Sheriff’s Letter: New Deputies Are On The Way For North Escambia
June 8, 2009
Escambia County’s sheriff is once again reaffirming his commitment to increase the number of deputies in North Escambia. Sheriff David Morgan has stated several times that he will add three new deputies in Century and two in Molino by August.
After a NorthEscambia.com story a few days ago about the Sheriff’s Department and Century, Morgan and Lt. Tony Jordan, the officer in charge of the Molino precinct, both wrote to NorthEscambia.com to explain that the deputies were still on their way.
Morgan’s remarks came in a comment posted on NorthEscambia.com in response to posters that alleged Morgan had transferred deputies out of patrol and had shorted the Molino precinct after his town hall meeting there.
Morgan’s comments to NorthEscambia.com are below, followed by a letter from Jordan.
Please understand that you are commenting on “dated information.” Capt Randy Pippin was assigned approximately 3 weeks ago to Homeland Security. He is a “one deep shop.” Occasionally other officers will augment him, but none other is permanently assigned.
You are correct on personnel numbers and assignments not being clear. Until recently, the 30 (approximately) personnel assigned to Court Security were lumped into “patrol.” This is misleading, just as considering CID as “administration” is misleading. Investigators work all hours and are on call. We are correcting the organizational chart and structure to reflect (for the average citizen) accurate representations of personnel assignments.
Yes, several reassignments occurred from CID. After a lengthy meeting with Commander Bobby Jackson and Lt. Haines, it was determined that every new deputy would be assigned to patrol and only on an emergency basis would an officer be taken for other assignments. (Such as responding to what I consider an emergency, e.g., the growing gang problem in Escambia County.)
As of today, Narcotics is down 2 personnel and Training is down one. There are no plans to backfill those positions.
Management is not a exact science. As an example, from this last class of 6 officers, 2 were “dual certified” having come to us from Corrections. Assignments were made based upon their completion of upgrade training. After a few weeks on the road, one has requested to return to corrections, and as of Friday, the second is seriously considering it. “Patrol is not what I thought it would be.” So someone (precinct) is going to come up short, correct? I cannot provide what I do not have and we cannot continue to take personnel from investigations, narcotics, etc.. However, we note the shortage and make arrangements to backfill it with the next class.
Now factor into this retirements and medical issues. So we may, in fact, get the Molino Substation up to 15 assigned officers, and in 60-90 days have a retirement, medical issue, etc., and lose an officer. At this point we use the flex shift, Reserves, etc., to keep the numbers balanced until we can permanently (once again) get the numbers stable.
This described process is an almost daily occurence. Management of an organization of this size and complexity (1,057) requires constant monitoring. It is a little like vehicle maintenance, one does not “change the oil and tune up the car one time” and then never consider repeating it.
I have walked the streets of Century 2 times (in a little over 4 months in office), I’ve had lunch at the Panhandle Restaurant twice, I’ve spoken at the Flomaton/Century Rotary, the ECSO Bike Patrol has been there 4 times, and I’ve held a Town Hall Meeting in Molino. I have not been informed of any sheriff in recent memory that has focused on the issues in the north end to this extent. I am fulfilling my promises to the citizens to not ignore them as it has been done in the past, based solely upon politics. (If I was that sort I would not be in Century, for I did not “win” there. But this is not about me personally, nor politics, its about public safety and keeping your word.)
All of my management decisions will not be popular nor agreed upon by all. But I will assure you that they are based upon sound management principles, leadership, and not personality nor politically driven.
Thank you for your oversight and concern for the citizens of North Escambia County.
David Morgan, Sheriff
Escambia County, FL
850-436-9512
And from Lt. Tony Jordan, the officer in charge of the Molino Precinct (which is part of the Cantonment district as referenced):
It has been brought to my attention that there has been ongoing heated words regarding deputies assigned to Cantonment and Century. I would like to clarify as much as possible. At the time of the Cantonment Town Hall meeting, Cantonment was at full staff. We have lost one deputy and currently we are one short of our normal full crew. Adjustments have been made and I feel comfortable with the Sergeants and deputies that are assigned to us to maintain our status quo. We have been assured that we will replace that deputy as well as additional manpower. The projected date is August. There are many things that transpire in this large agency on a daily basis. We have injuries, sickness, retirements, and deputies that leave on a constant basis. I have no reason to believe that Sheriff Morgan will not be true to his word. Please reassure your readers that we are safe in the north end of the county and we have made arrangements for the temporary decrease in manpower. We are also being optimistic that we may replace the one deputy prior to August.
