Escambia County Seeks Volunteer for Planning Board Appointment
January 13, 2023
The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners is seeking Escambia County residents interested in volunteering to be considered for an at-large appointment to the Escambia County Planning Board.
At-large members serve a two-year term of office and attend one meeting per month (generally the first Tuesday of the month). Meetings are generally from 8:30 a.m. to no later than noon; however, occasionally may go beyond noon depending upon the agenda. No travel is involved unless the Planning Board members decide to view a particular property for informational purposes. Financial disclosure is required.
Escambia County residents interested in being considered for a possible appointment to the Escambia County Planning Board to begin serving in January are asked to submit a resume and letter indicating their desire to serve by close of business on Tuesday, January 31. Letters and resumes should be submitted to Rachel Whitmire; 3363 West Park Place; Pensacola, FL 32505; or emailed to rwhitmire@myescambia.com.
The term for this vacancy is February 16, 2023 until February 16, 2025.
All submittals are subject to public records requests.
Michelle Thomas Is Ernest Ward Middle School’s Teacher Of The Year
January 13, 2023
Michelle Thomas was named the Ernest Ward Middle School Teacher of the Year.
NorthEscambia.com spotlighting Teachers of the Year from the North Escambia area. The county’s overall teacher of the year will be named in late January.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Ball Registrations Open For NWE, Century And Molino
January 13, 2023
Ball registrations are underway for Northwest Escambia, Century and Molino.
Century Baseball Association
Registration for the Century Baseball Association is underway online for wee ball, t-ball, softball and baseball. An in-person registration will be held this Saturday, January 14. More info: Facebook.
Northwest Escambia Bradberry Park
Registration ends January 20 for Northwest Escambia t-ball, softball and baseball. Some age groups have a waitlist, but the league will attempt to form a new team with the required players and coaches.
Register online here. More info: Facebook.
Molino Recreation
Registration is now open for the Molino Recreation Association at Don Sutton Park for the 2023 baseball and t-ball seasons.
To register, click or tap here.
Registration is open for softball (except 12U), baseball and t-ball on a first come, first available basis. Softball registration closed January 10.
The baseball draft is January 24-27 and practice begins January 30. Opening day is March 4 and games end on May 5. More info: Facebook.
Escambia Again Selects EREC For North Escambia Fiber Internet
January 12, 2023
The Escambia County Commission has once again selected Escambia River Electric Cooperative (EREC) with their partner firm Conexon Connect to provide high speed fiber internet to North Escambia.
The county originally accepted proposals to provide fiber to homes north of 10 Mile Road and approved entering into a memorandum of understanding with Escambia River Electric Cooperative in late November. Cox Communications retained a law firm and filed a formal protest against the award.
Escambia County regrouped, deciding to resolicit bids, narrowing the area serviced to north of Muscogee Road. Cox declined to bid in the second round, saying the new area was too far away from their existing fiber network in Cantonment.
Two companies submitted proposals and were heard by the commission Thursday morning: IBT PCS and Conexon Connect in partnership with EREC.
The commission voted 4-1, with commissioner Mike Kohler voting no, to negotiate a memorandum of understanding with EREC.
Commissioner Steven Barry said EREC, a member-owned electric cooperative, had the clear competitive advantage because they already have infrastructure in place. For any other company, the construction cost would be significantly higher with a 5-10 year buildout, he said, to get fiber to all of the homes.
IBT proposed nearly 110 miles of underground fiber, but using wireless technology to reach about 2,000 homes. EREC proposed almost 600 miles of fiber, including 175 miles underground, with fiber serving every home and business, over 4,000 of them, in their territory, “for considerably less county contribution,” Barry said.
Escambia County has committed $10 million of American Rescue Plan federal dollars toward the project north of Muscogee Road with the company owning and operating the network. Another $12 million is committed to a second phase south of Muscogee Road. The funds are aimed at providing broadband internet to unserved, and underserved, residents.
In both phases, fiber connections to county facilities will be provided.
