Accused High School Arsonist Says He Was ‘Full Of Cocaine’
July 6, 2012
The man accused of setting fire to Escambia High School Tuesday night told sheriff’s dispatchers that he was “full of cocaine” when he called 911 to turn himself in.
Daniel Lance Quattlebaum, 21, was charged with arson, burglary and criminal mischief with property damage in connection with the incident. He remained in the Escambia County Jail Thursday after a judge upped his bond to $135,000. He will be back in court on July 26.
As firefighters were still fighting the blaze and clearing smoke, Quattlebaum called the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and told them that he broke into Escambia High School and set it on fire. He said he would be waiting for deputies at the corner of 57th Avenue and Lillian Highway. He also told the dispatcher that he was “full of cocaine”.
When deputies questioned Quattlebaum, he said that he “had been on cocaine and that he hadn’t slept in three days”, according to an arrest report. He said he threw a rock and busted a window that he then kicked in. He then tried to disable the security cameras by throwing a brick at them, but that failed.
Pictured top: An Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputy watches as two Escambia County firefighters pull a ventilation fan down a smoke filled outdoor corridor early Wednesday morning at Escambia County High School. Pictured inset: Smoke billows from Escambia High School shortly after the first firefighters arrive on scene Tuesday night. Pictured below: A ladder truck aerial towers over Escambia High School. NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Smith, Bob Solarski/WEAR 3 and reader submitted photos, click to enlarge.
Molino Lady Astros Take On The Firecracker Classic
July 6, 2012
Molino’s Lady Astros finished second in the recent Firecracker Classic at Exchange Park.
The highs school division included a dozen teams from Florida, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana. The Lady Astros won the first two out of three in pool play for a bracket first seed. The Lady Astros advanced to the championship after two bracket wins before falling 5-0 to the Lady Hustlers from Louisiana.
“The championship game was very tense, and we gave it our best only to come up short,” Coach Donnie Nicholson said, noting the pitching from Meagan Green of Pace, Heather Thomas from Tate and Ronni Renfroe of Tate.
Member of the Molino Lady Astros are Kathleen Smiley, Brook White, Heather Thomason, Ronni Renfroe, Gracie Kilcrease, Terri Andrews, Meagen Green, Caitlyn Hagan, Audrey Hamric, Amber Peebles and Ashley Richerson. Coaches are Donnie Nicholson, Swan Green and Pat Paulson.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Pictured: The Molino Lady Astros. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
U.S. Marshals Nab Fugitive, Seize Weapons And Ammo
July 6, 2012
The U.S. Marshals Florida Regional Fugitive Task Force discovered a small cache of guns, a bulletproof vest and multiple rounds of ammunition Thursday afternoon when they captured a fugitive on the run since November 2011.
Aggravated assault suspect Jeremy Jerel Fountain, 24, was arrested without incident inside an Escambia County Home.
Task Force Officers from the U.S. Marshals, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and FDLE were conducting surveillance at the home of one of Fountain’s relatives, when Fountain emerged from the house. When Task Force members placed 24 year-old Fountain under arrest, they found numerous guns and multiple rounds of ammunition scattered all over the bedroom and a bulletproof vest. The bedroom appeared to be that of one of several young children living in the house, U.S. Marshals said.
“Although it appeared that none of the guns were loaded, all but one was within child’s reach as well as the ammo,” said U.S. Marshals Inspector Dominic Guadagnoli.
A check determined that at least one of the handguns had previously been reported stolen in Escambia County, and that a revolver had the serial number removed. In all, authorities recovered a 32 caliber semi-automatic, .25 caliber semi-automatic, .40 caliber semi-automatic, .38 caliber revolver and a 12 gauge pistol grip pump shotgun.
Officers also found suspected marijuana which appeared to be packaged for sale and drug paraphernalia indicative of drug trafficking, authorities said.
Fountain also had outstanding child neglect and child support warrants. He was booked into the Escambia County Jail without bond.
Alabama Holds Storm Supply Tax Free Weekend
July 6, 2012
Most places in Alabama will observe a 2012 Severe Weather Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday through Sunday with no tax on certain severe weather preparedness supplies.
