Wreck Leads To Manhunt; Car Flips Onto Tombstone With Owner’s Name

June 6, 2010

An early Sunday morning rollover accident in Century led to a manhunt. And it created it eerie scene as flipped car landed next to a tombstone with the vehicle owner’s name.

The accident happened about 1 a.m. on Fannie Road at the Happy Valley Church Cemetery. The car left the roadway and flipped several times in the cemetery, destroying numerous tombstones. The vehicle came to rest on its side in the graveyard. Speed is believed to have contributed to the accident.

The driver had fled the scene by the time the first emergency workers arrived on scene. The Flomaton Police Department contacted the vehicle’s registered owner and transported the teen to the scene. She told officers that her keys and the vehicle were taken sometime prior to the accident. She told officers that she did not know who was driving the vehicle.

Officers on the scene believed that evidence indicated who was the driver. Acting on the information that the vehicle had been stolen, deputies called for a K-9 unit from the Century Correctional Institution. After searching the area for nearly an hour, K-9 officers were unable to locate the driver. Authorities on scene believed a passing vehicle may have picked him up shortly after the wreck. The search was called off about 2:50 a.m.

The wrecked vehicle in the cemetery presented a pictured that several emergency workers called “eerie”. The vehicle landed on it side next to a portion of a tombstone that said “Boutwell”. The teen owner of the vehicle has the last name Boutwell, according to authorities at the scene.

The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Century Correctional Institution’s K-9 unit, Escambia County EMS, Century Station of Escambia Fire Rescue and the Florida Highway Patrol responded to the accident.

The accident is still under investigation by the FHP.

Pictured top: The driver of this vehicle fled the scene after rolling over into a graveyard early Sunday morning in Century. Pictured inset: The registered owner of the vehicle’s last name was Boutwell, and the car landed next to a portion of a tombstone with he name Boutwell. Pictured below: K-9 officers from the Century Correctional Institution being their search for the driver. NorthEscambia.com exclusive photos, click to enlarge.

Driver Crashes Through Power Pole, Shuts Down Highway 29

June 6, 2010

An early morning accident in Century left a power pole sheared off  and shut down Highway 29 at East Highway 4.

The accident happened about 3:10 a.m Sunday when the driver of a Chevrolet pickup hit the pole, breaking off the bottom portion and leaving the top hanging from live 7,200 volt power lines. Power lines were also downed across North Century Boulevard, shutting the highway down to early morning traffic.  The driver of the truck was not seriously injured.

The accident did not cause the power to go out except at a few closed businesses on the west side of North Century Boulevard. However, an unknown number of Gulf Power residential and business customers were expected to lose power as the pole was replaced.

The Century and McDavid stations of Escambia Fire Rescue, Escambia County EMS, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Highway Patrol responded to the crash.

The accident is still under investigation by the FHP. Further details were not available.

Pictured top: An early Sunday morning accident in Century sheared off this power pole, leaving the top portion hanging on live high voltage lines. Pictured below: The driver of this truck was not seriously injured in the crash. Northescambia.com photos, click to enlarge.

NHS Class of 2010 Graduates (With Photo Gallery)

June 6, 2010

The 130 members of the Northview High School Class of 2010 graduated Saturday.

“Remember, you are the future of tomorrow,” Valedictorian Kaitlyn Nicole Caraway told her fellow classmates. “Make the most of yourselves and live life to the fullest.”

“Now is the time to make your past help you make your best futures. Use this long time coming to create the greatest longer time yet to come,” was the message from Salutatorian Clinton Eugene Davis.

Escambia County School Superintendent Malcolm Thomas also offered words of encouragement to the NHS Class of 2010. “Enjoy your memories, but do not let those memories lay down your dreams. Don’t let your love of what has happened in the past stop you chasing the potential of your future because I believe you can be anything you dream you can be if you are willing to work hard enough to make the dream come true,” he said.

For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery from the event, click here. (Photos of each graduate are near the end of the gallery.)

Pictured top: Lauren Ashley Lowe (left) and Jennifer Megan Lowe celebrate after graduating Saturday from Northview High School. Pictured left inset: Christopher Antonio Moorer, also known as “Cornbread”, hold up his diploma while shaking the hand of Escambia County Superintendent of Schools Malcolm Thomas Saturday afternoon. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.

