May Passes BOCC Gavel To Barry
November 7, 2023
At an Escambia County Board of County Commissioners Meeting last week, the board reorganized to appoint a new chairman and vice chairman, with District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry serving as the new chairman and District 4 Commissioner Robert Bender as the vice chairman for the coming year.
“It is an honor to serve the citizens of Escambia County and represent District 5 as the chairman for a third year,” said Commissioner Barry. “I want to thank my colleague and dear friend Lumon May for his outstanding leadership as our previous chairman. We have made some great strides under his direction and I intend to continue that momentum to move Escambia County forward. I want to thank my l ovely wife, Ellen, for her continued support during my time as District 5 Commissioner and especially now as I begin my time as chairman. Lastly, I want to thank my counterparts on the board for the commitment they have shown to our citizens. It is an honor and a privilege to be a public servant in the community you grew up in and love, and I’m very grateful for the opportunity. I look forward to another strong year and I’m excited to see what else we can accomplish for Escambia County.”
District 3 Commissioner Lumon May previously served as the chairman. Commissioner Barry was vice chair prior to his appointment as chair. “It’s been a blessing to serve as chairman for the Board of County Commissioners representing the citizens of Escambia County,” said May. “I want to thank God and my family for allowing me the opportunity to serve, and my colleagues on the board for their support. I look forward to working with my dear friend Steven Barry as he assumes the chairmanship for the next year. We’ve accomplished great things in the last year with new policies, procedures, and efficiencies, and have worked hard to better Escambia County for all of our citizens. I’m excited for another year of great leadership under Commissioner Barry to see what more we can do together for our community.”
Tate High Names Students Of The Month
November 7, 2023
Tate High School has named their Students of the Month for September. They are Olivea Latner and Joseph Yasurek. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Man Gets Two Life Terms Plus 35 Years For Sexual Battery Of A Minor
November 7, 2023
An Escambia County man is charged with 1,200 total counts of sexually assault and incest charged involving a minor has been sentenced to life plus 35 years in prison.
Robert Cota, 31, was charged with 600 counts of sexual assault on a victim age 12 to 18, and 600 counts of incest for incidents that reportedly took place over the last six years.
During the trial, it was revealed that Robert Cota had been sexually abusing a minor child for a period of three years. The abuse started when the victim was 11 years old and continued until they were 14 years old. When law enforcement made contact with the victim, they found that the victim also had extensive bruising, scars, and marks from months of physical abuse at the hands of Robert Cota. At the trial, Robert Cota admitted to hitting the victim with belts, cords, and automobile parts.
““This defendant perpetrated some of the most heinous acts against a vulnerable child. This sentence ensures that Robert Cota will not be a danger to anyone else and provides some much needed closure to the victim and their family,” prosecutor Carrie Gilmer stated.
An arrest report states a local pastor told deputies that Cota approached him and said he “had issues with one of the beliefs” in the church guideline book. He then specifically pointed to the word “incest”.
As the conversation continued, the pastor told Cota that what he was doing was not right, and that he needed to report himself to the authorities. The pastor later provided Cota’s information to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
The report states the victim said the sexual encounters with Cota had been happening since she was 7-years old. She added Cota told her these acts were how to show affection.
When Cota was arrested on unrelated charges last September, the report states the mother said she recently learned of Cota and the victim having a sexual relationship. According to the report, Cota became angry and pointed a gun at the victim multiple times. Cota was arrested for aggravated assault domestic violence as authorities began investigating the sexual assault and incest allegations.
The report states that during the September incident, the victim and Cota both told the mother of the sexual relationship before taking back their statements.
According to the report, when deputies went to arrest Cota for sexual assault and incest, he said he was not surprised of the accusations.
Business As Usual: Century Council Does Not Discuss State Senator’s Suggestion Of Unincorportation Or County Takeover
November 7, 2023
In the first town council meeting since a state senator publicly floated the idea of unincorporating the Town of Century due to their finances, the town council did not directly discuss the issue Tuesday night and went about business as usual.
Sen. Doug Broxson’s comments came during a meeting last month of the Escambia County Legislative Delegation — Sen. Doug Broxson, State Rep. Alex Andrade and State Rep. Michelle Salzman — in Pensacola. Gomez had addressed the delegation, thanking them for millions in state funding that has gone to projects in Century, including a bridge replacement, wastewater treatment plant repairs and repairs to a failed water well serving the state prison.
I’ve been dealing with Century for 14 years,” Broxson told Gomez. “I know you’ve had tremendous challenges there. Your tax base is very low, and your needs are very great. I can tell you this delegation has doubled down on trying to help Century.”
Broxson is chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee.
In 2019, a grand jury found the town was in a “state of financial emergency” and failed to prepare and approve budgets that were “realistic or financially solvent.”
