Molino Man Stalked Woman Before Ramming Into Vehicle Three Times, ECSO Says
June 24, 2020
A Molino man is charged with allegedly stalking a woman before ramming his vehicle into another vehicle three times, causing it to overturn onto a van.
Andrew Thomas Plenkers, 27, is charged with two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, aggravated stalking and three counts of criminal mischief.
A female victim told deputies that she was leaving work with a male co-worker when Plenkers called her some 20-30 times. She eventually answered and told him to leave her alone, according to an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office arrest report.
The male co-worker told the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office that Plenkers rear-ended his vehicle on Langley Avenue before making a U-turn and side-swiping his vehicle. The victim said he attempted to flee, but Plenkers kept chasing him and the female victim, finally striking their vehicle a third time and causing it to flip over, according to an arrest report.
The victim’s Mazda Tribute had extensive damage and came to rest on top of a 2003 Ford van belonging to the My Little Explorers Learning Academy located near Langley Avenue. An ECUA water line was also busted. The total amount of the damage was estimated at $12,200.
The deputy found 30 missed calls from Plenker in the victim’s phone call log.
Plenkers remained in the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $32,500.
I-10 Wrong Way Driver Charged With DUI Manslaughter, Vehicular Homicide
June 24, 2020
A wrong-way driver has been arrested for the death of a man on I-10 in Escambia County early last Saturday morning.
Theresa Bernadette King was charged with DUI manslaughter, DUI serious bodily injury and vehicular homicide. King, age 46 of McKinney, Texas, remained in the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $301,000.
The Florida Highway Patrol said King was traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes when her SUV collided head on with a sedan driven by a 25-year old male from Theodore, Alabama. The vehicles collided head on about 1:45 a.m.
The male was pronounced deceased at the scene. A passenger in sedan, a 34-year old male from Theodore, was extricated and transported to an area hospital in serious condition.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Improvement Committee Holds 10,000 Pound Food Giveaway
June 24, 2020
The Cantonment Improvement Committee held a 10,000 pound food distribution Tuesday afternoon at Carver Park in Cantonment. The food included meats, fresh fruits, vegetables and more. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
U.S. Attorney Tests Positive For COVID-19
June 24, 2020
U.S. Attorney Lawrence Keefe of the Northern District of Florida has tested positive for COVID-19. He believes he contracted the virus while dealing with a family emergency in Charleston, South Carolina.
A spokesman said Keefe is doing well and is self isolated while remotely directing the activities of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. He said he feels as if he is dealing with the onset of a cold and is following all protocols recommended by medical experts.
Keefe gathered with his family in Charleston after his youngest son, Patrick, a recent graduate at The Citadel, was diagnosed with a brain tumor a few weeks ago. The family rented a large private home, within walking distance of the Medical Center of the University of South Carolina, where Patrick had surgery last week.
Among those who visited or stayed at the home from June 14-21, one person learned that they had tested positive for COVID-19. When Keefe was informed of this Monday afternoon, he noticed symptoms himself – including the loss of taste and smell. He immediately took steps to get tested and learned that he had tested positive for the coronavirus. He quickly notified the Justice Department in Washington, as well as his office.
State Approves UWF’s Fall Reopening Plan. This Is How It Will Work.
June 24, 2020
The Florida Board of Governors approved the University of West Florida’s Fall 2020 Reopening Plan during its meeting on Tuesday.
The plan was previously approved last week by UWF’s Board of Trustees.
“We look forward to welcoming back our Argos while providing a safer and healthier environment,” said UWF President Martha D. Saunders. “At UWF, we strive to preserve the highest standards of quality in our teaching and research and this plan ensures our students receive the same top-rate education from UWF while maintaining health and safety protocols.”
The plan requires all individuals on campus wear a face covering except when in a private office/residence hall room, a work area separated by six feet from others or in an outdoor area separated by at least six feet from others. UWF will provide one reusable cloth face covering and a bottle of hand sanitizer for every student and employee. Visitors will be provided a disposable face covering. Accommodations will be provided for individuals whose disabilities may prevent them from wearing face coverings.
All students and employees will be required to complete a daily return to campus pre-screening before visiting a University location, in addition to completing a COVID-19 training.
UWF will continue honoring housing contracts for the fall semester and reserve spaces for COVID-19 isolation. In the event a residential student tests positive, they will be moved immediately to an isolation/quarantine space. If someone comes in one-on-one contact with that student in their living space, that unit will be quarantined until test results are available.
UWF is expanding course delivery options for students for the fall semester with more courses offered online. The course delivery framework includes face-to-face, online and hybrid courses developed by the college deans with input from stakeholders, including department chairs and faculty members. Students will be notified of course changes via email by July 1, 2020.
