Escambia Legislative Delegation To Hold Public Hearing On Local Requests
December 3, 2022
The Escambia County state legislative delegation will hold a public hearing next Wednesday.
Delegation members will consider local bills, hear presentations from governmental and other entities, and take public testimony on proposals for the 2023 regular session of the Florida legislature. Any member of the public is welcomed to attend.
The meeting will take place December 7 from 5:30 until 7:30 p.m. at the Pensacola State College Jean & Paul Amos Performance Studio at 1000 College Boulevard in Pensacola.
The Escambia County legislative delegation consists of Sen. Doug Broxson, Rep. Michelle Salzman and Rep. Alex Andrade.
FHP Makes Drug Trafficking And Weapons Arrest After Chase
December 3, 2022
An Escambia County man is facing a long list of drug and weapons charges after fleeing from a Florida Highway Patrol trooper.
A trooper was conducting traffic enforcement on West Michigan Avenue in the area of Montgomery Avenue when he observed a silver 2022 Chevrolet Malibu commit several traffic infractions. The trooper initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle occ by 26-year old Dymitri Antonio Thomas.
Initially, the vehicle pulled onto the east shoulder of Montgomery Avenue, but when the trooper exited his vehicle, Thomas made a U-turn and fled southbound on Montgomery Avenue before making a right turn onto West Michigan.
Thomas traveled westbound in the eastbound lane of West Michigan and struck a Nissan SUV.
Thomas exited the vehicle and ran away.
Two troopers arrived on scene and chased the suspect on foot. Troopers said while Thomas was running, he removed a Glock 48 .9 mm handgun from his waistband and thew it to the ground. The gun was later recovered by troopers.
A probable cause search of the vehicle found a trafficking amount of fentanyl, cocaine, oxycodone, and other drug paraphernalia.
Thomas was apprehended in the parking lot of Publix on Mobile Highway. He was charged with:
- Resisting without violence
- Possession of firearm/ammunition by convicted felon
- Operating a motor vehicle without a valid license
- Prisoner escape
- Reckless driving
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Possession of marijuana with intent to sell
- Trafficking fentanyl
- Trafficking cocaine
- Trafficking oxycodone
Jail records also show eight additional charges against Thomas by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office including:
- Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon
- Tampering in a felony proceeding
- Battery
- Grand theft
- Aggravated battery with a pregnant victim
- Resisting without violence
- Providing a false ID to law enforcement
- Possession of a a controlled substance
Thomas remained in the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $309,500.
Escambia Names Top 10 Teacher Of The Year Finalists
December 3, 2022
The top 10 finalists for Escambia County’s Teacher of the Year have been named.
In alphabetical order, they are:
- Audrey Brown – Brentwood Elementary
- Nikki Gill – Tate High School
- Anna Harageones – A. K. Suter Elementary
- Gary Horne – Washington High School
- Melanie Johnson – Kingsfield Elementary
- Angela McFarland – West Florida High School
- Christopher Norris – Ransom Middle School
- Linda Patti – Escambia Virtual Academy
- Allison Roberts – Success Academy
- Sara Smith – Beulah Elementary School
The district will narrow the list to five finalists to be announced later this month, and the Teacher of the Year will be named in late January. Teachers of the year from all schools will be honored at a special event in the spring.
“These outstanding educators reflect the skill, knowledge and compassion that our students benefit from each and every day. They represent ten of the finest examples of instructors who make sacrifices each day in order for our students to accomplish their educational goals,” said ECPS Superintendent Timothy Smith. “We look forward to celebrating these top ten finalists, as well as all of our outstanding Teacher of the Year nominees, and our hard-working teachers throughout the district.”
Pictured: The Golden Apple Award. File photo.
Cox Files Protest Over Commission’s Choice Of EREC For North Escambia Fiber Internet
December 2, 2022
Cox Communications has retained a law firm and filed a formal protest against the Escambia County Commission’s fiber internet selection of Escambia River Electric Cooperative (EREC).
A letter to the county from Orlando law firm Gunster states that Cox wants the memorandum of understanding with EREC rescinded and, instead, awarded to Cox.
Escambia County originally sought proposals to provide fiber to homes north of 10 Mile Road, with another upcoming request for proposals for the area south of 10 Mile Road. The county committed up to $10 million to the area north of 10 Mile Road, with another $12 million for the area to the south.
The proposal from EREC includes only their electric franchise territory, an area essentially north of Barrineau Park Road. As a member owned electric cooperative, EREC would provide fiber internet service to all 4,000 plus homes and businesses in their territory. Cox submitted a proposal to provide broadband internet to about 2,500 homes in unspecified areas north of 10 Mile Road.
