No Serious Injuries When Car Lands On Man’s Neck
June 17, 2012
There were no serious injuries when a car reportedly fell on or rolled over a man in Walnut Hill Saturday night.
The incident happened just after 7 p.m. in the 5000 block of Arthur Brown Road, just off Highway 97. The car reportedly came to rest on the man’s neck, but individuals with him removed the car off of the victim before first responders arrived. The men were reportedly working on the car and trying to get it started.
The man was transported by ambulance to Atmore Community Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Further details were not available.
The Walnut Hill Station of Escambia Fire Rescue and Atmore Ambulance responded to the call.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Send Off For Guard Unit Headed For Afghanistan
June 17, 2012
An Army National Guard Unit with members from across the Florida Panhandle is being deployed to Afghanistan.
The 870th Engineer Company of Crestview held a deployment ceremony Saturday, with crowds gathering to say goodbye to over 90 of their loved ones. The unit’s primary mission will be to seek out roadside bombs.
“Our whole mission is going to be route clearance. We go out there and find the IED’s and we clear the roads so all the other missions can operate on the roads,” said Jeff Loken, one of those being deployed.
For a photo gallery, click here.
The company headed toward Fort Bliss, TX, in a send-off parade Saturday night for training before they leave for Afghanistan.
Pictured: The 870th Engineer Company held a deployment ceremony Saturday in Crestview as they prepare to leave to Afghanistan. NorthEscambia.com photos by Annie Wiedel, click to enlarge.
Dear Dad: Father’s Day Wishes
June 17, 2012
For Father’s Day, NorthEscambia.com invited our readers to submit stories about their fathers. We’ve randomly selected a few and included them below.
If you would like to tell your father’s story, or just wish dad a (late) Happy Father’s Day, please do so in the comments section at the bottom of the page.
Earl Hilburn
submitted by Katie Hilburn
My daddy’s name is Earl Hilburn, and he is from the Molino community. If you ever heard the song “Because You Loved Me” it describes my dad in every way. My dad has always been there for us no matter what. He’s always lifted us up when we were down, and told us we could do anything we set our minds to do. He has always taught us right from wrong. He taught all of us to respect elders, and always stand up for what we believe in. M
y dad is a very hard worker; he’s a truck driver and has been since he was 18 yrs old. If you knew my daddy, you know he’s a good man, and a man who would give the shirt right off his back for you. I’ve watched people hurt, and mistreat my dad, but he has always turned the other cheek. There’s not a lot of men like my daddy,
I’ve watched that man do whatever he had to do to provide for his family, rather it be driving days without sleep or going 2-3 weeks without seeing his family. My dad has eight children,and six grandkids.
I could go on forever about my daddy, but if you listen to the song, it truly does describe my dad and how wonderful he is. God has blessed us with an amazing dad with a huge heart!
Dale Findley
submitted by Katie Findley
My father is the epitome of what a Dad should be. His name is Dale Findley, and I have been blessed because he showed me how to be a successful adult by being a hard worker and finishing something.
He has been married to my mom for almost 49 years and gave me and my three siblings a great example of how to make marriage and family work.
He is a grandfather to four and he shows them everyday what a blessing life is and how merciful God is to us all. I love him so much today and always, and thank God that he gave me to him.
I know he has made God Proud!
Melvin Turner
submitted by Kim Turner Gafford.
My daddy’s name is Melvin Turner but didn’t know this until I was probably eight or nine years old. Everybody calls him Cowboy. When I was growing up, my house was the place to be. And it was all because of my daddy. All of my cousins and neighborhood kids loved to play at our house. One and all were welcome.
Daddy always had time to play a game of h-o-r-s-e in basketball, a game of baseball or football in the front yard. He never minded loading up a truckload of kids and taking them to the creek. I don’t even know how many kids he taught to swim.
Daddy has five children ranging from 30 to 54, 14 grandchildren ages 2 to 29, and a three-year old great- grandson. He has been married to my mama for 55 years. Even though daddy is getting on in age he still plants a big garden for everyone to enjoy.
Everyone still depends on dear old dad or granddad if they need something. He’s the kind of man who knows how to love his family and they love him back. Just a simple man who enjoys the simple things in life… a tomato sandwich made from a vine ripen tomato from his own garden, the laughter of children playing, holding hands with the woman he loves, helping his family and neighbors and of course, a good ole Alabama football game.
