Decision To Allow Silencers When Hunting Draws Legal Challenge
December 9, 2014
Pointing to safety concerns, three Central Florida residents have filed a legal challenge against a state decision allowing hunters to use silencers when shooting at deer, gray squirrels, rabbits, wild turkeys, quail and crows.
Seminole County residents Charles W. O’Neal, Peri Sedigh and Timothy Orrange Jr. filed the challenge last week in the state Division of Administrative Hearings against the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Last month, the commission approved removing a prohibition on the use of noise suppressors, or silencers, with rifles and pistols.
Supporters argue the move would have benefits such as protecting hunters’ hearing and helping while introducing people to the sport. But the Seminole County residents, in an eight-page challenge, said they own property abutting woodlands, hike or paddleboard and are concerned about safety if they are unable to hear shots. The challenge also pointed to statistics about gunshot wounds in Florida.
“Clearly, the ban removal will only add to these figures as the once-thundering crack of a firearm, sending warning to hikers, nature lovers and wildlife alike that hunters are nearby, will be reduced, muffled or altogether silenced,” the document said. “Even if the sound of the report from a hunting rifle or pistol is reduced by … (30) decibels or less, silencers create a zone in which a person in the woods or in their backyards can be within range of a bullet without knowing that hunters are nearby.”
Northview Tops Escambia Charter In Overtime
December 9, 2014
The Northview Chiefs added one to the win column Monday night with a 56-51 overtime win over Escambia Charter school.
The Chiefs (1-1) will host West Florida Tuesday night. The junior varsity tips off at 5:00, followed the varsity at 6:00.
Drive-In Movies? Driver Runs Through Former Video Rental Store
December 8, 2014
A driver escaped serious injuries when she drove almost all the way through a former movie rental store Monday morning.
The accident happened at the intersection of Pine Forest Road and Highway 297A, near the rear of the Publix store. The vehicle entered the building and knocked out the rear wall of the concrete block building. The vehicle came to rest inside the building.
The accident is under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. The woman’s identity has not yet been released.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Price, click to enlarge.
One Critical After McDavid Crash
December 8, 2014
Seven people were injured, one critically, in a two vehicle crash in McDavid this morning.
A male driver was ejected from his vehicle in the accident. He was transported to Molino and airlifted by LifeGuard helicopter to a Pensacola hospital.
The other six people involved in the accident appeared to have suffered only minor injuries. At least three minors were transported by private vehicle to Jay Hospital.
The accident occurred on Highway 29 in front of the McDavid Volunteer Fire Department. Further details have not yet been released by the Florida Highway Patrol.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Century’s Town Attorney To Be Sworn In As Gulf Breeze Mayor
December 8, 2014
Century’s town attorney, Matt E. Dannheisser, will add another feather to his political cap Wednesday night as he is sworn in as the new mayor of Gulf Breeze. But he says that won’t affect his legal service to the Town of Century.
“I will continue to serve as the attorney for the Town of Century as long as there is no conflict of interest,” Dannheisser said. “I don’t expect any adverse consequences.”
If anything, he said his service as Gulf Breeze’s mayor may allow some enhanced benefits for Century, such as the sharing of information and ideas between the two municipalities.
The councils of both Century and Gulf Breeze hold their regularly scheduled monthly meetings on the first and third Mondays of each month….meaning Dannheisser generally won’t be able to attend Century council meetings.
“In over 20 years as Century’s attorney, I can remember appearing before the council at a regular meeting as their attorney on just one occasion. I’ve almost always met with them at other times during special meetings and workshops,” he said.
With his move into the Gulf Breeze mayor’s office, Dannheisser will no longer serve as attorney for the Capital Trust Agency, an independent public body for the purpose of financing or otherwise accomplishing development programs. Century entered into the Capital Trust Agency with Gulf Breeze in 1999 with Century essentially serving as the “second signature” for CTA.
Burglary Gets Career Criminal 30 Years In Prison
December 8, 2014
An Escambia County man with an extensive criminal history is headed to prison for the next three decades.
Anthony Waters, 36, was sentenced to 30 years in prison by Judge Edward P. Nickinson, II as a habitual offender due to previous convictions that included 13 burglaries, 17 grand thefts, seven grand thefts of a firearm, and a possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Waters was convicted by an Escambia County jury of burglary of an unoccupied dwelling and resisting arrest without violence in September 2014.
