Couple Charged With Child Neglect After Kids Found In Squalor
January 4, 2012
A Jay couple is facing child neglect charges after deputies found their young children living in a roach-infested home full of trash and decomposing food.
Rebeccah Lynn Ates, 35, and Vance Joseph Ates, 38, were released on bond from the Santa Rosa County Jail.
Deputies had responded to a domestic disturbance when they found two small children in the disturbing living conditions in a home on Highway 4 east of Jay. According to an arrest report, deputies said they were overwhelmed by the smell of urine inside the home and had to step over garbage and clothing in the floor. Deputies also reported observing bags of garbage outside the bathroom, dirty sheets on the beds, and garbage on the living room floor that “contained old food broken glass, crushed soda cans, potato chip bags, candy wrappers and filth”. Children’s toys and clothing were scattered among the garbage and blocked the pathways to and from rooms, according to the Sheriff’s Office report.
In the kitchen, deputies observed old decaying food on the stove top, dirty bowls containing food on the table and garbage covering the floor. A plugged-in electric space heater, according to the report, was also surrounded by garbage, creating a fire hazard.
Rebeccah Ates told deputies that the home had been in the condition for about a year.
Rebeccah Ates also told deputies that the urine smell was coming from her son, which the deputy reported was wearing pants that were wet on the front and back.
“At no time did Rebeccah make any effort to change (her son’s) pants. After several minutes, I had to instruct Rebeccah to change him,” the deputy wrote in her report.
The children were turned over to family members, and the case was turned over to the Department of Children and Families for investigation.
Tax Collector Holley Prefiles
January 4, 2012
Escambia County Tax Collector Janet Holley prefiled Tuesday to seek her post again. She is the first person to prefile for the position.
Holley was appointed to office in 1998 and has been re-elected to three additional terms.
Holley prefiled as a democrat.
Burglar Busted After Returning To The Scene
January 4, 2012
An Escambia County man was arrested for breaking into a house and returning a short time later to attempt to break into the house next door.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said Christopher Dewayne Grice was seen fleeing from a house in the 5700 block of East Shore Drive after the homeowner was alerted by an alarm. The homeowner noticed several pieces of jewelry missing from inside the house.
About an hour and a half later, deputies responded to the 5700 block of Fairview Drive — which is next door to the first burglary — for a possible burglary in progress on New Year’s Eve. Deputies observed Grice fleeing the area. They set up a perimeter and called in a K-9. He was located a short time later and refused to comply with a deputy’s commands, the Sheriff’s Office said. He was apprehended by a K-9. Grice received minor injuries during the incident.
Deputies said Grice was still in possession of property from the first burglary at the time of his arrest. He was booked in the Escambia County Jail without bond on multiple charges, including burglary, larceny, resisting arrest, battery, criminal mischief, marijuana possession and a probation violation.
Cold Cantonment Case: 1981 Murder Remains Unsolved
January 4, 2012
It was 31 years ago on the afternoon of January 2, 1981, that 9-year old Kenneth Deshun Underwood and three companions went bird hunting in the woods near their Cantonment home. Everyone returned home that afternoon except for Underwood.
When Underwood was still not home around 6 p.m., Escambia County Search and Rescue personnel were called. The area were Underwood was last seen alive was canvassed. His body was discovered about 5:45 the next morning –apparently murdered — in an area near Booker Street.
The case remains unsolved, and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is asking the public for help because they believe someone in our area still has information about Underwood’s death.
If you know anything about the death of Kenneth Deshun Underwood, 9, you are asked to call the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit at (850) 436-9580 or Crime Stopper at (850) 433-STOP (7867).
Pictured above: The fourth grade photo of murder victim Kenneth Deshun Underwood of Cantonment. Pictured below: The highlighted area in this map shows were the body was found. Submitted by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Local Volunteers Needed To Count The Homeless
January 4, 2012
The EscaRosa Coalition On the Homeless needs 150 volunteers across Escambia and Santa Rosa counties for their annual homeless survey.
The annual 2012 “U Count” Point-in-Time Homeless Survey will be conducted over a 24-hour period from on Wednesday, January 25 to 8:00 am on Thursday, January 26.
The coalition is charged with counting homeless individuals in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties to determine the needs and extent of the local homeless population including sheltered and unsheltered men, women, and children.
The homeless will then be matched with the services offered in the community.
Volunteers are asked to serve as active participants in the counting process. No specific experience is required to serve as a volunteer but compassion and a desire to help individuals who are homeless are essential. Volunteers will serve a 2-4 hour shift at area soup kitchens, churches, food pantries and other locations where homeless gather.
