Kitty Kitty Got In A Tangle Because Of Lightning. Escambia Deputies Rescued Her From A Van In Bratt.
October 29, 2021
Kitty Kitty is afraid of lightning — very, very afraid.
And rightfully so. Her pet parents, Steve and Theresa Hanks of Bratt, said Kitty Kitty was struck by lightning when she was just a kitten.
When an unexpected storm recently moved through Bratt, Kitty Kitty ran for the first safe place she could find. She climbed into the engine compartment of a van, getting all tangled up in some wiring underneath. She was stuck in a bad sort of way.
The Hanks knew they needed a little help from the “PAW Patrol”, so they made the call. Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputies Ty Brewton and Eric Anderson responded to Bratt. The dynamic duo helped safely rescue the one-eared cat.
“(We) can’t say thank you enough to these two great guys and the whole team at the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. They are truly the best, second to none,” the Hanks wrote in a thank-you note to the ECSO. “I also might need to pay for dry cleaning for (deputy Brewton); he got quite dirty getting Kitty Kitty free from my work van.”
“Don’t worry Mr. Hanks, no dry cleaning is needed! We are just happy Kitty Kitty is safe,” the Sheriff’s Office responded.
“I wanted (Sheriff) Chip Simmons to know how much we appreciated his team,” Steve Hanks told NorthEscambia.com.
Kitty Kitty, whose proper name is Callie, is doing just fine, back to doing all those great things the cats do. And probably staying away from that van.
Pictured above: Kitty Kitty. Pictured below: Deputies Anderson (left) and Brewton. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Man Charged With May Homicide
October 29, 2021
An Escambia County man has been charged in connection with a fatal shooting in May.
Kerrick Teamer, 21, was arrested Thursday and charged with homicide that took place on May 28, 2021, at the intersection of Green Street and Jackson Street. The victim was shot in the head and arm while sitting in his vehicle.
He was also charged in connection with shooting a second person in the leg.
Food Distribution Set For Sunday In Molino
October 29, 2021
A food distribution will be held Sunday in Molino.
The grocery giveaway will be held Sunday, October 31 from 2-4 p.m. in front of Molino Chapel at 6954 Nicholson Drive in Molino.
“Our mission is to provide nutritious food to our neighbors who may be experiencing food insecurity; they can come on foot or drive through and we’ll meet their need,” said Patti McIntosh, who heads Molino Ministry.
Submitted photo.
If You See Kids With Blue Candy Buckets, Here’s What It Likely Means
October 29, 2021
If a trick-or-treater at your door or event has a blue pumpkin or bucket, pay attention.
A child carrying a blue pumpkin bucket this weekend likely means that he or she may have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and could behave or respond differently than candy givers might expect, according to Autism Pensacola. A child carrying a blue bucket may or may not hold direct eye contact or could be low or nonverbal and unable to answer questions or say “trick or treat” and “thank you”. He or she may not even be wearing a costume because many with ASD are very sensitive to the feel of certain fabrics or restrictive face coverings.
“The best way to interact with children on the spectrum is to simply treat them as you would any other child, but use a low, calm voice, and if possible, physically get down to their level,” said Mary McClellan, executive director of Autism Pensacola. “The goal of the blue bucket campaign is to inform our community about behaviors associated with autism and help all children have the most fun, memorable experience possible.”
Autism Pensacola is participating in the national Autism Blue Pumpkin Program. Blue buckets will be handed out to children with autism at the Autism Pensacola Trunk or Treat event on Saturday from 2-4 p.m. at the Autism Center of the Studer Children’s Hospital at 5045 Carpenter Creek Drive behind Olive Garden). Registration is required and guests may do so by clicking the top banner at www.autismpensacola.org.
Man Gets Life In Prison For Murdering A Former Molino Fire Chief
October 28, 2021
An Escambia County man was sentenced Thursday afternoon to life in prison for the murder of a former Molino fire chief.
Jared Cordel Clakley, 31, entered a plea of no contest to the charges against him last month. He was sentenced to life in prison on a charge of second degree murder with a firearm and 15 years consecutively for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon for the shooting death of Gary Diamond.
When Judge Coleman Robinson handed down the sentence, Clakley turned around an yelled at Diamond’s family members.
