Wanted Suspect Arrested After Lengthy Standoff With Santa Rosa SWAT
June 19, 2012
A wanted suspect was arrested after a lengthy standoff with the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team.
About 9:30 Sunday night, deputies responded to Stanley Circle in reference to a welfare check. They found that 35-year old Benjamin Shehane was inside the residence, yelling and breaking glass. Shehane had outstanding warrants for his arrest for simple assault, burglary with assault or battery and for cutting off his court ordered ankle monitor.
“Shehane replied to deputies that he was armed, and ‘if you want me, come in and get me’,” according to Sgt. Scott Haines, spokesperson for the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office. “Shehane was ordered out of the trailer by deputies, and he responded, ‘You will have to kill me’.”
About 25 deputies and the SWAT team surrounded the trailer as Shehane barricaded himself inside.
After negotiations failed, “large amounts” of teargas were deployed inside the residence beginning at about 12:22 a.m. Monday . Shehane eventually surrendered about 2 a.m. Monday. He was booked into the Santa Rosa County Jail without bond.
Juvenile Justice: A Move Away From Detention For Some
June 19, 2012
Florida law enforcement and criminal justice officials say the use of civil citations for troubled youth, rather than a lock-up, is slashing costs, and giving kids a better chance of a turn-around, and they want the practice to become more widespread.
But civil citations also represent a new way of doing business that threatens contracts for more traditional providers – mainly those who run detention facilities.
A civil citation is offered in lieu of an arrest only kids who commit misdemeanors. They get one chance to avoid a criminal record that can affect their future educational, professional or military lives – what amounts to a lifelong punishment for an offense such as trespassing or fighting at school.
“We don’t want [youth] to go deeper into the criminal justice system, because it’s detrimental to them and it’s very expensive,” said Steve Casey, executive director of the Florida Sheriffs Association.
Roughly 40 programs statewide offer civil citations, which seek to target the roots of their delinquency through family counseling and substance abuse and mental health treatment.
Miami-Dade public defender Carlos Martinez, who has worked with civil citations for seven years, calls them “one of the most important innovations we’ve had in juvenile justice in the last decade” in his jurisdiction.
“It’s a critical issue in Florida,” he said, where – unlike most other states – if young people are arrested, they get fingerprinted – and their prints are forever on file at the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
“Children as young as five or six have been arrested, said Martinez, “and that information follows them for life, even if the case is dismissed in Florida, even if this person doesn’t have any future problems.”
What’s more, said David Utter, policy director at the Southern Poverty Law Center, often juveniles are arrested and then the charges evaporate, leaving them with criminal records. In 2010, he said, 11,300 young Floridians were arrested at school only to have their cases dismissed or diverted.
In Florida, criminal records are public records, so a youthful arrest – even if ultimately dismissed – can affect getting an apartment, not to mention a job.
“Future employers will look at it,” agreed Nancy Daniels, public defender for the Second Judicial Circuit and president of the Florida Public Defender Association.
According to a 2011 study by the Florida TaxWatch Center for Smart Justice, civil citation programs save taxpayers between $44 million and $139 million annually and reduce the number of youth in the juvenile justice system by 40 percent – 30,153 youngsters between 8 and 17. The study also showed reduced recidivism and the redirection of time and money to more pressing public safety concerns.
The state Department of Juvenile Justice is strongly behind civil citations, and its research shows that seven percent of youth who receive them go on to re-offend within a year, compared to nine percent of youth who re-offend after participating in prevention programs. Fully 99 percent of those who receive civil citations complete the programs, officials say.
“Eighty-six percent of the children are not violent,” said DJJ Secretary Wansley Walters, “and most are not even serious offenders.”
But while DJJ is working to get stakeholders on board, different jurisdictions have different approaches – teen courts, law enforcement agencies or private providers – to deal with juvenile delinquency.
“We have teen court because it’s so good,” said Scott Wilder, spokesman for the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. Wilder said the teen court program, which uses peer review to decide an offender’s punishment, also eliminates his or her arrest record. “That goes away for them.”
The FSA’s Casey said smaller counties with fewer resources aren’t able to do much in the way of youth diversion. “But DJJ can help, and they are helping,” he said.
Some say the stakeholders have a tendency to guard their turf, at least at first.
In Miami-Dade, said Martinez, there were “lots of challenges” when civil citations came in, “mainly because it was a brand new thing, mainly because it required law enforcement to give up some of the control over the prosecution of cases.
“You had to get everyone at the table discussing it – and actually, they had to see some successes – before pretty much all the police departments bought into civil citation,” he said.
