GED Classes Offered At Molino Community Center, Several Other Locations
September 12, 2023
George Stone Technical College is offering fall GED classes at the Molino Community Century, Ensley Elementary School, CareerSource Escarosa, Blue Angels Elementary and at their main campus.
Classes are open enrollment; students can start anytime.
George Stone Technical College offers GED classes every Wednesday and Thursday from 6-8 p.m. at the Molino Community Century, 6450 North Highway 95A.
GSTC also offers GED classes at Ensley Elementary School every Tuesday and Thursday from 4-6 p.m. Tuition is free at the Ensley Elementary site at 501 East Johnson Avenue.
GED classes are also held at CareerSource Escarosa every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. until noon at 6913 North Ninth Avenue. In addition, George Stone has partnered with Blue Angels Elementary School to offer GED classes on Tuesday and Thursday from 4-6 p.m.
GED classes on the main campus at 2400 Longleaf Drive are offered throughout the day and online sessions are available for students meeting certain requirements.
For information on any of the George Stone GED classes, contact Patricia Harrison at (850) 941-6200, ext. 2361 or pharrison@ecsdfl.us. GTSC can assist with registration.
FWC Law Enforcement Report: Fishing And Boating Violations
September 12, 2023
The Florida FWC Division of Law Enforcement reported the following recent activity:
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
Officer Hahr was patrolling the Mahogany Mill Public Boat Ramp, when he observed a charter angler and his crew cleaning fish near the ramp. While conducting a resource inspection of the catch, Officer Hahr observed two undersized greater amberjacks. The captain of the vessel was charged with possession of undersized greater amberjack.
While conducting marine fisheries enforcement at the 17th Avenue Boat Launch, Officer Lugg pulled into the parking lot and observed an individual taking fishing gear and equipment out of his truck bed and loading it into a trailered vessel as if the vessel was about to launch from the ramp. Officer Lugg then observed the vehicle/trailer suddenly exit the boat launch at a high rate of speed into heavy traffic going northbound on 17th Avenue. Officer Lugg attempted to catch up to the vehicle to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle/vessel for not displaying a trailer tag. The vehicle maneuvered in different directions in what appeared to be an attempt to avoid being followed. After a brief search, Officer Lugg located the vehicle pulled over. The officer observed the operator standing next to the vessel with a black trash bag and multiple fish lying on the deck of the vessel. Officer Lugg conducted a traffic stop and after speaking with the operator, observed oversized black drum, undersized red snapper, and lane snapper on the deck. All violations were cited accordingly.
While conducting marine fisheries enforcement near Bayou Texar, Officer Lugg conducted an inspection on a shoreline angler and found the individual possessed an undersized flounder and five undersized mangrove snapper in a cooler. All violations were cited accordingly.
Officer Matechik and Lieutenant Corbin were patrolling the Pensacola Pass. Several vessels were stopped for resource inspections. Multiple violations were located including undersized scamp grouper, undersized grey triggerfish, over bag limit of gray triggerfish, undersized Spanish mackerel, reef fish not in whole condition, and no valid fishing licenses. All violations were addressed accordingly.
SANTA ROSA COUNTY
Officers Bower and Valdez were on patrol and observed a commercial angler. A resource inspection was conducted and two undersized black drum were discovered. The subject was sited accordingly for his violations.
Officers Bower and Valdez were on patrol conducting resource inspections. The officers located a subject kayak fishing in the Santa Rosa Sound. After contacting the subject, they located an undersized speckled trout and two safety violations. The subject did not have a personal floating device or whistle on board and was aware of the regulations on speckled trout. The subject was issued citations and a notice to appear for the violations.
Lieutenant Corbin and Officers Bower and Valdez were on patrol conducting resource inspections in Pensacola Bay at night. The officers observed a vessel without navigational white light displayed. A vessel stop was conducted and during the inspection, Officer Valdez located an oversized redfish measuring 34 inches. The operator of the vessel was issued a warning for his navigation light and was issued a notice to appear for the oversized redfish
This report represents some events the FWC handled during the time period; however, it does not include all actions taken by the Division of Law Enforcement. Information provided by FWC.
NorthEscambia.com photo.
Tate Aggie Battalion Guards Wreath In Honor Of 9/11 Attack Victims
September 12, 2023
Monday, the Tate High School AJROTC Aggie Battalion guarded a wreath to honor the victims of the September 11, 2001, attack on America.
“As the guards went through the hot sunny day they kept pushing themselves remembering the lives that were lost for them to be here today,” said c/1LT Jayce Latzer. “Throughout the day there were many distractions especially during class changes and lunches, but through it all we still kept out bearing and didn’t let anything disturb us.”
Latzer, c/LTC Kencaid Sappington, c/MAJ Joseph Yasurak, c/CSM Daisa Vickers, and c/1LT Braydon Stringer were Aggie Battalion members that guarded the wreath.
For more photos, click or tap here.
Photos by c/CSM Daisa Vickers and c/1LT Jayce Latzer for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
ECUA Customers Must Call For Bulk Waste Pickup Services
September 12, 2023
ECUA residential customers must now call ahead for bulk waste pickup services.
