Still No Arrest In Saturday Shooting Atmore Atmore Apartment Complex
June 9, 2009
(Updated) The Atmore Police Department is still searching for the suspects involved in a shooting that occurred Saturday morning at an apartment complex.
“Two black males forced their way into the apartment shared by the victim and his family, Atmore Police Investigator Robbie Williams said witnesses told his department. “The victim was forced to lie on the floor at gunpoint while the rest of the family was told to go into another room. The victim was bound and shot twice in the legs. He also suffered a blunt force injury to the head. The offenders were seen leaving in a silver colored car with tinted windows.”
The shooting was reported about 11:30 Saturday morning at McRae Apartments. The victim was transported by ambulance to Atmore Community Hospital.
Atmore Police were searching for a silver four-door vehicle that fled the scene. The vehicle was possibly a Lincoln Town Car occupied by at least two black males according to witnesses that saw the vehicle fleeing the area.
A vehicle matching the suspect vehicle description with a Monroe County (Ala.) tag was spotted at Atmore Community Hospital where family of the shooting victim had gathered. The vehicle fled the area of the hospital before police arrived. Units from the Atmore Police Department located the vehicle behind the Wind Creek Casino on Highway 21. At least one person in that vehicle was taken into custody for questioning about 2:15 Saturday afternoon, but no arrest was made.
This is an update to a story NorthEscambia.com first reported early Saturday afternoon.
Carver/Century Teachers Transferred To Bratt, EWMS, Molino Park, Northview
June 9, 2009
The Escambia County School board has announced reassignments for most Carver/Century K-8 teachers.
Ten of the teachers will be transferred to Bratt Elementary School, and three will be transferred to Ernest Ward Middle School. Others will transfer to Ransom, Sid Nelson, Northview, Molino Park, Ferry Pass Middle and Scenic Heights.
The following is the list released of teachers and staff being transferred from Carver/Century:
- Baggett, Victoria to Northview
- Bateman, Lucinda to Ransom
- Blanton, Janna to Sid Nelson
- Cassady, Sarah to Bratt
- Foster, Shannon to Bratt
- Fountain, Venetia to Molino Park
- Gafford, Wanda to Northview
- Gill, Brandalyn to Bratt
- Harrell, Brenda to Bratt
- Harris, Detria to Ernest Ward
- Hendrix, Deanna to Ernest Ward
- Jernigan, Paula to Ernest Ward
- Jokela, Carol to Bratt
- Jones, Lorenzo to Northview
- Kyser, Diane to Bratt
- Lowry, Janet to Bratt
- McMonigle, Michael to Ferry Pass Middle
- Norton, Amy to Bratt
- O’Neill, James to Woodham Middle
- Robertson, Lillian to Scenic Heights
- Stephens, Tegan to Bratt
- Stuckey, Leah to Bratt
The Escambia County School Board voted to close Carver/Century K-8 School at the end of the 2008-2009 school year. Tenured teachers were guaranteed positions elsewhere in the district according to their contracts. The transfers will become final once approved by the school board on June 16,
Pictured above: Carver/Century Principal Jeff Garthwaite pours a glass of sparkling grape juice for Teacher of the Year Susan Jones at a staff lunch at the school. Jones retired after 35 years in the classroom. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Serious Outbreak Of Parvo In Escambia County; Very Deadly To Dogs
June 9, 2009
There is a very serious outbreak of the potentially deadly canine disease parvovirus in Escambia County.
The disease is spread from one dog to another directly through saliva or feces. It can also be spread indirectly in the environment, on grass or pavement. Humans can carry the virus on hands, clothing, or shoes. The disease is often quite severe with a high fever, vomiting, depression, cramping, and bloody, fluid diarrhea. These symptoms usually come three to 14 days after the dog is exposed, but sudden death is common and sometimes comes even before the other symptoms show. The disease is not contagious to people.
The Escambia County Animal Shelter currently has a canine parvovirus infection rate of about four to five percent, according to Sonya Daniel, county spokesperson.
“An especially dangerous part of the parvovirus epidemic is that some dogs can spread the disease and not appear ill. These carriers are often poorly kept dogs that are allowed by their owners to roam. These are also the dogs that often end up in shelters. With limited resources there is no room to isolate new animals,” a news release from the county said.