“You’ve got to have buy-in from law enforcement,” agreed Daniels. Civil citations work “very well” in her circuit, she added, because “law enforcement was acclimated to it.”
Joe Clark, executive director of the Eckerd Family Foundation, said it takes at least a year for a new jurisdiction to figure out the civil citation system. However, he said, civil citations are working well in jurisdictions with mature programs.
“People are seeing it as a resource,” said Casey, “and more and more are availing themselves of it.”
By The News Service of Florida
Ina “Belle” Daley Corvo
June 19, 2012
Ina “Belle” Daley Corvo, age 95 of Pensacola, passed away Wednesday, June 13, 2012. She was the baby of eight children born to John William Daley and Teresa Elizabeth Kerley on October 29, 1916 in Carson, MS.
She married Dominick Corvo in 1943. They were married for 48 years.
She was a devout Catholic and loved and lived her faith.
She is survived by her son, Vincent Corvo of Cantonment; daughter, Kathy (David) Peacock of Molino; three grandsons, Tony Corvo of Robertsdale, Spencer Corvo, Justin (Kim) Peacock of Daphne, six great-grandchildren, Kristyn (Josh) Grider of Gulf Shores, Marissa and Morgan Corvo of Robertsdale, Ashley, Tyler and Natalie Peacock of Daphne, one great great-grandson, Kayden Grider and expecting one great great-granddaughter Jodi Grider in September. She is also survived by many special nieces and nephews.
She was a beautiful and remarkable lady filled with God’s love, forgiveness and compassion for everyone she met. Because of the love overflowing from her she didn’t limit family to immediate relatives but embraced and claimed as her own long-time friends Barbara Herrmann and Evelyn Cosgrove, granddaughters Melissa Ard of Robertsdale, Tina Brewer of Elberon, IA and Lisa Corvo and the entire Welch, Burke, and Langan families.
We express our heartfelt thank you for the extraordinary and loving care received from Mr. Steven Raybourn and the Comfort Care Group, Regency Hospice, Granny Nannies and the entire staff of The Sabal House ALF.
Pallbearers will be David Peacock, Tony Corvo, Justin Peacock, Josh Grider and Tom Stull.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, June 19, 2012 from 5-7 pm.. with the recitation of the rosary at 6:00 p.m. at Faith Chapel South Funeral Home.
The Funeral Mass will be Wednesday, June 20, 2012, at noon at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 401 Van Pelt Lane, Pensacola, with Father Dominick Phan Sa and Father George Thekku officiating.
Interment will follow at Bayview Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Alpha Center, 6004 Pernella Rd., Pensacola, FL 32504.
Faith Chapel South Funeral Home. is in charge of arrangements.
Florida Democrats Outregistering GOP, Both Lagging Behind NPA’s
June 19, 2012
More Democrats than Republicans registered to vote in Florida in May, driven by women and Hispanics, according to state registration data released early by the Democratic Party.
Democrats said they registered 5,108 more voters in May than the Republican Party did, the fourth month in a row the party has led the GOP in new registrations.
The party released the favorable figures ahead of the state, which typically lags in its reporting of the data on its website.
The most recent official tally on the state’s elections website, from April, showed 4.5 million registered Democrats in the state and just under 4.1 million registered Republicans.
But when the May state data is released, the larger story is likely to continue to be that independents are outpacing both parties in recent registration.
The official April state registration report, the last available from the Division of Elections, shows Democrats registered just over 7,000 new voters that month compared to about 4,000 new Republicans.
But the number of no-party voters increased by nearly 15,000 in April, according to state figures, more than double the number of new Democrats. Another 500 or so new minor party voters registered. State figures in April showed 2.3 million Florida voters registered with no party and 342,000 with minor party affiliations.
The GOP regularly dismisses registration figures as meaningless because of the large amount of cross-over voting, particularly in north Florida where many Democrats often vote for Republican candidates.
Democrats, on the other hand, say national politics have pushed women and Hispanics toward the party and also say Republican Gov. Rick Scott’s generally low popularity numbers have helped registration efforts. Democrats say the state figures for May will show their party with a 12 percent registration advantage among Hispanics and a 14 percent advantage among women.
Registration closes July 16 for voters who want to vote in the Aug. 14 primary election. Voters can continue to register until Oct. 9 to be eligible to vote in the Nov. 6 general election.
By The News Service of Florida
Ensley SWAT Standoff Ends Peacefully, Suspect Arrested
June 18, 2012
A SWAT standoff in Ensley ended with an Escambia County man behind bars.
