Mary Ferrell Hall
May 12, 2011
Mary Ferrell Hall, 87, of Cantonment, Florida, made her transition Friday, May 6, 2011, at 9:11 am.
A native of Graham, NC, Mrs. Hall resided in Cantonment for the past five years. Mrs. Hall is loved by all, a true woman of Grace and Faith.
Preceding Mrs. Hall’s passing were her parents, Rev. Wiley & Elsie Ferrell, six siblings Patrick, Elsie, Diane, Clayborne, Peggy and Opal, and husbands Jim Hall and PD Freeman.
Survivors include her daughter Carolyn (Jim) Vary, her sister Doris Coltrane, her grandchildren Sonya (Mark) Snyder and Mike (Larren) Truitt, four great grandchildren Chris and Brianna Snyder and PFC Corey (Brooke) and Jourdan (Devin) Truitt, and one great great grandchild McKenzie Truitt.
A memorial will be held on Saturday, May 14, 2011 at 11:00 am at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North with Dr. Will Stone and Rev. Larry Huff officiating from Cantonment
First Baptist Church.
After the memorial service, a open house will be held at Carolyn and Jim Vary’s home, 2385 Bur Oak Drive, Cantonment, Florida.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Covenant Hospice of Pensacola.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 Highway 29 south is in charge of arrangements
Jay Man Guilty Of Murdering Brewton Teen
May 11, 2011
A Jay man has been found guilty of second degree murder in the shooting death of a Brewton teen at a 2010 party.
Robert Franklin Floyd was found guilty Wednesday afternoon of second degree murder and discharging a firearm into a moving vehicle. Floyd shot into a vehicle occupied by four people on February 27, 2010, killing 18-year old Getyron Lopez Benjamin of Brewton. Floyd now faces up to life in prison; a sentencing date has not yet been set.
During a bonfire party, a vehicle occupied by four people — Benjamin, Gerald Banton, Timothy Smith and Tiffanie Pate — arrived Floyd’s home on Country Mill Road.
The four people exited the vehicle and got into a verbal altercation with Floyd, according to a statement released by the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office the day following the incident.
“Floyd stated that the subjects were there uninvited. Floyd requested that the subjects leave the premises, and words were exchanged between Floyd and the subjects from Brewton. The subjects refused to leave, at which time Floyd allegedly pushed one of the…males and told them once again to leave,” according to Sgt. Scott Haines, spokesperson for the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office.
Floyd told Santa Rosa deputies that the male subject he pushed pulled out a handgun. Floyd he said he retrieved a rifle from his truck, and then he heard gunshots in the direction of the vehicle from Brewton. He also said he saw a muzzle flash coming from their direction.
Banton testified that he revealed a revolver for which he holds a concealed weapons permit. Testimony indicated that he fired the revolver into the air, but not in the direction of Floyd, as they were leaving the party. There were, according to testimony, six shots fired from the vehicle while Floyd fired five.
There were two shots that hit the vehicle, one striking Benjamin in the back seat. He was driven to D.W. McMillan Hospital in Brewton where he was pronounced dead.
Girl, 10, Arrested; All Charges Dropped Against Teacher In Abuse Case
May 11, 2011
Sexual misconduct charges have been dropped against an Escambia County music teacher because the 10-year old victim — now charged with filing a false police report – said she made the story up.
State Attorney Bill Eddins said Wednesday afternoon that the Office of the State Attorney will dismiss all charges against Kenneth Campbell of Cantonment, a music teacher at Spencer-Bibbs Elementary School, for sexual misconduct with a student.
A thorough investigation conducted by the Pensacola Police Department assisted by the Department of Children and Families, and the Office of the State Attorney determined after the initial complaint was filed that the allegations of the student were inconsistent and not corroborated by other facts and circumstances, according to Eddins.
When confronted with the factual inconsistencies, the 10 year old victim admitted to investigators that she had made the allegations up in an effort to change schools..
