One Arrested, One Wanted In Cantonment Attempted Robbery Attempt That Ended With Gunfire
September 10, 2024
One suspect has been arrested and another is on the run following the attempted robbery of an individual with shots fired Sunday in Cantonment.
Ja’tarius Lavell Johnson, 19, was charged with robbery with a firearm, grand theft, and grand theft of a firearm. The second suspect, Aviaun Smith, 22, has an active warrant for the same charges.
The ECSO responded to the 400 block of Forrest Avenue. A homeowner told deputies that she was cleaning out a rental property with the help of two black males, according to Sgt. Melony Peterson.
“One of them pulled a handgun and attempted to rob and take the victim’s purse. A struggle ensued, and the victim was able to retrieve a handgun out of her purse and fired one shot,” Peterson said. The victim told deputies that she believed she struck one of the suspects before they fled in a white car.
Johnsone arrived later at Baptist Hospital with a gunshot wound to his foot, according to ECSO.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP or the ECSO at (850) 436-9620.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
TDC Approves Recommending $90 Million For Indoor Sports Facility At Ashton Brosnaham Park And Bay Center Upgrades
September 10, 2024
In a special meeting Monday afternoon, the Escambia County Tourism Development Council (TDC) approved recommending an indoor sports facility costing up to about $60 million for Escambia County’s Ashton Brosnaham Park, and about $30 million in upgrades for the Pensacola Bay Center.
The recommended bond issue will now go to the Escambia County Commission for consideration and a final vote.
At Tuesday’s TDC meeting, Escambia County Commissioner Jeff Bergosh made the motion to move the bond issue forward to the entire BOCC for a vote. His motion was seconded by Shirley Cronley, one of three TDC members representing the hotel and motel industries.
It is anticipated that a TDC bond issue would be repayed from TDC funds.
The motion passed 3-2, with two other hotel and motel industry representatives — James Reeves and Mitesh Patel — voting negative. Hotel and motel industry representatives, and other members of the public express concern that a feasibility study on the proposals were done without adequate public or stakeholder input.
The proposals were pitched at a Tourist Development Council meeting on August 29, but decisive action was not taken on either item.
Ashton Brosnaham Indoor Sports Facility
A proposal for an indoor sports facility at the county-owned Ashton Brosnaham Park calls for a building that’s 100,000 square foot, including 73,000 square feet of open floor space that would be large enough to host eight basketball courts that could be converted into 16 volleyball courts with support space, or it could be used as large exhibition hall for other types of events.
Other key takeaways on the proposed facility:
- 14 acres of the park is flat, open, undeveloped and already zone for recreation
- 700+ paved parking spaces in the current design
- Primary support for hardwood sports and related events
- Open common areas would include meeting spaces, viewing areas, vendor space, concessions, retail space
- Second floor walking track and viewing area
- Open to the public for recreation, will also host tournaments and events
- Collaboration with Escambia County Public Schools on access and utilization
- Community use of facility on non-tournament dates
- Projected operating deficit offset by ~$37 million in economic impact per year
- Projected new tax revenues of ~$2.7 million per year
- Total project cost range: $48 – $61 million
“It’s a tried and proven location; it doesn’t get any better than the SEC,” Escambia County Parks and Recreation Director Michael Rhodes said The Park has hosted the 2024 SEC Women’s Soccer Tournament and will host it again this year on November 3-10. “We are willing to grow that, and we want to grow that and make that (Ashton Brosnaham Park) the true sports destination in Escambia County. Which we feel it’s already one its way.”
Rhodes said the school district has expressed a willingness to provide property for second roadway into the facility that would also benefit current soccer programs that have 700-800 youth players annually.
“It’s in a growing area in our community,” Rhodes added as he touted Ashton Brosnaham of 10 Mile Road as the perfect location. “This project can be a win-win for everybody…and this is something that will stand the test of time.”
A feasibility study funded by Pensacola Sports came in at over pages, but TDC members only saw a 12-page presentation at their August meeting.
Pensacola Bay Center
A plan to spend $43 million, with $30 million coming from a bond issue by the TDT, was also presented.
The upgrades would modernize the aging facility and add more seating for events like concerts.
NorthEscambia.com photos/graphics, click to enlarge.
Neglected Dog Finds Forever Home through Escambia Foster Program
September 10, 2024
When the Miller family opened their home to a severely neglected dog through Escambia County Animal Welfare’s foster program earlier this year – as they’ve done for many dogs and cats before – they had no idea that this foster dog would end up becoming a permanent part of their family.
