Senate Approves Bill To Raise Minimum Age To 21 For Tobacco, Vaping Products
March 26, 2019
A Florida Senate committee has approved a bill that raises the minimum age to possess tobacco or vaping products from 18 to 21.
The Senate Health Policy Committee approved the measure Monday that would also prevent the sale of vaping products and tobacco in vending machines. To move closer to becoming law, the bill still needs the approval of additional committees and the Legislature.
New Ransom Middle Rules: Cellphones Restricted, No Open Containers, No Headphones
March 26, 2019
New rules went into effect Monday at Ransom Middle School governing the use of cellphones, open drink containers and headphones.
Cellphone use during class is now prohibited, according to the school. Students are allowed to use their phones during lunch and between classes, but they must be put away before entering classrooms.
Also, no headphones are allowed, and no open beverage containers are allowed on campus.
Tate Shuts Out PHS With Grand Slam From Land, Homers From LaFleur And McLean
March 26, 2019
The Tate Aggies shut out the Pensacola Tigers Monday night 8-0.
The Aggies exploded with home runs from Raymond LaFleur and Hunter McLean, and Mason Land hit a grand slam. Cole Fryman also had a couple of hits for Tate.
The winning pitcher for the Aggies was Sam Shackle, giving up no run on one hit and striking out seven in three and two-thirds innings. Ethan George threw three and a third innings in relief.
The varsity Aggies will be at Washington on Thursday at 7 p.m.
Pictured: The Tate Aggies shut out PHS Tuesday. Photos by Crystal Tolbert for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Who? Who? Ollie The Owl Stops By Byrneville Elementary
March 26, 2019
Students at Byrneville Elementary School were excited to see who was spotted at the school Monday with a few important lessons.
Who? Who? Who you say? It was none other than Ollie The Owl. He found a perch on a campus utility pole, and that’s “owl” the school needed to get students outside and giving a “hoot” about science and nature.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
New Data: Magnitude 2.7 Earthquake Was In Century; Fifth Area Quake Of The Month
March 25, 2019
The fifth earthquake in the area this month occurred Sunday morning in Century.
The USGS says the magnitude 2.7 quake occurred at 6:40 a.m. near Century. The first epicenter was first reported by the USGS to be in Alabama, but further analysis of the data Monday determined the center to be near the end of Old Ferry Road off Campbell Road.
Earlier this month earthquakes were reported as follows:
- March 13- Magnitude 2.2 earthquake occurred about 1.1 miles south of Pollard, or about 5 miles northeast of Century, at 1:50 a.m.
- March 12- Magnitude 2.3 earthquake was centered near Highway 31 and Hillview Drive in Flomaton about 8:26 p.m.
- March 11 -Magnitude 3.1 earthquake was reported just outside Flomaton near Old Fannie Road and Welka Road at 1:36 p.m.
- March 6 -Magnitude 2.7 earthquake was reported near the intersection of Nelsontown Road and Shell Road between Century and Jay.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the North Escambia area sits on the Bahamas Fracture Seismic Zone (the BSZ). Several earthquakes have occurred along this zone in recent years, but most are too weak to be felt by residents. A significant earthquake is not considered likely in the area.
Florida Special Olympics Torch Run Begins In Century
March 25, 2019
The 2018 Law Enforcement Torch Run in support of Florida Special Olympics began in Century Monday morning and continued in Pensacola.
The torch run started at the Florida/Alabama state line Monday morning. Runners from Century Correctional Institution with an escort from Escambia County Sheriff’s Office carried the torch down Highway 29 to the Century Chamber of Commerce. An addition leg of the torch run Monday was set from the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office to Bartram Park.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Statewide, the participating chiefs, officers, sheriffs, deputies, agents and cadets from virtually every branch of federal, state, county and municipal law enforcement, represent a total of over 300 different agencies. Funds are generated through the sale of the popular Torch Run T-shirts and hats, and through various local fundraising events.
The Florida Special Olympics State Summer Games begin May 17 in Lake Buena Vista, FL.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Man Accused Of Firing Gun Into Vehicle, Missing Victim By Inches
March 25, 2019
A Cantonment man has been accused firing a gun into the vehicle, missing a retired postal worker by just inches.
Joseph Craig Kittrell, 25, was charged with attempted aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, discharging a firearm in public and criminal mischief.
The victim told deputies he was visiting Kittrell at a shop at the end of a driveway in the 1200 block of Muscogee Road. As the victim was leaving, he said Kittrell suddenly backed a pickup truck into his path, blocking him from leaving. Kittrell then exited the truck, screaming at the victim for driving too fast and making physical threats, according to arrest report.
The victim, a retired 67-year old postal worker, believed his life was being threatened, picked up his revolver and placed it on the dashboard of his vehicle, drove around the pickup and up the driveway toward Muscogee Road. Kittrell began to shooting at the vehicle, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said.
Four 45-caliber handgun rounds hit the vehicle, with one round entering the rear passenger window, traveling through the vehicle and exiting the center of the windshield, just missing the victim by inches, the arrest report states. Three rounds hit the right rear passenger side of the vehicle.
The victim told deputies he never aimed his firearm at Kittrell.
Multiple members of Kittrell’s family told deputies they witnessed the incident and believed the victim was going to shoot Kittrell before he fired into the truck.
Kittrell’s statements to law enforcement were redacted from the arrest report. He was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $41,000 bond.
Atmore Police Consider Body Cameras
March 25, 2019
The Atmore Police Department is considering body cameras for officers.
Police Chief Chuck Brooks says the cameras will make investigations easier and provide conclusive evidence.
One plan under consideration would provide free body cameras for officers but storage space for the video would cost a total of $100,000 over a five-year contract.
Before body cameras are used in Atmore, the city council must approve the expenditure and there will be policies in place.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Northview Names 2019-2020 Cheerleaders
March 25, 2019
Northview High School has named their 2019-2020 cheerleaders.
They are:
VARSITY -
Briana White, Cloe Smith, Bailey VanPelt, Madicyn Bell, Jayla Barron, Nadia Carach, Abigail Nelson, Sophie Cotita, Hannah Hughes, Emily Stabler, Anna Adams, Taylor McMinn, Madison Peterson, Franki Daw, Sarah Hetrick
JV
Ragan Lassiter, Anna Lee, Jessica Stabler, Kaia Montgomery, Nakya Brown, Megan McGhee, Paige Lassiter, Leah Anderson, Leila Sanders, Caitlyn Gibson, Anna Spence, Presley Dortch, Emma Gilmore
Mascot – Shelby Cotita
Now Steady Gas Prices Expected To Rise
March 25, 2019
Florida gas prices have held steady for the past week, but prices at the pump may increase this week. Crude oil and wholesale gasoline prices rose last week, following another round of declining fuel supplies.
“Florida drivers may see gas prices rise another 10 cents this week,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Both planned and unplanned refinery maintenance, rising demand, and the switch to summer gasoline continue to contribute to the seasonal springtime jump at the pump. Based on current conditions, gas prices will likely peak sometime between Cinco de Mayo and Memorial Day weekend.”
Florida motorists are currently paying an average price of $2.62 per gallon for regular unleaded. The state average is nearly 30 cents more than a month ago, and 7 cents more than this time last year.
The average price per gallon in Escambia County was $2.77, up from $2.31 a month ago.