For volunteer forms and more details, visit www.escarosa.wordpress.com.
The application deadline is January 12.
US Airways Adds Twice Daily Nonstop Flights To Washington
January 4, 2012
US Airways is adding twice daily nonstop flights from Pensacola to Washington’s Reagan National Airport beginning March 25.
“This news is a great win for our airport and the region. Having a direct flight to Washington Reagan puts us that much closer to national business and political leaders. More importantly, as the highest traffic airport between Jacksonville and New Orleans, this is one more step towards putting Pensacola on the map as a great place to live and do business,” said Pensacola Mayor Ashton Hayward.
In addition to Pensacola, US Airways is also adding daily, nonstop flights from Birmingham; Fayetteville, N.C.; Islip, N.Y.; Little Rock, Ark.; Jacksonville, N.C.; Tallahassee and Ft. Walton Beach. These destinations currently have no existing service from Reagan National.
The Pensacola Flights will depart at 6 a.m. and 4:40 p.m. and arrive in Washington at 9:21 a.m. and 7:58 p.m. on a 50-passenger Canadair Regional Jet (CRJ200) aircraft.
Hard Freeze Warning Tonight
January 3, 2012
There is hard freeze warning in effect for the north Escambia area tonight.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
- Tonight…Clear. Lows 17 to 20. Northwest winds around 5 mph in the evening becoming light.
- Wednesday…Sunny. Highs in the upper 50s. Southeast winds around 5 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon.
- Wednesday Night…Not as cool. Partly cloudy. Lows in the upper 30s. West winds around 5 mph.
- Thursday…Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 60s. Northwest winds around 5 mph.
- Thursday Night…Mostly clear. Lows in the upper 30s.
- Friday…Mostly sunny in the morning becoming mostly cloudy. Slight chance of rain showers. Highs in the upper 60s. Chance of showers 20 percent.
- Friday Night…Warmer. Mostly cloudy. Slight chance of rain showers. Lows in the lower 50s. Chance of showers 20 percent.
- Saturday…Mostly cloudy. Chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the lower 70s. Chance of precipitation 30 percent.
- Saturday Night…Mostly cloudy. Chance of rain showers. Lows in the lower 50s. Chance of showers 40 percent.
- Sunday…Mostly cloudy. Slight chance of rain showers. Highs in the upper 60s. Chance of showers 20 percent.
- Sunday Night…Colder. Mostly cloudy. Slight chance of rain showers. Lows in the lower 40s. Chance of showers 20 percent.
- Monday…Mostly sunny. Slight chance of rain showers. Highs around 60. Chance of showers 20 percent.
2011 Persons Of The Year: LCpl Travis Nelson And Family
January 3, 2012
NorthEscambia.com is naming Persons of the Year for 2011. The recipients were nominated by our readers as individuals that have a made a difference in North Escambia during the past year — people that have given of themselves to help others and the communities of North Escambia during 2011.
Recipients named so far included the volunteers and supporters of the Health and Hope Clinic, and Northview Athletic Director Sammy Day. and Wade Jernigan and organ donors.
Fallen Marine LCpl. Travis M. Nelson and his family have been named as 2011 North Escambia Persons of the Year.
LCpl. Nelson gave all on the battlefields of Afghanistan in August 2011, and his family has continued to give back to the North Escambia area.
A world was shattered in August at the Nelson home in Bratt as three men in military uniforms stood at the door. “I just screamed and said no,” Beckie Nelson off Bratt said shortly after she learned that her son, LCpl Travis Nelson, was shot and killed while conducting combat operations in in Helmand province, Afghanistan. “I just went to my knees and said don’t let them come in. I knew right away that he was gone.”
It was a tragedy that began a wave an emotions and events that touched the entire North Escambia area and a nation. The community grieved as hundreds if not thousands changed their Facebook profile pictures to a single image in honor of Nelson. Tears flowed as powerful photos were published that showed an honor guard removed Nelson’s flag-draped coffin from a plane at Dover AFB in Deleware.
The rain poured down at Pensacola Naval Air Station as the final leg of Nelson’s journey home began. The rain did not send them running; they stood silently — many holding American flag — as the hearse carrying an American hero departed on a 55-mile journey to Atmore. Along the way, some of Pensacola’s busiest roadways came to a complete standstill as the motorcade passed. Many motorists stood outside their vehicles and paid their respects. In Walnut Hill, just a few miles from Nelson’s boyhood home in Bratt, the motorcade slowed as it approached Ernest Ward Middle School. Nelson was Golden Eagle, attending Ernest Ward in the sixth and seventh grades.
