DUI Suspect Crashes During Police Chase
May 12, 2011
A DUI suspect crashed on Nine Mile Road while attempting to elude an Escambia County Sheriff’s deputy about 2:45 this morning.
The Florida Highway Patrol said 25-year old Joshua Edwin Diggins of Pensacola struck a vehicle in the parking lot of Chan’s on Nine Mile Road.
When an Sheriff’s deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop a short distance away, Diggins fled in a 2001 Dodge Ram. As he attempted to elude the deputy, Diggins crashed into a road sign and culvert at Regions Bank on Nine Mile Road.
Diggins ran, but was apprehended behind the bank. He was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital for treatment of minor facial injuries. DUI charges are pending the results of a blood test, according to the FHP.
A passenger in Diggins’ vehicle, Mitchell Ray Young, 30, of Pensacola, was not injured.
Convicted Murderer Caught After Short Manhunt In Byrneville
May 12, 2011
A convicted murderer was arrested on a parole violation after a brief 15-minute manhunt in Byrneville this morning.
When Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputies attempted to arrest Clinton Everette Brooks, Jr., 56, at a mobile home in the 200 block of Byrneville Road, he ran about 7:25 a.m.. As officers were setting up a perimeter and a K-9 unit was responding from Century Correction Institution, Brooks was spotting hiding up in a tree. He was taken into custody without incident abut 7:40 a.m.
According to the Florida Department of Corrections, Brooks was convicted of second degree murder in 1997 and paroled in October of 2010. He was then listed as absconded after parole officers were unable to locate him.
Brooks was convicted in of the shooting death of 68-year old Harris Harold Patterson. He was found dead in Beulah mobile home in 1995.
Pictured: Clinton Everette Brooks, Jr.
Google Street View Car In North Escambia (With Photo Gallery)
May 12, 2011
The Google Street View car was spotted in Walnut Hill and Molino Wednesday. And no, that’s not a camera on top. It’s actually 15 cameras and lasers on top, mapping and photographing our communities.
Google Maps with Street View, as well as Google Earth, allows users to explore places through 360-degree street level imagery. Most of the roadways in North Escambia already appear on Street View, but the lower quality images are being updated with new realistic high definition photos.
For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery of the car and its equipment, click here.
NorthEscambia.com caught up with the Google Street View car at the intersection of Arthur Brown and Pine Forest roads in Walnut Hill Wednesday afternoon. The driver, who is from Pensacola, would not allow us to photograph the inside of the vehicle. But it’s remarkably simple in appearance compared to the outside of the colorful vehicle.
The back seats have been removed or folded down, making room for a ladder to reach the camera mounted above the car. There is one small computer (the original Street View SUV had a rack of computers in 2007) and a hard drive to store the data. There’s one touchscreen computer monitor mounted next to the driver. During our visit, the monitor was displaying a Google map with the driver’s route planned out along with a “record” and “pause” button.
But the real magic is in the red ball mounted above the car. The latest, fifth generation, car’s red ball has 15 lenses taking 360 degrees of photos. It has motion sensors to track its position and three laser sensors to determine distances within the Street View imagery. The laser sensors call also be used to create 3D maps of the surroundings.
GPS sensors, along with sensors that measure speed and direction are used to make sure the images are placed in the right place on the Google Maps and in Google Earth. The sensors even provide enough information to tilt and align the images with hilly terrain.
Google uses cutting-edge face and license plate blurring technology to make sure that people and vehicles captured in the images can’t be identified.
There’s no word when the new images from North Escambia will be available on Google Street View.
For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery of the car and its equipment, click here.
Pictures top: The Google Street View car Wednesday afternoon on Arthur Brown Road at Pine Forest Road in Walnut Hill. Pictured inset: The red ball contains 15 cameras for photographing a 360 degree view. The three boxes below the cameras are laser mapping sensors. Pictured below: A closeup of the camera systems. NorthEscambia.com exclusive photos, click to enlarge.
Counterfeit Money Passed At Local Businesses
May 12, 2011
Someone has passed counterfeit bills at Century businesses at least twice this week, and deputies are encouraging businesses to take steps to avoid becoming a victim.
On Wednesday, someone passed a counterfeit $50 bill at a Century restaurant, and suspected counterfeit currency was passed at a Century convenience store on Tuesday.
“We encourage businesses to use counterfeit bill detection pens available where office products are sold,” said Deputy Chris Welborn spokesperson for the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. “If a counterfeit bill is detected, we encourage merchants to call us immediately and provide us with an good description of the suspect.” Welborn said, if possible, merchants should provide a tag number of the suspect.
