Century For Independent Living Disability To Hold Public Session In Molino
June 18, 2019
The Center for Independent Living Disability Resource Center is hosting a public strategic planning session Thursday in Molino and Pensacola. The CIL is looking for input from people with disabilities, their families, caregivers, and other community members.
The Center for Independent Living Disability Resource Center is a consumer-controlled, community-based, cross-disability, nonresidential private non-profit agency that is designed and operated within a local community by individuals with disabilities and provides an array of independent living services. Clients are not charged for core services.
Thursday’s meetings will be held:
- 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. at Studer Community Institute, 202 W. Garden St., Pensacola
- 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Molino Community Center, 6450 Hwy 95A Molino
ECFR Responds To Reported House Fire Off 10 Mile Road
June 18, 2019
Escambia Fire Rescue responded to a reported structure fire just after 7:30 p.m. Monday on Mercer Lane, just south of 10 Mile Road.
No injuries were reported, and damage to the home did not appear to be severe from the roadway.
No further details were available.
Reader submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tri-County Softball All-Stars Claim District Championship, Headed To State
June 18, 2019
The Tri-County Little League Minor Softball All-Star team claimed the District 1 Championship this past week. This win also clinched the Sectional Championship, advancing them straight to the state tournament beginning July 5 near Ft. Myers.
The team is looking for sponsors to help defray costs. Tax deductible donations can be made to Jay Recreation Association, PO Box 241 Jay, FL 32565. In the check memo field, notate Softball All-Stars. For more information, contact Jay Rec/Tri-County President, Tony deGraaf at (850) 698-0735.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Jay High Names Mike Roberts As New Head Baseball Coach
June 18, 2019
Jay High School has named Mike Roberts as the new head baseball coach for the Royals.
Roberts brings several years of head coaching experience to Jay, including six playoff appearances at Central High School and a trip to the FHSAA Final Four in 2016.
Photo courtesy Jay High School for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
DeSantis Redistributes Election Security Funding
June 18, 2019
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced that the Florida Department of State (DOS) and Florida’s 67 county supervisors of elections will engage in a cooperative cybersecurity initiative ahead of the 2020 election.
DeSantis is also supporting the redistribution of $2.3 million in unexpended funds to supervisors of eections to support their continued efforts to enhance election security. This is in addition to the $2.8 million appropriated by the Florida Legislature for the upcoming fiscal year.
The announcement follow DeSantis’ May 22nd directive to initiate a review of elections systems security and cybersecurity throughout the state in order to ensure Florida’s elections infrastructure at the state and local level is protected.
“I am pleased to announce that the Secretary of State and all 67 supervisors of elections will engage in a cooperative, joint cybersecurity initiative ahead of the 2020 elections that will identify and address any vulnerabilities in our elections infrastructure,” said DeSantis. “Additionally, the Department of State will redistribute $2.3 million in funding to supervisors of elections so they can continue to make any necessary election security upgrades, in addition to the $2.8 million already appropriated for the fiscal year. In total, the state is giving $5.1 million for elections cybersecurity as we head into 2020.”
DOS and the supervisors of eElections will conduct a thorough elections-specific assessment and evaluate weaknesses in Florida’s elections systems as well as identify the potential for human vulnerabilities. Any weaknesses or vulnerabilities that are identified at the state or county level will be addressed or mitigated prior to the 2020 Presidential Preference Primary in March 2020.
DOS will establish regular monitoring of supervisors of elections’ networks in order to look for potential vulnerabilities on an on-going basis. DOS Cyber Navigators will provide cybersecurity trainings for DOS, supervisors of elections and staff as well as work with the DOS Information Technology team to provide IT support to small counties with limited resources.
Fire Damages Molino Mobile Home
June 17, 2019
Fire heavily damaged a Molino mobile home late Monday afternoon.
Heavy smoke was showing when firefighters arrived on scene. The fire on Dave Floyd Road off of Highway 95A was reported just before 6 p.m.
There were no injuries reported. The fire marshal is investigating the cause of the blaze.
The Molino, McDavid, Walnut Hill, and Cantonment stations of Escambia Fire Rescue responded.
Northescambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour. Click to enlarge.
Fire Destroys Truck On Highway 95A
June 17, 2019
Firefighters responded to a vehicle fire in the 3000 block of Highway 95A adjacent to Highway 29 shortly after 2 p.m. Monday. A truck was destroyed by fire.
There were no injuries reported and no immediate word on the cause.. The Ensley Station of Escambia Fire Rescue responded.
Images for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Inmate Fatally Stabbed At Fountain Prison In Atmore
June 17, 2019
An inmate was fatally stabbed at Fountain Correctional Facility in Atmore on Saturday.
At approximately 5:15 p.m., correctional officers found Jeremy Reshad Bailey, 29, inside a facility housing area suffering from a stab wound. Bailey was taken to an area hospital but later succumbed to his injury.
Officials identified 31-year-old Jarvis Terrell Taylor as a suspect in the stabbing. Taylor, who is serving a 30-year sentence on a 2007 first-degree robbery conviction in Montgomery County, faces a murder charge.
Bailey was serving a 7-year-sentence on a 2017 distribution of a controlled substance conviction in Jefferson County.
The incident remains under investigation.
Seat Belt Violation Traffic Stop Leads To Drug Arrest
June 17, 2019
A traffic stop for a seat belt violation ended with a Cantonment man behind bars on drug charges.
Benjamin Wayne Ritz, 24, was charged with possession of a crack cocaine, possession of a synthetic cannabinoid (spice), possession of drug paraphernalia and driving while license revoked.
A deputy observed Ritz driving without wearing his seat belt on Virecent Road near Cottage Hill Road, and he conducted a traffic stop.
The deputy discovered Ritz’s drivers license was revoked in 2014. During a search of the vehicle, deputies discovered crack cocaine in small container in the vehicle’s center console, spice, a homemade smoking glass pipe and a Smith & Wesson .38 special revolver, according to an arrest report. A computer check showed the firearm was not stolen.
Ritz was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $6,000 bond. He also received a citation for not wearing a seat belt.
Got Moo? Check On The Moogician This Week At The Library
June 17, 2019
The Moogician will do everything dairy with magic and songs this week during the Summer Reading program at the library.
The schedule is as follows:
Tuesday, June 18, 11 a.m. – Southwest Branch (held at Big Lagoon State Park)
Tuesday, June 18, 3 p.m. Tryon Branch Library
Wednesday, June 19, 11 a.m. – Century Branch Library
Wednesday, June 19, 3 p.m. – Pensacola Library
Thursday, June 20, 11 a.m. – Molino Branch Library
Friday, June 21, 11 a.m. – Tryon Branch Library