Teens Charged With Attempted Homicide In Double Shooting
October 30, 2014
Two teens have been charged with a Monday double shooting.
Jamaal Ervin Williams, 18, and Marquis Tyreek Weathers, 16, are each charged with two counts of attempted homicide and two counts of aggravated battery in connection with the Monday shootings in the 1200 block of Rio Grande Circle. One gunshot victim was found in a yard, and the other was inside a vehicle. Both were transported to a local hospital for treatment of their injuries.
Northview High’s FFA Honored As One Of America’s Best Chapters
October 30, 2014
The Northview High School FFA chapter was awarded one of the highest national honors presented by the National FFA Thursday afternoon in Louisville, KY.
Northview’s FFA received the Three Star Chapter award on live national television during the 87th National FFA Convention & Expo. About 60,000 FFA members and advisors are attending the convention through Saturday, including five Northview FFA officers and their advisor Perry Byars.
This was the second consecutive year that Northiew’s FFA has been honored as one of America’s best chapters.
In addition to the national honors presented Thursday, the Northview High FFA chapter was recently honored for having the top Fresh From Florida Food Advocacy Program, formerly known as the Food for America Program, in the entire state.
The Fresh From Florida Advocacy Program is an educational program focusing on agricultural literacy in elementary schools and communities. It is a program developed to assist FFA members and all agricultural education students in leadership skill development as they reach out to youth, peers and their entire communities by sharing the world of agriculture.
Planning began in the fall of 2013 with FFA members setting goals and establishing working committees for the spring 2014 event. Through the efforts of 100 FFA members and community support, approximately 1,000 mostly elementary level students participated in agriculture awareness through hands-on exhibits and activities.
In addition, members of the Northview High School FFA officer team visited several area elementary schools to read agriculture-related books to students.
The Florida FFA Organization has honored Northview High School FFA Food for America program at the state level multiple years.
Pictured top: On behalf of the Northview FFA, President Haylee Weaver (right) and Vice President Bethany Reynolds (center) receive the Three Star Chapter award on live national television during the National FFA Convention in Louisville, KY, Thursday afternoon. Pictured below: In attendance at the Naitonal FFA Convention this week in Kentucky are Northview FFA Secretary Courtney Weekley, President Haylee Weaver, Vice President Bethany Reynolds, Historian Kaitlyn Klinatland and Public Relations Rep Mitchell Singleton. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Register Now For Century’s Land To Lake Lighted Boat Christmas Parade
October 30, 2014
The Century Christmas Land To Lake Lighted Boat Parade will be held again this year.
The event is scheduled for Saturday, December 6 with line-up at 5 p.m. and floats rolling out at dark from Industrial Boulevard to Lake Stone. The entry fee is $10 per boat or float, with checks made payable to the Century Area Chamber of Commerce. For more information and a printable registration form, click here.
The parade is sponsored in part by NorthEscambia.com.
Pictured above: One of the floats/boats in last year’s Century Christmas Land To Lake Lighted Boat Parade. NorthEscambia.com file photo.
International Paper Announces $90 Million Reinvestment In Cantonment Mill
October 30, 2014
International Paper has announced plans to reinvest more than $90 million over the next five years in their mill in Cantonment in order to increase energy efficiencies, support and enhance the work environment and strengthen its competitive position.
The Pensacola Containerboard Mill, located in Cantonment, employs more than 400 people. The mill has been a foundation in the Greater Pensacola Region since 1941 and was acquired by IP in 2000. IP’s Pensacola Mill – which is part of the company’s industrial packaging group – produces lightweight containerboard and specialty fluff pulp. From Pensacola, the mill’s containerboard products are sent to container facilities to create corrugated brown boxes. The fluff pulp is distributed to customers for diapers and other hygiene products.
“Northwest Florida’s business-friendly environment and initiatives continue to attract strong, innovative businesses,” said Florida Senate President Don Gaetz. “Just last year, International Paper’s Pensacola Mill had a local economic impact of nearly $330 million. I am confident this multi-year investment will continue to help our communities thrive and our region’s economy to grow.”
The IP Pensacola Mill is vitally important to the local, regional and statewide economy, with the company’s local annual average wages representing more than 200 percent of the Escambia County average wage of $37,360. According to an analysis by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, the manufacturing industry sector directly contributed more than 14,500 jobs in the Northwest Florida region, with an additional gain of more than 9,700 jobs for local businesses.
The company’s commitment to Escambia County will be supported by approximately $5,000,000 in grants and infrastructure improvements.
“The Escambia County Board of Commissioners supports fostering the growth of our existing industry base. The Board’s commitment of tax incentives and investments in county-wide infrastructure, such as the proposed project at Muscogee Road and US-29, not only serves the logistic needs of one of our most established local companies, but it also benefits IP’s more than 400 employees and the citizens of Escambia County,” said Escambia County Commissioner Steven Barry.
Dixie Group Issues Earnings Report, Continues Atmore Masland Changes
October 30, 2014
The Dixie Group has issued its third quarter earnings report as the company continues to make changes at its Masland plant in Atmore. The company announced an overall loss Wednesday despite increased sales.
During the quarter, the company shutdown both the yard and carpet dyeing operations in Atmore and transferred those products to a combination of internal operations and external suppliers. The company will also continue to decommission a waste water treatment plant in Atmore.
