Blue Angels Team Members To Visit Molino Ballpark On Thursday

November 16, 2022

Members of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels team are scheduled to visit the Molino Ballpark Thursday evening.

They are scheduled speak about teamwork, working hard and being dedicated to making good choices. And they may get some practice in with the players like the did during a visit earlier this year.

Everyone is welcome at 6 p.m. on the softball side of the softball side of he Don Sutton Ballpark, at 2340 Crabtree Church Road, just off Highway 97.

Pictured: Members of the Blue Angels team visited with players at the Molino Ballpark in April 2022. File photos for NorthEscambia.com.

Century Woman Accused Of Attacking Man And His Pickup Truck With Cement Blocks

November 15, 2022

A Century woman is accused of attacking a man and his pickup truck.

Nekinley Sonita Manuel, 34, was charged with aggravated assault domestic violence related and felony criminal mischief.

The victim told deputies that he purchased winter clothes for an individual and met the victim in order to deliver them. The name and relationship of the individual were redacted from the arrest report.

He got into a verbal argument with Manuel and attempted to leave. She picked up a cement block, threatened him and threw it at the truck, according to an arrest report. She kicked the driver’s door and threw blocks at the truck, damaging a side panel, busting the front windshield and completely busting out the rear window, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. The damage was estimated at $1,500.

The victim recorded a portion of the incident on his phone, showing Manuel coming toward the victim with a cement block and walking toward the truck with a cement block, the report states.

Deputies reported finding a cement block in the back seat of the truck, damage to the windows and fender. and a footprint on the driver’s side door panel.

Manuel was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $10,000 bond.

ECUA Sewer Averaging Begins Today. Here’s What That Means For Your Bill.

November 15, 2022

The Emerald Coast Utility Authority’s sewer averaging period begins today.

If you are an ECUA mainland residential wastewater customer, your annual sewer charges are based on the average number of gallons of water used in your household during the period.

ECUA’s sewer averaging period begins with each residential customer’s first meter reading on or after November 15 (including ECUA sewer customers whose water service is received from another water provider). The length of the sewer averaging period is 90 days. If you have a separate irrigation meter, the water used through the irrigation meter is not included in the sewer averaging calculation.

“Since your actual water consumption during this period will determine your sewer charge for the next twelve months, it is important to check all indoor and outdoor plumbing fixtures for leaks. Water wasted due to leaks will affect your monthly water and sewer charges. Most leaks are easy to identify but sometimes, it takes a little creativity to track them down,” ECUA said.

Here are some quick tips to reduce water usage now, and save all year on ECUA sewer charges:

  • You need to lubricate, adjust or replace the flush handle if you have to jiggle it to stop the water from running after you flush. The “stuck” handle may be causing the stopper to stay open, allowing water to flow into the bowl.
  • Confirm a suspected leak in your toilet’s plumbing by putting several drops of food coloring in your toilet tank. Wait 15 minutes, and if the colored water shows up in the bowl, there is a leak in the tank. Check the toilet’s stopper ball for wear by removing the toilet lid, flushing the toilet, and rubbing the bottom of the stopper with your finger. If the rubber rubs off or crumbles, it is time to replace the stopper.
  • Water the lawn and garden only when necessary. ECUA recommends that our customers irrigate between the hours of 10 p.m. and 3:00 a.m., an optimum off-peak time.
  • Make sure that outside spigots are not forgotten in the “on” position.
  • Cut down on the frequency of at-home car washing, or use a commercial car wash.
  • Make sure you have a full load before running the washer or dishwasher.
  • Don’t let the water run while you brush your teeth or shave.

Broxson Named Florida Senate Appropriations Chair

November 15, 2022

Sen. Doug Broxson will serve as the chair of the Florida Senate Appropriations Committee for the next two years.

His selection was announced Monday by incoming Senate President Kathleen Passidomo.

“Senator Broxson and I also share a long history of service together in the House and Senate. I trust his instincts, as well as his decision-making process, particularly when it comes to the budget,” Passidomo said.

“It is a tough job with no shortage of worthy investments to consider. Senator Broxson really took time and learned as much as he could about how we teach our students to read. We know identifying a struggling reader early can change a child’s entire life, and I appreciate the passion Senator Broxson has for this critical issue. His approach to the K-12 budget showed me that Senator Broxson is not content with simply re-adopting the status quo.

“He wants to dig deep and innovate, and that is exactly what we need at this important time in our state. I also appreciate the respect Senator Broxson has for each person he meets, even in times of disagreement. He gives great thought and consideration to every issue before him, and I know he will show that same level of care when working with each Senator on their own budget priorities,” Passidomo added

Passidomo made her selections as leader of a Republican supermajority in the Senate for the next two years.

Broxson, R-Gulf Breeze, represents Florida’s Senate District 1, which includes Escambia, Santa Rosa and a portion of Okaloosa counties.

NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.


Make Your Appointment Now To Let The Miracle League Fry Your Thanksgiving Turkey

November 15, 2022

Now is the time to reserve your spot to have the Miracle League of Pensacola fry your Thanksgiving turkey.

A minimum of $30 per turkey or turkey breast is necessary to help cover costs, and any additional donation will benefit the Miracle League of Pensacola. The minimum charge is $35 for turkeys that are 20 pounds or more.

