Denied Visitation With His Wife, Jay Man Allegedly Threatened Two People With A Shotgun At Hospital
June 6, 2020
A Jay man is charged with threatening two people at a Santa Rosa County hospital with a shotgun.
Eric Reitz, 57, is facing two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
The Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office said Reitz tried to visit his wife in the Santa Rosa Medical Center, but he was denied access because visitations are not currently allowed due to he pandemic.
An arrest report says Reitz went to his vehicle and returned with a shotgun that he pointed at a nurse an a security guard. He was arrested a short time later when officers arrived on the scene.
Officers reported also finding a loaded rifle in this vehicle.
He remained in the Santa Rosa County Jail on a $20,000 bond.
One Third Of Floridians Are Less Likely To Evacuate For Hurricane Due To COVID–19
June 6, 2020
Floridians are increasingly concerned about the 2020 Hurricane Season and the coronavirus is one of the reasons why.
According to a AAA survey – fielded last week – nearly a third (31%) of Floridians are more concerned about the 2020 Hurricane Season than they were last year. Two-of-five people (42%) say they are less likely to evacuate for a storm this year for fear of contracting the coronavirus. In fact, more than a quarter of residents (29%) say they would not leave their homes if they were warned to evacuate.
“The coronavirus just complicates matters even more for those preparing for what is forecast to be an active hurricane season,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “AAA urges families to develop an emergency plan now. Your plan should include several evacuation destinations, in case a shelter or hotel is closed due to the pandemic. Also be sure to utilize the 7-day tax free holiday to assemble a supply kit. This year’s kits should include cleaning supplies, to provide peace-of-mind for evacuees.”
Coronavirus aside, residents’ decision to evacuate often depends on the severity of the storm. Of those who would evacuate, four-of-five people (80%) would leave for a Category 2 hurricane or greater.
Florida’s COVID-19 Checkpoint On I-10 Has Been Deactivated
June 5, 2020
The I-10 checkpoint at the Florida/Alabama state line was deactivated Friday morning.
In March, the state set up a checkpoint on I-10 eastbound entering Florida to enforce an order issued by Gov. Ron DeSantis concerning travelers from areas with significant COVID-19 community spread. It was an attempt to get travelers from Louisiana, New York, New Jersey and Connecticut to self isolate for 14 days after entering Florida.
Nearly 28,000 traveler forms were collected while the checkpoint was open.
A similar checkpoint on I-95 at the Florida/Georgia state line remains active.
NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Sertoma 4th Of July Fireworks In Pensacola Canceled; Fate of Century, Flomaton Show To Be Discussed
June 5, 2020
This year’s Sertoma 4 of July Fireworks Celebration in Pensacola has been canceled, and a meeting will be held next week to discuss the fate of the annual combined Century-Flomaton show.
Sertoma chairwoman Lucy Stolfi said the cancellation was due to the coronavirus, permitting issues, and a lack of funding.
“We know the cancellations of this event will be a disappointment for many and we are disappointed as well,” Sertoma said in a statement. “Next year we will return bigger and better to celebrate the men and women that sacrificed so much for our country and the great community we live in.”
The Century Town Council will discuss the annual Century-Flomaton Fireworks Show at a meeting on Monday. The show is funded by both communities, and it alternates locations each year from Showalter and Anthony Pleasant parks in Century to Hurricane Park in Flomaton.
If this year’s show happens, it is set to be in Century.
Pictured: A previous fireworks show in Century. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Local $2,500 COVID-19 Small Business Recovery Grants Awarded. These Are The Recipients.
June 5, 2020
Fifty businesses have been awarded Escambia County Small Business COVID-19 Recovery Grants.
In April 2020, Escambia County and the City of Pensacola, in partnership with FloridaWest EDA, the Greater Pensacola Chamber and the UWF Small Business Development Center, created the program. The grant was intended to assist for-profit businesses located in Escambia County with their immediate cash flow needs as a result of a demonstrated economic injury due to COVID-19. The max grant reward is $2,500 per applicant or business.
