Charge Dropped In Sexual Battery Case
July 5, 2011
Felony charges have been dropped against a Cantonment man arrested on sexual battery charges by a U.S. Marshals Task Force.
One June 22, the U.S. Marshals Florida Regional Fugitive Task Force arrested 25-year old Daniel Brooks, wanted by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office for sexual battery by physical force. He was taken into custody at Chili’s restaurant on Nine Mile Road.
On June 4, Brooks allegedly became enraged when his wife denied his sexual advances and used force to sexually assault her, according to a U.S. Marshal’s press release. According to Escambia County Clerk of the Court records, charges were dropped on June 30 because the victim declined to prosecute.
Thousands Attend Area Fireworks Shows (With Photos From Jay, Flomaton, Pensacola)
July 5, 2011
Thousands of people attended fireworks shows across the area over the long Fourth of July weekend.
Over 100,000 people were estimated to have watched fireworks shows in Jay (pictured), to Poarch, East Brewton, Pensacola, Pensacola Beach and Milton Monday night — with the largest crowds at the 22nd annual Sertoma’s 4th of July show in downtown Pensacola.
A fireworks show was held Saturday night in Flomaton, a joint project of the towns of Flomaton and Century, along with the chambers of commerce in both towns. It marked the first organized public fireworks show in either town in several years. Plans call for another show to be held next year somewhere in Century.
- For a photo gallery form the Jay show Monday night, click here.
- For a photo gallery from the Sertoma’s 4th of July show in downtown Pensacola, click here.
- For a photo gallery from the Flomaton/Century show Saturday night, click here
Pictured top: Fireworks explode over Jay Monday night (by Mandi Kinley). Pictured inset: Sertoma’s 4th of July fireworks show in downtown Pensacola (by Raja Atallah). NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Escambia Considers Extension For Expired Development Orders
July 5, 2011
Developers in Escambia County could get some extra time to obtain financing and complete their projects in Escambia County.
The Escambia County Commission will hold a public hearing on July 7 to consider reviving and extending development orders through July 7, 2014.
Development orders that did not receive an extension and had an expiration date of July 7, 2008 through July 7, 2011, will be considered for revival until 2014. Many of those development orders expired before construction activity began.
County officials said the extensions will spur local economic development and job creation by allowing developers additional time to revive their projects and obtain adequate financing.
Christmas In July Angel Tree Project To Benefit Equine Group
July 5, 2011
Angel Trees in several area businesses will benefit a Cantonment equine rescue group and their foster horses.
Panhandle Equine Rescue has set up Angel Trees in various stores that will remain there through the month of July. There are 20 stars on each tree with a photo that represents each of the group’s foster horses with their needs listed on the back of the star. The star also includes a contact number to call and donate the requested items.
The Angel Trees are located at:
- Pine Forest Saddlery at 7801 Pine Forest Rd. in Pensacola
- Farm N’ Nursery Mart at 7460 Pine Forest Rd. in Pensacola
- Southern Mill and Supply at 1280 Hwy. 97 in Molino
- Tractor Supply at 3 West Nine Mile Rd. in Pensacola
- T & C Feed Store on Hwy. 29 North in Cantonment
- Cat Clinic at 2322 West Nile Mile Rd. in Pensacola
- Cain’s Dog House Grooming at 1738 Creighton Rd. in Pensacola
- Airport Animal Hospital at 6209 N. 9th Ave. in Pensacola
- Airport Animal Hospital Grooming at 6211 N. 9th Ave. in Pensacola
- Pine Forest Animal Clinic at 6860 Pine Forest Rd. in Pensacola
- Puppy Paradise Professional Grooming at 7103 Mobile Hwy. in Pensacola
- Lee Veterinary Clinic at 484 Bachelor Rd., in Atmore, AL.
- Scenic Hill Veterinary Hospital at 1301 E. Nine Mile Rd. in Pensacola
Pictured: The Panhandle Equine Rescue Angel Tree at Southern Mill and Supply on Highway 97 in Molino. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Report: The Bell May Be Tolling For Traditional Phone Companies In Florida
July 5, 2011
Remember Ma Bell’s good old days? You know, the days before 11-year-olds carried cell phones and Skype was a verb.
Well, a new report shows those days are long gone.
The Florida Public Service Commission signed off last week on a draft report that reflects the continued transformation of the telecommunications industry, as residents ditch their old phone lines and turn to wireless and other technology.
Consider this finding: About 16.9 million wireless handsets were in use in Florida as of June 30, 2010 — nearly one for each person in the state.
Or this: 27.3 percent of Florida adults lived in wireless-only households during the period from July 1, 2009, to June 30, 2010. That was up from an estimated 22.9 percent the previous year.
Or this: In 2010, longstanding carriers such as AT&T, Verizon and CenturyLink, saw a 20 percent drop in residential and business “access” lines, an industry measurement of the wireline market.
