Driver Flips In Hwy 97 Crash
February 6, 2011
The driver of a SUV was not seriously injured when he lost control and overturned Sunday morning on Highway 97 in Walnut Hill.
While northbound at Highway 164, he failed to negotiate a curve, lost control and overturned his Chevrolet Tahoe about 6:30 a.m.. The SUV came to rest on its side.
The Tahoe’s driver was transported by Atmore Ambulance to Atmore Community Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The accident is under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. The Walnut Hill Station of Escambia Fire Rescue also responded to the crash.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Crime And Punishment: One On One With Escambia’s Top Prosecutors
February 6, 2011
Daily, it seems the headlines in Escambia County are about crime. After the crime is committed and after law enforcement finishes their investigation, the State Attorney’s Office stands between the defendant and his freedom.
There are 20 judicial districts in Florida, each with its own individually elected State Attorney. State Attorney Bill Eddins and Assistant State Attorney Greg Marcille represent Florida’s First Judicial Circuit for Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Walton counties.
NorthEscambia.com sat down with Eddins and Marcille recently to discuss crime and punishment in Escambia County.
Violent Crime, Drugs And Gangs
“It is a misconception that overall violent crime is increasing,” Eddins said. “Violent crime is decreasing. It’s the very visible violent crime that is increasing — the drive by shootings, armed robberies and the crimes that make the news.”
“There are a number of factors to blame,” Eddins said about crime in the area. “Drugs, the availability of drugs, the availability of guns and economic issues.”
“The groups that do consider themselves gangs that do constitute legal gangs are increasing,” Marcille said, “with much of their violent behavior between drug dealers or robberies.” He said that, under the law, a loose-knit organization that commits crimes together can meet the legal definition of a gang.
But the law is fighting back on the increasing gang problem in Escambia County, Eddins said, with both the State Attorney’s Office and the Sheriff’s Office allocating resources to focus on the gang problem.
Tougher Prosecution,
Once a suspect is arrested, Eddins said his office is taking a harder stance on criminals.
“We are taking a stronger position and plea bargaining less,” Eddins said. “We are rearranging how our office operates, designating more special prosecutors with more time to prosecute these violent crimes. The reorganization has helped us be more effective.”
The State Attorney believes his office is the most aggressive in Florida as far as the number of cases tried overall.
Reorganization to meet the case load that passes his desk are nothing new for Eddins. The most recent major reorganization came with the murders of Byrd and Melanie Billings and multiple suspects.
As the Billings trials come to a close in the coming months, Eddins said prosecutors will become available to handle defendants headed to trial in 2011 from some of Escambia County’s 30 plus murders last year.
Fear Is A Problem
Drug-related crimes are increasing in the public eye, and drug cases are among the hardest to prosecute, according to Marcille.
“Fear is common among witnesses,” Marcille said. “People fear that testifying may be a threat to them, and they are reluctant to become involved.”
Animal Cruelty
A growing focus for Eddins’ office is animal cruelty, with many of those cases from the North Escambia area.
“We are focusing more on animal cruelty cases,” he said. That focus includes a training session later this week for prosecutors and law enforcement alike to learn more about groups like Panhandle Equine Rescue in Cantonment. The State Attorney’s Office is working to receive animal cruelty cases directly from PER for prosecution.
Pictured top: Assistant State Attorney Greg Marcille and State Attorney Bill Eddins. NorthEscambia.com photo/graphic, click to enlarge.
Alabama Police Chase Ends In Florida
February 6, 2011
An Alabama police chase ended in Century Saturday night.
About 8:45 p.m., the Brewton Police Department reportedly pursued a vehicle into Florida on Fannie Road. The pursuit continued into Century to East Highway 4 and then eastbound toward Jay. Alabama authorities called off the chase on West Highway 4 in Century.
The driver was reportedly wanted for reckless driving. Further details were not available.
The Escambia County (Fla.) Sheriff’s Office did not become involved in the chase.
Man Accused Of Starving Horses Free On Bond; Several Horses Remain On Property
February 6, 2011
The Walnut Hill man accused of starving 10 horses is free on bond as he awaits trial on multiple animal cruelty charges.
James Benjamin Bethea, 61, has been released from the Escambia County Jail on $9,000 bond. He is scheduled to appear before Judge Michael Allen on February 24 for an arraignment hearing on two felony and eight misdemeanor animal cruelty charges.
