School District Educational Support Personnel Job Fair Wednesday
July 17, 2018
The Escambia County School District will hold and educational support personnel job fair Wednesday from 8 a.m. until noon at the J.E. Hall Center at 30 East Texar Drive.
Positions are available in food services, custodial, transportation and exceptional student education. Computers will be available on site for applicants to apply for positions and schedule fingerprinting to continue the application process. Applicants will be responsible for the fingerprinting fee. Human Resources personnel will also be present to assist with the application process and to answer questions.
Court Moves Forward With ‘Jane Doe’ Issue In Florida Gun case
July 17, 2018
A federal appeals court Monday cleared the way for considering a dispute about whether two teens can remain anonymous in a challenge to a new Florida law that raised the minimum age to buy rifles and other long guns.
The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issued a two-page document that said it “appears that this court has jurisdiction to consider this appeal,” though it said a final determination on that jurisdiction will be made later by a panel of judges who will hear the anonymity issue.
The appeal stems from a ruling in May by U.S. District Judge Mark Walker that a 19-year-old Alachua County woman, identified as “Jane Doe,” could not remain anonymous as a plaintiff in a National Rifle Association challenge to the gun law. The NRA also sought to add to the case a 19-year-old man, identified as “John Doe,” who could be affected by the law.
After Walker’s ruling, the NRA went to the Atlanta-based appeals court seeking to allow the teens to remain anonymous. The appeals court, however, raised a question about whether it should consider the anonymity matter and said that if “it is determined that this court is without jurisdiction, this appeal will be dismissed.”
The NRA contended the appeals court has jurisdiction over the anonymity issue. Also, Attorney General Pam Bondi’s office, which has objected to the teens remaining anonymous, agreed that the appeals court could take up the dispute.
The anonymity issue is rooted in a federal lawsuit that the NRA filed March 9 after Gov. Rick Scott signed into law a sweeping school-safety measure that included new gun-related restrictions. The legislation was a response to the Feb. 14 shooting at Parkland’s Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School that left 17 students and faculty members dead. In part, the law raised from 18 to 21 the minimum age to purchase rifles and other long guns.
After filing the lawsuit, the NRA moved to add the two teens to the case but sought to keep their identities private. NRA attorneys argued in a brief filed June 27 in the appeals court that the teens feared “that being publicly named in and associated with the case would subject them to harassment, intimidation, threats, and potentially even physical violence.” It also pointed to numerous harassing and threatening emails and phone calls received by prominent NRA lobbyist Marion Hammer since the shooting in Parkland and the filing of the lawsuit.
“The context of this case — and of Jane Doe and John Doe’s request to remain anonymous — cannot be understood apart from the tragic February 14 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and its aftermath,” the NRA’s lawyers wrote in the brief. “That event not only led to the enactment of the ban (on people under 21 buying guns) challenged in this case; it was the catalyst for a nationwide effort to restrict the possession and use of firearms. Funded by a group of anti-gun organizations, activists have barnstormed the country advocating restrictions on the right to keep and bear arms.”
In ruling against the anonymity request in May, Walker wrote that if “it were entirely up to this court, this court would not hesitate to grant the NRA’s motion.” But Walker indicated he was bound by previous legal decisions.
Based on precedent, “this court finds that mere evidence of threats and harassment made online is insufficient to outweigh the customary and constitutionally-embedded presumption of openness in judicial proceedings,” Walker wrote. “This is especially true where the targets of such threats and harassment are not minors and where the subject at issue does not involve matters of utmost intimacy.”
While the NRA and state await action from the appeals court on the anonymity issue, the underlying challenge to the law signed by Scott has largely remained on hold. After the anonymity issue is resolved, Walker will consider the legality of the gun restriction.
Meanwhile, Hammer filed lawsuits Friday in state and federal courts against five men she says have targeted her with harmful emails and phone calls since the massacre in Parkland.
by Jim Saunders, The News Service of Florida
Wahoos Series Finale Against Braves Washed Away
July 17, 2018
Mother nature simply did not want Pensacola and Mississippi to play one last time. Monday’s series finale—and final matchup between these two teams this season—was cancelled due to rain.
Heavy rain rendered the field unplayable prior to Monday’s scheduled first pitch. Pensacola won 16 of the 25 regular season matchups with the Braves this season. With the cancelled game, the Blue Wahoos have split each of the last two series, having won twice against the Mobile BayBears earlier in the week.
