Jerry Davis Receives Florida Farm Bureau’s Highest Service Award
November 27, 2024
Area agriculturists Jerry Davis has been recognized with Florida Farm Bureau’s highest service award for his service to agriculture.
The Distinguished Service Award honors Florida agriculturists for their overall contributions to farming at the local or state level. The award was presented at the Florida Farm Bureau State Annual Meeting at the President’s Awards Banquet.
Davis has been a Farm Bureau member for more than 30 years, serving as the Santa Rosa County president for 21 years. During his time as president, Davis instituted a scholarship program for young people to pursue agriculture as a career. He established an educational farm tour for Escambia and Santa Rosa County legislators to bring awareness to the farming community and its impact to the local economy.
Davis has advocated for the cotton industry by serving on numerous state and national boards, including the Florida and Southeastern Boll Weevil Eradication Foundation, helping to eradicate the boll weevil. He continues to be a strong advocate for agriculture. Distinguished Service Award honors Florida agriculturists for their overall contributions to farming at the local or state level.
Pictured: Jerry Davis (right) was awarded the 2024 Distinguished Service Award by Florida Farm Bureau President Jeb S. Smith at the organization’s state annual meeting. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Kitten Rescued From Drainage Pipe
November 27, 2024
Escambia County Animal Welfare rescued a kitten from inside a drainage pipe this recently after receiving a call from Escambia County Sheriff’s Office employees who heard the kitten meowing for help.
The kitten, now named “Pipes” by his rescuer, lost his way in a drainage pipe. ECSO Master Deputy Liddell heard the kitten’s cries and called Escambia County Animal Welfare for assistance since she was unable to find the kitten.
Lead Animal Welfare Officer Sgt. Merideth Roberson responded to the call and also struggled to find the kitten at first, but then she heard his meows echoing in the drainage pipe. After unsuccessfully trying to set a humane cat trap, Sgt. Roberson began playing videos of a mother cat calling for her babies in an attempt to lure the kitten closer.
“I could hear it loudly, but I still couldn’t see it,” Sgt. Roberson said. “I played mama cat noises again, then I saw his beady little eyeballs way at the end of the tunnel.”
Sgt. Roberson decided her best chance at catching the kitten would be to go into the drain herself, so ECSO deputies retrieved a ladder and gave her a walkie talkie to stay connected during her rescue attempt.
“I started crawling down the tunnel, and the kitten takes off running,” Sgt. Roberson said. “I go to turn back around and leave, because I don’t think I’m going to be able to catch it – but then I turned back around and saw it was trapped at the end of the tunnel. I was able to snatch him up and then army crawl back to the ladder.”
Sgt. Roberson emphasized that the kitten rescue was a team effort, made possible with the help of ECSO Master Deputy Liddell, Senior Deputy Faunce, and Security Screener Jones. Sgt. Roberson said her training in animal search and rescue as part of Escambia County Animal Welfare’s ASAR team also contributed to the positive rescue outcome.
“I was a little scared crawling down in there,” said Sgt. Roberson, who estimates that she crawled about 50 yards through the drainage pipe. “I’m just super thankful that I’ve had the opportunity to do things like this and that I’ve received training to do my job the best that I can do.”
Other than being a bit underweight and seeming distressed from the underground adventure, Sgt. Roberson said “Pipes” the kitten appeared to be in good health overall. Pipes was evaluated by Escambia County Animal Welfare’s veterinarian and given a clean bill of health, and he is expected to be available for adoption at the Escambia County Animal Shelter soon.
“I am super thankful we were able to get him out and help give him a second chance at life,” Sgt. Roberson said. “Hopefully Pipes will get adopted and find a good home.”
Escambia County Animal Welfare Director John Robinson said this is just another one of many examples of his team’s dedication to helping animals every day.
“I’m so proud of our team for constantly going above and beyond to care for animals in our community, whether it’s helping them find forever homes or performing rescues like this,” Robinson said. “Sgt. Roberson did not hesitate to jump into action, putting her own comfort aside to help this kitten in distress. Through her actions along with help from the Sheriff’s Office, Pipes the kitten now has a chance to find a loving family to care for him.”
