Feels Like Spring
February 19, 2018
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Patchy fog after midnight. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 62. East wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Patchy fog before 9am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 81. Southeast wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Tuesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers. Patchy fog after midnight. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 82. South wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64. Southeast wind around 5 mph.
Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 81. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 60. East wind around 5 mph.
Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 80. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 63. Southeast wind around 5 mph.
Saturday: A 30 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 80.
Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64.
Sunday: A 40 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 76.
Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59.
Monday: A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 75.
Century Post Office Ignores Presidential Order To Lower Flag To Half Staff
February 19, 2018
The Century Post Office apparently ignored a presidential order to lower American Flags to half staff to honor victims of last week’s Florida school shooting that claimed 17 lives.
Last Thursday, President Donald Trump issued a proclamation ordering flags to be flown at half staff through Sunday Monday. By Friday, the flag at the Century Post Office had not be lowered, as seen in the photograph that does show an American flag at half staff at a neighboring credit union.
“Our Nation grieves with those who have lost loved ones in the shooting at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida,” the proclamation reads.
“As a mark of solemn respect for the victims of the terrible act of violence perpetrated on February 14, 2018, by the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, February 19, 2018,” the proclamation continues.
Attempts to contact the U.S. Postal Service for comment were unsuccessful.
Pictured: The flag at full staff on Friday, February 15, at the Century Post Office, while the flag at a neighboring credit union is at half staff. Photo of for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Driver Crashes On Highway 97 Sunday Night
February 19, 2018
A driver was not seriously injured in a crash on Highway 97 south of Walnut Hill Sunday night.
The Florida Highway Patrol said Joseph Christopher Raines, age 31 of Atmore, was southbound on Highway 97 past the intersection of Tungoil Road when he lost control of his Fiat 500, struck a guardrail, left the roadway and and overturned against struck a tree just before 10 p.m.
The FHP cited Raines for careless driving, operating a motor vehicle with an expired registration and failure to provide proof of insurance.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
FWC Law Enforcement Report: McDavid Man Caught With Pet Owl
February 19, 2018
The Florida FWC Division of Law Enforcement reported the following activity recently in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
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Officer Long checked a subject as he returned to the Heron Bayou Boat Ramp. While speaking to the individual, Officer Long noticed that both the vehicle and vessel the individual had been operating had expired registrations. A criminal history on the individual revealed he had an active warrant in Escambia County for violation of probation.
Officer Manning received information that an individual in McDavid was keeping an eastern screech owl as a pet and attempting to sell the owl. The owl was seized and turned over to a wildlife rehabilitator and the subject was issued a notice to appear citation.
SANTA ROSA COUNTY
Officer Hutchinson and Investigator Hughes received a call from a complainant who informed them that he saw a truck drive up to the edge of a field, two teenagers exit the vehicle, and one of them fired a rifle in his direction at a deer. After missing the deer, the teens drove off. The complainant said the following day, the same truck was seen again at the field after more shots. The complainant identified one of the subjects. The officers drove to the field and located evidence from the incident. The following day, Officer Hutchinson located both subjects at their residence and interviewed them. One of them confessed to shooting at the deer from the right of way and trespassing. The firearms used to commit the violation were seized as evidence and charges were filed with the State’s Attorney Office for attempting to take deer from a right of way.
Officers Hutchinson, Long, and Clark were working late at night targeting night hunting. Officer Hutchinson saw a truck shining the field he was watching and conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle. While speaking with the three subjects, he discovered that the driver was the father of the other two subjects. All three subjects admitted to shining several fields that night to try to shoot a deer. The shotgun and the spotlight were seized and the subjects were cited appropriately.
Officer Hutchinson saw a vehicle travelling towards him while shining a field with an LED light bar mounted on the vehicle. He watched the vehicle turn towards the field a couple of times and sweep the light across the field attempting to locate deer. As the vehicle approached Officer Hutchinson’s location, it stopped. A loaded hunting rifle was in the front seat. While interviewing the subjects they admitted to shining the field to look for deer. The firearm was seized and the driver of the vehicle was charged with night hunting.
Officers Lewis and Jernigan received a complaint regarding someone illegally camping in a non-designated camping area in Blackwater River State Forest. Camping in the forest is only allowed in designated areas. When the officers arrived at the site, there was no one in the area. The area was in disarray, with trash and camping supplies consisting of propane bottles, a grill, soda cans, papers, and alcoholic beverage containers strewn about. The debris extended into a nearby creek. Various trees had been cut down. The officers identified two individuals from articles that were left behind.
The officers contacted the subjects who cooperated with the officers and gave them the names of seven other subjects that camped in the area. The subjects were juveniles and young adults. The officers individually interviewed the subjects at their residences. Each of the subjects admitted to various crimes and, in total, 25 citations and three warnings were issued to the nine subjects.