AT&T spokesman Don Sadler said the report reflects the changes that his company has seen during the past 15 years, as competition and technology have increased.
That has forced old-line carriers to change from primarily delivering service to the phone on your kitchen wall — and focus on devices that you can use to call, text, send e-mails, watch videos, read books or do seemingly countless other things.
“What it basically has done is caused us to step up and meet the desires of our customers,” Sadler said.
But the shift away from traditional phone service isn’t limited to Blackberries, iPhones, Droids and other types of wireless devices. The report shows that many Floridians also now get phone service through what in the past were cable TV companies.
“The increasing demand for mobility and for more data intensive services like video is changing the way consumers think about voice services and influencing product selection,” the report says. “Pricing strategies that bundle broadband, mobility and voice services together are contributing to the continuing decline in residential wireline access lines.”
The information is in a Public Service Commission-produced telecommunications report compiled each year for the Legislature.
Many of the trends in the report have served as a basis for lawmakers to ease regulations on the telecommunications industry. That culminated this year, when lawmakers largely stripped the PSC of its regulation of phone services.
Some groups, such as AARP, have fought such deregulation efforts, arguing that many seniors still have wireline phones and need protections against rate increases.
But the industry has argued that regulations put wireline companies at a competitive disadvantage – because the PSC does not regulate wireless and cable services.
Also, the industry has contended that consumers have more choices now, such as wireless, which reduces the need for regulation.
“The competition is out there, and people are vying for communication dollars,” Sadler said.
By Jim Saunders
The News Service of Florida
Fourth Of July Travel Costs Were Up This Year
July 4, 2011
Motorists traveling during the Fourth of July holiday weekend found gasoline prices about 80 cents per gallon higher than they were one year ago.
Escambia County’s average gas price on Sunday was $3.46 for a gallon of regular unleaded up from $2.66 last year, but down from $4.04 in 2008. A round trip from North Escambia to Atlanta would cost about $107.57 this year, compared to $82.70 in fuel last year in a 2009 Chevrolet Impala.
AAA forecasted 39 million Americans would travel 50 miles or more from home during the Independence Day holiday weekend, a 2.5 percent decline from the 40 million people who traveled a year ago.
A survey of intended travelers found that 56 percent said rising gasoline prices would not impact their travel plans. For the remaining 44 percent who said rising gas prices would impact their travel plans, seven out of 10 will economize in other areas and three out of 10 are planning to take a shorter trip or travel by a different mode of transportation.
Pictured above: A gas delivery at a Century station. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Happy 4th! Plenty Of Fireworks, Other Activities To Celebrate
July 4, 2011
Happy Fourth of July!
Here is a list of public fireworks shows and other events planned for this Independence Day in the North Escambia area:
Jay
Independence Run at 8 a.m. Monday at Bray-Hendricks City Park. 5K entry fee is $20; 1 mile fun run is $10. All entrants get a t-shirt, awards to be presented. Live entertainment begins at 5 p.m. Fireworks show at dark.
East Brewton
Horseshoe tournament, waterslides for the kids begin at 4:00 Monday, and there’s a duck race at 6 p.m. Entertainment begins at 5 p.m. Food and drinks available all day. Fireworks at 9:30. All events at Fort Crawford Park.
Poarch
The Poarch Creek Indians will host a fireworks show Monday night at on the reservation. Entertainment will begin on stage at Arrow Head Park at 7:30 followed by the fireworks show at 9:00.
Sertoma, Downtown Pensacola
For the 22nd year, area Sertoma organizations are once again coordinating and hosting the largest Fireworks display on the Gulf Coast over Pensacola Bay on Monday, July 4th, 2011, at 9:00 pm. There will be activities throughout the day, from 11:00 am until 6:30 pm, in Olde Seville Square to include a FREE Children’s Area with inflatables and pony rides, Arts and Crafts vendors, Food vendors, and live entertainment on the gazebo stage beginning at 11:00 am, with a Hot Dog Eating Contest at noon! Starting at 4:00 pm, there will be live music on the Bayfront Stage, featuring Mass Kunfuzion, followed by August Body at 6:30. The festivities will culminate with the fireworks show over Pensacola Bay, synchronized with music broadcast on Cat Country FM 98.7. For a schedule of events, go to www.pensacolasertomajuly4th.org
Pensacola Beach
4th of July begins with The Pensacola Beach Chamber of Commerce and the Santa Rosa Island Authority sponsoring a Fourth of July fireworks extravaganza in the skies above Santa Rosa Sound. The show, begins at 9 p.m. and will feature 472 explosive shells! WXBM Your Country 102.7/Soft Rock94.1, will be broadcasting live from Portofino Boardwalk and simulcasting patriotic music. For more information, go to www.visitpensacolabeach.com.
