WSRE Seeks Questions From Local Residents For Legislative Delegation
December 30, 2019
WSRE is accepting questions from the public for legislators who will appear on “Legislative Review: Dialogue with the Delegation,” airing 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 9. The program will also be simulcast on NewsRadio 92.3 FM and 1620 AM.
Questions may be submitted in advance by email to questions@wsre.org. Each question must be accompanied by a name and city of residence. Questions will also be accepted by phone during the broadcast.
Moderated by Jeff Weeks, “Legislative Review” features a panel discussion with the local legislative delegation responding to constituents’ questions on budget and policy topics. The following legislators of the Northwest Florida delegation have been invited to participate: Sens. Doug Broxson (District 1) and George B. Gainer (District 2); and Reps. Mike Hill (District 1), Alex Andrade (District 2), Jayer Williamson (District 3) and Mel Ponder (District 4).
WSRE presents a live broadcast of “Legislative Review” as a community service before and after each legislative session. Florida’s 2020 legislative session convenes on Jan. 14.
Rabies Alert Remains In Effect For All Of Escambia County
December 29, 2019
A rabies alert remains in effect for all of Escambia County.
In early December, the health department received a positive test result for rabies in a raccoon which was anonymously left in a box outside of a local wildlife sanctuary. The name of the sanctuary was not released.
The Florida Department of Health said all residents and visitors in Escambia County should be aware that rabies is present in the wild animal population and domestic animals are at risk if not vaccinated. The public is asked to maintain a heightened awareness that rabies is active in Escambia County.
The FDOH-Escambia said the individual(s) who left the raccoon should be immediately evaluated by a medical professional for rabies exposure. They are also requested to contact FDOH-Escambia’s Epidemiology Program staff by calling (850) 595-6683. Also, individuals who have been bitten or scratched by a raccoon, or other animal whose rabies vaccination status is unknown, should be immediately evaluated by a medical professional and report the injury to the the health department at (850) 595-6700.
File photo.
Don’t Pesto My Snowman: Escambia 4-H Holds Bake-Off (With Winning Recipe)
December 29, 2019
Escambia County 4-H recently hosted its third annual Holiday Bake-Off with 31 members submitting 91 delicious entries.
The Best of Show Award went to Izzy Kent of the Northview 4-H Club for her “Don’t Pesto My Snowman” torte appetizer. For the recipe, click here.
Category winners were:
Cloverbuds (Participation ribbon only)-Baylee B. (4), Lindsay Carbone, Zaiyn Chauvette (2), Mallory Mahoney, Joanna Powell (2), Anna Simmons, Weston Simmons
Cakes-Brayton Workman of the Escambia Shooting Stars 4-H Club
Cupcakes-Wyatt Kervin of the Escambia Shooting Stars 4-H Club
Pies-Tucker Padgett of the Barrineau Park 4-H Club
Candies-Ethan Thorne of the Escambia County Leadership 4-H Club
Cookies-A.T. Bridgers of the Barrineau Park 4-H Club
Brownies-Matthew Dunlap of the Northview 4-H Club
Breads-Kailee Dunlap of the Northview 4-H Club
Specialty Items-Izzy Kent of the Northview 4-H Club
Appetizers-Izzy Kent of the Northview 4-H Club
Lite Recipes-Ryan Clarke of the Northview 4-H Club
Gluten Free Cookies- Syrah Chauvette of the Northview 4-H Club
Gingerbread House Making Workshop-Tucker Padgett of the Barrineau Park 4-H Club
Division winning entries received a coveted Golden Spoon Award. Cloverbuds (membars age 5-7), received a golden spoon and participation ribbon.
After judging was complete, family members were able to enjoy the dishes.
Century Council Says No To Changing Meeting Schedule As Recommended By Staff
December 29, 2019
The Century Town council has set their meeting schedule for the 2020 calendar year, deciding not to change the council’s longstanding 7 p.m. regular meeting time.
Staff had recommended moving the council meeting time to 5:15, just after a 5:00 bill review meeting. But the council decided to leave things as they are now.
“I don’t have any intention of changing,” council member James Smith said in a recent council meeting. “I have other things going on.”
“The meeting is for the public…most of the people leave town for work,” council member Luis Gomez said. “If we want to have the public involved in these meetings (changing it) makes it harder for the
community and public to attend.”
