After News Article, Contractor Mows Century Sidewalks
July 19, 2016
Last Thursday, NorthEscambia.com published an article about weeds along the North Century Boulevard sidewalks in Century reaching several feet high in several places after not being mowed this season. By Friday, an small army of mowers descended on Century, and that mowing continued Monday.
The Florida Department of Transportation contracts with Broadspectrum (formerly known as Transfield Services) to mow along the rights of way of the state highway within the town limits. In most of the town, the right of way has been mowed by individual home or business owners. But in other locations, some weeds were over five-feet high as of last week.
Mayor Freddie McCall reported Monday that Broadspectrum has eight zero turn mowers in Century Friday, with additional mowing on Monday. He said the company will continue to work Tuesday or Wednesday, cleaning sidewalks and trimming tree limbs.
McCall said he is scheduled to meet with a company representative from Tallahassee on Wednesday.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge
Trump Adds Flair To GOP Convention’s Dramatic First Day
July 19, 2016
With a dollop of the pizzazz that turned him into one of the most famous businessmen and celebrities in the world, presidential candidate Donald Trump made a dramatic entrance to the Republican National Convention on its first day.
The appearance, which was already a departure from tradition for a presumptive party nominee, took on a surreal air when Trump entered a darkened Cleveland convention hall, silhouetted by a bright backlight, as the audience roared. The podium for his speech rose from the floor as Trump strode across the stage.
“We’re going to win so big,” Trump told the crowd. “Thank you very much, ladies and gentlemen; we’re going to win so big.”
Trump became known during the primary elections for his stream-of-consciousness addresses, but after that simple statement to the crowd Monday he introduced his wife, Melania, and stepped aside as “We Are the Champions” blared through the hall.
He said about 50 words his entire time on the stage.
It was perhaps the most electric moment on the opening day of the 2016 GOP convention, which follows a topsy-turvy primary race that exposed a deep rift between Republican voters and the party’s establishment.
That Trump even appeared was a sign the outspoken billionaire will continue to run the campaign his way as he turns to a general election race against former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who will accept the Democratic Party’s nomination next week in Philadelphia.
Presumptive nominees generally do not appear at the convention on the first day and do not speak at length and in person until the final day, which is capped off with the acceptance speech.
But it was in some ways a fitting end for a day that featured a speech by the star of the reality show “Duck Dynasty” and a floor fight over the party’s rules. The official theme for the first night was “Make America Safe Again,” with a focus on Trump’s pledge to crack down on illegal immigration and wage a more ruthless war on terrorist groups like the self-proclaimed Islamic State.
“What I did for New York, Donald Trump will do for America,” said former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, famous for steering his city through the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
The night also zeroed in on the attack on a diplomatic outpost in Libya while Clinton was secretary of state. Her campaign was quick to respond that Trump would be a hazard to the nation.
“Donald Trump’s ideas on foreign policy aren’t just different — they are dangerously incoherent. … The choice in this election is clear, and we deserve better leadership for our nation — and the world — than Donald Trump,” Florida Democratic Congressman Ted Deutch said in a statement issued by the Clinton campaign.
The focus in Cleveland, though, inevitably kept returning to Trump and his attempts to unite a party trying to win a presidential election for the first time in 12 years.
Trump spoke hours after the floor had erupted into pandemonium following a decision to push through the party’s rules on a voice vote. Some delegates — many of whom had supported candidates other than Trump in state primaries earlier this year — wanted a roll call vote on the rules to try to force consideration of changes to the primary process.
The rules’ critics said they had gained the support of a majority of at least nine state delegations — more than the seven required to request a roll call vote.
When Arkansas Congressman Steve Womack called for a voice vote, opponents of the rules protested loudly. The roar continued after Womack said delegates had approved the rules, and the convention essentially entered suspended animation for about 10 minutes.
Womack eventually took the stage again and carried out another voice vote as opponents chanted “Roll call vote!” After the second vote, Trump supporters began chanting “We want Trump!” in response. Womack then explained that three states had withdrawn their support for a roll call vote — reducing to six the number of delegations that supported the move.
