Gulf Coast Congressmen Express Frustration Over BP Claims Process
October 28, 2011
Gulf Coast members of Congress expressed frustration Thursday at what some said were difficulties in getting rightful compensation from BP by people who were affected by last year’s Gulf oil spill.
In questioning Gulf Coast Claims Administrator Ken Feinberg, the House Natural Resources Committee urged him to be more aggressive in making sure those who lost money because of the spill last year.
“I’d have to say we’re frustrated, many of us feel frustrated in the whole process,” said Rep. Steven Palazzo, a Republican who represents the Gulf Coast area of Mississippi. “I’d also say we’re insulted.”
Members said they’re worried about the number of claims that aren’t being paid because of alleged fraud or lack of documentation.
“Is it not true that the burden you have placed on many of these individuals and businesses for additional info….that there has been a great inconsistency in the payment process,” asked Rep. Jo Bonner, R-Ala. Feinberg defended the work of the claims facility, which is paying compensation out of a $20 billion pot set aside by the British oil company.
“I point, with pride frankly, to the fact that overall there’s $6 billion that’s gone out in one year,” Feinberg said, adding that the claims facility is trying to make sure that all legitimate claims are paid.
The Deepwater Horizon oil rig exploded in April of last year, killing 11 and eventually spilling nearly five million barrels of oil into the Gulf. Feinberg also told the committee Thursday that he thinks the $20 billion BP has earmarked will be enough to pay all claims, but said “BP has made it clear that it it is not enough they will honor all claims.”
By The News Service of Florida
Hundreds Taking Part In Day Of Caring
October 28, 2011
United Way Day of Caring volunteers will make a difference by completing more than 100 projects at area local non-profit agencies and schools today. About 1,100 volunteers from businesses and local military bases will help with lawn maintenance, painting, and cooking meals. They will also be holding drives for agency and school needs.
In North Escambia, volunteers from Gulf Power Company will help paint a barn, clear tree limbs and more at the Leaning Post Ranch in Molino; and volunteers from Wells Fargo will work with students at Byrneville Elementary School.
Last year, Day of Caring volunteers completed 90 projects with 5,200 volunteer hours worth an estimated $107,000 in labor savings for non-profits.
Pictured top: Last year, volunteers worked to beautify the campus at Northview High School in Bratt. Pictured below: Day of Caring volunteers at Jim Allen Elementary School. Pictured inset: Volunteers at the Cantonment Senior Center. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Ten Arrested In Alabama Drug Roundup, Eight More Still Wanted
October 28, 2011
Ten people were arrested during a multi-agency drug roundup in Brewton Thursday, and authorities are still searching for eight more suspects on outstanding warrants.
Over 40 law enforcement officers from two states participated in the roundup focusing on illegal drug activity. This was the second such undercover operation conducted by the Brewton Police Department in the last five months.
According to Brewton Police, the following people were arrested and charged:
- Kenneth McWilliams, 19, Titi Street Flomaton, distribution and possession of controlled substance
- Luther Kelley, 72, Karen Street Flomaton, criminal conspiracy to commit controlled substance crime
- Carol Winstead, 60, Old Castleberry Road Brewton, distribution and possession of controlled substance
- Ganie Spears, 45, Gowan Street Brewton, distribution and possession of controlled substance
- Mario Lovelace, 32, Dacus Street Brewton, distribution and possession of controlled substance, two counts each,
- Terrance Heath, 35, Conley Street Brewton, distribution and possession of controlled substance
- Robert Jones, 55, May Street Brewton, distribution and possession of controlled substance
- Emanuel Jackson, 36, East Jackson Street Brewton, distribution and possession of controlled substance
- Deparrish Campbell, 19, East Jackson Street Brewton, distribution and possession of controlled substance
- Ashante Smith, 29, Palmer Street Brewton, possession of controlled substance-cocaine
According to the Brewton Police Department, authorities are still searching for the following individuals on outstanding narcotics related warrants:
- Katherine Walker Mobley, 49
- Wendell White, 53
- Iviory Miles, 59
- Michelle Rabe, 40
- Eubie Kennedy, 27
- Sherry Flowers, 47
- Daymond Jones, 36
- Gentell Green, 24
Agencies assisting with the roundup Thursday were the Brewton Police Department, 22nd Judicial Drug Task Force, 21st Judicial Drug Task Force, Escambia County (Ala.) Sheriff’s Office, Alabama Pardon and Parole, and a Florida Department of Corrections K-9 Team from Century Correctional Institution.