The dog, now called Rosario or “Rose” by her new family, arrived at the Escambia County Animal Shelter in April, nearly starved to death, covered with fleas, and afraid.
Rose was especially afraid of humans and withdrew from staff, but the shelter’s veterinary team was able to win her over after a couple of weeks and help her gain 2 pounds. Once she was ready, Animal Welfare put out a call for a foster family to help socialize Rose, show her love, and help her gain some weight so she could ultimately be adopted.
The Miller family stepped up to help, taking Rose into their home to nurture her and shower her with affection.
“It was so sad when she first arrived,” said Ashley Ratz, who regularly fosters animals with her husband, Zack Miller, and their three daughters. “She was probably less than half the size she is now. She had a lot of scars and open wounds on her, she was really timid, and she was so shy. It was like she didn’t know how to be a dog yet. When she first got to go in the yard, that’s when we first saw her excitement.”
Over time, Rose grew more comfortable around the Miller family, becoming especially attached to their three daughters and sleeping next to them every night. Rose also got along well with the family’s two cats and their dog, an Akita named Koda.
Once Rose gained enough weight to be eligible for adoption, the Miller family knew they wouldn’t be able to let her go back to the shelter or even to someone else’s home.
“We just realized we couldn’t put her back in any environment that wasn’t our home,” Ratz said. “She just fits in so well. We all love her, and we couldn’t think of it any other way.”
Ratz said the positive changes she’s seen in Rose have been incredible to watch, and she’s truly become part of their family. Rose even waits by the door every weekday, ready to hop in the car and go pick up the girls from school.
“She’s like a completely different dog,” Ratz said. “She’s the sweetest girl. She just has more confidence, and we can actually take her out in public without her getting scared and nervous. She plays with toys now, she plays fetch – she’s amazing. She’s turned into a real dog.”
Even with a full house of two dogs and two cats now, the Miller family is continuing to foster pets through the Escambia County Animal Shelter’s volunteer program, which Ratz said has been a great experience for their family.
“A lot of people I talk to don’t know that you can go to the shelter and just give a dog a freedom for a weekend, they don’t know you can take them out for walks,” Ratz said. “The dogs that are inside the shelter are completely different than when they’re inside your home, and just being able to give an animal some space is so nice. It’s a lot easier than you think it is, and it means so much to them.”
Escambia County Animal Welfare Director John Robinson said families like the Millers are an example of the incredible positive impact volunteering and fostering can make in an animal’s life.
“A little love and attention can change an animal’s life tremendously, and this heartwarming story is a prime example of that,” Robinson said. “We always have a need for volunteers and fosters to help free up shelter space until dogs and cats can find their forever home, and we are so grateful for generous people like the Miller family who step up to help animals in need in our community. I think Rosario’s smile says it all: This foster ‘fail’ is a true win for everyone involved.”
Here’s A Look At What Is In Century’s $10.6 Million Budget
September 10, 2024
The Century Town Council voted unanimously a week ago to approve a tentative $10.6 million budget for fiscal year 2024-2025, which starts October 1.
The town did not make the complete budget available to the media or the public before the vote. The town provided it the following day in response to a formal public records request citing Florida statutes. The town’s delay caused a delay in our reporting.
RELATED: Transparency In Question: Century Council Approves Budget After Shutting Out Public Review
We’ve now had time to look at the complete budget and offer the following highlights of interest:
The budget summary states, “The proposed operating budget for this fiscal year is 43%greater than the previous year’s budget due to additional grants.”. The general fund grants decreased from a budgeted amount last fiscal year from just over $2.3 million to $350,000 as water fund grants increased from zero to $5 million.
The 2024-2025 budget includes an increase of $2,434,114 in both the total budget and the total expenditures of $10,607,009 this fiscal year compared to $8,172,895 last fiscal year. (Mathematically, that’s actually a 29.78% increase, not the $43% stated in writing by the town.)
Town employees will receive a 2.5% cost of living raise, while several employees that were at or near minimum wage will receive an additional $1 increase. Council members will be paid $3,606 annually, while the mayor makes $9,836 — both with no cost-of-living increase reflected in the budget.
The budget includes $132,000 for an interim town manager — split evenly three ways between the general fund, water fund and gas fund. That is much like the way the town splits the town clerk salary between departments.
The budget summary reflects $55,122 from ad valorem proceeds (property tax). There is an anticipated increase in miscellaneous revenue, mostly from $125,333 rent to be paid by AlgaPlast that located in the industrial park.
