Two Men Steal Safe After Throwing A Brick Through The Door Of Century Liquor Store
July 22, 2020
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is searching for two men that threw a brick through the front door of a Century liquor store and stole the safe.
It happened sometime between about 4 and 8:30 a.m. Tuesday morning at the Fusion Fine Wine and Spirits store at 9515 North Century Boulevard, adjacent to the Food Giant.
The ECSO said the safe was taken during the burglary, and surveillance images show the men toting the safe outside.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9650 or Crime Stoppers at (850) 436-STOP.
Traditional, Remote Learning Or Virtual School? Here’s What Escambia Parents Picked
July 22, 2020
Escambia County parents were asked to choose from three options for their child’s education when students return to class in August.
Here’s what parents picked (definitions of each are at the end of the article):
- Traditional learning: 12,463 (34%)
- Remote Learning: 11,559 (31%)
- Virtual School: 3,481 (9%)
- Unknown: 9,753 (26%)
Because twice the number of parents chose the remote learning option, the school district has delayed the start of school by two weeks to better prepare.
RELATED: ESCAMBIA SCHOOLS DELAY START DATE, MANDATE FACE COVERINGS
“The number of students participating in the Remote Learning/Virtual School option means additional training for a number of our current instructors,” Escambia Superintendent Malcolm Thomas said, “pushing the student start date to August 24, 2020 is necessary to provide our educators with the professional development required for quality virtual instruction. This also means students returning to Traditional School can improve social distancing within the classroom and school buses.”
The district is attempting to contact the parents that did not make a choice by the July 20 deadline (listed as “Unknown” above). Parents can also call their child’s school to make a change in their selection.
The three options, in more detail, are:
Traditional -
This model represents a return to the school campus and the classroom where students will interact directly with their teacher(s) and classmates. If an option is not selected in FOCUS for a student, then this will be the default selection. The school day will follow the standard bell times and standard schedule that includes all the core classes and other subject areas. In short, it represents a return to the traditional school environment – with several significant changes involving enhanced health and safety precautions.
Remote Learning -
The remote learning model is designed for families who would like to maintain their connection to their enrolled school, but don’t yet feel comfortable sending their student(s) back to school in August. Students will attend school remotely, following the standard school schedule and bell times. The lessons, assignments and grading will be similar to traditional school.
Virtual School -
The virtual model is ideal for students who wish to have more control over their learning path and pace, and for whom a flexible daily schedule is important. In this learning model, students often work on assignments in a virtual environment during non-traditional hours and maintain contact with their teacher and classmates using web-based class sessions, email, text messages and telephone calls.
Gun Pointed At Vehicle During Road Rage Incident At Highway 29 And Highway 97, ECSO Says
July 22, 2020
A driver allegedly pointed a gun at another vehicle during a road rage incident at Highway 29 and Highway 97 in Molino.
Sam Payne, Jr., age 28 of Atmore, was charged with two counts of felony aggravated assault with a deadly weapon with intent to commit a felony and possession of a controlled substance without a prescription.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office received a report that the driver of a silver Hyundai Sonata with a personalized tag had displayed a firearm during a road rage incident. Payne allegedly pointed the handgun at another vehicle occupied by two people as it was southbound on Highway 97. He followed them south on Highway 29 while flashing his headlights, according to an arrest report. The victim eventually turned into the parking lot of the Raceway on Highway 29 in Cantonment as the suspect continued southbound.
A deputy conducted a traffic stop on Hyundai Sonata with the specialty license plate at the intersection of Highway 29 and Tate School Road. Payne was removed from the vehicle at gunpoint and taken into custody.
Deputies reported finding a .45 caliber Hi-Point pistol on the front passenger seat. It had one round in the chamber and two in the magazine, the report states.. When the deputy removed Payne’s driver’s license from the center console of the vehicle, he located pills that field tested positive for methamphetamine.
The ECSO report states the victims positively identified Payne as the driver that pointed a gun at them.
Payne was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $7,500 bond.
Board Approves Six Escambia School Superintendent Semi-Finalists; Rejects The Addition Of Seven Others
July 22, 2020
The Escambia County School Board Tuesday night approved the semi-finalists to be the county’s next school superintendent. They systematically rejected all of the additional candidates from the applicant pool that were recommended by two board members, opting to move forward only the six candidates picked by a selection committee.
District 3 member Dr. Laura Edler had six additional candidate suggestions rejected. She unsuccessfully recommended Dr. Wayne Alexander, Adam M. Taylor, Dr. Michelle E. James and Dr. Brian T. Binggeli. Each of those motions by Edler failed due to the lack of a second.
Board Chairman Patty Hightower seconded motions by Edler to add Dr. Raymond L. Bryant, Jr. and Dr. Robert E. Schiller but each was voted down by board members Kevin Adams, Bill Slayton and Paul Fetsko.
