Cause Of One Crash Off Bridge Now Known; Cause Of Fatal Crash Still Unknown
March 8, 2010
Drivers crashed through the guardrail on a North Escambia bridge two times in less than two weeks, but we now know that at least one accident was not caused by the 50-year old bridge or the roadway.
Both accidents happened on the Jacks Branch Road bridge over Jacks Branch, just north of River Annex Road. In the first accident, a Cantonment woman was uninjured. In the most recent accident, a Molino man died.
When Denise Ann Holden, 47, of Cantonment crashed through the guardrail on the bridge just before midnight on February 22, her vehicle went over the side of the bridge and fell about 25 feet into the water below. Her Chevrolet Trailblazer was completely submerged, the tail lights barely visible. She managed to escape the vehicle and was rescued by Cantonment firefighters.
The Florida Highway Patrol has determined that Holden’s crash was caused by a tire failure, not by any problem with the road or bridge. She was not impaired in any way, and she was not charged in connection with the accident.
In the most recent accident early last Friday morning, William P. Merritt, 30, of Molino died when he crossed over the center line, ran off the road, struck a guardrail and flipped into the branch, about 25 feet below the bridge. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The cause of Merritt’s accident is still under investigation by the FHP.
The Jacks Branch Road Bridge over Jacks Branch, was constructed in 1960. Escambia County has the bridge on a low priority replacement list at an estimated cost of $1.96 million. The 160-foot long bridge has a posted weight limit of 33 tons.
To read more about Holden’s accident, click here.
To read more about Merritt’s accident and see a photo gallery, click here.
Pictured top: Denise Ann Holden of Cantonment was not injured when she crashed over the side of a Jacks Branch Road bridge on February 22. Pictured inset: William P. Merritt of Molino was killed March 5 when he hit this guardrail and flipped into Jacks Branch. Pictured below: Merritt’s truck was turned over by firefighters in attempt to save him. NorthEcambia.com exclusive file photos, click to enlarge.
It’s FCAT Week
March 8, 2010
FCAT testing begins Tuesday morning in schools across North Escambia. Students in grades three through 10 will take the reading and math portions this week, while grades five, eight, and 10 will also take the science portion.
The FCAT is a test given to Florida students to measure what they know and are able to accomplish in reading, writing, mathematics, and science. The test is part of Florida’s plan to improve student achievement. It measures challenging content standards, called the Sunshine State Standards.
The Sunshine State Standards are broad statements that describe what a child should know and be able to do at every grade level. These standards cover seven content areas: social studies, science, language arts, health/physical education, the arts, foreign language, and mathematics. The standards are divided into smaller units called “benchmarks,” which outline the specific content, knowledge, and skills that students are expected to learn in school. Each student’s performance on FCAT Reading, Writing, Mathematics, and Science tests indicates his or her progress in reaching these benchmarks.
In a recent newsletter sent home to parents, Bratt Elementary offered several tips for parents and students for the all important FCAT test:
- Get a good night’s sleep before the test. Staying up late at night increases anxiety, which interferes with clear thinking
- Eat for Success. A hearty breakfast with seven to ten grams of fiber will keep your child from getting jittery from a sugar high, or later bottoming out when the insulin goes up.
- Relax. If your child is too nervous he/she may forget what he/she knows. Stretching and/or breathing deeply helps to focus the mind.
- Wear comfortable clothes. If your child is comfortable, he/she will be less distracted and better able to focus on the tasks given.
- Drink plenty of water. Drinking plenty of water will help keep the body hydrated and alert.
- Don’t forget to give your child a big hug on test days. This will increase his/her sense of well-being and energy.
Students are not permitted to have any electronic device on their person or within reach during the test that reproduces, transmits, calculates or records. Prohibited items include cellphones. Any student who violates this policy will have his FCAT test invalidated.
If a student starts a test and leaves without finishing (for an appointment, illness, etc.), he/she will NOT be allowed to complete the test. NO EXCEPTIONS will be made once the student leaves the school’s campus.
If a student arrives at school after the test begins, he/she will not be admitted to the testing site. The student will be required to sit in the office until testing is finished for the day.
Cantonment Man Arrested For Shooting Into Car
March 8, 2010
A Cantonment man was arrested Sunday morning after deputies say he shot at two people in a car.
Corey Musick, 32, of Cantonment, was jailed on charges of firing a weapon into a vehicle, aggravated assault and criminal mischief. He was released from the Escambia County Jail Sunday on $27,500 bond.