Glenn Wilson
submitted by Amanda LeeAnn Siler.
I remember when the man I call my dad first came in to my life I was an older kid of a single mom with two children. He came in my life, gave me his last name and is more father to me than the person who biologically created me ever was. He didn’t have to be the dad to me that he was but he did anyways.
He recently had a heart attack and still goes out of his way to do anything and everything for me and my son even though only part of his heart is still functioning. He’s the best!
Tim Godwin
submitted by Rebeccah Godwin.
My daddy, Tim Godwin is the best dad ever. He works hard and still makes time for me and Miracle League of Pensacola. He and his friends make sure we have a place to play baseball and he is the BEST coach and dad ever. Even when he had a cancer and heart problems he made sure I was not afraid. I love him!!!
Frank Zisa
submitted by Katelyn Zisa.
I remember when I was playing little league softball, he was always there as my coach. He would always say “Never give up, no matter what that scoreboard reads; you’re out there to have fun”. I also remember when I was in first grade and he would always help me learn my spelling words, even if it took all day. I love my dad, I’ll always be his little girl.
Thomas McGinty
submitted by Leslie McGinty Garner.
My sisters and I are very blessed with the daddy the good Lord gave us. I don’t think there are enough descriptions to describe him. Early on, he set his mind on what kind of life he wanted to live and the things he wanted to accomplish, and to my knowledge, he succeeded and excelled in both of those areas.
My parents will soon celebrate 48 years of marriage. In this day and time, that’s almost unheard of. Our home was always full of love and a lot of silliness.
Growing up, daddy always had the answers to whatever question you had. To this day, I still find myself calling him with certain questions and he always has “the” answer. My sisters and I are probably a bit spoiled. Not necessarily with monetary things, but just spoiled with the love and adoration from loving parents.
We will always be “daddy’s little girls” no matter how old we get and he will always be our Superhero Dad! We love you very much, Thomas McGinty.
Paul Allen Thomas, Sr.
submitted by Jessica Thomas.
October 27, 2009, God called my daddy, Paul Allen Thomas Sr., home. He was such a great man. Never selfish. Would help anyone. RIP daddy I love you with all my heart. I’ll always be daddy’s little girl… July 9,1958 – October 27, 2009.
Jimmie Aden
submitted by Caitlin Roley-Lovely.
My dad is really my stepdad! He lives in Bratt, and his name is Jimmie Aden. He stepped up and was a dad to me and my sister when my dad wasn’t around. He has taught us everything from fishing to just general stuff a father should be there for.
And when I need anything I know that I can count on him to be there. I’m now out on my own and have a little girl that he also is the best pawpaw too. I love him more than words can describe and will always be thankful to have him as my dad!
Billy Jack Criswell
submitted by Marsha Criswell Maher
My Dad is a man of few words. And those words often times have to be beeped out, but his love is shown to us by checking our tire’s air pressure or oil in the vehicles and even by loaning us his treasured possessions. Day in and day out, year in and year out, he will always be my dad and I love him. Have a great day, Billy Jack Criswell… Happy Father’s Day!
Larry Enfinger
submitted by Kevin Enfinger
Dad has never given up on me no matter how thick or thin things have become. Love you dad.
Jerry Eugene Rolin
submitted by Deanna Ann Rolin
My dad is an amazing man.As long as I can remember my dad has been there for me and my brother. He has worked all his life to put food on the table and to support his family. The main thing is that my dad is a Christian man that has brought his children up in church and I thank him for that. Hhe may have not be the type that would discipline us but we knew better than to make him mad.
So this Father’s Day 2012 I am thankful that I still have my amazing dad still around with us. I Love You Daddy!!! Jerry Eugene Rolin. Love always your one and only daughter Deanna.
Jarvis Andrew Jackson
submitted by Susan Harris
My daddy is Jarvis Andrew Jackson. He is an amazing father to nine children who are all grown now.
He is an amazing grandfather to his grandsons. He is retired from the Marine Corps. He was hard on all us kids and loving at the same time. The song “Daddy’s Hands” really does go to my daddy. I couldn’t have asked for a better father. He is amazing.
I love and miss you daddy. He was living in Escambia County and just recently moved to Key West.