Milton
Riverfest 2011 “A Celebration of Freedom”, 4th of July 4 celebration kicks-off at 9 a.m. Enjoy a day of family fun events! The 10th annual Firecracker Bike Show, the Freedom Car Show, a children’s activity area, The Great MillTown Duck Race, LIVE entertainment and Fireworks starting a dark. Historic Downtown Milton – North and South Willing Street & Riverwalk Area. For a schedule of events, go to www.srcchamber.com.
Bay Minette
Fireworks begin just after dark behind Bay Minette Intermediate School
Pictured top: Hunter deGraaf, age eight-months of Jay, is ready to celebrate his first Fourth of July (photo by Amanda deGraaf). Pictured below: Four-year old twins Derek and Justin Kinley, and Laura Kinley, 11, of McDavid are ready to celebrate the Fourth of July (photo by Amanda Kinley). Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Burn Ban Prevents Private Fireworks
July 4, 2011
A burn ban remains in effect that prohibits private Fourth of July fireworks in Escambia County.
The entire county — including Century and Pensacola – remains under a burn ban. The ban prohibits open burning, campfires, bonfires, burning of trash and fireworks anywhere in Escambia County.
While fireworks can be purchased, fires resulting from fireworks can result in a $400 fine or a mandatory court appearance, not to mention serious damage and injuries, according to county officials. Sparklers are included in the burn ban in Escambia County.
The only exemptions to the burn ban are state permitted burns, authorized fireworks displays, fireworks sales authorized by state law and outdoor cooking cooking in barbeque grills, smoker and other outdoor stoves at private residences.
Escambia County is encouraging families to attend public fireworks displays planned across our area.
FHP Still Out In Force
July 4, 2011
The Florida Highway Patrol will be out in full force during the Independence Day holiday weekend.
All uniformed FHP personnel, including those normally assigned to administrative duties, will patrol interstates and other major roadways during the holiday period. FHP Auxiliary and Reserve troopers will volunteer to augment the Patrol’s forces during the holiday enforcement period, too. The strategy aims to increase the Patrol’s presence throughout Florida in an effort to deter traffic violations and to enhance services to motorists who break down while traveling or who need other assistance.
The Patrol encourages motorists who experience car trouble on the highway or who otherwise need assistance from the FHP to dial *FHP (*347) from your cell phone. FHP urges motorists to contact FHP or local law enforcement officials to report an impaired, aggressive or dangerous driver. Callers may remain anonymous.
Pictured above: A Florida Highway Patrol trooper pulls out into Highway 29 at Fran’s Diner in Molino. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
‘A Capitol Fourth’ Live On WSRE TV 23 Tonight
July 4, 2011
A Capitol Fourth, the live PBS broadcast of America’s favorite Independence Day tradition, will feature unrivaled performances from some of the country’s best-known musical names topped off by the greatest display of fireworks anywhere in the nation. The event will air live in high-definition on WSRE TV 23 from the West Lawn of the United States Capitol on Monday, July 4, 2011 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. before a concert audience of hundreds of thousands, millions more at home, as well as to our service members around the world on the American Forces Network. An encore presentation of the live program will immediately follow at 8:30 p.m. on WSRE.
Offering viewers extended coverage of the fireworks display, A Capitol Fourth will capture the stunning pyrotechnics from every vantage point with twenty TV cameras stationed around the city – including the U.S. Capitol, the White House, the Washington Monument and across the Potomac River. In celebration of America’s 235th birthday, the show will be capped off with a rousing rendition of Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture” complete with live cannon fire provided by The U.S. Army Presidential Salute Battery.
Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning actor Jimmy Smits will host the all-star line-up that includes: Grammy and Emmy Award-winning actor and musician Steve Martin performing with the Steep Canyon Rangers; multi-platinum recording superstar Josh Groban; Tony, Emmy and Golden Globe nominated star of stage and screen who has just released his debut self-titled album Matthew Morrison (Glee); American Idol winner Jordin Sparks; Rock ‘N Roll legend Little Richard performing with the cast of the Broadway smash hit Million Dollar Quartet; three time Tony-nominated Broadway star Kelli O’Hara; and the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of top pops conductor Jack Everly. Also participating in the event will be The Choral Arts Society of Washington, along with The U.S. Army Herald Trumpets, The U.S. Army Ceremonial Band, the U.S. Air Force Band Ceremonial Brass, Members of the Armed Forces carrying the State and Territorial Flags and the Armed Forces Color Guard provided by the Military District of Washington, D.C.
Consistently one of the highest rated programs on PBS over the past decade, A Capitol Fourth became the top-rated program in primetime on PBS for the 2009-2010 season. “It’s a tremendously uplifting feeling as hundreds of thousands of Americans join together on the lawn of the U.S. Capitol, singing the National Anthem as the National Symphony Orchestra plays,’” said executive producer Jerry Colbert. “As we watch the nation’s capital light up with fireworks, it helps us forget our differences and remember that we are all Americans. I can’t think of a better place to celebrate our freedom and the nation’s birthday.”