For bulk waste pickup, residents should call ECUA customer service at (850) 476-0480 by 2 p.m. on the day prior to their regular collection, and the bulk waste will take place on the normal collection day. Items should be placed at the curb by 6 a.m. on the regular collection day but no sooner than 48 hours before the collection day. There is no additional charge for bulk waste collection.
Bulk waste is considered to be items that are too large to fit into the trash can. Examples include:
- General furniture (couches, mattresses, desks, chairs, dressers, area rugs)
- Small appliances (vacuum cleaners, microwaves, space heaters, toasters and toaster ovens)
- Bicycles
- Grills
- Lawnmowers (free from gasoline and oil)
- Large toys (including electronic toys- please remove any lithium-ion batteries)
- Household electronics (computer monitors (CRTs and Flat Panels), computers (desktop and laptop), keyboards, mouses, printers, scanners, copy and fax machines, televisions (CRTs and flat screen), stereos, radios, CD and tape players, VCRs, video game systems, telephones, cell phones, and rechargeable batteries)
Pile the bulky waste items at a curbside area that is free of overhanging tree limbs, wires, and/or cable boxes. Be careful not to block traffic. ECUA will collect one 6’ W x 6’ D x 6’ H pile of bulk items weekly. No household garbage or construction debris will be accepted.
Building debris (such as but not limited to: fencing, carpet, and sheetrock), extra trash bags of clothing or garbage, or other small items will not be collected as bulk waste.
If you have excess trash that is not considered bulk items, you may request an extra sanitation pick-up or order an additional can.
McDavid Man Charged With Title Fraud, Theft After Selling Truck On Facebook
September 11, 2023
A McDavid man is charged with fraudulently selling a vehicle on Facebook using another person’s name.
Jimmy Robert Wiggins, Jr., 44, was charged with motor vehicle title fraud and grand theft, both felonies.
The victim agreed to pay Wiggins $1,300 for a vehicle he advertised on Facebook Marketplace, according to an arrest report. Wiggins told the victim that the vehicle needed work on the drive shaft in order to be fully operable, but that work would be completed to allow the buyer to drive the 2000 Chevrolet Silverado away.
Wiggins identified himself to the buyer as “Clarence Powell”, providing a bill of sale and title signed by “Clarence Powell”, deputies said, in exchange for the $1,300. But the vehicle would not move when the buyer attempted to drive away, ECSO said, and eventually the purchaser demanded his money back. Two witnesses corroborated the victim’s story to deputies.
Deputies said Wiggins left the residence when he learned the victim was contacting law enforcement.
The vehicle had not been reported stolen.
Wiggins remained in the Escambia County Jail Monday morning with bond set at $10,000. Jail records indicated he also has outstanding warrants from Baldwin County, Alabama, and Okaloosa County.
Bonus Photos: Tate And Northview Fans, Band, Cheerleaders
September 11, 2023
The Tate Aggies defeated the Northview Chiefs in the “Summerford Bowl” last week.
For a bonus photo gallery with the band, fans and cheerleaders, click here.
For a game action story and photos, click here.
Tate (2-1) will hit the road to take on Navarre Friday, while the Northview Chiefs, off to a rough 0-3 start, will host Lighthouse Private Christian Academy in Bratt.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Remembering: Our 9/11 Museum, World Trade Center Site Photos
September 11, 2023
The images are burned in our minds. The sight of two planes crashing into the twin towers of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.
The site where the towers fell is a quiet spot in lower Manhattan that is home to the 9/11 Memorial.
For a photo gallery, click or tap here.
The Memorial remembers and honors the 2,983 people who were killed in the horrific attacks of September 11, 2001 and February 26, 1993. The design, created by Michael Arad and Peter Walker, consists of two reflecting pools formed in the footprints of the original Twin Towers and a plaza of trees. The Museum displays monumental artifacts linked to the events of 9/11, while presenting intimate stories of loss, compassion, reckoning and recovery that are central to telling the story of the 2001 and 1993 attacks and the aftermath.
The Museum’s mission is to bear witness to 9/11. This place of violence is resurrected into a place of peace; a safe gathering place to mourn, comfort, heal and think.
We took our NorthEscambia.com cameras to New York to bring you a look at the museum and reflection pools.
For a photo gallery, click or tap here.
Quick facts:
- There are 2,983 names on the 9/11 Memorial, honoring the 2,977 people killed at the three attack sites on September 11, 2001 and the six people killed in the February 26, 1993 bombing at the World Trade Center.
- The 9/11 attacks killed 2,977 people. 2,753 people were killed in New York, 184 people were killed at the Pentagon and 40 people were killed on Flight 93.
- The largest loss of life of rescue personnel in American history occurred on September 11, 2001. 343 FDNY firefighters, along with 37 Port Authority Police Department officers and 23 New York Police Department officers, were killed. In total, 441 first responders representing over 30 agencies died on 9/11.
