Tate Softball’s Madison Holland Signs With Coastal Alabama North
January 23, 2021
Tate High School Softball senior Madison Holland of Molino signed Friday to play with Coastal Alabama North in Monroeville. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Man Facing 19 Child Porn Charges After FDLE K-9 Sniffs Out Hidden Laptop
January 23, 2021
An Escambia County man is facing 19 child pornography counts after a Florida Department of Law Enforcement K-9 sniffed out a laptop hidden in an attic.
Jason Paul Cherry, 45, is behind bars after a three month investigation after Escambia County Sheriff’s Office investigators discovered child pornography on his computer and a past relationship with an underaged victim. The investigation began in November of 2020 and involved involved the assistance of Homeland Security, FBI and FDLE.
On Friday, a search warrant was executed at Cherry’s home. Investigators said Cherry was in possession of digital files that included child sexual abuse material. Other evidence found in the home revealed he was engaging in sexual activity with a female victim, which began when the victim was 14-years old.
FDLE Special Agent Stephanie Cassidy, and her K-9 Maple, located a laptop in the bedroom attic, concealed under insulation. More charges are expected to come after the completion of a forensic examination of the electronic devices.
ECSO’s lead investigator, Jeremy Horn, arrested Cherry on 19 counts of possession of child sexual abuse material and two counts of unlawful sexual activity with a minor. Cherry was booked into the Escambia County Jail where he was given no bond.
“This is a disturbing and disgusting act that we cannot, and will not tolerate in our community. I’m proud of the investigative work and time that went into this case, subsequently landing this suspect in the Escambia County Jail,” Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons said.
Florida COVID-19 Vaccines Limited To State Residents Only
January 23, 2021
Florida has issued new guidelines that limits COVID-19 vaccines to only permanent and seasonal residents.
Cutting off out of state residents is meant to curb “vaccine tourism” — people over 65 flying into Florida for vaccine and then flying out.
But it will also prevent, for instance, Flomaton or Atmore residents from cross the state line to get a vaccine in, say, Century.
On Thursday, Community Health Northwest Florida had an allocation of 200 vaccines available at their Century location. During a Century Town Council meeting Monday night, Community Health representatives said the Century clinic, which occurred before the new state order, was open to residents of Escambia counties in both Florida and Alabama.
Out of state residents that have already received their first shot in Florida will be eligible for their second shot in the Sunshine State.
State Surgeon General Dr. Scott Rivkees signed a Public Health Advisory on Thursday prioritizing Florida residents for the vaccines.
“We’re only doing (shots) for Florida residents,” DeSantis said Tuesday in Cape Coral. “You’ve got to live here either full-time or at least part-time.”
The order requires proof of residency or proof of being a health care provider directly involved with patients. Residents much be 65 or older to receive the vaccine, and must spend at 31 days a year in Florida and maintain a permanent residence in the state.
“We want to put seniors first, but we obviously want to put people that live here first in line,” DeSantis said during a news conference. ”And that can include people that live here half the year. But it’s not for people that are just visiting.”
Here’s What FDLE Uncovered About Eavesdropping Device Found In Escambia County Administrator’s Office
January 23, 2021
We are learning more about an eavesdropping device — an illegal hidden camera — found in the office of Escambia County Administrator Janice Gilley last year.
Gilley said she requested that her office be swept for a bugs after details of a private conversation were leaked to the public. The device, which had both audio and video capabilities, was found after a confidential informant contacted the Florida Department of Law Enforcement “requesting assistance with a possible insider threat case at a county office,” according to a FDLE investigative report.
On August 7, a FDLE special agent and a K-9 performed a search, finding a Vivitar Versa Magnetic Camera inside a fake plant in a conference room. The camera was turned on and appeared to be recording when it was located, according to the FDLE.
The camera’s SD card was empty.
According to the report, the camera is sold at Walmart stores, “appearing to be exclusively online” and connects wirelessly to a phone or device when it is recording.
FDLE placed the camera back in the fake plant in an attempt to capture someone retrieving the camera.
Agents then conducted an in-depth electronic sweep, and no other suspicious devices were located. FDLE searched the building again for suspicious devices on September 15 and found nothing.
The State Attorney’s Office subpoenaed Walmart records and found that three of the cameras were sold online in Florida between February 1, 2020, and August 1, 2020.
