Ordinance Would Require County Employees To Quit Before Running For County Commission
February 13, 2022
Escambia County is moving toward an ordinance that would require county employees to resign before running for the county commission.
The commission backed away from previous discussion of an ordinance that would require a resignation to run for any political office and settled on just candidates for the five commission seats.
“It would seem like the real potential negative effect is when it is our seats,” Commissioner Steven Barry said in a recent meeting.
“You can do whatever you want, you have free speech. You can say whatever you want, but there’s consequences,” Commissioner Jeff Bergosh said. “If you are really that passionate about it, quit and run.”
Bergosh has stated that he was not responsible for bringing a potential resign to run ordinance up for discussion. Two years ago, Johnathon Owens, who was an aide to District 2 Commissioner Doug Underhill, ran against incumbent Bergosh for the District 1 seat. Bergosh won with 38.71% of the vote. Owens finished third in the primary with 22.48% behind Jesse Casey with 31.01%
The commission voted 3-1 to schedule a public hearing on a resign to run for commission ordinance. Underhill cast the dissenting vote, while Commissioner Lumon May was off the dais and did note vote.
“The seats of power are equally open to the very rich and powerful, as well as the commoner,” Underhill said. “Anything that limits or in some way curtails who runs for public office is not in my opinion in the best interest of the citizens.
The ordinance, if approved, would apply to employees of the Escambia County Board of County Commissioners, but not the commissioners themselves as they don’t work for the BOCC.
Ernest Ward Middle Gym Getting An Updated Look
February 13, 2022
The gymnasium at Ernest Ward Middle School is getting an updated look.
The gym is being painted gray with a blue trim on the outside. The inside is also being painted, and there will be new lockers and a coat of paint in the locker rooms.
The 19,000 square foot EWMS gym has been blue since it opened in 1978. New paint was discussed during the construction of the new school building, which opened in February 2015, but the gym was never painted.
And stay tuned…if all goes as planned, there will be another aesthetic improvement coming to the front of the 44-year old building this summer.
Pictured above below: The Ernest Ward Middle School gymnasium, as seen on Saturday, is being painted. Pictured bottom: The building has been blue since it opened in 1978. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Winter’s Chill Returns
February 13, 2022
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Clear, with a low around 28. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 60. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 36. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph after midnight.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 67. Northeast wind 5 to 15 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 46. East wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday: A 30 percent chance of showers after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 72. Breezy, with a southeast wind 10 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
Wednesday Night: Showers likely, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after midnight. Low around 62. Southeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Thursday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 72. Breezy, with a south wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Thursday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before midnight, then a slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 42. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph becoming north after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 53.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 36.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 59.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 38.
Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 63.
Byrneville Elementary School Names Students Of The Month
February 13, 2022
Byrneville Elementary School has named their Students of the Month for January. They are:
- Kindergarten: Samuel Mino and Cason Fowler
- 1st Grade: Braxton Wilson and Khloie Garrett
- 2nd Grade: Adri’Yanna Elliott and Tatum Godwin
- 3rd Grade: Charley Cooley and Duece Simmons
- 4th Grade: Taylin Boyington and Madison Brazwell
- 5th Grade: Ta’Kayvia Jackson and Gabriella Moretz
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate High Agriscience Students Address Escambia School Board During CTE Month
February 13, 2022
During February, Escambia County is celebrating Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month.
The school board adopted a resolution declaring February as CTE Month, opening the door for a month-long spotlight on District CTE programs, students, and teachers.
Students from the Tate High School Agriscience Academy shared some of the great things happening in their program last week with the Escambia County School Board during a special workshop.
“Ag has been and integral part of Tate High School, ever since there was a Tate High School,” District 5 member Bill Slayton said.
ECSD CTE programs are responsible for preparing individuals for occupations important to the county’s economic development. Additionally, CTE programs prepare students who are looking to enter the workforce with career exploration, employability skills and work experiences.
CTE programs introduce students to real-life skills like resume writing, interviewing, public speaking and working collaboratively. They also offer hands-on activities through immersive environments in the classroom. Students learn by doing.
