Deputies Seek Molino Burglary Suspect
November 9, 2013
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is searching for a man wanted in connection with an armed burglary in Molino.
Garland David McKenzie II, 20, is wanted for an October 17 burglary in the 200 block of Oreo Drive. During the burglary, currency, jewelry and electronics were stolen.
The Sheriff’s Office has not said if McKenzie is suspected in two October 10 Molino burglaries that they termed “significant”. One burglary occurred in the 600 block of Brickton Road and another the same day in the 6000 block of Brickyard Road. Electronics and a significant amount of valuables were stolen in both incidents.
Anyone having information as to the whereabouts of Garland David McKenzie II or any of the Molino area burglaries is asked to contact Escambia County Sheriff’s Office investigators at (850) 436-9580 or (850) 436-9620.
Jay Finishes With Winning Season
November 9, 2013
The Jay Royals ignited in the second half Friday night for a 33-30 win over Tallahassee Maclay at Merle North Stadium in Jay.
The Royals were down 21-0 at the half, and then 24-7 in the fourth before their rally. The win gave the Royals (6-4) their first wining season since 2008.
For a bonus photo gallery, click here.
Photo by Michele Gibbs for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Volunteers Seek Donations Today To Help Feral Cats At Molino Store
November 9, 2013
The Junior Humane Society will be raising funds today to spay a neuter a feral cat colony that lives behind the Dollar General in Molino.
Volunteers will be collecting donations from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Jimmy’s Grill, next door to the Dollar General on Highway 29 near Molino Road. Junior Humane Society volunteer Ashley Sui estimates there are at least a dozen of the feral cats.
“The kittens can be socialized and adopted out but the older cats are completely feral so we are trapping, spaying or neutering and releasing them back to the location where we trapped them,” she said. ” We just have to get them to stop reproducing.”
Pictured: Feral cats outside the Molino Dollar General. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Takeout Drops Citizens Insurance To About 1 Million Policies
November 9, 2013
The 30-day clock is ticking for 160,683 property insurance policy holders to decide if they want to remain with new private carriers or return to the state-backed Citizens Property Insurance Corp.
The number of policies that has been shifted out of Citizens is far fewer than initially anticipated when what is known as a “depopulation” effort began this summer. Still, the depopulation effort is moving Citizens closer to dropping below the 1 million customer mark for the first time since mid-2006.
“We’re moving in the right direction, heading back to that carrier of the last resort,” Christine Ashburn, Citizens’ director of legislative and external affairs, told members of the House Insurance and Banking Subcommittee on Tuesday. “We’re really starting to head back to that pre ’04, ’05 Citizens.”
Citizens had 1.22 million policies as of Sept. 30.
The agency expects another 70,000 policies to be shifted to private carriers in December. Also, the state Office of Insurance Regulation in January could approve about 100,000 more policies for further takeout, Ashburn said.
The goal of the depopulation effort, as well as a legislatively approved insurance clearinghouse, is to direct what are expected to be many of the least-risky policies into the private market and to restore for Citizens the status of insurer of last resort. Ashburn said an ideal number of policies for Citizens is around 727,000.
“That would really put us back to older homes, lower value homes, the markets that are more the niche market, mobile homes in Florida,” she said.
Still, the effort is going a little slower than anticipated.
The November takeout total of 160,683 policies is far below the 390,897 that had been approved by the Office of Insurance Regulation in August.
The private companies collectively made 328,343 requests for policies, but many of the requests were for the same policies. A pre-set computer algorithm divided up the overlapping policies among the companies, which lowered the number of policies that faced a shift to 205,736.
The companies picking up the most accounts are Heritage Property & Casualty and Homeowners Choice. Both had been approved for up to 50,000 policies. Heritage received 35,737 policies, while Homeowners Choice got 34,872.
“This assumption increases our annualized gross premiums to approximately $400 million,” Scott Wallace, president of Homeowners Choice, said in a release. “These policies meet our strict underwriting guidelines and should further strengthen our long-term growth prospects.”
Other insurance companies involved in the takeout include Florida Peninsula, Southern Fidelity, Southern Oak, Tower Hill Preferred, Town Hill Prime, Town Hill Signature, United Property & Casualty and Weston.
United Property& Casualty had been approved for up to 100,000 policies, but ended with 18,156.
Not every policyholder who has been moved this week or faces the prospect of being shifted as the new year begins is expected to remain with the private carrier.
For those impacted in the current round, customers have 30 days following their policies being acquired to decide if they want to stay with the private carrier or return to Citizens.
Citizens had sent out “encouragement” letters prior to the shift informing them of the move.
Those shifted won’t see a change in rates through the term of the current policy, Ashburn said.
