Atmore Man’s Car Goes Over Bridge Guardrail (With Photo Gallery)
February 22, 2018
An Atmore man crashed crashed his vehicle over a guardrail and into the water between the Highway 90 bridge spans in Santa Rosa County Wednesday.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, 47-year old Daniel Payton Taylor was headed east on Highway 90 when his 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe traveled on the grassy median about two miles west of Woodbine Road. The Tahoe then collided head-on with a guardrail that is intended to protect vehicles from entering the water between the two bridges.
Impact with the guardrail sent the Tahoe into the air before entering the water, the FHP report said. The Tahoe came to rest fully submerged.
Taylor received minor injuries and was transported to West Florida Hospital.
For more a photo gallery, click here.
Photos by Florida Highway Patrol (top) and Jacob Gilmore/Matchett Towing for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Local Students Visit Tallahassee On Annual Youth Tour
February 22, 2018
Ten high school juniors from the Escambia River Electric Cooperative service area recently took part in the annual Tallahassee Youth Tour to learn more about their state legislature and electric cooperatives.
Participants included Gabby Chavers, Lane Hoffman and Logan Hoffman from Central High School; Emily Brown, Alyssa Chavis, Bryce Cook, Jared Damron, Maci Holt and McKayla Hoomes from Jay High School; and Lydia Smith from Northview High School.
While in Tallahassee, the students met with other high school juniors from electric cooperatives throughout the state. Approximately 120 students participated in this year’s Youth Tour event.
EREC delegates toured the Governor’s Mansion and visited the Florida State High Magnetic Field Laboratory Tour. Students participated in a mock session in the House of Representatives and an Educational Court Session in the Supreme Court.
Pictured top: 2018 EREC Youth Tour participants Logan Hoffman, Jared Damron, Lane Hoffman, Bryce Cook, Emily Brown, Alyssa Chavis, Gabby Chavers, Lydia Smith, McKayla Hoomes and Maci Holt.
Annual Walnut Hill Ruritan Farm Auction Is Saturday
February 22, 2018
The 44th Annual Walnut Hill Ruritan Club Farm Equipment Auction will be held this Saturday, February 24, beginning at 9:30 a.m.
The auction includes not only farm equipment, but also household items like tools and small equipment, lawn and garden items, antiques and more. Items can be received on Friday.
Settlement must be made the day of the sale; unknown buyers must have cash, cashier’s check, major credit card, or a letter of credit from their bank. Items must be removed within 24 hours.
Concessions will be available all day from the Ruritan Club.
The sale will be located at the Walnut Hill Community Center on Highway 97 just north of Ernest Ward Middle School.
For more information or consignments, call (850) 384-5761 or (850) 327-4292.
Pictured: Hundreds attended the 2017 Walnut Hill Ruritan Club farm equipment auction in Walnut Hill. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
School Shooting: Students Rally, Meet With State Leaders
February 22, 2018
A week after a mass shooting at a Broward County high school, survivors and gun-control advocates demanded Wednesday that state lawmakers enact tighter gun and school-safety laws as a rally drew one of the largest crowds at the Capitol since the 2000 election recount.
Several thousand people gathered outside the Old Capitol building and overflowed onto nearby Monroe Street, as students, activists and Democratic lawmakers expressed anger amid chants of “We want change,” “Not one more,” “Throw them out,” and “Never again.”
“This tragedy has taught us to be fearless, because we now know what it feels like to be afraid,” Rachel Catania, 15, a sophomore from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High, told a roaring crowd. “How many more innocent people have to die before we make a change? Change is overdue. And we are the change. When leaders act like children and children act like leaders, you know something is about to change.”
People attending the event vented about a need to improve safety, with banners proclaiming, “It Happened at my school #NeverAgain,” “Listen to the students, they are the targets,” and “No fear in our schools.”
As a sign of interest in the issues, the Leon County school district allowed its students to attend the rally.
Two gun-related measures backed by Second Amendment advocates were put on hold Wednesday as students from Parkland’s Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and other schools pressured lawmakers for gun-control legislation.
The Senate postponed a vote on a bill (SB 1048) that would allow people with concealed-weapons licenses to carry guns at churches and other religious institutions that share property with schools. It also postponed a vote on a more-obscure bill (HB 55) that would allow people to use credit cards to make payments for background checks on firearm purchases.
Sen. Dennis Baxley, an Ocala Republican who is sponsoring the bill about guns at churches, said it was a good to “pause” as lawmakers come face to face with students grieving after the mass shooting last week that killed 17 people at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. Also, lawmakers await a proposed legislative package from Gov. Rick Scott in response to the shooting.
“Right now, we understand what this week is. It’s very enmeshed in what we do to make students safe,” Baxley said. “We understand that atmosphere, and that’s why some of these things just need to be put off.”