Graduating members of the Northview High School Class of 2010 were:

Clinton James Avery
Maranda Robin Baggett
+Tiffany Michelle Barrows
Aaron Darnell Bellamy
Grant Ian Bellizzi
Alexis Rae Black
*Jessica Nichole Bloodsworth
Ashely Noel Bonner
Patricia Sunshine Boughner
Dustin Alan Boutwell
Lindsey Ella Brewer
Johnathon Keith Buchanan
Heath Warren Burkett
Jonathan Craig Burkett
+Brittany Michele Burt
Shawn Dustin Burton
+Micah Perrygreen Byars
Zachory Derrick Byers
Samantha Lauren Byrd
*Kaitlyn Nicole Caraway
+Lennie Nannett Caum
Aaron James Chancery
Stanley Terry Chestnut, II
Aimee Richa Clarke
*Kolbi Shae Cobb
Robert Charles Connerly, Jr.
Samuel Cooler, Jr.
Phillip Ray Coon
Charles Austin Cooper
Alesha Lasha Copeland
Keith Anthony Cota
Cody Ernest Cousin
Richard Kevin Craig
*Clinton Eugene Davis
Na’Keetric Devonte Davison
Kayla Marie Dempsey
Don Duran Dubose, Jr.
+Jacob Lee Garrison
Patrick Ray Garrison
Jasey Darren Gibson
Andrew Joseph Giveans, III
*Candice Louise Greenwell
Ka’Daris De’Onta Grice
Bradley Scott Griener
#Caitlin Allie Hall
Casey Aaron Hare
Kinsey Lee Hendrix
Carley Brianna Hetrick
Gavin Gray Hinote
Branden Loren Hoffmann
Shakel Quartez Holmes
Kenneth Troy Hopper
Tyler Marie Hunter
*Eric Matthew Ickeringill
Jeremy Ledarius Jackson
Thaddeus Michael Jones
Parish Alissa Kelley
Clayton Wayne Kirby
Haley Danelle Knapp
Brian Exavier Knight
Michael Rusty Knight
Angela Nicole Knoble-Roddriguez
Sara Marie Kyles
+Seth Madison Leonard
Kassandra Alexandra Lett
Courtney Janice Linton
Joshua Lee Lockart
Steven Micheal Long
+Jennifer Megan Lowe
+Lauren Ashley Lowe
#Austin Hunter Lowery
*Bradley James Lowery
Marguettia Marshall
Colton James Maughon
Megan Nicole McCann
John Wesley McCullough
Alex Laine McDonald
Monica Anne McLain
+Amber Nicole McMillan
Courtney Michelle Merritt
La’Ashia Monac Mixon
Christopher Antonio Moorer
Devin Marquis Moorer
Ariel Dorena Morris
Wesley Ben Morris
Ashley La’Shunda Muse
Caitlyn Dawn Nall
Cody Webb Nall
Kenneth Nettles
Olivia M’Lynn Nolen
Mallorie Gail Okahashi
Elizabeth Suanne Page
Cody Davon Parham
#Matthew Cody Parker
Nastassia Nicole Peacock
Valarie Justine Perry
Brittany Danielle Pete
William Anthony Pierce
Dayton Robert Porter
Magen Renee Poston
Austin Tyler Reid
Erica Dawn Rendell
Kayla Louise Rentz
+Victoria Ashton Rigby
Caitlin Noelle Roley
Charles Thomas Rolin
Sarah Victoria Roth
Miranda Ashton Scott
John Anthony Sellars
*Felicia Michelle Settle
+Christopher James Sheets
*Mark Allen Shipps, Jr.
Gary Wayne Shook, Jr.
James Peter Shook
Haley Nicole Smith
*Jackson Helton Smith
Allison Rebecca Spence
Dylan Joseph Stafford
+Dakota Wayne Stuckey
Nathan Patrick Taylor
Harmony Shardia Thomas
Dillon Baritot Vardeman
Timothy Edward Wages
+Heather Danielle Ward
Stephen Blake Ward
John Ethan Waters
Magen Leigh Weekley
Justin Leon Whiting
Damon Scott Williams
Lance Austin Yuhasz

*Summa Cum Laude – Garnet and Gold Cord
#Magna Cum Laude – Gold Cord
+Cum Laude – Garnet Cord
Unofficial Class Ranking, June 2010

Is Your Church Having VBS?

