Missing 83-Year Old Found Safe
March 23, 2016
UPDATE: A missing 83-year old man from Atmore was located Wednesday night at the Pace Assembly of God by a Santa Rosa County deputy. The man was in good physical condition. and family member were called to take him home.
EARLIER STORY:
Authorities are asking for the public’s help in finding a missing elderly man with dementia that may have been traveling from Atmore to Pensacola.
George Haley is an 83-year old black male with brown eyes and gray hair. He was last seen at his residence on Freemanville Drive north of Atmore about 5:00 a.m. Wednesday. He may be traveling in a 2002 white Dodge Dakota with Al8785AH6 . If anyone has any information regarding the whereabouts of George Haley, contact the Escambia County (AL) Sheriff’s Department at (251) 867-0304 or call 911.
Man Allegedly Beat With Logging Chain After Petting Dog; One Charged
March 23, 2016
A Century man has been charged with allegedly beating a man with a logging chain after he petted his dog.
Sim Brown III, 21, was charged with felony aggravated battery causing bodily harm. The victim told Escambia County Sheriff’s deputies that he met with Brown on Bonwell Street in Century about selling some vehicle speakers. When he arrived at Brown’s residence, the victim said he reached down and petted a dog that chained in the front yard. Brown then told the victim not to touch his dog, leading to a verbal altercation that turned physical, according to an arrest report.
Brown then allegedly struck the victim with a logging chain in the head, back and arms. Several unknown black males also jumped on the victim before Brown wrapped the chain around his fist and punched him in the mouth, rendering the victim unconscious.
The victim was later treated at Jay Hospital for his injuries.
Brown was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $50,000 bond.
Scott Ready To Take Action On Stack Of Bills
March 23, 2016
It’s time for Gov. Rick Scott to have his say.
Scott during the next four days will take action on more than 100 bills passed during this year’s legislative session, including a proposal to expand regulations on abortion clinics and a measure that would allow terminally ill patients to have access to medical marijuana.
The vast majority of the bills are likely safe from Scott’s veto pen, as they focus on relatively non-controversial issues. As an example, about two dozen of the bills deal with local issues for specific communities or counties — bills that typically draw little discussion from lawmakers.
But Scott, who can sign, veto or let bills become law without his signature, will make other decisions that will spark debate. Perhaps the highest-profile decision will focus on a bill (HB 1411) that would increase abortion-clinic regulations and bar public funding for organizations affiliated with abortion clinics, such as Planned Parenthood.
Opponents of the bill delivered thousands of petitions to Scott’s office last week calling on him to veto the bill. They argue, at least in part, that it is an attempt to limit the ability of women to have abortions. But supporters of the bill say increased clinic regulations are needed and that tax dollars should not go to groups such as Planned Parenthood. Supporters have urged Scott to sign the measure by a Saturday deadline.
The session ended March 11, and legislative leaders formally send bills to Scott in batches. The bills due for action this week were sent to him in the final days of the session, and he had 15 days to consider them. He faces a Wednesday deadline for nine bills; a Thursday deadline for 34 bills; a Friday deadline for 21 bills; and a Saturday deadline for 48 bills, according to a list on the governor’s website.
Along wither the abortion bill, another high-profile measure (HB 307) would allow people with terminal illnesses to have access to medical marijuana and also would make changes in a 2014 law aimed at allowing some patients to use non-euphoric forms of cannabis. Scott is required to take action on that bill by a Friday deadline.
He also will take action this week on a heavily lobbied bill (HB 819) that could ultimately lead to changes in the way dental services are provided to children in the state’s Medicaid program. Scott faces a Thursday deadline on the bill, which is opposed by the managed-care industry.
Other pending bills drew headlines during the legislative session, though they were approved by large margins. For instance, Scott has a Wednesday deadline on a bill (SB 242) that would allow the creation of a pilot needle-exchange program in Miami-Dade County and a bill (SB 636) that would seek to speed up DNA testing in suspected rape cases.
On Thursday, meanwhile, Scott has a deadline for a bill (HB 93) that would require law-enforcement agencies to set policies if they use body cameras. Two days later, he is required to take action on a measure (HB 1061) that seeks to allow nurses to practice across state lines.
by The News Service of Florida
Gulf Power Warns Of Continuing Scam Against Customers
March 23, 2016
Scammers continue to target Gulf Power customers in a scheme where business owners and residential customers receive calls from a person claiming to represent Gulf Power and demanding payment — or their electric service will be cut off.
