Florida Back to School Tax Holiday Pitched For 2018
October 31, 2017
Sales taxes would be lifted for two weekends before the start of the 2018 school year on clothes, school supplies and personal computers, under a measure filed Monday in the Senate.
The back-to-school sales tax “holiday” proposal (SB 686) by Sen. Keith Perry, R-Gainesville, would allow shoppers to avoid paying sales taxes for 10 days in late July and early August on clothes and shoes costing up to $100 per item, school supplies that cost $15 or less, and personal computers and related accessories priced at $1,000 or less.
This August, the state offered a three-day tax holiday, with taxes not collected on clothes and shoes costing up to $60 per item and personal computers priced at $750 or less. This year’s tax break included school supplies at the $15 mark.
The state has offered back-to-school tax holidays most years since 1998.
The House does not currently have a version of Perry’s bill, which is filed for the legislative session starting in January. If Perry’s bill is approved, the tax holiday would last from July 27 through August 5.
by The News Service of Florida
Escambia Man Sentenced To 30 Years On Drug And Gun Charges
October 31, 2017
Circuit Judge Edward P. Nickinson sentenced Ozell Pressley, Sr. as a habitual felony offender to 30 years in state prison with a three year minimum mandatory and a $50,000 fine.
Pressley was convicted by an Escambia County jury of one count of trafficking in cocaine (28 grams but less than 200), one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and one count of possession of controlled substance (less than 20 grams of cannabis).
On November 03, 2016, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Investigators served a search warrant at a known drug house located in the 2300 block of West Bobe Street. An investigation in to Pressley began after information was received that Pressley was distributing crack cocaine from the West Bobe Street house.
Pressley, a co-defendant and three other adults were located in the home, along with more than 30 grams of crack cocaine, cannabis and a loaded firearm. Pressley is a convicted felon and has an extensive criminal history, including five prior charges of the sell, manufacture, deliver, three prior charges of possession of controlled substance, resisting an officer with violence, attempting to flee and elude, felony battery, possession of marijuana (over 20 grams), improper exhibition of a firearm and aggravated battery.
Tate Baseball Holds Annual Costume Game
October 31, 2017
Tate Baseball held their annual costume game Monday night. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Search And Rescue Open House This Saturday
October 31, 2017
Escambia Search and Rescue will hold an open house Saturday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
ESAR’s open house will take place at 9530 Nims Lane (behind Vannoy’s Tires and the Dollar General on Nine Mile).
There will be a display of gear and equipment, demonstrations of different search and rescue tools and techniques. The citizens of Escambia County are welcome to come out to see what this 100 percent volunteer, 100 percent donation and grant funded organization does.
Information on how to become a member of Escambia Search and Rescue will also be provided. Light refreshments will be served, and attendees will receive a green light bulb while supplies last to commemorate Veterans’ Day on the following weekend.
Northview NJROTC Places At Milton Drill Meet
October 31, 2017
The Northview High School NJROTC competed against seven schools and place fourth overall during a Navy JROTC drill meet this past weekend at Milton High School. Northview’s NJROTC placed second in Personnel Inspection and third in Armed Exhibition Drill. In individual awards, Oscar Rodriguez placed fifth in Individual Drill competition from among over 200 cadets.
Two Injured In Predawn Molino Wreck
October 30, 2017
Two people were injured in a predawn two vehicle crash Monday in Molino.
The two pickup crash was reported just before 5;30 a.m. at the intersection of Molino Road and Highway 95A. Both drivers were transported by Escambia County EMS to West Florida Hospital.
The accident is under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol.
The Molino, Cantonment and McDavid stations of Escambia Fire Rescue also responded to the accident.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Sheriff’s Office Mounted Posse Trains To Protect And Serve (With Gallery)
October 30, 2017
There was plenty of confetti, screaming people, sirens, black holes, flames and live gunfire — all part of a training session for the horses and riders of the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Mounted Posse.
The posse recently trained off North Pine Barren Road near Bratt. The horses and riders ran an obstacle course of sorts, learning to push through barriers including a “fence” of pool noodles. In a test of trust between equine and rider, the horses crossed a low area area covered in black — which the horses perceive as a deep, dark hole and a danger.
For a photo gallery, click here.
The horses also stood with confetti guns fired toward them, learned to maintain order along a parade route of screaming people, and maneuver around the flames of Tiki torches and roadway flares. The horses were paraded around an Sheriff’s Office vehicle with flashing lights and a blaring siren, and they learned to hold their composure while approaching live gunfire.
“It’s all about exposing the horses to what they might encounter in the real world,” said Deputy Howard Enderson, posse leader. “This was only the second training for some, and they did really well. The horses love it; it s a game to them.”
The posse’s primary function is to assist the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office provide safety for the public. The posse can enhance patrol capabilities with crowd control, protection, patrolling and even suspect take down. The group also trains in search and rescue.
The posse also serves as a public face for the Sheriff’s Office, riding in numerous parades and appearing at public events.
The civilian volunteer unit current has 18 members — which includes 16 riders and two crew members. Only two members are paid deputies.
“We have a really good group of volunteers; one even turned down a paid job in order to volunteer,” Enderson said. “It’s also a chance for them to show off their horses.”
“Posse members volunteer their time and their horses for a variety of reasons, but mostly it’s a desire to serve,” he said. “I do it for the kids. They are the future of our country.”
For a photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
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Four Northview Graduates Receive National FFA Degrees
October 30, 2017
Four Northview High Schools graduates received the coveted American FFA Degree Saturday at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, IN.
They were Kaitlyn Kleinatland, Bethany Reynolds, Haylee Weaver and Courtney Weekley. Miranda Vidak, a West Florida High School graduate also earned her American FFA Degree but did not attend the convention. The degree is presented after the FFA member graduates from high school.
The American FFA Degree is the highest honor bestowed upon any regular member of the National FFA Organization. The degree is presented to FFA members who have demonstrated the highest level of commitment to FFA and made significant accomplishments in their supervised agricultural experiences.
The American FFA Degree is awarded at the National FFA Convention & Expo each year to less than one percent of FFA members. Requirements to earn the honor are lengthy. In addition to their degree certificate, each recipient receives a gold American FFA Degree key.
The degrees were presented live on national television on RFD-TV.
Pictured top: Northview High graduates (L-R) Kaitlyn Kleinatland, Haylee Weaver, Bethany Reynolds and Courtney Weekly received their America FFA Degrees Saturday at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, IN. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge. Pictured below: The degrees were presented live on national TV on RFD-TV.
Byrneville Elementary Pumpkin Contest Benefits Childhood Cancer Research
October 30, 2017
Voting in Byrneville Elementary School’s pumpkin decorating contest raised over $318 for childhood cancer research.
The Top 3 pumpkins were:
1st place: Elephant Pumpkin by London
2nd place: Auburn Football by Kelan
3rd place: Princess Poppy and Branch(Trolls) by Addisen and Easten
Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Molino Park Names Good Citizens, Students Of The Month
October 30, 2017
Molino Park Elementary School has named Students and Good Citizens of the month for September and October.
September Good Citizens of the month, pictured below (L-R) are Tyler Gilmore and Brook Wilson; Students of the month are Emma Nigam and Braydon McCarra.
Pictured above are (L-R) Good Citizen Lilly Driver, Students of the Month Mary Oliver and Ayden Crabtree; and Good Citizen Jack Boutwell.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