June 6, 2010

Is your church having VBS this summer? We want to tell our readers about it.

Email information about your VBS to news@northescambia.com for inclusion on our Events page.  Don’t forget to tell us the name of your Vacation Bible School, the days and times, the name and location of your church and what age groups are welcome at your VBS.

There is no charge to list your VBS here on NorthEscambia.com

Sunday Escambia Oil Update

June 6, 2010

Here is the latest Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill information specific to Escambia County for Sunday, June 6:

(The most recent updates are highlighted in yellow.)
  • If you see tar or oiled debris on the beach, DO NOT PICK IT UP. Report it to 1-866-448-5816.
  • If you find oiled or injured wildlife. DO NOT TOUCH. Report it to 1-866-557-1401.
  • The beaches at Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key remain open.
  • For a second day, tar balls and mats washed onto the shoreline of Pensacola Beach.
  • It has been confirmed that tar balls and mats have impacted Escambia gulf side beaches, from the Alabama state line to the Santa Rosa County line. Areas of impact include Perdido Key, Pensacola Beach and Gulf Islands National Seashore. The size of the materials typically range 3-18 cm in size.
  • The Unified Command deployed more than 400 members of clean-up and assessment teams to Escambia County beaches.
  • A light sheen 100 yards by 3 miles wide has been confirmed approximately .6 miles from Pensacola Beach. Lightly scattered tarballs are impacting northwest panhandle beaches.
  • According to NOAA projections, additional impacts are expected throughout northwest Florida within the next 72 hours due to moderate/strong southwesterly winds.
  • According to the NOAA oil plume model, the primary oil plume is 2 miles from Pensacola, 120 miles from Gulf County, and 300 miles from St. Petersburg, with non contiguous sheens and scattered tarballs closer.
  • Moderate to strong southwest winds of 10-20 knots are expected today and tomorrow which will continue to push portions of the oil plume northeast towards Alabama and the Florida panhandle this weekend through early next week. The elevated winds, 2-5 foot seas, and a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms may hamper some recovery operations across the northern-central gulf this weekend.
  • With the impact of tar balls and mats and the proximity of the sheen to area beaches, the Florida Department of Health has posted information and alerts about the health affects from the materials.
  • Reconnaissance flights and ATV beach patrols are being conducted daily, weather permitting, to monitor Florida’s shoreline for impact.
  • Escambia County Board of County Commissioners renewed the Local State of Emergency on Thursday, June 3 at the BOCC meeting.
  • Unified command continues to check, verify the condition and make repairs as needed to currently placed booms. The county will work with Unified Command on any placement of boom within navigable waterways.