But some opponents of the rules, including U.S. Sen. Mike Lee of Utah, said they had support from as many as 11 states. Speaking on CNN, Lee said the Republican National Committee had created a “toxic environment” with its handling of the rules challenge, including lobbying some delegates to change their positions on a roll call vote.
“Why did they have to do that?” asked Lee, who supported U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas during the primaries. “Why not just allow for the vote? What are they afraid of?
Opponents of the rules tried to make it clear that the uprising was not necessarily part of the “Never Trump” movement that has opposed the businessman’s blend of populism and nationalism as a betrayal of conservative principles. Ed Buchanan, a Wyoming delegate who supported the effort and chaired Cruz’s campaign in his state, brushed off the idea that the raucous scene indicated the party was split.
“Today what you saw was what makes America great, which is we have a democracy, you can dissent, you can voice your opposition and you saw that today,” Buchanan said. “This isn’t chaos. This is American democracy in action. This is what makes this country great.”
Regardless, the proceedings shattered the idea that Trump and the GOP had completely vanquished opponents and that the Cleveland gathering would be another one of the sedate conventions that have become the rule in recent years. For months during the primary elections, there was widespread speculation that delegates might arrive at the convention without any candidate having won a decisive victory.
Earlier Monday, Republican Party of Florida Chairman Blaise Ingoglia told reporters that he thought the Never Trump movement had already fizzled out.
“I think it was dead before it got here,” he said after a breakfast for the state’s delegation at a hotel in the nearby city of Independence.
Ingoglia, who doubles as a state representative from Spring Hill, also pointed out that many of the Never Trump supporters are lifelong Republicans who would have a lot to lose if the party’s nominee lost.
“All the hard work they’ve been doing for 20, 30, possibly 40 years, could be wiped away in one election if Hillary Clinton was elected president,” he said.
by Brandon Larrabee, The News Service of Florida
Wahoos Fall To Jacksonville
July 19, 2016
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos pulled within one run, 3-2, in the sixth inning but that was as close as they could come to the Jacksonville Suns on Monday at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville.
Jacksonville starting pitcher Jake Esch and relievers Tyler Bremer and Sean Donatello combined to shutout Pensacola over the last three innings, allowing one hit and retiring the last seven Blue Wahoos hitters in row.
Esch improved to 10-6 with a 3.72 ERA, becoming the first pitcher to reach 10 wins in the Southern League. In 6.2 innings of work he allowed seven hits, one walk and two earned runs, while striking out seven.
Despite Monday’s loss, Pensacola won the series, 3-2, but are still below .500 on the road at 23-26. They are 12-13 in the second half, one game back of Jacksonville, which improved to 13-12 to take first place in the Southern League South Division.
Jacksonville scored first when first baseman Chris Curley hit a two-run homer off of Pensacola starter Nick Travieso in the bottom of the second inning to give the Suns a 2-0 lead.
Travieso took the loss and is 4-6 with a 4.16 ERA this season.
In the top of the third inning, Pensacola right fielder Sebastian Elizalde singled to the opposite field on a ground ball to left field drive in shortstop Alex Blandino, who doubled, pulling the Blue Wahoos within, 2-1.
Suns left fielder Austin Dean put Jacksonville up by two runs again, 3-1, on a single on a fly ball to left field that scored pitcher Jake Esch, who led off the fifth inning with a single back up the middle.
Pensacola’s Elizalde doubled to start the sixth inning and crossed home plate on a ground out by third baseman Taylor Sparks to third base to bring the Blue Wahoos, within, 3-2. But that is as close as they would get.
Pensacola was 1-6 with runners in scoring position and left six runners on base.
Leading the Blue Wahoos at the plate were Elizalde, who was 3-4 with a double, run scored and RBI, and Blandino, who was 2-4 with a double and a run scored.
Hundreds Walk To Share Message Of Unity, Love For Police (With Gallery)
July 18, 2016
Hundreds of people from Atmore and North Escambia came together Sunday evening to take part in a “love walk” from the Atmore City Hall to a local park.
The walk was planned to send a message that the local area is close-knit and supportive of people of all races and law enforcement.