Officer Ramos discovered several large piles of yard waste, construction debris, fencing materials and insulation that had been illegally dumped on a county road. An investigation led to a nearby home which was undergoing an extensive remodel. The homeowner advised he paid a man to take the debris to the county landfill for proper disposal and that the man even asked for extra money for landfill fees. With the cooperation of the homeowner, Officer Ramos, along with FWC Investigations, set up a second job for the suspect to return to the property and haul off more debris a couple of days later. When the suspect arrived, he loaded a flatbed trailer full of debris and was paid to deliver it to the landfill. Officer Ramos and the FWC investigator followed the suspect covertly when he left the home. The suspect drove directly to the same dumpsite as before and quickly offloaded the debris on the county road. The officers revealed themselves and the suspect was placed under arrest. He was transported to the county jail and faces multiple counts of felony and commercial dumping.
Officer Hutchinson was on patrol when he observed a truck parked in the middle of a paved road. He pulled up to the vehicle and saw a man slumped over in the driver seat. He attempted to get his attention and when he did the man sat up in the seat and drove off. The truck swerved off the roadway and into the other lane several times. Along with a Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s deputy who was patrolling the area, the vehicle was stopped and the man was placed under arrest for driving with a suspended license and driving under the influence of alcohol.
This report represents some events the FWC handled over the past week; however, it does not include all actions taken by the Division of Law Enforcement. Information provided by FWC.
NorthEscambia.com photo.
Escambia County Seeks Appointee For Housing Finance Authority
February 19, 2018
The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners is seeking Escambia County residents interested in volunteering to be considered for an appointment to the Escambia County Housing Finance Authority. Appointees serve without compensation. Escambia residents interested in serving on the Escambia County Housing Finance Authority are asked to submit a resume and letter indicating their desire to serve by 5 p.m. Friday, March 2. Resumes should be submitted to Judy Witterstaeter, Program Coordinator, Board of County Commissioners, P.O. Box 1591, Pensacola, FL 32502 or jhwitter@myescambia.com.
The Escambia County Housing Finance Authority was established in accordance with Florida law. The authority’s duties are to assist in eliminating shortages of adequate housing, stop reoccurrence of slum conditions and stimulate employment and commerce. Knowledge in the area of labor, finance or commerce required. Authority members serve a four-year term of office. Financial disclosure is required.
Requirements:
- The authority’s regular meetings are held the second Tuesday of every month and typically last between one to two hours (i.e. 24 hours annually). Board members are also required to attend special meetings that are occasionally called on an “as needed” basis in connection with proposed multi- and single-family financings.
- Board members must review various documents (official statements, trust statements, loan agreements, etc.) prior to each monthly meeting. Preparation time generally ranges from one hour for a normal meeting, to four to six hours if there is a substantial item on the agenda.
- Board members are also required to be available for any bond issue closings that occur during the year and to also make time during the month to consult with the executive director (and/or be available to sign documents, checks, etc.) as needed in connection with routine authority business.
- Board members are also strongly encouraged to participate in various educational workshops and conferences sponsored by the National and Florida Associations of Local Housing Finance Authorities (approximately two a year) in an effort to stay abreast of emerging trends and changes to all the various laws and regulations in the housing finance and municipal finance industries (such as their due diligence responsibilities before approving a bond issue, SEC/MSRB regulations, disclosure responsibilities, etc.) that impact the authority’s mission of providing safe, decent and affordable housing.
Escambia District Students Out Of School Today
February 19, 2018
Escambia County (FL) School District students get this President’s Day for a teacher planning day. The next days out of school are Spring Break beginning March 26.
Escambia BOCC Weekly Meeting Schedule
February 19, 2018
Here is a schedule of Escambia County public meetings for the week of February 19-23:
Monday, Feb. 19
Offices Closed in Observance of Presidents Day
Tuesday, Feb. 20
Board of Electrical Examiners – 9 a.m., Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place
FDOT Public Hearing on Nine Mile Road Access Management Modification – 5:30 p.m., Smyrna Baptist Church, 7000 Pensacola Boulevard, Pensacola
Wednesday, Feb. 21
Escambia soil and Water Conservation District Board – 8 a.m., 153 U.S. Highway 97, Molino
Board of Adjustment – 8:30 a.m., Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place (Agenda)
Development Review Committee – 1 p.m., Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place
UF/IFAS Escambia County Extension Gardening Series Growing Tomatoes in Pots – 6 p.m., Myrtle Grove United Methodist, 1030 N. 57th Ave.