The budgets shows the town moving funds into the general fund by using $198,400 from reserves (much like a savings account), using $65,050 transferred from the garbage fund (revenue paid by residents for sanitation services) and $67,879 from the water fund (revenue from water customers).
General fund expenditures include a $6,000 increase for phone service, $1,200 more for the town hall alarm system, and increases for mayor and town manager travel, a previously unbudgeted $15,000 for council education, plus liability insurance, and $1,900 for Christmas hams and turkeys and $6,500 for fireworks (a decrease of $1,500). A “Culligan water rental” is $400. There is an increased allocation of $100,000 for street department salaries.
The “special revenue fund” shows the influx and expenditure of $554,449 in American Rescue Plan funds.
The town expects to spend an extra $72,00 on the water purchased for resale to consumers, and they allocated over $73,000 less for salaries while cutting callout time (overtime) by $10,000. There is $44,000 for a city manager/utilities director compared to zero last fiscal year.
They forecast $25,000 less revenue from natural gas customers this year. Budgeted salaries decrease $80,000, while the gas fund will contribute $44,000 for a city manager/utilities director as overtime drops by $7,500.
For the complete budget (pdf), click here.
Pictured: Last Tuesday night’s Century Town Council meeting. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Tate Aggies Baseball Holding Golf Shootout
September 10, 2024
The Tate Aggies Baseball team is hosting a golf shootout on Friday, October 4 at Scenic Hills. This event offers a fun-filled day of golf, delicious food, and the opportunity to support a local cause.
Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, 3rd place, longest drive, and closest to the pin.
Sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses and individuals who wish to support the event. Various sponsorship levels starting at $150 offer benefits such as tee signs, table/tent space, golf for players, and more.
A portion of the proceeds will go towards the Trace Penton Memorial Scholarship, supporting a top academic athlete.
Details are in the graphic below, click to enlarge.
To register or learn more, contact Rob McLellan at (850) 377.0184 or TateAggiesBaseball@gmail.com.
Bears And Fall: FWC Offers Tips On What To Do – And Not To Do
September 10, 2024
As fall approaches, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is sharing the annual reminder that our state’s black bears are starting their seasonal increase in activity while in search of food before winter. Following BearWise practices such as securing garbage and removing food attractants can help prevent negative interactions with bears, as well as with other wildlife.
Bears start consuming more calories in the fall to store up fat reserves for the winter, even in Florida when not hibernating as long as they do in colder climates. An adult bear needs to consume approximately 20,000 calories a day during the fall. This seasonal need to increase fat reserves results in more activity from bears while in search of food. When given the opportunity, bears will take advantage of easy meals from things like unsecured trash cans and bird feeders.
“People can make a big difference in preventing conflicts with hungry bears by securing or removing potential food attractants such as garbage or bird seed,” said the FWC’s Bear Management Program Coordinator, Mike Orlando. “When bears can’t find a food source in your yard or neighborhood, they’ll move on.”
Want to be BearWise this fall and help prevent negative interactions with bears and other wildlife? Follow these six BearWise Basics:
1: Never feed or approach bears
- Feeding bears can make them lose their natural fear of people.
- It is illegal in Florida to intentionally feed bears or leave out food or garbage that will attract bears and cause conflicts.
- Getting close to a wild animal is dangerous.
2: Secure food and garbage
- Store garbage in a sturdy shed or garage and then put it out on the morning of pickup rather than the night before.
- If not stored in a secured building, modify your existing garbage canto make it more bear-resistant or use a bear-resistant container.
- Secure commercial garbage inbear-resistant dumpsters.
- Protect gardens, beehives, compost and livestock with electric fencing.
- Pick ripe fruit from trees and bushes and remove fallen fruit from the ground.
3: Remove or secure bird feeders
- Remove bird feeders where bears are present.
- If bird feeders are left up, only put enough food out for birds to finish eating before dark
- Use other options to attract birds, not bears.
4: Never leave pet food outdoors
- Feed pets indoors.
- If feeding pets outdoors, only put food outside for short time periods and bring in leftover food and dishes after each feeding.
5: Clean and store grills
- Clean and degrease grills and smokers after each use.
- If mobile, store them in a secure shed or garage.
6: Alert neighbors to bear activity
- If you see a bear, let your neighbors know.
- Share tips on how to avoid conflicts with bears.
- Encourage your homeowner’s association or local government to institute bylaws or ordinances to require trash be kept secure.