Atmore and Brewton will not take part in the sales tax holiday, but Flomaton and most Baldwin and Mobile counties cities will.
Through midnight Sunday, the event means no sales tax on storm prep items up to $60 each, including:
- Batteries (excluding auto or boat batteries)
- Cellular phone batteries and chargers
- Portable self-powered or battery-powered radio, two way radio, weatherband radio or NOAA weather radio
- Portable self-powered light source, including battery powered flashlights, lanterns, or emergency glow sticks
- Tarpaulin
- Plastic sheeting
- Plastic drop cloths
- Other flexible, waterproof sheeting
- Ground anchor system, such as bungee cords or rope, or tiedown kit
- Duct tape
- Plywood, window film or other materials specifically designed to protect window coverings
- Non-electric food storage cooler or water storage container
- Non-electric can opener
- Artificial ice, blue ice, ice packs and reusable ice
- Self-contained first aid kit
- Fire extinguisher
- Smoke detector
- Carbon monoxide detector
- Gas or Diesel fuel tank or container
Portable generators and power cords up to $1,000 are also tax free during the event.
In future years, the event will be held beginning the last weekend in February.
For more information, click here.
Frederick L. “Corky” Jones
July 6, 2012
Frederick L. “Corky” Jones died Thursday, July 5, 2012. Corky was born and raised in Ferry Pass. He worked as a meat cutter for 50 years. He was employed at Grocery Advantage of Cantonment. He was a member of Ferry Pass Volunteer Fire Department for 55 years. He was a member of Ferry Pass Baptist Church and Olive Baptist Church.
Corky is survived by his loving wife of 47 and a half years Shirley Jones; brothers and sisters Billy and Shirley Jones of Pace, Barbara Arrington of Gulfport, Buddy and Pat Jones of Elsanor, AL, Sarah Mundie, Tommy and Karen Jones, and Nellie Sue and Wayne Lowery, all of Pensacola; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Corky was preceded in death by his parents Bill and Nellie Jones, brother Donald Edward Jones, and father-in-law Chuck Rushing.
Visitation for family and friends will be from 5 until 8 p.m. Sunday, July 8, 2012, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North.
Funeral services will begin at 1 p.m. Monday, July 9, 2012, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 Hwy 29, Cantonment, with Rev. Ken Cook officiating.
Interment will follow at Pensacola Memorial Gardens.
Pallbearers will be Robert Nowling, Jimmy Smalley, Darrell Hawkins, Steve Peak, Henry Hawkins, and Matt Phillips. Honorary pallbearers are Ronnie Douglas, Jason Douglas, Peanut Johnson, Bubba Tatum, Leon Gulsby and members of Ferry Pass Volunteer Fire Department.
The family would like to offer a special thanks to Dr. Dissanayake, Sacred Heart Cancer Center, and Emerald Coast Hospice.
To honor Corky’s memory, the family suggests donations be made to Emerald Coast Hospice, Ferry Pass Baptist Church, or Olive Baptist Church.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is in charge of the arrangements.
Court Won’t Decide Florida Prison Health Care Privatization
July 6, 2012
Any court decision on the state’s prison health care system would be moot, a circuit court judge has decided in declining to rule on the issue.
The Legislature put language involving privatization of prison health care into the budget fine print language known as “proviso”, leading to a lawsuit by unions. But the proviso expired with the July 1 start of the new fiscal year and the new budget doesn’t include the same language.
Circuit Judge Kevin Carroll wouldn’t give an advisory opinion on the constitutionality of the issue. The health care proviso called for privatization to lead to cost savings of at least seven percent for the state, compared to 2009-10 expenses.
The process led to the department recommending that Corizon, Inc., receive a contract for prisons in North and Central Florida and that Wexford Health Sources receive a contract in South Florida.
