Fire Destroys Cantonment Shed
January 25, 2012
Fire destroyed a shed in Cantonment Wednesday afternoon.
The fire in 20×20 shed was reported about 1 p.m on Booker Avenue, just south of Booker Street. The fire was reported to be threatening other structures, but it was quickly contained.
There were no injuries reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Pensacola Man Shot To Death
January 25, 2012
A Pensacola man was shot to death early this morning.
The Pensacola Police Department has identified the victim as 63-year old Charles Watson. Police responded to the 1400 block of North E Street about 2:30 a.m. where Watson was found just inside the door of his home. Watson was transported to a local hospital where he died just after 3 a.m.
Investigators said they did not know why Watson went to his door, and they did not have any leads on the shooter. A motive for the shooting remains under investigation.
Man Steals Power Pole Copper Wire To Pay For Court Ordered Monitoring
January 25, 2012
A Cantonment man is charged with cutting copper wire off utility poles so, he said, he could pay for the court ordered ankle monitor he was ordered to wear in another felony case.
Todd Eugene Caine, 48, was charged with larceny taking copper or other metal damaging utilities. He was booked into the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $50,000.
Deputies responded Sunday afternoon to the area of West Roberts and Stefani roads after someone reported a suspicious person who was cutting copper wires off power poles. At the intersection, the responding deputy watched as Caine threw down a bundle of wire and continued walking, according to an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office arrest report.
According to the report, Caine told the deputy that “he did not have a job and was in need of money to pay for his ankle monitoring system, and therefore was cutting the copper ground wires of power poles”.
Caine had a large pocket knife and a pair of wire cutters in his possession.
According to court records, Caine was ordered by Judge John Simon to wear an active ankle GPS monitor as part of his release as he awaits trial in a felony battery case.
the road to the crown: Meet The Girls (With Photos)
January 25, 2012
Today, it’s part two of our multi-part series “the road to the crown” as we follow 24 young ladies at Northview High School in their quest for the crown and the title of “Miss Northview High School” for 2012.
Today we introduce you to the first few contestants. Their biographies, as submitted by the girls, are below along with their photos. You can click any photo below to enlarge.
Our series “the road to the crown” will continue tomorrow with biographies and photos of the second set of contestants. The pageant is Saturday night at 7:00, and NorthEscambia.com will have the new Miss Northview High School and all the photos here Sunday morning.
Miss Lauren Ashley McCall
Lauren is the 17-year old daughter of Joey and Robin McCall. As a freshman, she was on the junior varsity cheerleading team. She has been a varsity cheerleader for three years and is currently co-captain of the team. She has been a member of the softball team for four years, the golf team for one year, the Future Farmers of America for one year, and a member of the Interact Club for one year. She was voted sophomore class president and was chosen to represent her peers on the Homecoming Court her freshman and sophomore years.
This year, Lauren was crowned Homecoming Queen for 2011. She was selected by the Suburban West Rotary Club as the grand prize winner in the Rotary International Four Way Test essay contest. Lauren has received the “Miss Physical Fitness” award two years in a row and was one of the Top 10 contestants in Miss NHS for two years. In her community Lauren is an active member of Bratt First Baptist Church, where she participates in the youth group. She is also a member of Team David, which is a youth leadership group within her church, and the Random Acts of Kindness team. She volunteered with the Century Relay for Life team and has helped with “Operation Christmas Child”.
Her hobbies include dancing, swimming, going to the beach, watching Auburn football, and spending time with family and friends.
Her future plans are to attend the University of West Florida for two years and then transfer to Auburn University to obtain her degree in sports medicine.
Miss Charleigh Victoria McPherson
Charleigh is the 18-year old daughter of Larry and Mary McPherson. As a freshman, she was on the junior varsity cheerleading team and was the recipient of the 2008-2009 Spirit Award. She has been a member of the varsity cheerleading team for three years and was co-captain her junior year. This year, Charleigh holds the title of captain. She has been a member of the junior varsity softball team for one year, a member of the golf team for one year, a member of the Art Club for one year, and a member of the Interact Club for one year. Charleigh has been a member of Rho Kappa for one year and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for one year. As a sophomore, she was selected by her peers to represent them on the Homecoming Court. I
n the 2009 Miss NHS pageant, Charleigh was hand selected by the judges as the recipient of the Miss Hospitality award. She was also one of the top ten contestants in the 2010 and 2011 Miss NHS pageants. In her community, Charleigh has played on the Northwest Escambia softball team for six years and has played on the Molino softball team for one year. She is an active member of St. Robert’s Catholic Church where she sings in the choir. Last year, Charleigh was chosen to participate in the Youth Leadership Program in Atmore and this year she serves as a Chamber Ambassador of Atmore.
