ECSO Warns About Scam Calls That Appear To Be From Investigators
December 16, 2022
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is once again warning the public about another warrant scam.
The scammer is calling from what appears to be an ECSO phone number, using ECSO investigators’ names, and asking for personal information. Multiple citizens have reported receiving the calls.
The sheriff’s office wants you to call them at (850) 436-9620 if you have a question about a call that appears to be from them. Do not send any money or provide your personal or financial information to the scam callers.
Cantonment Woman Charged With Elder Abuse For Leaving Man, 70, On The Floor For Two Days
December 15, 2022
A Cantonment woman is accused of leaving a helpless elderly man on the floor with no food or water for two days.
Niquita Lashon Potter, 36, was charged with abuse of an elderly or disabled adult without great bodily harm.
The 70-year old victim was found on the floor of his home after a concerned man went to his home after he did not attend church on Sunday. Deputies determined that the victim had accidently fallen out of his mechanical chair after pressing the wrong button last Friday.
Potter, who lives in the same home, saw that man had fallen and told him to “get up”, according to an arrest report. She then walked away despite his pleas for help.
The victim told deputies that he had been on the floor from Friday to Sunday without food or water, even though Potter was at the home.
Potter remained in the Escambia County Jail Thursday morning with bond set at $200,000.
Jim Allen Elementary Names Students Of The Month
December 15, 2022
Jim Allen Elementary School has named their Students of the Month for November. They are Karli Smith and Zyron Williams. Photo for Northescambia.com, click to enlarge.
Natural Gas First Responder Training Course Offered In Century
December 15, 2022
The Town of Century is opening a natural gas first responder training course to area first responders and other interested individuals.
Century will host Florida Gas Transmission’s First Responder Training on Tuesday, December 20 at 10 a.m. at town hall.
The training is open to fire, EMS, law enforcement and other first responders; public works departments; public officials; and other interested parties. The course is a presentation, not hands-on.
There is no charge to attend, and light refreshments will be provided.
Molino Man Claims $1 Million Scratch-off Lottery Prize
December 15, 2022
A Molino man has claimed a $1 million scratch off lottery prize.
Scottie Grant, 58, claimed his million at the Florida Lottery Headquarters in Tallahassee. He chose to receive his winnings as a one-time, lump-sum payment of $820,000.00.
Grant purchased his winning ticket from Lucky Penny, located at 2900 West Jackson Street in Pensacola. The retailer will receive a $2,000 bonus commission for selling the winning ticket.
The $50 game, 500X THE CASH, features a top prize of $25 million.
Escambia County Extends Deadline For Children’s Services Council Applicants
December 15, 2022
The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners has extended the deadline for applications from county residents to serve on the Children’s Services Council (CSC).
The new deadline to apply is December 29, 2022, by 5 p.m.
In November 2020, 61% of participating voters in Escambia County supported the creation of the Children Services Council to be funded by an increase in ad valorem taxes of up to a maximum of 0.5 mil. The Children’s Trust of Escambia County will provide early childhood education, safety, developmental, preventative, health, and well-being services, including after school and summer enrichment programs.
The CSC is responsible for assessing the needs of the children in the county and developing a strategic plan for addressing unmet needs, which must then be submitted to the Board. The CSC, like the county, must also go through the process of adopting a millage rate and budget in accordance with Florida’s Truth In Millage (TRIM) Act, and the CSC must submit an annual report to the Board as required by Florida law.
Applications are available online at MyEscambia.com or in person at the Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, located at 221 Palafox Place, 4th floor. The application consists of several parts: an Escambia County CSC application, a questionnaire for Gubernatorial Appointments and an optional resume. Both applications must be completed and submitted together to be considered for an appointment.
Resumes and both applications may also be submitted via email to boardapply@myescambia.com or by mail to:
Jose Gochez, Program Coordinator
Escambia County Board of County Commissioners
P.O. Box 1591
Pensacola, FL 3250
To be considered for the CSC, Florida Statute criteria include the requirement that nominees have been residents of Escambia County for the previous 24-month period and are willing to submit an annual Statement of Financial Interests Form. Florida Statutes also require that gubernatorial appointments are representative of the demographic diversity of the county’s population.
The Board of County Commissioners will nominate six applicants to be submitted to the Governor for review and potential appointment. Following the Board’s selection, the County Administrator will then send a letter to the Governor and the Governor’s Appointments Office with the list of six nominees to be considered for appointment to the CSC. All of candidates will be notified of their nomination. In accordance with Florida Statutes, the Governor then has 45 days to make a selection or request a new list of candidates.
Cantonment Man Facing Drug Charges After Reportedly Passing Out In His Truck At Thrift Store
December 14, 2022
A Cantonment man was arrested on drug charges after deputies received a report that he was passed out in his vehicle at a thrift store.
Jeremiah Lee Hunter, 35, was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance without a prescription (methamphetamine), and possession of marijuana less than 20 grams.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Teen Challenge Super Thrift Store on Nine Mile Road just before midnight Monday after receiving a report of a male passed out behind the wheel of a white pickup truck. Deputies looked inside the truck and saw a large cloud of smoke and pipe.
Hunter woke up when a deputy knocked on the truck’s passenger window, according to an arrest report. The deputy noted in his report that there was a strong odor or marijuana when Hunter opened the driver’s door.
Inside the truck, the ECSO said they found 18 grams of marijuana and a white crystal-like substance which tested positive for methamphetamine.
Hunter claimed to have a current medical marijuana card, but the card in his possession expired in August 2021, the report states.
Hunter remained in the Escambia County Jail Wednesday morning with bond set at $7,000.
Tri-City Children’s Choir Christmas Concert Is Thursday Night
December 14, 2022
The Tri-City Children’s Choir will hold their Christmas concert this Thursday night.
The free concert will be at 6:30 p.m. at The Sanctuary on North Century Boulevard (next to Bondurants). Doors will open at 6:15 p.m.
Pictured: The Tri-City Children’s Choir performed several songs at the Century tree lighting on December 2. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Escambia Fire Lieutenant Recognized As Florida Professional Firefighter Of The Year
December 14, 2022
Florida CFO Jimmy Patronis has recognized Lt. Nick Gradia of Escambia County Fire Rescue as Florida Professional Firefighter of the Year. Gradia is a 2003 graduate of Northview High School. Pictured: Sen. Doug Broxson, Florida CFO Jimmy Patronis, and Rep. Michelle Salzman. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Names Top 5 Teacher Of The Year Finalists
December 14, 2022
The Escambia County School District has named their top five finalists for Teacher of the Year.
In alphabetical order, they are:
- Anna Harageones — A.K. Suter Elementary
- Gary Horne — Washington High School
- Melanie Johnson — Kingsfield Elementary School
- Angela McFarland — West Florida High School
- Allison Roberts — Success Academy
“Our teachers persevere in their instructional efforts against incredible odds. They prepare each student for the future – as they are the future. The district is fortunate to have extremely hard-working and dedicated instructors in every school throughout the county,” Superintendent Tim Smith said. “These top five educators exemplify the very best in the district. We hope you will join us in congratulating these outstanding educators.”
The winner will be announced in late January.