One of the horses allegedly starved by Bethea was euthanized by a veterinarian Wednesday afternoon in a pasture in the 5000 block of Highway 97A in Enon. Nine others were seized by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and transported to an animal clinic for medical care.
About 10 other horses remained in Bethea’s pasture as of Saturday afternoon. Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputies have checked on the horses several times since Wednesday to ensure they were receiving food and water.
For an earlier report about the horses and more photos, click here.
Pictured top: One of nine horses being seized Wednesday in the Enon community. Pictured inset: This horse was in critical condition, unable to stand even with assistance. NorthEscambia.com exclusive photos, click to enlarge.
Locals Run The Double Bridges (With Complete Results)
February 6, 2011
Over 3,100 runners took part in Saturday’s 14th annual Pensacola Double Bridge Run.
In the 15K, top overall North Escambia area finisher was Matt Dobson of Jay at seventh overall with a time of 52:19. Rusty Branch of Cantonment finished 11th with a time of 55:35, and Matthew Nixon of Molino finished 22nd overall with a time of 58:17. Dobson was first in Male Masters division.
For complete results from the Pensacola Double Bridge Run 15K, click here.
In the 5K Run, the top overall North Escambia area finishers were: Jason Scott of Jay at 52nd with a time of 24:16; Richard Tavenner of Cantonment at 57th with a time of 24:24; and Brandon Rogers of Cantonment with a time of 24:50 at 66th.
For complete results from the Pensacola Double Bridge Run 5K, click here.
In the 5K Walk, the top overall North Escambia area finishers were Merrie Fox, 19th, with a time of 39:24; Frank Templeton of Cantonment at 26th with a time of 40:31; and Sandra Russell of Cantonment at 47th with a time of 42:47.
For complete results from the Pensacola Double Bridge Run 5K Walk, click here.
Rainy Monday Forecast
February 6, 2011
After a pretty super sunny Sunday, rain is back in the forecast for Monday.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
- Tonight: A 30 percent chance of showers after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 37. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
- Monday: Showers. High near 56. South wind 5 to 15 mph becoming northwest. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
- Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 29. North wind between 5 and 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
- Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 52. Wind chill values between 25 and 35 early. North wind between 5 and 10 mph.
- Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 31. North wind around 5 mph.
- Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 59. East wind around 5 mph.
- Wednesday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 39. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming north.
- Thursday: A 40 percent chance of rain. Cloudy, with a high near 51. North wind between 5 and 10 mph.
- Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 32. North wind around 10 mph.
- Friday: Sunny, with a high near 56.
- Friday Night: Clear, with a low around 29.
- Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 62.
- Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 37.
- Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 67.
Road Closure To Impact Travel To Brewton, I-65
February 6, 2011
If you are headed to Brewton, or to I-65 through Brewton, there’s a road closure you need to know about.
The Alabama Department of Transportation has announced that Highway 41 and Highway 29 south of the Highway 31 intersection in Brewton, will be closed beginning Monday morning for about four to five days days for a Highway 41 crossing upgrade by CSX Railroad, weather permitting.
Large truck traffic should plan to use an alternative route. ALDOT recommends Highway 113 from Flomaton for truck traffic traveling between Northwest Florida and I-65.
Gulf Power To Offer New EarthCents Programs
February 6, 2011
Gulf Power customers have new ways to save money, thanks to a number of new energy efficiency programs the utility will offer.
The Florida Public Service Commission has approved 25 new EarthCents programs for customers. The new programs are predicted to save 183 megawatts of electricity over 10 years, enough energy to power about 50,000 homes.
“We’re very pleased that our customers have even more ways to save money and energy through these programs” said Jeff Rogers with Gulf Power. “There’s really something here for everyone — with rebates that make energy efficiency more affordable.”
The EarthCents programs, originally submitted to the PSC in spring 2010, will be rolled out throughout 2011. Many details, including rebate amounts on most of the programs, are still pending approval.
“We have worked hard with the PSC to make sure these are real-world, practical programs that help our customers.” said Rogers. “Ultimately, we want very satisfied customers — and offering more options on how to use electricity more efficiently is a big part of reaching that goal.”
Many of the new programs offer rebates, but the amount of the rebates has not yet been set by the PSC. Those rebates would be for installing:
- High-efficiency heating and cooling systems
- Pool pumps
- Windows
- Roofs
- Insulation
- Appliances
- Heat pump water heaters
Other programs include free energy use comparisons for homeowners and tips and recommendations on how to use electricity more efficiently. The utility expects interest to be especially high in the program that offers a rebate for heat pump water heaters.