Jim Allen Elementary Names Students Of The Month
November 27, 2024
Jim Allen Elementary School recently announced their October Students of the Month. They are Cory Seymour and Aspen Neels. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
The Ensley Chiefs Are Now The Ensley Hurricanes
November 27, 2024
The Ensley Chiefs have a new name — the Ensley Hurricanes.
“Once a popular destination for parents and their children, youth recreation sports in Escambia County have faced challenges in recent years, leading to several parks closing their programs Recognizing the need for change, the board, coaches, parents, and children all agreed that a new direction was necessary,” Ensley Sports president Tony Vance said.
“Our new look reflects the passion and ambition that drive our community to create exceptional experiences for our football and cheerleading programs,” Vance said.
Ensley Sports offers programs that include football, cheerleading and flag football. at the John R. Jones Athletic Complex on Nine Mile Road.
Image for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Homicide Suspect Surrenders At County Jail
November 27, 2024
A wanted homicide suspect has surrendered at the Escambia County Jail.
Arrington Marcellas Moultrie, 35, turned himself in Tuesday after appearing in media reports and was booked at 1:42 p.m.
He is charged with homicide, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and obstruction of justice-evidence tampering. He was booked into the Escambia County Jail without bond
Moultrie was charged for his alleged involvement in a homicide November 16 in the 6600 block of Hampton Road about 6 p.m. EMS transported the gunshot victim from a nearby Raceway station on Pensacola Boulevard. The victim’s name has not been released.
AAA Urges Thanksgiving Drivers To Ensure Their Vehicle Is Ready For The Road
November 27, 2024
Millions of Americans will hit the road this Thanksgiving. Yet some may travel in a vehicle that isn’t ready for an extended road trip.
AAA estimates 400,000 Americans will need roadside assistance during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. The three most common issues are dead batteries, flat tires, and lockouts.
“Most vehicle problems like these could be prevented with a pre-trip vehicle inspection,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Before you hit the road this Thanksgiving, make sure to check everything from the battery to the tires. That could make the difference between spending Thanksgiving at the table or on the roadside.”
TOP 5 ITEMS ON A VEHICLE CHECKLIST
- Tires
- Battery
- Brakes
- Fluids
- Wiper Blades
TIRES ARE MOST IMPORTANT
If neglected, tires could create serious consequences – ranging from a simple flat to a dangerous blowout on the highway. In 2020, there were 3,069 tire-related crashes in Florida, resulting in 184 serious bodily insures and 61 fatalities, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
Check your tires once a month, at minimum, and before taking a long trip.
Inspect all four tires. Since some new vehicles don’t come with a spare tire, know whether you have one and if it’s inflated too. Look for cuts, gouges or sidewall bulges. Drivers should pay special attention to both tire inflation pressure and tire tread depth:
- Check Tire Inflation Pressure – Check tire pressure when the car has been idle and tires are cool. Inflate as needed to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended pressure. You will find it listed in the owner’s manual and on the sticker on the driver side door. Do NOT use the number on the tire sidewall.
- Check Tire Tread Depth – Insert a quarter upside down into the grooves. If you see the top of George Washington’s head, it is time for new tires. Be sure to check in multiple spots across your tire to diagnose any uneven wear patterns.
BATTERIES ARE VULNERABLE TO TEMPERATURE CHANGES
Changes in temperature can take a toll on your car battery. Have a service professional do a battery check to determine remaining capacity.
Symptoms of a dying battery include:
- Car hesitates or slowly cranks when you’re trying to start it
- A grinding, clicking or buzzing sound when you turn the ignition
- Dim headlights, especially when your car is idling
- The battery warning light is illuminated
- Corrosion, cracks or bulges on your battery
OTHER IMPORTANT ITEMS IN YOUR VEHICLE CHECKLIST
- Brakes – Listen to and feel the brakes – If you hear a grinding sound or feel a vibration when applying the brakes, take your vehicle to an auto repair shop for a brake inspection.
- Top off engine oil and other fluids – Check that engine oil, coolant, brake, transmission and power steering fluids are at the correct levels for safe vehicle operation. When adding fluids, use products that meet the specifications listed in the owner’s manual.
