Photos: Pensacola’s Wettest Weekend Ends On Bright Note
June 11, 2012
After one of the wettest weekends ever in the Pensacola area — with over 20 inches of rain in some areas, there was a bright ending in the skies early Sunday evening. At sunset, a full rainbow was visible across much of Escambia County.
Pictured top: Rainbow of Myrtle Grove, by Monica Nelson. Pictured left inset: Rainbow of Gulf Breeze Hospital, by Sheila Tucker. Pictured below: Rainbow over Pensacola Sunday evening, by Desere Downing. Reader submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Teamsters, Dept. Of Corrections Battle About Probation Visits
June 11, 2012
A state judge heard arguments last week about whether the Florida Department of Corrections acted improperly this year when it severely restricted probation officers from going to probationers’ homes to check on them.
The department placed travel restrictions on probation officers in March as a cost-cutting move. But the Teamsters union, which represents officers, contends that the department needed to go through a formal rule-making process before approving the change — and that the restrictions endanger public safety.
“I think we are putting the community at risk,” Miami probation officer Kimberly Schultz testified during a hearing before Administrative Law Judge Elizabeth McArthur.
But department officials said the change has not compromised safety. If officers suspect wrongdoing, they can seek permission from supervisors to visit probationers’ homes and also have other ways to conduct monitoring, such as drug tests, the officials said.
“Nothing has been brought to my attention that we have jeopardized public safety,” said Jenny Nimer, a department assistant secretary who helped author the changes.
The case centers on past requirements that officers make periodic visits to the homes or workplaces of probationers, with the number of visits based on the offenders’ backgrounds and potential risks. Schultz said, for example, that such visits were required at least once a month for “maximum” cases — which she said can include people who have served long prison terms and have records of violent crimes.
The department approved the restrictions because it faced a $79 million budget deficit this fiscal year, Nimer said. In February, it paid $277,000 in probation-related travel reimbursements, a total that dropped after the change to $99,000 in March and $80,000 in April.
Nimer said the department intends to lift the restrictions when the 2012-13 fiscal year starts July 1. Some visits, such as to the homes of sex offenders, have not been restricted.
McArthur listened to nearly five hours of arguments and testimony about the issue and will likely rule this summer.
Offenders are required to go to probation offices once a month and provide information about such things as where they live and work. But Schultz said it is critical for officers to visit homes to verify the information, look for signs of possible criminal activity and make sure probationers are complying with requirements such as curfews.
“When the offender just comes into the office and fills out a report, he can say whatever he wants,” said Schultz, who has a current caseload of 43 people, with the majority either sex offenders or “maximum” cases.
The challenge in the Division of Administrative Hearings, however, centers on more-arcane questions of rule-making instead of whether restricting visits is a good idea or jeopardizes safety. State law often requires agencies to go through a public process of adopting rules when changing the way policies are carried out.
The department argues that documents outlining the travel restrictions are “internal management memoranda” that are not subject to rule-making. Also, it contends that such information is not subject to the state’s public-records laws because it involves “surveillance techniques.”
“Rulemaking in this area is not feasible, practicable or advisable,” the department said in court document. “Requiring the Department of Corrections to promulgate restricted surveillance techniques and procedures would violate the confidentiality required for effective surveillance and supervision of parolees and probationers.”
But Teamsters attorney Holly Van Horsten said that the department’s actions are a rule that significantly affects the jobs of probation officers. She also said the issue deals with officers making contacts with probationers — not surveillance — and that the department was trying to “fly under the radar” by describing it as a travel matter.
By The News Service of Florida
Flomaton Grad Named One Of South Alabama’s Brightest
June 11, 2012
A Flomaton High School graduate was one of just 12 students named to the 2012 Mobile Press-Register’s 2012 Top Academic Team.
Victoria Creamer was the only Escambia County (Ala.) student named to the prestigious list of South Alabama’s brightest grads. Honorees “have more than impressive resumes. They possess heart, talent and gumption,” according to the newspaper.
Victoria Creamer
Wahoos Take Fourth Straight With 4-3 Win In 10 Over Birmingham
June 11, 2012
It took 10 innings, but the Blue Wahoos have extended their win-streak to a season-high four games with a 4-3 win over the Birmingham Barons on Sunday evening at Regions Park in Hoover, Al. The win marks the first time Pensacola has won four games in a series since the season-opening series with the Montgomery Biscuits in early April (5-9).
The Blue Wahoos got it started with a single tally in the top of the first inning. Joel Guzman drove home Josh Fellhauer from third with a sacrifice fly to right field. The lead was short lived. Birmingham was quick to answer with a run against Blue Wahoos starter J.C. Sulbaran in the bottom of the first. The Barons loaded the bases, but only scored one run. Sulbaran was able to coax a double play ball out of Seth Loman to end the threat.
The Blue Wahoos reclaimed the lead in the third. Josh Fellhauer doubled with one out and scored two batters later on a two-base hit by Guzman, his second RBI of the game. Didi Gregorius walked and scored on an RBI single by David Vidal to give the Blue Wahoos a 3-1 advantage.