By The News Service of Florida
Resurfacing Project Underway On North Pine Barren Road
July 6, 2012
Escambia County is currently resurfacing a portion of North Pine Barren Road. A gravel-embedded pavement from Highway 168 and south 0.6 miles is being resurfaced with asphalt. The roadway is a frequently traveled route to Northview High School. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Florida Supreme Court Strikes Public Adjuster Provision
July 6, 2012
A provision in a 2008 law restricting the ability of public insurance adjusters to contact homeowners immediately after a storm was struck down Thursday by a unanimous Florida Supreme Court.
Prompted by claims that public adjusters were taking advantage of distraught homeowners following the 2004 and 2005 hurricane seasons, the Florida Legislature passed an insurance industry backed effort to limit adjusters’ activities, including contact between public adjusters and customers within the first 48-hours following a hurricane, tornado or other major storm.
Backers said the adjusters were increasing insurance costs by pressuring homeowners into signing contracts. Public adjusters and their supporters say they were just allowing customers to receive the full benefits to which they were entitled.
Upholding a 1st District Court of Appeal ruling, the state’s high court said the law as written barred commercial speech in violation of the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. The court rejected arguments put forth by the Department of Financial Services, which contended that adjustors activities were outside the scope of freedom of speech protections.
“The Department’s claim that the public adjuster-initiated contact and solicitation… are conduct – not protected free speech – is unpersuasive,” Chief Justice Charles Canady wrote for the court. “This argument is predicated on the strained reading of the statute advanced by the Department. With the rejection of that strained statutory reading, the argument collapses.”
DFS spokeswoman Alexis Lambert said Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater’s office would have no statement on the ruling other than that Atwater respects the court and accepts the decision.
Following the 2004 and 2005 hurricane seasons lawmakers looked at ways to reduce the cost drivers that insurance companies said were leading to skyrocketing premiums. Insurers have cited cases where they’ve had to pay out on some dubious claims – and blamed public adjusters for persuading homeowners to pursue them.
So lawmakers decided to limit contact between customers and public adjusters, who critics argue have a financial incentive to raise claim amounts.
Lawmakers wrote a statute saying: “A public adjuster may not directly or indirectly through any other person or entity initiate contact or engage in face-to-face or telephonic solicitation or enter into a contract with any insured or claimant under an insurance policy until at least 48 hours after the occurrence of an event.”
An insurance industry representative on Thursday said the high court’s ruling was “unfortunate” and may end up costing consumers money as public adjuster fees are taken from the insurance settlement itself.
“CFO Atwater and the Office of Insurance Regulation provide safeguards for hurricane victims that they will be treated fairly by the adjuster dispatched by their insurance company,” said Sam Miller of the Florida Insurance Council. “There is no need for a public adjuster who must be paid by the policyholder.”
Public Attorneys for public adjuster Frederick Kortum, who challenged the law, said the law bans all types of communication during that time period. Regardless of whether lawmakers intended an all-out ban or not, the result doesn’t fall under the circumstances under which the government can limit speech, the plaintiffs argued.
“As long as the message is not misleading and is concerning a lawful transaction, you’re protected,” said Wilbur Brewton, a Tallahassee attorney who argued Kortum’s case before the high court. “It’s kind of like free speech anywhere, you may not like some of it but we have free speech in the United States.”
Other provisions of the 2008 law, including ethical standards and other regulatory powers granted to the department, remain in place. The Florida Association of Public Insurance Adjusters said there is adequate regulation to ensure consumers are protected.
“FAPIA and its nearly 400 member public adjusters are committed to helping policyholders receive full and fair compensation following damage to their property,” said FAPIA President Harvey Wolfman. “Thanks to this ruling, we can help more policyholders in those critical first hours when they need it most.”
By The News Service of Florida
Barons Even Series With 6-2 Win Over Blue Wahoos
July 6, 2012
Birmingham plated three insurance runs in the top of the ninth, while right fielder Jose Martinez, shortstop Tyler Saladino and first baseman Andy Wilkins all homered, to lead the Barons to a 6-2 win over the Pensacola Blue Wahoos in front of another sellout crowd of 5,038 on Thursday night at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium.