British Petroleum (BP)
  • BP claims in Florida: 6,607 with approximately $4,910,897.45 paid
  • BP’s Vessel of Opportunity Program is holding a training session for interested crews of commercial vessels 50′ in length and greater. Vessel requirements include being a steel hull shrimper-style vessel with outriggers, doors and nets; endurance for up to seven days offshore and willing to work 20+ miles offshore. The entire crew must be trained, however, there is a max of six crew members per vessel. There will be a maximum of 120 people allowed in the class. The local class will be held at the Hilton Pensacola Beach, located at 12 Via De Luna Dr. Pensacola, FL 32561, on Sunday, June 6, 1-7pm. There is no preregistration and interested crews should report to the training location for registration. Crews that have already received the training and submitted their signed contract to BP need not attend.
  • There are reports of a scam involving individuals falsely representing themselves as BP employees and offering applicants training and promising job placement for a fee.  BP does not charge to train and hire applicants.  If you or someone you know has been charged for training, please contact law enforcement.
  • BP is providing a $100,000 grant through a Memorandum of Understanding with Volunteer Florida to maintain a database for the regulation of volunteers. BP’s Florida Gulf Response web site: www.floridagulfresponse.com.
  • File claims with BP online: http://www.bp.com/claims.
  • BP’s claims office is located at 3960 W. Navy Boulevard, Suite 16. The office is currently open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week, until further notice. BP claims categories
  • BP recommends anyone with a claim call 1-800-440-0858 to help expedite the process. By calling the claims number, adjusters at the claims office will have the information prior to your visit.
  • If you are not satisfied with BP’s resolution, call the Coast Guard at 1-800-280-7118.
  • The BP community outreach office is open for citizens at 435 East Government Street. Representatives are available to answer any questions on volunteering, vessels of opportunity program, or any other oil spill related questions. Phone: (850) 912-8640, fax: (850) 912-8755.
  • To register as a consultant, contractor, vendor or submit information on alternative response technology, services products or suggestions, call BP at 281-366-5511.
  • BP Vessels of Opportunity – see the master vessel charter agreement and vessel requirements checklist online www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com.
  • To pick up or deliver completed Vessels of Opportunity packets, visit BP’s Community Outreach office at 435 East Government Street. For information, call 281-366-5511.
  • Do not sign any documents in return from money from BP or anyone else until you know the extent of your loss. BP officials carry proper identification badges or business cards.
  • BP does not use contractors to contact or solicit volunteers for cleanup. All training offered by BP is free. There are no fees for classes or registration.
  • The Fish and Wildlife Service is working with Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research, contracted by BP to provide assistance to oiled wildlife. All rehabilitation efforts must be coordinated through the service and Tri-State. Specific safety and other requirements must be met before anyone will be allowed on-site for any participation. If you have wildlife training, call 1-866-557-1401.
  • Boaters are requested to report sightings of broken, disconnected or adrift boom and are asked to keep their distance from boom especially at night or in conditions of restricted visibility. Please report damaged, vandalized, adrift or stolen boom to: 1-866-448-5816. See details.

Federal (NOAA)
  • Wednesday, June 2 – Local fishing areas remain open, however NOAA has again expanded the closed fishing areas in national waters. See details: http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov.

State of Florida (DEP, FWC)
  • At the request of Governor Crist, the U.S. Secretary of Commerce expanded the fishery failure declaration for the Gulf of Mexico to include Florida on 6/2/10. This declaration provides impacted and eligible commercial fisheries the opportunity for federal support; it does not close fisheries.
  • See DEP’s Homeowner Tips for Protecting Florida’s Shorlines (PDF)
  • The Small Business Administration issued an economic injury Disaster Loan Declaration for the state of Florida. Pensacola office: 401 E. Chase St., Ste. 100.
  • The fisheries, wildlife and seafood off of Florida’s coast in state waters are safe and there are no alerts at this time. See news release.
  • Florida saltwater fishing regulations remain in effect as usual. More information.
  • FWC press release on data collection on gulf red snapper to address oil spill impacts.
  • Submit innovative technology ideas, suggestions or products by completing this form. Send the completed form and any supporting documentation to Innovative.Technolgy@dep.state.fl.us.
  • For more information on Economic Injury Disaster Loans visit the SBA website.
  • Video and audio public service announcements are available for download to educate the public on response, safety, coast watch and beach cleanup. See details.
  • Report boom vandalism to the (800) 320-0519 or #DEP from your cell phone.
  • An Economic Recovery Task Force was established facilitate efforts by businesses and industries in recovering from the loss of business and revenues due to the oil spill incident.