For the quarter, the Company had sales of $109,359,000 and a loss from continuing operations of $166,000, or $0.01 per diluted share, compared with sales of $90,210,000 and income from continuing operations of $1,432,000, or $0.11 per diluted share for the third quarter of 2013. Income from continuing operations, excluding manufacturing integration, facility consolidation, equipment impairment, and acquisition related expenses, after-tax, was $1,326,000 (non-GAAP adjusted income from continuing operations), or $0.08 per diluted share for the period. The Company had $2,579,000 in facility consolidation, equipment impairment and acquisition related expenses during the period as it implements its previously announced plans to expand capacity, integrate acquisitions and streamline operations.
Molino’s Cunningham Shows Champion Steer At Fair
October 30, 2014
Austin Cunningham of Molino showed his champion steer last week at the Pensacola Interstate Fair, winning several awards. He was awarded Reserve Grand Champion, FFA Grand Champion, and Grand Champion for a homegrown steer. The Northview High School senior also received second in Senior Showmanship. Cunningham sold his 1,250 pound steer “Heisenberg” to Dave Howell Tires for $5.50 per pound, or $6,875. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
State To Offer More Citizens Insurance Policies To Private Firms
October 30, 2014
More than 182,000 policies now in the state-backed Citizens Property Insurance Corp. will be available to be picked up by nine private carriers after the start of the new year.
The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation announced Wednesday that up to 2,527 commercial residential policies will be made available on January 6, and a week later 180,040 personal residential policies will become available. Typically the number of policies actually moved in the “takeout” process is far smaller than what is offered to the private firms. The private companies are able to cherry-pick the least-risky policies and often go after many of the same customers. Policyholders targeted for takeout also have the option to remain covered by Citizens.
For 2014, the state insurance office approved 1.1 million policies for private “takeout,” yet as of September 18, the number moved out of Citizens was 127,550. Citizens, which two years ago had 1.47 million policies, was down to 930,385 policies as of September 30.
Authorities Searching For Stolen $4,000 Dog
October 30, 2014
Local authorities are looking for a stolen dog — a $4,000 stolen dog — taken from a local pet store early this week.
The incident occurred at Petland on North on North Davis Highway on Tuesday. The suspect reportedly entered the business and began talking with a store employee.
When she said she had recently lost a French bulldog, the store employee said they had one in stock.
The employee then brought the dog to a petting room and handed it to the suspect. After a couple of minutes, the employee left the pet enclosure to go to another part of the store.
Once he returned, he realized the suspect and puppy were gone. The female French bulldog is approximately three months old, cream colored with black markings on its face and is valued at approximately $4,000, according to Pensacola Police.
The female suspect was heavyset with short hair and was wearing a gray shirt, shorts and a baseball cap. She appeared to have tattoos on one or both of her forearms in addition to tattoos on her calves. She also may have one or more facial piercings.
Anyone with information on the suspect or the dog’s location is asked to contact Detective Chad Willhite at (850) 435-1972, the Pensacola Police Department at (850) 435-1900 or Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
Morgan Invites Residents To Learn About Neighborhood Watch Programs
October 30, 2014
Sheriff David Morgan is inviting the public to a Neighborhood Watch Academy class taking place November 18 at the Sheriff’s Main Administration Building at 1700 West Leonard Street.
Morgan said the Neighborhood Watch Program is one of the best means of eliminating and preventing criminal activity in your neighborhood. Attendees of the class will learn how to organize a successful neighborhood watch program and prevent crime in their homes and neighborhoods. Topics to be covered in this one evening seminar include:
- The history of the neighborhood watch program
- How to make an effective call for a police response without fear of retribution
- How to become less likely to be a victim or crime
Navy Federal To Create 5,000 New Local Jobs With Expansion
October 29, 2014
This morning, Navy Federal Credit Union announced it will continue expanding its operations in Pensacola, bringing 5,000 new jobs and $350 million in capital investment to the region by 2026.
“This is our largest expansion in Pensacola thus far. It underscores what we’ve long been saying about this great community—it’s a great place to grow your business and a wellspring of talented people to employ,” said Cutler Dawson, CEO/president of Navy Federal. “Continued growth for Navy Federal not only signifies the strength of the credit union, but also means upholding our high standards for member service. It takes the best to serve the best, and that’s why we continue to invest in Pensacola.”
The expansion will include facilities and parking for an additional 5,000 employees, bringing the total number of employees on the Nine Mile Road campus to 10,000 by 2026 and an overall capital investment of $1 billion.
“Today’s announcement that Navy Federal will create 5,000 more jobs for Floridians is a huge win for the Florida families. Because of companies like Navy Federal, we have created 651,300 private-sector jobs since December 2010, and we will continue working hard to create jobs so that every Floridian can live the American Dream,” said Gov. Rick Scott.
Potential employees can apply for existing jobs online.
Navy Federal is a growth story in Pensacola, beginning in 2003 with 60 employees. In 2014, Navy Federal has added 530 jobs, bringing its current total in the region to over 3,800 employees with an annual payroll of $160 million. Gov. Scott recognized these efforts and awarded Dawson the Business Ambassador Award, given to individuals for their efforts in creating jobs and opportunities for Florida families.
“When FORTUNE Magazine named Navy Federal Credit Union as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in 2014, they highlighted what we in Northwest Florida have known for more than a decade,” said U.S. Rep. Jeff Miller. “Our friends at Navy Federal have not only been good corporate neighbors, they have become part of the community. We appreciate them choosing Pensacola, and we look forward to having them in our neighborhood for many years to come.”
In January 2014, FORTUNE Magazine named Navy Federal on its list of the “100 Best Companies to Work For.” This marked Navy Federal’s fourth appearance on the list, having first been recognized in 2008, 2012 and 2013. Navy Federal has also been recognized for the sixth straight year as a Best Place to Work in Florida.