Real Rural Tech Talk Focuses On Future Of North Escambia Broadband Internet Service
April 10, 2021
Escambia County District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry knows that some 20,000 people in North Escambia do not have access to the internet at speeds that are defined as broadband. Some do not have access at all.
And that’s something he’s looking to change.
Barry hosted a “A Real Rural Tech Talk” broadband roundtable at the Escambia County 4-H Center in Cantonment Friday. He was joined by Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, a Charter Communications executive and leaders from the local educational, agricultural, business and health care fields.
For a photo gallery, click here.
“You realize how much we depend on good internet when you have a year like 2020 and how important it is to be able to communicate, to work, to educate,” Patronis said. “The ability to expand and access broadband networks in our rural parts of the state is critical.”
“The pandemic has highlighted the need for broadband availability and adoption and Charter is committed to bridging the digital divide to positively impact rural communities,” said Marva Johnson, senior vice president of State Government Affairs Charter Communications. “As Americans across the country increasingly rely on broadband to work, learn, access health care and stay in touch with family and loved ones, bringing broadband access to more unserved areas should be a priority for all stakeholders.”
Charter is targeting public-private partnerships to expand broadband access to rural areas across the state using the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund.
For North Escambia residents, that could mean affordable internet to their homes and businesses at gigabit speeds.
“With broadband not readily available, whether it is unreliable, not unlimited, or doesn’t have quite the high speed it does in town, we are not really able to use our equipment to its fullest potential,” said Oak Grove agricultural producer Scott Walker. He said sometimes he is forced to update his equipment and do work only by traveling to Whataburger to access their wi-fi.
“The mission of the Escambia County School District is to close that gap for all of our students,” said Steve Harrell, director of Workforce Education for the Escambia County School District. “You create a divide between that student that has that access and the student who does not have that access.”
“We made sure that we have internet access at all of our schools, very high speed. We have fiber lines going all the way up to the north end,” Harrell continued. “If you are inside one of our facilities, inside those four walls, that digital device you have works very well. But when you take that home and there is no broadband at your house, that student that has that broadband access has an advantage over the child that does not.”
“I think we (Escambia County and Charter) are actually going to be able to look at some numbers and maybe some potential timelines about what may be possible,” Barry told NorthEscambia.com. “I’m appreciative to my board, and they’ve matched my urgency. They’ve supported this as a high priority.”
Barry said that within a couple of months, but perhaps as soon as just a few weeks, there may be some timelines in place for what a rural broadband program might look like in Escambia County.
Patronis told NorthEscambia.com that high speed broadband in North Escambia could also mean economic opportunity.
“When we recruit businesses into this state, it’s critical that they have access to water and sewer. Large businesses need that type of level of infrastructure. This is no different. They had to have connectivity too. So you take areas that are maybe underserved, if you bring a job creator to that footprint then you’re bringing infrastructure there…so a rising tide lifts all boats — better quality of life, better quality of services, but also better jobs often follow with those type of investments when they’re made.”
Johnson said it’s often not financially feasible for a company like Charter to install infrastructure in a sparsely populated area, but the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund will make that possible.
“That’s where these partnerships come through whether it be federal dollars or state dollars, or what we’ve got now in this particular dialogue is a contribution from charter where those dollars come together,” Partronis said. “For Charter, this is a long game play. Their return on investment is not today; it’s not tomorrow. But it could be 10 or 15 years from now because as you have that infrastructure available, then you have a manufacturer that may decide to come there.”
“We’re on a very attractive court for Interstate 10 where distribution really can take place here. This part of the state is the closest part to the Midwest in the whole state of Florida, but you can’t make it attractive and shovel ready unless you have the infrastructure in the ground to make a business want to build…putting the infrastructure in the ground here in Northwest Florida to me is hugely important to diversify our economy.”
For a photo gallery, click here.