EREC plan to offer symmetrical speeds from 100 Mbps to 2 Gig at a price ranging from $49.95 to $99.95 per month.
NorthEscambia.com will continue to cover North Escambia area broadband issues.
Pictured: Escambia River Electric Cooperative CEO Ryan Campbell addresses the Escambia County Commission on Thursday. Image for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Hux Denied Bond, Plans Insanity Defense To Charges Of Attempted Murder Of Deputy Off Chemstrand Road
January 12, 2023
A suspect that shot and injured an Escambia County deputy off Chemstrand Road will remain in jail without bond until trial after the police union and the sheriff told the judge he is dangerous to the public.
The suspect, Daniel Jeremy Hux, is charged with two counts of attempted first-degree premeditated murder after he allegedly shot the deputy four times on Limerick Lane in 2019.
Thursday, Hux’s attorney said he will present an insanity defense. Hux is due back in court and his trial is set for mid-February.
In a January 5, 2023 letter to Judge Coleman Robinson, Sheriff Chip Simmons wrote:
“Hux placed a call to 911, effectively luring law enforcement and first responders into an ambush and attempted to kill two of my deputies. He called 911 stating someone had kidnapped his son and told ECSO dispatch he needed medical assistance. He also advised dispatch he was not feeling violent and did not have any weapons. This was obviously not true. While one deputy was knocking on his front door, another walked over to the carport area where he saw Hux with a firearm. Hux, upon seeing the deputy, opened fire, hitting the deputy multiple times. I am alarmed and gravely concerned for the safety of the citizens of Escambia County and for the safety of all law enforcement and first responders that may be called upon again to respond to his residence.
“It is hard for me to believe that we currently face the possibility that this attempted murderer could be released into our community. I am sympathetic to those with mental illness, but that does not, in my opinion, relieve him of responsibility and his release will not make our community a safer one.
“I implore the court to use every available resource to ensure Hux is confined to either a secure detention facility, or a long-term mental health treatment center to ensure the safety of our community. I can’t imagine anyone would believe that his release, in any capacity, is a good idea if they themselves were the ones tasked with responding to an incident involving Hux.”
The Northwest Florida Police Benevolent Association also issued a plea to keep Hux from being freed:
“While it is a miracle that our deputy survived, it would be an absolute travesty of justice to allow his attempted murderer to return back to the community. This cold-blooded attempted murderer poses a clear and present danger to our entire county and to the men and women who serve and protect our county,” the union said in a press release Wednesday.
December 11, 2019 Shooting
At about 1:30 p.m. on December 11, 2019, suspect Hux called 911 and requested to be taken to the hospital, stated that he was contemplating suicide, and that he was standing outside under a pine tree.
Deputy Douglas Shoemaker was dispatched to the address on Limerick Lane for a welfare check. He did not see anyone outside, knocked on the front door and went to a side carport door. At 2:16 p.m. he canceled Escambia County EMS.
Shoemaker was joined by Sgt. Melissa Lee. They again checked the doors of the residence, and Shoemaker returned to the carport and knocked on the side door again. He saw a figure moving to the door through frosted glass. When the door opened, he saw the muzzle of a firearm pointed toward him, and the person holding it opened fire. Shoemaker said he was hit by the first round in the chest and immediately ran and secured cover. The deputy then returned fire at Hux until he saw him “go down”.
Shoemaker suffered gunshot wounds to his chest, right side and right middle knuckle, and he was grazed on the forehead.
The sergeant heard the gunshots and saw an arm with a handgun sticking out of the door. Hux began to shoot in her direction, forcing her to seek cover at her vehicle. Lee indicated she did not fire because she could not see a clear target.
Deputy Shoemaker was shot four times and Hux was struck twice. Both were transported to the hospital and both survived. The State Attorney’s Office cleared the deputies of any wrongdoing.
Hux’s wife told investigators that Hux had become increasingly paranoid and delusional over several months. She said he called her the morning of the shooting and told her, “he loved her, and everything would be OK”.
