Finally! Cooler Temps Coming
December 29, 2008
After a warm and muggy Christmas weekend, cooler temperatures are finally on the way to North Escambia.
Today will still be warm; the high is forecast to be 72 with just a slight chance of rain by afternoon.
Cooler temperatures will arrive by tonight, with an overnight low of 35. Tuesday will be sunny and 68.
Tuesday night will be clear and 42. Wednesday is forecast to by sunny and 65; Wednesday night’s low will be 40.
A slight chance of rain creeps back into the forecast by New Year’s Day, with a high of 58.
Century Man Shot By Off-Duty Cop At Bar
December 28, 2008
A Century man was shot by an off-duty Foley police officer early Saturday morning in a Pensacola bar in an apparent racial altercation.
Johnny Cloud, 37, of Century, was shot once in the abdomen by off-duty Foley officer Maurice Wiley at Boomerzzz Lounge on New Warrington Road in Pensacola about 2:30 Saturday morning.
Wiley, who is black, entered the lounge about 2:30, and three white men began making racial slurs, according to a news release from the Foley Police Department. Wiley decided to leave bar after one of the three men said he was going to get a pistol, but he was confronted by the three men in the parking lot, according to the Foley release.
Cloud allegedly tried to sneak up behind Wiley with a knife. That’s when Wiley identified himself as a police officer, and ordered Cloud to drop the knife. When Cloud continued toward Wiley, Wiley fired a single shot that hit Cloud in the abdomen, according to authorities.
Cloud was transported to Baptist Hospital where he was listed in critical condition Saturday night.
Escambia deputies said Cloud will likely face aggravated assault charges for the attack on the Foley officer.
Escambia authorities say several witnesses confirmed Wiley’s story.
No charges had been filed in the incident as of late Saturday night.
Wiley has been placed on paid administrative leave by the Foley Police Department.
Year In Review North Escambia’s Biggest Stories Of 2008: February
December 28, 2008
NorthEscambia.com is looking back at 2008 with our “Year in Review” series. Each day, we will review the biggest stories of 2008. Today, we take a look at the biggest stories of February 2008.
February 17 saw a tornado rip through Molino, hitting numerous homes and even ripping the steeple off Highland Baptist Church while worshipers were inside. NorthEscambia.com was the first media on the scene, and we continued to cover the aftermath and recover from the surprise storm. We posted a photo gallery from the scene shortly after the storm hit. See the photos here… Read the story here.
We posted photos of the actual tornado here and here.
The emergency response to the Molino tornado was the most public safety event of the year in North Escambia. Read more…
The Molino tornado was classified as an EF-1. Read more here…
Days after the Molino tornado ripped the steeple off their building with members inside, members of Highland Baptist Church offered praise for God’s protection. Read more…
NorthEscambia.com produced a video that several Molino churches viewed the Sunday after the Molino tornado. The video featured dozens of our photos from the area hit by the tornado. Read more and see the video here.
Carver/Century K-8 burned the school’s “F” grade from the state as teachers and staff rallied to improve the school’s FCAT scores. Read more…
We looked into the eyes of the new homeless in Escambia County — children. A local homeless coalition teamed with many other community and faith based organizations to hold a free fish fry in Century. Read more…
NorthEscambia.com published was was perhaps our most powerful blog. “Go Home Truck” took at a look at the impact on our communities of a January accident that killed a father a son, Drew and Danny Marlow. Read more…
Rev. Fil Enfinger and his wife Mary were honored after his retirement from Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church. Rev. Enfinger was in ministry for 38 year. Read more…
Three new businesses, including Whataburger, opened in Century. Read more…
Bob McLaughlin was named Escambia County’s new administrator. Read more…
Byrneville Elementary School faced a find because they were missed half a student. Read more…
Love was in the air as Ernest Ward Middle School held their annual Valentine’s Dance. Read the story, and see the pictures…
Preparations were underway for the FCAT at Escambia County School. At Bratt and Bryneville Elementary Schools, that preparation became a little musical. Read more…
NorthEscambia.com sat down with Georges Van Nevel after a federal raid at his Helicopter Technologies. We ran an exclusive three-part series. Read part one here, part two here and part three here.
