Pensacola Opera Presents Hansel And Gretel At Molino Branch Library
February 7, 2019
<The Pensacola Opera presented Hansel and Gretel Wednesday morning at the Molino Branch Library. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Florida Ag Boss Says Hemp Could Me Major Industry, Appoints Cannabis Czar
February 7, 2019
Saying hemp is poised to be a “multibillion-dollar industry in the state,” Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried on Wednesday appointed the state’s first cannabis czar.
Fried, a Democrat elected in November who made increasing access to medical marijuana one of the cornerstones of her campaign, tapped Holly Bell, a former banker, to serve as director of cannabis. Fried created the position after taking over the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services last month.
Bell, who has a degree in agricultural economics from Purdue University, has worked as a cannabis consultant in other states and helped “build the infrastructure to create Tennessee’s industrial hemp program,” according to a news release issued by Fried’s office Wednesday.
Fried said Bell will work with farmers and scientists to help develop Florida’s nascent hemp industry following the passage of a federal farm bill that broadly legalized hemp, a cannabis plant that does not contain euphoria-inducing THC. Also, Bell will monitor other state agencies’ activities regarding medical marijuana.
“The stakes are really high here in our state to get this right. Studies show that Florida can be the number one state in America for medical marijuana and to help involve and bring up this industry,” Fried told reporters at a news conference announcing Bell’s appointment.
Bell said she helped Tennessee farmers embrace hemp as an alternative to tobacco, soybeans, cattle and cotton — crops similar to those grown in Florida.
“Hemp is a multibillion-dollar opportunity and potential for the state of Florida and the agriculture community as an alternative crop. After 80 years of stalled progress, we can finally begin to put cannabis to work for farmers, consumers and patients here in Florida,” Bell said at a news conference.
Fried, a lawyer and onetime medical marijuana lobbyist, called cannabis her department’s “top priority.”
She also ticked off a list of problems with the state’s implementation of a constitutional amendment, approved by voters in 2016, that legalized medical marijuana for a broad swath of patients.
Insurance companies do not cover the cannabis treatment, cities have prohibited marijuana operators from opening retail stores, and “we don’t have enough licenses” for operators to meet patient demand, Fried said.
“When we have a supply problem, we can’t reduce the cost,” she said.
The state also needs to revisit the “vertical integration” system that requires operators to grow, process and distribute cannabis and related products, Fried said. Moving away from vertical integration could involve opening the industry to companies that wouldn’t be responsible for all aspects of the cannabis business. For example, some companies could operate solely as dispensaries or as growers.
While many of the items Fried identified would require action by the Legislature or the state Department of Health, the agriculture commissioner said she intends to crack down on unregulated hemp-based products being sold at gas stations, grocery stores and smoke shops throughout Florida.
Many of the products contain or are advertised as containing low levels of non-euphoric cannabidiol, or CBD. The products, sold in oil, edible or even whole-flower form, are untested in Florida and have become a source of confusion for law enforcement officials and prosecutors.
Following the passage of the federal farm bill, which took hemp off the list of controlled substances, the state needs to oversee industrial hemp — which is used for rope, textiles and plastics, among other things — as well as all aspects of hemp-related products that are ingested or used in other ways by humans or animals, Fried said.
“Part of all of this is getting CBD to be regulated here in our state, grown here in our state, manufactured here, processed here, delivered here and to be part of ‘Fresh From Florida.’ This is a consumer issue. It is our job to make sure that the citizens of our state who are buying CBD know what is in it. You don’t have that right now,” she said.
When asked what her first task will be as the agriculture department’s cannabis chief, Bell paused.
“That’s a good question,” she said. “I’ve got to do a lot of research and get to know the team and work with the commissioner and put an outline together for her vision. Then, we’ll be implementing that.”
by Dara Kam, The News Service of Florida
Fire Damages Taco Bell On Nine Mile Road
February 6, 2019
Fire damaged the Taco Bell on Nine Mile Road at Chemstrand Road Wednesday afternoon.
The fire was reported just after 3:30 p.m. The first firefighters arriving on scene reported a heavy ceiling fire, according to Joy Tsubooka, spokesperson for Escambia County. No one was reported to be trapped or injured. The fire was reported under control at 4:06 p.m. and declared out at 4:43 p.m.
There’s no word yet on the cause of the fire.
At least six fire engines and two ladder trucks from Escambia Fire Rescue responded, along with Navy Fire, Escambia County EMS, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Highway Patrol.