Escambia County funded the grant with a contribution of $100,000 to a UWF Foundation Account. The City of Pensacola contributed an additional $25,000 for businesses within the city, with $12,500 from Mayor Grover Robinson’s discretionary fund and $12,500 from Pensacola Councilman Andy Terhaar’s discretionary fund.
Recipients were categorized as follows:
- Within Pensacola city limits – 48%
- Minority Owned businesses – 29%
- Businesses with 0-10 employees – 72%
- Businesses with 11-20 employees – 28%
In Escambia County Commission districts, grants were distributed as follows:
- District 1 – 12.5%
- District 2 – 20%
- District 3 – 35%
- District 4 – 17.5%
- District 5 – 15%
The grant recipients were:
DISTRICT 1
- Amanda’s Hair & Nail Salon
- Ash Simmons LLC
- Write Away Engraving
- In his steps christian dance studio & performing
- Sands Tech AV LLC
DISTRICT 2
- Gulf Coast Tattoos, LLC
- Fusion Grill Inc.
- Warrington Jewelers
- Headhunter Hairstyling
- Bauer triple D’s Learning Complex Inc.
- W.G. & Sons Inc DBA Intermission
- Caldwell Perdido Ventures DBA The Islander Food Shack
- ECRA PLLC
DISTRICT 3
- Indigeaux Denim Bar & Boutique
- Premier properties of America inc
- Pensacola Battery Sales Inc
- Chelsey Domschke Inc
- I Heart Bento
- Casks & Flights
- Battery Buyers Inc.
- Paint University LLC
- JCG Companies LLC DBA Snap Soccer
- Boogie Inc.
- Franzone Shu Repair
- Vital Signs By Chip Spirson Inc
- David Hewston’s Auto Repair
- CNP ENTERPRISES, Inc. DBA Razor’s Edge Fitness
DISTRICT 4
- South Coast Audiology LLC
- SoBo Boutique
- Advanced Amusements of NW FL, LLC
- TT&Tim Inc.
- 1022, LLC DBA The Magnolia
- Advanced Mutual Promotions LLC
- H and L of Pensacola, Inc. dba Spanish Trail Pub
DISTRICT 5
- Grandview Florist
- Herbal Nails Spa At UWF
- Lashes & Nails Bar LLC
- Bridal Suite of Pensacola Inc.
- Cypress Bay Enterprises
- Escape Lol
CITY OF PENSACOLA
- Emerald Coast Dance Conservatory Inc.
- New York Nicks
- The Southern Creative
- Bonellicorp Limited Liability Company
- Salon on the Avenue by Danielle LLC
- Jolly Sailing, LLC
- Play Pensacola
- Carmen’s Lunch Bar LLC
- Sunshack II LLC
- Fast Automotive LLC
Molino’s Jarrett Parker Looking To Take Family Racing To New Heights
June 5, 2020
by Chuck Corder
From his newlywed doing the work of “four pit crew” members to the pastor who officiated his wedding spotting for him, Jarrett Parker’s Pro Late Model team is built around his family and friends.
The grassroots approach is fitting for the 25-year-old Molino driver, who works for the family business – Parker Roofing – and later this month will close on purchasing his grandparents’ home, the first house he ever lived in as a boy.
After tremendous success in the WCIparts.com Pro Trucks series – in which he won two of the last four Snowball Derby Pro Trucks races, including last year’s edition – Parker is looking forward to running a full schedule in the Allen Turner Pro Late Model (PLM) division this season.
Fan Tip: Look for the NorthEscambia.com “NE” just behind the front tires on Parker’s No.46 car.
He and his father, Scottie Parker, bought Chris Davidson’s PLM, which only had five races on it. Jarrett Parker will race under the watchful, hawk eyes of Late Model legend Mike Garvey this year.