Blimp With 70-Foot Screen To Be Based In Atmore
June 8, 2009
Atmore will soon become home to a blimp with one of the world’s largest airborne television screens.
The blimp will be used by the Poarch Creek Indians’ Gaming Authority to promote their $235 million Wind Creek Casino facility in Atmore. It will be stationed on 15 acres of land leased from the City of Atmore.
The A-170LS Lightsign Lightship will have a 70 foot wide, 30 foot high full motion LED screen with 235,200 full color pixels. The blimp is 178 feet long, and it holds 170,000 cubic feet of helium. It has a cruising speed of 32 mph with a maximum speed of 48 mph. The 5×6 foot cabin holds up to four passengers plus the pilot.
The lightship will be piloted by Capt. Carl Harbuck, a former Army helicopter pilot.
The Wind Creek Blimp will travel to major events in the Southeast over the next year, promoting the casino. It will arrive during a ceremony, weather permitting, on June 14.
Ernest Ward Names Students Of The Month; GPA And Principal Award Winners
June 8, 2009
Today, NorthEscambia.com continues a series of stories with award listings from area schools. Today’s listing contains the names of some of the award winners from Ernest Ward Middle School that received awards during the year for Student of the Month, plus year end awards for Highest GPA and the Principal’s Award.
Students of the Month 2008-2009
August 2008: Shalmali Bhadkamkar, Tamara Green, Ashton Gibbs and Jasmine Maher
September 2008: Charmayne Fountain, Courtney Weaver, Ashley Mooney and Ancel Pleasant
October 2008: Logan Lee, Jenny Spears, Kaitlyn Gunn and Brannen Bateman
November 2008: Austin Cunningham, Lily Townson, Harold Harrison and Ashlynn Clemmons
December 2008: Hannah Gibson, Jessica Lowery, Marisa Penland and Jacob Hendrix.
January 2009: Danielle Suggs, Victoria Wright, Justin Halteman and Derick Edmonson
February 2009: Tamara Wise, Anna Fischer, Hannah Ziglar and Jodi Ard
March 2009: Kyndall Hall, Danielle Scott, Jonathan Moretz and Radeja’nique Lewis
April 2009: Penny Banda, Danielle Steadham, Georgia Goetter and John McGary
May 2009: Morgan Ward, Austin Kelly, Zach Johnson and Isaiah Williams
Highest GPA Awards:
6th grade: Amy Elizabeth Murph
7th grade: Kasie Lee Braun
8th grade: Haley Dezarae Turner
Highest GPA Overall: Amy Elizabeth Murph
Mrs. Perry’s Principal Award
6th grade: Joshawa Burton
7th grade: Quanisha Green
8th grade: Chris Leonard
Northview Honors Teacher, Volunteers Of The Year
June 8, 2009
Teacher and volunteers of the year at Northview High School were recently honored.
Bill Welch was named the Senior Volunteer of the Year for NHS. Bryan Colburn was named Adult Volunteer of the Year. Micah Byars was named the Student Volunteer of the Year, and Sasha Blackburn was named the Teacher of the Year.
Pictured above: (L-R) Bill Welch, Bryan Colburn, Sasha Blackburn and Micah Byars were honored recently for their service to Northview High School. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
ECAT And 3-Cent Gas Tax: An In Depth Look At North Escambia’s Only Bus
June 7, 2009
Thursday, the Escambia County Commission is set to consider a 3-cent gasoline tax to fund mass transit in the county.
