Friday Is Deadline In Essay Contest For Students To Be A Florida House Page Or Messenger
January 3, 2023
Friday is the deadline for an essay contest from Rep. Michelle Salzman to select the 2023 page/messenger she will nominate to service in the Florida House program.
Pages and messengers work one week at the Florida Capitol during the 60-day regular legislative session. They assist representatives and their staff during the busy time while observing state government in action.
For essay contest rules and details, click or tap here. The deadline for students in grades 6-12 to enter is 5 p.m. on January 6, 2023.
While performing their duties, pages and messengers have the opportunity to observe lawmakers, lobbyists, staff, and constituents working together in the legislative process. Opportunities will include committee meetings, House sessions in the chamber, and occasionally press conferences with notable people or celebrities.
The page and messenger program is a longstanding tradition in the Florida House of Representatives, date back to 1865. Each student who serves as a page or messenger will have his or her name appear in the Journal of the House. This will be an official record of their time spent in the Florida House to perhaps one day show their children and grandchildren.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Convicted Sex Offender To Face Federal Prosecution For Allegedly Viewing Child Porn At His Business
January 3, 2023
The state has dropped all child porn charges against an Escambia County sex offender as he faces federal charges for allegedly viewing child porn on a smart TV.
Frank Paul Knight, 58, was charged in Escambia County Circuit Court last October with 20 counts of intentionally viewing child pornography. The State Attorney’s Office has dropped all 20 charges in lieu of federal prosecution, according to court documents.
He was on federal probation in a 2009 possession of child pornography case. Last October, probation officers with the U.S. Probation Office conducted a sex offender check on Knight at his place of business in the 300 block of Kenmore Road.
During the check, a smart TV was located hanging on the wall in Knight’s “personal space” inside the business, which consisted of a small living room area and a connected bedroom, according to a report. Officers noticed that several of Knight’s personal belongings were in the rooms.
During a preview of Knight’s TV, a Florida Department of Law Enforcement special agent supervisor discovered Knight’s Gmail account was associated with the TV setup, and the browsing history revealed that the TV had been used to visit a website with child pornography, the report continues.
Investigators interviewed six of Knight’s employees. All of them stated they knew about Knight’s personal space, but none of them used the space or the television.
Knight remains in the Escambia County Jail on a $10,000 bond on a dealing in stolen property charge.
North Beulah Neighborhood Cleanup Day Is Wednesday
January 3, 2023
Residents of the north Beulah area will have the opportunity to dispose of yard debris and other items free of charge Wednesday, January 4 during a neighborhood cleanup.
During neighborhood cleanups, Escambia County departments team up to bring services to residents in an effort to keep local neighborhoods clean and safe. Participating is easy: Residents in the cleanup area simply leave eligible items at the curb to be disposed of free of charge by Escambia County and partnering agencies.
All debris must be at the curb directly in front of residences in the area by 7 a.m. on the day of the cleanup. Tires and paint cans should be separate from all other debris. Debris piles should not be placed under low-hanging lines or near poles, fences or mailboxes. All items, including containers, will be collected.
Only residents in the designated cleanup area are able to participate in the neighborhood cleanup. Items left at the curb outside of the cleanup area will not be collected. The collection area us from West Nine Mile Road to just north of Frank Reeder Road, and between Tower Ridge Road and Beulah Road (see map above).
Items eligible for removal include:
- Household appliances and electronics
- Household junk and debris
- Bicycles and toys
- Old furniture and mattresses
- Barbecue grills
- Household hazardous waste (old paint, motor oil, chemicals, batteries)
- Tires (limit 10 per household)
Items NOT eligible for removal include:
- Building materials (concrete, bricks, blocks, roofing, drywall or lumber)
- Explosives or ammunition
- Auto parts
- Dirt or sod
- Vehicles or vessels
- 55-gallon drums of fluids
For more information, contact Development Program Manager Max Rogers at (850) 595-3499 or mprogers@myescambia.com.
The neighborhood cleanup initiative involves an aggressive cleanup effort, targeting different neighborhoods throughout the county, with crew members and volunteers picking up a variety of debris and waste, including electronics, furniture and household items.
Since 2016, more than 5,469 tons (10,938,000 pounds) of debris were collected and disposed of through the Community Redevelopment Agency’s Safe Neighborhood Program.
Tuesday Begins $4.7 Million Highway 29 Reconstruction Safety Project In Century
January 3, 2023
Tuesday was the official first day of a $4.7 million safety project to resurface Highway 29 in Century.
FDOT plans a major reconstruction and realignment of Highway 29 from just south of East Highway 4 to the Alabama state line.