“This designation is meant to highlight the incredible contributions that Career and Technical Education makes to the lives of our students,” said ECSD Director of Workforce Education Steven Harrell. “The efforts of all CTE teachers ensure that competitive and skilled workers are ready, willing, and capable of performing in high-wage, high-skill, and in-demand career fields.”
Across the District last year, ECSD students at the secondary and postsecondary levels earned over 6,000 industry certifications. Each of these certifications represents an employment skill set imparted to a student.
Pictured above: (L-R) Tate High School Agricultural Educator and FFA Advisor Austin Courson, students Dawson Guy, Jaxson Stafford, Sarah Alexander and Darby Phillips address the Escambia County School Board. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Fire Damages Large Metal Building In Walnut Hill
February 13, 2022
Fire damaged a large metal building in Walnut Hill Saturday afternoon.
The fire on Smith Lane, just west of Kansas Road, was reported about 2:30 p.m. Smoke from the 2,100 square foot building was visible for miles.
Firefighters were able to quickly bring the fire under control. There were no injuries reported.
There was no immediate word on the cause of the fire. Other nearby structures and a residence were not damaged.
The Walnut Hill, McDavid, Century and Molino stations of Escambia County Fire Rescue, Nokomis Volunteer Fire Department, Atmore Fire Department and Pace Fire Rescue were initially dispatched to the fire. Several of those units were canceled before arrival.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
George Green Dunn
February 13, 2022
Born in Lakeland, Florida on September 28th 1930 to George Irvin and Minnie Matilda Dunn (Maiden name Green) was George Green Dunn. He was humble, hard working, and honest.
George was a devoted husband, and a caring and steadfast father, grandfather, and great grandfather.
He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Luna Lorenne Dunn, his son Steve Green Dunn and daughter Wanda Lynn Webb, his grandchildren Paige Nicole Webb and Preston Lane Webb that he helped raise, and his three great grandsons Jayden John Webb, Rowan Alexander Hitchcock, and Gabriel Emrys Hitchcock.
Rarely idle, he worked all the way up until two years before his passing. He was a Monsanto retiree, having worked as a fabricator, and continued on as a farmer of great variety. He was once asked if he really made much money in the business of vegetables and he laughed and said no, but that he enjoyed working the land. No one could ever have grown a better watermelon and he was famously known by his local community for his winter crops of turnips, collards, mustards and rutabagas, the summer peas, and the muscadine vineyard he loyally tended.
He would often tell you things like “I’ll pay you tomorrow for a hamburger today” and loved Moon Pies, Nutty Buddy bars, honey buns and apple pie. He took honey in his coffee and when it came to sports he was an Auburn fan, but he’d root for Alabama too. Though his favorite was to watch the Tampa Bay Ray’s play baseball. He was a Godly man, having been a deacon at his church and an active member of fellowship and now he rests with the Lord as of February 10th, 2022.
Cantonment Man Charged With Aggravated Stalking, Trespassing
February 12, 2022
A Cantonment man is facing multiple charges after allegedly following a man that had a protection order against him.
Allen Parker Jefferson, 32, was charged with aggravated stalking, violation of a protection order, driving with a suspended license second or subsequent offense, leaving the scene of a crash with property damage and trespassing after warning.
The victim has a protection order against Jefferson. The victim was eastbound on Creighton Road when he noticed Jefferson following him, according to an arrest report. The victim’s vehicle and Jefferson’s pickup truck collided, the report states, before driving away. The victim turned into Walmart to make contact with the Pensacola Police Department officer with Jefferson following close behind.
A Pensacola Police officer was working extra duty at the Walmart on Creighton Road and observed Jefferson drive away.
A video provided by the victim allegedly showed Jefferson exiting his vehicle and approaching the victim as he remained seated in his vehicle.
Jefferson has previously been trespass warned from the Walmart property.
Jefferson was released on an $8,000 bond.
These Are Next Week’s Road Construction Slow Down Spots
February 12, 2022
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County
- U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures and lane shifts on the Pensacola Bay Bridge from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 13 through Saturday, Feb. 19. Crews will be using lanes on the current bridge as a platform to pour concrete decks for the westbound (Gulf Breeze to Pensacola) structure
- West Cervantes Street (U.S. 90) Pedestrian Safety Improvement – Drivers will encounter the following temporary intermittent lane closures:
- Inside lane closures between Q and A streets as crews perform median improvements and install poles for pedestrian traffic signals.
