FDOT: Weekly Traffic Alerts
December 12, 2015
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
- Nine Mile Road from west of I-10 to Heritage Oaks Drive, Escambia County – East and westbound traffic on Nine Mile Road will encounter lane closures west of Interstate 10, near Heritage Oaks Drive, in Escambia County from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Friday, Dec. 11 through Sunday, Dec. 13 as crews perform construction activities. If temperatures fall below 50 degrees during nighttime hours, paving operations will take place from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12 and Sunday December 13.
- S.R. 289 (9th Avenue), Escambia County- Crews will pave between Bayou Boulevard and Creighton Road. Lane closures will be in effect from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. for approximately two to three weeks. Motorists traveling between Bayou Boulevard and Cervantes Street will also encounter intermittent and alternating daytime lane closures as crews adjust manholes and valves.
- I-110 Bridge Painting, Escambia County – Drivers may encounter intermittent daytime restrictions on city streets under I-110 between Maxwell and Garden Streets as crews clean the bridges. The $2.6 million rehabilitation project is anticipated to be complete summer 2016.
- I-110- Alternating north and southbound lane restrictions from 8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 14 to 5 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 15 as crews make overhead signs repairs.
- 1-110- Routine bridge maintenance work will be performed at the following locations from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday, Dec. 14 through Thursday, Dec. 17.
- Cervantes Street on and off ramp
- Garden Street off ramp
- Chase Street on ramp
- I-110 north and southbound from Cervantes Street to Chase Street
- I-10 – East and westbound alternating lane closures from west of State Road (S.R.) 297 (Pine Forest Road /Exit7) to just west of west of U.S. 90 ( Scenic Highway/Exit 17) from 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 15 to as crews make overhead signs repairs along the corridor
Drivers are reminded to use caution, especially at night, when traveling through a work zone. All planned construction activities are weather dependent and may be re-scheduled in the event of inclement weather.
$100K Donated To Escambia School District For Computer Science Programs
December 12, 2015
The Sansing Foundation is giving $100,000 to the Escambia County School District to increase computer science instruction in classes in all grade levels over the next two calendar years.
“As a business owner,” explained Sandy Sansing, “I am keenly aware of the importance of technology in the success of my employees and business. Every local student should have a chance to learn about computer science and technology. By starting early, students will have a foundation for success in any 21st century career.”
“Mr. Sandy Sansing has been a longtime friend of the Escambia County School District. His desire to see our children and our community prosper, by partnering with us to increase educational experiences for our students and teachers, is evidenced today,” Superintendent Malcolm Thomas said.
The first $50,000 of the grant funds will allow the district to do the following in 2016:
● Provide all elementary schools with materials to support participation in Science Olympiad, with EV3 Mindstorm core sets, and LabView Programming Software.
● Send seven district instructors to the Computer Science Teachers’ Association Conference next July.
● Provide the Robotics Academy at Pine Forest High School with Arduinos Microcontroller kits (kits for building digital devices and interactive objects that can sense and control objects in the physical world).
● Bring AP Computer Science courses in selected high schools by training teachers for implementation during the next school year.
● Cover the cost for web development training for teachers from Tate, Washington, Pensacola, West Florida and Pine Forest High Schools to obtain certification this summer to teach HTML next year.
● And, cover the cost for web development training for teachers from Tate, Washington, Pensacola, West Florida and Pine Forest High Schools to obtain certification this summer to teach OCA: Java Script Programmer next year.
A second $50,000 grant donation will allow the district to build on these programs in 2017. The grant will be managed by the ECSD Workforce Education Department.
“Our Workforce instructors use their own training and technical certifications to prepare students to attain their computer science certifications,” said Dr. Michelle Taylor, ECSD’s director of Workforce Education. “We know that certifications help our graduates obtain employment, begin careers, and advance their education. The Sansing Foundation has been a catalyst for our district to take a big step forward in preparing students for STEM jobs in computer technology beginning at the elementary level and through increased rigor and opportunity at the high school level.”