Ashburn said no analysis has been done on why nearly 45,000 homeowners have opted out of the takeout in the past month. But she said a number of those homeowners who have already opted out expressed concern that private companies couldn’t guarantee rates will be comparable to the Citizens’ numbers when filed next year.
Homeowners covered by Citizens will see an average rate increase of 6.3 percent in January 2014, down from a 7.9 percent hike requested on the combined personal-lines and coastal accounts.
Multi-peril policy holders will get a 4.4 percent increase in January, while homeowners with wind-only policies face an average 10.5 percent hike in February.
by Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida
Respiratory Virus Infecting More Escambia Residents Than Usual
November 9, 2013
A higher than normal number of Escambia County residents are suffering from an RSV infection according to the Florida Department of Health in Escambia County.
Respiratory syncytial virus is highly contagious and spreads through droplets in coughs or sneezes, or when someone touches a contaminated surface like a countertop or doorknob. RSV can spread rapidly through schools and childcare centers. Babies often get RSV when older kids carry the virus home from school and pass it to them. RSV is a major cause of respiratory illness such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia in infants and young children.
Respiratory syncytial virus is often mistaken for a common cold or the flu. Adults and older children might have only mild symptoms such as a cough, stuffy nose, and low-grade fever. Infants younger than 1 year old may have more severe symptoms and trouble breathing. Most at risk are premature babies and children with diseases that affect the lungs, heart, or immune system. Older adults and anyone with poor immune function are also at greater risk for contracting RSV. In these cases, RSV infection can be more serious and may require hospitalization.
“The best way to prevent the spread of RSV is to wash your hands frequently,” said DOH-Escambia Director, Dr. John Lanza. “Also, avoid coming into contact with infected persons. Those having cold-like or flu-like symptoms should stay home from child care centers, school, or work and, if possible, remain apart from other family members – particularly infants and young children.”
Other prevention measures include:
- Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow;
- Avoiding sharing cups and eating utensils;
- Refraining from kissing others, especially those with symptoms;
- Frequently cleaning potentially contaminated surfaces (doorknobs, countertops, tables, toys, etc.) using a bleach solution (1 part bleach and 9 parts water).
Call the doctor if your child has any of these symptoms:
- high fever with ill appearance
- thick nasal discharge
- worsening cough or cough that produces yellow, green, or gray mucus
- signs of dehydration
- trouble breathing
In infants less than six months old, irritability, decreased activity, and breathing difficulties may be the only symptoms of infection. If you observe these symptoms in your infant, call your child’s pediatrician.
Fatal Nine Mile Road Crash Victim Identified
November 9, 2013
The Florida Highway Patrol has released the name of the driver of a pickup truck whowas killed in a crash with a semi Thursday night on West Nine Mile Road at Pine Cone Drive.
According to the FHP, 56-year old Steven Allen Carr of Union Grove, Ala., attempted to exit a driveway at 3191 West Nine Mile Road in 2006 Peterbuilt semi when he pulled into the path of a 1998 Dodge Ram about 6:38 p.m.
The driver of the Dodge Ram. 41-year old Allen T. Billman of Pensacola was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.
Charges in the crash are pending investigation, according to the FHP.
Pictured: One person was killed in this crash Thursday night on West Nine Mile Road and Pine Cone Drive. NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Smith, click to enlarge.
Spotlight On Walnut Hill Crude Oil Facility And Its Economic Impact
November 8, 2013
During a Thursday morning site tour, leaders from the Escambia Countyarea along with state officials from Florida and Mississippi got a firsthand look at the positive economic impact Genesis Energy L.P. (Genesis) has made on Walnut Hill and surrounding communities.
Genesis commenced operations at the Walnut Hill Crude Oil Rail Unloading Facility, one of the largest crude oil unloading stations in the region, last August and is on track to receive its 100th unit train in early December.
Oil arrives by rail from states like North Dakota to the facility that fronts Corley Road near Arthur Brown Road. The property was chosen because it is at the intersection of an existing crude oil pipeline and the Alabama & Gulf Coast Railway. From the location, crude flows to refineries along the Gulf Coast, including a Shell facility near Saraland, Ala.
For a photo tour of the facility, click here.
A crude oil pipeline from Jay rises to the surface at the facility. The flow from oilfields in the Jay area is cut, and the crude from the Walnut Hill train is injected into the pipeline. The process is simple enough, but it is controlled by a sophisticated computer system that monitors the operation and allows for an instant stop in the event of any problem.