Pictured: Participants in “A Real Rural Tech Talk” about broadband internet access Friday in Cantonment included Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis (top), Escambia County District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry (top inset) Director of Workforce Education for the Escambia County School District Steve Harrell (middle inset), North Escambia agricultural producer Scott Walker (bottom inset), Senior Vice President of State Government Affairs Charter Communications Marva Johnson (below), President Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital Pensacola Dawn Rudolph (second below), and 4-H Escambia Council Treasurer Jessica Conti (third below). NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Boy Wants To Be Like His Hero – His ECSO Lieutenant Dad
April 10, 2021
Three-year old Caisen Frazier wants to grow up to be just like his hero — his daddy, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Patrick Frazier.
And that made for amazing pictures by his photographer mom.
The uniform? It was made from scraps of old uniforms from daddy’s 18+ year career. The miniature replica patrol vehicle was ordered by dad, and he did the design and painted. The gunbelt holding the painted plastic gun? It was an old one that was just collecting dust that cut was down.
“This baby is obsessed with fire trucks, police cars, excavators and dump trucks,” mom Kelsei Frazier said. “But absolutely nothing compares to his love for his Daddy and the work he does. Caisen treats Patrick like he hung the moon, takes it down and hangs it again daily. His daddy is his world, and if he only knew just how much his daddy loves him.”
Walk-In Vaccination Clinic Monday At Hillcrest Baptist Church
April 10, 2021
A walk-in COVID-19 vaccination clinic will be held next week at Hillcrest Baptist Church.
Florida residents 18 and older do not need an appointment from 8:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Monday, April 12 at 800 East Nine Mile Road.
Details:
- Upon arrival, present a photo ID.
- Receive your first dose of the Moderna vaccine.
- After vaccination, be prepared to wait for up to 30 minutes before leaving the facility, so medical professionals may monitor you for any possible reactions to the vaccine.
- Return May 10 to receive the second dose of the Moderna vaccine.
After 11-Run Inning, Jay Beats Northview; Coin Toss Gives Jay District Championship
April 10, 2021
After scoring 11 runs in the fifth inning, the Jay Royals defeated the Northview Chiefs 17-13 Friday night in Jay.
The Royals’ win led to a coin toss to determine the district champion. Jay won the toss, giving them the No. 1 seed in the district tournament, while Northview finished No. 2.
Jefferson started on the mound for the Northview Chiefs, allowing eight hits and 10 runs over four and a third innings, striking out three. Ethan Collier, Cameron Patrick, and Kaden Odom each pitched in relief, allowing a combined six hits, seven runs and striking out two.
Carson Walters earned the win for Jay, going four and two-thirds innings, allowing nine runs, 10 hits and striking out six. Todd Macks and Cody Gavin finished allowing a total of three hits, four runs and striking out three.
Luke Bridges, Rustin Pope, Trent Knighten, Bryce Korinchak, Kaden Odom, and Josh Landis all had two hits for Northview.
Walters led at the plate for Jay, going 5-5.
Jay racked up 14 hits on the day. Payton Jackson, and Gavin had multiple hits for the Royals.
Pictured: Northview defeated Jay Thursday night in Bratt before Jay topped Northview Friday night. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Escambia County Convicted Sex Offender Facing New Child Pornography Charges
April 10, 2021
A convicted sex offender in Escambia County has been arrested on new child pornography charges.
Nicholas Allen Walker, 29, was arrested this week by Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Unit Investigator Suzanne Pollock. He is charged with 30 counts of possession of child pornography and several sex offender violations.
Numerous videos of children engaged in sexual conducted were found on his phone after several cybertips, according to investigators. The children ranged in age from infant to 5-years old. In addition, ECSO said he provided a false address when registering as a sex offender.
Walker remained in jail with a bond set at $475,000.
In 2014, he was convicted of traveling to meet a minor to commit an unlawful sexual offense in Walton County.
Former Sheriff David Morgan Prefiles To Run For Pensacola Mayor In 2022
April 10, 2021
Former Escambia County Sheriff David Morgan prefiled Friday to run for Pensacola mayor in 2022.
After 12 years as sheriff, Morgan chose not to run during the last election.
Current Pensacola Mayor Grover Robinson recently announced that he would not for a second term.
U.S. House Committee on Ethics Launches Investigation Into Allegations Against Matt Gaetz
April 9, 2021
The U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Ethics confirmed Friday afternoon it will investigate sexual misconduct, drug and bribery allegations against Northwest Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz.