“Escambia County Animal Shelter staff and volunteers are doing everything possible to prevent the spread of the disease. Every cage, every run, every food and water bowl, every floor and wall surface is disinfected daily to kill parvovirus. The continuing sources of the disease in the shelter are those animals that are harboring the virus but do not appear sick, the four or five out of every 100 that we cannot identify,” Daniel said.
There is a medical test for parvovirus that is very accurate late in the disease but unfortunately often will not detect the virus in its early stages. An effective vaccine against parvovirus is available, but it takes two to three weeks to become effective and relies on a healthy immune system.
“Shelter staff cannot guarantee that the dog or puppy adopted has not been exposed to parvovirus. Newly adopted pets should be taken to a local veterinarian as soon as possible. If a diagnosis of parvovirus is made, understand that some cases of the disease are treatable and the animals will completely recover, but it can be costly and there are no certainties. If treatment is not possible or practical, the dog can be returned to the shelter. To protect the hundreds of other dogs in the shelter, those animals returned due to the parvovirus will be humanely euthanized,” Daniel said in the news release.
“Parvovirus is a community-wide problem. It is more apparent at shelters and pet stores due to the communicative nature of the disease, but it is still a danger even in your home. Help limit the disease by having your pets vaccinated, not allowing them to roam, and properly disposing of pet waste,” she said.
New Law: Under 16 Must Wear Helmet Riding A Horse
June 9, 2009
Children 16 and younger riding a horse on a public roadway or public property must now wear a helmet.
Monday, Gov.Charlie Crist signed House Bill 169, “Nicole’s Law”. The legislation creates safety standards to minimize the number of serious or fatal head injuries to Florida youth sustained during equestrian activities and recreation.
“I am proud to sign legislation that will help ensure the safety of Florida’s children and prevent serious injuries that otherwise could have been prevented,” Crist said. “I applaud our Legislature for taking action to protect Florida’s future leaders.”
“Nicole’s Law” is named for Nicole Hornstein, a 12-year-old girl from Loxahatchee who died after being thrown from a horse in June 2006. This legislation creates safety measures for children who participate in equestrian activities and recreation. It requires a child under age 16 to wear a helmet that meets the current standards of the American Society of Testing and Materials for protective headgear.
Sponsored by Representative Joseph Abruzzo and Senator Dave Aronberg, “Nicole’s Law” applies to children age 16 and younger who are:
- Riding on a public roadway or right-of-way.
- Riding on a public equestrian trail, public recreation trail, public park, public preserve or public school site.
- Riding on any other publicly owned or controlled property.
“Nicole’s Law” does not apply to children under age 16 who are riding while:
- Practicing for, riding to or from, or competing or performing in, shows or events such as rodeos and parades where helmets are not historically a part of the show or event.
- Riding on privately owned land even if the land is occasionally separated by a public road or right-of-way that must be crossed.
- Engaged in an agricultural practice or pursuit.
Governor Crist signed the legislation at Hamlin Park, a seven-acre equestrian park, in Loxahatchee. Nicole’s father and mother Gary and Monique Hornstein, as well as two sisters, attended the bill signing ceremony.
IP Announces Non-Profit Grants
June 9, 2009
The International Paper Pensacola Mill announced today the recipients of its 2009 Foundation grants totaling $40,000.
Of the 30 applications accepted, 16 were chosen by the IP’s grant review committee to receive funding for part or all of a program or project benefiting the community.
“We’re amazed by the programs these organizations create to address the needs in our community, so it’s difficult to choose among them,” said Jessica Morris, mill communication manager. “We’re confident that the projects we’ve chosen to fund this year reflect the values of the Foundation, the company, and the employees.”