“We are praying for you, we know you have a big challenge, we want you to do well,” Broxson continued. “But we know you are in tough circumstances. I would hope that at some point if things continue where it’s a challenge to meet your budget, that you would consider de-chartering Century so you could come under the umbrella of Escambia County and let them take their resources and help you with some of your major problems. I’ve watched it, “I know you’ve tried, but we really need a bigger hand to help you get to where you need to be.
Tuesday night, the Century Council held no direct discussion on any potential unincorporation or future finances.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Cantonment Rotary Presents Culinary Scholarships
November 7, 2023
In addition to the $40,000 of scholarships presented to Pensacola State College recipients earlier this year, Cantonment Rotary awarded two $500 Culinary Arts Scholarships to students in that program. These Annual Scholarships awards are presented at the Annual Cantonment Rotary Culinary Arts Luncheon held at the Molly McGuire venue at the PSC Campus. For this year’s luncheon students in the program, under the watchful eye of Culinary and Professional Service Careers Coordinator and Instructor, Head Chef Jimmie
Langham prepared and served the German-Themed culinary offering to the Cantonment Rotarians and their guests.
Receiving $500 scholarships were Ella Thompson and Rayshawn Stalling. Both are pursuing degrees in Culinary Management.
Pictured (L-R): Cantonment Rotary Club President, Dustin Vaughn, scholarship recipient Rayshawn J. Stallings, scholarship recipient Ella Thompson, PSC Director of Foundation Scholarships, Mikenzie Francis-Opperman, and Cantonment Rotary Club Foundation Chair, Ray Ascherfeld. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Northview FFA Alumni Named The Nation’s Number One Alumni Chapter
November 6, 2023
The Northview High School FFA Alumni Chapter was named the National Outstanding FFA Alumni & Supporters Chapter during the National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis, Indiana
After being named as a top five finalist on the state level earlier this year, their application was eligible to advance to the national level, was named as a national finalist earlier this fall, and later named as the overall national winner on November 2 at the 96th National FFA Convention.
Florida Gas Prices Fall to New 2023 Low
November 5, 2023
Florida gas prices have plummeted to their lowest levels of the year. Sunday’s state average was $3.17 per gallon. That’s five cents less than the previous low, originally set back in March.
The least expensive metro market was Pensacola at $3.00. A North Escambia low of $2.89 was available Sunday night along Highway 29 in Cantonment.
“Florida drivers are now finding some of the lowest pump prices since December 2022,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Drivers are even finding pump prices below $3 a gallon in some cities. In fact, about 20% of Florida gas stations now have gasoline priced below $3 a gallon. Even more are likely to follow, this week.”
“The seasonal decline in driving demand, coupled with gasoline supply builds and falling oil prices are all contributing to the recent pump price drop,” Jenkins continued. “Expect these low prices to hang around through the holidays, unless oil prices suddenly spike or there’s an unexpected disruption to fuel supplies.”
Florida’s state average declined 12 cents per gallon last week. It’s down 68 cents from this year’s high of $3.85, which was recorded in mid-August.
The price of U.S. crude settled at $80.51 per barrel on Friday. That’s $5 per barrel (6%) less than the week before. Gasoline futures also declined 11 cents, for a combined discount of 17 cents per gallon through two weeks.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Georgia Beats Arkansas 1-0 For SEC Soccer Championship
November 5, 2023
With an early goal and tremendous defensive effort, the University of Georgia soccer team claimed its first Southeastern Conference tournament championship with a 1-0 victory over No. 10 Arkansas Sunday afternoon before 1,727 spectators at Ashton Brosnaham Park in Escambia County.
A total of 6,415 spectators attended games over the span of the tourney in Escambia County.
Graduate midfielder Croix Bethune led the Bulldogs with two shots, en route to receiving SEC Tournament MVP honors. Bethune was joined on the SEC All-Tournament Team by graduate midfielder Mallie McKenzie, graduate forward Hannah White, and sophomore goalkeeper Jordan Brown, who posted seven saves.
In the seventh minute, McKenzie sent a screaming pass right in front of the net, with White intending to knock the ball in, but an Arkansas defender hit the ball with her knee for an own goal. Both of Georgia’s goals against Arkansas this year came via own goal, including a score in the regular season meeting on Oct. 5 in Fayetteville. Brown tallied her first shot on goal of the season with a booming free kick, but for the remainder of the half, the Razorbacks pressed the Bulldog defense with four shots on frame.
In the second half, Georgia looked to counter the attack, beginning with an early shot by redshirt freshman midfielder Summer Denigan, who returned from her red card suspension. Brown remained strong, including a terrific stop in the 68th minute right in front of the net. Bethune nearly added an insurance goal in the 86th minute with a huge strike, but Razorback keeper Phoebe Carver deflected the shot.
With 27 seconds left, Arkansas had one final chance with a free kick, but Ava Tankersley’s shot was caught by Brown, who booted away the ball to seal Georgia’s first league title.