While black bears generally are not aggressive, they can injure people and pets. Female bears with cubs can be particularly defensive and protective of their offspring. Dogs can trigger defensive behaviors from bears; 60% of incidents where bears injured people in Florida involved dogs. When walking dogs, keep them close to you – preferably on a non-retractable leash – and be aware of your surroundings. Before letting your dog out at night, flip lights on and off and bang on the door to give bears and other wildlife a chance to flee.
As bears increase their movements in search of food this time of year, they also increase the number of roads they cross. For the safety of yourself and bears, remember to slow down when driving, particularly on rural highways at dawn or dusk. Watch for road signage identifying known bear crossing areas.
Unfounded Threat Prompts Increased Security at Ernest Ward Middle School Monday
September 9, 2024
What is believed to be an unfounded mention of a threat to Ernest Ward Middle School is under investigation, Escambia County Schools Superintendent Keith Leonard said Monday morning.
Leonard said the alleged threat was discussed on social media and was believed to be “internal” involving students at the Walnut Hill school. He said it the supposed threat was not believed to have any connection to a weekend threat report at Flomaton High School, about 15 miles away.
The superintendent said law enforcement is investigating, and extra law enforcement is at the school. A callout message was sent to parents Monday morning.
In screenshots of messages (pictured above) sent to NorthEscambia.com from outside the school district, someone states, “i heard there is gonna be a school shooting”, before someone replies that they heard it was going to be at Ernest Ward.
NorthEscambia.com image. The image has been edited for conciseness and to remove names.
Escambia (FL) School Superintendent Learns About Alabama Program That Keeps Classrooms Phone-Free
September 9, 2024
Between classes at Flomaton High School, students walk down the hallway talking to each other. And at lunch, they talk to each other.
“Our lunches have gotten really loud,” Flomaton High School Principal Mark Harbison said. “The kids talk to each other instead of looking down at their phones all the time.”
Flomaton High and several other school in Escambia County, Alabama, are using what’s called a Yondr pouch to control cellphone usage in school and make classrooms phone-free. Students keep the pouch with them all day until the final bell, and it makes it impossible to take a picture, shoot a video, send a text, or access social media. The pouches are used by many big-name artists to stop recording at their concerts.
And officials say it is now transforming education.
“This is certainly something that we need to talk to our school board members about,” says Escambia County (FL) School Superintendent Keith Leonard. “And more importantly, get with our school-based administrators and our teachers — actually give them the opportunity to visit three or four of the schools here in Escambia County, Alabama, which have implemented the Yondr pouches. I believe it will help our students have more engagement at school and do better academically and socially for that matter.”
And Leonard is taking notes as his district just across the line in Florida is considering new cellphone restrictions for over 37,000 students. Leonard was so impressed, in fact, with the Yondr pouch system that he expects the Escambia County, Florida, district to do something in the next five to six months.
NorthEscambia.com was present recently as Leonard and Cody Strother, Escambia County (FL) School District coordinator for communications, visitedt to Flomaton High to see the Yondr pouches in action.
Each student in the Alabama program is assigned one of Yondr’s form-fitting lockable soft pouches. Students place their powered-off phones and connected devices like earbuds and smart watches inside their individual pouch before they enter the school, and it locks the phone inside with a magnetic disk mechanism. The lock is much like those anti-theft clothing tags that stores remove after you make a purchase. If a student forgets the pouch, they surrender their phone to be locked up in the office for the day.
When students exit the building at dismissal, a specially designed magnet unlocks the pouch. It’s a process that Harbison said only slows down dismissal by just a few minutes as students funnel out of the building.
And, no, not just any magnet or super-strong rare earth magnet will unlock the pouch. It’s a specially designed magnet from the California-based pouch company. The unlocking magnets at school are closely guarded by school staff.
When students enter Flomaton High, they may be asked to show that their phone is locked inside a pouch, and there are random checks during the school day to make sure phones are secure.
“We have people all the time say what do you do if they cut them (the pouches) open,” George Brown II, Escambia County (AL) Schools assistant superintendent, told Leonard. “You can break into a locked house if you really want to. It’s discernment. You’ve got to choose right from wrong.”
If a student cuts open and destroys a pouch in Escambia County, Alabama, they are on the hook for a $20 replacement.
Teachers are in love, we are talking head over heels smitten, with the Yonder pouches. They say their classrooms are phone-free, students are paying attention, and students are actually learning more. Teachers also love that they are not burdened with collecting phones before class begin. Teachers don’t actually have to do anything with phones. If they see a phone, they let the front office know, and an administrator responds to deal with the policy transgression.