Council members Sandra McMurray-Jackson and Ann Brooks said the 7 p.m. meeting time would also be best for them, while councilman Ben Boutwell said he was flexible on the time.
The council meets the first and third Monday nights of the month at 7:00, right after a 6:45 meeting to review their bill list. The exceptions in 2020 are for meetings that conflict with Martin
Luther King Day in January and Labor Day in September. Those meetings will be held on the third Tuesday of February and September.
NorthEscambia.com photo.
AAA Forecasting Record Setting Holiday Travel
December 29, 2019
AAA is forecasting a record 115.6 million travelers will break holiday records through January 1.
Here’s how AAA breaks down their forecast for those traveling 50 miles or more:
- Total Travelers:
- Americans - 115.6 million (4.3 million more than last year)
- Floridians - 6.1 million (300,000 more than last year)
- These figures are record highs for both the U.S. and Florida
- Automobiles:
- Americans – 104.8 million (3.9 million more than last year)
- Floridians – 5.5 million (200,000 more than last year)
- More people will drive this holiday season than ever before
- Planes:
- Americans – 6.97 million (300,000 more than last year)
- Floridians – 332,500 (15,500 more than last year)
- With 4.9% growth, air travel will see the biggest increase in travel volume during the year-end holidays – the most since 2003.
- Trains, Buses and Cruise Ships:
- Americans – 3.81 million (111,000 more than last year)
- Floridians – 230,600 (9,300 more than last year)
For the purposes of the AAA forecast, the year-end holiday travel period is defined as the 12-day period from Saturday, December 21 to Wednesday, January 1.
Pictured: Pensacola International Airport. NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Klingman Graduates From Mobile Fire Academy
December 29, 2019
Firefighter Nathaniel Klingman graduated from the Mobile Fire Academy recently. Klingman, a resident of Cantonment, is a volunteer with the Ferry Pass Station of Escambia Fire Rescue and is also employed with Mobile Fire Rescue. Klingman, third from the left, is pictured with fellow Ferry Pass volunteers. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Northview Names November And December Students Of The Month
December 29, 2019
Northview High School has named students of the month for November and December.
Noah Harigel and Sarah Long are November Students of the Month, and Shelby Kent and Blake Yoker are December Students of the Month. They are pictured with NHS Principal Mike Sherrill.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Man With No Driver’s License Charged With Fleeing From Deputies
December 28, 2019
A Cantonment man is facing charges after allegedly fleeing from a traffic stop and drug possession.
Thomas Devontae Jackson, 27, was booked into the Escambia County Jail for fleeing and eluding, driving while license suspended and possession of marijuana under 20 grams.
Jackson’s arrest came after an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office spotted him not wearing his seatbelt near Clifton Avenue and Lucerne Avenue in Pensacola. The deputy attempted a traffic stop, but Jackson fled. After terminating the traffic stop, the deputy eventually located the vehicle stationary on Armenia Drive. He located Jackson, who he recognized from the attempted traffic stop, outside a residence in the area, according to an arrest report.
The deputy reported finding a small bag of marijuana in Jackson’s pocket.
Jackson was released from jail on a $4,500 bond.
Longtime Cantonment Pharmacy Owner John Reading, Sr. Passes Away
December 28, 2019
A longtime Cantonment businessman passed away Thursday.
John Thomas Reading, Sr., 89, owned the Cantonment Pharmacy for 43 years. The pharmacy closed in 2014 after the business was sold.
“I’m going to miss seeing the people and the families I’ve know for three or four generations. I even performed marriages for a few of them as a notary,” Reading said in a 2014 interview. “We know the people so well…..we love them.”
Reading was underage when he joined the Navy at just 14, and he later joined the Army Air Corps/Air Force. Family said his life was one adventure after another. He owned several motorcycles and airplanes, was an animal lover and Civil War history expert. He authored 10 novels, was a giver of good advice, and “the teller of the tallest tales”.
He is survived by his wife of 69 years, two children, three grandchildren and numerous other relatives.
For the complete obituary, click here.
Fire Damages Beulah Mobile Home
December 28, 2019
Fire heavily damaged a mobile home in Beulah Friday afternoon.
The fire in the 8000 block of Rebel Acres Lane was reported about 4:30 p.m. There were no injuries reported.
The Beulah, Ensley, Bellview, Osceola and Myrtle Grove stations of Escambia Fire Rescue and Escambia County EMS were dispatched to the blaze.
Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