On Schiller, Slayton commented, “It was ironic that I had family that was in the area when this gentleman was serving as a superintendent, and it was a bit of mess.”
Hightower made a motion to add Dr. Christopher N. Ruszkowski to the semi-finalist list, but failed due to the lack of a second.
The six semi-finalists moved forward in the selection process are:
Edler voted against the approval of the selection list candidates.
Up next, the semi-finalists will receive a list of questions to answer within a week, and complete background checks will be performed.
Escambia County’s Four New Fire Trucks Will Soon Be Ready For Service
July 22, 2020
Four new fire engines will soon be in service in Escambia County.
As NorthEscambia.com first reported earlier this month, the four 2019 Pierce Enforcer fire engines will replacing aging trucks in Molino, Ensley, Myrtle Grove and Pleasant Grove.
“The role of updated equipment and prevention efforts in providing quality fire protection cannot be overstated,” Public Safety Director Jason Rogers said. “Escambia County Fire Rescue is excited to get these trucks on the line to serve the community.”
One of the two new rescue trucks will replace the current 2011 model front line engine assigned to Ensley Fire Station. The other truck will replace the 2003 model year apparatus front line engine assigned to Molino Fire Station.
A squad engine will replace a 2002 model year apparatus rescue engine currently assigned to Pleasant Grove Fire Station, and a standard engine will replace the current 2004 model rescue engine apparatus assigned to Myrtle Grove Fire Station.
“These are new state-of-the-art fire apparatus that will ensure our personnel have safe and reliable apparatus for enhanced service delivery to our citizens and visitors,” said Fire Chief Paul Williams. “By implementing our apparatus replacement plan this allows for one or two apparatus to be purchased annually as we move forward opposed to the large truck purchases in the past. We want to thank the BOCC and staff for moving LOST funds forward and allowing for this purchase to happen this year, we are in need of updating our fleet and this is a great start.”
Williams told NorthEscambia.com that the trucks will be in service and responding to calls in about two weeks.
“They are still being upfitted and we are in the process of scheduling the orientation class offered by Pierce that teaches the new customers the operations of the truck,” he said.
Each truck features Cummins L9 450 horsepower engine, a 750-gallon tank, a Hale 1500-gallon per minute pump, a deck gun and seating for five personnel. The rear-forward facing crew cab seats, and an EMS compartment above each front wheel. The trucks also feature cargo netting with a single pull lanyard that secures the EMS compartments, a coated interior, vinyl seats, and headliner help with cab decontamination. The vertical exhaust keeps heat and emissions away from firefighters working around the apparatus.
In addition to providing dependable, state-of-the-art equipment, having new engines under warranty will also decrease repair and maintenance costs which have increased significantly due to the aging fleet, the county said when the purchase was approved unanimously by the Escambia County Commission about a year ago.
The four new vehicles were purchased for a total of $2,036,267 using Local Option Sales Tax funds.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate High Grad Ethan George Signs To Play Baseball At Coastal Alabama
July 22, 2020
Tate High School graduate Ethan George signed Tuesday afternoon to continue his baseball and academic career at Coastal Alabama Community College. George was a four-year member of the Aggies baseball team as a pitcher, third baseman and outfielder. He was also the varsity football quarterback. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia County Youth Employment Participants Recognized
July 22, 2020
Escambia County’s Youth Employment Program participants were recognized for their hard work this summer during a recent ceremony.
The Youth Employment Program gave 95 youth the opportunity to get paid work experience in various county departments, including Public Works, Public Safety, Escambia County Area Transit and West Florida Public Libraries.
“I think the most important investment is an investment in human capital,” said District 3 Commissioner Lumon May. ” It’s about including the next generation of leaders, and that’s what this program is about. We’ve had a great time this year, and I would like to thank all of our directors who made it possible for young people to come and work.”
Through the program, youth worked up to 30 hours a week at minimum wage, gaining valuable experience all summer while learning workforce etiquette such as professional dress, timeliness and respect.
Youth Employment Program participants also received job readiness training and post-employment briefings, which provided them feedback about their job performance. The youth workers were recognized by May, Senator Doug Broxson, Escambia County Administrator Janice Gilley and Neighborhood & Human Services staff during the ceremony.
In his closing remarks, Broxson encouraged the youth workers to donate blood as a way to assist the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“You want the freedom to go to school, to go visit people, and to do what you want to do without restrictions,” he said. “I am imploring you to go and give blood and sign a pledge to give blood. If we come together as a community, we can defeat this horrible virus.”
Escambia Schools Delay Start Date By Two Weeks, Mandate Face Coverings
July 21, 2020
The Escambia County School District will delay the first day of school by two weeks and mandate the use of face coverings.
