Comments on: Police Remove NorthEscambia.com From Youth Football Championship At ERC League President’s Request

By: V.Alex

V.Alex — Mon, 04 Nov 2019 19:23:48 +0000

The person who profited off the pictures should send all profit as a donation to the sports association. As the for the person who had the news removed your a fool. You violated the papers rights and should stepdown effective immediately. As for the police department we need the officers involved trained to resolve press issues and where they are allowed.

By: Jay Nelson

Jay Nelson — Mon, 04 Nov 2019 13:45:06 +0000

I personally know Dewayne, and he works tirelessly for the league and kids. Did he make the wrong decision, yes. However, the statements about him being a hot-head, accepting “kick-backs”, or power tripping is laughable! He sacrifices his family time and spends his own money for the benefit of these kids.
As most people start out saying you don’t know him so please don’t assassinate his character.

By: Butch Lee

Butch Lee — Mon, 04 Nov 2019 12:51:13 +0000

Ok, this should be a no brainer. First, if the person who is requesting someone to leave must have the authority over the property to do so. Second, is it a public event? Third, the first amendment right allows freedom of the press. This I think is because they wanted one person who is receiving money for the pictures. If someone acts so aggressively to toss out another reported then I must ask, what do or did they receive in return for the photographs that would be bought from the professional photographer. Lastly, law enforcement. Know the constitution. Study it, learn about it and even take classes on it. If you are not sure then contact the town attorney to get some guidance who I believe is also your prosecutor. This was just completely unavoidable.

By: BrianH

BrianH — Mon, 04 Nov 2019 11:56:11 +0000

I do hope that North Escambia has reached out to Dewayne Higdon for comment and lets us all know what his response is.

By: Harold Smith

Harold Smith — Mon, 04 Nov 2019 06:59:25 +0000

Correction to my earlier post. I mistakenly used the term “Coach”, I meant This man, who identified himself to Flomaton Police as ERC President Dewayne Higdon, the one who allegedly asked the Flomaton Police Department to remove NorthEscambia.com from the Flomaton High School stadium on Saturday.

By: Harold Smith

Harold Smith — Mon, 04 Nov 2019 06:52:23 +0000

As a lifelong media guy here in Pensacola, former newspaper owner and 2 time past President of the American Advertising Federations Pensacola Chapter, member of the American Advertising Federations 4th District consisting of all of Florida and the Caribbean… you should have stood your ground with the coach and the law enforcement officers … and refused to leave. You know the law and if the person present didn’t, he or she should be versed on what the law states. This coach looks like he’s to busy trying to block his face from being captured on film. I may be wrong lol I have been often, lol … but I would venture to say that … There is another story here. Investigate it. Or bring a suit against both parties that blocked your access on public property … I support you being a local newspaper … please keep free press and journalism alive. Do not just ignore this … or someone will think that you’ve been either intimidated … or paid off. Please don’t let anyone come to either of those conclusions. I really do support you and your job … I know it’s not easy. GOD Bless you … and rock on free press !

By: J.A

J.A — Mon, 04 Nov 2019 04:22:17 +0000

Too much attention on this guy and not the police department that should know the law. Anyone can film or take photos on public property, really simple. I understand the FPD probably doesn’t have proper training, but it should be required to know simple laws and the constitution.

By: DLo

DLo — Mon, 04 Nov 2019 04:17:33 +0000

I know you’re not trying to blame the Flomaton police, but they need to be held accountable, what they did violates freedom of the press, seems like I read something about that in the Bill of Rights.

By: Confused

Confused — Mon, 04 Nov 2019 04:13:00 +0000

One question I have is that even though he identified himself as the president, did he actually show any proof that his name was Dewayne Higdon and did he show proof that he was the president? Now I have no idea what this guy looks like but if he is not the real guy he could just have said that his name was Higdon to say he has “authority” to do that which does not make sense. I have so many other questions but would rather not waste my precious time on this crazy guy.

By: Disappointed

Disappointed — Mon, 04 Nov 2019 04:09:02 +0000

As I watched the two championship games on Saturday which NWE won, I looked toward the sidelines and end fields several times looking for William and/or someone who represented Northescambia.com. Just had a difficult time understanding why he was not there. Throughout the years, I have appreciated his commitment to our community in reporting youth programs.

I’m disappointed as I read the reason for your absence from this big event which included hundreds of kids, coaches and fans- parents and other. I do hope that the ERC organization addresses what happened on Saturday – too late to change Saturday’s outcome, but to avoid a reoccurrence in the future.

Always enjoy the write ups and pictures! Thank you William for your commitment to the children of our area.