Couple Accused Of Starving, Beating Children With Electrical Cords
October 28, 2011
Information from the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office has led the arrest of a couple in Georgia charged with beating their five children with electrical cords while depriving them of food and water for days.
Anthony Irvin, 33, and his wife, 33-year old Tammy Irvin, are charged with 10 counts of cruelty to children, five counts of contributing to the deprivation of a minor, four counts of battery/family violence and two counts of false imprisonment. The couple was booked into the Clayton County, Georgia, Jail.
The abuse allegedly occurred at the couple’s home in Hampton, Georgia, about 20 miles south of Atlanta, according to WSB TV in Atlanta.
The abuse was reported to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office while the children were visiting relatives in Escambia County. According to the WSB TV, the children told relatives in Escambia County that they were locked in garage without food and water and not allowed to go to the bathroom. Some of the children also told authorities that they were locked in a closet for days after being beaten.
FHSAA Suspends Pace Player For Fight During Tate Game
October 28, 2011
A Pace High School football player has been suspended for six games for his involvement in a what was determined to be a fight last Friday night in a game against the Tate Aggies.
The Florida High School Athletic Association handed down the automatic suspension for senior defensive tackle Troy Gaoa for the incident at Tate’s Pete Gindl Stadium in Cantonment. Pace High is expected to appeal the ruling.
Two other area players received the automatic six game suspension earlier this year following an alleged altercation. Both Jay and Baker high schools appealed, and both suspensions were reduced.
Pictured above: Action from Tate and Pace last Friday night in Cantonment. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
In The Mail Monday: $250 Million In Escambia Tax Bills
October 28, 2011
Collection of the 2011 real estate and tangible personal property taxes will begin November 1, according to Janet Holley, Escambia County tax collector
This year’s tax rolls include 177,000 accounts totaling $250 million. Bills will be delivered to the post office on October 31 for mailing, and there will be a 4% discount for early payment is good through November 30..
Other discount periods are as follows: December‑‑3%; January‑‑2%; February‑‑1%; and the gross amount is due in March 2012. Taxes become delinquent April 1 and are assessed a 3% penalty. When mailed, discounts are determined by postmark of payment. When a discount period ends on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the discount period will be extended to the next business day for walk‑in customers only.
Tax revenue is generated for the various taxing authorities and is approximated as follows: District School Board, $120 million; Escambia County Board of County Commissioners, $107.4 million; City of Pensacola, $15.2 million; Sheriff, $6.6 million; Northwest Florida Water Management, $566,000; Downtown Improvement Board, $358,000; and Town of Century, $27,000. Additionally, MSBU collections totaling $13.9 million include: County fire protection, $10.5 million; City Stormwater, $2.5 million; and various others, $910,000.
Residents can check the status of their taxes and pay on the website at www.escambiataxcollector.com. Online payments are available, along with other options including payment by mail, by phone, or in person. If a tax bill is not received by November 10, call the tax collector’s office at (850) 438‑6500, ext. 252.
Flomaton Beats Excel
October 28, 2011
The Flomaton Hurricanes defeated the Excel Panthers Thursday night, 42-7. With the non-region win, the Canes finished their regular season at 9-1.
Neiko Robinson returned an interception 77 yards for a touchdown, plus scored on runs on 5 and 26 yard for the No. 7 Hurricanes. Dustin Postlewait had 117 yards rushing for Flomaton, along with touchdown runs of 19 and 12 yards. Quarterback Ryheem Dixon was close behind with 109 yards on a dozen carries and a 15-yard touchdown pass to Hunter Bonds.
Excel (3-7) had less than 120 yards total offense for the night.
Flomaton is No. 2 in 2A Region 1, behind No. 1 Leroy. As playoffs begin next Friday night, the Hurricanes will host Region 4’s number three team Billingsley.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge
Chief Dale George Forbes
October 28, 2011
Chief Dale George Forbes, USN (ret), 69, passed away on Thursday, October 27, 2011, in Atmore.
Mr. Forbes was born April 24, 1942, in Minot, ND, to George and Edith Carroll Forbes and has been a resident of Atmore since 1984. He was retired from the U.S. Navy Fleet Reserve, was a member of the VFW, was retired from the State of Alabama Department of Corrections after 20 years and was the manager of the Atmore Motocross where he became known as “PawPaw” to all who knew him. He is preceded in death by his parents, a brother, William “Bill” Forbes and a grandson, Michael Clemmons.