Submitted photos and stories for NorthEscambia.com
Scores: Evergreen 2012 All Star District Tourney
June 17, 2012
Here are scores from the 2012 All Star District Tournament in Evergreen, AL, on Saturday:
Brewton 10, Atmore 9
Flomaton 7, Tri-County 6
Opp 12, Northwest Escambia 1
Atmore 13, Evergreen 3
Tournament play continues on Sunday.
(Going to the tournament? Email photos and scores to news@northescambia.com)
Pictured: Action as Northwest Escambia faced Opp Saturday afternoon in Evergreen, AL, in the 2012 All Star District Tournament. Photos by Michelle Thomas for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
List: Vacation Bible Schools
June 17, 2012
Vacation Bible Schools will continue this week at churches in the North Escambia area.
To add a VBS to this list, email news@northescambia.com
VBS Cottage Hill UMC
Vacation Bible School at Cottage Hill United Methodist Church, June 18-22 from 6-8 p.m. For grades K-9. Supper provided.
VBS First Baptist Atmore
Vacation Bible School at the First Baptist Church of Atmore, June 18-22 from 5:30 until 8:00 nightly. Preschool to 5th grade.
Farm Hill UMC VBS
Farm Hill United Methodist Church will hold VBS June 18-20 from 8:30 a.m. until noon.
Berrydale Baptist VBS
Berrydale Baptist Church “Amazing Wonders Aviation” Vacation Bible School, June 18-22 from 9 a.m. until noon. 6730 Hwy 4, Jay.
Walnut Hill Baptist VBS
Walnut Hill Baptist Church “Amazing Wonders Aviation VBS” will be held June 25-29 from 6 until 8:30 p.m. for children through the eighth grade. A VBS celebration will be held after the worship service on Sunday, July 1.
Highland Baptist VBS – Molino
Highland Baptist Church in Molino will hold “Sky” VBS July 9-13 from 5:30 until 8:30 p.m. for ages three years through fifth grade.
Faith Bible Baptist VBS
Faith Bible Baptist Church “Sonlight Express: Jesus & Me” VBS will take place July 16-20 from 6 until 8:30 p.m. for ages 5-12. The church is located at 5801 North. Century Blvd. For more information or transportation
Little Escambia Baptist VBS – Flomaton
Little Escambia Baptist Church in Flomaton will host VBS July 16-20 from 8:30 a.m. until noon, for ages four years through sixth grade. For more information call (251) 296-2777.
Mt Carmel VBS – Jay
Mt Carmel UMC, located on Mt Carmel Church Road in Jay will have VBS July 16-21 from 5 pm until 8 pm.
Jay UMC VBS
Jay United Methodist Church “Shake It Up Café: Where Kids Carry Out God’s Recipe” VBS will be held June 18-22 from 8:30 until 11:30 a.m. For ages four through 12.
Ray’s Chapel VBS
Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church “IncrediWorld Amazement Park” VBS will be held July 23-27 from 6 until 8:30 pm for kids Kindergarten through fifth grade. A kickoff/registration party will be held Saturday, July 21 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. The church is located at 170 W. Bogia Road in McDavid. For more information call (850) 256-3422.
Family Worship Center VBS
Family Worship Center’s “Quest for Truth” VBS will be held July 23-27 from 9 a.m. until noon for kids ages five through 12. Family Worship Center is located at 1251 West Nine Mile Road in Pensacola. (850) 723-2644.
First Baptist Cantonment VBS
First Baptist Church of Cantonment “Amazing Wonders Aviation VBS 2012″ will be held June 25th-29th from 8:30 a.m. until noon for children who have completed kindergarten through fifth grade. The church is located at 118 Morris Avenue in Cantonment. For more information call (850) 968-9135 or visit www.fbccfl.com.
Allen Memorial UMC VBS – Cantonment
Allen Memorial United Methodist Church “Operation Overboard” VBS will be held July 16-20 from 9 a.m. until noon for children kindergarten through fifth grade. 206 Pace Pkwy in Cantonment. (850) 968-6213.
Victory Assembly VBS
Victory Assembly of God, Highway 29, will hold “Operation Overboard” VBS June 25-29 from 9 a.m. until noon daily. Kindergarten to fifth grade.
Charity Baptist VBS – Cantonment
Charity Baptist Church of Cantonment will hold VBS June 25-29 from 6 until 8 p.m. with Fun Day on Saturday, June 30 from 10 a.m. until noon. Visit www.charitybaptistchurch.org for info.