Those organizations which will receive grants include:
• American Cancer Society for Relay For Life ($2,500)
• American Heart Association for Heart Walk ($2,500)
• Big Brothers Big Sisters for the Reading Match Goal ($2,500)
• Boys and Girls Club of Escambia County for Goals For Graduation ($4,050)
• Children’s Services Center for Sapling’s Reading Garden ($2,000)
• Council of Aging of West Florida for Big Green – Little Green ($1,000)
• Escambia County Division of Solid Waste Management for the Recycling Outreach Program ($3,000)
• First Book Pensacola for elementary school book distributions ($4,778)
• Independence for the Blind of West Florida for Project BRAILLE ($3,500)
• Jim Allen Elementary School for This One’s for the Birds! ($1,963)
• Learn To Read of Northwest Florida for the Santa Rosa County center ($2,500)
• Operation Outreach USA for Sidney Nelson Pre-K Center books ($1,065)
• Pensacola Junior College Foundation for the PJC Summer Environmental Camp ($2,050)
• Pensacola United Methodist Community Ministries for the Community Nutritional Program ($1,000)
• Escambia County Sickle Cell Association for the Sickle Cell Day Camp ($2,850)
• University of West Florida for the UWF High School Marine Research Program ($2,744)
Grants are awarded through the IP Foundation in Memphis, Tenn., which focuses on environmental education, literacy, critical civic needs and employee involvement in the community. Applicants must be a registered 501c3 non-profit organization or qualifying municipality to apply.
The Pensacola Mill observes one grant deadline per calendar year; the 2010 deadline will be announced later this year.
For more information about IP Giving, visit www.ipgiving.com or call 850-968-4203.
Funny Money In Century
June 9, 2009
The secrets of money will be unlocked today as the summer reading program continues at the Century Branch Library with “Funny Money Reading Fun”.
Dorothy Lee with the Escambia County Extension Service will share her know-how and secrets such as how to read a dollar bill and why there is a pyramid. Children of all ages will get to have fun rubbing coins, playing games and learning about money.
The program will be at noon today at the Century Branch Library at 7991 North Century Boulevard. There’s no money needed to attend the program; it is free.
For more information, contact the library at (850) 256-6217.
Deere Saves The Day
June 9, 2009
Firefighters from the Walnut Hill Station of Escambia Fire Rescue responded to a fire in a 200 acre uncut wheat field on Morgan Road late Monday afternoon. A farmer used a John Deere tractor to plow a line around the fire, containing it to about 12 acres. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Individual FCAT Results Available At Your Child’s School
June 9, 2009
Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test results for Escambia County School students are now available.
Parents or guardians can pick up their child’s individual FCAT scores at their school Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Schools are closed on Friday; the district has implemented a four-day work week during the summer months.
For more information, call your child’s school.
Teacher To Be Hired To Ensure Community Involvement At Bratt And Ernest Ward
June 8, 2009
The Escambia County School District is hiring a teacher on special assignment to help ensure that parents and the community are as involved as possible at Ernest Ward Middle and Bratt Elementary schools next year.
It is all part of the plan to make sure the consolidation of Carver/Century K-8 into Ernest Ward and Bratt goes as smoothly as possible.
“We are using stimulus money to hire this person to help with community involvement at Bratt and Ernest Ward,” Escambia Superintendent Malcolm Thomas told NorthEscambia.com. “A big part of the program will be to help Century residents participate in the schools.”
When Thomas announced the closure and consolidation of Carver/Century, there were concerns expressed by many Century area residents that they and their children would not be able to become involved in their child’s school.
According to the job description for the position, the person hired will be a certified teacher that will:
- provide leadership in transition activities
- serve as a liaison between families, various committees, departments and agencies as requested by the principals
- assist the principals in the development, preparation and a process of data collection, needs assessments, satisfaction surveys and other activities
- assist the principals and office support personnel in the preparation of calendars, fliers, newsletters and registration packets
- coordinate and facilitate partnerships with civic groups, business partners, mentors and volunteers
“We will see if we get results and the position is beneficial before we continue it next year,” Thomas said. “We will see if it increases parental involvement.”
Sheriff’s Letter: New Deputies Are On The Way For North Escambia
June 8, 2009
Escambia County’s sheriff is once again reaffirming his commitment to increase the number of deputies in North Escambia. Sheriff David Morgan has stated several times that he will add three new deputies in Century and two in Molino by August.