“I’m really excited, the whole family is excited,” Parker said. “I’m just itching to go. It’s a good car and Chris has been awesome about sharing information. Mike Garvey is my mentor, and I feel fortunate to be able to use his knowledge. If our first tests are any indication for how the rest of the season will play out, I think we’re gonna be really happy.”
He will be a part of the first Allen Turner PLM 100 of the adjusted season Friday at Five Flags Speedway. Also expected in the field will be teenager Grant Thompson, who will make his PLM debut in an Augie Grill Grand American Race Cars LM.
The PLMs will share the marquee with the Faith Chapel Outlaws and Lloyd’s Glass Pure Stocks. Gates open at 5 p.m. Friday with admission being $15 for adults; $12 for seniors, military, and students; and free for children ages 11-and-under.
Although Parker’s PLM program might seem homespun, he has plenty of veteran experience to lean on in Garvey.
“Whenever he talks about something, it’s like, ‘Oh why didn’t I think of it,’ ” Parker said of his crew chief’s vast expertise with LMs. “It’s second nature to him. If you pay attention to what he’s doing when he’s working on something, you learn way more.
“He’s like an open book right there in front of him and I’m turning the pages and finding out new things I didn’t know. I’m blessed to have him right there with this. He’s on top of everything, learning the new technology.”
Parker actually drove Garvey’s old PLM – the familiar yellow Tracy Goodson No. 1 repainted white with Parker’s No. 46 on the side – in a handful of races over the last four years. But that car met its end during a horrific accident at the Snowflake 100 last December.
As Parker went into Turn 3 late in the race, the car dropped its fuel cell and ignited a streak of fire that Justin Bonnett barreled through just moments later. Parker escaped unscathed while Bonnett had to be transported to a Mobile-area hospital to treat his burns.
“It was just a fluke accident that Justin was just an innocent bystander for,” Parker said. “It’s just a part of racing, but I’m extremely sorry he got hurt.”
Bonnett, of course, understood that and held no animosity toward Parker. In fact, the two talk regularly and their mothers have developed a friendship over social media as a result of the accident.
Parker has been monitoring Bonnett’s recovery closely, and anticipated Bonnett’s return to racing earlier this year before COVID-19 and another unforeseen surgery forced Bonnett to shelf those plans.
“It’s not the best way to make a new friend,” Parker said, joking about their wreck. “It was just one of those weird deals.”
Because of the accident, Parker and his team are taking extra precautions when it comes to fire gear.
“I’ve got a fire hood, a sock that goes over my head and neck,” he explained. “We’ve looked at the fireproof underwear, too. It’s gonna be hot, but it doesn’t hurt to be extra safe. Plus, working on roofs conditions me for the heat, I believe.”
An accomplished go-kart champion from the age of 8, Parker said his PLM feels like an adult go-kart. He explains that by pointing to the PLM’s rigid style as compared to the Pro Trucks class.
Perhaps, too, it’s because Parker hasn’t strayed away from the driver he has always been – one surrounded by those close to him.
When Garvey isn’t making major adjustments to the vehicle, it’s Parker, his wife Minnie, his father, and family friend Scott Steadham doing most of the work at the Parker family shop in Molino.
Minnie Parker works “extremely hard” and “doesn’t mind getting her hands dirty,” Jarrett Parker said. That comes as no surprise for someone who got hitched on a convenient date.
“We got married on April 6, 2019. April 6 is 4/6, and my number is 46,” Jarrett Parker explained. “That way I won’t forget it. That was part her idea, too. I got extremely lucky when I found her.”
Marrying them was longtime friend Keith Thorpe. Thorpe will be in “Spotterville” this Friday night, directing Parker around the famed half-mile asphalt oval in his No. 46 that is sponsored by Parker Roofing, Grocery Advantage, Heely-Brown Company, Extreme Pump and Septic, A1 Small Engines, and Mike Garvey Racing.
Parker is confident that his team has a top-five car for Friday. But the expectations are so much grander – family-sized, one might say.
“We definitely hope to win a race this year,” Parker said. “We feel that good going into it. There’s something about having a fresh car that makes me feel more confident.”