- The Memorial pools stand in the footprints of the Twin Towers. Each pool is one acre in size. There are 413 swamp white oak trees on the Memorial plaza, and one pear tree known as the Survivor Tree.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Inmate Convicted Of Attempted Murder Accused Of Assaulting Century Prison Officer
September 11, 2023
A Century Correctional Institution inmate assaulted a correctional officer recently, according to the Florida Department of Corrections.
Inmate Charles Daniels assaulted an officer. He is serving a 20 year sentence for a 2021 attempted second degree murder and armed robbery in Duval County.
“Staff responded appropriately, and the inmate was subdued,” FDC said.
These Are This Week’s Road Construction Slow Down Spots
September 11, 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:
- Sorrento Road (State Road (S.R.) 292) Resurfacing from the Theo Baars Bridge to Bauer Road – The right turn lane from Sorrento Road to Doug Ford Drive and the southbound lane of Sorrento Road near Doug Ford Drive in Escambia County will be closed Sunday, Sept. 10 from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. as crews install a mast arm for a new traffic signal. In addition, traffic on Sorrento Road northbound will be temporarily stopped as crews use a construction crane to lift the mast arm into place. The entrance to Perdido Bay Country Club Estates will remain open during these closures. Traffic flaggers will be in place to safely direct drivers in and out of the neighborhood.
- 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 October when the Welcome Center improvements are scheduled to be complete. The front and middle car parking lots are open.
- East Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90A) Roadway Improvements from Chemstrand Road to east of Baldridge Drive – The bicycle lanes are temporarily closed to allow crews to widen the turn lanes and construct new five-foot bicycle lanes. In addition, the speed limit has been reduced from 45 mph to 35 mph as vehicles and bicycles share the roadway. The closure and speed limit reduction will be in place until the project is complete later this summer.
- 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 September 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 the following lane closures on Lillian Highway from Friday, Sept. 8 through Friday, Sept. 15:
- Daytime lane closures from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., between U.S. 98 and Blue Angel Parkway, as crews perform drainage work.
- Nighttime lane closures from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., between Fairfield Drive and Blue Angel Parkway, as crews perform widening and driveway 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.
- North Palafox Street (U.S. 29/S.R. 95) Resurfacing from Cervantes Street (S.R. 10A) to Brent Lane (S.R. 296) – Drivers may encounter alternating lane closures, between Cervantes Street and Brent Lane, Friday, Sept. 8 through Friday, Sept. 15 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. as crews perform sidewalk work.
- 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, Monday, Sept. 11 through Friday, Sept. 15 from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. as crews mill and pave the roadway.
Santa Rosa County:
- 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 Monday, Sept. 10, through Friday, Sept. 15, from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for stormwater drainage improvements and paving operations.
- I-10 Resurfacing from S.R. 281 (Avalon Boulevard) to east of S.R. 87 – Motorists will encounter nighttime east and westbound lane closures Monday, Sept. 11 and Thursday, Sept. 14 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for paving operations.
- 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 Monday, Sept. 11 and Tuesday, Sept. 12 from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. as crews place concrete and receive delivery of construction materials. Drivers are reminded that the speed limit is 35 mph throughout the work zone.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Cpl. JR Spears Coed Softball Tournament Team, Sponsor Registrations Open
September 11, 2023
The Cpl. JR Spears Coed Softball Tournament will be held in October, but now is the time for teams and sponsors to sign up.
The tournament will begin at 8 a.m. on October 7 at Exchange Park with all proceeds going to the Jonathan Ross Spears Memorial Endowed Scholarship fund at Pensacola State College. This will be a coed slow pitch softball double elimination tournament with eight teams.
Team registration is $200. Additional sponsorship opportunities are available ranging from $100 to $1,000. For more information, email John.G.Hills88@gmail.com or call (703) 228-9874.
Corporal Jonathan Ross “JR” Spears was born on June 30, 1984, to Tim and Marie Spears of Molino.
JR grew up in Molino and attended Bratt Elementary, Barrineau Park Elementary and Ransom Middle schools before graduating in 2002 from Tate High School where he was an offensive lineman for the Aggies. Following graduation, he attended Pensacola Junior College where he was on the dean’s list. During this time, JR succeeded in his goal of losing 80 pounds so that he could fulfill his lifelong dream of becoming a United States Marine..
JR enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in July 2003, completed recruit training at Parris Island, South Carolina, and graduated the infantry school at Camp Geiger, North Carolina, in February 2004.
JR’s first permanent duty station was with the 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine regiment, in 29 Palms, California. While stationed there, JR completed several specialized training courses and was particularly proud of receiving his EMT certification. From April through October 2004, he served his first tour of duty in Iraq.
In September 2005, JR and his unit were deployed to Iraq for a second tour of duty. On October 23, 2005, JR’s unit was attacked by Iraqi enemy forces in Ar Ramadi, Iraq. JR was killed in action saving another Marines life.
In 2008 the parents of Cpl. JR Spears started an endowment scholarship in his honor. The fund currently has a balance of $32,000 with yearly investment earnings of just over $1,000. Yearly, the investment earnings are awarded as a scholarship to student.
The goal for this and future tournaments is to increase the fund balance to $100,000. At that level, the investment should triple causing the scholarship to be even more helpful all in the name of a hometown hero.