After a NorthEscambia.com story a few days ago about the Sheriff’s Department and Century, Morgan and Lt. Tony Jordan, the officer in charge of the Molino precinct, both wrote to NorthEscambia.com to explain that the deputies were still on their way.
Morgan’s remarks came in a comment posted on NorthEscambia.com in response to posters that alleged Morgan had transferred deputies out of patrol and had shorted the Molino precinct after his town hall meeting there.
Morgan’s comments to NorthEscambia.com are below, followed by a letter from Jordan.
Please understand that you are commenting on “dated information.” Capt Randy Pippin was assigned approximately 3 weeks ago to Homeland Security. He is a “one deep shop.” Occasionally other officers will augment him, but none other is permanently assigned.
You are correct on personnel numbers and assignments not being clear. Until recently, the 30 (approximately) personnel assigned to Court Security were lumped into “patrol.” This is misleading, just as considering CID as “administration” is misleading. Investigators work all hours and are on call. We are correcting the organizational chart and structure to reflect (for the average citizen) accurate representations of personnel assignments.
Yes, several reassignments occurred from CID. After a lengthy meeting with Commander Bobby Jackson and Lt. Haines, it was determined that every new deputy would be assigned to patrol and only on an emergency basis would an officer be taken for other assignments. (Such as responding to what I consider an emergency, e.g., the growing gang problem in Escambia County.)
As of today, Narcotics is down 2 personnel and Training is down one. There are no plans to backfill those positions.
Management is not a exact science. As an example, from this last class of 6 officers, 2 were “dual certified” having come to us from Corrections. Assignments were made based upon their completion of upgrade training. After a few weeks on the road, one has requested to return to corrections, and as of Friday, the second is seriously considering it. “Patrol is not what I thought it would be.” So someone (precinct) is going to come up short, correct? I cannot provide what I do not have and we cannot continue to take personnel from investigations, narcotics, etc.. However, we note the shortage and make arrangements to backfill it with the next class.
Now factor into this retirements and medical issues. So we may, in fact, get the Molino Substation up to 15 assigned officers, and in 60-90 days have a retirement, medical issue, etc., and lose an officer. At this point we use the flex shift, Reserves, etc., to keep the numbers balanced until we can permanently (once again) get the numbers stable.
This described process is an almost daily occurence. Management of an organization of this size and complexity (1,057) requires constant monitoring. It is a little like vehicle maintenance, one does not “change the oil and tune up the car one time” and then never consider repeating it.
I have walked the streets of Century 2 times (in a little over 4 months in office), I’ve had lunch at the Panhandle Restaurant twice, I’ve spoken at the Flomaton/Century Rotary, the ECSO Bike Patrol has been there 4 times, and I’ve held a Town Hall Meeting in Molino. I have not been informed of any sheriff in recent memory that has focused on the issues in the north end to this extent. I am fulfilling my promises to the citizens to not ignore them as it has been done in the past, based solely upon politics. (If I was that sort I would not be in Century, for I did not “win” there. But this is not about me personally, nor politics, its about public safety and keeping your word.)
All of my management decisions will not be popular nor agreed upon by all. But I will assure you that they are based upon sound management principles, leadership, and not personality nor politically driven.
Thank you for your oversight and concern for the citizens of North Escambia County.
David Morgan, Sheriff
Escambia County, FL
850-436-9512
And from Lt. Tony Jordan, the officer in charge of the Molino Precinct (which is part of the Cantonment district as referenced):
It has been brought to my attention that there has been ongoing heated words regarding deputies assigned to Cantonment and Century. I would like to clarify as much as possible. At the time of the Cantonment Town Hall meeting, Cantonment was at full staff. We have lost one deputy and currently we are one short of our normal full crew. Adjustments have been made and I feel comfortable with the Sergeants and deputies that are assigned to us to maintain our status quo. We have been assured that we will replace that deputy as well as additional manpower. The projected date is August. There are many things that transpire in this large agency on a daily basis. We have injuries, sickness, retirements, and deputies that leave on a constant basis. I have no reason to believe that Sheriff Morgan will not be true to his word. Please reassure your readers that we are safe in the north end of the county and we have made arrangements for the temporary decrease in manpower. We are also being optimistic that we may replace the one deputy prior to August.