Her hobbies include cheerleading, baking, listening to music and spending time with loved ones.
Her future plans are to attend a junior college and then transfer to a University to obtain her bachelor’s degree. She then wants to be accepted into law school.
Miss Ariel Kaye Holland
Ariel is the 17-year old daughter of Wayne and Amy Holland. As a freshman, she was a member of the junior varsity cheerleading team. She has been a member of the varsity cheerleading team for two years, where she was the recipient of the prestigious 2011-2012 Spirit Award. She has been a member of the weightlifting team for one year, the golf team for one year, and the track team for three years. She has been a member of the softball team for three years, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for one year, and was voted junior class treasurer. As a freshman, Ariel was selected by her peers to represent them on the Homecoming Court and was voted Freshman Class Maid.
In both the 2010 and 2011 Miss NHS pageant, Ariel was among the top ten contestants. In her community, she is an active member of the First Baptist Church of Bratt and participates in the Team David program. She also volunteers her time with the Northwest Escambia Cheerleaders.
Her hobbies include cheerleading, softball, spending time with friends, and having “girl” days with her mom.
Her future plans are to receive a cheerleading scholarship and pursue a degree in pediatric nursing.
Miss Kendal Brooke Cobb
Kendal is the 14-year old daughter of Jamie and Becky Cobb. As an eighth grader, she was on the cheerleading team, as well as, the competition squad. She was first runner up in the 2010 Miss EWMS Pageant and was Miss Bambino 2009. At Northview, she is a member of the junior varsity cheerleading team, the Student Government Association, and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Kendal was selected by her peers as freshman class vice-president and was also selected to represent them on the Homecoming Court. In her community, she has played softball for the Northwest Escambia softball team for four years and was on the Northwest Escambia All-Star team for three years. She is an active member of Faith Bible Baptist Church.
Her hobbies include cheering, playing softball, hunting, and spending time with family and friends.
Her future plans are to attend a major university and pursue a degree in nursing.
Miss Katelynne Nicole Calloway
Katelynne is the 15-year old daughter of Tommy and Tammy Calloway. At Northview, Katelynne was a junior varsity cheerleader for one year and held the title of co-captain. This year, Katelynne is on the varsity cheerleading team.
She has been a member of the Spanish Club for one year and was selected by her peers to represent them on the Homecoming Court. In her community, Katelynne is a member of the First Baptist Church of Bratt.
Her hobbies include cheerleading, fishing with her Dad, dancing, shopping, and spending time with loved ones.
Her future plans are to attend the University of Alabama and obtain her degree. She hopes to become a pediatric nurse.
Miss Courtney Alexandra Weaver
Courtney is the 16-year old daughter of Michael and Deana Weaver. She has been a member of the junior varsity cheerleading team for one year and was the recipient of the 2011-2012 Most Improved award. Courtney has been on the Northview softball team for two years, a member of the Interact Club for one year, and was voted by her peers as historian of the sophomore class.
She has played softball for the Northwest Escambia league for seven years and has received the “Top Gun” award for the past three years. In her community, she is an active member of St. Robert’s Catholic Church and sings in the choir.
Her hobbies include reading, going to the beach, cooking, and spending time with loved ones — especially her baby brother.
Her future plans are to attend college and pursue a degree to become a pharmacist.
Miss Anna Elizabeth Fischer
Anna is the 15-year old daughter of Jerry and Ramona Fischer. She has been a junior varsity cheerleader for one year, where she served as co-captain, a member of the dance team for one year, and a member of the yearbook staff for one year. She has been a varsity cheerleader for one year and was the recipient of the 2011-2012 Squad Strength award. Anna was also a 2010-2011 Atmore Rotary Club Academic All-star. She is a member of the All-Girls Club and was selected by her peers to represent them on the Homecoming Court as freshman class maid. In her community, Anna has taken dance with Heather Leonard’s Danceworks for 12 years. She is an active member of Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church and participates in the youth choir. She also volunteers with the church nursery and at vacation bible school. Anna has volunteered her time as a “Coastal Clean-up” participant.
