DeSantis Requests Trump To Declare Emergency In Counties Including Escambia, Santa Rosa Due To Tropical Threat
August 22, 2020
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday sent a letter to o President Donald Trump requesting that he declare a pre-landfall emergency in Escambia, Santa Rosa and other Florida counties in advance of Tropical Storm Laura.
DeSantis requested the pre-landfall emergency declaration for Bay, Broward, Calhoun, Charlotte, Citrus, Collier, DeSoto, Dixie, Escambia, Franklin, Glades, Gulf, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Hillsborough, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Lee, Levy, Manatee, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Okaloosa, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Santa Rosa, Sarasota, Taylor, Wakulla, Walton and Washington counties.
In his letter to Trump, DeSantis said the state is already stretched thin financially due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The overlay of this tropical event to the COVID-19 pandemic will stress the capabilities of the state to respond fully to the tropical event without the addition of the requested federal assistance,” DeSantis said.
Pedestrian Struck And Killed By Hit And Run Driver
August 21, 2020
A pedestrian was struck and killed in by a hit and run driver in Escambia County early Friday morning.
The Florida Highway Patrol said a 27-year old male pedestrian was struck and killed on the New Warrington Road spur near Fairfield Drive about 2:30 a.m. He was found deceased in the right travel lane of New Warrington Road.
The vehicle failed to remain on the scene, and troopers said no vehicle description is available.
Anyone with information on the crash is asked to call Trooper Knowles or Corporal Roeber at *FHP (*347) or Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
File photo.
Escambia Commission CARES Act Funding For Rent And Mortgage Assistance, Rapid Testing, Food Delivery
August 21, 2020
The Escambia County Commission on Thursday approved moving forward with rapid testing, food delivery and additional public health campaigns using CARES Act funding.
An application process and date for personal and business CARES Act funding has not yet been announced.
Commissioners previously approved rent, mortgage and utility assistance in response to the COVID-19 pandemic through an agreement with the Florida Housing Finance Corporation to receive $903,834 in Coronavirus Relief Funds. These funds will cap at $3,000 per family for qualifying tenants and homeowners affected by COVID-19. There is a 10-day advertising period required before online applications can be submitted. More information will be released as soon as possible.
The Escambia County Rapid Testing Program will allow for 30,000 tests to be administered by Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital through December 30, 2020. These tests could be used for residents without COVID-19 symptoms and for residents without insurance. This funding will also provide 20,000 ID NOW Rapid Test Kits administered by Community Health Northwest Florida.
The Board also approved food delivery through nonprofit partners and churches as part of the Escambia Serves Food Assistance and Relief Program, allowing Escambia County to continue to serve residents through food distribution programs.
Funding in the amount of $500,000 was approved for public health campaigns through Visit Pensacola as it relates to Coronavirus-related resources for out-of-town visitors. Efforts will focus on publicizing the resumption of activities and steps taken to ensure a safe experience during COVID-19.
A special board meeting will take place on Thursday, Aug. 27 at 9 a.m. to continue the discussion about the Escambia County CARES Act plan and implementation. The Board of County Commissioners will meet to address and put forth additional details and requirements for its residents and businesses seeking the more than $14 million from the Florida Division of Emergency Management.
Visitor Ban At Florida Prisons Extended Until Mid-September
August 21, 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic visitation suspension at Florida prisons has been extended again by the Florida Department of Corrections due to COVID-19.
The visitor ban is in effect this time until at least September 14 at all correctional institutions statewide.
“I want to extend my gratitude to the thousands of families who have recognized the importance of protecting our inmate population by suspending visitation. I look forward to the time we can safely welcome them back to visit their loved ones in person,” said FDC Secretary Mark Inch. “As more and more inmates move out of medical isolation and institutions begin normal operations, we are hopeful visitation will resume very soon. We are developing plans on how to conduct visitation in the safest way possible.”
Inmates will continue to have access to their loved ones through mail, phone calls and video visitation. Legal visits will not be impacted, although attorneys are encouraged to consult with their clients via phone, email or mail during this time
New Chief Medical Examiner Recommended
August 21, 2020
State Attorney Bill Eddins has announced that the Medical Examiner Search Committee has recommended the appointment of Dr. Deanne Oleske as the new chief medical examiner for the First District of Florida.
She will meet with all four counties in the district to negotiate the terms of a contract. Once that is completed, her appointment will be recommended to the Governor. A copy of Dr.
Oleske is currently the associate medical examiner in St. Augustine, including St. Johns, Putnam and Flagler counties.
Dr. Timothy Gallagher continues to serve as interim medical examiner in First District, which includes Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Walton counties.
Fall GED Classes Begin August 31 At The Molino Community Center
August 21, 2020
Fall GED classes will start August 31 at the Molino Community Center.
George Stone Technical College is partnering with the Molino Community Center to offer ABE/GED classes every Monday and Thursday from 6-8 p.m. Students who would like a little extra help can arrive early, from 5-6 p.m., for open lab tutoring.