The commission will hold the public hearing on June 18 on the 3-cent gas tax for Escambia County Area Transit (ECAT). After the public hearing, it will take a super majority — four of the five commissions must vote in favor of the gas tax for it to be approved. But two commissioners — Kevin White and Wilson Robertson — have already said publicly that they will not support the tax.
Today, NorthEscambia.com takes an in-depth look at “Route 60″, the only ECAT bus that operates in North Escambia.
Century & Molino To Pensacola Bus Is ECAT’s Most Expensive; Riders Say Most Valuable
The ECAT bus that runs from Century and Molino to Pensacola is the most expensive bus per person and the most expensive bus per hour in the entire public transportation system in the county. But to those that ride it, the “Route 60″ bus in the one of the most important buses in the ECAT network.
The “Route 60″ bus makes three weekday trips between Century and the ECAT transfer center where it allows riders to connect to the rest of the ECAT network. It makes the run twice on Saturdays.
“It’s so valuable,” Brenda Spencer said. Spencer is a frequent passenger on the bus, riding between her home in Century and her job downtown in the county attorney’s office. “It is truly needed in Century, even if it does need more passengers. I wish more people would take advantage of it.”
The bus costs $16.27 per passenger to operate, according to ECAT numbers from the last fiscal year. That’s the most expensive cost per passenger by far over any other bus in the system, with every other route falling below $10 per person (except for a free tourist route that runs to Pensacola Beach). In fact, is almost twice the next most expensive route per person, a 12th Avenue area route that costs ECAT $8.68 per person. The Century and Molino to Pensacola bus is also the most expensive per hour to operate in the ECAT system, at $78.29 per hour.
But the bus provides transportation to and from Pensacola for Century and Molino residents that otherwise might not have a way to get to and from Pensacola, Spencer said. And, it’s much easier and cheaper than driving.
“It has saved me so much money,” Spencer said. “And it has saved me mentally and physically. It’s given me time to do my reading, do my Sunday School lesson and more while riding to work.”
A total of 7,819 riders took the Route 60 bus over a one year period. That compares to 145,883 riders on a Fairfield Drive area bus.
Spencer said she would like to see more Century residents take advantage of the bus, whether it be for shopping trips, or doctor visits, or any other trip to Pensacola.
“It is such a wonderful group of people to ride with,” she said. “It’s like a family atmosphere. We’ve gotten to know each other.”
“Ride the bus, ride the bus, ride the bus,” Spencer added. “I can’t advertise that enough. Ride the bus.”
Due to the low number of riders, ECAT has ordered two smaller buses to be assigned to the Century route to replace the current full-size transit buses that are used to service North Escambia.
For a printable pdf Route 60 map, schedule and rate information, click here.
Pictured above middle: The “Route 60″ Century and Molino to Pensacola ECAT route map. Pictured below: A timetable for the bus. Click to enlarge.
Check Out Australian Animals From The Zoo Today In Bogia
June 7, 2009
Children can get up close and personal with Australian animals and artifacts in Bogia today.
The animals from the Gulf Breeze Zoo will be aboard The ZooMobile as it pulls into Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church this afternoon for the start of the church’s vacation Bible School.
Ray’s Chapel is hold a “Boomerang Express” themed VBS this year, and the visit of the zoo animals from Australia will be part of a special kick-off party and registration event. The zoo animals visit and the party begins at 5:00 this afternoon at Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church on Bogia Road, about a half mile west of Highway 29. There will also be a “bounce house”, food and more. The zoo animal party and VBS are all free and open to everyone.
The Vacation Bible School at Ray’s Chapel will be next week, June 8-12, from 5:30 until 8:00 daily for pre-kindergarten to sixth grade age children.
For more information, call the church at (850) 256-3422.
Are You Ready For DTV? Digital TV Transition Date Is Friday
June 7, 2009
The long awaited switch to digital television is Friday. In North Escambia and the immediate surrounding area, 15,776 free $40 coupons for converter boxes to prepare for the June 12 switch have been ordered.
If you do not have a digital ready television and have not installed a digital converter box, your TV will stop working after the transition on Friday if you do not have cable or satellite. The government was handing out $40 coupons to anyone that asks to help purchase the converter box, including replacement coupons for those that allowed coupons they had previously ordered to expire.