The Barons got a leadoff single against Sulbaran in the top of the second before he proceeded to retire the next 10 batters he faced through the first batter in the fifth inning. They got to the Wahoos starter for three singles in the fifth, but didn’t score. The Barons evened the game with back-to-back home runs in the sixth by Tyler Saladino and Seth Loman to make it 3-3. Pensacola’s bullpen kept the game tied as five relievers combined to work 4.2 scoreless innings.
In the top of the 10th, Mark Fleury singled to open the inning before Gregorius singled him home from second with two outs. That proved to be the winning run as Justin Freeman (2) worked a perfect bottom of the 10th to earn his second save of the season. Drew Hayes (1-2) pitched a one-two-three ninth and got credit for the win. Kyle Bellamy (0-1) took the loss after surrendering the winning run in the 10th inning.
The Blue Wahoos look to earn their first series sweep in franchise history as they wrap up the five-game set on Monday. The Blue Wahoos will send right-hander Daniel Corcino (2-4, 3.77) to the mound against lefty Matt Wickswatt (1-4, 13.32). First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. from Regions Park in Hoover, Al.
By Tommy Thrall
Photo by Chris Nelson for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Landfill Offers Kids Camp
June 11, 2012
If you are looking for something for your kids to do this summer, you can send them to camp at the county’s landfill.
The Escambia County Department of Solid Waste invites kids to participate in “Dump your Kids at the Perdido Landfill for a Day!” camp this summer. The dates of the camp are June 13, June 28, July 11, July 18, August 1 and August 8 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. This one-day excursion to the Perdido Landfill allows kids, ages six to 12, to participate in fun-filled activities designed to teach the importance of the reduction of generated waste through source reduction, recycling, reuse or composting.
Activities include a tour of the Perdido Landfill, recycling education, household chemical waste education, hands-on recycling projects, arts and crafts with recycled materials, games that focus on recycling and reuse as well as an eco-walk on the Perdido Riverwalk Nature Trail.
The cost of the camp is the donation of one pair of new or gently used shoes to be donated to Soles4Souls. Campers will need to bring clothes that are appropriate to play in and be worn outside, a brown bag lunch, snacks, a reusable water bottle and drinks. (A zero waste lunch packed in reusable containers is encouraged by organizers.) One snack will be provided at the beginning of the day.
For more information or to preregister contact Recycling Operations at (850) 937-2160. Space is limited. The camp is sponsored by Escambia County Department of Solid Waste Management Waste Services.
Grady “Buddy” Johnson, Jr.
June 11, 2012
Mr. Grady “Buddy” Johnson, Jr., age 73 of Mossy Head passed away early Saturday, June 9, 2012, in a Crestview healthcare facility. He was born July 7, 1938m in Pine Apple, AL, the son of Grady Ely Johnson, Sr. and Maude Lillian Branch Johnson. “5 Speed”, as he was known by his family and close friends, loved hunting and fishing and spending time with his family and friends. He was an avid dog hunter and loved to hear the dogs run. He also loved fishing and nothing tickled him more than having his whole family around him while he was fishing. Christmas Eve was one of his favorite times of the year because he would have most of his children and grandchildren around him. Those that weren’t there were contacted to feel closer to them. Buddy was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Mossy Head.
He is predeceased by his wife Nora Dell Gainey Johnson who passed away in 2001.
Among survivors are his children, Donald, Ronald and Angie, Barbara, Jimmy and Roy and wife Caroline; his brothers and sisters, Nyokia Cawthon, Joyce Blair and husband Bert, Royce and wife Lola, Allen and wife Regina, Ruby Nell Heisler and J.R., and Howard and wife Connie; his half brother, Otis and his half sister, Evelyn Guttium; his grandchildren, Rebecca, Jacob, Ryan, Megan, Ashley, Taylor and Krystal; great granddaughter Peyton; special friends, John White, Ted Wise, Trish Porter Hutchison and Tom Terrell .
Floral arrangements will be accepted. A time of visitation will be Tuesday evening from 6 until 8 p.m.. in Jerry Evans Chapel. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, June 13, 2012, at 10:00 a.m.. in Jerry Evans Chapel with Dr. Bill Ferrand officiating. Burial will follow in the Johnson Family Plot in Mossy Head Cemetery.
Flood Watch, Warning: Rain Chance Continues Into Monday
June 10, 2012
A flood warning continues through Monday morning for the southern half of Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, and a flash flood watch continues for the rest of the North Escambia area.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
- Tonight: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Cloudy, with a low around 73. South wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
- Monday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 1pm. Cloudy, with a high near 90. Southwest wind between 5 and 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
- Monday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
- Tuesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 91. West wind around 5 mph.
- Tuesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. West wind around 5 mph.
- Wednesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 91. West wind around 5 mph.
- Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 70. Northwest wind around 5 mph.
- Thursday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 94. North wind around 5 mph.
- Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 69. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
- Friday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92.
- Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 70.
- Saturday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 91.
- Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 68.
- Sunday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 90.