“I’m glad I killed that bitch,” Clakley screamed. “I’m glad I killed him.” Clakley was then forcibly removed from the courtroom by bailiffs.
He faced a minimum sentence of 25 years in station prison, but sentenced to the maximum by Robinson
Diamond was shot and killed outside his Molino Road home shortly after 3:30 a.m. on December 26, 2020.
Three witnesses told deputies that Clakley fired four or five shots at Diamond before fleeing in his vehicle. Deputies found the vehicle wrecked near Highway 95A and Molino Road, but Clakley had fled. A K-9 unit was deployed to track him down. He was later located at a family member’s home near Holsberry Place.
Pictured: The scene of the murder in the 400 block of Molino Road early in the morning on December 26, 2020. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Contract Awarded To Design Replacement Bridge On Gibson Road In Molino
October 28, 2021
The Escambia County Commission recently awarded a contract to design a replacement bridge for Gibson Road over Alligator Creek in Molino.
The $167,178 contract was awarded to Mott MacDonald of Florida.
The Gibson Road over Alligator Creek 78-foot wood-supported bridge was constructed in 1959 and is currently beyond its designed service life. It’s also listed as being structural deficient, and there is history of the creek overtopping the bridge. In August 2020, the eastbound lane of the bridge was closed after a failed Florida Department of Transportation inspection.
The roadway and bridge will be designed with an increased elevation to prevent overtopping. Mott MacDonald is allowed under their contract to utilize a design that includes a prefabricated steel or precast concrete structure.
The bid opportunity was sent to 444 emails, with just four responses.
Gibson Road runs between Highway 97 and Crabtree Church Road. There’s no word on when a construction contract will be awarded and construction will begin.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Cantonment Rotary Honors Mary Holley-Lewis For ‘Service Above Self’
October 28, 2021
Thursday, the Cantonment Rotary Club honored Mary Holley-Lewis with the “Service Above Self Award”.
The Jim Allen Elementary School third grade teacher not only selflessly gives of her time to the school, but also volunteers with the Cantonment Improvement Committee and other organizations.
She was a driving force behind CIC food distributions that began early in the COVID-19 pandemic during March 2020 and continue each Tuesday at Carver Park in Cantonment.
Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Byrneville Elementary School Names Students Of The Month
October 28, 2021
Byrneville Elementary School has named Students of the Month for September.
They are:
- Kindergarten-Chris James and BJ Cooley
- 1st-Parker Jones and Makayla Wise
- 2nd-Ryan Hoomes and Gracelynn Grant
- 3rd-Wy’Naejah Thomas and Paisley Rogers
- 4th-Ember Henry and Kyle Lowery
- 5th-Natalie Rogers and Bryce Miller
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Volunteers Sought For ECUA Citizens’ Advisory Committee
October 28, 2021
The Emerald Coast Utilities Authority (ECUA) is seeking candidates interested in an at-large appointment to the ECUA Citizens’ Advisory Committee (CAC).
Any resident of Escambia County who desires to be appointed as a citizen member may submit an application to ECUA Executive Director Bruce Woody outlining their relevant experience, education and qualifications. The CAC serves in an advisory capacity, formulating and presenting recommendations to the ECUA Board.
All CAC members serve a one year term of office and attend one meeting per month, which is usually held on the third Tuesday of the month. The CAC meets at 3 p.m. in the ECUA Boardroom located in the Ellyson Industrial Park. No travel is involved unless the committee members decide to visit an existing or proposed ECUA site for informational purposes. Financial disclosure is required.
Escambia County residents interested in being considered for a possible appointment to the ECUA’s CAC, beginning December 2021, are asked to submit a resumé and letter indicating their desire to serve by close of business on November 8, 2021. Letters and resumés should be submitted to Shakeva Simmons, 9255 Sturdevant Street, Pensacola, FL 32514; or emailed to Shakeva.simmons@ecua.fl.gov.
Escambia (AL) School Mask Mandate Is Expiring
October 28, 2021
The school mask mandate in Escambia County, Alabama, is expiring and won’t be reinstated for now.
The Escambia County (AL) Board of Education implemented a mask mandate in August requiring masks for all students, visitors and staff. The mandate expires at the end of the school day Friday. Masks will be recommended, but not required, beginning Monday, November 1.
Masks will remain a requirement on school buses in the county due to federal transportation regulations.