“Analytical research was completed on the subpoena results and no customer was linked to the undisclosed business or any of their employees,” the FDLE report stated.
BOCC Agrees With Sheriff’s Request For Body Cameras, But They’re Not Sure How To Fund Them
January 22, 2021
Newly-elected Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons asked the Escambia County Commission on Thursday for the funds to purchase body cameras for his deputies, following through on a campaign pledge.
Simmons is requesting the commission allocate $912,727 for the purchase of 268 body cameras, with the money coming from what was CARES Act funds.
“Every day that we do not have body cameras, there’s one thing that could take place that could come up and embarrass the Sheriff’s Office, could embarrass the county,” Simmons said. “I just think that this is that important — too important for us to delay it.”
The county had until December 31, 2020, to use $57 million from the CARES Act. In order to beat the deadline, the county put $25 million into a “Public Health and Safety Payroll” account to use for Public Safety Department expenses. Because the $25 million will be used to reimburse normal payroll expenses, the $25 million will go into the general fund for other CARES Act expenses.
Each county commissioner has expressed support for the body cameras, but they are not yet convinced it should come from the $25 million. Commissioner Robert Bender stated that he was told the body cameras would not have otherwise been eligible for CARES Act funding.
“I support the sheriff’s department getting cameras, but to use this money for something other CARES related expenses at this time, in the middle of the pandemic, might be putting the cart before the horse a little bit,” Bender said. “We still having testing and vaccinations to do. I think we need to be mindful of how we spend that money.”
“I want our law enforcement to have the protection of cameras,” Commissioner Doug Underhill said. “I think it is a totally appropriate CARES Act spend. I think it’s something, I applaud you for bringing this forward.”
“I understand it (the $25 million from CARES Act) was moved based on a deadline of December 31 to the general fund to cover for payroll, payroll that was already funded,” Simmons told commissioners. “So this is no longer CARES Act…these are millions of dollars that Escambia County has to decide what’s the best use for those. Some is CARES, some is items like this. My request is consider this as a higher priority as I do to go ahead and get these body cameras.”
Commissioner Steven Barry said he was not against using the funds that originated from the CARES ACT for the cameras, but he questioned the timing of the funding request and the ongoing expenses for operating the system.
“I like the idea. I didn’t think it should be on the agenda for today. I think you will find board support for this moving forward with this in the appropriate time,” Barry said. “It’s not been something that has been a priority to the office (the ECSO) previously.”
“This is money that’s available, that I understand is available, and it sounds like is available. And I think it’s high priority, so I felt like it was something I could ask for,” the sheriff said. “I understand your point about maybe not today, but I’m not one that waits. Again, I’ve been the sheriff for two weeks now, and I think that body cameras and transparency is that important. And that’s why I’m here.”
“I’m going to be supportive of body cameras,” Commissioner Lumon May told the sheriff. “This is something that is important, and it’s critical to you in your operations. Once we get that money at the end of February, this will be a top priority for me because you said it is top priority for the safety of the officers and for the safety of our citizens.”
Simmons said he had money in his current overtime budget to fund five employees to process the body camera video footage and maintain the system. But he said he would need to work on a permanent funding solution from the next fiscal year’s budget.
The commission is expected to return to the body camera funding discussion in March after county staff provides further research.
“Quit frankly, I am not going to wait forever,” Simmons said.
Escambia May Allow Countywide Sunday Morning Alcohol Sales
January 22, 2021
Escambia County may soon allow stores to sell alcohol on Sunday morning across the entire county.
There is currently an ordinance banning retail alcohol sale on Sunday between 2:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. countywide, with an exception for Pensacola and Perdido Key where it is legal to sell alcohol at retail stores on Sundays after 7 a.m.
Escambia County District 1 Commissioner Jeff Bergosh said he will bring and ordinance to a vote to allow countywide Sunday alcohol sales after 7 a.m.
File photo.
Escambia County Public Schools Foundation And UWF Launch Free Virtual Workshops For Families
January 22, 2021
The Escambia County Public Schools Foundation has partnered with the University of West Florida to offer six workshops to help parents support their student and their teachers.
“We are excited to partner with the University of West Florida,” said Kristie Kelly, executive director at the Foundation. “Their faculty will share strategies to support your student’s success in face-to-face, virtual and blended learning environments.