“Heat pump water heaters are more than 50 percent more efficient than a standard electric water heater,” Rogers said. “They cost more up front, but with this new program, soon we’ll be able to offer a substantial rebate to reduce the cost, and the customer will save in the long run.”
Additionally, there is a part of the plan geared to help low-income customers through the installation of energy savings measures and recommendations for low-cost ways to save energy. Programs will be offered to homeowners and renters.
For commercial and industrial customers, incentives will be provided to increase building efficiency through heating and cooling systems, lighting, window and insulation improvements. Also, customized energy solutions can be developed to suit the specific needs of the business or industry.
Gulf Power is also offering incentives for solar energy including solar thermal water heating ($1,000 rebate) and solar photovoltaic systems ($2 per watt up to a maximum of $10,000 per installation). The incentives for these two programs are limited and will be made available through a reservation process.
As all of the new EarthCents programs are rolled out, customers can find out more information at www.gulfpower.com.
Recipes: Super Treats For The Super Bowl
February 6, 2011
(Family Features) - While there’s a time and a place for elegant desserts, a Super Bowl party isn’t one of them. All the fun and action call for something easy for guests to handle and easy for hosts to make.
Fans of chocolate and marshmallows will cheer for these Rocky Road Squares. By substituting evaporated milk for water, you get a super-rich texture and very fudgy flavor. And by using melted chocolate morsels as well as whole ones, these Easy Double Chocolate Chip Brownies score big on the taste meter. You may want to make an extra batch, because they’ll be scooped up in no time!
For more ways to make you the MVP of the party, visit www.verybestbaking.com.
Rocky Road Squares
Ingredients
* 1 package (19.5 to 21 ounces) fudge brownie mix
* 1/2 cup vegetable oil, per package directions
* 2 large eggs, per package directions
* 1/2 cup Nestlé Carnation Evaporated Milk
* 1 cup (6 ounces) Nestlé Toll House Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels
* 2 cups miniature marshmallows
* 1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts
Preparation
1. PREHEAT oven according to package directions. Grease 13 x 9-inch baking pan.
2. PREPARE brownie mix according to package directions, using vegetable oil and egg(s) and substituting evaporated milk for water. Spread into prepared baking pan.
3. BAKE according to package directions; do not over bake. Remove from oven. Immediately sprinkle with chocolate morsels. Let stand 5 minutes or until morsels are shiny. Spread evenly. Top with marshmallows and walnuts.
4. BAKE for 3 to 5 minutes or just until marshmallows begin to melt. Cool in pan on wire rack for 20 to 30 minutes. Cut into squares using a knife dipped in hot water.
Serves
2 dozen brownies
Calories: 230g Total Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 20mg Protein: 3g
Carbohydrates: 27g Sodium: 80mg
Preparation and Baking Time:
35 minutes
Easy Double Chocolate Chip Brownies
Ingredients
* 2 cups (12-ounce package) Nestlé Toll House Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels, divided
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine, cut into pieces
* 3 large eggs
* 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/2 cup chopped nuts
Preparation
1. PREHEAT oven to 350°F. Grease 13 x 9-inch baking pan.
2. MELT 1 cup morsels and butter in large, heavy-duty saucepan over low heat; stir until smooth. Remove from heat. Stir in eggs. Stir in flour, sugar, vanilla extract and baking soda. Stir in remaining morsels and nuts. Spread into prepared baking pan.
3. BAKE for 18 to 22 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out slightly sticky. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Cut into bars.
Serves
2 dozen bars
Calories: 190g Total Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 35mg Protein: 3g
Carbohydrates: 23g Sodium: 50mg
Preparation and Baking Time:
28 minutes
SOURCE:
Nestle
Boy, 12, Accidently Shot Saturday Morning In Molino
February 5, 2011
A 12-year boy was accidentally shot Saturday morning in Molino.
Deputies said the boy was target practicing when the gun misfired. He was transported by LifeFlight to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola. His condition was not available.
The incident happened on Gulsby Lane off Molino Road about 10 a.m. Reports indicate the child was apparently shot in the abdomen with a .22 caliber weapon.
The shooting is under investigation by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. Foul play is not suspected.
Further details were not available.
Pictured above: Deputies investigate an accidental shooting involving a 12-year old in Molino Saturday morning. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.