Acceptance of the EREC proposal would be followed by a second phase to the south.
In their protest, COX claims the proposals from EREC and other companies are invalid because they do not include the complete originally specified area north of 10 Mile Road. For that reason, Cox contends they should win. In addition, the Cox proposal scored higher than EREC’s in a county selection committee ranking.
Commissioners, however, altered the original requested service area at a November 28 meeting because they felt the EREC proposal would better serve the unserved and underserved residents of North Escambia. In addition, District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry pointed out that EREC is owned by the residents they serve.
Escambia County’s contribution toward fiber internet in the county will come from federal American Rescue Plan Act funds.
PROPOSAL DETAILS
EREC Proposal
Under their proposal, EREC requested $6 million from the county toward a $24 million project. They proposed fiber internet to some 4,000 plus homes and businesses — every single home and business in their footprint — and a fiber ring connecting about two dozen county facilities. The first homes could receive service as early as next summer.
Three basic speed tiers proposed by EREC are:
- 100 Mbps/100 Mbps — $49.95/month
- 1 Gig/1 Gig — $79.95/month
- 2 Gig/2 Gig — $99.95/month
Cox Proposal
In their proposal, Cox requested the county provide $16.3 million toward a $24.4 million project to construct a 132 mile fiber ring to 44 county facilities and provide fiber internet to 2,514 “underserved” households. Their proposed timeline was 18-36 months to complete the residential portion, with 36 total months needed to ring the county facilities.
Cox proposed package pricing as follows:
- 100 Mbps/100 Mbps — $49.99/month
- 250 Mbps/250 Mbps — $87.99/month
- 500 Mbps/500 Mbps — $99.99/month
- 1 Gig/1 Gig — $119.99/month
- 2 Gig/2 Gig — $149.99/month
UWF Student Arrested On Child Porn Charges
December 2, 2022
A University of West Florida student was arrested at his campus residence Thursday for child pornography by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
Paul Tupas Roquelara, 21, was charged with 30 counts of possession of child sexual abuse material, and one count each of promoting a sexual performance of a child and unlawful use of a two-way communication device.
The case began in November after multiple law enforcement investigators obtained downloads of files containing child sexual abuse material from a peer-to-peer network from Roquelara. Investigators determined that the internet protocol address was unique to the suspect at his residence in the Village East Apartment dorms on the UWF campus.
Agents obtained and executed a search warrant at Roquelara’s residence Thursday and seized multiple electronic devices. FDLE said forensic examinations of his devices uncovered evidence of videos featuring children being sexually abused, some younger than 5 years old.
Homeland Security Investigations and University of West Florida Police Department assisted in the investigation.
Roquelara was booked into the Escambia County Jail without bond until first appearance.
FDLE said additional charges are pending further forensic review.
What You Need To Know: Northview Hosts Union County In State Semifinal Tonight
December 2, 2022
The Northview Chiefs will host the Fightin’ Tigers of Union County High in the FHSAA 1-Rural state semifinal.
The Chiefs (12-0) are coming off a powerful 42-6 win over previously unbeaten Chipley last week, while Union County (8-2) defeated Lafayette 41-6. Union County is from Lake Butler, just north of Gainesville. They have a 333 mile road trip to Bratt.
- Time: 7 p.m.
- Location: Tommy Weaver Memorial Stadium, Northview HS
- Tickets: $9, plus service fee.
- All tickets must be purchased through Gofan.co. Mobile device only; no printed tickets. Only FHSAA state series passes will be accepted.
- Parking: Donation. Arrive early for the best locations.
- Theme: “Light Up the Tigers”. Fans asked to wear necklaces, bracelets or anything that lights up.
- Weather: Comfortably cool, no chance of rain. Kickoff about 61 degrees, dropping only a degree or two by the end of the game. Light wind from the east.
Northview has averaged 44.33 points per game this season, while Union County has averaged 34.9. The Chiefs have averaged 389.9 total yards per game (278 rushing, 111.9 passing), while Union County has averaged 399.6 (271.1 rushing, 128.5 passing).
Players to watch:
- Northview: #6 Jamarkus Jefferson with 174.4 yards rushing, 196.7 total yards, and 22.3 average points per game; #4 Kaden Odom with 111.9 passing yards per game; #24 Luke Bridges with 8.2 tackles per game; #55 John Michael Ward with 70 pancake blocks and 0.5 sacks per game.
- Union County: #9 AJ Cortese with 127.7 yards passing, 191.5 total yards per game; #4 Rayvon Durant with 148.3 rushing yards and 9.6 points per game; Dayviontae Thompson with 5.7 tackles per game; Markus Strong with 1.1 sacks per game.