Call (850) 860-3211 with questions or to schedule your appointment (leave a message if no answer). Walk-ups are welcome, but reservations should be made early as the number of time slots is limited and appointments take priority.

There are a few things to remember after scheduling an appointment. Completely thaw your turkey, removing all of the inside packaging and giblets. Write down exactly how much your turkey weighs so it is fried perfectly and take it to the Miracle League Park at 555 East Nine Mile Road at your appointment time between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Wednesday, November 23. And be on time for your appointment.

Individuals interested in volunteering should also call 850-631-0203.

Escambia Sexual Predator Gets 35 Years In Prison For Failing To Register, Meth

November 15, 2022

A designated Escambia County sexual predator that failed to meet registration requirements has been sentenced to 35 years on state prison.

Robert James Pooley was sentenced for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, trafficking in methamphetamine and failure of a sexual predator to register.

Pooley failed to register as required by his sexual predator status, prosecutors said. When law enforcement went to arrest him for the registration violation, they found him in possession of a firearm and a trafficking amount of methamphetamine.

Pooley was convicted in 1999 on charges including multiple counts of sexual battery by a juvenile on a victim under age 12.

Tate High Cheerleaders Take Top Honors At Battle Of The Breeze

November 15, 2022

The Tate High School cheerleaders opened their competitive season recently in the Battle of the Breeze Cheer Competition.

The varsity squad placed first and were grand champions in the high school division. The Tate junior varsity team placed first in the JV high school division and was awarded for Best Jumps.

Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Northview High Cross Country Team Presents Annual Awards

November 15, 2022

The Northview High School Cross Country team recently held their annual awards banquet.

The following awards were presented:

  • Coaches Award: James McElhaney, senior
  • Girls Most Valuable Player: Shelby Kent, senior, and Chloe Criswell, junior
  • Boys Most Valuable Player: James McElhaney, senior
  • Cross Country Fellowship of Christian Athletes Spirit Award: Drake Allen Driskell, senior and Chloe Criswell, junior
  • Jim Ross Memorial Award: Michael Cody, senior
  • Jumni Ross Memorial Award: Raven McCarthy, senior
  • Recognized as Team Captains: Michael Cody, senior; James McElhaney, senior; Shelby Kent, senior; Chloe Criswell, junior James McElhaney, senior; Shelby Kent, senior; Chloe Criswell, junior

Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Atmore City Jail Inmate Death Under Investigation By State

November 14, 2022

The state is investigating after an inmate was found dead Sunday in the Atmore Municipal Jail.

Atmore Police Sgt. Darrell McMann said the “Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) responded to the Atmore Municipal Jail in reference to a death in the jail. The Alabama State Bureau of Investigation is conducting the investigation.”

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s State Bureau of investigation identified the man as 57-year told Thomas Marvin Lord of Atmore.

The body was released to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences for further investigation. Their findings will turned over to the Escambia County (AL) District Attorney’s Office.

Due to the active investigation, Atmore Police are not providing any further information.

The small city jail is located inside the Atmore Police Department, which is in the larger municipal complex on East Louisville Avenue that also houses the city hall, fire department, utilities department and a municipal auditorium.

Illegal Farm Worker Charged With Sexual Assault Of 11-Year Old In Walnut Hill

November 14, 2022

A former Walnut Hill farm worker is now in the Escambia County Jail, charged with the sexual assault on a victim under the age of 12 in a case that led to an Amber Alert back in July.

Brijido Manriquez-Ortiz, 43, was extradited from Laredo, Texas. If he is convicted as charged, he faces a maximum of the death penalty or a minimum of life in prison.

On July 28, an 11-year old girl was discovered missing from a home on Arthur Brown Road in Walnut Hill. Simmons said she was first believed to be in the company of Manriquez-Ortiz based on a note that was left behind and his relationship with her.

About two weeks prior, she was seen kissing Manriquez-Ortiz on the lips. He was employed by Steve’s Catfish Farm and she frequently went to the  business, according to an arrest report. He was fired and given a ride to Atlanta, Georgia.

The father told NorthEscambia.com and investigators that he found a cut screen on their Walnut Hill home, and the girl was missing. She left a note behind indicating that she would be with Brijido-Ortez. According to an arrest report, she placed a call to Manriquez-Ortiz at 9:45 p.m. on July 27, and sexually explicit texts and photographs were sent back and forth between the victim and Manriquez-Ortiz.

A security camera at the Escambia Grain elevator nearly across the street recorded a white vehicle pulling into the victim’s home at 10:08 p.m. on July 27.

An Amber Alert was issued the following morning when the girl was found missing. Manriquez-Ortiz was located in Laredo, Texas, and questioned at the FBI office in Laredo. He remained in custody there until his extradition back to Escambia County.

The girl was located by law enforcement in Foley, Alabama, in a white truck that was previously reported stolen by Steve’s Catfish Farm. The victim was interviewed at Gulf Coast Kid’s House, The details of that interview were redacted from the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office report, but it states that Manriquez-Ortiz and the victim had sexual intercourse.

Manriquez-Ortiz is a Mexican citizen and illegally remained in the United States after his work visa expired in 2020.

Pictured inset: The victim’s father showed NorthEscambia.com this window with a cut screen where he said his 11-year old daughter left their home with 43-year old Brijido Manriquez-Ortiz. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.

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