Pictured: Jarrett Parker at Five Flags Speedway Thursday evening. Photos by Tammy Parker – also known as Jarrett’s mom – for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Santa Rosa County Sets Official Graduation Dates. Here’s The Schedule.
June 5, 2020
The Santa Rosa County School District has approved graduation dates.
They are as follows:
Thursday, June 18
- Milton High School at the Milton High School Stadium, 8:20 p.m.
- (Milton chose 8:20 p.m. because it is 20:20 in military time)
Friday, June 19
- Pace High School at the Pensacola Bay Center, 9 a.m.
- Gulf Breeze High School at the Pensacola Bay Center, 2 p.m.
- Navarre High School at the Pensacola Bay Center, 7 p.m.
Monday, June 22
- Blended Academy at the Milton High School Stadium, 5 p.m.
- Santa Rosa High School at the Milton High School Stadium, 7 p.m.
Tuesday, June 23
- Central School on the activity field, 5 p.m.
- Jay High School at the Jay High School Stadium, 7 p.m.
RAIN DATES
In the event of inclement weather for any of the above outdoor ceremonies, rain dates will be as follows:
Saturday, June 22 (rain date)
- Milton High School at the Milton High School Stadium, 8:20 p.m.
Thursday, June 25 (rain date)
- Santa Rosa High School at the Milton High School Stadium, 7 p.m.
Friday, June 26 (rain date)
- Central School on the activity field, 5 p.m.
- Jay High School at the Jay High School Stadium, 7 p.m.
UWF Cancels Spring Commencement That Was Planned For August, Working On ‘Alternative Plans’
June 5, 2020
The University of West Florida has official announced that its spring commencement ceremonies that were planned for August have now been canceled due to the pandemic.
In a message sent to students Thursday morning, UWF President Martha Saunders said the Florida Board of Governors announced a directive to all Florida institutions to postpone all summer commencement ceremonies, including the spring ceremonies that were rescheduled.
“While I agree with the decision to put the safety and health of our UWF community first, I am sad for our graduates. I can assure you that we will find a way to celebrate you. We are already working on alternative plans,” Saunders said.
“We will keep you updated in the coming weeks on the new plan to celebrate you. In the meantime, stay well and know that your fellow Argos are cheering you on from afar,” she concluded.
Tate Aggies Name Maum As New Quarterback Coach
June 5, 2020
The Tate High School Aggies have named Garrett Maum as the team’s new quarterback coach.
For the past five seasons, Maum has been the QB/WR coach at Donaldsonville High School in Louisiana. He was also the head baseball coach at Donaldsonville for the past three years. His team was previously ranked No. 8 in the state of Louisiana 3-A before the coronavirus lockdown. G
Maum is from Baton Rouge and is a graduate of LSU. His wife, Kristin will be teaching English at Tate High School. She was selected Ascension Parrish School Board High School Teacher of the Year for the 2015-2016 school year.
Tropical Storm Warning In Effect, Including Escambia And Santa Rosa
June 5, 2020
A tropical storm warning has been issued from Morgan City, Louisiana to the Okaloosa/Walton county line in Florida, including Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. A tropical storm warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected within the warning area within the next 36 hours.
Tropical Storm Cristobal is moving north through the Gulf of Mexico. In Escambia County, there will be high risk of dangerous rip currents at the coast. Heavy rainfall of 3-6 inches in possible.
The latest on Cristobal is in the graphics on this page, click any image to enlarge. Don’t pay attention to just the path in the graphics; Cristobal has a large wind field to the east of center.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Saturday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 86. East wind 5 to 10 mph. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Saturday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a low around 71. East wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Sunday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 82. East wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Sunday Night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Low around 72. East wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Monday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 84. Southeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Monday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Tuesday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 1pm, then showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. High near 86. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Tuesday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73.
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 88. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Wednesday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 70.
Thursday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 87.
Click any graphic to enlarge for additional information.