A stolen Alabama police chief’s car was recovered on Highway 29 just south of Pine Barren Road. NorthEscambia.com was there. Read more..
Farmers from several states attended a Farm Day in Walnut Hill to learn from experts from across the South. Read more…
The Escambia Commission voted to extend their contract with volunteer firefighters for another year. They wanted more time to discuss a unified county fire department. Read more…
A historic jail was uncovered in Molino. The jail was built around 1915 and repaired in 1927. Read the story and see photos from inside the jail here…
The Tom Thumb in Molino pulled out their gas pumps for about two weeks while underground storage tanks were replaced. Read the story here.
After his DUI arrest in January, Jim Paul announced that he would not seek re-election as the superintendent of Escambia County’s school system. Read more…
NorthEscambia.com had the exclusive photos as one of the tallest structures in North Escambia was topped off. A new communications tower in Oak Grove hit 330 feet. Read more…
Northview High School FFA students celebration National FFA week with a breakfast. Read more… The FFA students at Ernest Ward Middle School also held a breakfast. Read more…
The last Saturday in February was the annual Walnut Hill Ruritan Club Farm Auction. The annual event attracts hundreds ever year. Read more..
Century held their annual Teaspoon Festival that same Saturday. Read more, and see the photos…
Northview High School celebrated Black History Month with several events, including a special program “Rising above out obstacles”. Read more…
The Escambia County Commission extended their contact with volunteer firefighters and looked at rule changes for volunteers. Click here.
“Three of a Kind” was big presentation for Bratt Elementary School first graders, and we had complete photo coverage. Click here…
Sandip Burman, a world-renowned tabla player, held an intimate concert with Northview High School performing arts students. Read more…
The Flomaton and Century chambers of commerce held their annual awards banquets and named outstanding citizens of the year for each town. Read more..
A major accident on Highway 97 in Molino left two people with serious injuries. Click here…
For January’s biggest stories, click here.
Don’t Burn That Christmas Tree In The Fireplace; It Can Explode
December 28, 2008
Escambia County Fire-Rescue has some post-Christmas fire safety tips to keep you safe during the holidays. One of those tips includes not burning your Christmas tree in the fireplace — because the sap can explode.
Escambia County Fire-Rescue has some post-Christmas fire safety tips to help keep another red bulb from being lit.
Some tips include:
- The end to the holiday season means letting go of that holiday spirit and all those decorations. The longer the decorations stay up, the greater the fire hazard. Never burn trees (branches or needles) in a fireplace. Firs and pines have a lot of sap, which can explode. Flames can flare up out of control and send sparks flying across the room. Creosote deposits can also ignite in the chimney, and cause a chimney fire. The best way to dispose of your tree is to take it to a recycling center.
- Do not burn wrapping paper in the fireplace because of the paper being highly flammable. Dangerous sparks and the possibility of flash fires are possible. Gather all the gift boxes and discard them with the garbage and recyclable materials.
- Remove outdoor lights as soon as the season is over. Many light sets are not designed for prolonged exposure to the elements. Use care handling lights when taking them down and repacking them will reduce the chance of damaging a serviceable pair of lights.
- Have extra money from those gift cards? Purchase a carbon monoxide detector for your home. Carbon monoxide can be produced by any natural gas powered appliance if it malfunctions. Carbon monoxide is the silent killer.
There are 11 red bulbs now lit in Escambia County’s “Keep the Wreath Green” fire safety campaign. A red bulb is lit each time a residential fire in the county displaces a family from their home.
Year In Review North Escambia’s Biggest Stories Of 2008: January
December 27, 2008
Today, NorthEscambia.com begins a look back at 2008 with our “Year in Review” series. Each day, we will review the biggest stories of 2008. Today, we being our look back at 2008 with January’s biggest stories.
