One Injured In Highway 29 Truck Crash In Ensley
October 13, 2012
One person was injured when a truck overturned on Highway 29 at Hood Drive in Ensley Saturday morning.
The Florida Highway Patrol said 49-year old Craig Benner of Pensacola failed to stop in time at the intersection, tried avoid a vehicle, lost control and overturned.
Benner was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital with minor injuries. He was cited for careless driving.
The Ensley Station Escambia Fire Rescue and Escambia County EMS also responded.
Submitted photo by Dorreen Allen for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Human Remains Discovery Renews Interest In Danielle Bell Case
October 13, 2012
The discover Thursday of human remains in a wooded area in Cantonment ignited renewed interest in the case of Danielle Bell, a Tate High student missing for 11 years.
Escambia County Sheriff’s investigators and the medical examiner are still working to identify the remains located by land surveyors off Well Line Road…not far from where Bell was last seen in 2001, but they say they are not Bell.
“Investigators are fairly confident that the remains found are not those of missing Danielle Bell,” Deputy Matt Baxter, spokesman for the Sheriff’s Office said Friday.
“We were first hoping that it might be her when we found out the remains had been found,” Bonnie Bell, older sister of Danielle Bell, said early Friday evening. “We are hoping for closure. We gave up hope a long time ago that she would be found alive.”
The Bell family is working hard to take advantage of the sudden renewed interest in Danielle’s case. They will canvas the Well Line Road area Saturday, putting up and passing out new missing persons fliers featuring Danielle’s information.
“We are taking this opportunity to let everyone know that we still care, and we are putting the pressure on the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office to keep working on the case,” Bonnie Bell said. “I want to find out where is my sister’s body.”
Danielle Arion Bell, 14, was last seen at a party in September 2001 in the 500 block of Cedar Tree Lane, between Highway 29 and Highway 95A in Cantonment.
Witnesses told authorities that Bell left a party with a man that was in his mid-twenties at the time. Escambia County deputies later questioned that man and searched his home, but he was never charged in connection with the case.
During the summer of 2007, Alfredo Gomez Sanchez, Jr. was charged with providing law enforcement with false information about his whereabouts at the time Bell disappeared. He was not implicated in her disappearance.
In October 2010, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Cold Case Unit served a search warrant at the home. As part of that search warrant, a septic tank behind the residence was pumped out, and dogs from Escambia County Search and Rescue were also used to search the area. Investigators said nothing was found, and they would not say what new information might have led to the search.
According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Danielle has a scar on her right forearm and blue eyes. She had brown hair at the time of her disappearance. She would now be 24 years old. Danielle, whose nickname was “Dani”, was a member of the Tate Aggies cheerleading squad. The popular teen enjoyed dancing and drawing.
Anyone with information about Bell is asked to call the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit at (850) 436-9580 or Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
Pictured top: Human remans were discovered Thursday in this wooded area off Well Line Road in Cantonment. (Courtesy Amber Southard, WEAR). Pictured below: Investigators pumped and searched a septic tank at this home on Cedar Tree Lane in Cantonment in October 2010 in the case of missing teen Danielle Arion Bell. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Concrete-Encased Body Positively Identified As Former PNJ Reporter
October 13, 2012
The body found encased in concrete in Georgia has been positively identified as a former Pensacola News Journal reporter.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation said Friday the body found Monday in Winder, GA, was that of 30-year old Sean Dugas of Pensacola. The GBI said Dugas died about a month ago from blunt force trauma to the head.
Dugas had not been heard from since August 27 when he talked to a friend by phone.
While investigating the missing person case, the Pensacola Police Department developed leads which led to them to contact police in Winder, Ga., on Monday. Police in Winder then discovered the body encased in concrete and buried in a backyard of a Winder home.
Twins from Pensacola, Christopher and William Cormier, 31, have both been charged by Georgia authorities. An investigation is continuing to determine exactly where Dugas died.
On August 27, Dugas and a female friend planned to go lunch , but when she arrived at his house to pick him up, he wasn’t home, said Capt. David Alexander of the Pensacola Police Department. A man who lived at the house told the woman Dugas was scheduled to return at 3 p.m. Alexander said the woman left a note on Dugas’ door asking him to contact her, but he did not.
Alexander said the female friend continued trying unsuccessfully to contact Dugas over the next few days. When she returned to the house September 7 to check on him, the house was empty except for a television. Alexander said the woman asked neighbors if they knew what had happened to him and they said a U-haul truck was there on September 3 and they saw at least one man removing items from the house.