“We want to send a message to each other and to the rest of the nation that the senseless violence that has plagued others will not be tolerated in Atmore,” Mayor Jim Staff said. “At a time when other communities are divided, in Atmore we want the nation to know that we stand together.”
“In Atmore, we are determined to stand together as a community,” Staff said. “We have a long tradition of tolerance, respect for each other and respect for our law enforcement officers who every day put their lives on the line for us.”
City officials and local pastors called for a loving — and Godly – attitude among local residents in the wake of violence that has struck Dallas, Baton Rouge and other cities.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Pictured top: People from multiple races came together following a “love walk” to hear a message of unity and pray Sunday evening in Atmore. Picture below: The “love walk” ends at Heritage Park in Atmore. Pictured below: Pastor Ted Bridges of the Walnut Hill Baptist Church shares a Biblical lesson. Pictured bottom: Participants took the take to thank local law enforcement. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Resident Charged In Drug Debt Collection Attempt
July 18, 2016
A second Cantonment man has been arrested in connection with a reported home invasion robbery and the battery of an elderly man while trying to collect a drug debt.
Matthew Paul Pittman, 28, forced his way into a home on Woodbury Circle in Cantonment, holding a 79-year old resident at gunpoint, demanding to know the whereabouts of his adult son, according to an arrest report. He found the son exiting a bathroom, placed a semi-automatic handgun against his head and threatened to kill him if he didn’t pay up. The elderly man escaped through the front door, and the son was able to jump out of a bedroom window.
Outside the home, the son was reportedly grabbed by 39-year old Joseph Diamond Rivers of Cantonment who assaulted him and placed a handgun in his mouth while threatening to kill him, deputies said.
The son told deputies that he owned Rivers $300 for Oxycodone tablets, according to the arrest report.
Pittman was charged with burglary of an occupied dwelling with the use of a firearm, battery on a person 65 years of age or older, two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He remained in the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $810,000.
Rivers was arrested a few days after the incident and charged with burglary of an occupied dwelling with the use of a firearm, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and battery. He has remained in the Escambia County Jail since March with bond set at $130,000.
Escambia Fire Rescue Comes To Aid Of Cantonment Horse
July 18, 2016
The Cantonment Station of Escambia Fire Rescue came to the aid of a horse that was unable to stand up Sunday at Panhandle Equine Rescue.
Sky, who just celebrated her 32nd birthday, had fallen and needed assistance from the firemen and PER volunteers. Once out of her stall, they were able to use a large animal lift that was recently purchased with donations.
“She is doing well right now and we are watching her closely. Prayers would be appreciated,” Panhandle Equine Rescue President Diane Lowery said. She also thanked the Escambia Fire Rescue members and the volunteers that assisted.
“They were awesome,” Lowery said.
The only horse rescue in Escambia County, Panhandle Equine Rescue was founded by a small group of concerned citizens with a mission to rescue, rehabilitate and provide adoption services for abused, neglected and abandoned equines. PER is authorized by the court system to investigate equine cruelty in Escambia County.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Northview Cheerleaders Take Gold At Auburn Camp; Four Headed To London
July 18, 2016
The Northview High School varsity cheerleaders attended UCA Cheer Camp last week at Auburn University, and the squad brought home the gold in several categories.
The Northview cheerleaders received first place trophies and gold ribbons in the small division for Xtreme routine, cheer, sideline, home fight song and overall division camp champions.
Additionally, four Northview cheerleaders — Peighton Dortch, Mallory Gibson, Autumn Albritton and Gabrielle Kline — earned All American status and now have the opportunity to cheer in London this fall.
Members of the Northview varsity cheerleaders are: seniors Autumn Albritton, Peighton Dortch, Mallory Gibson and Morgan Myrick; juniors Bailee Hinote and Anna Nelson; and sophomores Shelby Bashore, Gabrielle Kline, Allison Rice, Olivia Seals and Madison Sherouse. Coaches are Genia Bashore and Lauren McCall.
Pictured top and inset: The Northview High School varsity cheerleaders at Auburn University. Pictured below: All-American cheerleaders from Northview (L-R) Autumn Albritton, Peighton Dortch, Gabrielle Kline and Mallory Gibson. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
One Serious After Collision With Escambia Deputy
July 18, 2016
One person was seriously injured in a collision involving an Escambia County deputy Sunday night.
