DeSantis Seeks 400 Members To Join Florida State Guard, One Director To Run The Force
June 1, 2022
Gov. Ron DeSantis is looking for 400 people to join the Florida State Guard, and a director to run the force.
The newly re-established Florida State Guard (FLSG) is the state’s civilian force that will assist in supporting state emergency response.
The state is seeking an individual with a strong background in military operations and culture to lead the men and women of the FLSG. The Director of the FLSG will be in charge of the 400 guard members and will oversee recruitment, training and mobilization of the force in the event of an emergency. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated experience in military style operations, emergency management, leadership and problem solving, according to DeSantis. You can apply to be the Director of the FLSG here.
To be a member of the FLSG, Florida is looking for individuals between the ages of 18 and 60, to volunteer and train to ensure that the Guard is ready to step in when emergency strikes.
“If you love the state of Florida, have a desire to help your community, and have skills beneficial to protect the state from a disaster, we encourage you to apply to join the FLSG. Skilled Floridians with emergency response, law enforcement or military training are encouraged to apply,” according to a statement from DeSantis’ office. You can apply to be a part of the Florida State Guard here.
- Florida resident between the ages of 18 and 60, with a desire to serve the state.
- Willingness to work in a team.
- Tactical or emergency response knowledge.
- Ability to pass a physical.
- Ability to participate in annual weekend training.
- Ready to be a part of history.
Two Inmates Accused Of Assaulting Century Correctional Institution Officers
June 1, 2022
Two Century Correctional Institution inmates assault correctional officers in separate incidents recently, according to the Florida Department of Corrections.
Inmate David Garland (pictured left) assaulted an officer, according to the state. Garland is serving a life sentence for two counts sexual battery by a juvenile on a victim under 12 out of Leon County in 2001. His sentence also includes time for a 2001 sexual battery and 2008 convictions for robbery, grand theft auto and other charges.
On April 16, Inmate Jimmy Graham assaulted an officer, according to the department. He is serving three years and four months for convictions in 2017 and 2019 for battery by a detainee.
“Staff responded appropriately, and the inmate was subdued,” FDC said in both instances.
Florida Forest Service Southern Pine Beetle Assistance Application Period Is Now Open
June 1, 2022
Applications are now being accepted for the 2022 Southern Pine Beetle Assistance and Prevention Program for non-industrial, private forest landowners through July 1. The program is limited to Escambia, Santa Rosa and 42 other northern Florida counties, the known range of the southern pine beetle.
To obtain an application or to learn more about the Southern Pine Beetle Assistance and Prevention Program, visit FDACS.gov/SPBPrevention.
The southern pine beetle (SPB) is one of the most economically devastating forest pests in the Southeastern United States, with periodic outbreaks destroying thousands of acres of pine timber. The last major SPB outbreak in Florida, between 1999 and 2002, caused an estimated $59 million in timber losses on over 24,000 acres.
“Pine forests are one of the most vital natural resources for Florida’s ecosystem – from clean air and water to sequestering carbon and providing home goods and other wood products,” said Commissioner Nikki Fried. “Sixty-five percent of Florida forests are privately owned, so supporting our landowners is critical to not only reducing the risk of forest pest outbreaks but protecting livelihoods and protecting a natural resource that protects and provides for us every day.”
“Southern pine beetles are one of the most destructive insects in southern pine forests,” said Erin Albury, State Forester and Director of the Florida Forest Service. “Southern pine beetle activity is currently relatively low in Florida. We can keep it that way by taking preventative measures now.”
Didder, Blue Wahoos Walk Off Shuckers, Reclaim First Place
June 1, 2022
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos overcame an early deficit to defeat the Biloxi Shuckers 5-4 in 10 innings on Tuesday night, snapping a four-game skid and helping reclaim first place in the South Division.
Paul McIntosh hit a game-tying homer in the eighth, Griffin Conine tied the game again with a single in the bottom of the tenth, and Ray-Patrick Didder ended the game with a walk-off sacrifice fly.
The Shuckers took an early lead in the second inning against A.J. Ladwig, turning four consecutive hits into three runs. Tristen Lutz hit a two-run double and Gabe Holt added a sacrifice fly to put Biloxi ahead 3-0.
Jefry Yan, Dylan Bice and Andrew McInvale combined for 5.2 one-hit innings of scoreless relief to keep the game in reach, and the Blue Wahoos slowly chipped away at the deficit against the Biloxi bullpen. Conine hit a two-out RBI double in the third to get the Blue Wahoos on the board and José Devers circled the bases after a walk in the fifth before McIntosh’s game-tying homer in the eighth.
Colton Hock (W, 3-2) allowed a Lutz RBI single in the top of the tenth to score Biloxi’s automatic baserunner, but prevented further damage to keep the score 4-3. Troy Johnston led off the bottom of the tenth with his third hit of the night against reliever Nash Walters (L, 2-1), putting runners at the corners. McIntosh was retired, but Conine grounded an RBI single up the middle to tie the game and Didder lofted a fly ball to center that was deep enough to score Johnston for the winning run.
With the win, the Blue Wahoos have pushed 0.5 games ahead of Biloxi and Mississippi in the South Division with 23 to play in the first half.
The Blue Wahoos continue their homestand against the Biloxi Shuckers on Wednesday.
by Erik Bremer, Pensacola Blue Whaoos
Update: State Prison Inmate Recaptured After Escape From Atmore Prison
May 31, 2022
The U.S. Marshals have recaptured an inmate that escape from Fountain Correctional Facility in Atmore Tuesday morning.
Corey Daniel Gable, age 31 of Mobile, was serving a 20 year sentence for first degree assault. The Alabama Department of Corrections said he left Fountain about 10:30 a.m.