Aldersgate UMC Molino VBS
“Operation Overboard” Vacation Bible School at Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Molino, July 30-August 3. Daily activities 5:30-8:30 p.m. for ages 3 to rising fifth graders. Preregister now at www.aumcmolino.org. For more info, contact Sandra at (850) 587-2489.
Volunteers Needed For Escambia County Committees, Boards
June 17, 2012
The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners is seeking volunteers for the Escambia County Health Facilities Authority, the Escambia County Investment Advisory Committee, the Pensacola-Escambia Development Commission and the Escambia County Value Adjustment Board.
The Escambia County Health Facilities Authority was established by Florida law. The purpose of the authority is to assist health facilities in acquisition, construction, financing and refinancing of projects. Knowledge of finance and/or health care administration is required to sit on this authority. Authority members serve a four-year term of office.
The Escambia County Investment Advisory Committee was established under a County ordinance. The duty of the Investment Advisory Committee is to review and recommend changes regarding the investment practices of Escambia County. The Committee shall review the County’s portfolio activity for compliance with the Escambia County Investment Policy. Documented expertise in finance and investments is required for this appointment. Appointed members shall not be employed by any office of County government and shall be residents of Escambia County. Appointed members may not engage in any private financial dealings with the County during their tenure on the Committee and for a period of two years thereafter. Committee members serve a three-year term of office.
The Pensacola-Escambia Development Commission was established through Florida law. The Commission’s duties are to actively seek new industry for the area and promote expansion of existing industries. The Commission is also responsible for promoting and developing industrial parks and promoting tourism and convention activities for the Escambia County area. Commission members serve a two-year term of office.
The Escambia County Value Adjustment Board was established in accordance with Florida Statutes. The Value Adjustment Board provides for the hearing of all petitions, complaints, appeals and disputes concerning taxable assessment of properties. The Board membership shall consist of two Commissioners, one of whom shall be elected chairman; one citizen appointed by the Board of County Commissioners (BCC), two members of the District School Board, as elected from the membership of that body; and one citizen appointed by the School Board. The citizen Board members must own homesteaded property in Escambia County, cannot be a member or employee of any taxing authority and cannot be a person that represents property owners in any administrative or judicial review of property taxes. Board members serve a one-year term of office.
If interested in serving on any of the commissions or authorities listed above, contact Judy Witterstaeter at (850) 595-4917 to submit a résumé before Wednesday, June 27.
Pensacola Beats BayBears 6-0 In Wahoos’ First No Hitter
June 17, 2012
Pensacola Blue Wahoos starting pitcher Daniel Corcino and reliever Wilkin De La Rosa combined to toss the first no hitter in team history, with Corcino going the first eight frames while De La Rosa pitched the ninth in a 6-0 victory over the Mobile BayBears in front of another sellout crowd of 5,038 on Saturday night at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium.
The victory improves the Fish’s record to an even 33-33 mark this season, while the defeat dropped Mobile to a 39-30 record in 2012. The no-no came a year to the date Montgomery Biscuits LHP Matt Moore held the BayBears hitless. The sellout crowd was the 22nd Pensacola has hosted this year at the bayfront stadium.
Corcino (8.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 9 SO) in his eight frames yielded just three walks while striking out nine, including five of the final six batters he faced. The right-hander threw 110 pitches, 68 of which were for strikes, and also induced nine groundouts and six flyouts. The win improves Corcino’s record to 3-4 this year. Mobile starter David Holmberg (5.0 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 6 SO) suffered the loss to fall to 0-1 in 2012 after allowing just a lone earned run on six hits in his five frames.
De La Rosa (1.0 IP, 1 BB, 3 SO) came on in the ninth to finish off the BayBears, and struck out the side in addition to walking one, retiring the final batter LF Marc Krauss on a called third strike to cue the celebration near the mound. The two closest moments for a BayBears hit were in the second and fifth frames. Krauss tapped a soft grounder to the right side of the infield in the third, with Corcino racing off the mound to throw out Kruass, while Blue Wahoos 3B David Vidal barehanded a slow ground ball in the fifth and set down RF Alfredo Marte.
Both teams were held quiet on the scoreboard until the fifth, when Pensacola struck with their first score. SS Didi Gregorius laced a triple down the right field line before he was brought in on a clutch two run-scoring single to right by 1B Joel Guzman to give the Fish all they would need.