Thursday, Feb. 22
FDOT Public Meeting for U.S. Highway 90 Project Development and Environmental Study – 5:30 p.m., Santa Rosa County Auditorium, 4530 Spikes Way, Milton
Black History Month Program – 6 p.m., Brownsville Community Center, 3200 W. DeSoto St.
Billy C. Etheridge
February 19, 2018
Mr. Billy C. Etheridge, age 75, passed away on Sunday, February 18, 2018, at his home in Atmore, Alabama.
Mr. Etheridge was a native of Eliska, AL and had resided in Atmore, AL most of his life. He was a former auto salesman with Staff Chevrolet and Brantley Tires. He attended the Splinter Hill Holiness Church and Lottie Baptist Church. He is preceded in death by his parents, Bruce and Emmie Etheridge; wife, Joyce Bryars Etheridge; one sister, Shirley Ann Lane; and four brothers, Tom Etheridge, Wayne Etheridge, Jody Etheridge and Jerry Etheridge.
He is survived by one son, Allen Etheridge and David Rawson of Atmore, AL; one step-son, Donnie Stewart of Atmore, AL; one daughter, Cynthia Thompson of Atmore, AL; two step-daughters, Fonda Snure of Milton, AL and Rochel and Keith Martin of McCullough, AL; two sisters, Emma Phillips of Brewton, AL and Mary Shelia Bouillion of Alexandria, VA; four granddaughters, Samantha Rolin, Jessica Black, Rachel Martin and Scarlet Martin; and six great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, February 21, 2018, at 10 a.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Bro. Malcolm Harrelson and Bro. Angelo Thomley officiating.
Burial will follow at the Oak Hill Cemetery.
Visitation will be Wednesday, February 21, 2018, from 9 a.m. until service time at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Dean Bushnell, Keith Martin, Rodney McGhee, Cody Black, Jon Rolin and Danny Nall.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.
Charles Perry Anthony
February 19, 2018
Charles Perry “Tony” Anthony, was inducted into the halls of Heaven, Friday, February 16, 2018, at 11:36 a.m. from his home, with his wife and daughter at his bedside. Charles was born January 14, 1940, in Chickasha, OK. He attended and taught photo school at NAS Pensacola, serving on both the USS Antietam and the USS Ranger. While onboard the Ranger, it responded to the USS Pueblo crisis. He eventually took a job as a radio dispatcher for the Florida Highway Patrol, retiring as Chief Duty Officer after 27 years. He was proud to be a member of the Florida Highway Patrol Auxulliary for 29 years. He re-enlisted in the Army National Guard, retiring from the Army as well.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ora and Charles Anthony; siblings, Lois Atkinson and Hugh Anthony.
Tony is survived by his wife of 22 years, Elizabeth Holmes Anthony; daughter, Jeanne Kuettel (Meinrad); sons Charles Anthony, Edward Cronley (Andrea); and granddaughters, Jordan Cronley, Amber Kuettel and Kristin Kuettel.
Visitation will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, February 22, 2018, until the service begins at 12 p.m., at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North. Guyton Montgomery will officiate.
Interment will follow at Barrancas National Cemetery, NAS Pensacola.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Regency Hospice, 50 Beverly Parkway, Suite 200, Penscaola, FL 32505.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is entrusted with the arrangements.
Dennis Alvin Garrett, Sr.
February 19, 2018
Mr. Dennis Alvin Garrett, Sr., age 72, passed away on Tuesday, February 13, 2018, in Atmore, Alabama.
Mr. Garrett was a native of Beaumont, TX and had resided in Davisville, FL since 1993. He was a musician at heart, could play numerous instruments, loved singing and hot rods. He was of the holiness faith. He is preceded in death by his father, Samuel Garrett; oldest son, Dennis Jr.; step-daughter, Katie Lockett; brother, William Brooks Garrett; and sister, Connie Marie Garrett.
Survivors include his wife, Sara L. Garrett of Davisville, FL; mother, Mary L. Garrett (who passed on February 15, 2018); two sons, Jamie Lynn (Tracy) Garrett of Dry Springs, FL and David Garrett of Pensacola, FL; one step-son, William Lindsey Brown of Atmore, AL; one daughter-in-law, Sue Gulsby Garrett of Molino, FL; one brother, Kenneth “Sambo” (Margaret) Garrett of Bay Springs, FL; two sisters, Dianne (Doug) Murray of Daphne, AL and Donna (Randy) Hammac of Pensacola, FL; six grandchildren, Blayne Garrett, Saige Garrett, Lucas White, Susan Wyse-Wright, Gabriel Rhea and Daylan Brown; and one great grandchild, Lyndzi Wright.
Memorial services will be held Thursday, February 22, 2018, at 6:30 p.m. at the Bay Springs Full Gospel Church with Bro. Joe Gibson officiating.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.