Gulf Power continues to work with law enforcement in reporting these incidents, but the company has received an escalated amount of calls from customers reporting fraudulent calls in recent months. Customers are being told their electric bill is past due and that their electricity will be cut off if the customer does not provide a credit card payment or other forms of immediate payment.
Gulf Power advises customers that:
• Gulf Power employees will never call a customer at home seeking any personal information, including credit card numbers.
• Gulf Power representatives will never ask a customer for money when they visit a residence.
• All Gulf Power representatives carry badges with picture identification that includes the employee’s name and the company’s name and logo.
Customers should call Gulf Power at 1-800-225-5797 if they have any questions about the identity of anyone representing Gulf Power.
Gulf Power is working with local law enforcement agencies to identify the perpetrators. If anyone has been victimized by one of these schemes, or has any information about suspects, they are asked to call local law enforcement and to contact Gulf Power at 1-800-225-5797.
Justices To Hear Open-Carry Gun Case In June
March 23, 2016
The Florida Supreme Court will hear arguments June 8 in a challenge to a state law that bars people from openly carrying firearms.
Justices issued an order Monday scheduling the arguments in the challenge filed by Dale Norman, who was arrested in 2012 in Fort Pierce while openly carrying a gun in a holster. After a jury found Norman guilty of a misdemeanor charge, the 4th District Court of Appeal upheld the state law, ruling it does not violate constitutional rights to bear arms.
Norman then appealed to the Supreme Court, which said in October that it would take up the case.
During the legislative session that ended this month, lawmakers considered proposals that would have allowed people with concealed-weapons licenses to openly carry guns. But the measures did not pass.
Escambia County To Pave Hicks Street In Cantonment
March 23, 2016
Escambia County is set to pave Hicks Street in Cantonment.
The project consists of the design and paving of Hicks Street from Muscogee Road to the west end of Hicks. The project will also address drainage upgrades necessary to prevent roadway flooding, plus restoration of disturbed areas with sodding.
Contractor for the Local Option Sales Tax funded project is Panhandle Grading & Paving.
Pictured: Hicks Street in Cantonment. Photo courtesy Escambia County for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Century Native Watson Named USA South Athlete Of Week
March 23, 2016
Huntingdon College’s Zack Watson was named an USA South Athlete of the Week on Monday.
The Century native earned Baseball Pitcher of the Week honors for his performance in Game 1 against No. 14 ranked Piedmont College.
Watson threw a complete-game three-hitter in Friday’s 14-1 win over the Lions. Watson improved to 4-2 on the season with the win and struck out seven, walked four and allowed one run in nine innings. After giving up two singles, two walks and a run in the first inning, Watson held Piedmont hitless in seven of the final eight innings.
A senior at Huntingdon College in Montgomery, Watson lettered in baseball for Flomaton High School. He is the son of Billy and Dianne Watson and is majoring biochemistry.
Roundup: Tate, Northview
March 23, 2016
BASEBALL
Tate 1, Ocoee (FL) 0
The Tate Aggies beat Ocoee, FL, 1-0 in the second round of the Ocoee Knights Spring Break Invitational. Brandon Fryman had a one-out double and scored the run for Tate in the seventh on an RBI single from Jake Davis
Davis allowed just seven its in just over five innings on the mound. Michael Sherrill rounded out the Aggie pitching, allowing one hit and striking out one.
Tate hitters – Branden Fryman 2-4, R; Jake Davis 1-3, RBI; Josh Kea 1-2.
Monroe (AL) Academy 6, Northview 4
The Northview Chiefs lost 6-4 to Monroe Academy of Monroeville Tuesday in Bratt., 6-4.
Northivew hitters – Quentin Sampson 1-3, RBI; Seth Killam 1-4; Josh Neese 2-3, R.
Thomas Moore pitched 6.2 striking out seven, and allowing six runs and six hits. Zach Payne tossed three pitches for a strikeout.
SOFTBALL
Milton 2, Tate 0
The Milton Panthers defeated the Tate Aggies Tuesday 2-0 at Milton
Savannah Ulrich was 1-3 at the plate for the Aggies, while Hannah Brown took the loos on the mound for the Aggies with four strikeouts .