On February 20, 2014, the victim was in the process of moving from his home on Euclid Street to Missouri. At the time of the burglary, the victim was in Missouri. A neighbor noticed the kitchen light was on in the house and called the police. When the officers responded and set up a perimeter around the house, they observed Waters inside the house, running around and looking for an escape route.
Waters eventually ran out of the house and was tackled by officers. He resisted when officers attempted to place him in handcuffs. The officers and other witnesses observed the back door of the residence had been kicked in. The victim had packed up his belongings in boxes, and all of the boxes had been dumped out and rummaged through. A bag of the victim’s jewelry and other contents had been piled up by the back door.
Banks Graduates From Basic Military Training
December 8, 2014
Air Force Reserve Airman 1st Class Lamikeal D. Banks graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, TX.
The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.
Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.
Banks is the son of Lanetta and Michael Banks of Atmore. He is a 2013 graduate of Northview High School.
Tate FBLA Members Learn About Branding From Business Leader
December 8, 2014
The Tate High chapter of the Future Business Leaders of America recently learned about the importance of branding and networking in the business world from a local business leader.
James Wicker, the assistant manager of consumer loans at Navy Federal Credit Union told the students that branding is now only about building an image in a professional setting or private life, but more about coercing others to believe in and respect that image. He also stressed the importance of setting long and short term goals.
“If you aim for noting, you’ll hit it every time,” Wicker told the Tate FBLA students.
Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
All-Star Football Game Rosters Announced
December 8, 2014
On Thursday, December 18 the best seniors from Escambia, Santa Rosa, and Okaloosa Counties will play in the 11th annual Subway High School All-Star Football Game at Niceville High School.
The West team, comprised of Escambia County seniors, will be coached by Tate High School’s Ronnie Douglas with assistants from other high schools. The East team, representing Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties, will be coached by Chafan Marsh who will be assisted by representative from each participating school.
WEST TEAM
- Catholic — Antione Barker — DE
- Catholic — Daniel Byrd — WR
- Catholic — Antwain Adams — WR
- Escambia — Logan Walden — Safety
- Escambia — Jamal Bynum — LB/DE
- Escambia — Demarcus Mckenzie — LB
- Escambia — Gerold Bright — QB
- Northview — Nick Lambert — WR/SS
- Northview — Cameron Newsome — RB/WR/FS
- Northview — Keondre Lett — RB
- Pensacola — Roy Albrition — OL/DL
- Pensacola — Aaron Jordan — DT
- Pensacola — Roy Colum — WR/DB/QB
- Pensacola — Hakeem Wilson — DB
- Pensacola — Michael Gainey — LB
- Pensacola — Marquez Emerson — LB
- Pensacola — Kevon Abrams — RB
- Pensacola — Eddie Shoots — WR
- Pensacola — Curtis Theis — K
- Pensacola — Keshawn Sanders — OL
- Pensacola — Jarell Dortch — OL
- Pensacola — Slade Jarmon — QB
- Pine Forest — Trevon Anderson — DE
- Pine Forest — Oliva Wright — OLB
- Pine Forest — Tracy Jackson — OL/DL
- Tate — Chris Terrell — DE
- Tate — Devekyo Lewis — DB
- Tate — Marquis Cass — LB
- Tate — Atteberry — OL
- Tate — Travoris Hunt — OL
- Washington — Kevin Kyles — DT/DE
- Washington — Erick Cook — FS/WR
- Washington — Blaire Gilley — P
- Washington — Griffin Ricketson — OL
- Washington — Joe Pohiva — LB
- West FL — Keandre Prim — WR
- West FL — Cameron Ball — DT
- West FL — Albert Moore — DL
- West FL — Devon Gibson — C
- West FL — Dakota Milstead — Long Snapper
- West FL — Noah Banks — OL
- West FL — Kyle Harrison — O
EAST TEAM
- Baker — Johnathon Gatewood — DE/TE
- Baker — Austin Martin — OLB
- Choctaw — John Hicks — RB
- Choctaw — Patrick Keefe — FB
- Choctaw — Teric Fuller — OT
- Choctaw — Dustin Whisman — C
- Choctaw — Daniel Moon — DT
- Choctaw — Brandon Thomas — DB
- Choctaw — Carlos Leon — K/P
- Crestview — DJ Stewart — RB
- Crestview — Nathan Gerard — OL
- Crestview — Tyrone Baker — DE
- Crestview — Amp Seals — LB
- Fort Walton — Chris Hunt — OL/DL