“The truth needs to be sought out before you ruin somebody’s life,” Campbell said during a press conference at his lawyer’s office Wednesday afternoon.
Late Wednesday afternoon, the Pensacola Police Department said the 1o-year old girl had been arrested on charged with filing a false police report, a first degree misdemeanor. She was released from the Escambia County Jail into the care of a guardian.
“It is really sad that a child would repeatedly make up a story that could end up getting someone arrested and jeopardizing their career,” said Chief Chip W. Simmons.
Initially, the girl told family members the incidents began a few weeks prior to April 19. She said Campbell had rubbed her shoulders in class, fondled her breasts and told her if she told anyone he would hurt her and kill her family. During that time period, the child also developed behavioral problems at home and at school.
Capt. Paul Kelly said the girl was consistent with her allegations during several interviews with detectives and Child Protection Team members.
Based upon the child’s consistency in her allegations, an affidavit was initiated for Campbell, signed by a judge and he was arrested.
Later, officers were called to the child’s home to investigate an allegation she had battered another family member. That claim has been referred to the Department of Children and Family Services as part of the entire case.
Kelly said during follow-up interviews after Campbell’s arrest, the child began to add exaggerated allegations about Campbell.
Eventually, she admitted her allegations against Campbell were false and told detectives she had fabricated the allegations because she didn’t like him and she wanted to change from Spencer Bibbs Elementary to another school.
Pictured: Falsely-accused Spencer Bibbs Elementary School music teacher Kenneth Campbell. Photo courtesy WEAR 3 for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Firefighters Battle Brush Fire
May 11, 2011
Firefighters battled a brush fire off South Pineville Road near Occie Phillips road Wednesday afternoon.
The fire, which was reported about noon, was about two acres in size. There were no structures threatened by the blaze. It was declared under control about 1 p.m.
The Walnut Hill and Molino stations of Escambia Fire Rescue and the Florida Division of Forestry responded to the fire.
One Injured In Highway 29 Log Truck Crash (Updated With Names, Photo Gallery)
May 11, 2011
(Updated) One person was injured in a crash involving a loaded log truck and a highway contractor’s buffer truck Wednesday morning in McDavid.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Daryl Steadman, 59, of East Brewton, was southbound in a tractor-trailer truck loaded with logs when he collided with a Transfiled Services buffer truck towing an arrow-board trailer on Highway 29 near Cox Road about 11 a.m.
The outside lane was closed, as was indicated by a flashing arrow on the truck, for a John Deer Gator pulling a large blower used to removed loose rocks from the highway.
Steadman failed to react quickly enough, braked and veered to the left in an attempt to avoid a collision. His log truck struck the trailer and the utility truck. The driver of the Transfield Services truck, Kenneth Pearson, 23, of Gulf Breeze, was transported by ambulance to Jay Hospital with minor injuries. Steadham was not injured.
Steadham was cited for careless driving by the FHP.
For a photo gallery from the scene, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Need A Job? Career Fair Thursday For Veterans, Military And The Public
May 11, 2011
The Veteran Services Department of Workforce Escarosa will host the Salute Our Heroes Career & Benefits Fair on Thursday from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Hadji Shrine Temple located at 800 West Nine Mile Road in Pensacola (across from Lowe’s).
While this no-cost event is targeted toward veterans, military service members and military families, it will be open to the general public. Over 30 attending employers representing healthcare, retail, communications, industrial, restaurants, correctional, electrical and aerospace will be actively recruiting for their current openings.
In addition, a variety of local service providers will be on-site distributing information and answering questions concerning veteran benefits, claim filing, financial aid, employment resources and many other services. The Workforce Escarosa Military Family Employment Advocate will also be available to assist military family members with employment.
For more information on the upcoming career fair, or to view a complete list of attending employers and service providers, visit www.workforceescarosa.com.