- Outside lanes at various locations along West Cervantes for crews to construct Americans with Disabilities Act compliant sidewalk ramps and traffic pole foundations.
- Sorrento Road (State Road (S.R.) 292) Intersection Improvements at Innerarity Point (County Road (C.R.) 292A) – Motorists can expect intermittent daytime shoulder closures Monday, Feb. 14 through Friday, Feb. 18, as crews place a watermain.
- North Ninth Avenue (S.R. 289) Carpenters Creek Bridge Replacement- The Ninth Avenue travel lanes over Carpenters Creek are now expected to be shifted to the southbound portion of the bridge no earlier than Tuesday, Feb. 15. One lane in each direction will remain open. The traffic shift will allow crews to construct the northbound side of the bridge.
- Airport Boulevard (S.R. 750) Maintenance from West of Palafox Street to Davis Highway – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. the week of Monday, Feb. 14 as crews perform concrete operations.
- Pensacola Boulevard (U.S. 29) Turn Lane Constriction North of East 10 Mile Road – Motorists will encounter intermittent northbound inside lane closures from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday, Feb. 14 through Friday, Feb. 18 as crews perform paving operations.
Santa Rosa County
- S.R. 87 City of Milton Mardi Gras Parade – The road will be temporarily closed between Raymond Hobbs and Elva streets from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 12 for the Milton Mardi Gras Parade.
- Pensacola Bay Bridge (U.S. 98) Replacement – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures and lane shifts on the Pensacola Bay Bridge from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 13 through Saturday, Feb. 19. Crews will be using lanes on the current bridge as a platform to pour concrete decks for the westbound (Gulf Breeze to Pensacola) structure.
- U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive – Major roadway construction activities are currently underway. Improvements include widening the roadway from four to a six-lanes with a raised median, safety, and drainage upgrades, resurfacing S.R. 281 (Avalon Boulevard) from U.S. 98 to Garcon Point Bridge, extending the existing shared-use path on the south side of U.S. 98 from Gondolier Boulevard, and new signage and pavement markings.
- U.S. 90 Simpson River Bridge Project: Motorists can expect intermittent and alternating lane restrictions from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. Monday, Feb. 14 through Friday, Feb. 18 as crews perform paving operations for the temporary road widening.
- I-10 Resurfacing East of S.R. 281 (Avalon Boulevard) to East of S.R. 87 – The eastbound lane will remain reduced to one lane at the County Road 191 Overpass Bridge (Exit 26) until work associated with bridge approach construction is complete. Motorists can also expect intermittent lane closures from 6 p.m. to 10 a.m. the week of Monday, Feb. 14 as crews perform construction activities.
- U.S. 90 Routine Utility Maintenance at Woodbine Road Intersection – Westbound Motorists will encounter turn lane closures at Woodbine Road from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday, Feb. 14 through Friday, Feb. 18 as crews replace utility poles and overhead lines. The merge lane on Woodbine Road at U.S. 90 westbound to Pensacola will also be closed intermittently during nighttime hours as crews perform utility maintenance operations.
All activities are weather-dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Annual Walnut Hill Ruritan Farm Auction Is Saturday, February 26
February 12, 2022
The 47th Annual Walnut Hill Ruritan Club Farm Equipment Auction will be held Saturday, February 26, beginning at 9:30 a.m.
The auction includes not only farm equipment, but also household items like tools and small equipment, lawn and garden items, antiques and more.
The sale takes place at the Walnut Hill Community Center, 7850 Highway 97, just north of Ernest Ward Middle School. The deadline for adding lots is 8:00 the morning of the auction.
This is an open, no reserve sale. Ten percent of the price will be assessed to the buyer for all lots sold, with a $500 maximum. There is a $5 minimum fee per lot, and sellers must be present to “no sale” a lot. Settlement must be made the day of the sale with cash, check, cashier’s check or credit card. All sellers will be paid by a check in the mail.
For more information or consignments, call (850) 294-0395 or (850) 380-9973.