Tate Varsity Cheerleaders Fall Short Of State Title
February 1, 2015
The Tate High School Varsity Cheerleaders took sixth place in the state Saturday in the Class 2A Medium Division of the 2015 FHSAA Competitive Cheerleading State Championships at the Silver Spurs Arena in Kissimmee.
The state championship went to Winter Park with 81.88 points, and the Jupiter claimed the runner-up spot with 74.88 points. The Lady Aggies earned 69.50 points. The Lady Aggies earned their trip to stat with a first place win a week ago at the FHSAA Regionals in Marianna.
Team members are Anna Barrow, Sarah Baxter, Nikki Cagle, Jasmine Crabtree, Megan Edgar, Jessica Hedden, Taylor Howey, DeAnna Jernigan, Kirstyn Johnson, Genevieve Leonard, Mia Morris, Taylor Nisewonger, Alie Phillips, Kaitlyn Riddell, Taylor Rouchon, and Brooke Vincent.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate Chaparrals Winter Guard Take First In Fairhope
February 1, 2015
The Tate High School Chaparrals winter guard team won first place in the Scholastic Regional “A” Class Saturday at Fairhope High School. Chaparrals members are Katie Dupre, Celina Dyess, Breanna Langley, Megan Leonard, Katy Luebke, Jo Jo O’Steen, Michaela Overbey, Madison Philley, Brenn Repine, Kelsey Strength, Virginia Vaughn and Savannah VonStein.
Photos by Jennifer Repine for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Lawmakers Want Review Of ‘Baker Act’
February 1, 2015
Two South Florida lawmakers have filed bills that would require a review of Florida’s “Baker Act,” which allows for the involuntary commitment of people who have mental illnesses and are considered dangers to themselves or others.
The proposals, filed by Sen. Joseph Abruzzo, D-Boynton Beach, and Rep. Lori Berman, D-Lantana, will be considered during the legislative session that starts in March. Under the proposals, the Florida Department of Children and Families would create a workgroup that would study issues such as lengthening the amount of time in conducting initial assessments of people subject to the Baker Act.
Also, the panel would consider issues such as using telemedicine for patient evaluation, case management and ongoing care. Telemedicine involves using the Internet and other technology to provide health-care services remotely. The workgroup, which would include a wide range of members, would be required to submit a final report by Nov. 1.
In a prepared statement Monday, Abruzzo said the proposal is aimed at curbing a cycle of commitment and treatment. “There are far too many people who are caught up in a revolving door of treatment and release with no long-term plan for turning things around,” Abruzzo said. “We need to review and revise the law to offer greater options and better outcomes.”
by The News Service of Florida
Fire Destroys Cedartown Road Home
January 31, 2015
Fire destroyed an unoccupied home in Molino Friday night.
The fire in the 6800 block of Cedartown Road was reported about 6:15 p.m. The wood frame home was fully involved when the first Escambia Fire Rescue firefighters arrived on a scene.
There were no injuries reported.
The exact cause of the blaze in under investigation by the Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Price and others, click to enlarge.
Elderly Man Dies In Single Vehicle Crash
January 31, 2015
An elderly Escambia County man died in a single vehicle crash Friday night.
The Florida Highway Patrol said 94-year old Edward Marlowe was traveling east on Prieto Drive when he failed to negotiate a left curve and traveled into the front yard of a residence. His 2010 Kia Forte then struck two large oak trees.
He was pronounced deceased on the scene by Escambia County EMS.
FWC Law Enforcement Report
January 31, 2015
The Florida FWC Division of Law Enforcement reported the following activity during the weekly period ending January 29 in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
Officer Pettey received a call from a hunter who heard a shot near the boundary line of his hunting club in McDavid. The hunter explained that he had heard several shots over the last several days and suspected the person might be shooting doe deer. Officer Pettey responded to the area and observed a hunter exiting the woods. The subject had harvested an illegal buck with approximately one inch antlers. Officer Pettey seized the deer as evidence and issued a criminal citation for the violation.
Officer Livesay was working in Perdido River Wildlife Manage Area (WMA), when he observed an individual exit the woods wearing hunter orange and possessing a rifle. The subject claimed he was not hunting and was just walking around. Officer Livesay informed the subject that he was going to look for his stand. The individual then admitted he was hunting and had a stand set up nearby. Officer Livesay walked with the subject to his hunting stand and discovered he had recently scattered corn (bait) in the area. After further questioning, the subject admitted to placing the corn on the ground as bait. The subject was cited for the hunting over bait and no quota permit.
SANTA ROSA COUNTY
Officer Hutchinson was conducting land patrol in the Blackwater State Forest when he observed a vehicle parked in close proximity to a known baited location. Officer Hutchinson trailed the suspect and observed him sitting in a tree stand overlooking the bait site. Officer Hutchinson made contact with the hunter who admitted to placing the bait on the ground and hunting deer. The subject’s hunting license was expired. The hunter was issued the appropriate citations for hunting over bait and no hunting license.