“It is hard for me to believe that we currently face the possibility that this attempted murderer could be released into our community. I am sympathetic to those with mental illness, but that does not, in my opinion, relieve him of responsibility and his release will not make our community a safer one.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge. Pictured top inset: Daniel Jeremy Hux in court on January 12, 2023, courtesy WEAR 3 for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Officials Still Asking Residents To Check Their Address On FCC Broadband Map For Accuracy
January 12, 2023
Officials are encouraging residents in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties to review a new FCC national broadband map by Friday to see if it is accurate for their location.
Residents in both counties are asked to submit challenges if they notice any inaccuracies such as location or available internet service providers listed for their location. Accurate information is important because the federal government will use the map to determine how much funding each county will receive for broadband expansion opportunities.
“I would ask everyone to take a few minutes and check their address on the website and see if the correct data populates,” Escambia County Commissioner Steven Barry said. “If not, then I’d ask them to take a few minutes to challenge the FCC data. I believe more accurate information will give North Escambia residents direct access to an increased level of federal funds over the next few years.”
Challenges to the FCC broadband map are due by Friday, January 13. View the map at broadbandmap.fcc.gov/home.
Escambia County said people without a fixed or mobile broadband connection are especially encouraged to participate. A mobile phone, a friend or family member’s computer, or a public access site can be used to enter a home address, review, and if needed, challenge the FCC’s national broadband map.
Escambia River Electric Cooperative has also joined the push to make sure the map is correct locally. EREC serves members in northern Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, and the cooperative responded to an Escambia County request for proposal to provide fiber internet in North Escambia.
To learn more about the new FCC broadband map and how to submit a challenge, visit www.fcc.gov/BroadbandData/consumers.
Nikki Gill Is Tate High School’s Teacher Of The Year
January 12, 2023
Nikki Gill was named the Tate High School Teacher of the Year. She is the Early Childhood Academy instructor and FACS teacher. She has been teaching for 25 years.
NorthEscambia.com spotlighting Teachers of the Year from the North Escambia area. The county’s overall teacher of the year will be named in late January.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Clouds And Cooler Tonight, Low In The Low 40s
January 12, 2023
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Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Clouds, with a low around 42. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Friday: Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 50. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 30. Wind chill values between 25 and 30. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 51. Wind chill values between 25 and 35 early. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Saturday Night: Clear, with a low around 28. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 60. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 40. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph after midnight.
M.L.King Day: Partly sunny, with a high near 67. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 57. South wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday: A 40 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 72.
Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 57.
Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 75.
Wednesday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59.
Thursday: A 40 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 73.
Embattled Contractor Jesse LaCoste Wants To Pull Building Permits Again
January 12, 2023
An embattled local contractor asked a county board to allow him to once again pull building permits.
Jesse LaCoste and his brother-in-law Matthew Banks have been accused of taking money from people but never completing, or even starting, their jobs. Both have been arrested, and both counties have suspended their licenses while ordering large sums of restitution.
Both were scheduled to appear before the Escambia County Contractor Competency Board Wednesday, but only LaCoste was present.
He told the board he wants his privilege to pull building permits reinstated so that he can get back to work .
“I’ve been called a lot of things this year,” LaCoste said, adding that he has been a builder for 11 years as of this month. “I had nothing but beautiful relationships all along the Gulf Coast, and was touted as something pretty good to work with for a long time. And had nothing but positive interactions.”
“This year, I’ve had my entire life stripped from me,” an emotional LaCoste said. “I’ve continued to be the same person I am, while being called everything you can imagine, receiving death threats and all of those things.”
The Contractor Competency Board told him they would revisit the reinstatement request in the future after fines and restitution are paid.
Northview Softball’s Emma Gilmore Signs With Bishop State
January 12, 2023
Northview High School softball senior Emma Gilmore signed Wednesday to play for Bishop State Community College.
For more photos, click or tap here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