January 28 was a day that touched many across North Escambia as Richard Danny Marlow, 40, and Drew Marlow, 2, both of Molino, were killed in a two vehicle accident on Highway 97 south of Walnut Hill. (pictured above) The driver of a second vehicle, Joyce McGahan, 70, of Cantonment, died at the hospital following the accident. Read more and see the photos…
NorthEscambia.com published a “Memorial Message Board” for the community to post their thoughts on the death of Drew Marlow, 2, Danny Marlow, 40 and Joyce McGahan in a Walnut Hill traffic accident. Read the board here…
In early January, a new mayor and council members took office in Century. Freddie McCall was sworn in as Mayor after defeating former mayor Evelyn Hammond by 100 votes. Ann Brooks (pictured left) and Nadine McCaw were sworn in as new members of the council. Brooks, who defeated 30 year incumbent Sheryl Jordan, was elected chair of the group. A plaque was presented to former mayor Hammond thanking her for her years of service, but she was not present at the meeting. Read more…
Harold O. “Sonny” Blum was honored by the Florida Highway Patrol and the Escambia County Commission upon his retirement after 37 years of service as an auxiliary trooper. Sonny joined the Florida Highway Patrol Auxiliary on March 27, 1970. During his 37 years volunteering with the auxiliary, he logged over 30,000 hours of service. He shared his stories with us, from the painful memories of a Gulf Coast hurricane, to saving a life, to delivering a baby, to an armed robbery. Read more…
The federal government raided Van Nevel Helicopters in Century on January 9, beginning a year in the headlines for the Century company. The government seized company records. Read more…
January 9 was a big day for the members of Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Molino. A new steeple was installed, replacing on that was blown off by Hurricane Ivan in 2004. Read more…
ECAT added a new bus that stops in Century and Molino with daily trips to and from Pensacola. Read more…
Gas prices were just above $3 a gallon by mid-January. Read more…
Escambia School Superintendent Jim Paul was arrested driving drunk. NorthEscambia.com was one of just a few media outlets to have an exclusive interview with Paul about his arrest. Read more…
Bradberry park in Walnut Hill was locked and closed to the public temporarily after some broke into the field house at the park (pictured left). Read more.
Escambia County Commissioners began to discuss plans to consolidate the county’s volunteer fire departments into a single unified county department. Commissioners also discussed over $39,000 in alleged over payments to volunteers. Read more…
Deputies from the Escambia County Sheriff’s Department on the ground and in a helicopter chased a horse around Century, finally cornering the “suspect” at Showalter Park. Read more…
Miss Chelsea Sims (pictured left) was crowned Miss Northview High School. First Runner Up was junior Amber Holland, and Second Runner Up was junior Summer Sanders. Other members of the top five were freshman Katie Mann and junior Shakeria White. Read more and see the photos…
The Escambia County School Board publicly censured Superintendent Jim Paul after his DUI arrest. Read more…
A Gandyville woman celebrated her 101st birthday and shared some of her secrets for a long life. Read more…
The county commission postponed a vote on unifying the county’s volunteer fire departments. Read more…
Bob McLaughlin was recommended as the new county administrator. Read more…
Eighth grader Talisa Jackson was crowned Miss Carver/Century Friday night. First Runner Up was Takeya Williams, a fifth grader. Click here for more and photos…
John McCain and Hillary Clinton were at the top of their party’s primaries in the January primaries, at least in Escambia County. Read more…
Carver/Century K-8 School held a “Cash Grab” to promote learning gains on the FCAT. The school was making plans to improve their “F” score. Read more…
Rain On The Way
December 27, 2008
Our unseasonably warm weather will continue today in North Escambia, with a forecast high of 78. There is a 20 percent chance of rain today under partly cloudy skies.
Tonight, the rain chance increases to 50 percent, with a low of 62.
There’s an even better chance of rain for Sunday at 70 percent, with a high of 68. Sunday night will be cloudy and cooler, with a 60 percent chance of rain mostly before midnight and a low of 52.