Musick had been out drinking with at least two other people. On the way back to Musick’s home, he got into an argument with a 30-year old female and grabbed her around the neck, according to deputies. Musick and a 30-year old male got out of the car near I-10 and Pine Forest Road and got into a fight before the trio drove to Musick’s Pine Forest Road Home.
That’s when deputies say Musick got a 9mm handgun and fired several shots back into the vehicle toward the other two people. Musick and the other man got into another fight before authorities arrived.
The man and women in the vehicle were not injured. Musick was transported to a Pensacola hospital and treated for injuries from the fight. He was arrested by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office once he was released.
Two Qualify For Distict 5 Escambia Soil & Water Board
March 8, 2010
Two candidates have prefiled to run for the District 5 seat on the Escambia Soil & Water Conservation District.
Dan Cain of Molino has met the petition requirement to be placed on the ballot, and Dillon Powell of Cantonment has prefiled.
Cain currently serves in the Escambia Soil & Water Conservation District seat after being appointed to fill a vacancy in May, 2009.
This is not Powell’s first run for the post; he ran unsuccessfully for the seat in 2008.
Warm Today With Red Flag Warning; Rain On The Way
March 8, 2010
We are in for a warmer and sunny Monday, but rain is on the way.
A red flag warning — meaning don’t burn outside — is in effect for today due to low humidity.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
- Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 71. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph.
- Monday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 46. South wind around 5 mph.
- Tuesday: A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 63. South wind between 5 and 15 mph.
- Tuesday Night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Low around 56. South wind between 10 and 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
- Wednesday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 66. Southeast wind between 10 and 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
- Wednesday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58. South wind between 10 and 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
- Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a high near 75. West wind between 5 and 10 mph.
- Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 47. West wind around 5 mph.
- Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 72.
- Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45.
- Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high near 66.
- Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 41.
- Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 64.
Helping Haiti: What You Can Do; Photo Gallery From Haiti
March 8, 2010
Today we have the final installment of a three-part series “North Escambia: Helping Haiti”. We are taking you to Haiti through the eyes of two area men that just returned from a disaster relief mission. We will hear about their work in Haiti in their own words, and we’ll see the country through their eyes via their photographs. We will also look at how you can be a part of the effort to provide relief in the earthquake ravaged country.
Today, we’ll look at some of the ways you can help Haiti.
Haiti is still in a country in need, and there are many ways you can help. From a text on your cell phone, to a bucket of food, we’ve listed many of the ways to help below.
If you missed the first two installments of this series over the weekend, you can read them be clicking the links below.
- Haiti through the eyes of Drayton Smith, First Baptist Church of Cantonment
- Haiti through the eyes of Sonny Smith, Hillcrest Baptist Church
Also, we have gallery of photos taken by Drayton Smith in Haiti. Click here for the photo gallery.
Now, here are some ways you can help Haiti:
- Buckets of Hope The First Baptist Church of Bratt and the First Baptist Church of Cantonment are collecting food items in the “Buckets of Hope” program. Complete buckets and other donations are due in Bratt by March 14 and in Cantonment by March 15. Click here for more info.
- Health Kits Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Molino is collecting supply donations to assemble “health kits” for Haiti. Click here for more info.
- American Red Cross, 800-733-2767
- Clinton Foundation, 501-748-0471
Text “HAITI” to 20222 to donate $10 - Compassion International www.compassion.com
- Florida Baptist Convention www.flbaptist.org
- Bethany Christian Services – www.bethany.org/donate
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Action Against Hunger, 877-777-1420
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Agape Flights, 941-584-8078
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Airline Ambassadors International, 866-264-3586
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American Refugee Committee, 800-875-7060
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Beyond Borders, 866-424-8403
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Catholic Relief Services, 800-736-3467
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Childcare Worldwide, 800-553-2328
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Concern Worldwide, 212-557-8000
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Doctors Without Borders, 888-392-0392
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Habitat for Humanity, 1-800-422-4828
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Lions Club International Foundation, 630-203-3836
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Mennonite Central Committee, 888-563-4676
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Mercy Corps, 888-256-1900
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Samaritan’s Purse, 828-262-1980
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UNICEF, 800-367-5437
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United Methodist Committee on Relief, 800-554-8583
William Patrick “Willie” Merritt
March 7, 2010
William Patrick “Willie” Merritt passed away suddenly as a result of an auto accident Friday, March 5, 2010.
He was an avid hunter and outdoorsman. Willie was loved by everyone who met him.
Survivors include his parents, Raymond “Buck” and Susan Merritt; sisters, Teresa D. Allen (Clay), Kim Vaughn (Robert), and Maggie Lafferty (David); brothers, Ray Merritt, Jr. (DeeDee), and James Merritt (Susan); grandmother, Ruby Johnson; many aunts, uncles; numerous nieces and nephews and many friends. He will be missed deeply by all.