Students cried, pleaded and argued with lawmakers Wednesday in the state Capitol.
More than 100 survivors of one of the nation’s worst school shootings spent the day advocating for changes ranging from stricter gun laws to metal detectors, demanding that state lawmakers take swift action to prevent another tragedy like the one that left 17 people, including 14 schoolmates, dead.
The students met with a wide range of legislators and other officials, including Gov. Rick Scott, Attorney General Pam Bondi, Education Commissioner Pam Stewart, House Speaker Richard Corcoran and Senate President Joe Negron.
While the students’ main focus was on gun control, the teenagers — several of whom gave impassioned speeches at a midday press conference — also begged lawmakers to quickly pass measures to make schools safer in other ways.
“We will not be discouraged. We will not falter. We will not stop this movement. This is more than just us. This is everybody in America. This is for every single kid who fears for their life. This is more than Parkland. This is more than Florida. This is more than the United States. This is something serious. It is about human lives,” Alfonso Calderon, 16, said at the press conference.
Nearly all of the students attended a meeting with Corcoran inside the House chamber, where Madison Leal gave a tearful description of how “my high school turned into a horror scene” after Nikolas Cruz opened fire on faculty and students with an assault-style rifle on Feb. 14. Leal said she hid in a closet for hours, crying and texting, unaware of what was happening outside her classroom.
Republican House members Jeanette Nunez of Miami and Jim Boyd of Bradenton, along with Coconut Creek Democrat Kristin Jacobs and Sen. Lauren Book, a Plantation Democrat who helped organized the bus trip, joined Corcoran in promising the students that they would pass some legislation to protect students before the legislative session ends on March 9.
“This has overshadowed everything. This has become our priority. I cannot say it enough: We will not fail you,” Nunez pledged.
Many of the students questioned why state lawmakers would not support an outright ban on assault-style rifles like the one used by Cruz, who legally purchased the weapon, with no waiting period, last year.
One girl asked Corcoran “why such a destructive gun is available to the public.”
“It’s widely used in multiple different scenarios,” the speaker said, adding that “we’re having a conversation about it” and that he has six children.
“I don’t think there’s bipartisan support for it,” Corcoran said.
While students politely raised their hands to be called on during the meeting with Corcoran, the teenagers were more confrontational shortly afterward as they stood at the podium facing dozens of television cameras and members of the press from around the world.
“We are not here to be patted on the back,” 17-year-old senior Delaney Tarr said.
Tarr said she and her friends are angered by politicians who “dance around our questions,” reminding lawmakers that many of the students will soon be able to vote.
“We want change,” Tarr said. “They must do right by us or lose their jobs. … We’ve had enough of thoughts and prayers.”
The students had mixed reactions to their reception by lawmakers.
Leal said she disagreed with Corcoran about the ban on assault weapons, a demand that was the focus of a large rally outside the Capitol on Wednesday.
Ryan Deitsch, a senior at the high school, criticized legislators for “political doubletalk” on the gun issue.
“I can vote, and I know who I’m not voting for,” Deitsch said.
Scott on Tuesday said he intends to roll out a legislative package by Friday that would, among other things, require schools to hold active shooter drills, “significantly increase” funding for school safety and mental health, and make it harder for people with a history of mental-health problems, like Cruz, to have guns.
Scott also wants to make sure people under age 21 can’t purchase long guns or rifles and impose waiting periods for the purchases of rifles, similar to current restrictions for handguns.
The House, too, will release a proposal before the end of the week, Corcoran told reporters Wednesday afternoon.
by Jim Turner and Dara Kam, The News Service of Florida
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Weightlifting: West Florida Tops Milton, Northview
February 22, 2018
The Northview High boys weightlifting team fell to West Florida and Milton in a tightly-contested three-team meet Wednesday at West Florida.
The final score was West Florida 40, Milton 36 and Northview 33.
Northview individuals who placed were:
1st place
Trent Kite – 129-lb. class
Aunterio Minor – 169-lb. class
2nd place
Jarius Moorer – 154-lb. class
Jacob Hawkins – 219-lb. class
Jojo Parker – 238-lb. class
3rd place
Logan Bryan – 119-lb. class
Daniel Merit – 154-lb. class
Ray’von Bush – 169-lb. class
Lance McLaughlin – 199-lb. class
Tyler Kite – 219-lb. class
Justin Helton – Heavyweight class
4th place
Tyler Ray – 129-lb. class
Will Beach – 183-lb. class
The Chiefs return to action next Wednesday as they travel to Baker High School for the Gator Invitational Meet.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Century Residents Learn The Benefits Of A Community Redevelopment Agency
February 21, 2018
The Town of Century held a public meeting Tuesday afternoon to help chart the future of a Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA).