Fire crews were able to save about 75 percent of the building, Tsubooka said. The Florida State Fire Marshal is investigating.
We reached out to Taco Bell’s corporate office in California and did not receive a response.
Pictured: The first firefighters arrive on scene at a fire at the Taco Bell on Nine Mile Road in Pensacola Wednesday afternoon. Pictured below: More photos as firefighters battle the fire. Photos by Dylan Shipman for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
ECSO: Ransom Middle Incident Included Weapons, Possible Suicide Pact Or School Attack Plan
February 6, 2019
Students that skipped school from Ransom Middle on Tuesday may face criminal charges and may have been involved in a suicide pact or school attack plan, according to information released Wednesday from the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies were called to Ransom Middle School in reference to six students who left campus and began texting other students about “an alleged/potential suicide pact or school attack/shooting”, the ECSO said in a statement.
The Sheriff’s Office searched a wooded area on the north side of the school for the students because video surveillance showed numerous students running from the school. The students were located with the assistance of the Escambia County Road Camp K-9’s. Two of the students were found to have weapons in book bags belonging to them. Warrants for their arrest are being sought, according to the ECSO. Deputies have not said what type of weapons the students allegedly possessed.
The Sheriff’s Office said the follow-up investigation revealed that social media posts from the night before (February 4) contained the following statements and emojis: “You’ll see you won’t see it coming. You won’t see me at school anymore. They won’t see it coming and would see it on the news of what would happen.” Emojis included a running man, a house, a knife and a pill.
NorthEscambia.com also obtained photographs of additional Snapchat stories that stated: “They won’t see it coming” with a running man, a house and a shushing face emoji. Several users were tagged in the message. A second Snapchat story included emojis of a running man, a house, knife and a shushing face.
On Tuesday, Escambia County School District officials did not release any details of the incident, other than to say six students were skipping school.
Pictured: Photographs of Snapchat stories obtained by NorthEscambia.com. The images have been edited to remove glare and user information. NorthEscambia.com photos.
Report: One Third Of Escambia Residents Struggle Financially
February 6, 2019
A third of all households in Escambia County struggle to pay for basic needs such as housing, child care, food, transportation, health care, and technology, according to a report released Tuesday by the United Way of Escambia County.
“There is enormous value in this data,” said United Way of Escambia County President & CEO Laura P. Gilliam. “It really paints an accurate picture of the working families struggling to get by in our community.” This struggle materializes at a rate of $26.48 per hour — what it takes a household of four in Escambia County to survive the associated costs of living.”
The households are earning above the poverty line but not enough to cover the most basic of needs like food and housing. Even in affordable communities, across the board increases in everything from child care to health care plague a family’s ability to save or buy a home despite holding down a 40-hour-a-week job.
“The people reflected in this study are working and providing direct services in our community every day, Gilliam stated. “The fact that this population has grown, despite the perceived growth of our community, shows that there’s still a lot of work to be done.”
The cost of basic household needs increased steadily, outpacing the rate of inflation and wage growth. The cost for a family of four in Escambia County to meet basic needs rose 6 percent annually and 8 percent monthly, these costs rose 14 percent annually and 14 percent monthly for a single adult. Compared to Florida where the cost rose 20 percent per family and 12 percent for a single adult.
“We started a movement five years ago to raise awareness about these families who work and want to provide for their families,” said United Way of Florida President Ted Ganger. “Through the efforts of our local United Ways and their partners we can develop simple, fiscally conservative solutions that would have an immediate, positive impact on families.”
The report states the biggest drivers of cost increases for families since the end of the recession are health care (14.5 percent) and taxes (23 percent).
Dozens Receive Driver’s License Services In Century, Mobile Unit To Return Quarterly
February 6, 2019
Escambia County Tax Collector Scott Lunsford was pleased with the turnout for the Florida Licensing On Wheels (FLOW) mobile office in Century on Tuesday.
There were 45 people that took advantage of the available of the mobile motorist services, an event that was a partnership between Lunsford and the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles at the Billy G. Ward Courthouse on North Century Boulevard.
There were 27 driver’s license transactions and eight motor vehicle registration renewals. Additionally 10 other people received information on how to get on their way to obtaining a valid license or identification card.
“It was a good turnout, and good to be able to provide these services in Century,” he said.
Lunsford said the mobile unit is slated to return to Century on a quarterly basis, with the next stop tentatively set for May.