Pensacola hopes to return home to drier pastures when they open up a five-game set against their divisional foes from Jacksonville, beginning on Wednesday night. RHP Vladimir Gutierrez was expected to Wednesday’s opener, but due to the weather, the rotation could be altered. The Jumbo Shrimp are expected to start one of their premier pitching prospects in RHP Nick Neidert (8-5, 2.75).
Century Armed Robbery Suspect Captured In Alabama
July 16, 2018
A Century armed robbery suspect was captured this afternoon in Alabama.
Devante Aaron Knight, 26, was arrested before 2 p.m. in Conecuh County, AL, near Evergreen, according to local authorities.
Knight robbed the Century Kwik Stop at 8130 North Century Boulevard at just before 10 p.m. on July 2, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. Escambia County deputies said Knight was considered armed and dangerous.
It is expected Knight will face unknown charges in Coneuch County. He will also be extradited back to Escambia County.
Wreck Claims Life Of Pedestrian From Atmore, Driver Charged With DUI
July 16, 2018
An Atmore man has passed away from injuries he received when he was struck by a DUI driver Saturday night in Bay Minette.
Logan Heath Barrett, 23, passed away Sunday morning.
According to Bay Minette Police, the accident happened about 9:56 p.m. near the intersection of McMeans Avenue and West 5th Street. Barrett was crossing McMeans Avenue when he was struck by a vehicle driven by 24-year old Andrew Milton Cross of Birmingham, according to Bay Minette Police.
Cross was initially charged with driving under the influence, assault first degree, unlawful possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. It is expected that charges will be upgraded. Cross was being held in the Baldwin County Jail with bond set at $61,500.
The accident remains under investigation.
Pictured: Suspect Andrew Milton Cross.
Driver Flips Pickup Into Molino Yard
July 16, 2018
A driver apparently fled the scene after crashing a pickup truck into a Molino yard Sunday night.
The pickup overturned into a fence on Molino Road near Sunshine Hill Road about 9 p.m. The driver was not around the vehicle when first responders arrived a short time later.
The crash is under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol.
The Molino Station of Escambia Fire Rescue and Escambia County EMS also responded.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Summer Reading Fun, Summer STEAM This Week At the Molino And Century Libraries
July 16, 2018
Here’s some of what’s happening this week at the Molino and Century branch libraries.
Bucky & Gigi
Wednesday, July 18, 11 a.m. – Century Branch Library
Thursday, July 19, 11 a.m. – Molino Branch Library
These two former Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus Clowns will amaze and amuse, dazzle and delight, by using physical comedy, circus skills, mime, magic improvisation and audience participation.
Summer STEAM
Tuesday, July 17, 2 p.m. – Century Branch Library
Join us for the program, Making Music: Strings. You can make music with almost anything. This time we will be making string instruments using mostly recyclable
materials. Create it here and take it home with you for hours of fun.
Wednesday, July 18, 10:30 a.m. – Molino Branch Library
Come explore new robots from the West Florida Public Libraries collection in this hands-on experience. Learn to think like a robot in order to code your robot to complete tasks.
NorthEcambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Escambia Felon Convicted On Additional Weapon And Drug Charges
July 16, 2018
A felon from Escambia County has been convicted of additional drug and firearm charges.
After a three-day jury trial, Kenneth Lamar Weathers, 27, was convicted of two counts of possessing a firearm by a convicted felon and possessing a controlled substance with intent to distribute. The verdict was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
In June 2017, while cleaning a hotel room, a housekeeper found a pistol under the mattress. Weathers, who stayed in the room the night before the current occupant, was determined to have possessed the firearm.
In October 2017, law enforcement officers were notified that an armed male, later identified as Weathers, was within a residence. When officers arrived, an injured woman was in the rear bedroom of the apartment with Weathers. During a search of the residence, a pistol was located between the mattress and box spring where Weathers was lying. A bag in the closet contained $3,661 in U.S. currency, 15 individually wrapped clear baggies with cocaine, and Weathers’s Florida identification card.
For possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, Weathers faces a maximum of 10 years in prison. For possessing with intent to distribute a controlled substance, he faces a maximum of 20 years in prison. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for September 25 at the U.S. Courthouse in Pensacola.
Ernest Ward High 50-Year Multi-Class Reunion Scheduled
July 16, 2018
The Ernest Ward High School Class of 1968 will host a multi-class reunion for the classes of 1967, 1968 and 1969 on Saturday, August 4, at the Walnut Hill Ruritan Club building at 7 p.m.
To RSVP or for more information, call Karen (Pitts) Brown 850-327-4523, Brenda (Clark) Berry 850-327-6435, Renee’ (Blanton) Godwin (850) 327-6757 or Mike Hanks (251) 368-4660.