The rain chance continues at 50 percent for Monday morning, with a high of 65. The rain is forecast to end by Monday afternoon. It will be colder Monday night; a low of 38 is forecast.
Tuesday will be sunny and 68.
Rain is back in the forecast for Wednesday through Friday.
Straughn Downs Flomaton 59-46
December 27, 2008
Straughn High School beat Flomaton Friday in the Red Level Christmas Tournament.
Straughn was victorious 59-46 over the Hurricanes.
Dee Ellis scored 16 for the ‘Canes. Dominique Robinson added 15 for Flomaton.
Straughn will face LAMP in Saturday afternoon’s final game of the tourney.
Reported Stove Fire In Molino Causes Little Damage
December 27, 2008
The Molino Station of Escambia Fire Rescue responded to a stove fire in the 6800 block of Myra Lane in Molino Friday afternoon.
The residents of the single-wide mobile home reported a fire on the stove. The fire was out when the first fire units arrived on the home just off Molino Road. There was no major damage, and there were no injuries.
The fire was reported about 4:30 Friday afternoon.
Molino Man Arrested On 12 Counts Of Violating Probation
December 26, 2008
A Molino man has been arrested on a dozen counts of violating probation on a long list burglary related charges.
Gene Truman Smith, 30, is being held in the Escambia County Jail without bond on 12 counts of violation of probation. Smith listed a home address in the 3400 block of Highway 97.
Smith was arrested in January 2005 on multiple burglary related felony and misdemeanor charges, including burglary of an unoccupied structure and grand theft . He was sentenced on April 25, 2005, to three years in state prison followed by two years probation, according to court documents.
Smith was released from state prison on July 21, 2007, and was scheduled to remain on felony probation until July of 2009, according to Florida Department of Corrections records.
A violation of probation warrant was issued for Smith on December 19. He was arrested by Escambia County Sheriff’s Department deputies on Tuesday.
Pictured above: The booking photo of Gene Truman Smith of Molino. Smith was arrested on 12 counts of violation of probation.
FHP Still Out In Force As Long Holiday Weekend Continues
December 26, 2008
The Florida Highway Patrol remains out in force today on this long Christmas weekend.
The FHP announced that they are using will use zero tolerance enforcement strategies to target aggressive and hazardous violators throughout the state. Troopers will place special emphasis on aggressive driving, Driving Under the Influence, speeding and safety restraint violations. Motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians who comply with Florida’s traffic laws and use sound judgment can help make this holiday period safer and less stressful.
This year’s Christmas holiday enforcement period began at 12:01 a.m. Christmas Eve and will end at midnight Dec. 28, 2008. The New Year’s holiday enforcement period will begin at 12:01 a.m. on December 31, 2008, and end at midnight January 4, 2009.
“Our goal this holiday period is to make our roads safer for our residents and visitors,” said Colonel Czernis. “We will be out enforcing Florida traffic laws, placing emphasis on motorists who place others in danger. We will have zero tolerance for violators who have a disregard for the safety of others.”
All sworn personnel on the patrol normally assigned to administrative duties will be reassigned to patrol duties on high volume roadways. In addition, auxiliary and reserve troopers will volunteer to assist regular troopers during the heightened holiday enforcement period.
Motorists are urged to contact FHP or local law enforcement officials to report an impaired, aggressive or dangerous driver by dialing *FHP (*347) from a cell phone. Callers may remain anonymous. Motorists who experience car trouble on the highway or otherwise need assistance from the FHP are also encouraged to use *FHP.
The Florida Highway Patrol reminds motorists of Florida’s Move Over law. The law requires motorists to move over when a patrol car, emergency vehicle or tow truck/wrecker is stopped on the side of the road with lights flashing. Motorists are required to change lanes away from authorized emergency vehicles if able to move over safely or slow down while maintaining a safe speed. Violators of the Move Over law will be issued a citation.
Pictured above: Trooper Rafael Streeter issues a traffic citation earlier this year at the corner of Highway 29 and Hecker Road in Century. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.