BOCC Agrees With Sheriff’s Request For Body Cameras, But They’re Not Sure How To Fund Them
January 22, 2021
Newly-elected Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons asked the Escambia County Commission on Thursday for the funds to purchase body cameras for his deputies, following through on a campaign pledge.
Simmons is requesting the commission allocate $912,727 for the purchase of 268 body cameras, with the money coming from what was CARES Act funds.
“Every day that we do not have body cameras, there’s one thing that could take place that could come up and embarrass the Sheriff’s Office, could embarrass the county,” Simmons said. “I just think that this is that important — too important for us to delay it.”
The county had until December 31, 2020, to use $57 million from the CARES Act. In order to beat the deadline, the county put $25 million into a “Public Health and Safety Payroll” account to use for Public Safety Department expenses. Because the $25 million will be used to reimburse normal payroll expenses, the $25 million will go into the general fund for other CARES Act expenses.
Each county commissioner has expressed support for the body cameras, but they are not yet convinced it should come from the $25 million. Commissioner Robert Bender stated that he was told the body cameras would not have otherwise been eligible for CARES Act funding.
“I support the sheriff’s department getting cameras, but to use this money for something other CARES related expenses at this time, in the middle of the pandemic, might be putting the cart before the horse a little bit,” Bender said. “We still having testing and vaccinations to do. I think we need to be mindful of how we spend that money.”
“I want our law enforcement to have the protection of cameras,” Commissioner Doug Underhill said. “I think it is a totally appropriate CARES Act spend. I think it’s something, I applaud you for bringing this forward.”
“I understand it (the $25 million from CARES Act) was moved based on a deadline of December 31 to the general fund to cover for payroll, payroll that was already funded,” Simmons told commissioners. “So this is no longer CARES Act…these are millions of dollars that Escambia County has to decide what’s the best use for those. Some is CARES, some is items like this. My request is consider this as a higher priority as I do to go ahead and get these body cameras.”
Commissioner Steven Barry said he was not against using the funds that originated from the CARES ACT for the cameras, but he questioned the timing of the funding request and the ongoing expenses for operating the system.
“I like the idea. I didn’t think it should be on the agenda for today. I think you will find board support for this moving forward with this in the appropriate time,” Barry said. “It’s not been something that has been a priority to the office (the ECSO) previously.”
“This is money that’s available, that I understand is available, and it sounds like is available. And I think it’s high priority, so I felt like it was something I could ask for,” the sheriff said. “I understand your point about maybe not today, but I’m not one that waits. Again, I’ve been the sheriff for two weeks now, and I think that body cameras and transparency is that important. And that’s why I’m here.”
“I’m going to be supportive of body cameras,” Commissioner Lumon May told the sheriff. “This is something that is important, and it’s critical to you in your operations. Once we get that money at the end of February, this will be a top priority for me because you said it is top priority for the safety of the officers and for the safety of our citizens.”
Simmons said he had money in his current overtime budget to fund five employees to process the body camera video footage and maintain the system. But he said he would need to work on a permanent funding solution from the next fiscal year’s budget.
The commission is expected to return to the body camera funding discussion in March after county staff provides further research.
“Quit frankly, I am not going to wait forever,” Simmons said.
Escambia May Allow Countywide Sunday Morning Alcohol Sales
January 22, 2021
Escambia County may soon allow stores to sell alcohol on Sunday morning across the entire county.
There is currently an ordinance banning retail alcohol sale on Sunday between 2:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. countywide, with an exception for Pensacola and Perdido Key where it is legal to sell alcohol at retail stores on Sundays after 7 a.m.
Escambia County District 1 Commissioner Jeff Bergosh said he will bring and ordinance to a vote to allow countywide Sunday alcohol sales after 7 a.m.
File photo.
Escambia County Public Schools Foundation And UWF Launch Free Virtual Workshops For Families
January 22, 2021
The Escambia County Public Schools Foundation has partnered with the University of West Florida to offer six workshops to help parents support their student and their teachers.