FDOT: This Week’s Trouble Spots On State Roads
July 16, 2018
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- U.S. 29 Widening from Interstate 10 (I-10) to U.S. 90 (Nine Mile Road) – Drivers traveling U.S. 29 and Nine Mile Road will encounter traffic pattern changes from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, July 15 through Saturday, July 21.
- Nine Mile Road at the U.S. 29 overpass: North and southbound traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction. Alternating traffic shifts will direct all traffic onto the westbound or eastbound lanes as crews continue construction of the new center bridge deck. Nine Mile Road lane restrictions are Sunday through Friday.
- U.S. 29 between I-10 and 9 1/2 Mile Road: Alternating lane closures as crews continue drainage and paving operations. U.S. 29 lane restrictions are Monday through Saturday.
- Northbound traffic has been shifted onto the newly constructed bridge section as demolition efforts continue.
- U.S. 29 Resurfacing between U.S. 90 and Muscogee Road – Paving operations continue between Muscogee Road and West 9 ½ Mile Road. Lane closures will be in effect from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, July 15 through Thursday, July 19.
- I-10 / U.S. 29 Interchange Improvements Phase I – The following traffic impacts are planned on I-10 and U.S. 29 near the interchange (Exits 10) from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, July 15 through Thursday, July 19.
- Alternating lane closures on I-10 east and westbound and U.S. 29 north and southbound.
- The U.S. 29 on-ramps to I-10 eastbound will be intermittently closed. Traffic will be detoured on U.S. 29 to access I-10 eastbound.
- Alternating lane closures on the I-10 westbound exit ramp to U.S. 29 north and south (Exit 10).
- U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – Alternating lane closures on U.S. 98 east and westbound between 14th Avenue in Pensacola and Bay Bridge Drive in Gulf Breeze from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, July 15 through Thursday, July 19 as crews perform construction activities.
- Airport Boulevard from S.R. 291 (Davis Highway) to S.R. 289 (9th Avenue) – Intermittent lane closures between Davis Highway and 9th Avenue from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, July 15 through Thursday, July 19 as crews perform construction activities.
- S.R. 10A (Scenic Highway) Underground Utility Operations for Addison Drive – The northbound, left turn lane will be closed from 8 p.m. Monday, July 16 to 5 a.m. Tuesday, July 17 as crews relocate underground utilities.
- S.R. 10/U.S. 90A (Nine Mile Road) Widening from Pine Forest Road to U.S. 29– Waring Road will be closed at Nine Mile Road from 7 a.m. Tuesday, July 17 through 5 p.m. Friday, July 20 to place drainage pipes across the roadway. Motorists are encouraged to seek alternative routes. Detour signs and variable message boards are in place to alert drivers of the temporary road closure and detour routes.
Santa Rosa County:
- U.S. 90 Bridge Rehabilitation/Repair over White River - The westbound lane from west of Woodbine Road to just past the White River Bridge will be restricted to one lane from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Friday, July 13 and Saturday, July 14.
- I-10 Widening from Escambia Bay Bridge to Avalon Boulevard (S.R. 281/Exit 22) – Alternating lane closures on I-10, from the Escambia Bay Bridge to east of S.R. 281 (Avalon Boulevard/Exit 22), from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, July 15 through Friday, July 20 as crews work to widen the roadway. In addition, alternating lane closures on Avalon Boulevard, near the I-10 interchange, will also be encountered as crews reconstruct the travel lanes.
- U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – Alternating lane closures between 14th Avenue in Pensacola and Bay Bridge Drive in Gulf Breeze, from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, July 15 through Sunday, July 19 as crews perform construction activities.
- S.R. 87 Multilane from Eglin AFB boundary to Hickory Hammock Road – The following construction-related traffic impacts are planned S.R. 87 the week of Monday, July 16:
- North and southbound traffic on S.R. 87 south of the Yellow River bridge will be shifted to the newly constructed northbound lanes. Crews will work to reconstruct the southbound travel lanes.
- Intermittent lane shifts on S.R. 87 north and southbound, between the Eglin Air Force Base boundary and two miles south of the Yellow River, for paving work.
- Traffic between County Road 184 (Hickory Hammock Road) and the Eglin AFB boundary will continue to be restricted to loads less than 11-feet wide. The restriction will be in place until the project is completed
- S.R. 87 Landscape between U.S. 98 and River Road – Drivers can expect intermittent turn lane restrictions between U.S. 98 and River Road 9 a.m. through 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday as crews install landscape and irrigation.