“We are also grateful for the grant funding provided by Wells Fargo & Company — an American multinational financial services provider.”
The virtual sessions in this series, entitled “Supporting Your Student,” will be on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month in February through April. Each session begins at 5 p.m. with a 30-minute workshop followed by 15 minutes for questions from parents. UWF faculty from the departments of teacher education and educational leadership and instructional design and technology are presenting the workshops.
“As a result of the pandemic, parents have suddenly found themselves thrust in the role of teacher without any formal training,” said Dr. John Pecore, professor and associate chair of teacher education and educational leadership. “It has created a tremendous need that our faculty expertise can support. We are excited to offer this service to the community.”
Preregistration is required. Email foundation@ecsdfl.us for more information and to sign up for one or more workshops.
The dates, topics and presenters are listed below. A ZOOM link will be sent to those who have preregistered. A reminder will also be emailed on the day of each workshop.
Feb. 9 from 5—5:45 p.m.
Communicating Regularly with Teachers
Presenters: Dr. Aneta Walker, Dr. James Dickson and Dr. Amany Habib
Feb. 23 from 5—5:45 p.m.
Setting Clear Expectations and Goals
Presenters: Dr. Elizabeth Bemiss and Dr. Kathleen Heubach
March 9 from 5—5:45 p.m.
Establishing Routines and Systems to Stay Organized
Presenter: Dr. Tim Morse and Dr. Holley Handley
March 23 from 5—5:45 p.m.
Encouraging and Motivating for Success
Presenters: Dr. Nguyen Nguyen and Dr. Jennifer Mesa
April 13 from 5—5:45 p.m.
Creating a Positive Environment for At-home Learning
Presenters: Dr. John Pecore, Dr. Melanie DiLoreto and Dr. Minkyoung Kim
April 27 from 5—5:45 p.m.
Addressing the Unique Challenges of Children with Special Needs
Presenters: Dr. Keri Fogle and Dr. Shim Lew
FDOT: All Hands On Deck To Complete Pensacola Bay Bridge Repair By March
January 22, 2021
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With concrete poured for the first new bridge deck, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and its contractors are increasing all the necessary efforts to repair the Pensacola Bay Bridge by March 2021.
An additional piling driving crew has been added to ensure pile driving efforts remain on schedule. These crews are tasked with moving the pile driving template, working on pier removal, clearing the bottom of the bay from any debris, and driving piles into the bay floor utilizing a 20,000-pound diesel-powered hammer.
Pile driving work will occur seven-days-a-week and while there are no direct traffic impacts, persons nearby may detect noise and the possibility of vibration.
The current numbers on the demolition and repair activities to date include:
- Eight fully damaged spans removed.
- 13 partial damaged spans removed.
- 21 damaged pedestrian path beams removed.
- 66 damaged I-beams removed with eight replaced.
- Five damaged trophy pieces removed.
- 30 replacement piles driven.
Motorists should continue to use all available detour routes, which include the Garcon Point Bridge and State Road 87. At this time, tolls on the Garcon Point Bridge have been suspended through Thursday, February 11. Commuters can also use the Escambia County Area Transit’s (ECAT) temporary bus route travel between Pensacola and Gulf Breeze free of charge.
The Pensacola Bay Bridge has a targeted re-opening date of March 2021. Once repairs are complete, all four lanes will be open with no load restrictions. As each repair method is developed, FDOT will be conducting reviews to ensure the contractor is hitting all milestones in the established schedule.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Ivey Extends Alabama’s Mask Mandate Into March
January 22, 2021
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey has extended the state’s mask mandate that was set to expire on Friday.
Individuals in Alabama are required to wear a mask or other facial covering when in public and in close contact with other people through March 5. The “Safer at Home” order has been in place since July.
Ivey’s announcement came during a press conference Thursday in Montgomery.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
One Serious Injury When Highway 29 Driver Crashes At The Camp o’ the Pines
January 21, 2021
One person was seriously injured in a Highway 29 wreck Thursday morning.
The vehicle left the roadway and crashed into a concrete culvert before coming to rest in the entrance to the Camp o’ the Pines about 5:50 a.m.
The driver was transported to an area hospital by Escambia County EMS.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating. The Molino Station of Escambia Fire Rescue responded.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
