Escambia School Board Asking Federal Judge To Toss Lawsuit Over Book Bans
August 23, 2023
The Escambia County School Board is asking a judge to throw out a federal lawsuit filed against the district over the removal of books from school libraries.
Penguin Random House, the world’s largest trade book publisher, PEN America, a “free expression organization”, and several individuals allege Escambia County schools have violated the First Amendment by setting out to remove or restrict access to books discussing race, racism, and LGBTQ identities, against the recommendations of the district review committee charged with evaluating book challenges.
The Escambia County District filed a motion Monday in Pensacola federal court to dismiss the lawsuit, claiming recently enacted state law, HB 1069, shields the district and that the district is empowered to decide which book to allow or remove.
“These changes reshape any analysis of challenges to library materials and conclusively thwart the Parent Plaintiffs’ efforts to obtain injunctive relief to enjoin a process that no longer exists,” the school district’s motion states.
The board also contends the restriction or removal of books from school libraries “does not create a constitutional injury”.
A hearing in the case has not yet been scheduled.
Pictured: The Northview High School media center on August 10, the first day of school. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Waffle House Proposed Near Beulah Middle School
August 23, 2023
A new Waffle House is planned near Beulah Middle School.
The new restaurant would be located on three-quarters of an acre near 6030 West Nine Mile Road, next to Anytime Storage, across from the school.
The proposal goes before the Escambia County Development Review Committee Wednesday for a pre-application meeting.
Additional steps are required before the project can reach the building permit stage.
Century Talks Budget Shortfall, Employee Raises And Rising Insurance Costs
August 23, 2023
Century entered a workshop Tuesday evening with about a quarter million dollar deficit and ended with a roadmap to near the break-even point. They also talked wish lists and employee raises.
Council members Louis Gomez, Jr., Alicia Johnson and Shelisa McCall were present for the meeting. They discussed removing proposed new hires and other changes to eliminate the deficit.
They also discussed a 3% cost of living increase for all employees, plus $1 raises for current employees as minimum wage rises from $12 to $13 on October 1. A total of six employees making minimum wage or under about $15 an hour will receive the $1 raise.
The town is also grappling with rising health insurance costs of $100 or more per employee. The town covers 99% of the costs for employee coverage plus 50% for spouse or family coverage.
Accountant Robert Hudson said many department head “wishlist” purchases could come from Local Option Sales Tax or American Rescue Plan funds rather than the general fund budget.
The town is aiming to complete the budget before a council meeting on September 5.
Pictured top: Century town accountant Robert Hudson explains a tentative budget during a workshop meeting Tuesday evening. Pictured below: Council member Alicia Johnson listens to budget details. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Palacios Leads Pensacola To Series-Opening Win In Biloxi
August 23, 2023
Luis Palacios turned in another solid start as the Pensacola Blue Wahoos opened their six-game road series against the Biloxi Shuckers with a 10-3 win on Tuesday night.
Palacios (W, 8-3) became just the third Southern League pitcher to reach eight wins this season as the lefty turned in 6.0 innings with only an unearned run allowed.
The Blue Wahoos jumped ahead early on Carlos Rodriguez (L, 7-5), as Paul McIntosh laced an RBI single in the first and Victor Mesa Jr. followed with a solo homer in the third for a 2-0 lead.
Mesa added a two-out RBI single in the fifth, and scored on a wild pitch to take a 4-0 lead as Biloxi’s defense slipped in the middle innings. The Blue Wahoos scored three more in the sixth on two walks, an error and a Jacob Berry RBI double.
Bennett Hostetler hit a solo homer in the seventh and added an RBI double in the ninth for added insurance.
After Palacios departed, Pensacola relievers Chandler Jozwiak, Zach McCambley and Caleb Wurster combined to record the final nine outs.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Shuckers on Wednesday night.
written by Erik Bremer
Century Mayor Ben Boutwell Resigns Effective Immediately
August 22, 2023
Century Mayor Ben Boutwell resigned Tuesday afternoon effective immediately.
In a letter to Gov. Ron DeSantis, the supervisor of elections and the town clerk, Boutwell said, “I take great pride in the accomplishments that your administration has worked with me to accomplish for Century, specifically Representative Michelle Salzman, Senator Doug Broxson and Commissioner Steven Barry. Together we have secured over $25 million to improve the infrastructure and quality of life for Town citizens.”