Vidal launched his first home run at the Double-A level over the left field wall in the seventh, a two-run blast, to push Pensacola ahead 3-0, while pinch hitter Josh Fellhauer singled home RF Andrew Means in the eighth to move the lead to 4-0. The Fish would then take advantage of a fielder’s choice and a wild pitch to complete the scoring in the frame.
Gregorius (2-4, 2 R, 1 3B, 1 BB) and LF P.J. Phillips (2-5) each collected multi-hit efforts for Pensacola in the victory, while Corcino helped his own cause in the third, recording a base knock to left field.
By Andrew Green
After clinching the five-game series with the win, Pensacola and Mobile will face off again on Sunday afternoon, with first pitch set for 2:00 pm. The Blue Wahoos are scheduled to send RHP Kyle Lotzkar to the hill, while the BayBears are expected to counter with RHP Chase Anderson.
Picture: Daniel Corcino fired the first eight innings of the first no hitter in Blue Wahoos’ history Saturday night. Photo by Chris Nelson for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Ethics Panel Zeroes In On Legislative Changes
June 17, 2012
Tired of being what one member described as a “paper tiger” in getting laws passed, the state ethics commission said Friday it will try to more narrowly focus its lobbying efforts during the 2013 legislative session.
The Commission on Ethics will particularly focus on trying to get lawmakers to increase its power to collect fines from state and local officials who fail to file required financial-disclosure reports. That could include seeking approval to place liens on the scofflaws’ property.
Commissioner Matt Carlucci, who will help lead the lobbying efforts, said such disclosure forms are needed to make public any potential conflicts of interests. He said Rep. Charles McBurney, R-Jacksonville, has agreed to file a bill that would increase the commission’s enforcement powers.
“It (the requirement to file financial disclosures) is there for a purpose,” said Carlucci, a former Jacksonville City Council president. “It’s there for a reason.”
Also, the commission likely will push to increase maximum penalties for ethics violations from $10,000 to $25,000. In the past, the commission has called for maximum penalties of $100,000, but Carlucci said he did not think lawmakers would go along with that idea.
The discussion of a legislative agenda came during a meeting in which the commission also elected a new chairwoman, Fort Lauderdale attorney Susan Maurer. She replaces Tallahassee attorney Robert Sniffen in leading the appointed panel.
Commissioners expressed frustrations at being unable to persuade lawmakers in recent years to change ethics laws. Edwin Scales III, a Key West attorney, suggested focusing on one or two priorities and offered the “paper tiger” description in getting legislation approved.
“We have not been successful in having the Legislature adopt any of our recommendations,” Scales said.
The commission in the past has sought at least limited power to initiate investigations without having to receive complaints. Commissioner Linda Robison, a Pompano Beach attorney, said she thinks such additional power is important, but Carlucci and Scales said they would rather focus on the issues of collecting fines and increasing potential penalties.
Commissioners hammered the fine issue during the meeting, with panel member Morgan Bentley even reading off a list of officials from throughout the state who owed tens of thousands of dollars for failing to file financial disclosures. Florida has a four-year statute of limitations on such fines, but the commission Friday refused to write off fines that have gone uncollected beyond that time period.
By The News Service of Florida
NWE Adult 8-on-8 Flag Football Tourney Planned
June 17, 2012
An adult eight team 8-on-8 adult flag football tournament to benefit the Northwest Escambia Youth Football League will be held at the Ernest Ward Football field on Saturday, July 28.
The entry fee per team is $125 with registration and seeding beginning at 8 a.m. The first eight teams to reserve a spot will be taken. Call (850) 281-5146 for more information.
Florida Court: Cops Can Search Cell Phone
June 17, 2012
A state appeals court Friday ruled that police could search the cell phone of a man arrested on drug charges, but it also called on the Florida Supreme Court to take up the issue.
The 5th District Court of Appeal overturned a Brevard County circuit judge’s ruling that tossed out evidence found in text messages on the phone. Police did not obtain a search warrant before searching the phone of Ricardo Glasco, who was arrested for possession of cocaine with intent to sell or deliver, possession of cannabis and use or possession of drug paraphernalia, according to the ruling.
Police officers searched the cell phone while Glasco was being processed into jail.
“Text messages retrieved from the cell phone revealed that Glasco had cocaine he intended to sell,” the ruling said.
The three-judge panel relied heavily on similar rulings in the 1st District Court of Appeal that said evidence obtained in cell phones should not be suppressed.
By The News Service of Florida