Here is the breakdown of how many coupons had been ordered in the North Escambia and surrounding area, as of the first week of June:
- Century, 32535: 1,490
- McDavid/Walnut Hill, 32568: 1,199
- Molino, 32577: 1,252
- Cantonment, 32533: 4,343
- Jay, 32565: 1,477
- Flomaton, 36441: 920
- Atmore, 36502-4: 5,095
While those watching satellite or cable television, or those with digital tuner TV will not be required to connect a converter box in order to continue watching their favorite broadcast stations, a converter box would be required in order to watch TV when the satellite or cable system was not working.If you do have cable or satellite television, having a DTV converter box may open up programs that you are unable to watch on local stations. WKRG channel 5 is currently running classic television programs . Channel 15, WPMI, is running a weather station “WeatherPlus” on station 15-2. If you like public television, a converter box will get you not only the normal public TV stations 23 and 42, but also five additional public TV stations on the subchannels for WSRE and WEIQ. (Each digital station may have more than one channel. For instance, WSRE 23 on a normal analog TV become three stations…23-1, 23-2 and 23-3… with different programming on a digital box).
In order to get on the waiting list for a $40 converter box coupon from the government, visit dtv2009.org or call 1-888-DTV-2009. The boxes sell at retail from about $40 to $70. They can also be ordered from several retailers online with the coupon.
If you still have questions, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has three events scheduled in Escambia County this week to provide more information and allow persons to apply for coupons in person. The FCC events will take place at
- The Bayview Senior Center at 2000 East Lloyd Street Tuesday from 10:30 until 11:3o a.m.
- Radio Shack, Cordova Mall, Tuesday from 4:00 until 5:30 p.m.
- Bands On the Beach, Pensacola Beach, Tuesday from 6:00 until 9:00 p.m.
Here is more information from the dtv2009 web site:
On June 12, 2009, all full-powered television stations will begin broadcasting only in digital, as required by law. To assist U.S. households with this historic transition, the National Telecommunication and Information Administration, part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, created the TV Converter Box Coupon Program to help Americans continue receiving over-the-air television after June 12, 2009.Why is television going from analog broadcasting to digital?
The Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005 requires broadcasters to broadcast only in digital after June 12, 2009. Digital television promises to provide a clearer picture and more programming options and will free up some of the nation’s airwaves for use by emergency responders.
What is the significance of the June 12, 2009 digital TV transition date?
If households receive television programs over-the-air using “rabbit ears” or a rooftop antenna, they must take action to continue using their analog TVs after June 12, 2009. Consumers have three options, which include 1) buying a converter box that will plug into their current analog TV, 2) buying a TV with a digital tuner or 3) connecting their analog TV to cable, satellite or other pay service.
How can the public obtain a $40 coupon toward purchasing an eligible converter box?
All U.S. households are able to request, on a first-come, first-served basis, up to two, $40 coupons to help pay for the cost of a certified converter box. Converter boxes are expected to cost between $40 and $70, however, it is a one-time cost with no monthly service charges. Coupons will expire 90 days after they are mailed.
For more information about the TV Converter Box Coupon Program, or to apply for coupons, visit www.DTV2009.gov or call toll free 1-888-388-2009 (1-888-DTV-2009). The hearing impaired may call the TTY number 1-877-530-2634 for information in English, and for information in Spanish, consumers can call TTY number 1-866-495-1161. Consumers can also request and submit a coupon application by mailing PO Box 2000, Portland, OR 97208 or by faxing 1-877-DTV-4ME2 (1-877-388-4632).
Where can the public buy a coupon-eligible converter?
Coupon-eligible converter boxes are only available at certified stores and online retailers where televisions and other consumer electronics are sold, as well as by mail-order. When the coupon is mailed to you, it will include an insert with a list of nearby, participating retailers. You can also go online at www.DTV2009.gov, enter your zip code, and locate participating retailers on a map.
What can the public do to plan for the transition?