Hundreds of Ernest Ward Middle School students and teachers dressed in red, white and blue lined Highway 97, American flags in hand, waiting for the arrival of the motorcade.
As the procession passed, the students stood with their hands over their hearts, waving Old Glory. The thunder of 127 Patriot Guard motorcycle riders vibrated the ground and echoed across the country fields near the school.
Six Florida Highway Patrol trooper vehicles led the hearse past the school. Many broke down in tears at the sight of a flag draped coffin. Others cried as they made eye contact with Nelson’s parents and their daughter — a sixth grader at Ernest Ward.
The motorcade continued into Atmore, where crowds stood along the route, waving Old Glory. At a local bank on Highway 31, people stood with large flags as the Northview High School NJTROC stood steadfast at attention. Across the way at the iconic Atmore train station, a group of local veterans stood proudly and saluted as Nelson’s remains passed.
Nelson’s funeral was held in Atmore where, again, hundreds paid their final respects.
Nelson was not forgotten. His name was added to the Walnut Hill Veterans Wall of Honor and other area memorials. A scholarship was announced. The Bratt Community Park was renamed the LCpl. Travis M. Nelson Park. Nelson’s family was honored at the annual Veterans Day program at Ernest Ward Middle School.
Madeline Cates was to marry LCpl Travis Nelson when he returned from service with the Marines in Afghanistan. She had picked out her dress just before he lost his life serving his country half a world away in August.
“It wasn’t suppose to happen,” Madeline Cates said about the death her soulmate. “He was the love of my life.”
Cates, 21, decided that she would join the Marines to finish what Travis Nelson had started. She is due to report to boot camp in March 2012. After a NorthEscambia.com story was published about her decision, Cates’ story made international news.
Travis Nelson’s parents, Scott and Beckie Nelson, just could not stand the thought of their first Christmas without their son. To take their minds off a Christmas without Travis in the house, they decided to give back to the communities that had supported them so much following his death.
The Nelson family, along with a small army of volunteers, prepared and delivered about 125 Christmas meals Sunday for elderly, shut-in and needy people in the Bratt, Atmore and surrounding areas.
“He really was our hero,” Scott Nelson said.
LCpl Travis Nelson left behind a short, simple note just in case he did return from the battlefield in Afghanistan.
“Dear friends and family, if you are reading this, I didn’t get to come home. I love each and every one of you. I have no regrets, I died for a meaningful cause.”
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Today Is Final Day To Register For January 31 Presidential Primary
January 3, 2012
Today is the last day to register or change parties prior to the January 31 Presidential Preference Primary.
The Escambia County Supervisor of Elections Office will be open extended hours – until 7:00 p.m. – to accommodate voters.
Florida law mandates that registration books close 29 days before an election. With the observance of the New Year’s Day holiday occurring on Monday, January 2, new registrations and party changes must be completed or postmarked no later than January 3 in order for them to be effective for the Presidential Preference Primary. Address updates, signature updates, and other changes can be made after the books close. If you are unsure of your registration status, visit EscambiaVotes.com and click Am I Registered?, or call (850) 595-3900.
Escambia County citizens have several ways to register or update their records:
Online/By Mail: Visit EscambiaVotes.com and complete, print, and sign the online application. Be sure to include a valid Florida Driver’s License number, a valid Florida ID number, or the last four digits of your Social Security Number in the appropriate space. Mail the completed application no later than January 3 to Escambia County Supervisor of Elections, P.O. Box 12601, Pensacola, FL 32591-2601. Or, take the completed application to the Elections Office at 213 Palafox Place, second floor, in downtown Pensacola. Or, call 850-595-3900 or email the Elections Office, soe@escambiavotes.com, to have a form mailed to you.
In Person: You can register at the Elections Office at 213 Palafox Place, second floor, in downtown Pensacola, at any Florida Driver’s License Office, and several other governmental offices and public assistance centers. Registration forms are also available at many locations throughout the county. For a complete list of locations throughout Escambia County, visit EscambiaVotes.com, call or email the Elections Office.
Top 11 Stories Of 2011
January 3, 2012
Here is the second part of our pick for the Top 11 Stories of 2011. (For the first six stories, click here.)