Tuition is $30 per semester. Students may join at any point; there is an open enrollment policy.
Classes are actively taught by two certified teachers and personalized instruction is given based on each student’s academic level. Tutors are also available during class time.
“We have the proven prescription for success in passing the GED test,” said Patricia Harrison, George Stone counselor. “We use direct instruction, as well as materials that are aligned to the ‘actual’ content of the GED test. When students are ready to take the test, they can feel confident and assured of a passing score.”
To find out more about the Molino GED class, call Patricia Harrison at 850-941-6200 ext. 2361, or attend a class for registration assistance.
Cantonment Man Charged With Stalking In Incident That Ended With Three Vehicle Wreck
August 21, 2020
A Cantonment man is accused of a stalking in an incident that ended with a three vehicle wreck on Highway 29.
Cody Ryan Winters, 27, was charged with felony aggravated stalking and felony third degree possession of a controlled substance without a prescription.
The victim told deputies she was driving south on Highway 29 approaching Muscogee Road with three children in her vehicle when she noticed Winters was weaving in and out of the traffic while following her. The incident last Saturday afternoon ended with a three vehicle crash.
The victim, who has a child with Winters, told deputies as she was looking in her rearview mirror while being chased and collided with the vehicle in front of her. After the wreck, she said Winters stopped in his truck and climbed into her vehicle. He then got back into his vehicle, made a U-turn and sped away northbound on Highway 29, the report states. Witnesses corroborated her statement, according to an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office arrest report.
When deputies later located Winters, he told them he was sitting in traffic when he noticed the wreck. He said he drove through traffic to check on his infant daughter because he saw a lot of smoke coming from the vehicle, according to the report. He said while he was helping to get his daughter out of the vehicle, the victim accused him of following her. He denied the allegation.
According to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Winters was previously advised not to contact the woman, a complaint was filed over texts he allegedly sent, and she was previously arrested for battery on him.
A few days later as deputies went to arrest Winters on a warrant in connection with the incident, a search of his person located methamphetamine and marijuana in his left front pocket, an ECSO report states.
NorthEscambia.com photos.
Charges Dropped Against Protester Carried Across Pensacola Bay Bridge On SUV’s Hood
August 20, 2020
Charges have been dropped against the protester carried three miles across the Pensacola Bay Bridge on the hood of a SUV.
Jason Uphaus of the 800 block of South Highway 29 was originally charged with disorderly conduct and criminal mischief.
State Attorney Bill Eddins said that probable cause existed for an arrest, there is insufficient evidence to proceed with the case.
“The charges in this case arose out of an incident that occurred at the foot of the Pensacola Bay Bridge during a demonstration. The victim in this case has failed lo cooperate or communicate with this office during our investigation of this matter. Based on the victim’s lack of cooperation as well as the facts and circumstances of this case, there is insufficient evidence to prove these charges beyond a reasonable doubt,” Eddins said.
One June 6, group of protesters had walked the short distance from the Graffiti Bridge on 17th Avenue to Bayfront Parkway, locking arms and temporarily blocking access to the Pensacola Bay Bridge. The Ford Flex drove at a slow speed through the group, with Uphaus jumping onto the hood of vehicle.
The driver continued slowly, with Uphaus on the hood, three miles across the Pensacola Bay Bridge where the vehicle was stopped by Gulf Breeze Police.
After about 20 minutes, Pensacola Mayor Grover Robinson arrived to speak to the group, and they left the roadway a short time later.
Images for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
One Person Injured In Molino Rollover Crash
August 20, 2020
One person was injured in a single vehicle crash in Molino Thursday morning.
The driver of a Honda Accord ran off the road, struck a culvert, traveled through a fence and overturned multiple times into an open pasture on Nicholson Drive near the Molino Chapel.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour and others, click to enlarge.
Burglar High On Drugs Held At Gunpoint By Resident, ECSO Reports
August 20, 2020
An alleged burglar high on methamphetamine and spice was held at gunpoint until deputies arrived after he walked into a Cottage Hill home.
Matthew Arrington Haveard, age 35 of Cantonment, was charged with felony burglary of an occupied dwelling. He was released from the Escambia County Jail Wednesday on a $5,000 bond.
A resident of Wishbone Road told the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office that he was at home on his computer just after 9 p.m. Monday when he noticed Haveard inside the home. Haveard immediately raised his hands when confronted, and the resident grabbed his handgun before leading Haveard back outside.
The man and his grandmother, the owner of the home, were both inside the residence at the time, and both told deputies they had never seen Haveard before, according to an arrest report.
The Sheriff’s Office said home security video shows Haveard arrive in a Chevrolet pickup truck, walk through an open garage door and enter the residence through a side door.
Haveard told an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputy that he had smoked spice and methamphetamine a couple of hours prior to the incident and did not know where he was, according to the report.