Anyone with information about the counterfeit currency should call the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620.
The United States Secret Service offers helpful information for identifying counterfeit money (click here).
New Warnings About Outdoor Burning; Burn Ban Issued In One Area
May 12, 2011
As our dry weather continues, there’s a new warning about outdoor burning and even a burn ban in one area community.
On Wednesday, the city of Atmore issued a burn ban until further notice in their city limits. There is no burn ban in effect in North Escambia, but officials issued new warnings about outdoor burning Wednesday afternoon.
Officials with the Florida Division of Forestry’s Blackwater Forestry Center are asking residents to use caution if they plan to burn yard debris and be mindful of increasingly dry conditions throughout Escambia, Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties.
While the local area – and the rest of Florida as a whole – is experiencing an increase in drought conditions, that is not the only factor that has local fire crews on high alert.
“We are currently experiencing a moderate drought for this time of the year,” said David Smith, Operations Administrator for Blackwater. “The fire danger indices have remained in the high to very high range for over a week. Wetter areas that usually do not burn, such as swamps and creek drainages, readily burn because of the dry conditions. However, many of these areas still have enough soil moisture to cause significant problems for firefighting equipment.”
“The situation will only worsen without significant, soaking rainfall events,” he said. “With the afternoon thunderstorm season fast approaching, I expect an increase in lightning caused fires in addition to those caused by humans. The public can help the situation greatly by being extremely cautious when burning or postponing burning if possible.”
With these factors in mind, Blackwater officials are not authorizing acreage or pile burns at this time in Escambia, Santa Rosa or Okaloosa counties and asking residents to avoid burning yard debris until conditions improve.
But this is not a burn ban — burn bans are issued by individual counties on the advice of the Division of Forestry.
Molino Park Elementary Names Volunteers Of The Year
May 12, 2011
Molino Park Elementary School has named its 2010-2011 volunteers of the year. They are (pictured L-R) Adult Volunteer Tina Pendleton, Youth Volunteer Brandy Hart and Senior Volunteer Janet Crosby. The were honored with a dinner at New World Landing on May 4 and were also honored at the school Wednesday. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Extension To Host Weed Management Workshop
May 12, 2011
The Escambia Extension Service is hosting a “Weed Management in Pastures, Hayfields and Fence Rows” workshop on Thursday, May 19, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Escambia County Extension, 3740 Stefani Road.
Featured speaker Dr. Barry Brecke, University of Florida Weed Specialist, will join the free workshop discussing topics of weed identification and control, clean fence rows and determining rates of herbicide application. A light supper will be provided. Pre-registration is requested by Tuesday, May 16.
For more information or to register for this workshop please contact Libbie Johnson, Agriculture/Aquaculture Agent, Escambia County Extension, (850) 475-5230.
Rain Possible For Friday
May 12, 2011
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
- Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 63. South wind between 5 and 10 mph becoming calm.
- Friday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 10am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 88. West wind between 5 and 10 mph.
- Friday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65. West wind between 5 and 10 mph.
- Saturday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 86. West wind around 10 mph.
- Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 56. Northwest wind between 5 and 10 mph.
- Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 84. Northwest wind between 5 and 10 mph.
- Sunday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 57. North wind between 5 and 10 mph.
- Monday: Partly sunny, with a high near 81. West wind between 5 and 15 mph.
- Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 53. North wind between 5 and 10 mph.
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 82.
- Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 54.
- Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 85.
- Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 57.
- Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 88.
Animal Shelters May Be Closing
May 12, 2011
Animal shelters in Atmore and Brewton may be closing. According to an announcement on their Facebook page Wednesday, The Humane Society of Escambia County (Ala.) plan to terminate their municipal contracts with both cities and close the shelters by the end of the month.
The Humane Society said that 60-percent of their funding has dissolved and funding from their contracts with Atmore and Brewton is “simply not enough to operate”. Last year, the group lost significant portion of their funding from the Neal Trust.
Shelter employees will lose their jobs, according to the humane society. And they currently seeking homes for about 50 adult dogs, 20 puppies and 25 felines housed at both shelters.
The Humane Society of Escambia County (Ala.) is not affiliated with the Escambia County, Fla., Animal Shelter in Pensacola. The Pensacola Shelter is operated by Escambia County, Fla.