The school board approved the recommendation from Superintendent Malcolm Thomas at their meeting Tuesday evening.
The first day for teachers will be Monday, August 17, and the first day for students will be Monday, August 24.
Thomas said more than twice the number of parents than expected chose the remote learning or virtual school option for their child, rather than the traditional classroom setting. The deadline for parents to make a choice was Monday.
“The number of students participating in the Remote Learning/Virtual School option means additional training for a number of our current instructors,” he said, “pushing the student start date to August 24, 2020 is necessary to provide our educators with the professional development required for quality virtual instruction. This also means students returning to Traditional School can improve social distancing within the classroom and school buses.”
Thomas will ask the board to approve the following wording about face coverings as district policy: “Face coverings will be worn in district facilities as directed by staff and instructional leaders. If a situation arises whereas a student, member of staff, or a visitor is not wearing, or is incapable of wearing a face covering, such individual may be assisted or guided by appropriate authorities within the district to undertake alternative, reasonable and accommodating actions to protect self and others.”
“Students and staff members will wear face coverings, or face shields, when they cannot adequately socially distance,” Thomas said. “While no one is expected to wear face coverings for 6 to 7 hours at a time, it is particularly important to comply on school buses, in hallways and/or shared spaces such as cafeterias and libraries. Parental support will be appreciated in order to maintain the safest learning environment possible.”
The Monday, August 24 return date for students will also mean 10-month educational support employees (ESP) within the district will return to their regular work schedules on Friday, August 21.
Century Approves $56K Contract To Replace Gas Meters, Can’t Account For 28% Of Their Natural Gas
July 21, 2020
The Town of Century has awarded a contract to replace 283 gas meters in an effort to increase revenue due to improved billing accuracy. Last month, the town could not account for 28 percent of the natural gas they purchased for resale. That’s not due a leak; it’s due to billing and meter inaccuracies, according to town officials.
Florida Gas Utility received bids on behalf of the town, with only one bid submitted from Precision Meter Repair, Inc. of Plant City, Florida.
The council approved the purchase of new gas meters in early 2019 for a system with 615 connections. City staff and contractors replaced 265 meters during the winter of 2019, while the other meters remained in storage.
Precision Meter will now replace 283 meters and regulators at $160 each for a total of $45,280. Numerous meters will require a regular replacement at $38 each, with the contract allocating up to an additional $10,754. The company said it will take about 45 to 60 days to complete the job once they begin.
There are 67 inactive meters that will not be replaced at this time. They will be changed out when service is requested by the customer.
The meter replacements will be funded by Local Option Sales Tax funds.
In 2018, the town could not account for nearly 60% of their bulk purchased natural gas.
Dr. John Lanza Retiring As Escambia Health Boss; Marie Mott Named As His Successor
July 21, 2020
Dr. John Lanza is retiring after 25 years as the health officer and director of the Florida Department of Health in Escambia County, and the state has named his replacement.
Marie Brady Mott will take over as the health officer and administrator for the FDOH-Escambia on July 24. She brings nearly 20 years of experience in the health field with 13 years working at FDOH-Escambia, currently as the public health services manager.
In her new role as the health officer and administrator, she will be responsible for ensuring that FDOH-Escambia continues to address state and local public health priorities and provide population-based partnerships with community stakeholders to protect, promote, and improve the health of county residents.
“In her service as the Public Health Services Manager, Ms. Mott has proven to be a strong and effective leader for the Florida Department of Health in Escambia County,” said Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez. “I have the utmost confidence that she will continue to provide excellent public health resources and guidance to the people of Escambia County.”
“With nearly 20 years of experience in a variety of public health, clinical and hospital settings, Ms. Mott is a proven public health leader whose experience and talents are well suited to the challenges and great opportunities with leading the Florida Department of Health in Escambia County,” Florida Surgeon General Dr. Scott Rivkees. “With Ms. Mott at the helm, the people in Escambia County will continue to be served well.”
“Ms. Mott is dedicated to public health and committed to the community with many years of experience,” said Escambia County Administrator Janice Gilley. “We are fortunate to have a dedicated public servant continue this service, especially during this time of a public health emergency.”
Mott began her career with the department in 2007 as the senior public health nutritionist for FDOH-Escambia. She became the department’s public health communications manager until 2019. Prior to entering the public health field, Mott practiced clinical dietetics in the areas of critical care nutrition, nutrition support, and medical nutrition therapy for chronic disease management and prevention.
Mott holds a Doctor of Jurisprudence from the University of Alabama School of Law and a Master of Science in Human Nutrition from the University of Alabama College of Human Environmental Sciences. She maintains her credentials of attorney and counselor at law, registered dietitian, licensed dietitian/nutritionist, and certified specialist in sports dietetics.