Morrington Decarlos Adams, 37, was charged with battery, aggravated battery and kidnapping false imprisonment following the incident on Calahan Place.
Deputies responded to the 7800 block of Calahan Plance where they found a female sitting outside on the sidewalk with a gash on the back of her head. She told deputies that she and Adams had a dispute inside the residence, and he struck her in the head with a glass bottle.
Deputies later attempted to make contact with Adams who would not come to the door. Information was received that Adams was possible armed with a firearm in the home, according to Sheriff’s Office spokesman Matt Baxter.. The SWAT team was activated and responded to the scene, along with negotiators. After Adams failed to respond to the numerous attempts by negotiators to have him step outside , the SWAT team deployed gas into the home. Moments later Adams exited and surrendered.
Adams is being held in the Escambia County Jail.
Pictured: A SWAT team standoff in Ensley Monday afternoon. Reader submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escapee Caught Quickly
June 18, 2012
A woman that attempted an escape did not enjoy freedom very long before she was back behind bars.
Lori Ann Carrell, 48, was apprehended shortly after authorities said she ran out of work release Friday. Deputies responded to the facility after workers were searching
Carrell and a package of pills fell to the floor from her waistband.
Carrell began to struggle with the workers as they were attempting to secure the pills and handcuff Carrell. After Carrell was handcuffed, she sat down whole other prisoners were being searched. That is when deputies said Carrell fled the facility.
Moments later, Carrell was located in the back parking lot of the nearby Town and Country Plaza and taken into custody without further incident.
Carrell was charged with escape, introduction of contraband into a detention facility, tampering with evidence and possession of a controlled substance without a prescription. She remains in the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $26,000.
Cantonment Man Charged With Strangling Girlfriend
June 18, 2012
A Cantonment man has been charged with allegedly strangling his live-in girlfriend.
Michael David Jones, 21, was charged with domestic battery by strangulation. He was later released from the Escambia County Jail on a $5,000 bond.
The victim told Escambia County Sheriff’s deputies that she and her boyfriend were at a local bar when she decided that she was ready to leave but Jones was not. After leaving the bar, Jones put his hands around his girlfriend’s neck and began to choke her while she was driving, according to an arrest report. On the way to their residence, Jones allegedly attempted to choke the victim several more times.
A responding deputy reported that Jones appeared to be highly intoxicated.
Sunny, Hot Start To Work Week
June 18, 2012
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
- Tonight: Isolated showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 66. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
- Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 92. Southeast wind between 5 and 10 mph.
- Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 66. South wind between 5 and 10 mph becoming calm.
- Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 92. East wind between 5 and 10 mph.
- Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 67. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
- Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. East wind around 5 mph.
- Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 69. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
- Friday: Isolated showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 95. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
- Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 70. Calm wind.
- Saturday: Isolated showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 96. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
- Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 72.
- Sunday: Isolated showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 95. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
- Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 72.
- Monday: Isolated showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Look Inside: New Molino Library, Museum And Community Center
June 18, 2012
Progress is continuing on a project to convert the old Molino School into a 15,600 square foot library, community center and museum. The facility is expected to be completed by November.
For a look inside at the construction progress, click here for a photo gallery.
Pictured: Inside the old Molino School restoration project. Pictured top: The auditorium in what will be the community center. Pictured left inset: A portion of the library. Pictured below: One of the rooms that will become a museum. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Northview’s Food For America Program Finalist For Best In Florida
June 18, 2012
The Northview High FFA has been named as one of five finalists for Florida’s best Food For America program.
The local Food for America Program, sponsored the National FFA Organization and conducted by the Northview FFA in March, gave the students a chance to learn about agriculture firsthand as they got up close and personal with farm animals, farm equipment and more. About 600 elementary school students and scores of volunteers took part in the program.
The program gave the students from Escambia and Santa Rosa county schools a chance to learn about agriculture firsthand as they got up close and personal with farm animals, farm equipment and more. The students even had the opportunity to make their own butter and enjoy it on crackers.
The program is designed to encourage FFA members to participate in Agricultural Literacy and Awareness projects on the local level. The overall program winner will be awarded on stage during the 6th General Session of the 84st Florida FFA State Convention in Orlando on Thursday, June 28.
The Northview FFA has participated in the program for 17 years, placing first in the state in 2010 and second in the state in 2007 and 2009. Northview has placed in the top five in the state at least 10 times.
For a photo gallery from the 2012 event, click here.
Pictured: Northview High School FFA’s Food for America program in March 2012. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