Survivors include his wife, Merlene Forbes of Atmore; three sons, Tyland and Pam Forbes of Bay Minette; Gregory and Lisa Forbes of Atmore; and Jeffery and Tonya Thayer of Perdido; three daughters, Tammy and Jerry Lloyd, and Kim and Craig Watson, both of Brewton; and Lynn and Aaron Rhodes of Bay Minette; three stepsons, Richard and Pam Moye of Bay Minette; Rondel and Karen Moye of Sharon, SC; and Robert and Janice Moye of Century; a stepdaughter, Regina and James Hare of Walnut Hill; 27 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Robert and Evie Forbes of Eagle Point, OR, and Roland and Loretta Forbes of Ada, OK; three sisters, Eileen Brummond of Granville, ND; Ellen Hedstrand of Minot, ND and Leone and Arland Brummond of Laramie, WY; two special sisters-in-law, Annette Jones and Bettie Odom; numerous nieces and nephews; and special friends and neighbors, L. Jr. Roberts, Mason and Vonda Coleman, Clayton and Debra Coon and Ed and Sue Rolin.
Funeral services will be Monday, October 31, 2011, at 2:00 p.m. at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with the Rev. Bennie Stokes officiating.
Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.
Visitation will be Sunday, October 30, 2011, from 6-9 p.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Mack A. Baker
October 28, 2011
Mack A. Baker, 71, passed away on Thursday, October 27, 2011, at a Pensacola hospital.
Mr. Baker was a native and lifelong resident of Bratt and was a member of Unity Baptist Church. He is preceded in death by his parents, Aud and Ruth Baker; a brother, Lloyd Edward Baker; a granddaughter, Ashley D. Baker; and a great-nephew, Michael Blake Baker.
Survivors include his wife, Thelma “Flip” Baker of Bratt; three sons, Lloyd and Shelia Baker of Robertsdale; Heath A. and Alisa Baker of Bratt; and Clayton A. Baker of Bratt; three daughters, Marie A. Baker and Tal Moss of Marianna, FL; Sally and Tommy Carriere of Metairie, LA and Kim and Bryan McGhee of Atmore; nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; a sister, Carol Ann and Jerry Sheppard of Oak Grove; a nephew, Randy Baker of Oak Grove; and two nieces, Dana Reed of Bay Minette and Blair Edgar of Pensacola.
Funeral services will be Saturday, October 29, 2011, at 10 a.m. at the Unity Baptist Church with the Rev. Gene Pickern and the Rev. Ted Bridges officiating.
Burial will follow at Pine Barren Cemetery.
Visitation will be Friday, October 28, 2011, from 6-9 p.m. at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
One Toddler Shooting Suspect Extradited, Cantonment Man Still On The Run
October 27, 2011
One suspect in the July 15 shooting of a Pensacola toddler is now behind bars in Escambia County, while police continue to search for a Cantonment man in the case.
Shaquill Jerell Besst, 18, was transported Tuesday from Tangipahoa Parish Prison in Amite, LA, to the Escambia County Jail. His bond was set at $2 million during a Wednesday afternoon court appearance.
Authorities are still searching for former Cantonment resident Dwayne “Money” Pinestraw, 19. He is the suspected triggerman in the shooting a death of 19-month old Ty’Quarius Moultrie at a Pensacola Village apartment on Fairfield Drive.
Multiple shots were fired into the apartment back on July 15, according to Pensacola Police, killing Moultrie and wounding 23-year old Vincent Dennis.
Prior to the shooting, Besst and Pinestraw were reportedly robbed by two armed men as they sat in a car on a North Davis Highway gas station. Besst, Pinestraw, and two other men allegedly went to Pensacola Village a short time later and fired a .45 caliber gun through an apartment window.
Besst was taken into custody in August in Lousiana, while Pinestraw remains at large. Pinestraw’s last known address was on Lake Drive in Cantonment.
Pinestraw is a black male, approximately 5-feet 6-inches tall and approximately 130 pounds. He should be considered armed and dangerous, according to Pensacola Police.
Anyone having information on Pinestraw’s location or the shooting is asked to contact Lt. Doug Baldwin at (850) 435-1908, Detective James Reese at (850) 435-1976, or the Desk Sergeant’s Office at (850) 435-1900.