5. Century Lumber and Land
Century Lumber and Land held a ribbon cutting in October 2010. The ribbon cutting was delayed as the company continued to seek financing, and officials learned later that the company did not have any option or claim to the old Alger-Sullivan Lumber Company at the time of the ribbon cutting. Over 3,000 people applied for jobs at the company. As 2011 rolled around, company officials continued to make promises about a series of industries that would bring up to 500 jobs to Century. As October rolled around, James Leonard Craft, the manager of Century Lumber and land, was jailed in Alabama on numerous securities and financial fraud related charges after being indicted as the result of an Alabama Securities Commission investigation into his alleged practices with Century Lumber and Land. Meanwhile, a realtor announced that the old Alger-Sullivan property was still on the market.
4. Northview and West Florida football
2011’s season for the Northview Chiefs was repeat of 2010 with the school’s second ever trip to a state semifinal game. The Chiefs were able to host their entire playoff run at home in Bratt. For the West Florida Jaguars, it was a dream season with nine wins — the most every in the school’s history, and their second ever appearance in the playoffs.
3. Three Children Die in Atmore House Fire
In November, three young children died in a house fire in Atmore. Their 18-year old mothers, twin sisters Akeevia Lajoseia Abner and Tekeevia Lajoseialan Abner, were each charged with three counts of reckless murder. An investigation revealed that the children, ranging in age from 22 months to 3 years, had been left home alone with an unattended stove. There was also a mattress found blocking the front door of the home.
2. Federal And State Raid of Medical Center
In late July, federal and state law enforcement swarmed the Jay Medical Center, seizing records belonging to hundreds of patients from across the area. Dr. Cleatious David Smith and Dr. John-Stewart Michael Smith were forced to surrender their DEA licenses to prescribe narcotics on the spot, and about two weeks later they requested leaves of absence from the medical staff of Jay Hospital. Agencies including the FBI, federal Drug Enforcement Agency, the Attorney General’s Office, the Florida Department of Health and Florida Department of Law Enforcement took part in the raid. As of the end of the year, no one had been charged with any crime as a result of the raid.
1. LCpl Travis Nelson
NorthEscambia.com’s Top Story of 2011 was the death of Marine LCpl Travis M Nelson and the events that followed. For more, click here for a story about LCpl Nelson and his family being named 2011 North Escambia Persons of the Year.
For a look back at stories from 2011 about LCpl Nelson, click the links below:
Local Marine Travis Nelson Killed In Afghanistan
August 19, 2011
Fallen Marine’s Family: He Was Our Hero
August 20, 2011
Hundreds Honor Fallen Marine With Facebook Profile Picture
August 22, 2011
Fallen Marine Travis Nelson Returns Home Wednesday, Funeral Friday
August 22, 2011
Obituary: Lance Cpl. Travis Michael Nelson
August 22, 2011
Fallen Marine’s Name Added To Walnut Hill Veterans Wall Of Honor
August 23, 2011
Powerful Photo Gallery: Fallen Marine’s Remains Arrive In U.S.
August 24, 2011
Lance Cpl. Travis Nelson Arrives At Pensacola NAS
August 24, 2011
Heartfelt Homecoming: Fallen Marine Returns (Photo Gallery: Pensacola, Walnut Hill, Atmore)
August 25, 2011
Flags Ordered At Half Staff Today For Lance Cpl Travis Nelson
August 26, 2011
Funeral Held For Fallen Marine (With Photo Gallery)
August 27, 2011
Family Of Fallen Marine LCpl Travis Nelson Offers Letters Of Thanks
August 29, 2011
Family Plans Scholarship, Memorial To Honor Fallen Marine
September 2, 2011
Commission Expected To Rename Park For Fallen Marine
September 12, 2011
Football Teams Honor Fallen Marine LCpl Travis Nelson
September 28, 2011
Bratt Park Renamed For Fallen Marine
November 9, 2011
Video: Remembering The Return Of LCpl Travis Nelson
November 10, 2011
Ernest Ward Middle Thanks Veterans, Honors Memory Of LCpl. Travis Nelson
November 10, 2011
Plaque Presented In Honor Of Fallen Marine At Pensacola Veterans Park
November 12, 2011
In His Honor: Fallen Soldier’s Fiancé Joining The Marine Corps
November 12, 2011
Videos: Madeline Cates Joining Marines To Finish LCpl Travis Nelson’s Job Makes National News
November 21, 2011
Wreaths Placed At Barrancas With Honor; Event Also Honors LCpl Travis Nelson
December 12, 2011
Fallen Marine Travis Nelson’s Family Gives Back For Christmas
December 26, 2011
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.