“We are excited to partner with the University of West Florida,” said Kristie Kelly, executive director at the Foundation. “Their faculty will share strategies to support your student’s success in face-to-face, virtual and blended learning environments.
“We are also grateful for the grant funding provided by Wells Fargo & Company — an American multinational financial services provider.”
The virtual sessions in this series, entitled “Supporting Your Student,” will be on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month in February through April. Each session begins at 5 p.m. with a 30-minute workshop followed by 15 minutes for questions from parents. UWF faculty from the departments of teacher education and educational leadership and instructional design and technology are presenting the workshops.
“As a result of the pandemic, parents have suddenly found themselves thrust in the role of teacher without any formal training,” said Dr. John Pecore, professor and associate chair of teacher education and educational leadership. “It has created a tremendous need that our faculty expertise can support. We are excited to offer this service to the community.”
Preregistration is required. Email foundation@ecsdfl.us for more information and to sign up for one or more workshops.
The dates, topics and presenters are listed below. A ZOOM link will be sent to those who have preregistered. A reminder will also be emailed on the day of each workshop.
Feb. 9 from 5—5:45 p.m.
Communicating Regularly with Teachers
Presenters: Dr. Aneta Walker, Dr. James Dickson and Dr. Amany Habib
Feb. 23 from 5—5:45 p.m.
Setting Clear Expectations and Goals
Presenters: Dr. Elizabeth Bemiss and Dr. Kathleen Heubach
March 9 from 5—5:45 p.m.
Establishing Routines and Systems to Stay Organized
Presenter: Dr. Tim Morse and Dr. Holley Handley
March 23 from 5—5:45 p.m.
Encouraging and Motivating for Success
Presenters: Dr. Nguyen Nguyen and Dr. Jennifer Mesa
April 13 from 5—5:45 p.m.
Creating a Positive Environment for At-home Learning
Presenters: Dr. John Pecore, Dr. Melanie DiLoreto and Dr. Minkyoung Kim
April 27 from 5—5:45 p.m.
Addressing the Unique Challenges of Children with Special Needs
Presenters: Dr. Keri Fogle and Dr. Shim Lew
FDOT: All Hands On Deck To Complete Pensacola Bay Bridge Repair By March
January 22, 2021
\
With concrete poured for the first new bridge deck, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and its contractors are increasing all the necessary efforts to repair the Pensacola Bay Bridge by March 2021.
An additional piling driving crew has been added to ensure pile driving efforts remain on schedule. These crews are tasked with moving the pile driving template, working on pier removal, clearing the bottom of the bay from any debris, and driving piles into the bay floor utilizing a 20,000-pound diesel-powered hammer.
Pile driving work will occur seven-days-a-week and while there are no direct traffic impacts, persons nearby may detect noise and the possibility of vibration.
The current numbers on the demolition and repair activities to date include:
- Eight fully damaged spans removed.
- 13 partial damaged spans removed.
- 21 damaged pedestrian path beams removed.
- 66 damaged I-beams removed with eight replaced.
- Five damaged trophy pieces removed.
- 30 replacement piles driven.
Motorists should continue to use all available detour routes, which include the Garcon Point Bridge and State Road 87. At this time, tolls on the Garcon Point Bridge have been suspended through Thursday, February 11. Commuters can also use the Escambia County Area Transit’s (ECAT) temporary bus route travel between Pensacola and Gulf Breeze free of charge.
The Pensacola Bay Bridge has a targeted re-opening date of March 2021. Once repairs are complete, all four lanes will be open with no load restrictions. As each repair method is developed, FDOT will be conducting reviews to ensure the contractor is hitting all milestones in the established schedule.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Ivey Extends Alabama’s Mask Mandate Into March
January 22, 2021
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey has extended the state’s mask mandate that was set to expire on Friday.
Individuals in Alabama are required to wear a mask or other facial covering when in public and in close contact with other people through March 5. The “Safer at Home” order has been in place since July.