With the win the Barons now own a 9-6 mark in the second half, while the Fish also sport a 9-6 record since the All-Star Break after the loss but remain in a tie for first in the Southern League’s South Division with Montgomery. It was the 28th capacity crowd in Pensacola’s inaugural season, while the club also welcomed before the game the 200,000th fan to enter the ballpark. In 41 home openings, the Fish have hosted a total of 200,270 fans in 2012.
Both teams got on the board with a single tally in the first, with Martinez exiting the yard with a homer to left for the Barons, his fourth of the year. Pensacola answered with a score of their own in the bottom half of the inning when CF Ryan LaMarre drew a leadoff walk and advanced to second on a single, before taking advantage of a Birmingham error to even the contest at 1-1.
The Barons however, would go ahead in the third thanks to Saladino’s shot to left for his fourth of the season and move ahead 3-1 three innings later when Wilkins blasted his team-leading 12th longball to left. Blue Wahoos OF Yordanys Perez then narrowed the margin to one in the bottom of the frame with a solo big fly to deep center field just to the right of the batter’s eye, but Birmingham pulled away with a three-run ninth.
3B Erik Morrison was hit by a pitch to start the rally and subsequently scored on C Luis Sierra’s RBI triple, before 2B Dan Wagner drove Sierra home with a run-scoring single to left. CF Jared Mitchell brought home the final tally of the evening with an RBI double to left to bring home Wagner and end the scoring.
Blue Wahoos starter J.C. Sulbaran (6.0 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 5 SO) suffered the loss to fall to 6-6 after allowing three earned runs on six hits in six innings, while Birmingham RHP Matt Heidenreich (8.0 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 SO) earned the victory in his Double-A debut and yielded two runs, one of which was earned, on six hits in eight frames. Reliever Ryan Kussmaul (1.0 IP, 1 SO) fired a scoreless ninth frame in a non-save situation.
Saladino (2-5, 1 R, 1 HR, 1 RBI) and Morrison (2-3, 1 R) each collected a pair of base knocks for the Barons in the winning effort, while Perez (2-4, 1 R, 1 HR, 1 RBI) was the lone Pensacola hitter to record a multi-hit effort. Perez has gotten off to a nice start in the second half, batting .343 (11-32) in his eight games since the Southern League All-Star Break.
With the series even at one, the two teams will face off in a rubber match Friday night to decide the series, with the Fish scheduled to give the nod to RHP Tim Crabbe, while Birmingham is expected to counter with RHP Cameron Bayne. First pitch is set for 7:00 p.m.
By Andrew Green
Pictured top:Yordanys Perez blasted his fourth longball of the year in the Fish’s 6-2 loss. Photo by Chris Nelson for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Bubba (David) Lee Karrick, Jr.
July 6, 2012
Bubba Karrick, age 31, went home to be with the Lord on July 3, 2012, as a result of a motor vehicle accident.
He is survived by his mother, Jo Ann Krushas; stepfather, Bill Krushas; sisters, Tracy Leggett and Tera Wartsbaugh; stepbrother, James Krushas; brother-in-law, Shane Leggett; nieces and nephews, Garrett and Hannah Leggett, Emy and Ellie Wartsbaugh and Henri Krushas.
Bubba was one of God’s greatest gifts. He was very close to his mother, who loved him more than life itself. We know that the Lord had stronger plans for him and while we may never know why, we do know that we will see him again.
Bubba had so many truly good friends that it would be hard to name them all, but there are a few very special friends that the family would like to acknowledge: Lyle, Tim, Adam, Jeff, Greg and Nick. They were like brothers, where one went, the others followed and we are very grateful that Bubba had them in his life. Bubba had a heart of gold and will forever be remembered that way.
Bubba was born and raised in Pensacola and lived each and every day to the fullest. One of his greatest passions was to be at the beach all alone and feel the presence of the Lord. Bubba also had a great love for music, playing it, singing it or writing it. He put his heart and soul into every song. With his bright blue eyes and his beautiful smile he touched the lives of so many and will be dearly missed by all.
Memorial service will be 2 p.m. Saturday July 7, 2012, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 Hwy 29, Cantonment with Rev. Mark Torrez officiating. The family will receive friends at Faith Chapel North one hour prior to the service on Saturday.
Psalm 116:15 ”Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.”