“My thoughts and prayers will continue to be focused on the Town and its citizens,” Boutwell concluded.
During a council meeting on August 15, Boutwell walked out of a town council meeting Tuesday night saying that he would submit his resignation the following morning but then said he was staying on.
Council member Dynette Lewis questioned what she termed the mistreatment of employees. She also questioned why one employee was not paid more while being trained how to do a different task.
Boutwell said some employees were simply being cross-trained to do different jobs because, he said, there’s often no one else on the small staff able to perform a job when an employee is out.
“I’ll tell you what, if this is what you want, I’ll resign right now,” Boutwell said as the discussion became more intense. “Because you know what, I’ve had enough. All I’m trying to do is best for this town.” He then stood up, walked out of the meeting and went home.
On August 16 he said, “I need to put that offer aside and press on. I have an obligation to the citizens who voted for me to see my term through and continue to do the best I can for our town”.
Tate Aggies Debut New Video Scoreboard
August 22, 2023
Last Thursday night’s kickoff classic at Tate High School was the debut of the 2023 Aggies and their brand new video scoreboard.
The video screen with a scoreboard underneath was installed over the summer, thanks to private donations.
Tate head coach Rhett Summerford said community support has been big behind the Aggies football program.
“This is why I do this, and it’s really special,” he said.
The board is used for live play-by-play video, player spotlights and interviews, hype videos and advertisements. At the top of the board is a sign that proclaims “Madison Field”.
The field inside Pete Gindl Stadium is “Carl Madison Field” named in honor of the man that led the Aggies to a 1980 state championship and is one of the all-time winningest high school coaches in the nation.
Carl Madison, who turned 92 in January, sits at number two on Florida’s all-time football coaching victories list with a 326-129-7 record and is a member of the Florida High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Northview FFA Receives Grant To Improve Greenhouse, Hydroponics
August 22, 2023
The Northview High School FFA has received an $1,100 grant to improve the school’s greenhouse.
Tyler Riggs has operated the Northview Greenhouse for the last three years, maintaining the growing tables and hydroponics systems.
“Seeing a need for improvements to the greenhouse growing system, Tyler searched for resources to help offset the cost. He found the National FFA Grants for Growing Applications from National FFA,” Northview agritech instructor and FFA sponsor Brandon Korinchak said.
Grants for Growing (G4G) is a competitive grant program for middle and high school FFA chapters that are developing and improving project-based or experiential learning opportunities for students. Funding is provided by consumers who purchase an FFA paper emblem for any amount at Tractor Supply stores during checkout.
“We are so proud of Tyler’s accomplishments in the last few years and he is already searching for other ways to improve the Northview Agriscience Department and Northview FFA Chapter,” Korinchak said.
One Person Killed In Six-Vehicle Crash
August 22, 2023
One person was killed in a six-vehicle crash Monday afternoon on Davis Highway at Scenic Highway.
The Florida Highway Patrol said a 72-year old Pensacola woman was traveling westbound on Davis Highway when she had a serious medical emergency and lost control. Her vehicle caused a chain reaction crash involving the five other vehicles.
The driver of the first vehicle she hit at a high rate of speed, a 21-year old woman from Idaho, was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the third vehicle, a 36-year Pensacola woman and her three minor children were transported to Sacred Heart Hospital.
Multiple Inmates Reportedly Stabbed At Century Prison
August 22, 2023
Multiple inmates were reportedly stabbed during an incident at the Century Correctional Institution Sunday morning.
About 8:45 a.m., the prison called Escambia County for ambulances for the injured inmates. Multiple units that responded from Escambia County EMS and D.W. McMillan EMS.
Two inmates were airlifted by medical helicopters, according to Escambia County.
“FDC staff observed four inmates with injuries at Century Correctional Institution. Two of the inmates were transported to an outside hospital for further evaluation,” the Florida Department of Corrections told NorthEscambia.com Monday afternoon.
Due to an open investigation by the Office of Inspector General, the FDC would not provide the inmate names or further details.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
335 Lot Subdivision Planned For End Of East Kingsfield
August 22, 2023
A new 335-lot residential subdivision is proposed for the eastern end of Kingsfield Road.
The project would be constructed in one phase on 131 acres for a density of 2.55 single family lots per acre with access from East Kingsfield Road and also from Paddlewheel Way.
The proposal from Hammond Engineering is set for a pre-application meeting before the Escambia County Development Review Committee on Wednesday.