Century Faces Short Term Problem With Long Term Tornado Recovery
March 22, 2016
Nonprofit groups are preparing to help Century with long term tornado recovery efforts, but before those groups can work to repair housing in Century, the short term volunteers need a place to stay.
Greg Strader, director of BRACE (Be Ready Alliance Coordinating for Emergencies), updated the Century Town Council on long term recovery efforts during their Monday night meeting.
“Recovery is a very competitive business, Strader told the council. “These volunteer groups are wanted across the county.”
Several regional and national groups, most affiliated with major religions, have expressed interest in helping rebuild houses in Century…where an estimated three-quarters of residents did not have insurance when an EF-3 tornado damaged or destroyed over 100 homes on February 15.
Those groups need a place for volunteers to spend the night, eat and shower, Strader said, with specific requirements varying by group.
Strader said the National Relief Network plans to send a team of college students from Eastern Kentucky University to help with recovery efforts in Century May 15-20. The team specializes in demolishing damaged homes while reclaiming as many building materials as practical. They can also assist with roof repairs, hanging drywall and other tasks.
The students will need a place to stay, and Mayor Freddie McCall said a dormitory style setup will be available to them at the Century Business Center. But they will also need a shower trailer, which has so far not been located by the town or BRACE.
Other volunteer groups have different housing requirements. Once, the mayor said, would consider space at the Bluff Springs Campgrounds, but that would cost $26 per person per day, or over $1,000 per day to house the volunteer church group.
McCall said the town and BRACE would continue to exploring temporary housing for rehab volunteers.
Pictured: Greg Strader, director of BRACE, addresses the Century Town Council Monday night. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
State Provides $2 Million Toward ‘The Bluffs’ Industrial Site In Cantonment
March 22, 2016
The Florida legislature has provided $2 million in funding for the The Bluffs in Cantonment — a site that could be home to as many as 60 new industrial and manufacturing companies and more than 15,000 jobs with wages of nearly $3.9 billion.
The 6,000 acre master-planned development area includes about 1,700 acres of land that can be developed in an area east of Highway 29 bordered by the Escambia River to the east, Becks Lake Road near International Paper to the north, and the University of West Florida to the south. Although located along the Escambia River, most of the property to be developed is at a high elevation, about 100 feet above sea level, and not in a flood plain.
Minimally, the project is expected to recruit approximately 10 companies that would occupy more than 3.9 million square feet of building space on 295 acres of land which will be significant to Escambia County and the regional economy.
Escambia County Commissioner Steven Barry said, “The manufacturing and industrial jobs created through the Bluffs project afford our residents the opportunity to better their lives today as well as create their own prosperous future.”
“The Florida Legislature recognized the Bluffs project as one of the most significant properties within the state. With most utilities already in place, water transportation readily accessible, and mainline rail only hundreds of feet away, it is the ideal location for advanced manufacturing and industrial development. This one project will be the game changer for Northwest Florida,” said Lewis Bear, chairman of the Pensacola – Escambia Promotion and Development Commission (PEDC).
The project site plan includes four primary development areas. The area known as “Live Oak Bluff” is likely to see the first development, he said. It is about 415 acres with 13 lots in an area that is currently accessible from Becks Lake Road. A Muscogee Road freight corridor is already in the works, expanding access from Becks Lake Road and Highway 29 to an upcoming I-10 exit in Beulah.
Engineering studies have been completed on the property, identifying potential sites and accounting for wetlands, stormwater runoff, parking and roads. A marketing plan has also been developed to begin reaching out to potential companies.
The plans also include making the campus an “environmental showcase” ensuring that the natural beauty of The Bluffs is preserved by building natural trails and encouraging green features for new tenants.
The effort includes partners already located in the corridor – Ascend, ECUA, Gulf Power and the University of West Florida – along with the PEDC,the Florida West Economic Alliance and the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity.
Pictured top and below: Aerial concept maps show The Bluffs, click to enlarge to read map labels. Pictured bottom inset: The Bluffs will be designed to be an environmental showcase. Pictured bottom: Conceptual drawing of Live Oak Bluff, the likely first area to be developed off Becks Lake Road. Images for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