More Details Released About Piggly Wiggly Shooting
May 11, 2011
More details have been released about the events — including Mother’s Day drinks — leading up to Sunday’s shooting of a Century man at the Davisville Piggly Wiggly.
Gary Winston Smith, 57, of Rockaway Creek Road, Atmore, was arrested at the scene and charged with aggravated battery in connection with the shooting of Garland Rodney Johnson, 45, of the 2400 block of West Highway 4. The whole incident, authorities said, was over a woman allegedly seeing both men.
(For an earlier story with more details, click here.)
The woman and Johnson, according to a witness, were both at the Grey Goose lounge a short distance from the Piggly Wiggly about 3:30 Sunday afternoon for a “Mother’s Day drink”. The woman told deputies that she and Johnson had just pulled into the Grey Goose parking lot when they heard tires spinning from Highway 97. Johnson then, according to the woman, went to the road to look and then got back into his Nissan Altima and took off toward the Piggly Wiggly. A short time later, according to an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office arrest report, Johnson called the woman on her cell phone and said, “He just shot me.” He told her he was “At the Pig” and had been shot in the stomach.
Smith told deputies he went to the Piggly Wiggly to get a steak to grill for his dinner. He said he observed Johnson get out of his Nissan Altima before he “charged” at him. Smith admitted to deputies that he reached into his pocket, pulled out a .22 caliber revolver, pointed it a Johnson and told him to stop. Smith said Johnson did not have anything in his hands, but came at him in an aggressive manner. Smith said Johnson stated that he was not scared of the gun and that “he was going to beat his brains in,” according to the Sheriff’s Office report.
Smith (pictured) told deputies that he shot Johnson in the stomach from about three feet away because he feared Johnson was going to “beat him up”. He also told deputies that he hoped Johnson would be okay.
When deputies arrived at the Piggly Wiggly after the shooting, they found Smith standing at the rear of his Mustang, which was parked along the sidewalk outside the store. His revolver was on the ground about three to four feet away. He was placed into custody without incident.
Deputies found Johnson inside the store, shot in the stomach with an exit wound in his back. He was transported by LifeFlight to Baptist Hospital where he was listed in serious condition.
Smith’s brother-in-law told deputies he was about 20 yards away when he observed another man approach Smith, and it appeared the two men were arguing. The witness said the man got into Smith’s face, before stepping back and being shot.
Employees inside the Piggly Wiggly told deputies that they heard the gunshot before Johnson walked in the door and sat down on a bench. Store employees then called 911.
Two of the employees told deputies that after the shooting, they observed Smith pacing with a gun in one hand and talking on this cell phone outside the store.
Smith’s sister told deputies the two men had been feuding for the past few months.
For a photo gallery from the scene, click here. The photo gallery shows the complete scene, the victim being airlifted, the suspect being arrested, a crime scene investigator at work and vehicles being searched.
Pictured top: A North Escambia man was shot just outside the Piggly Wiggly on Highway 97 in Davisville on May 8. Pictured inset: This NorthEscambia.com exclusive photo shows Gary Winston Smith of Atmore being arrested in connection with the shooting. Pictured below: The victim, Garland Rodney Johnson of Century, was transported by LifeFlight to Baptist Hospital in Pensacola. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Cheerleaders Adopt Squad In Tornado Devastated Alabama Town
May 11, 2011
Cheerleaders at one area school have adopted the cheerleaders at a small school in an Alabama town devastated by the recent tornadoes.
Phil Campbell, Alabama, tucked away in the northwestern corner of the state, is a small town with a population of 1,090 — until the tornado hit. There were 28 fatalities in the Phil Campbell High School attendance zone when the massive EF5 mile tornado devastated the town, flattening hundreds of homes and businesses. About 60 people remain hospitalized.
The varsity and junior varsity cheerleaders at Jay High School decided to “adopt” the cheerleading squads at Phill Campbell High School and send a personal care package to each cheerleader.