All-Star Football Game Roster Released
December 12, 2015
On Friday, December 18, the best seniors from Escambia, Santa Rosa, and Okaloosa Counties will play in the 12th Annual SUBWAY High School All-Star Football Game at Fort Walton Beach High School at 7 p.m. This year’s rosters and coaches were announced Friday
West Team (Escambia County)
Head coach: Mike Davis, Escambia
- Noah Simpson, Catholic
- Jakevis Wright, Catholic
- Billy Harris, Catholic
- Jabir Frye, Escambia
- Austin Travis, Escambia
- Jerrell Butler, Escambia
- Dajonte Donaldson, Escambia
- Corey Roberts, Escambia
- Emilio Maldonado, Escambia
- Gavin Grant, Northview
- Austin Whitehead, Northview
- Zach Holland, Northview
- Sed Smith, Pensacola
- Torrance Hackworth, Pensacola
- Calif Gossett, Pensacola
- De’Andre Norman, Pensacola
- Gage Miller, Pensacola
- Ty Saulisberry, Pensacola
- Brandon Bell, Pensacola
- James Mallory, Pensacola
- Airon Carmack, Pine Forest
- Jamarqus Miller, Pine Forest
- Keshawn Showers, Pine Forest
- Sawyer Smith, Tate
- Reggie Payne, Tate
- Gavin McNally, Tate
- Alonte Thompson, Tate
- Dee Thompson, Tate
- Dallas Ditto, Tate
- Monty Brown, Tate
- Tyree Jackson, Washington
- Jay’Veon Bryant, Washington
- Josh Settimio, Washington
- Corey Montgomery, Washington
- Adarius Purifoy, West Florida
- Javen Jackson, West Florida
- Braden Richardson, West Florida
- Victor Hill, West Florida
- Ricky Richardson, West Florida
- Shedrick Robinson, West Florida
- Tino Espinoza, West Florida
East Team (Okaloosa and Santa Rosa County)
Head coach: Chris Nemith, Gulf Breeze
- Jon Beck, Baker
- Montae Barto, Baker
- Dakota Blackburn, Baker
- Leonard Ellis, Baker
- Austin Davis, Baker
- Jake Fairly, Choctaw
- Kholbe Dorsey, Choctaw
- Gabe Estes, Choctaw
- Richard Grant, Choctaw
- Marcus Flavors, Crestview
- Marcus Mobley, Crestview
- Antonio Marshall, Fort Walton Beach
- Jaquille Merriel, Fort Walton Beach
- Ricky Alexander, Gulf Breeze
- Chase Blake, Gulf Breeze
- T.J. Brbaker, Gulf Breeze
- Braden Cross, Jay
- Victor Mishoe, Jay
- Shemar Henderson, Milton
- Kobi Floyd, Milton
- Jordan Rich, Milton
- Ben Coulter, Milton
- Hassan Williams, Navarre
- Brent Short, Navarre
- Corey Capenia, Navarre
- Nathan McMaster, Navarre
- Anthony Miller, Navarre
- Jay Klosinski, Navarre
- Tommy Leggett, Navarre
- Ryan Diamco, Navarre
- Kini Makaneole, Niceville
- Gavin Green, Niceville
- Chandler Weeks, Niceville
- Scott Armfield, Niceville
- Ty Oxford, Pace
- Logan Guerrero, Pace
- Will Bercot, Pace
- Chandler Hines, Pace
- A.J. Nash, Pace
- David Mareno, Rocky Bayou
- Ian Hall, Rocky Bayou
Pictured top: Northview quarterback Gavin Grant. NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Guns Targeted In Domestic Violence, Stalking Cases
December 12, 2015
A House Democrat on Friday proposed a bill that would require people under injunctions for domestic violence, stalking or cyberstalking to quickly give up their guns. The bill would add to requirements in a law that already makes it a misdemeanor for people to have guns if injunctions are issued against them because of domestic violence, stalking or cyberstalking.
The bill, filed for the 2016 legislative session by Rep. Alan Williams, D-Tallahassee, would allow police officers to immediately require the relinquishment of guns when serving protective orders in such cases. If police officers don’t make such requests, the bill would require guns to be turned over within 24 hours to law-enforcement agencies or federally licensed firearms dealers. The guns would be returned or face disposal after protective orders expire.
by The News Service of Florida
Man Arrested With Large Purse Full Of Cash And Cocaine
December 11, 2015
An Escambia County man was arrested in a neighborhood off Ten Mile Road with a purse containing a large mount of cash and cocaine.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 700 block of Ridge Road where they had received multiple reports of a suspicious male carrying a large gold purse and running through yards.