The project includes reconstructing a 700-foot curved segment of Highway 29 from north of Henry Street to Cottage Street; the curve has been the site of several truck accidents in recent years.
FDOT will also upgrade traffic signals, drainage structures, pavement markings, and driveways, while also improving curb ramps and sidewalks to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.
During construction, drivers may encounter temporary traffic shifts and daytime and nighttime intermittent lane closures. Access to adjacent businesses and other properties will be maintained at all times.
FDOT estimates the project will be completed in late 2024.
All activities are weather-dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
The current state budget signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis included $3,278,228 toward the total cost of the project.
Pictured: Looking south into Florida on Highway 29 in Century. Pictured inset: Part of a Highway 29 safety improvement project will include the realignment of this curve. Graphics below show project details. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Driver Injured In Rollover; Good Samaritan Shocked By Downed Power Lines
January 2, 2023
The driver was injured in a rollover crash in Nokomis, Alabama, early Sunday morning, and a good Samaritan was injured by downed power lines.
The crash happened about 3:50 a.m. on James Road, north of Highway 31 and the Alabama/Florida state line. The driver lost control, and his car flipped multiple times over a span of about 150 feet and sheared-off a power pole.
An area resident attempted to help the driver get out of the vehicle and received an electrical shock, according to first responders. He was transported to an area hospital in critical condition.
First responders said it was extremely foggy at the time of the crash, which remains under investigation by Alabama Law Enforcement Agency troopers. No names have been released.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Bratt Elementary PTA Gifts Needed Supplies To Teachers
January 2, 2023
Bratt Elementary School teachers will have more of the supplies they need when they head back to class this week, thanks to a Christmas gift. The Bratt PTA gave the teachers needed supplies for Christmas. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Photos: Hot Air Balloons In Bratt On New Year’s Day
January 2, 2023
A group of hot air balloon enthusiasts gathered in Atmore over the New Year’s weekend, and Sunday morning many drifted across the state line into Florida.
Several of the balloons landed Sunday morning in a field near Highway 99 and Bradberry Road in Bratt, just south of the Florida-Alabama state line.
For a photo gallery from Bratt, click or tap here.
Photos by Sheena Carach for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Need To Get Rid Of A Real Christmas Tree? ECUA Will Pick It Up
January 2, 2023
The Emerald Coast Utilities Authority (ECUA) is ready to help you dispose of that real Christmas tree.
Sanitation and recycling pickups won’t be delayed this week due to the New Year’s holiday; everything will be picked up on your regular day.
And if you are ready to dispose of your real Christmas tree, ECUA will turn into compost.
Place the real tree or wreath out by the curb on your regular pick-up day, and it will be picked up as part of ECUA’s regular yard waste collection. Just make sure that the natural tree or wreath is free of ornaments, tinsel and stands.
ECUA will compost the trees with other yard waste at their Biosolids Composting Facility.
After A 10 Day Holiday Break, Road Construction Delays Return Tuesday
January 2, 2023
After a 10-day holiday break, road construction lane closures return on Tuesday in Florida.
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:
- U.S. 29 Resurfacing from south of S.R. 4 to the Alabama State Line – Work will begin Tuesday, January 3 on a $4.7 million safety improvement project to resurface U.S. 29, from south of S.R. 4 to the Alabama state line in Century. The project also includes reconstructing U.S. 29, from north of Henry Street to Cottage Street; improving curb ramp and sidewalks to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements; upgrading traffic signals, drainage structures, and pavement markings. During construction, drivers may encounter temporary traffic shifts and daytime and nighttime intermittent lane closures. Access to adjacent businesses and other properties will be maintained at all times. The project is estimated for completion in late 2024.
- Escambia County Welcome Center – The front parking lot is temporarily closed as crews work to resurface the pavement. The other parking areas remain open. Temporary sidewalk modifications are also in place while work is underway.
- U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures and lane shifts on the Pensacola Bay Bridge Tuesday, Jan. 3 through Saturday, Jan. 7 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Crews will be using lanes on the current bridge as a platform to perform miscellaneous construction activities on the westbound (Gulf Breeze to Pensacola) structure.
- Pace Boulevard from Barrancas Avenue to Massachusetts Avenue – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures and sidewalk closures on Pace Boulevard and side streets, between Barrancas Avenue and North Palafox Street (U.S. 29) Tuesday, Jan. 3 through Thursday, Jan. 5 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. The work will allow crews to perform paving operations as well as sidewalk and curb improvements. Pedestrians will be detoured to the signalized intersections to access the sidewalks on the other side of Pace Boulevard.