The following statement (pictured bottom) was released by the Ranking Member of the Committee on Ethics:
“The Committee is aware of public allegations that Representative Matt Gaetz may have engaged in sexual misconduct and/or illicit drug use, shared inappropriate images or videos on the House floor, misused state identification records, converted campaign funds to personal use, and/or accepted a bribe, improper gratuity, or impermissible gift, in violation of House Rules, laws, or other standards of conduct. The Committee, pursuant to Committee Rule 18(a), has begun an investigation and will gather additional information regarding the allegations.
“The Committee notes that the mere fact that it is investigating these allegations, and publicly disclosing its review, does not itself indicate that any violation has occurred, or reflect any judgment on behalf of the Committee. No other public comment will be made on this matter except in accordance with Committee rules.”
Gaetz has strongly denied any wrongdoing.
“Once again, the office will reiterate, these allegations are blatantly false and have not been validated by a single human willing to put their name behind them,” Gaetz said.
Garcon Point Bridge Toll Suspension Extended Again
April 9, 2021
The toll suspension on the Garcon Point bridge has been extended through May9, 2021, the Florida Department of Transportation announced Friday morning.
“The extension allows the Garcon Point Bridge to continue serving as a temporary detour route while the Pensacola Bay Bridge is being repaired from damage sustained during Hurricane Sally,” FDOT said in a news release. The toll suspension was previously set to expire Friday, April 9.
The Pensacola Bay Bridge is expected to open the week of May 31.
County Approves Firefighter’s Idea For Perdido River Boat Ramp For First Responders, Small Personal Craft
April 9, 2021
A volunteer firefighter’s idea to improve response time to victims along the Perdido River was unanimously approved Thursday night by the Escambia County Commission.
The commission approved a gated boat launch at the Otto Hill Recreation Area to allow first responders access to the Perdido River, and provide the public with a place to launch small craft.
Commissioner Steven Barry said the launch was the idea of Mark Butler, who is employed by the county as a road corrections officer and is also a volunteer firefighter in Molino.
“He is intimately familiar with some of the challenges and some of the issues they’ve had trying to get to people that are in dire situations on Perdido River in that area,” Barry told his fellow commissioners. “I want to thank Mark Butler for bringing it to me…It is going to be a very good thing for my constituency…not an expensive thing.
“I consider this to be just as important for water safety in your district as lifeguards out on Pensacola Beach,” Commissioner Doug Underhill told Barry. “And this certainly costs a whole lot less, so outstanding work on this one.”
Escambia County will enter into an interlocal agreement with the Northwest Florida Water Management District, design and build a 10-foot wide boat launch with a gate at the Otto Hill. It will be constructed at the site of a former primitive boat launch. The gate across the launch will prohibit nonessential vehicle access by the public. Gate keys will be provided only to county staff and emergency personnel, water management staff, Escambia Search and Rescue, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
While the public will not have vehicle access to the launch, there will be walk-around space to allow the public to hand launch and retrieve canoes, kayaks and small boats.
The Otto Hill Recreation Area is located at 2401 Jacks Branch Road, just south of Fillingim Landing. It has a pavilion, portable toilet and reservation only campsite in addition to river access.
There are several short hiking trails — one of which leads to a picturesque sandbar approximately 100 yards from the main camp site. Under normal conditions, the river is shallow enough in this area to provide a fantastic swimming spot for children, according to the water district.
A short swim or paddle across the river leads visitors to another sandbar and more sunbathing opportunities.
Pictured: The Otto Hill Recreation Area on the Perdido River off Jacks Branch Road. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Northview Gets District Walk-off Win Over Paxton In Extra Innings (With Gallery)
April 9, 2021
The Northview Chiefs had a walk-off district win over the Paxton Lady Cats 3-2 in extra innings Thursday night in Bratt.
The game was tied at two in the bottom of the eighth when Kailyn Watson singled on a 3-2 count to score one run. Payton Gilchrist went 3-4 for the night, and Gilmore was 2-3.
Emma Gilmore gave up five hits in eight innings while striking out 11.
For a photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