Weekly Traffic: Coring Operations On Highway 97, Other Delays For The Week
November 5, 2023
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- North Palafox Street (U.S. 29/(State Road (S.R.) 95) from Cervantes Street (S.R. 10A) to Brent Lane (S.R. 296) – A portion of the right turn lane from northbound North Palafox Street to Brent Lane will be temporarily closed Monday, Nov. 6 through Friday, Nov. 10 as crews construct a retaining wall and pour concrete. Drivers will still be able to access most of the right turn lane.
- Mobile Highway (U.S. 90) Resurfacing from Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90A) to west of Pine Forest Road (S.R. 297) - Drivers may encounter nighttime lane closures, between Nine Mile Road and Pine Forest Road, Sunday, Nov. 5 through Thursday, Nov. 9 from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. as crews pave the roadway.
- Interstate 10 (I-10) Escambia County Welcome Center – The truck parking lot at the Escambia County Interstate 10 Welcome Center, located at mile marker four, will be temporarily closed until the end of November as crews perform construction activities. The front and middle car parking lots are open.
- U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard) Resurfacing between Henry Street and Cottage Street in Century – Northbound and southbound traffic on U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard) is shifted to one outside travel lane in each direction between Rudolph Street and Green Street. The shift will be in place through the end of the year as crews perform drainage improvements. Signage will be in place to safely direct drivers through the work zone.
- Lillian Highway (S.R. 298) Resurfacing from north of U.S. 98 to east of Fairfield Drive (S.R. 727) and Lillian Highway at Blue Angel Parkway (S.R. 173) – Drivers will encounter daytime lane closures, between U.S. 98 and Blue Angel Parkway, Monday, Nov. 6 through Friday, Nov. 10 from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. as crews perform concrete work.
- County Road (C.R.) 4 over Canoe Creek Bridge – C.R. 4, between Byrneville and Bratt, will be closed through fall 2024 as crews replace the Canoe Creek bridge. Traffic is directed through a 5.6-mile detour using Bratt Road to Pine Barren Road, then back to C.R. 4.
- Scenic Highway (U.S. 90), from north of I-10 to Davis Highway - Northbound traffic, between Pelican Lane and Scenic Ridge Drive, is shifted to the inside so crews can perform construction activities. The shift will remain in place until the work on the shoulder is completed. During construction, one lane of traffic will remain open in each direction and left turns will be permitted.
- U.S. 98 (Garden Street) Coring Operations from I Street to B Street – Drivers may encounter alternating lane closures Monday, Nov. 6 through Wednesday, Nov. 8 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for coring operations.
- U.S. 90 (Scenic Highway) Routine Maintenance near Quality Inn – Drivers may encounter alternating lane closures Tuesday, Nov. 7 and Wednesday, Nov. 8 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for removal and replacement of asphalt to raise existing manhole.
- U.S. 29 Turn Lane Operations North of Pinoak Road – Drivers may encounter alternating lane closures Monday, Nov. 6 through Thursday, Nov. 9 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for turn lane operations.
- S.R. 727 (West Fairfield Drive) Routine Maintenance from 69th Avenue to U.S. 90 (Mobile Highway) – Drivers may encounter alternating lane closures Monday, Nov. 6 through Thursday, Nov. 16 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for tree trimming operations.
- S.R. 97 (Atmore Highway) Coring Operations from C.R. 95A to the Alabama State Line – Drivers may encounter alternating lane closures Monday, Nov. 6 through Thursday, Nov. 16 from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. for coring operations.
Santa Rosa County:
- U.S. 90 Bridge Replacement over Simpson River - The outside (right) lane of U.S. 90 eastbound on the Simpson River Bridge will be closed Tuesday, Nov. 7 through Thursday, Nov. 9, from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. as crews perform construction activities for the new bridge. Drivers are reminded that the speed limit is 35 mph throughout the work zone.
- U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive – Motorists will encounter the following traffic impacts:
- Median and turn-lane closures from Bayshore Road to Tiger Point Drive.
- Intermittent lane closures and additional median closures between Tiger Park Lane and Bayshore Road Sunday, Nov. 5, through Friday, Nov. 10, from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for stormwater drainage improvements and paving operations.
- Motorists accessing Whisper Bay Boulevard from U.S. 98 will encounter a new traffic configuration. Travel lanes will be shifted slightly west and reduced to one entry lane, and one exit lane, to allow for crews to perform roadway reconstruction activities on the north side of the westbound lanes.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather
Speed Limit Reduced On Mobile Highway Between Nine Mile And Pine Forest
November 5, 2023
The speed limit on Mobile Highway (U.S. 90), between Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90A) and Pine Forest Road (State Road 297), has been permanently reduced from 55 mph to 45 mph, according to the Florida Department of Transportation.
In addition, a $7.5 million project on this section of Mobile Highway is continuing. The work includes resurfacing the roadway, improving drainage, installing a new traffic signal at Klondike Road and signal improvements at Blue Angel Parkway. The work is estimated for completion in early 2024.