- 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 on this section of East Nine Mile Road has been reduced from 45 mph to 35 mph as vehicles and bicycles will share the roadway. The closure and speed limit reduction will be in place until the project is complete next summer.
- Pensacola Boulevard (U.S. 29) from Brent Lane (State Road (S.R.) 296) to North of I-10 – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures Tuesday, Jan. 3 through Thursday, Jan. 5 from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. for paving operations.
- Lillian Highway (S.R. 298), 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 may encounter intermittent lane closures on Lillian Highway, between U.S. 98 and Blue Angel Parkway, Tuesday, Jan. 3 through Thursday, Jan. 5 from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. for drainage improvements and erosion control operations.
- Sorrento Road Resurfacing from the Theo Baars Bridge to Bauer Road – Drivers may encounter and lane shifts at the Sorrento Road and Bauer Road intersection as crews install drainage pipe.
- Navy Boulevard (S.R. 295) from north of the Bayou Grande Bridge to Gulf Beach Highway/Barrancas Avenue (S.R. 292) – Work will begin Tuesday, January 3 on a $2.6 million project to resurface Navy Boulevard, from north of the Bayou Grande Bridge to Gulf Beach Highway/Barrancas Avenue. The project also includes curb and sidewalk improvements constructed to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements, traffic signalization upgrades, and placement of new signs and pavement markings. During construction, drivers may encounter temporary traffic shifts and intermittent lane closures between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m., seven days a week. The project is estimated for completion in summer 2023
- Avalon Boulevard (S.R. 281) Routine Maintenance at Garcon Point Bridge – Motorists will encounter intermittent daytime lane closures Wednesday, Jan. 4 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for bridge repairs.
- U.S. 98 Routine Utility Maintenance from 61st Street to 72nd Avenue – Motorists will encounter intermittent daytime lane closures Wednesday, Jan. 4 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for routine utility maintenance.
Santa Rosa County:
- Pensacola Bay Bridge (U.S. 98) Replacement – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures and lane shifts on the Pensacola Bay Bridge Tuesday, Jan. 3 through Saturday, Jan. 7 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Crews will be using lanes on the current bridge as a platform to perform miscellaneous construction activities on the westbound (Gulf Breeze to Pensacola) structure.
- U.S. 90 Bridge Replacement over Simpson River - Construction crews have temporarily shifted eastbound traffic to the westbound bridge over Simpson River. The shift is expected to be in place through March 2023. During this time, there will be two westbound lanes and one eastbound travel lane using the westbound bridge. Due to the traffic shift, there will not be dedicated bike lanes on the bridge. Drivers are urged to use extra caution as they will be temporarily sharing the bridge with cyclists. Drivers are also reminded that the speed limit is 35 mph through 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 S.R. 281 and Bayshore Road Tuesday, Jan. 3, through Friday, Jan. 6, from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for stormwater drainage improvements and paving operations.
- Settlers Colony Boulevard will remain closed to complete necessary drainage improvements. Motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians will access Settlers Colony Boulevard via Venetian Way and Coronado Drive. Detour signs will be in place. Residents may experience noise, vibrations, and dust during daytime hours as part of this drainage improvement effort.
- S.R. 87 (Stewart Street) Routine Utility Maintenance in front of Milton High School – Motorists will encounter intermittent daytime lane closures Wednesday, Jan. 4 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for power pole maintenance.
All activities are weather-dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
UPDATE: Former ECSO Trainee Deputy Charged With Pace Homicide (Mugshot Released)
January 1, 2023
Updated: A former deputy’s mugshot was posted Sunday night by the Santa Rosa County Jail.
A former Escambia County Sheriff’s Office trainee deputy is charged with killing a man overnight in Santa Rosa County.
Chloe Colleen Davidson, 32, is charged with first degree felony homicide and a second degree felony weapons offense.
Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a reported shooting in the 3900 block of Deerwood Circle in Pace about 1:40 a.m. Sunday.
“Upon arrival, our deputies located a male victim and performed medical aid until EMS arrived on scene. Shortly thereafter, paramedics pronounce the male victim deceased,” Jillian Durkin, SRSO public information officer, said. “Through investigations, it was determined that the incident was a domestic disturbance.”
The name of the deceased has not been released, and the investigation is continuing.
Davidson was booked into the Santa Rosa County Jail.
Davidson was sworn in as an ECSO training deputy on August 5, 2022. According to the ECSO, she failed out of the training program and had not been employed by the department for at least the past 30 days.
Her jail mugshot was exempted from release under Florida law due to her status as a former deputy, but it was later posted Sunday night by the Santa Rosa County Jail.