About 9:04 p.m., a Ford Taurus driven by 24-year old Jasmine Dodds of Bonifay was traveling north on Pine Forest Road at Blue Angel Parkway when she turned into the path of a marked Escambia County Sheriff’s Office cruiser driven by Deputy M. Keebler, 24. according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Dodds., who was not wearing a seat belt, was seriously injured and transported to Sacred Heart Hospital. Two adult passengers in her vehicle received minor injuries.
Deputy Keebler received only minor injuries and was not transported to the hospital.
Dodds was cited for an improper left turn in front of approaching traffic by the FHP.
Pictured: An Escambia County deputy was not at fault in this collision Sunday night on Pine Forest Road at Blue Angel Parkway. Images courtesy WEAR 3 for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Clerk Of The Court Warns Of Phone Scam
July 18, 2016
The Escambia County Clerk of Court Pam Childers reports a scam has been occurring in Pensacola and elsewhere in Florida.
In the scam, a person receives a telephone call from someone claiming to be a law enforcement officer stating that they, or a close relative, did not appear for jury duty or grand jury duty. The caller then states that the individual can pay money in order to prevent the arrest of the person who allegedly failed to report for jury duty.
Childers said these calls are not from her office.
Anyone who has received such a call is asked to contact Investigator Taylor Wells with the State Attorney’s Office at (850) 595-4267.
Wahoos Slip Past Jacksonville
July 18, 2016
Pensacola third baseman Taylor Sparks hit his third home run in his last four games to propel the Blue Wahoos to a 7-6 victory in the top of the 10th inning Sunday over the Jacksonville Suns in the second game of a doubleheader.
Sparks’ fifth homer of the season, this time off of Jacksonville reliever Tyler Higgins, helped Pensacola even its record at 12-12 and in second place in the Southern League South Division in the second half. Plus, the Blue Wahoos are now 8-3 in extra-inning games this season. Pensacola also clinched the five-game series, going up 3-1 on the road at The Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville.
A mid-season call up from the Daytona Tortugas, Sparks has gone 4-for-10 in this series against Jacksonville pitching with three homers and five RBIs. He hit two blasts in his first game with Pensacola and now has five homers and 13 RBIs in 22 games with the Blue Wahoos.
Jacob Ehret earned his first Double-A win (1-0) in nine appearances with Pensacola pitching two scoreless innings in relief on one hit, two walks and a strikeout.
Pensacola jumped on Jacksonville starting pitcher Matt Tomshaw by scoring four runs in the top of the first inning. Blue Wahoos second baseman Brandon Dixon singled on a ground ball to leftfield that drove in center fielder Jeff Gelalich, who had doubled to start the game, for the first run.
Pensacola went ahead, 2-0, when shortstop Zach Vincej singled on a line drive to left field that scored left fielder Phillip Ervin. Blue Wahoos first baseman Ray Chang doubled in Dixon and Vincej for the final two runs of the inning that made the score, 4-0.
Jacksonville came right back in the bottom the first. Suns center fielder Moises Sierra doubled on a ground ball to left field that scored right fielder Ronnie Mitchell to make the score, 4-1. Then Suns third baseman Brian Anderson hit a two-out, two-run homer that also drove in Sierra to pull Jacksonville within, 4-3.
However, Pensacola came back with a run in the fourth inning to go up, 5-3, when Gelalich hit a sacrifice fly deep to center field that scored Blue Wahoos catcher Joe Hudson, who lead off the inning with a double.
Pensacola tacked on another run to go ahead, 6-3, in the fifth inning when right fielder Juan Duran singled in Dixon.
Jacksonville pulled within one run again, 6-5, in the sixth inning when first baseman Chris Curley hit an infield single to shortstop that scored both Sierra and Anderson.
The Suns tied the score, 6-6, in the seventh inning when Sierra hit a bases loaded sacrifice fly to center field that scored left fielder Alex Glenn.
In the first game of the doubleheader, Jacksonville won 1-0 scoring its only run in the first inning. Pensacola starter Jackson Stephens hit Brian Anderson with the bases loaded to score Austin Dean.