“We wouldn’t have been doing our job as cheerleaders if we hadn’t jumped at the opportunity to help,” Jay cheerleader Tessa Hendricks said. “I would have been devastated and in complete shock. I hope by sending care packages we were able to cheer them up or at least make them smile.”
Many of the Jay Royal girls contacted their “adopted” cheerleader via Facebook, where they learned that 4 of the 12 varsity cheerleaders at Phil Campbell lost their homes and everything that they had.
“Since we are the same age and have been through a natural disaster before, we can kind of understand what they are going through. All of us wanted to help in any way we could, and this was a great opportunity to do something for people that we can relate to,” said the Royals’ Meridith Owens. “It’s hard to imagine exactly what these girls are feeling, but if I were in their situation, I would be glad to get any help possible. Even the smallest things would mean a lot. Getting a care package from someone my age would be great, and I would be very thankful.”
The care packages were delivered directly to the PCHS girls by Janie Gomillion, Jay’s SGA sponsor, who has a relative who teaches at Phil Campbell High.
“I love helping out people, it’s the Christian thing to do. When something terrible like this happens, it is important to be a part and do as much as you can,” said Abby Raney. “If I were in this situation, I would be completely devastated, and I would greatly appreciate people helping me out in anyway possible.”
“This school really touches the heart of our students because the school is very much like Jay,” said Junia Fischer, Jay varsity cheer coach. “This is a good story that comes from such a bad storm.”
Pictured top: The Jay High School varsity cheerleaders created personal care packages for each member of a cheerleading squad in the town of Phil Campbell, Alabama, which was devastated last month by a tornado. Pictured top inset: Camille Driver writes a note to her “adopted” Phil Campbell cheerleader. Pictured bottom inset: Hanna Roberts works on a card for the PCHS squad. Pictured below: Some of the care packages. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Man Charged With Stealing And Then Using Drug Test
May 11, 2011
A man accused of stealing a $29 drug test from a Century pharmacy before being arrested on outstanding warrants in Flomaton has now been charged in Escambia County, Florida.
Adam Lee Kornegay, 32, of Flomaton, was booked into the Escambia County (Fla.) Jail this week on a second degree petty theft charge.
Early last December, the store manager at the CVS Pharmacy on North Century Boulevard reported that a man had asked to see the “drug tests” and had run from the store with a First Check drug test in his coat pocket. He fled the store in a white vehicle headed north toward Flomaton.
The vehicle was determined to be at an address on Roosevelt Street in Flomaton. The Flomaton Police Department and deputies from the Escambia Count (Fla.) Sheriff’s Office responded to the home where they made contact with Kornegay.
Kornegay was recognizable to deputies from the surveillance video at the CVS, according to a Sheriff’s Office report.
Kornegay admitted to taking the drug test, and the package wrappers were visible in his kitchen trash. He was taken into custody by the Flomaton Police Department on outstanding failure to appear and theft charges in Alabama. He was booked into the Escambia County Detention Center in Brewton. Warrants were prepared for his arrest in Florida.
The Escambia County (Fla.) Sheriffs’ Office report does not specify if the drug test results were positive or negative.
Learn More About 15,000 Acre Conceptional Plan Tonight
May 11, 2011
Escambia County residents can learn more tonight about a detailed long-term conceptional plan for thousands of acres.
As part of the county’s adopted Optional Sector Plan, the Detailed Specific Area Plan encompasses approximately 15,000 acres of land north of Interstate 10, south of Barrineau Park Road and west of Highway 29. It is a long-term conceptual planning project aimed at encouraging orderly, logical growth and economic development in north Escambia County that will incorporate road networks, parks, schools, commercial and residential projects.
Residents are invited to a long-term conceptual planning meeting on the Detailed Specific Area Plan from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at Ransom Middle School, 1000 West Kingfield Road.
The meeting will be host by Escambia County Development Services, in conjunction with the Massachusetts-based engineering firm Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc.