Wednesday Was Gopher Tortoise Day
April 10, 2019
Florida celebrated Gopher Tortoise Day on Wednesday.
Gopher tortoises are found in all 67 counties and are frequently encountered in neighborhoods, along roadways, and in many of Florida’s public parks and forests. The goal of Gopher Tortoise Day is to increase awareness and appreciation for these long lived, gentle reptiles.
A gopher tortoise strolling across a road or through a backyard or field is a common sight during spring in the North Escambia area. Yet as tortoises become increasingly active this time of year, they are vulnerable to being struck by vehicles and injured or killed.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is urging residents to look out for these slow-moving reptiles with their bony-plated shells and elephantine legs. They leave their burrows in search of green plants to eat and a tortoise to become their mate. From now through May, females will be laying eggs the size of ping-pong balls in the sandy apron outside their burrows.
FWC is also encouraging drivers to slow down on highways to help protect the state’s gopher tortoises. If a gopher tortoise is crossing the road, it is OK to pick it up and move it to safety — but keep it pointed in the direction it was heading and do not put this terrestrial animal into the water.
People also can help by downloading and using a smartphone app to report to the FWC when and where they spot gopher tortoises. The free “Florida gopher tortoise” app recently became available on iPhone and Android. When users of the app take a photograph of a tortoise or its burrow, the photo and its GPS coordinates will be sent automatically to the FWC.
App-generated data collected by citizen scientists will help guide conservation of this threatened species. Biological information and a quiz testing the user’s knowledge of the only tortoise east of the Mississippi River also are included in the app.
Harming a gopher tortoise, its burrows or eggs is against the law.
T.C. Venom, Pensacola Jets Suspended By League After Century Shooting
April 10, 2019
As the investigation continues into shots fired following an adult football game in Century, both teams have been suspended by their league.
The suspension for the T.C. Venom, which plays in Century, and the Greater Pensacola Jets, is “until further notice,” the Amateur to Professional Developmental Football League told NorthEscambia.com Tuesday night.
After the Pensacola Jets beat the host team T.C. Venom at Anthony Pleasant Park, a brawl broke out and at least three shots were fired by someone on the field Saturday night at Anthony Pleasant Park in Century. There were no injuries. [Click here for more details, shooting video ...]
“The Amateur to Professional Developmental Football League has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to any and all types of violence no matter how big or small it may be. This is and has always been reflected in our leagues rules and bylaws,” APDFL President Anastasia Hunt and Commissioner Bernard Hunt said in a statement. “As this most recent event has been brought to our attention, we feel it necessary to acknowledge that neither the Greater Pensacola Jets nor TC Venom, are present active members of the Amateur to Professional Developmental Football League.”
“We expect more of ourselves and I demand more than that from TC Venom. We are not done. We will be back sooner than many expect,” Venom head coach and owner Luis Waters said after the suspension announcement. ” … my guys deserve to play football. And we will. I stick to my word about more security at our home games. It’s my duty to assure that our fans are protected and I will do that from now on. That’s a promise.”
If the suspension is lifted, the Venom’s next scheduled game is April 27 at the South Alabama Dolphins in Mobile.
NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Man Facing Numerous Drug Charges After Traffic Stop For Speeding
April 10, 2019
A Cantonment man was charged with multiple drug offenses after a traffic stop in Escambia County.
Jerry Wayne Floyd, Jr., was charged with possession of a controlled substance (Ecstasy), possession of a controlled substance (heroin), trafficking methamphetamine, possession of marijuana and possession of a drug paraphernalia.
An Escambia County deputy stopped Floyd, 26, for driving 62 mph in a 40 mph zone in the area of Fernwood Avenue and Yonge Street.
An Escambia County Sheriff’s Office K-9 alerted on the vehicle. During a search, deputies found 27 grams of crystal methamphetamine, 2.5 grams of heroin, 15 grams of marijuana, over 50 Ecstasy pills weighing 13.5 grams, a digital scale and $568 in cash, according to an arrest report.
Floyd was also ticketed for speeding. He remained in the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $56,000.
County Reacts To Public Safety Director’s Resignation; EMS Union Speaks Out
April 10, 2019
Escambia County administration is reacting to Tuesday’s resignation of Escambia County Public Safety Director Mike Weaver as the local EMS union also speaks out.
“We are extremely saddened to receive Mike Weaver’s letter of resignation. Mike has served the county as an EMT, paramedic, fire battalion chief, deputy fire chief, EMS division manager, in addition to his role of public safety director. We are losing almost 30 years of valuable knowledge, an exceptional employee, coworker and manager. However, we understand his personal choice to resign. It takes a very honorable person who can put the needs of Escambia County residents first, by not wanting to let differing agendas distract from the core of public safety,” Interim County Administrator Amy Lovoy said in a prepared statement.
In his resignation letter, Weaver said he resigned because “false accusations about my work performance and character are being made by an employee union.” He said the “slanderous comments can only distract others from the true needs of their Public Safety Department.”
“I have always held myself that the needs of my neighbors are always paramount to those of my own,” Weaver wrote.
Lovoy said Assistant County Administrator Matt Coughlin will take on the day-to-day duties of public safety director, and Deputy Fire Chief Paul Williams will serve as interim fire chief after Chief Rusty Nail departs. Last week, Nail announced his resignation effective June 1.
The Escambia County Professional Firefighters held a no-confidence vote on Weaver and called for his resignation last week. [Read more ...]
And Tuesday, the International Association of EMTs and Paramedics, representing Local 325, also announced they had unanimously approved a vote of no confidence in Weaver. The union represents Escambia County EMS employees.
In a letter, IAEP National Director Philip Petit cited a poor atmosphere and poor management by Weaver.
“All of these factors have severely damaged the relationship between the County’s first responders and those tasked with leading, protecting and managing the department,” Petit said. He blamed Weaver for the Nail’s resignation.
“Morale in the EMS Department remains at an all-time low. Retention of experienced employees is abysmal and recruitment of qualified new candidates remains difficult at best,” the union boss wrote.
Below: Mike Weaver’s resignation letter.
Escambia County Makes School Zone Improvements At Byrneville Elementary
April 10, 2019
Escambia County recently made school zone safety improvements at Byrneville Elementary School, including a new paved lane on Byrneville Road to facilitate student drop-offs and pick-ups. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Baseball Wins For Northview, Tate; Tate Softball Takes Two From Pace
April 10, 2019
BASEBALL
Northview 10, Central 3
The Northview Chiefs beat Central 10-3 on the road Tuesday night.
Tanner Levins went three innings for Northview, allowing one hit with no runs, striking out four and walking one.
The Chiefs had 15 stolen bases during the game, including five by Nick Venable, who went 3-5 with two runs at the plate.
Also for Northview: Seth Killam 2-4, 2RBI, R, 2B, 3B; Adam Aliff 3-5, 3R, RBI, 2B; Jacob Bryant 1-4; Jackson Moore 2-4, 2R, RBI; Taylor Wilson 1-2, R; Ben Wilson R, 2RBI; Bricen Love 1-4.
Tate 8, West Florida 3 (Freshmen)
The Tate Aggies Freshman team beat west Florida 8-3 Tuesday night after a strong six run sixth inning.
Josiah Glodfelter earned the victory for the Aggies, lasting five and a third innings, allowing two hits and three runs while striking out 10 and walking one. Chase Lombardo threw one and two-thirds innings in relief out of the bullpen.
Saxon Hill Hill, Warren Henke and Jaxson Stafford collected two hits each to lead Tate. Tucker Griffin, Wiley Griffin, Dagan Guy, Henke, Hill, Kirk Mosley, Stafford and Paul Whitson all had an RBI.
SOFTBALL
Tate 7, Pace 3
Tate defeated Pace 7-3 Tuesday night.
Avery Beauchanie pitched a complete game, allowing eight hits and three runs while striking out one.
Hannah Halfacre led the Aggies at the plate, going 4-4 with two runs.
Tate 14, Pace 7 (JV)
The Tate Lady Aggies beat Pace 14-7 Tuesday.
Courtney Lundquist went one inning on the mound giving up no, no runs, committing no errors and walking three. Aaliyah Jordan pitched one and a third innings allowing no hits, and six runs while walking nine and striking out one. Ella Little pitched one and two-thirds innings giving up one hit and one run.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Tate Tennis Defeats Gulf Breeze
April 10, 2019
The Tate Aggies girls tennis team defeated Gulf Breeze 4-3 in a hard fought match Tuesday.
Several players overcame early deficits to win their matches and maintain their seeding into the district tournament on April 15.
Their next match is at Pace on Wednesday, and the Aggies will finish their regular season Friday at Milton.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Public Safety Director Resigns Day After Firefighter Union Calls For His Removal
April 9, 2019
Escambia County Public Safety Director Mike Weaver has resigned, the day after the local firefighter union called for him to be removed.
After submitting his letter of resignation Tuesday, Weaver told NorthEscambia.com that he was ready to retire and that “some of the stuff going around is simply not true”.
In his resignation letter, Weaver said he was resigning because “false accusations about my work performance and character are being made by an employee union”. He said the “slanderous comments can only distract others from the true needs of their Public Safety Department.”
“I have always held myself that the needs of my neighbors are always paramount to those of my own,” Weaver wrote.
(story continues below image)
Last week, Fire Chief Rusty Nail and Human Resources Director Eric Kleinert both resigned on the same day. The county’s IT director also recently resigned. There has not been no connection announced between the resignations.
Weaver’s announcement came the day after the Escambia County Professional Firefighters Union has notified the Escambia County Commission that the union had a vote of no confidence in him.
“Director Weaver has continuously demonstrated his inability to effectively lead the divisions of Public Safety, and has repeatedly failed to advocate for the true needs of Escambia County Fire Rescue,” the letter from Nick Gradia, union president, states.
“Director Weaver, despite the documented information and recommendations of staff, lacks the vision and fortitude to appropriately advocate for necessary service levels. Director Weaver’s obstructionist mentality and lack of long-term strategic planning constrains the ability of the men and women of Public Safety to provide safe and efficient emergency services to the citizens of Escambia County,” it also states.
The letter calls for the “decisive action” of the county commission to immediately remove Weaver from his position.
Weaver declined to comment for this story.
To read the entire firefighter’s union letter, click here.
Cantonment Woman Charged After Toddlers Found Alone Crossing Busy Road
April 9, 2019
A Cantonment woman is facing multiple felony child abuse charges after her toddlers were found walking in a busy roadway just off Highway 29.
Melissa Brook Hughes, 31, was charged with two counts of child neglect and two counts of child abuse.
A 1-year old and a 3-year old were found walking alone near the railroad crossing on West Roberts Road, just off Highway 29 Sunday afternoon. Bystanders called the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies arrived to find Hughes carry the children back to a house, and a witness told him that the children had crossed the road and were almost hit by passing vehicles.
The deputy noted that Hughes’ home was in complete disarray with trash everywhere. There was no food in the pantry, spoiled food in the refrigerator, many dirty dishes in the home’s kitchen, “hazards” in the children’s bedrooms and bugs throughout the house, according to an arrest report.
The children had several injuries, including bruising, scratch marks and scabs, the report further states.
The Department of Children and Families took emergency custody of both children and transported them to a local hospital for evaluation.
Hughes remained in the Escambia County Jail with her bond set at $40,000.
Investigation Continues Into Shots Fired At Century Football Game; Team Owners, Mayor React
April 9, 2019
The investigation is continuing into gunshots that were fired following a minor league adult football game Saturday night in Century.
After the Pensacola Jets beat the host team T.C. Venom at Anthony Pleasant Park, a brawl broke out and at least three shots were fired by someone on the field. There were no injuries.
(Shooting can be heard at about 37 seconds into the video below.)
Now, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to review video obtained exclusively by NorthEscambia.com and question witnesses, and the two teams are blaming each other.
T.C. Venom head coach Luis Waters said a Pensacola Jets player provoked a female Venom fan before the game even started.
“I tried to de-escalate the situation by talking to the owner and head coach, Fred Barnett, of the Pensacola Jets. He pretty much said it was fine, and I told him that it wasn’t and this was our field and our rules.”
“I threatened to have that guy removed from the game before the game even started. That player later came to me on the sideline shortly before kickoff and apologized to me for his words and his actions,” he said.
It was that player, the Venom coach said, that was later ejected from the game “because he still couldn’t control himself. Players like that have a lack of disciple, lack of leadership. I feel like the owner and head coach of the Pensacola Jets has failed that player as a head coach by not being able to control his guys.”
In a statement, Barnett said, “The events that took place after our game in Century against the Venom was unfortunate and shouldn’t have happened and couldn’t been prevented. The Jets and the league are not about situations like this.”
Waters agreed the fight and subsequent gunfire should have never occurred. “No fight should ever happen at any sporting event. If you cannot be a man and show your sportsmanship… somebody’s got to win. You suck it up and show your sportsmanship. You shake hands, and you go home.”
“We are going to back up; we are going to put this situation behind us. Hopefully the town of Century and the community of Flomaton stands behind us,” Water said. “We are going to tighten up on security at our next home game.”
Water said there were deputies at Anthony Pleasant Park on Saturday, but they were not paid security. He said he spoke to one of them at halftime, but they were no longer in the park by the end of the game.
In his statement, Barnett said, “The APDFL has zero tolerance for violence and guns, that’s why it is in our league bylaws that uniformed officers are required at each game. The Venom did not adhere to that rule.”
Mayor Reacts
“I was disappointed, because this was grown folks,” Century Mayor Hawkins said late Monday afternoon. “Somebody just acted irrationally and stupid.”
Hawkins said as far as he is concerned, the Venom will be able to play their remaining home game May 11 on the town’s field. He acknowledged the issue will likely be discussed the next town council meeting, but he will recommended that the game go on because Waters has promised to have adequate security.
In 2011, the town implemented a policy requiring a deputy at most events held at their two indoor community centers after two people were shot. Hawkins said that policy does not extend to the outdoor sports fields and any deputy would be the financial responsibility of the team.
“If I required deputies at these events (at the outdoor parks), I am going to have to require deputies at little league because sometimes the parents get worse than the children. That’s evident because of what happened Saturday,” he said.
NorthEscambia.com photos.