- Replace wiper blades and replenish windshield cleaner – Rubber wiper blades naturally deteriorate over time. If wipers streak or fail to clear the windshield thoroughly, replace the blades. Fill the windshield washer reservoir with fluid formulated to remove insects and other debris, and test to make sure the nozzles spray adequately.
- Replenish emergency kit supplies – AAA recommends keeping a well-stocked emergency kit in your vehicle. Include a cellphone charger, flashlight and extra fresh batteries, first-aid supplies, drinking water, non-perishable snacks for people and pets, car battery booster cables, emergency flares or reflectors, a rain poncho, a basic tool kit, duct tape, gloves and shop rags or paper towels.
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR VEHICLE BREAKS DOWN
- Pull off the road to a safe place
- Turn on emergency flashers to notify other drivers
- Call for roadside assistance
- Stay with your vehicle, unless it is unsafe to do so
Traffic Stop Leads To Two Arrests On Drug Charges
November 27, 2024
An Escambia County Sheriff’s Office traffic stop led to the arrest of two people on drug charges.
A deputy stopped a silver Kia Optima on W Street for a traffic violation during which narcotics were observed in plain view. ECSO said a search of the vehicle yielded methamphetamine, fentanyl, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia.
Daquarius Dashawn Bell, 30, was charged with trafficking in methamphetamine, possession of fentanyl, and possession of marijuana. Jaden Rae King, 21, was charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Bell remained in the Escambia County jail without bond, while King was jailed with bond set at $3,000.
Pictured below: A labeled photo provided by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office showing drugs allegedly seized after a traffic stop. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Farm-City: Volunteers Harvest Thanksgiving Dinner For 1,000 Needy Families (With Gallery)
November 26, 2024
Monday, students and volunteers from Escambia and Santa Rosa counties worked in fields near Jay to harvest vegetables that will help feed 1,000 needy families this week for Thanksgiving.
The event at the University of Florida’s West Florida Research and Education Center is part of Farm to City Week, bringing the bounty of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences farm to the needy of the city.
The students were from agricultural programs and organizations that included FFA members from local schools .
The produce will be distributed to 500 families in Escambia County and 500 more in Santa Rosa County along with a turkey or ham and all the fixings for a Thanksgiving meal from Feeding the Gulf Coast and the Waterfront Rescue Mission. The food will be distributed Tuesday at the Brownsville Community Center on West DeSoto Street from 9 a.m. until noon. Another distribution will take place Tuesday from 9 a.m. until noon at the Milton Community Center at 5629 Byron Street. Both distributions first come, first served with up to two families per vehicle. No walk-ups.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
When Will New ‘Paper Park’ At Former IP Golf Course Open?
November 26, 2024
Construction is continuing at a new park to be known as “Paper Park” on the 68-acre former International Paper golf course in Cantonment. An official opening date for the park is expected in January.
In April, Escambia County leased the property at Highway 29 and Muscogee Road to develop it into a park.
Walking trails have been constructed around the park, and playgrounds have been installed. When we stopped by Sunday morning, several families were already using the playground.
The Escambia County Commission approved the purchase of a play structure and 704 square feet recreational shelter with tables for the property. The total was $369,775.76 for purchase and installation of the GameTime equipment. The recreational area will be open to the public free of charge during daylight hours once completed and opened.
The purchase is being funded from the Cantonment Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA).
Under the lease agreement for, Escambia County will pay a $5,000 lease fee the first year with an annual increase of 5% with the lease reading $6,077.53 by year five.
The Champion Golf Club course has been closed since 2017.
Pictured: The new Paper Park in Cantonment as seen Sunday morning. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Atmore Police Charge Cantonment Man With Drug Trafficking
November 26, 2024
A Cantonment man was charged with trafficking methamphetamine after a traffic stop in Atmore.
Scott Foley, 53, was charged with drug trafficking and booked into the Escambia County (AL) Detention Center.
The Atmore Police Department stopped a vehicle on Highway 21 due to a license plate registration violation.
The driver, later identified as Foley, acted suspiciously and a K-9 unit was called. Police said the K-9 alerted on the vehicle, leading to the discover over 72 grams of methamphetamine, according to Atmore Police.