Escambia County Board of County Commissioners and Staff
  • Seventeen inland waterways could be boomed within 48 hours as part of the Local Area Plan (LAP). Once these booms are placed in their operational configuration, boaters will experience restricted access to these harbors and bayous. Booming Locations and Booming Maps.
  • Escambia County has allocated over $3 million local dollars to date.
  • Secondary and tertiary boom staging began Tuesday, June 1.
  • Documents were signed Tuesday to allocate $700,000 in funding for tourism promotion with the Escambia County Tourism Development Council, with another $700,000 to be allocated in 45 days.
  • EOC briefings will be held at 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. until further notice.
  • Escambia County’s Emergency Operations Center returned to a Level 2 (partial) activation.
  • Hurricane season began June 1. See the Hurricanes and Oil Spill Fact Sheet (PDF)
  • Escambia County is evaluating every viable proposal for coastal protection and recovery, coordinating with Unified Command and will share information as it is approved.
  • Escambia County, in conjunction with the University of West Florida, is collecting gulf water samples from Santa Rosa Island and Perdido Key weekly to indicate any changes in water quality.
  • On inland waters (bays, bayous, estuaries, rivers), private property owners may install oil absorbent material, booms or fences on private property above the mean high waterline (MHWL) only. No material may be installed or sprayed below the MHWL.
  • On gulf-front property, the use of silt fences, obstructions, hay bales, peat, surfactants or other material is not approved. DEP is the permitting agency for beaches and coastal systems. No obstructions to sea turtle nesting behavior is allowed.
  • Residents and business owners with water access on their property should have pre-assessments prepared (photos, video, etc. documenting the current condition of the property).
  • If citizens see anything unusual on the beaches they feel needs to be reported:
    • Contact the Perdido Key Chamber of Commerce at 850-492-4660 on Perdido Key
    • Report to the lifeguards on duty on Pensacola Beach
  • Deflective boom – large floating barriers that help contain floating oil – has been deployed in all locations of the Local Action Plan and Addendum One. See boom deployment progress report and map. Staff continues to evaluate areas and is monitoring all deployed boom.
  • To keep waterways open as long as possible, boom is “wet staged” at some locations. When floating petroleum becomes an imminent threat, boom will be fully deployed. “Fully deployed boom” is described as boom anchored into a functional configuration.

Local Beaches
  • SRIA lifeguards continue patrolling beaches for oil from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • In the event beaches are impacted by the oil spill, it may be necessary to issue health advisories to protect health and safety.
    • The Florida Department of Health will issue advisories as they become necessary for the area of affected water and shoreline.
    • Beaches above the high tide line should remain open for sunbathing, walking, shopping and dining. The exact area for the advisories will be determined at the time oil is reported.

City of Pensacola
  • The City of Pensacola continues to coordinate with Escambia County officials.

Volunteer Opportunities
  • The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) has determined volunteers cannot be used in any situation where they may come in contact with oiled shorelines or oiled wildlife.
  • To volunteer, call BP at 1-866-448-5816.

Safety Information
  • If you see a tar ball on the beach, DO NOT PICK IT UP. Report it to 1-866-448-5816.

Wildlife

  • Do not attempt to rescue oiled or injured birds or wildlife as this may cause additional injuries.
  • If oiled, injured or dead wildlife are found, call the Oiled Wildlife Hotline at 1-866-557-1401. Please provide location of where the wildlife was sighted.

Boats

  • Boats should keep a safe distance from the booms. Do not drive boats over booms.
  • Boat owners are urged to dry-dock boats. Do not drive your boat through slicks or sheens.

Beaches and Waterways

  • Citizens should take precautions around waterways to avoid contact with oil substances.
  • Officials are closely monitoring potential public health and environmental concerns.

Personal Safety

  • Gulf coast residents may detect an odor because of the oil spill. Some are more sensitive to these odors and may experience nasal irritation and feelings of nausea. In combination with seasonal allergies or pre-existing respiratory conditions, some may experience more severe symptoms. For Air Quality Reports, see http://www.epa.gov/bpspill/air.html.
  • Individuals who have pre-existing medical conditions, such as asthma or other respiratory illness should contact their health care provider if feeling symptomatic.
  • If you see or smell oil, leave immediately. Avoid skin contact with oil or oil-contaminated water.
  • Do not swim or ski in areas affected by oil, and if you travel through the area by boat, take care when hoisting the anchor. Restrict pets from entering oil-contaminated areas.
  • If you get oil on your skin, wash it off with soap and water.
  • Do not fish in the oil spill-affected waters. Do not harvest and eat dead fish, fish with oily residue or fish that have a petroleum odor.
  • Young children, pregnant women, people with compromised immune systems, and individuals with underlying respiratory conditions should avoid the area.
  • Report oiled shorelines to 1-866-448-5816.