They found 29-year old Leslie Jamel Randall who was placed under arrest on an active warrant. A K-9 search of the area found a large gold purse containing narcotics and a large quantity of cash nearby. The purse contained approximately 650 grams of cocaine along with almost $4,500 in cash that was bundled in increments consistent with illegal narcotics sales, according to deputies.
Randall was charged with trafficking in cocaine, possession of cocaine with intent to distribute and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was booked into the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $110,500.
Molino Utilities Awarded $165K Improvement Grant
December 11, 2015
Three North Escambia area projects were amoung those that received a total of $2.4 million in grant funding for water supply development Thursday from the Northwest Florida Water Management District’s Governing Board.
In Escambia County, a $165,000 grant was awarded to Molino Utilities to replace aging and undersized water lines with upgraded water mains and structures.
In Santa Rosa County, Moore Creek Mount Carmel Utilities received $151,020 to install a filtration system to remove dieldrin and other contaminants from two sand-and-gravel water supply wells. And the Town of Jay received $204,733 for the construction of a looped water system with an existing water main to improve pressures and system reliability.
The funding was awarded as part of a competitive grant program to help local governments and non-profit utilities address local water supply challenges and meet regional water supply protection and management needs.
Pictured: Molino Utilities on Molino Road. NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Price, click to enlarge.
Photos: Flomaton Christmas Parade
December 11, 2015
The annual Christmas Parade rolled through the streets of Flomaton Thursday night. The parade featured floats, vehicles, the Flomaton High School cheerleaders and band, the Northview High School NJROTC, twirlers, plenty of candy throws and Santa Claus.
For a photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Police Chiefs Will Back Open Carry Bill
December 11, 2015
Acknowledging “momentum” behind a proposal that would allow people with concealed-weapons licenses to openly carry guns, the Florida Police Chiefs Association said Thursday its board of directors had voted to back the controversial measure — as long as changes designed to protect law-enforcement officers are included.
A spokeswoman confirmed that the police chiefs’ group had contacted the sponsors of the proposal (SB 300/HB 163), Sen. Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, and his son, Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fort Walton Beach, who both say they’re on board with the changes.
“The police chiefs understand that momentum is building,” association spokeswoman Sandi Poreda said. “And because of their concerns for police officers’ safety, they wanted to go ahead and reach out to the bill sponsors and work on these amendments, which they believe will better protect officers.”
If the measure passes, 1.45 million Floridians with concealed-weapons permits would be able to openly carry guns. Opponents — including a number of Florida sheriffs — warn that people who openly display guns could get hurt as a result, either by criminals or law enforcement.
Gun bills will be heavily debated during the 2016 legislative session, which starts Jan. 12. Along with the open-carry proposal, lawmakers are looking at allowing people with concealed-weapons licenses to carry guns on college and university campuses and are considering a proposal to shift a burden of proof in “stand your ground” self-defense cases.
By a vote of 15-7, the police chiefs association’s board of directors — who represent law-enforcement agencies in different districts of the state — agreed to support the open-carry bill when the amendments are adopted.
In a “Red Alert” email Wednesday to association members, Executive Director Amy Mercer cautioned that the police chiefs’ group “reserves the right to oppose the bill in the future, particularly if our amendments are changed or removed or if other amendments are added that are found not to be in the best interest of the FPCA and our members.”
Lawmakers will consider four proposed amendments, which have not yet been filed.
One amendment would add a provision to the Senate bill. The amended version would include House language stating that a person who displays a firearm “intentionally … in an angry or threatening manner, not in necessary self defense” is not covered by the proposed open-carry law.
Second, both current versions of the proposal would allow fines to be imposed on people — including police officers — who infringe on others’ rights to openly carry guns, unless probable cause exists to believe that crimes have been committed. A proposed amendment would ease that standard for law officers, who would be required to have “reasonable suspicion” before stopping people to verify or investigate the carrying of guns.