FLOW is a stand-alone mobile office with technology to provide most motorists’ needs. The mobile unit provides a convenient method to renew a driver’s license, obtain a replacement driver’s license, conversion or reciprocation of out-of-state license, change a name or address on a current driver’s license or identification card, and get a first-time identification card. In addition to licensing services, the mobile unit also provides an opportunity to renew or replace a vehicle registration and apply, renew or replace disabled parking placards. Written and driving tests are not available from the FLOW unit.
Pictured: Florida Licensing On Wheels (FLOW) provided motorist services such as driver’s license renewals in Century Tuesday. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Escambia Schools Seek Public Input On School Calendar
February 6, 2019
The Escambia County School district is asking for public input to help develop the 2023-2024 academic year calendar.
“I encourage you to participate in this process by reviewing the draft proposals and taking a brief survey regarding each proposal. Survey results will be analyzed and shared with the District Calendar Committee, comprised of representatives from all stakeholder groups,” Superintendent Malcolm Thomas said in a recorded message to parents.
The final recommendation for the 2023-2024 calendar will go before the Escambia County School Board for consideration at their March 26 meeting.
For the calendar proposals and surveys, click here.
Creek Indian Enterprises Purchases Fairfield Inn In Atmore
February 6, 2019
Creek Indian Enterprises Development Authority (CIEDA) has purchased the Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott on Highway 21 at I-65 in atmore.
The hotel is located in the Rivercane development, near the Wind Creek Casino and adjacent to the Holiday Inn Express which was recently purchased by CIDEA. It is their eighth hotel investment property.
“The addition of this hotel property in Atmore allows us to expand our hotel offerings to a wider variety of travelers. We are pleased to be able to invest in Atmore and its tourism industry,” said CIEDA President/CEO Cody Williams.
Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Century Redevelopment Area Seeks Attorney, Executive Director
February 6, 2019
The Century Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) met this week and moved forward toward having an executive director and attorney in place.
The board voted to pursue an interlocal agreement with Escambia County to provide an executive director and to seek letters of intent for an attorney. The Century CRA boad will also entertain an interlocal agreement and memorandum of understanding with the Town of Century for staff services.
In October, the council approved a Tax Increment Financing plan for their redevelopment area, allowed the CRA to receive property tax revenues each year in excess of an established base rate. The appraised value of the property within the designated district was “frozen”this year, with that amount of tax revenue generated still designated for the town’s general fund, the county and other taxing authorities.
The redevelopment area will receive 95 percent of the property tax generated in excess of the frozen base value as property values rise. It is estimated that will amount to about $10,000 the first year for the beginning in 2020.
The CRA funds will be used to improve conditions in the 510 acres, bounded by Jefferson Avenue to the south, Jefferson Avenue to the east, East High 4 to the north and the center line of North Century Boulevard to the west. It also extends north on the east side of North Century Boulevard to include commercial properties up to, and including, the former Burger King.
The CRA received no funding during the October 1, 2017, to September 30, 2018, fiscal year because the base year for tax increment financing was established in 2018. The CRA will see its first redevelopment trust fund money next fiscal year.
Tax Increment Financing is a unique tool available to cities and counties for redevelopment activities. It is used to leverage public funds to promote private sector activities in the targeted redevelopment area. Property owners in the CRA will pay the same tax rate as those in the remainder of the town.
TIF revenue can be used on a “pay as you go” basis, where the annual stream of revenue is used to fund small projects, or used to pay debt service costs over the life of a project lasting 10 or more years. Historically in Florida, TIF has been effective at generating large amounts of funding for capital investments for roadway improvements, flood control programs, water and sewer and drainage infrastructure improvements, parking lots and garages, neighborhood parks, sidewalks, street and sidewalk tree plantings, signs and building construction.
After a February 2016 tornado damaged or destroyed 40 homes and businesses, the town looked to address the long-term effects on the community of a downturn in economic development. That led to the redevelopment area.
The CRA plan sets a roadmap for future development and spending to eliminate existing conditions of blight and to encourage continued private investment. The plan also provides a framework for coordinating and facilitating public and private redevelopment within the area.
Review the Century CRA plan by clicking here.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Molino Bar Seeks Noise Ordinance Waiver For Mardi Gras Party
February 6, 2019
A Molino bar is seeking a noise ordinance waiver for a Mardi Gras party with a live band.
Louie’s Tavern in the 200 block of Molino Road wants to hold the party on Saturday, February 16 from 6 p.m. until midnight.
The Escambia County Commission will consider the noise ordinance waiver at their Thursday meeting. If approved, the Building Inspections Division will issue a Special Event permit for the exemption, and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office will be notified that the waiver was issued.