Business Information
  • More information about what types of damages are eligible for compensation under the Oil Pollution Act as well as guidance to seek compensation can be found at www.uscg.mil/npfc.
  • Florida emergency management and economic development staff are gathering information from businesses impacted by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Please complete their survey and help shape Florida’s response to this event. The survey will be updated periodically.
  • Take detailed records of cancelled reservations. When cancellations occur, ask the party if the cancellation is related the oil spill. Keep the person’s name and contact information, and the revenues lost as a result of the cancellation.
  • Businesses that may be negatively impacted due to the oil spill, are asked to keep detailed profit and loss records should a claim need to be presented.
  • Calculate estimated losses for a six-week period and be able to provide records, sales receipts and documentation to support your claim. Compare business to a five-year average of revenues between May and June, which can offer insight as to the damages incurred.
  • Make a detailed list of assets, including non-structural, and include appropriate records to support the list. Example: if your hotel or restaurant is within walking distance to the beach and that beach has oil reach its shores, the business’s assets could be damaged even though there is no physical damage to the structure. It is important to record this depreciation.

Citizen Information

  • The Citizens’ Information Line is open, 471-6600, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Florida Oil Spill Information Line is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, 1-888-337-3569.
Important Phone Numbers For Citizens

To report oil on the beach or shoreline:

  • 1-866-448-5816
  • 1-877-2SAVEFL or 1-877-272-8335
  • #DEP from a cell phone.

To report oiled wildlife:

  • 1-866-557-1401

BP Claims:

  • 1-800-440-0858

To report damaged, vandalized, adrift or stolen boom:

  • 1-866-448-5816
  • 1-800-320-0519

Escambia County Citizen’s Information Line:

  • 471-6600

Florida Oil Spill Information Line:

  • 1-888-337-3569

Crist Signs School Prayer Bill

June 6, 2010

Gov. Charlie Crist signed a once controversial school prayer bill that was watered down throughout the legislative session into law Friday.

The measure, HB 31, grew out of a Panhandle dispute where the Santa Rosa School District had teachers sign a consent decree not to participate in any religious activity at school. The new law prohibits districts from forcing any school personnel to not participate in religious activity. The measure also bars school officials from preaching or promoting prayers during school functions and organizing school-sponsored religious services.

“Our First Amendment rights, granted to us by the U.S. Constitution are absolute, and this law ensures that they remain that way,” said Rep. Greg Evers.

Evers said the law is designed to preempt future ACLU attacks on the First Amendment protections of freedom of speech, including religious speech, such as the recent attack in Santa Rosa County that led to then-Pace High School Student Body President Mary Allen being censored and barred from speaking at her own high school graduation, as well as Pace High School Principal Frank Lay and Athletic Director Robert Freeman being charged with criminal contempt of court for offering a blessing at an adults-only event.

“I applaud the governor for signing this good bill into law today,” said Evers. “Our First Amendment rights, granted to us by the U.S. Constitution are absolute, and this law ensures that they remain that way. With the signing of this bill, students, like Mary Allen who want to thank God in a commencement speech or students who want to bow their head in silent prayer before taking a test, may now do so without fear of being questioned or stopped. This law will also serve to protect school officials, like Principal Frank Lay and Athletic Director Robert Freeman, from special interests who would like to see the First Amendment rights of students, faculty and Floridians restricted, or worse, denied.”

First amendment advocates noted that the bill could have unintended consequences though. Frank LaMonte of the he Student Press Association in Washington, D.C. Told the News Service last month that the legislation may unshackle student newspapers from the usual oversight of school administrators, effectively putting Florida among seven states – none in the Southeast – which have passed laws endorsing free expression for students.

Northview Holds Baccalaureate

June 5, 2010

The Northview High School Class of 2010 held their Baccalaureate service  Friday night at the First Assembly of God Church in Atmore.

“We begin today’s celebration by acknowledging our thanks to God for his hand in our lives during our student years. Each of us recognizes that God is the source of the grace we have received as well as the source of the truth we seek and live,” Senior Class President Candice Greenwell told her fellow graduates.

Rev. Willie H. Carter, pastor of Pilgrim Lodge Baptist Church, offered the invocation. Rev. Nathan Brown of Ray’s Baptist Church brought the message and encouraged the seniors to follow and give God the glory in their lives, take care of themselves and not to forget to have fun in life. Rev. Don Davis from the Atmore First Assembly of God offered the benediction.