- Fort Walton — Kavika Cozier — DB/S
- Gulf Breeze — Josh Irby — FB
- Gulf Breeze — Garner Currington — WR
- Gulf Breeze — Jacob Kubick — WR
- Gulf Breeze — Sam Covell — S/CB
- Jay — Tucker Harrington — OL
- Jay — Troy Mandris — OL/DL
- Milton — Dominique Craig — RB
- Milton — Damian Sagiao — DL
- Milton — Dondre Johns — OLB
- Milton — Tye Green — CB
- Navarre — Quentin Randolph — WR
- Navarre — Chris Hering — OG/OT
- Navarre — Matthew Webb — QB
- Navarre — Kyle Arrasmith — TE/DE
- Niceville — Austin Willis — CB
- Niceville — Colby Tuthiy — QB
- Niceville — Alex Echols — DT/TE
- Niceville — Billy Sagar — DT
- Niceville — Chase Outzer — CB
- Niceville — Bryson Houston — LB
- Pace — Chris Clarke — OT
- Pace — Davin Smith — C/OG
- Pace — Dillon Draughn — ILB
- Rocky Bayou — Josh Preston — WR
- Rocky Bayou — Zackary Payne — WR/DB
- Baker — Josh Mayhew — K
- Niceville — Trevor Olds — OL
Final game rosters are subject to change.
Tickets are $8 at the gate and $6 with a canned good item donation. The PSA is teaming with Manna Food Bank for a canned good drive and encouraging everyone to help families by bringing a canned good item.
Health Department: Flu Season Off To Early Start
December 8, 2014
The Florida Department of Health reports that the 2014-2015 flu season is off to an early start and Floridians are urged to get vaccinated to protect themselves and others against the flu. Activity levels are highest in children but overall influenza activity is widely spread across the state.
Increased influenza activity in children typically comes ahead of increases in activity in adults and the elderly. Within the last week, there has been an increase in the percentage of pregnant women seeking care at emergency departments for influenza or influenza like illnesses (ILI) and the level is similar to what is usually seen at the height of influenza season.
The health department said the flu vaccine is safe and continues to be the best protection from the flu, the health department said. The national Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends that all individuals six months of age and older receive the flu vaccine each year. Since infants younger than 6 months of age are too young to get vaccinated against influenza, it is important that family members (including pregnant mothers) and other caregivers for these children be vaccinated to help protect them from the disease. This week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that, nationally, this year’s flu vaccine is not as effective against the most common flu strain identified this year because the virus has changed. Despite the change or “drift” in this strain, vaccination can still decrease severity of illness. It can also protect against other circulating strains of the virus, which is why vaccination is still recommended.
“It is highly advised that children and pregnant women receive the influenza vaccination to help protect themselves and others from influenza infection,” said Dr. Celeste Philip, Deputy Secretary for Health and Deputy State Health Officer for Children’s Medical Services (CMS). “The changed virus has not yet been identified in Florida, but the Department will continue to monitor this situation closely in partnership with the CDC.”
It is especially important that people who do become infected with the influenza virus stay home when they are sick and parents keep sick children at home to prevent spreading the flu. Additional steps to prevent flu include coughing or sneezing into a tissue or your elbow, washing your hands frequently, and keeping your hands away from your face. Symptoms of the flu include headache, fever, severe cough, runny nose or body aches. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, see your primary care provider immediately for guidance on treatment. Early treatment with antivirals is important and can help people get better more quickly as well as help to prevent severe complications.
The flu vaccine is offered in many locations, including doctor’s offices, clinics, health departments, retail stores, pharmacies, health centers and by many employers and schools. Check with your physician, your local health department or visit http://www.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/prevention/flu-prevention/locate-a-flu-shot.html to search for a flu vaccine location.