ADOC said he was recaptured in Prichard.
Jay Teen Shot And Killed Father With A Shotgun During An Argument, SRSO Says
May 31, 2022
More details have been released in the case of a Jay teen charged with second degree murder for allegedly shooting and killing his father Saturday afternoon in Jay.
Jaden Simmons, 16, shot and killed 43-year old Jonathan Simmons, according to the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office. Jaden Simmons shot his father in the chest with a shotgun loaded with buckshot, according to an arrest report. Jonathan Simmons was pronounced deceased at the scene in the 3000 block of Highway 4.
Another person in the home stated that Jaden and his father were verbally arguing in the living room. She told deputies that Jaden walked away, and his father followed. She said she heard more verbal arguing and a gunshot, but did not witness the shooting.
“Jaden walked away from the argument and intentionally grabbed a shotgun,” the arrest report states.
All of Jaden Simmons’ statements to law enforcement were redacted from the arrest report obtained by NorthEscambia.com.
Santa Rosa County Sheriff Bob Johnson said the shooting was not a “Stand Your Ground” case because Jaden Simmons had an exit from the situation and the father was not armed.
“He could have left, but he did not choose to leave,” Johnson said. “And the father was not armed at the time he shot and killed him.”
Jaden Simmons was booked as a juvenile, but is expected to be charged as an adult.
Smoke Plume From Controlled Agricultural Burn Seen For Miles
May 31, 2022
A large plume of smoke Tuesday afternoon could be seen from Davisville, Bratt, Walnut Hill, Atmore.
It was 160 acre agricultural controlled burn of a field post-harvest in the area of Greenland Road and Dortch Road.
Pictured: A smoke plume from the controlled burn of a field could be seen for miles. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
At 104, Local Pearl Harbor Survivor Frank Emond Breaks His Own World Record
May 31, 2022
Pearl Harbor survivor Frank Emond of Cantonment, age 104, broke his own world record Monday.
Emond held the Guinness World Record as “World’s Oldest Conductor” for leading the U.S. Air Force Band’s Airmen of Note in Glenn Miller’s iconic “In the Mood” at the American Veteran Center’s “America Valor: A Salute to our Heroes”. He set the previous record at age 103 last November in Washington, D.C.
Monday night, he led the Pensacola Civic Band in the seventh annual Pensacola Memorial Day Concert at the Community Maritime Park amphitheater.
“I’m so happy that I’m still able to do this. It was my life’s work conducting, so once or twice a year when I get a chance, it’s always good,” Emond said. “I’m real happy I still have the physical strength to do this.”
Related: Local Pearl Harbor Survivor Frank Emond Turns 104
Originally from Rhode Island, Emond enlisted in the Navy in 1938 as a musician. He played the French horn for the ship’s band and even got to perform at the 1939 World’s Fair in New York before he was assigned to the USS Emond, CWO4 USN (RET.), spent his naval career as a musician and band director. He was on the stern of the USS Pennsylvania (BB-38) getting ready to play morning “Colors” on his French horn when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Emond then walked to the conductor’s stand, picked up the baton and proceeded to direct the band in “Stars and Stripes”.
After seven years of playing horn, he became a Navy bandleader, retiring in 1968.
He remained a music man; sometimes leading the music at Gonzalez Methodist and performing with the Pensacola Civic Band.
Pictured: At 104, Pearl Harbor survivor Frank Emond of Cantonment broke his own Guinness World Record as “World’s Oldest Conductor” Monday at the Pensacola Memorial Day Concert. Images courtesy WEAR 3 for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Reno’s Reptiles Will Visit Local Libraries This Week
May 31, 2022
Reno’s Reptile will visit a West Florida Public Library near you this week.
The animal show-and-tell with alligators, tortoises, snakes and more will be at the library as follows:
- Tuesday, May 31, 10:30-11:30 a.m. – Westside Library
- Tuesday, May 31, 3-4 p.m. – Tryon Library
- Wednesday, June 1, 3-4 p.m. – Genealogy Library
- Thursday, June 2, 10:30-11:30 a.m. – Molino Library
- Friday, June 3, 10:30-11:30 a.m. – Century Library
- Friday, June 3, 3-4 p.m. – Pensacola Library
- Saturday, June 4, 10:30-11:30 a.m. – Southwest Library
Pictured: Reno’s Reptiles visits the Molino Library in 2018. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Driver’s License Services, Vehicle Registration Event Returns To Century In June
May 31, 2022
The Florida Licensing On Wheels (FLOW) mobile office is returning to Century.
FLOW is a standalone mobile office with technology to provide most motorists’ needs. The mobile unit provides a convenient method to renew a driver license, obtain a replacement driver license, conversion/reciprocation of out-of-state license, change a name or address on a current driver license or identification card, and get a first-time identification card. In addition to licensing services, the mobile unit also provides an opportunity to renew or replace a vehicle registration and apply, renew or replace disabled parking placards. Written and driving tests are not available from the FLOW unit.
Vehicle registrations can be renewed up to three months and driver licenses up to 18 months in advance of expiration.
The FLOW mobile office will be at the Billy G. Ward Century Courthouse, 7500 North Century Boulevard on Wednesday, June 8 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Citizens using the FLOW services are encouraged to visit EscambiaTaxCollector.com and click the “What Do I Bring” button for information on what is needed for these services. Staff from the tax collector’s office will be on hand to answer all FLOW service questions and questions concerning all other tax collector services such as property tax, business tax receipts, concealed weapons licensing, etc.
Pictured: The Florida Licensing On Wheels (FLOW) mobile office at the courthouse in Century in January 2020. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