Her hobbies include drawing, dancing, scrapbooking, shopping, and spending time with family and friends.
Her future plans are to attend the University of Florida and study fashion design.
Miss Hilery Danielle Scott
Danielle is the 15-year old daughter of Christopher and Cathy Scott. At Northview, she is a member of the dance team. She has been a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for one year, the Science Club for one year, and the Spanish Club for two years. As a freshman, Danielle was selected to represent her class on the Homecoming Court. This year, she was voted sophomore class secretary.
In her community, Danielle is an active member of Walnut Hill Assembly of God Church where she is a part of the youth ministry. She holds the title of secretary and sings every Sunday morning and Sunday night for praise and worship. She also spends time singing for different events such as Red Cross, Relay for Life, Mayfest in Atmore, and church revivals. This past summer, Danielle received a one year contract with American Mall Model Search and participated in several shows at Pensacola’s Cordova Mall. She has been taking voice lessons for one year, dance with Heather Leonard’s Danceworks for one year, and piano for six years.
Her hobbies include singing, playing piano, dancing, volunteering, making her own music videos, having special shopping days with her mom, and spending time with loved ones.
Her future plans are to attend college and pursue a degree in music.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Deputies Seek Persons Of Interest In Walmart Carjacking
January 25, 2012
Sheriff’s investigators are asking for help to identify two persons of interest in an attempted carjacking at Walmart in Ensley last Friday night.
Two black males pointed a gun at a young woman and tried to get make her get into the backseat of her car in the parking lot of the Walmart on Pensacola Boulevard. When she refused, one of the suspects struck the victim in the head with the gun. The suspects then fled.
Moment later, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office received another call nearby of a male that had been robbed by two black males matching the same description from the attempted carjacking.
After a lengthy K-9 track for the suspects, several items were recovered that are believed to have been in possession of the suspects, according to investigators.
Tuesday, the Sheriff’s Office released images from Walmart surveillance cameras that they believe show the suspects.
Investigators encourage anyone who has information on the identity of the two males pictured to contact the Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620 or CrimeStoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
Second DCF Impersonator Reported
January 25, 2012
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a second report of a man impersonating an investigator with the Department of Children and Families.
Just before noon Tuesday, a resident reported that a white male that identified himself as “James Redkin” came to his residence and told him that he was with DCF and that the homeowner was under investigation in reference to his daughters. The homeowner told the man that he did not have any daughters and asked the suspect for identification.
The homeowner told deputies that the suspect acted as if he wanted to enter his home but left after seeing his dog, he drove off in a newer model white sedan.
This was the second report in Escambia County of a man posing as a DCF investigator. On January 18th a man identifying himself as a DCF investigator, entered a home
claiming to be investigating the resident for child neglect. The suspect in that incident matches the description of the suspect in Tuesday’s incident, according to investigators.
The white male was described as being approximately 5’8” tall, 150 pounds, dirty blond hair combed forward. The suspect was reported to be driving a newer model white four-door sedan, possible a Chevrolet Malibu.
Investigators encourage anyone who has information to contact the Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620 or CrimeStoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
Pictured: An sketch artist rendering of a DCF impersonator. Courtesy Escambia County Sheriff’s Office for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Ernest Ward Middle To Hold Career Night
January 25, 2012
Ernest Ward Middle School will host a Career Night next week for students, parents and community members.
Representatives from many career fields will be present, along with school representatives from Ernest Ward Middle, Northview High and West Florida High who will speak individually to those who would like information concerning career academies, middle and high school academic programs and extracurricular activities.
Refreshments will be served and adults may register for door prizes. Adults are also welcomed to bring copies of their resumes to leave with potential employers.
Businesses interested in taking part in the Career Night should contact Gayle Hanks, guidance counselor, at (850) 327-4283 ext. 227.
The event will take place in the school gym from 6-7:30 p.m. on on Thursday, February 2.