Babe Ruth Softball Highlights
May 12, 2011
Here are game highlights and scores from recent Atmore Babe Ruth Softball action:
Atmore Rotary Club Lions vs. David’s Catfish Marlins 12 – 7
Age Group 6 – 9
Lions
Coach Delisha Crenshaw
Ty’Qaya Brown – 2 hits, 2 runs
India Crenshaw – 1 hit, 1 run
Essence Day – 2 hits, 2 runs
Tyaisa Hall – 1 hit, 1 run
Mary Thompson Lancaster – 2 hits, 2 runs
Ke’Aunyala Mitchell – 2 hits, 2 runs
Adrianna Parker- 2 hits, 2 runs
Marlins
Coach Jessica Schwartz
Ragon Lassiter – 1 hit, 2 runs
Kelly Polletta – 1 hit
Presley, Maddie – 2 hits, 2 runs
Shelby Rice – 1 run
Miah Simmons – 2 runs
Olivia Simmons – 2 hits
Game Highlights – Allison Rice, pitcher, struck out two players from the Lions. Ragon Lassiter got a good hit and made it to first base. Kelly Polletta got a good hit and made it to first base and advanced Ragon Lassiter to second base. Maddie Presley got a good hit and made it to first base.
Atmore United Bank Silver Eagles vs. Atmore Utilities Board Flames 8 – 5
Age Group 10 – 12
Silver Eagles
Coach Christopher Rowland
Anna Lisa Boatwright – 1 run
Valen Shelly – 1 run
Carson Barnett – 2 runs
Ariel Whatley – 1 hit, 1 run, 1 rbi
Jennifer Weaver – 1 hit, 1 run, 1 rbi
Eboni Williams – 1 run
Summer McCraney – 1 run
Game Highlights – In the first inning, Jennifer Weaver, pitcher, stuck out 3 players in a row. Carson Barnett and Ariel Whatley scored the first two runs for the Silver Eagles. In the second inning, Jennifer Weaver scored the only run of the inning. In the third inning, Valen Shelly, Carson Barnett and Summer McCraney all scored runs. After giving up two runs, three outs were recorded; Anna Lisa Boatwright caught a fly ball, Alexis Cooper and Carson Barnett each fielded a ground ball, getting the runners out a first base. In the fourth inning, Jennifer Weaver struck out two of the final three outs. Eboni Williams stole home to score the seventh run of the game. Anna Lisa Boatwright scored the eighth and final point of the game to seal a 8 – 5 victory over a very tough Flames team.
Flames
Coach Veronica Johnson
Scoteria Riley – 1 hit, 1 run, 2 rbis
Abby Smith – 1 hit, 2 runs, 1 rbi
Ciera Stots – 2 hits, 1 run
Tori Tucker – 1 hit
Bianca White – 1 hit, 1 run, 2 rbis
Game Highlights – Offensively for the Flames, Scoteria Riley hit a two run homerun in the top of the first inning. Abby Smith hit a solo homerun in the second inning. Bianca White hit a solo homerun in the third inning. Ciera Stots had one stolen base. Defensively, Hannah Boothe lead the team with four unassisted outs at first base. Abby Smith, pitcher, recorded three strikeouts and made one unassisted out. Ciera Stots caught a line drive to end the second inning.
Atmore Strikers vs. Atmore Pepsi Challengers 18 – 0
Age Group 13 – 16
Strikers
Coach Shirley Simpkins
Game Highlights – The Strikers recorded seven runs in the top of the first inning, including a homerun by Justice Poole. Ychelle Walker, Ashleigh Simpkins, Courtney Cook, Olivia Tatum, Dara McCullam and Edrobderia Thomas each scored one run. After holding the Challengers a zero, the Strikers added ten runs to their score in the second inning. Ychelle Walker and Alana Johnson scored two runs each and Ashleigh Simpkins, Courtney Cook, Olivia Tatum, Carmesha Crenshaw, Edrabderia Thomas, Justice Poole and Charley Jones all scored one run each.
Atmore Strikers vs. Atmore First National Bank Magnolias 10 – 4
Age Group 13 – 16
Strikers
Coach Shirley Simpkins
Game Highlights – In the top first inning the Magnolias scored 3 runs. Ychelle Walker and Courtney Cook scored for the Strikers leaving the score 2 – 3. In the top of the second inning the Magnolias scored 1 run. The Strikers came back from 2 – 4, scoring eight runs in the bottom of the second inning. Ychelle Walker, Ashleigh Simpkins, Alana Johnson, Courtney Cook, Olivia Tatum, Carmesha Crenshaw, Dara McCullam and Justice Poole each added one run. The final score was 10 – 4.
Magnolias
Coach Paul Steele
Game Highlights – Scoring runs for the Magnolias were Cheyenne Chafin, Stacie George, Jessica Sanspree and Selena Smith. Cheyenne Chafin, Deanna Feely and Stacie George each had one hit. Deanna Feely and Stacie George each had one rbi.