Two dozen people met at the Century Business Center to learn more about the CRA and “envision” Century, after watching a PowerPoint presentation. (Click here to load the presentation in pdf format.)
About 510 acres, or about 25 percent of the town, was declared blighted last year in order to work toward the formation of a CRA in Century.
Once the CRA is in place and operating, it will work to improve conditions within the area. As property tax values rise, most of the increase is funneled back into the redevelopment area for further improvements.
The CRA area is 510 acres, bounded by Jefferson Avenue to the south, Jefferson Avenue to the east, State Road 4 to the north and the centerline 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. Click here for a detailed map (pdf).
Essentially, CRAs use redevelopment funds within a deteriorating area to transform it into one that again contributes to the overall health of a community. The money can roll over year to year, up to a 40-year life for a CRA.
It can take many years for the funds to accumulate to the point the CRA can do projects within the CRA boundaries.
CRA funds can be used for a variety of public purposes, including items specified in the agency’s redevelopment plan, planning and surveys, acquisition of real property, affordable housing development and community policing innovations.
In establishing the CRA, the Century council found that the area is blighted, with a predominance of deteriorated or dilapidated housing in the area. Nearly half of the homes in the area were scored as dilapidated and in need of rehabilitation or reconstruction.
The median value of an owner-occupied home in Century is $40,000, compared to the Escambia County median housing value of $81,700. The average median household income in the Century area is $24,583, compared to the Escambia County’s median household income of $46,001.
Additional planning meetings will be held Thursday, March 22 to organize and prioritize needs and discuss capital improvements; Tuesday April 17 to review results and learn about plan contents; and Tuesday, May 24 to present the final plan. Meetings will be held at the Century Business Center, times to be announced.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Driver Crashes Into Walgreens Store
February 21, 2018
A driver lost control for an unknown reason Tuesday afternoon and crashed into the Walgreens store at 20 West Nine Mile Road. The driver lost control while traveling on Highway 95A near Nine Mile Road and left the roadway. The vehicle crossed a small ditch, traveled between a utility pole and guy wire, crossed a driver thru lane and struck the store.
A witness said it appeared the vehicle just “bounced off” the building.
The driver was transported to an area hospital. The building suffered no apparent damage.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating.
NorthEscambia.com photo by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Northview Celebrates National FFA Week With Breakfast
February 21, 2018
FFA members at Northview High School are celebrating National FFA Week with a variety of events.
Tuesday morning, the FFA officers and members prepared a homestyle breakfast for teachers, staff and invited guests that support the FFA program. Northview’s FFA program has been recognized as one of the top chapters in both the state and the nation.
For more photos, click to enlarge.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Get Free Tech Help At The Molino Branch Library
February 21, 2018
Need help learning how to use that new Christmas computer, smartphone or other tech item? The Molino branch of the West Florida Library is offering local basic technology helps for free.
At the Molino Branch Library, patrons can register to receive up to 30 minutes of individual technology help on Wednesdays from noon to 7 p.m. and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Find email, increase computer knowledge, improve skills with a smart phone, learn how to download e-books and more. Call (850) 435-1760 to reserve a session.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
School Shooting Survivors Demand Stricter Gun Control
February 21, 2018
With heavy hearts, students, who have become citizen lobbyists, met with lawmakers on Tuesday with one goal – to urge the passage of gun control measures.
Hoping their tragic stories will spur lawmakers to act, a small group of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School students went door-to-door asking senators and representatives to put aside their partisan differences and act.
However, a move to push a bill banning assault weapons and high capacity magazines directly to the House floor was rejected on mostly party lines.
Ashley Santoro, a junior at Marjory Stoneman Douglas, said she’s trying to cope, but is saddened by the response at the State Capitol.
“I’ve been, like, OK, but, you know, it’s just, this isn’t what I really thought it would be, because people really just are out for themselves,” she stated.
House Bill 219, which prohibits the sale, transfer or possession of large capacity magazines and assault weapons including AR-15s, was rejected by a vote of 36 to 71 in the Republican-controlled House.
Buses of additional students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas are expected to arrive Wednesday in Tallahassee, where the students will walk from the Leon County Civic Center to the State Capitol to continue their advocacy.
Trying to hold back tears, Santoro said it’s important for policy makers to listen.
“I want people to know what it was like for those who really went through it and why we’re fighting for what we are fighting for,” she stressed. “I want to help them try to find a middle ground between both parties, because as it stands, we are just as polarized as ever, and we can’t have that if we’re going to be unified.”
Some Republican Senate leaders are preparing a bill that would limit assault weapon sales to those 21 and older, and place a three-day waiting period on rifle purchases.
But the measures fall short of the complete ban on the sale and transfer of assault weapons that is being advocated by Democrats and Douglas High students.
by The Florida News Connection