Third, the current proposal states that no one who infringes on the right to openly carry guns — including police officers — would be immune from legal consequences. However, the agreement between the Gaetzes and the police chiefs association specifies that nothing in the bill would be intended to restrict a law enforcement officer’s ability or authority to conduct investigations as otherwise allowed by law.
“Sovereign immunity is a vital tool that allows law enforcement officers to perform their duties without fear of frivolous lawsuits,” Mercer wrote. “Officers will not fear losing sovereign immunity when investigating a person open or concealed carrying.”
The fourth amendment would require a holster for purposes of openly carrying a firearm.
The original versions of the bills have started moving through House and Senate committees. Matt Gaetz said Thursday he expects the changes to be added when lawmakers return to the issues after the first of the year.
“In the next committee in which the bill is heard, either the House Judiciary Committee or the Senate Judiciary Committee, it is my expectation that those amendments will be adopted,” Matt Gaetz said.
The Florida Sheriffs Association would not comment Thursday. But Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, a staunch opponent of open carry, said the four amendments wouldn’t make the bill acceptable to him — or safe for people who openly display their guns.
For instance, he said, if an officer arrives at the scene of a crime and sees someone with a weapon, “At a minimum, they’re going to be thrown down on the ground with a gun pointed at them — or worse.”
And if good citizen with a concealed weapon walks into, say, a bank during an armed robbery, Gualtieri added, “he’s going to take one in the chest because he’s a threat.”
“It’s not good for Florida, it’s not good for the economy, it’s not good for tourism,” he said.
Don Gaetz, however, pointed to the emerging differences between opponents such as Gualtieri and the police chiefs association.
“Well, he now will have the opportunity to debate that issue with his fellow law-enforcement officers who are taking a different view than he is,” Don Gaetz said.
National Rifle Association lobbyist Marion Hammer, who strongly backs the measure, dismissed the critics.
“That’s rhetoric. That’s reaching,” she said. “Every time we do something to protect the rights of law-abiding gun owners, somebody will come up with a ‘what if?’ ”
by Margie Menzel, The News Service of Florida
Escambia Man Gets 40 Years On Drug, Weapons Charges
December 11, 2015
An Escambia County man was sentenced to decades in prison on drug and weapons charges Thursday.
Ethan Lamar Anderson was convicted of trafficking in methamphetamine (28 grams or more but less than 200 grams) while in possession of a firearm, resisting an officer without violence, possession of cannabis (less than 20 grams), and possession of drug paraphernalia. Following the verdict, Circuit Judge Ross Goodman sentenced Anderson to a total of 40 years in state prison with 10 years to be served day for day under Florida’s 10-20-Life law.
In the early morning hours of January 8, 2015, Escambia County deputies followed the Anderson into a parking lot of a motel near the corner of Old Corry Field Road and Barrancas Avenue. Deputies observed suspicious behavior by the Anderson and determined that he had stashed a large quantity of methamphetamine and a firearm behind his car.
When deputies approached Anderson, he fled the scene on foot. He was apprehended after a brief pursuit. A search of the his vehicle discovered a small quantity of drugs together with a box of baggies and a digital scale.
Anderson had previous convictions for grand theft, grand theft auto and burglary of a dwelling.
Two Men Sentenced For Escambia County Shooting
December 11, 2015
Two Escambia County men have been sentence to prison for a 2014 shooting.
Marquis Weathers and Jamaal Williams were sentenced to state prison for their roles in the October 27, 2014, shooting off of Rio Grande Circle.
Circuit Judge Gary Bergosh sentenced Weathers to a total of 50 years in state prison, of which 40 years are to be served day for day under Florida’s 10-20-Life law.
Williams was sentenced by Bergosh to a total of 25 years in state prison of which 20 years are to be served day for day under Florida’s 10-20-Life law.
Weathers was previously convicted of two counts attempted second degree murder with a firearm and two counts of aggravated battery by an Escambia County jury. Williams previously entered a plea to two counts of attempted second degree murder with a firearm.
The charges stemmed from a shooting that occurred on October 27, 2014, off of Rio Grande Circle where two individuals suffered gunshot wounds while sitting in their car. Prosecutors said Weathers and Williams both shot into the vehicle. One victim suffered a gunshot wound to the head and the other victim suffered an injury to his arm. Both victims survived their injuries.