Now is the time to identify whether any TV in your home is analog and receives over-the-air programming through “rabbit ears” or a rooftop antenna. Television viewers with these sets that are not connected to a pay TV service will need to take action before June 12, 2009, to ensure their TV sets continue to work. It is important to know your options and make sure your family, friends and neighbors are aware of whether they need to take action before the transition date. The important thing is that no one is left in the dark on June 12.
Barrineau Park Historical Society Presents Scholarship
June 7, 2009
The Barrineau Park Historical Society recently presented a scholarship to Clint Fillingim of Barrineau Park.
Fillingim is a lifetime member of the Barrineau Park Historical Society and a graduate of a West Florida High School of Advanced Technology. He also received a Bright Futures scholarship and Cum Laude awards.
He performs with the musical group Chapel Strings at the Barrineau Park Community Center, various churches, nursing homes and prisons.
Pictured above: Nita Berry presents a Barrineau Park Historical Society scholarship to Clint Fillingim recently at West Florida High School. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
There’s Still Time To Tour The Juan Sebastián de Elcano
June 7, 2009
Today is the last day to tour the Spanish Navy’s training tall ship Juan Sebastián de Elcano at the Port of Pensacola. The Elcano and its crew of 300 sailors are in Pensacola until Tuesday for the 450th anniversary celebration of the city as well as the 60th anniversary of the Fiesta of Five Flags.The free 20 minutes tours will be Monday from 3:00 until 6:00 p.m.
The tall ship is named after Juan Sebastián de Elcano who sailed with Magellan on his first circumnavigation of the globe, and then completed the circumnavigation after Magellan’s death during the voyage. The Elcano was launched on March 5, 1927. It is the official training ship for Spanish Midshipmen of the Spanish Naval Academy and has sailed more than 1.5 million nautical miles on 77 cruises, 10 of which have been around the world. Considered to be a “floating embassy,” the ship’s presence in foreign countries and ports has enhanced Spanish foreign policy across the globe. This is the ships sixth visit to Pensacola since 1959.
For more photos from Mike Newton Photography for NorthEscambia.com, click here.
Pictured: The Juan Sebastian de Elcano in Pensacola. Submitted photo by Mike Newton Photography for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
For even more photos, visit www.mikenewtonphotography.zenfolio.com.
Blueberries Are Ready At Area U-pick Farm
June 6, 2009
The blueberries are ripe for the picking this weekend at A & N Blueberries in Molino.
Sweet, plump, perfect-color blueberries are just $1 per pound at the u-pick farm that has become a North Escambia tradition.
“They are sweeter than the blueberries you find in the stores,” Sarah Miller of A & N Blueberries said. “Plus it is just a fun atmosphere to bring the family to pick. We even have some families that will bring a lunch and have a picnic.”
“I love blueberries. I love blueberry jam. Blueberries on toast, on bagels,” she said. “Blueberries are just good.”
The blueberry farm sits on about six acres, with rows and rows of trees nearly two decades old. Miller and her husband Eli purchased the farm from his grandparents this year. The blueberries are top quality, good enough that Apple Market and other stores in Pensacola sell A & N Blueberries.
Sarah said that now is the time to pick blueberries for the freezer, and freezing blueberries is easy.
“You go straight from the farm to the freezer; you don’t even wash them first,” she said. “You wash them after you take them out of the freezer.” She said blueberries frozen fresh from the farm can last for a few years in the freezer. Fresh blueberries, she said, will remain at peak quality for about five days.
The blueberry crop is expected to be available until about July 1. The farm will also have watermelons in about two weeks.
In addition to the u-pick blueberries for $1 per pound, A & N also offers pre-picked blueberries for $3 per pound, and fresh blueberry jam.
A & N Blueberries is located on Suncrest Lane, just off Sunshine Hill Road about a half mile north of Molino Road. Click here for a Google map. A & N Blueberries is open Monday-Saturday 7 a.m. to dark.
Pictured top: Sarah and Eli Miller pick blueberries at their A & N Blueberries farm in Molino. Pictured inset and below: Farm-fresh blueberries at A & N Blueberries in Molino. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