This report represents some events the FWC handled over the past week;however, it does not include all actions taken by the Division of Law Enforcement. Information provided by FWC
Take A Survey: County Seeks Input On RESTORE Fund Spending
January 31, 2015
Escambia County wants to know how you would like to see RESTORE funds spent on projects.
“Projects can be anywhere in the county,” Kathleen Dough-Castro, Escambia County’s public information manager, said. “It’s not funding just for the beach; projects could be completed using RESTORE funds in Century, for instance.”
The RESTORE Act was created to help the Gulf of Mexico’s environment and economy recover from the Deepwater Horizon oil disaster and other harmful influences. Signed into law in July 2012, the RESTORE Act (Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast States Act) dedicates 80 percent of all Clean Water Act administrative and civil penalties related to the Deepwater Horizon spill to a Gulf Coast Restoration Trust Fund.
The amount of money that Escambia County will receive through the RESTORE Act is unknown. The main source of funds is anticipated to be the federal lawsuit against BP. On August 15, 2014, the United States Treasury released its Interim Final Rules regarding procedures and policies to apply for funds. Once the BP trial is completed the amount of funding coming to the County will be finalized.
However, the federal government and Transocean have agreed to a settlement, which will provide $10.6 million to Escambia County after the County has an approved Multi-Year Implementation Plan (MYIP), which will include a list of selected recovery projects. In order to create the MYIP, the RESTORE Act Advisory Committee (RAC) is currently in the process of developing criteria to use to assess various projects that will be brought before the committee in consideration for funding from the RESTORE Act. These projects will be presented by the project stakeholder in front of the Committee and then evaluated using this criterion. Public input is critical to ensure that the approved projects are in line with the community’s wants and needs with regard to expenditure of the RESTORE funds.
The RAC recently adopted an Interim Needs Assessment, which outlines the needs of Escambia County and supports the development of the Project Selection Criteria.
he RAC recently adopted an Interim Needs Assessment, which outlines the needs of Escambia County and supports the development of the Project Selection Criteria.
The current draft Project Selection Criteria reflects the needs identified in the Interim Assessment. The criteria has been divided into five categories:
- Baseline
- Environmental
- Economic
- Infrastructure
- Bonus
The comment period opens today, Wednesday, January 28 and runs through Sunday, February 8. There are three ways to submit your comments:
- Take an Online Survey. This survey will take approximately 15-20 minutes to complete.
- Email your comments to RESTORE@myescambia.com
- Attend at the February 2 RESTORE Act Advisory Committee meeting to present your comments directly to the Committee. Each speaker will be limited to a maximum of three minutes. Allowed time may be less depending on the number of speakers. The meeting will be held at 4 p.m. on February 2 in the BOCC chambers.
Authorities Seek Credit Card Thief
January 31, 2015
Authorities are searching for a man that used a stolen credit card at multiple locations in the Bay Minette and Atmore areas on January 11.
The man is believed to be from the Bay Minette, Atmore or North Escambia, FL, area, according to the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division. He was driving what appeared to be a silver, mid-2000’s model Ford Focus, two-door, hatch back car.
Anyone with information on his identity is asked to call Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office Cpl. Matt Morrison at (251) 972-8589, option 6, or their local law enforcement agency.
Pictured: An alleged credit card thief exits the Walmart in Atmore. Pictured below: A picture of the man’s car taken at a gas station at Exit 54 on I-65 in the Atmore area. Photos courtesy Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Program Connects School Counselors With Community Groups
January 31, 2015
An event Thursday and Friday in Escambia County brought together school district counselors and social workers with over 30 local non-profit service organizations. The program, sponsored by United Way, was designed to bring together those who work with students and families with the agencies that can help.
Finding a way to make stronger connections between those who work with students and their families and those who can help, has been a goal of the United Way staff for a few years, according to Marlena Lewis, United Way’s partnership manager.
“Getting all of these groups together in the same room is a rare opportunity for everyone to truly listen to each other and compare what can be done with what needs to be done,” Lewis said.
“Our primary goal is to educate the children of Escambia County, however what our counselors and social workers often deal with is the fact that learning can’t happen when a child is under stress,” explained Superintendent Malcolm Thomas, with Escambia County School District. “As school officials learn more about outlets for assistance that can reduce the cause of that stress, they will be able to get help for the child and allow him or her to focus more easily on being a student.”
The design of this event allowed time for local service organizations to explain their mission. The second part of the meeting was a chance for school district staff to tell the service providers what they wish they had available to help them do their jobs.
Pictured top: Bratt Elementary School Counselor Sheila Bryan (center) discusses needs during a United Way program to connect counselors and community groups. Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Five Charged In Home Invasion
January 31, 2015
Five people have been charged in connection with a January 10th home invasion on Olive Road.
According to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, three females barged into the home and then let in two males who attacked a 60-year old male, taking his cell phone, wallet and keys before fleeing.
Charged were:
Haley Ann Moran 18, $50,000 bond
Trina Faye Moran, 37, $70,000 bond
Patrick W. Cherf, 24, $200,000 bond
Ian Scott Datz, 22, $200,000 bond
Ricki Rene Baxter, 18, $10,000 bond
All five remained in the Escambia County Jail Friday night with the bond listed.