well as ‘angel trees’ organized by local churches and businesses. But we also use donations to help our teens, as well as young adults aging out of the foster care system,” said Mark Jones, president of FamiliesFirst Network. “Without the generosity of our donors and community partners, many of these children in our care would not receive any gifts during the holidays. I am so thankful to our area businesses, faith community and volunteer network who put countless hours into this project. They have truly spread the magic of Christmas to those who need it most.”
More than 110 donors contributed to Operation Santa this year including WEAR Communities Caring at Christmas, Olive Baptist Church, Liberty Church, Cokesbury United Methodist Church, Victory Assembly of God, and Alyssa’s.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.