“I just love it,” Flomaton High teacher Amy Dullard said. “It has changed my classroom like I never could have imagined.”
Escambia County (AL) Schools Superintendent Dr. Michele Collier is also in love with the program.
“We are expecting to see real numbers from this in learning gains and scores,” she said.
But what about the students?
We visited a classroom where students said they were very apprehensive when they learned the pouches would be in place this school year.
“I didn’t like it at first. My phone is right here,” one student said, pointing at the Yondr pouch next to her with her phone locked inside. “I guess I feel better because it’s here with me all the time, but I still can’t use it.”
In the event of any kind of personal emergency or illness, students are allowed to go to the office to use a (gasp!) landline to call home.
In a more serious situation…just to talk about the worst that is sometimes a reality in our world…during a school shooting or severe weather, students’ phones would be locked inside the pouches as the situation unfolds.
Brown said that in the near-term that would be good, because perhaps hundreds of students would not call 911 at the same time. “They would tie up the lines,” he said. “They (emergency services) would be the first person to tell you that.”
“We have a procedure. We have Centegix (brand) badges. We can get police to a building when we press this,” as he held out a badge on a lanyard around his neck. “And once it’s cleared for it to happen, then they could come around and open them (the phone pouches). And they would. Severe weather, they would come around and do that as well.”
As the Escambia County (AL) Schools pilot their use of the phone pouches, they’ve developed a few exceptions to the program. Students with a medical reason — such as those that use their phones to scan a glucose monitor — are issued a pouch that does not lock. It instead has a Velcro-like closure. It’s loud when it opens. There’s just no way to open it quietly and sneak a phone out during class (We saw it tested by Stother, and it just can’t be opened without garnering attention.)
At Flomaton, yearbook staff members are given a press pass that allows them to sometimes have their phones unlocked for snapping yearbook student life photos at school events.
NorthEscambia.com will keep you updated on any future cellphone policy changes for Escambia County (FL) Schools.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Officials Say ‘Potential School Threat’ At Flomaton High Was Not Credible
September 9, 2024
A potential threat at Flomaton High School over the weekend was unfounded, according to the school district, but extra law enforcement will be at all Escambia County, Alabama, schools today.
“The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office was contacted Saturday about a possible threat made that involved Flomaton High School,” Escambia County (AL) Sheriff Heath Jackson told NorthEscambia.com. “An in-depth investigation is still in going and there does not appear to be any legitimate threat at this time. As a precaution, All county schools will have an extra law enforcement presence on Monday morning. East Brewton police, Atmore Police, Flomaton Police, and the Brewton Police Departments are all aware and are providing extra coverage.”
Sunday, Escambia County (AL) School Superintendent Michelle Collier issued a statement about “a serious matter that occured over the weekend at Flomaton High School…we received notice of a potential school threat.”
School district officials and the Escambia County (AL) Sheriff’s Office investigated, and “no credible threat was found”, she said.
“However, we take these matters very seriously and only want to protect our school communities. As part of our response to this situation, we will be utilizing our metal detectors more thoroughly and frequently. Local law enforcement will be visible and monitoring our schools. These enhanced safety measures are in place to protect everyone on campus and provide peace of mind to our students, staff, and community,” the superintendent’s statement continued.
Pictured: An empty hallway during classes Friday at Flomaton High School. NorthEscambia.com photo.
Falling Oil Prices Equate To Lower Florida Gas Prices, AAA Says
September 9, 2024
Florida gas prices fell after a drop in the crude oil market, according to AAA.
Last week, the U.S. price for a barrel of oil fell to the lowest level since June 2023. The crude price plunge has reportedly been driven by concerns about both the U.S. and international economies, and the belief that global oil supplies could outpace global fuel demand by the end of the year.
On Sunday, Florida gas prices averaged $3.16 per gallon. That’s the lowest daily average price since February 12, 2024. Sunday’s state average is 15 cents less than last week, 24 cents less than last month, and 47 cents less than this time last year. The highest price so far this year was $3.64 per gallon. The all-time high was $4.89 per gallon – recorded in June 2022.
The average price per gallon in Escambia County was $2.95. North Escambia prices were as low as $2.77 on Highway 29 in Cantonment, while Pensacola prices dipped to $2.63 on East Nine Mile Road.
On Friday, domestic oil prices settled at $67.67 per barrel. That’s almost $6 per barrel (-8%) less than last week. Oil prices had been trading at more than $80 per barrel just one month ago.
NorthEscambia.com photo.