Broxson Named Florida Senate Appropriations Chair
November 15, 2022
Sen. Doug Broxson will serve as the chair of the Florida Senate Appropriations Committee for the next two years.
His selection was announced Monday by incoming Senate President Kathleen Passidomo.
“Senator Broxson and I also share a long history of service together in the House and Senate. I trust his instincts, as well as his decision-making process, particularly when it comes to the budget,” Passidomo said.
“It is a tough job with no shortage of worthy investments to consider. Senator Broxson really took time and learned as much as he could about how we teach our students to read. We know identifying a struggling reader early can change a child’s entire life, and I appreciate the passion Senator Broxson has for this critical issue. His approach to the K-12 budget showed me that Senator Broxson is not content with simply re-adopting the status quo.
“He wants to dig deep and innovate, and that is exactly what we need at this important time in our state. I also appreciate the respect Senator Broxson has for each person he meets, even in times of disagreement. He gives great thought and consideration to every issue before him, and I know he will show that same level of care when working with each Senator on their own budget priorities,” Passidomo added
Passidomo made her selections as leader of a Republican supermajority in the Senate for the next two years.
Broxson, R-Gulf Breeze, represents Florida’s Senate District 1, which includes Escambia, Santa Rosa and a portion of Okaloosa counties.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Make Your Appointment Now To Let The Miracle League Fry Your Thanksgiving Turkey
November 15, 2022
Now is the time to reserve your spot to have the Miracle League of Pensacola fry your Thanksgiving turkey.
A minimum of $30 per turkey or turkey breast is necessary to help cover costs, and any additional donation will benefit the Miracle League of Pensacola. The minimum charge is $35 for turkeys that are 20 pounds or more.
Call (850) 860-3211 with questions or to schedule your appointment (leave a message if no answer). Walk-ups are welcome, but reservations should be made early as the number of time slots is limited and appointments take priority.
There are a few things to remember after scheduling an appointment. Completely thaw your turkey, removing all of the inside packaging and giblets. Write down exactly how much your turkey weighs so it is fried perfectly and take it to the Miracle League Park at 555 East Nine Mile Road at your appointment time between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Wednesday, November 23. And be on time for your appointment.
Individuals interested in volunteering should also call 850-631-0203.
Escambia Sexual Predator Gets 35 Years In Prison For Failing To Register, Meth
November 15, 2022
A designated Escambia County sexual predator that failed to meet registration requirements has been sentenced to 35 years on state prison.
Robert James Pooley was sentenced for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, trafficking in methamphetamine and failure of a sexual predator to register.
Pooley failed to register as required by his sexual predator status, prosecutors said. When law enforcement went to arrest him for the registration violation, they found him in possession of a firearm and a trafficking amount of methamphetamine.
Pooley was convicted in 1999 on charges including multiple counts of sexual battery by a juvenile on a victim under age 12.
Tate High Cheerleaders Take Top Honors At Battle Of The Breeze
November 15, 2022
The Tate High School cheerleaders opened their competitive season recently in the Battle of the Breeze Cheer Competition.
The varsity squad placed first and were grand champions in the high school division. The Tate junior varsity team placed first in the JV high school division and was awarded for Best Jumps.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Northview High Cross Country Team Presents Annual Awards
November 15, 2022
The Northview High School Cross Country team recently held their annual awards banquet.
The following awards were presented:
- Coaches Award: James McElhaney, senior
- Girls Most Valuable Player: Shelby Kent, senior, and Chloe Criswell, junior
- Boys Most Valuable Player: James McElhaney, senior
- Cross Country Fellowship of Christian Athletes Spirit Award: Drake Allen Driskell, senior and Chloe Criswell, junior
- Jim Ross Memorial Award: Michael Cody, senior
- Jumni Ross Memorial Award: Raven McCarthy, senior
- Recognized as Team Captains: Michael Cody, senior; James McElhaney, senior; Shelby Kent, senior; Chloe Criswell, junior James McElhaney, senior; Shelby Kent, senior; Chloe Criswell, junior
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Atmore City Jail Inmate Death Under Investigation By State
November 14, 2022
The state is investigating after an inmate was found dead Sunday in the Atmore Municipal Jail.
Atmore Police Sgt. Darrell McMann said the “Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) responded to the Atmore Municipal Jail in reference to a death in the jail. The Alabama State Bureau of Investigation is conducting the investigation.”
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s State Bureau of investigation identified the man as 57-year told Thomas Marvin Lord of Atmore.
The body was released to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences for further investigation. Their findings will turned over to the Escambia County (AL) District Attorney’s Office.
Due to the active investigation, Atmore Police are not providing any further information.
The small city jail is located inside the Atmore Police Department, which is in the larger municipal complex on East Louisville Avenue that also houses the city hall, fire department, utilities department and a municipal auditorium.