NHS Plants Live Oak For Arbor Day
January 25, 2012
A live oak tree was recently planted at Northview High School’s FFA as part of an Arbor Day celebration.
Escambia County, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Science (UF/IFAS) Extension, and Florida Forestry Service also took part in the event.
Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Chris Jones Seeks Fifth Term As Property Appraiser
January 25, 2012
Incumbent Chris Jones prefiled Friday for his fifth term as Escambia County Property Appraiser. Jones, a Democrat, was first elected to the position in 1996.
No other candidate has prefiled to date for the position.
Abortion Battle Re-emerges As Florida House Bill Advances
January 25, 2012
Florida’s perennial abortion battle re-emerged Tuesday, as a House panel approved bills that would block abortions after 20 weeks, require 24-hour waiting periods and target abortions that might be motivated by the race or gender of the fetus.
The Republican-dominated House Health & Human Services Access Subcommittee approved three bills in party-line votes, after testimony and debate that reflected the country’s deep divide about the abortion issue.
“I don’t think that killing these children should be convenient,” Rep. Mike Horner, a Kissimmee Republican said at one point during debate about a wide-ranging bill (HB 277) that includes a 24-hour waiting period and places new regulations on abortion clinics and doctors.
Critics repeatedly hammered the bills as infringing on the ability of women and doctors to make medical decisions, with Rep. Gwyn Clarke-Reed, D-Deerfield Beach, describing a bill targeting the race or gender of fetuses (HB 1327) as “insulting.”
“I think it’s a very dangerous process to legislate morality,” Rep. Steve Perman, D-Boca Raton, said at another point in the meeting.
The meeting renewed a years-long legislative fight about whether Florida should place more restrictions on abortions. People on both sides of the issue filled a meeting room in the Capitol’s Knott Building, with speakers ranging from representatives of Planned Parenthood and the American Civil Liberties Union to a series of abortion opponents who testified about their decisions to give birth instead of terminating pregnancies.
The subcommittee voted 9-5 to approve a bill (HB 839) that would prevent abortions after 20 weeks unless a “medical emergency” exists that could lead to a woman’s death or permanent physical damage. Sponsor Daniel Davis, R-Jacksonville, said some researchers say fetuses are able to feel pain at 20 weeks of development.
“I think this bill seeks to protect arguably the frailest members of our society from pain,” Davis said.
But Rep. Lori Berman, D-Delray Beach, questioned Davis’ use of 20 weeks, describing it as an “arbitrary, unscientific number.” The scientific community is undecided on the issue, with researchers citing anywhere from 19 to 29 weeks. Berman also said she thinks the bill violates the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion.
In 2010, 79,908 abortions were performed in Florida, with 73,883 performed at 12 weeks or earlier and 6,025 performed between 13 and 24 weeks, according to a House staff analysis
The most debate Tuesday centered on HB 277, which was approved 10-5. Critics said the proposal, which would require a 24-hour waiting period, could pose logistical problems for women who would have to travel to abortion clinics twice.
Also, the bill would require new clinics to be wholly owned and operated by doctors who have received residency training in abortion-related procedures. Planned Parenthood lobbyist Emily Caponetti said such requirements would make it hard to open and operate clinics and would limit access to abortions.
But bill sponsor Rachel Burgin, R-Riverview, said the 24-hour waiting period, for example, is aimed at making sure women are fully informed before deciding to go ahead with abortions.
Meanwhile, the panel voted 9-5 to approve a bill that would require doctors to sign affidavits confirming that abortions are not being done because of the fetus’ race or gender. According to a House staff analysis, the U.S. has condemned such practices in China and India. Four states Arizona, Oklahoma, Illinois and Pennsylvania now prohibit abortions based on gender. Of those, Arizona also prohibits abortions based on race.
Sponsor Scott Plakon, R-Longwood, said abortions based on those factors are a “barbaric practice” and that the bill is aimed at preventing discrimination.
“Race or gender should not be a factor in the decision to have an abortion,” he said.
But opponents said the bill, dubbed the “Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass Prenatal Nondiscrimination and Equal Opportunity for Life Act” is designed to stigmatize abortion.
“This is perhaps one of the most-disingenuous pieces of legislation I have ever seen,” said Rep. Mark Pafford, D-West Palm Beach.
By The News Service of Florida