Alexander said neighbors asked him about Dugas, and the man said he’d been beaten and was going to live with him.
Meanwhile, the female friend continued trying to reach Dugas, and when she could not, she contacted police on September 13. Alexander said Dugas’ name was then entered into the National Crime Information Center’s computer database as a missing/endangered person.
Dugas was employed by the Pensacola News Journal from 2005 to 2010.
From The Coast To Byrneville: 1,300 Volunteer For Day Of Caring
October 13, 2012
Over 1,300 volunteers fanned out across Escambia County Friday to help with over 100 projects at 60 agencies and schools as part of the United Way’s 20th Annual Day of Caring.
“Day of Caring not only gave us the opportunity to give back to the community, it was a great team-building experience for us,” said Jon Neely of Buffalo Rock. His team helped clear the debris from YMCA of Northwest Florida’s fence line. “We don’t get face-to-face time with each other every day at work. By volunteering as a group, we were able to get to know each other better.”
At Byrneville Elementary School, volunteers from Pall Corporation volunteered to clean up the school grounds.
For a photo gallery, click here.
“We really appreciate all that they did for us at Byrneville,” Principal Dee Wolfe-Sullivan said.
“We are blown away by the generosity and dedication of these volunteers,” said Andrea Krieger, President/CEO of United Way of Escambia County. “Their willingness to step away from their jobs for a day and invest time and resources through volunteerism will have an invaluable impact on our community.”
During a morning kickoff celebration, United Way also announced the kick-off of the 2012-2013 annual fundraising campaign. Last year, more than 10,000 caring individuals contributed to a successful campaign that raised support for over 140 agencies. These agencies received direct designations of $351,750 and another $1.1 million was awarded from the community chest to 45 programs at 34 agencies.
Pictured: United Way Day of Caring volunteers from Pall Corporation hard at work Friday at Byrneville Elementary School. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Slight Chance Of Showers Sunday
October 13, 2012
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
- Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 63. South wind around 5 mph.
- Sunday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 84. East wind around 5 mph becoming south in the afternoon.
- Sunday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
- Monday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 83. West wind 5 to 10 mph.
- Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 54. North wind around 5 mph.
- Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 81. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
- Tuesday Night: Clear, with a low around 55. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
- Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 81.
- Wednesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60.
- Thursday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 81.
- Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 55.
- Friday: Sunny, with a high near 81.
Photos: Hundreds Attend Molino Park Fall Carnival
October 13, 2012
Hundreds attended the annual Molino Park Elementary School Fall Carnival Friday evening at the school. The event featured games, food, entertainment and lots of great family fun.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Homecoming Win: ECHS Beats Monroe County
October 13, 2012
The Escambia County Blue Devils defeated Monroe County 36-18 Friday night in Atmore.
Coming up Monday morning on NorthEscambia.com, we will have a photo gallery from the Escambia County High School homecoming court, plus Friday afternoon’s parade.
Pictured: The Escambia County Blue Devils beat Monroe County Friday night in Atmore. NorthEscambia.com photos by Marcella Wilson, click to enlarge.
Navy Celebrates 237th Birthday Aboard Pensacola NAS With Bell Ringing
October 13, 2012
To honor the U.S. Navy’s 237th birthday, a global commemoration ceremony was held Friday with a Navy-wide bell ringing ceremony at 9 a.m., including a ceremony at Pensacola NAS.
The tradition of bell ringing to mark time in the Navy dates before the advent of the chronometer, when time at sea was measured by the trickle of sand through a half-hour glass.
One of the ship’s boys had the duty of watching the glass and turning it when the sand had run out. He struck the bell as a signal that he had performed this vital function. From this ringing of the bell evolved the tradition of striking the bell once at the end of the first half hour of a four hour watch, twice after the first hour, etc., until eight bells marked the end of the four hour watch. The process was repeated for the succeeding watches.
This age-old practice of sounding the bell on the hour and half hour has its place in the nuclear and missile oriented United States Navy at the dawn of the 21st century, regulating daily routine, just as it did on historic vessels under sail in the late 18th century.
Friday’s ceremony at Pensacola NAS consisted of the ringing of eight bells signifying the end of the 237th watch and one bell to signify the start of the watch of the 238th year.