Music was provided by the Senior Ensemble, including Ashley Bonner, Aimee Clarke, Kolbi Cobb, Clint Davis, Candice Greenwell, Caitlin Hall, Carley Hetrick, Thaddeus Jones, Sara Kyles, Seth Leonard, Kassandra Lett, Amber McMillian, Wesley Morris, Jackson Smith and Heather Ward.

Pictured top: The Northview High School Class of 2010 Baccalaureate service Friday night. Pictured inset: Senior Class President Candice Greenwell as Vice President Erica Rendell looks on. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Blood Drive Saturday In McDavid, Monday In Walnut Hill

June 5, 2010

North Escambia residents will have the opportunity to give the gift of life today in Molino and Monday in Walnut Hill.

The Northwest Florida Bloodmobile will be at the McDavid Mini Mart  Saturday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. The Bloodmobile will also be at the Walnut Hill Farm Supply on Monday, June 7 from 7:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.

When you donate to Northwest Florida Blood Services, you can save the life of a hospital patient in northwest Florida. Northwest Florida Blood Services is the exclusive provider of blood products to more than 24 area hospitals who need 175 blood donations a day. Each donation can save up to three lives.

Requirements for giving blood are below.

  • Donors must be in generally good health
  • At least 17 years of age, without permission.  16-year olds are now allowed to donate with permission granted by parents or legal guardians.
  • Must bring picture ID
  • Weigh at least 110 lbs
  • Free of infection, fever or flu symptoms, for 3 days
  • No cancer within the last 5 years
  • No antibiotics within the last 48 hours
  • No tattoos within the past 12 months
  • No chest pain, heart disease, heart surgery (Requires written physician release with diagnosis)
  • No history of viral hepatitis
  • Cannot have lived in France for 5 years or more between 1980 and the present
  • Cannot have lived or visited in the UK for a total of 3 months or more from 1980 to 1996
  • Cannot have received a blood transfusion in the UK between 1980 and the present
  • Military personnel (current and former), and their dependents, who spent time in military bases in northern Europe during 1980-1990, or southern Europe during 1980-1996, for 6 months or more
  • All military personnel (active & reserve) that are returning from Iraq, are deferred for a period of 1 year after the last date on location in that country.

Pictured: The Northwest Florida Blood Services Bloodmobile at Fran’s Diner in Molino on Saturday.

Seach Warrant Executed: Horses Seized From Highway 97 Stable

June 5, 2010

Three malnourished horses were seized Friday afternoon as a search warrant was executed at a Molino stable.

Deputies from the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and investigators and volunteers from Panhandle Equine Rescue worked to seize the horses from 2401 Highway 97. According to PER President Diane Lowery, the three horses were malnourished. They were located in a large pasture where additional hay and water was obviously provided.

“These three need more than they are getting here; they need grain,” she said as she looked out over the acres of pasture where numerous other horses appeared well nourished. “Sometimes they need a supplement, which they are not getting. We’ve tried to educate them (the caretakers) on how to take care of them.”

Once they were rounded up from the pasture, loading the animals in waiting trailers proved to be a bit of a challenge. One loaded with reasonable ease, lured by a bucket of food. But two proved a bit more difficult, with Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Wes Brown eventually grabbing a rope and lassoing one of them like an old west cowboy.

It was not immediately known who owned the three horses that were seized. No criminal charges have been filed in connection with the case.

For more exclusive photos from the search warrant execution, click here.

Pictured top: Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Wes Brown throws a lasso at a horse during the execution of search warrant Friday afternoon on Highway 97 in Molino. Pictured inset: Volunteers from Panhandle Equine Rescue remove a horse from a field at a Molino stable. Pictured below: One of the seized malnourished horses. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.

Century Man Arrest For Assault With Deadly Weapon

June 5, 2010

A suspicious person complaint on Hudson Hill Road in Century led to the arrest of a Century man on an outstanding felony warrant Friday night. Leroy Smith, 53, of Highway 4A, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon about 9 p.m. Smith was being held in the Escambia County Jail without bond. Further details about the warrant were not immediately available.

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