Ivey’s announcement came during a press conference Thursday in Montgomery.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
One Serious Injury When Highway 29 Driver Crashes At The Camp o’ the Pines
January 21, 2021
One person was seriously injured in a Highway 29 wreck Thursday morning.
The vehicle left the roadway and crashed into a concrete culvert before coming to rest in the entrance to the Camp o’ the Pines about 5:50 a.m.
The driver was transported to an area hospital by Escambia County EMS.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating. The Molino Station of Escambia Fire Rescue responded.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
ECSO Seeks Two For Questioning About Murder Of 16-Year Old
January 21, 2021
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is looking for two men for questioning only about the murder of a 16-year old in late December.
Investigators want to question Andetrius Mershon Bivins and Trenton Dominic Capri Newkirk, both age 20, about the December 29 homicide of Jeffrey Kennell, Jr. at the Forest Creek Apartments on Patton Drive.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP or the ECSO at (850) 436-9620.
Escambia Legislative Delegation Supports Term Limits For ECUA Board Members
January 21, 2021
A bill that will impose term limits on members of the Emerald Coast Utilities Authority has been endorsed by the Escambia County Legislative Delegation.
Rep. Michelle Salzman, now serving her first term in the Florida House, proposed the bill and has received the support of delegation members Sen. Doug Broxson and Rep. Alex Andrade,. That almost ensures that it will pass the Legislature and become law this year; local bills impacting local areas usually pass without any opposition.
The bill will limit ECUA board members to three, four-year terms.
Salzman set out to rewrite that legislative act that gives ECUA its authority after a 2018 grand jury investigation that was not made public until September 2020.
“I’m not trying to create a political issue or red tape, but we just need to make sure we don’t make those mistakes again. If we don’t see a positive change, we can do more or consider dissolving the entity altogether if that is best for the citizens,” Salzman told NorthEscambia.com last month. “The current way the special act is written, there is no authority over the five board members, no way to hold them accountable for how they operate.”
While she did not specifically mention him, Larry Walker served on the ECUA board representing District 5 for nearly three decades — from 1988 to 2000 and 2004 until his defeat by political newcomer Kevin Stephens in 2020.
Salzman first called for an oversight board appointed by the Escambia County Commission and Pensacola City Council, but backed upon from that proposal.
“We don’t need to remove the whole reason ECUA is there; we don’t need to take all of their authority away from them,” Salzman said.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Century Library To Be Closed Most Of February For Remodel
January 21, 2021
The Century Branch Library will be closed for three weeks in February for an extensive interior remodel.
The remodel will feature an expansion of the children’s area by reducing on-site storage. There will also be improvements to the public service desk for increased accessibility, an improved adult reading area, new carpet, new paint, new lighting and new furnishings.
An additional sidewalk, benches, bicycle area and tables have already been added outside the library.
While the library will be closed, Feeding the Gulf Coast youth meals will be available for the week each Saturday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Library materials that have been reserved through the library’s website will also be available each Saturday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Borrowed items can be returned during the closure by using the outdoor book drop on the south side of the building.
Pictured: Some of the outside improvements at the Century Branch Library. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Escambia Man Jailed After FDLE K-9 Sniffs Out Devices Containing Child Porn
January 21, 2021
An Escambia County man is jailed after a K-9 sniffed out electronic devices containing child pornography during the execution of a search warrant Wednesday.
Members of the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Unit, Homeland Security and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement served a child pornography search warrant at a home in the 2700 block of Godwin Lane.
With the assistance of FDLE Agent Stephanie Cassidy and her K-9 “Maple,” deputies were able to locate an electronic storage devices containing child pornography at the home. Cassidy trained Maple to sniff out anything that can digitally store information like USB drives, hidden cameras, computers, thumb drives, cellphones, CDs and DVDs.
ECSO’s lead investigator Suzanne Pollack arrested 26 -year old Aaron Michael Rogers, charging him with 13 counts of possession of child pornography and one count of transmission of child pornography. Rogers was booked in the Escambia County Jail with a $132,500 bond.