With a win Friday night in the semifinals, the Northview Chiefs will face the winner of tonight’s Blountstown (9-4) at Hawthorne (10-0) game in the state 1R championship game. The game will be played at 7 p.m. (EST) on Saturday, December 10 at Gene Cox Stadium in Tallahassee.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Santa Visits Century Library, Has 11 More Library Visits Planned Across The County (With Gallery)
December 2, 2022
Santa Claus visited the Century Library Thursday night, and he will take time out of his busy schedule to make 11 more visits to libraries across the county before Christmas.
For a photo gallery, click or tap here.
Santa posed for photos and took note of those special Christmas gift wish lists. He was asked for a variety of gifts, including a Barbie Dreamhouse, Peppa Pig, Thomas the Train, a telescope, games, a 4-wheeler, makeup, a trampoline, and a helicopter.
Santa made no promises, but hinted that some of the gift requests might just be doable for good little boys and girls. Well, except maybe the helicopter.
“That would probably be a little big for the sleigh,” the jolly old elf said.
Santa has the follow visits to West Florida Library branches planned before Christmas:
- Tuesday, Dec. 6, 10:30-11:30 a.m. – Southwest Library
- Tuesday, Dec. 6, 5:30-6:30 p.m. – Westside Library
- Wednesday, Dec. 7, 10:30-11:30 a.m. – Pensacola Library
- Thursday, Dec. 8, 10:30-11:30 a.m. – Tryon Library
- Thursday, Dec. 8, 5:30-6:30 p.m. – Molino Library
- Saturday, Dec. 10, 1:30-2:30 p.m. – Bellview Library
- Tuesday, Dec. 13, 10:30-11:30 a.m. – Bellview Library
- Tuesday, Dec. 13, 3-4 p.m. – Tryon Library
- Thursday, Dec. 15, 4:30-5:30 p.m. – Southwest Library
- Saturday, Dec. 17, 1:30-2:30 p.m. – Pensacola Library
- Wednesday, Dec. 21, 10:30-11:30 a.m. – Molino Library
For a photo gallery, click or tap here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Deidra’s Gift Provides Christmas Gifts For Sick, Shut-Ins In Century
December 2, 2022
With help from St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church in Century, Deidra’s Gift was able to present a donation to the Century Center for Rehabilitation & Healing.
The funds will be used by staff to purchase Christmas gifts for sick and shut-in residents.
Deidra’s gift was established in memory of Dedria Robinson, who was killed in 2005 in an automobile accident at age 11.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Food Distribution For 500 Families Saturday At Jubilee Church
December 2, 2022
Jubilee Church and Farm Share are partnering to feed 500 or more families with a food distribution on Saturday.
The drive-thru food distribution will be held from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. while supplies last at Jubilee Church at 5910 North W Street.
“The need in our community continues to grow. With this year’s food prices hitting an all-time high along with gas and rising housing costs, our community is struggling to pay bills and put food on the table. We are honored to give back to those in need in our local community especially during the Holiday season,” said Lead Pastor Tim Fox of Jubilee Church.
Clinic To Assist Participants In Restoring Driving Privileges; Registration Now Open
December 2, 2022
The First Judicial Circuit will host a Driver License Clinic on Friday, March 24, 2023, to assist individuals whose licenses have been revoked, suspended, or cancelled. The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the M.C. Blanchard Judicial Building located at 190 Governmental Center in Pensacola.
Registration is now open to the first 150 registered participants. Registration will be available at escambiacountydriverlicenseclinic2023.eventbrite.com.
Registered participants should closely monitor the email address provided at registration, as email will be the primary form of communication between participants and the clinic staff. Additional information may also be requested by email. Failure to provide requested information may result in cancelled registration.
Individuals who registered for previous clinics and failed to appear will be automatically placed on the waiting list until all eligible participants have had an opportunity to register. The waiting list does not transfer to future clinics; therefore, participants will be required to re-register in order to participate in the future. Walk-ins will not be able to participate.
Staff from the Escambia County Tax Collector’s Office, Florida Department of Revenue, Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Escambia County Clerk of Court, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Office of the State Attorney, and the Office of the Public Defender, along with judges and court staff, will work together to assist registrants and provide individualized information relevant to each participant’s personal circumstances.
The goal of the clinic is to provide “one-stop shopping” for citizens to interact with the appropriate state agencies and/or the court so they can determine how to regain their driving privileges.
The clinic will not be able to assist individuals with licenses revoked, suspended, or cancelled due to out-of-state matters. Additionally, the clinic will not waive outstanding financial obligations or address pending criminal charges or charges for which an individual is currently on probation.