Pictured: Sailors and guests listen as Commanding Officer Capt. Chris Plummer explains the ringing of the bells Friday at Pensacola NAS to signify the end of the 237th year of the Navy and the beginning of the 238th. Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Willie Hamp Carter
October 13, 2012
The Reverend Willie Hamp Carter, 91, of Century, passed from this earthly life into his sweet eternal life on Sunday, October 7, 2012.
Rev. Carter was born June 30, 1921, in Greenville, AL to Mr. and Mrs. Willie Carter. He was the oldest of three siblings. He was married to Mrs. Corrie Carter who departed this life in November, 2006. They were the parents of one son, Kraig Carter.
Rev. Carter was a graduate of Carver High School. He joined the United States Army and served during World War II. After his military tenure, Rev. Carter continued his education and received a Bachelor’s degree in mathematics. Still his soul was thirsty. He then enrolled at Florida A & M University and earned a Master’s degree in psychology. He returned to Century and continued working at Carver High School, serving as a math teacher, guidance counselor and assistant principal. He retired from the Escambia County School District after 29 years of service.
While he was quite young, Rev. Carter accepted the Lord and joined Pilgrim Lodge Baptist Church. After joining the church, he held many offices and served in various capacities. As a loyal and faithful servant, he was chosen and ordained as a deacon by Rev. R.C. Young. He filled this calling humbly and willingly until God called him into the ministry. He was called to pastor Greater Union Baptist Church of Century and in January 1978, he was called as Pastor of Union Baptist Church in Molino where he served faithfully for 20 years.
God knew that Rev. Carter’s purpose on earth had not been completely fulfilled. So, in 2007, God placed Rev. Carter back from whence he came. Rev. Carter was called to pastor his home church, Pilgrim Lodge of Century, where he served diligently and untiringly until his work was completed on Sunday morning, October 7, 2012.
Rev. Carter was a renowned community leader, educator and pastor. During his lifetime, he has been awarded a multiplicity of honors and accolades. His accolades include an American flag that was flown over the White House on October 10, 2012 in his honor. The flag has been presented and will be draped over his casket.
Rev. Carter leaves to cherish his long lasting memories, one son, Kraig R. Carter and daughter-in-law Audra Carter; three grandchildren, Paris, Aerial and Lauren; six nieces, Gussie Young-Cannon and husband Robert, Ira Jones, Barbara Robinson, Kim Robinson, Kastella Dean, and Willa Blue; five nephews, Dr. Lonell Anderson, Jimmy Mitchell Jr., Ronald Mathis, Bishop Ernest Ford Jr. and Colonel Albert Lamons; one God-daughter, Ether Stallworth and one God-son, Xavier Grice; two devoted friends, Deacon Franklin Farrow and Deaconess Mary Farrow and a host of other relatives and friends.
Viewing will be Sunday, October 14, at Benboe Funeral Home from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Funeral Services will be held on Monday, October 15, 2012, at 10 a.m. at Pilgrim Lodge Baptist Church.
Burial will be in Barrancas Cemetery.
Phyllis Elizabeth Campbell
October 13, 2012
Phyllis Elizabeth Campbell, 81, of Beulah, passed away at Baptist Manor on Friday, October 12, 2012.
Phyllis was born March 23, 1931. She attended Beulah School and graduated from J. M. Tate High School in 1950. Phyllis was a devoted and loving Christian wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
Phyllis is preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Lizzie Reeder, Sr.; brother, Frank Reeder Jr. and sister, Ollie Sylva Reeder.
Phyllis leaves to cherish her memories her husband of 61 years, Harold B. Campbell; her children, Zachary S. Campbell (CeCe), Clay C. Campbell, Lisa M. Taylor (Mike), James M. Campbell (Linda); grandchildren, Zachary S. Campbell, Katie L. Odom, Jesse A. Campbell, Jacqulyn M. Wilkes, Amanda K. Taylor and Harrison K. Campbell; and eight great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters, Joyce Kirk, Ruth Andrews (Jim), Juanita Johnson (Jim) and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Monday, October 15, 2012, at Beulah Baptist Church with Reverend David Shofner officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.
The family will receive friends at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, Sunday, October 14, 2012, from 6 until 8 p.m.
Pallbearers will be Zachary S. Campbell, Sr. Clay C. Campbell, James M. Campbell, Michael J. Taylor, Zachary S. Campbell, Jr., Jesse A. Campbell, Harrison K. Campbell and Lawrence F. Wilkes.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Association of Pensacola.
Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is in charge of arrangements.