Funeral Mass will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 9, 2010 at St. Jude’s Catholic Church with Father Tom and Father George celebrants. Interment will follow in St. Elizabeth Cemetery in Barrineau Park.
Pallbearers will be A.J, Jonathan, and Christopher Echele, Lucky and Raymond Hallford, and Chuck Ward.
Faith Chapel North Funeral Home, 1000 Hwy 29 Cantonment, is in charge of arrangements.
The family will receive friends at Faith Chapel North from 5 to 8 p.m. on Monday, March 8.
Gerald George “Jerry” Huelsbeck
March 7, 2010
Gerald George “Jerry” Huelsbeck passed away unexpectedly Wednesday evening, March 3, 2010. He was a lifelong resident of Cantonment, FL. He served in the U.S. Navy for four years and was retired from NAS Pensacola after 28 years of service.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph F. and Myrtle (Berg) Huelsbeck; his brothers, Charles J. “Pete” Huelsbeck, Sr. and Paul Huelsbeck.
He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Frances (Helms) Huelsbeck; two sons, Robert Joseph and Jason Everett Huelsbeck; three sisters, Grace Krochta, Elizabeth (Robert) Haber and Margaret Marabella; two brothers, John W. Huelsbeck, Sr., and Joseph F. (Jody) Huelsbeck; two sisters-in-law, Amy Helms Phillips and Mary E. Lowery; numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 6, 2010 at Faith Chapel North Funeral Home, 1000 Hwy 29, Cantonment. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service on Saturday. Burial will be in Huelsbeck Cemetery in Farm Hill with nephews serving as pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jerry’s name to the Parkinson Foundation, 1501 N.W. 9th Ave. Miami, FL 33136 or the Epilepsy Society, 342 N. Main St. West Hartford, CT 06117.
Former Dentist Office Employee Sentenced To Prison For Insurance Fraud
March 7, 2010
A former office manager for an Atmore dentist has been sentenced to four months in prison plus four months of home confinement by a federal judge.
Toni McMurphy, 55, pleaded guilty to health care fraud and mail fraud in federal court. Friday, McMurphy was sentenced by Judge Kristi K. DuBose to four months in prison. She will be allowed to voluntarily surrender at a future date after being notified by the U.S. Marshals.
Her prison term will be followed by four months of home confinement under the supervision of the Bureau of Prisons during which time she will be subject to electronic monitoring or another location verification system.
McMurphy was not fined, but will face a restitution hearing in May to determine if she will be required to pay restitution to her victims.
At her Friday’s sentencing hearing, several people spoke on McMurphy’s behalf, including Atmore Mayor Howard Shell.
In her plea agreement, McMurphy admitted that while working for Buckley and Buckley Family Dentistry between January 1, 2006, and November, 2008, she bilked about $45,000 from insurance companies by filing false claims for services never performed or by upgrading lower cost procedures to higher cost procedures.
“The insurance carriers would then send reimbursement checks to Buckley Family Dentistry to pay for the fraudulent claims,” McMurphy stated in her plea agreement. “I would then misapply said fraudulent proceeds, thereby allowing me to apply proceeds to different patients and to withdraw cash from Buckley Family Dentistry.”
The mail fraud charge stemmed from an incident in June, 2008, when McMurphy admitted that she filed a false claim with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama asking for reimbursement on behalf of a patient claiming that the dentist had extracted two of her teeth. Blue Cross and Blue Shield then mailed a payment for the services never performed to an Atmore post office box.
McMurphy faced up to 20 years in prison, three years probation and a fine up to $250,000 on each count.
This story has been updated to reflect the sentence is four months in prison *plus* four months home confinement.
Deputies Continue To Seek Armed Robbery Suspect
March 7, 2010
The suspect in the Thursday night armed robbery of a Century convenience store remains at large.
Moyes State Line Food Mart on North Century Boulevard was robbed at gunpoint about 7 p.m. Thursday. The suspect was described as a black male, about six feet tall wearing a black hoodie jacket with a scarf over his mouth. A man believed to be the suspect later knocked the door of a nearby residence. That resident described the man as having lips that were light in color and appeared to have been burned or scarred.
A two and a half hour manhunt involving officers and K-9 units from multiple agencies failed to locate the suspect.
Anyone with information on the suspect is asked to call the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620.
Pictured top: Deputies on scene of an armed robbery Thursday night in Century. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.