Auburn Shooter On The Run; AU Players Among Six Shot, Three Killed
June 10, 2012
A massive regional manhunt is underway for 22-year old Desmonte Leonard of Montgomery after six people were shot and three died during a shootout at an Auburn apartment complex Saturday night.
At about 10:03 p.m. Saturday, the Auburn Police Division responded to a report of shots fired in the area of a clubhouse at the University Heights apartments located in the 200 block of West Longleaf Drive.
When officers arrived on the scene they located multiple gunshot victims — former Auburn football player Edward J. Christian, age 20, of Valdosta, GA, was pronounced dead at the scene by Lee County Coroner Bill Harris. Two others, former Auburn player Ladarious K. Phillips, age 20, of Roanoke, AL, and Demario A. Pitts, age 20, of Opelika, AL, were transported by ambulance to East Alabama Medical Center where they were pronounced dead.
Three additional victims, Xavier D. Moss, age 19, and John Q. Robertson, age 20, both of Roanoke, AL, and current Auburn football player Eric R. Mack, age 20, of Cameron, SC, were transported by ambulance to EAMC for treatment of gunshot wounds. Moss was treated and released while Mack was admitted to EAMC and Robertson was transferred to UAB Hospital in Birmingham. Mack was released from the hospital Sunday afternoon.
Auburn police say they have a motive in the shooting, but they are not yet releasing it.
The shooter, who fled the scene in a vehicle along with two other men, has been identified as Leonard, according to police. The vehicle was later found abandoned off Wire Road in Macon County, AL.
Warrants for three counts of capital murder have been obtained on Leonard and officers are working to determine his whereabouts. Police are also working to locate and question the two men who fled with Leonard. Their identities are not being released at this time.
“This is a sad, sad day for everyone associated with the entire Auburn family. I am devastated by the passing of three young men, including two that I personally knew in Ed Christian and Ladarious Phillips and my heart goes out to their families,” Auburn head football coach Gene Chizik said.
“My thoughts and prayers are with their families and all of the victims involved in this tragic incident. Nobody should ever have to endure such unimaginable grief, and we will love and support the victims’ families during this terribly difficult time. We have a lot of people on our football team that are hurting right now and we’re going to do everything we can to help them get through this. We are relieved that Eric Mack, who was also a victim in this incident, is expected to make a full recovery. This is a very trying time for everyone involved, and I would just ask that you lift up the victims and their families in your prayers,” Chizik continued.
The case is being investigated by the Auburn Police Division, Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Marshal’s Service, Lee County Coroner’s Office, and the State Medical Examiner’s Office. The Montgomery Police Department, Opelika Police Department, Lee County Sheriff’s Office, and the Macon County Sheriff’s Office are also assisting in the case.
Anyone with information pertaining to the case is asked to contact Auburn Police Division detectives at (334) 501-3140 or anonymously by text or voice to the tip line at (334) 246-1391 or by phone to their local law enforcement agency.
Pictured below: Police stand guard at the entrance to the University Heights Apartments in Auburn, Ala., Sunday morning as the investigation continues into a shooting with multiple victims. Photo courtesy al.com for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Historic Flood: Many Homeless, Damage in The Millions; More Rain Likely
June 10, 2012
Heavy rain Saturday in southern Escambia County left an unknown number of people homeless, forced over 100 people into shelters, and caused untold millions of dollars in damages.
A Red Cross shelter at Ferry Pass Middle School reached capacity Saturday night at 82 people as shelters were opened at Tate High and Molino Park Elementary schools. Just before midnight, there were 30 people reported to be at the Tate High shelter and three at Molino Park. All shelters have now closed, except for Ferry Pass.
A record 13.11 inches of rain fell at the Pensacola airport, while portions of the southwestern county received over 20 inches according to radar estimates.
Flooding let to multiple water rescues as first responders pulled people from flood cars and residences. The Escambia County Jail flooded, leaving the facility without power [read more].
For a photo gallery, click here.
Damage totals to public and private property is expected to be well into the millions of dollars. If the water recedes on Sunday, damage assessment teams will begin inspecting flooding areas.
“I’ve lived here a long time and never seen anything like this before,” Cam Johnson, an Escambia County public information officer, said. “There were roads and areas flooded that I’ve never seen flood before.”
The National Weather Service is forecasting more rain though Sunday, with as much as 5-8 additional inches possible in Escambia County.
Emergency officials have asked Escambia County residents to stay home and not travel; many roads remain flooded and impassable.
Pictured: Reader submitted photos of flood in Escambia County on Saturday. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Record Report: Saturday Rain Was Second Highest Ever In Pensacola
June 10, 2012
The second highest official rainfall total ever was recorded Saturday in Pensacola at 13.11 inches.
That also set a daily record for June 9, breaking the old record of 1.95 set in 1913.
Pensacola’s all-time record daily rainfall was 15.29 inches set in 1934.
Several areas of southwestern Escambia County received even more rain; rainfall estimates were over 20 inches in some areas.
Pictured: This graphic from the National Weather Service shows rainfall amounts in southern Escambia County. Click to enlarge.