Illegal Farm Worker Charged With Sexual Assault Of 11-Year Old In Walnut Hill
November 14, 2022
A former Walnut Hill farm worker is now in the Escambia County Jail, charged with the sexual assault on a victim under the age of 12 in a case that led to an Amber Alert back in July.
Brijido Manriquez-Ortiz, 43, was extradited from Laredo, Texas. If he is convicted as charged, he faces a maximum of the death penalty or a minimum of life in prison.
On July 28, an 11-year old girl was discovered missing from a home on Arthur Brown Road in Walnut Hill. Simmons said she was first believed to be in the company of Manriquez-Ortiz based on a note that was left behind and his relationship with her.
About two weeks prior, she was seen kissing Manriquez-Ortiz on the lips. He was employed by Steve’s Catfish Farm and she frequently went to the business, according to an arrest report. He was fired and given a ride to Atlanta, Georgia.
The father told NorthEscambia.com and investigators that he found a cut screen on their Walnut Hill home, and the girl was missing. She left a note behind indicating that she would be with Brijido-Ortez. According to an arrest report, she placed a call to Manriquez-Ortiz at 9:45 p.m. on July 27, and sexually explicit texts and photographs were sent back and forth between the victim and Manriquez-Ortiz.
A security camera at the Escambia Grain elevator nearly across the street recorded a white vehicle pulling into the victim’s home at 10:08 p.m. on July 27.
An Amber Alert was issued the following morning when the girl was found missing. Manriquez-Ortiz was located in Laredo, Texas, and questioned at the FBI office in Laredo. He remained in custody there until his extradition back to Escambia County.
The girl was located by law enforcement in Foley, Alabama, in a white truck that was previously reported stolen by Steve’s Catfish Farm. The victim was interviewed at Gulf Coast Kid’s House, The details of that interview were redacted from the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office report, but it states that Manriquez-Ortiz and the victim had sexual intercourse.
Manriquez-Ortiz is a Mexican citizen and illegally remained in the United States after his work visa expired in 2020.
Pictured inset: The victim’s father showed NorthEscambia.com this window with a cut screen where he said his 11-year old daughter left their home with 43-year old Brijido Manriquez-Ortiz. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Woman Charged With Battery of Two People Over Age 65
November 14, 2022
A Cantonment woman is accused of the battery of two people over age 65.
Wendy Jean Allen, 52, was charged with two counts of felony battery on a person 65 years of age or older in a domestic violence situation.
Allen stands accused of hitting her 69-year old mother in the face with a purse after the two got into an argument over a cell phone. Allen allegedly snatched the cell phone out of the victim’s hand before striking her with the purse.
Her 66-year old stepfather then attempted to make Allen leave the residence at which time Allen grabbed him by the shirt, according to an arrest report.
Allen’s mother had blood on her face at a cut on her finger, deputies said.
Allen remained in the Escambia County Jail Monday morning without bond due to a probation violation charge.
Operation Christmas Child Collections This Week At Highland Baptist, First Baptist Bratt
November 14, 2022
Highland Baptist Church in Molino and the First Baptist Church of Bratt are Operation Christmas Child collection sites.
The collection continue through Monday, November 21.
Churches can drop off their OCC boxes during the times below for them to be packed for processing.
Highland Baptist Church
- Monday, Nov. 14 – 1:30 – 3:30p.m.
- Tuesday, Nov. 15 – 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, Nov. 16 – 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
- Thursday, Nov. 17 – 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- Friday, Nov. 18 – 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
- Saturday, Nov. 19 – 12:00 – 2:00 p.m.
- Sunday, Nov. 20 – 12:30 – 2:30 p.m.
- Monday, Nov. 21 – 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
The church is located at 6420 Highway 95A North in Molino. For more information, contact the church office at (850) 587-5174.
First Baptist Church of Bratt
- Tuesday, Nov. 15 – 9- noon
- Wednesday, Nov. 16 – 9- noon, 5 -8 p.m.
- Thursday, Nov. 17 – 3 – 6 p.m.
- Friday, Nov. 18 – 9- noon
- Saturday, Nov. 19 – 9- noon
- Sunday, Nov. 20 – 4 – 7 p.m.
- Monday, Nov. 21 – 8 a.m. until 10 a.m.
The church is located at 4570 West Highway 4 in Bratt.
Operation Christmas Child has been collecting and delivering shoebox gifts—filled with school supplies, hygiene items and fun toys—to children worldwide since 1993. Anyone can pack a shoebox! In 2022, Operation Christmas Child hopes to collect enough shoeboxes to reach another 11 million children.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
New Indoor Play Area Opens At Bratt Elementary School
November 14, 2022
A new covered play area and indoor multipurpose room at Bratt Elementary School are now open.
The first classes were held in the building on Friday.
The $2.1 million bid for facility construction contact was awarded in September 2021 to A.E. New, Jr., Inc. There were three other bidders, ranging from $2.134 million to $2.44 million.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