- Lower-division courses (undergraduate courses offered at the freshman or sophomore level) will be delivered with face-to-face components unless faculty opt to teach the full course or sections of the course online or the course is historically offered online.
- Upper-division courses (undergraduate courses offered at the junior level or higher) will primarily be delivered online. Exceptions include courses faculty identify as experiential with significant face-to-face components, capstone, clinical/internship that requires faculty supervision and courses that serve as a practicum experience.
- Graduate courses will be delivered with face-to-face components unless they are part of an online program or students are enrolled in synchronous online instruction offered as part of a face-to-face course.
The maximum room capacity for all classrooms in use for the fall semester will be updated based on the square footage of space with an allowance of 36 square feet per person in accordance with current CDC guidelines. Classroom facilities will be thoroughly cleaned and include signage showing where students can sit based on the guidelines.
Immediately following Thanksgiving break, all courses will be arranged so that instruction, review and final exams are delivered remotely for the rest of the semester.
The plan is subject to change based upon federal, state or local guidance. In the event of a second wave of COVID-19 infections, re-implementation and mitigation procedures will be executed immediately.
To see the full plan, click or tap here.
Navy Federal Once Again Named A Best Place To Work In IT
June 24, 2020
For a second year in a row, Navy Federal Credit Union ranks in the top 10 for IDG’s Computerworld 2020 Best Places to Work in IT. This is the credit union’s sixth consecutive year to make the list, ranking ninth among 52 large organizations. Navy Federal remains the only credit union among the large organizations.
Navy Federal’s Information Services Department provides support for the credit union’s 21,500 employees and over 9.2 million members.
“Technology is critical in our mission to deliver the best service for our members and employees,” said Tony Gallardy, Chief Information Officer for Navy Federal. “Whether you’re a member connecting with us through our mobile app or an employee teleworking from home, our ISD team has played a major role in making sure the credit union provides an incredible experience.”
Computerworld, in partnership with IDG’s Insider Pro, compiles its Best Places to Work in IT list based on a comprehensive questionnaire regarding company offerings in categories such as benefits, career development, training and retention. Additionally, IT professionals are surveyed and their responses are factored heavily in determining the rankings.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
VIDEO: Tate High School Class Of 2020 Graduation
June 23, 2020
Watch the Tate High School Class of 2020 graduation held June 23 at the Pensacola Bay Center.
International Paper Investigating After Supposed Noose Found At Mill In Cantonment
June 23, 2020
International Paper is responding and has launched an investigation after a supposed noose was found at their Cantonment mill.
The rope was found hanging against a steel support on the property, and the company says they will not tolerate any racist or threatening acts.
“Upon learning of the situation, we immediately launched an investigation,” International Paper said in a statement released to NorthEscambia.com. “We condemn the offensive nature of this incident. Individuals involved in such behavior will not work at International Paper. We do not tolerate threatening acts, racism, or bigotry. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive culture where individuals feel valued and engaged and have the opportunity to contribute their best every day.”
Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Child Poverty: North Escambia Has One Of The Worst Zip Codes, And The Best, In Escambia County.
June 23, 2020
The Florida Chamber Foundation’s Prosperity Initiative is working toward reducing the number of children in poverty in the state to less than 10% by 2030.
According to the group, 21.3% of children in Florida, including 22.3% of those under 18 in Escambia County, live below the federal poverty guidelines issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
In the North Escambia area zip codes north of I-10, there is a wide range of poverty levels, from the lowest in the county to one of the highest.
The 32568 McDavid/Walnut Hill zip code has just over one-third (34.5%) of all children under 18 living in poverty. In fact, it’s the third highest poverty rate in Escambia County, behind the 32501 zip code at 47.7% and 32505 at 37.6%.
In contrast, at 5.4% the 32533 Cantonment zip code had the lowest percentage of children living in poverty in Escambia County.
Click the map above to see the child poverty rate by zip code in Escambia County.
One Arrested, One Wanted For Untreiner Avenue Shooting
June 23, 2020
One man has been arrested and another man is wanted in connection with a shooting last week on Untreiner Avenue.
Kerrick Van Teamer, 20, is charged with attempted homicide, firing a missile into a vehicle, firing a weapon in public, and possession of a weapon by a convicted felon for the shooting incident that ended on Untreiner Avenue about 6:55 p.m. last Tuesday, June 16. It started on Aaron Drive when gunfire was exchanged between two vehicles. The vehicles chased each other, with one flipping over on Untreiner Avenue. One person was found suffering from multiple gunshot wounds inside the overturned vehicle and was transported to a local hospital.
Kei’Yhaun Irby, 20, was seen leaving the scene in red Kia Soul, and deputies are still looking for him. If you have any information about his whereabouts, call Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP or the ECSO at (850) 436-9620.
Teamer remains in the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $105,000.