“Walnut Hill is the largest crude oil rail unloading facility in the region. The facility enables Genesis to deliver crude oil from domestic shale plays to local refining markets. We have the capabilities to unload 75,000 barrels of oil per day. We are extremely proud that the local community is involved and is playing an integral part in making this operation a success,” said Genesis Rail Services Director Neal Bjorklund.
The Walnut Hill site has a 100,000 barrel storage tank in service and a second 100,000 barrel tank under construction.
Genesis is expanding its terminal in Natchez, Miss., using the state-of-the-art design of the Walnut Hill Facility. Representatives from The Mississippi Development Authority, Natchez, Inc. and advisors to Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant attended Thursday’s tour as a fact-finding visit. Century Mayor Freddie McCall and local staff representatives from the offices of Florida Representatives Clay Ingram and Mike Hill were also in attendance, as were representatives from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Pensacola area Chamber of Commerce. Genesis representatives presented the Walnut Hill Rail Unloading Facility as an example of the company delivering substantial economic benefits with minimal impact to the environment.
Genesis created 20 full-time positions through the Walnut Hill Rail Facility. These employment opportunities provide full health benefits and 401k matching contributions for retirement. Genesis expects to create additional jobs over the next five years, providing long-term economic benefits that generate revenue for the surrounding community. Company officials estimate an 10-15 indirect jobs were created by the facility through construction and rail operations.
“We strive to operate a business that protects the environmental integrity and the safety of the communities where we are located,” said Steve Nathanson, President and COO of Genesis. “We don’t just want to employ local workers – we want their workplace and the community they live in to be a safe, healthy place.”
For a photo tour of the facility, click here.
Pictured: Steve Perrigin, Genesis operations manager, explains how crude oil flows through the Walnut Hill Rail Facility Thursday. Pictured top inset: Crude oil is offloaded from trains and injected into a pipeline to Gulf Coast refineries at the facility. Pictured bottom inset: Perrigin explains the facility can be controlled on-site or remotely from Houston. Pictured below: Visitors are dwarfed by a second 100,000 barrel oil storage tank under construction at the facility. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Sunny Days, Cool Nights
November 8, 2013
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
- Friday: Sunny, with a high near 67. North wind around 10 mph.
- Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 41. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
- Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 71. East wind around 5 mph.
- Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 47. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
- Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 75. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
- Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 48. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
- Veterans Day: Mostly sunny, with a high near 75. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
- Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 49. East wind around 5 mph.
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 75.
- Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 51.
- Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 67.
- Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 37.
- Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 61.
Bill To Repeal Florida’s ‘Stand Your Ground’ Law Is Defeated
November 8, 2013
After hours of passionate debate before hundreds of people, a Florida House panel Thursday rejected a bill that would have repealed the state’s 2005 “stand your ground” self-defense law.
The outcome was never in doubt.
By an 11-2 vote, the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee defeated the bill (HB 4003) by Rep. Alan Williams, D-Tallahassee, saying the current law gives Floridians more protection from crime.
“We stand and defend what is ours,” said Rep. Jimmie Smith, R-Inverness. ” ‘Stand your ground’ is core to our American way of life.”
The Florida law, a model for similar laws in other states, allows people to use deadly force when they feel their lives are in danger. It provides immunity from prosecution or civil lawsuits. An expansion of the traditional Castle Doctrine, “stand your ground” gives people the right to defend themselves with deadly force in their own homes or any place they have a right to be.
The law passed with overwhelming bipartisan support, but has been under fire since 17-year-old Trayvon Martin’s shooting death last year. The Sanford police did not arrest neighborhood-watch volunteer George Zimmerman, the acknowledged shooter, for six weeks — until protests spread across the country.
Thursday’s hearing was the result of Zimmerman’s acquittal in July. Zimmerman claimed he shot Martin in self-defense, but did not use “stand your ground” to avoid being prosecuted. The law, however, spawned changes to jury instructions that at least one Zimmerman juror said resulted in the not-guilty verdict.
The acquittal sparked a march to the Capitol by protesters who staged a 31-day sit-in outside Gov. Rick Scott’s office. Known as the Dream Defenders, they argued that “stand your ground” targets black and Hispanic youths, especially males. They asked for a special legislative session, which they didn’t get. But they got a hearing.
House Criminal Justice Chairman Matt Gaetz, however, made it clear that while he valued the debate, he would oppose any changes to the law.
“I have to believe that ’stand your ground’ has put criminals on notice that Floridians are done being hapless victims,” the Fort Walton Beach Republican said.
Dozens of people spoke, almost evenly divided between pro and con.
Ed Robbeloff of Fort Walton Beach said Williams’ bill “looks to put the burden on the victim and not the perpetrator of the crime.”
Sean Holloway, 14, of Tallahassee said he felt unsafe under the current law. “It gives anyone the right to kill young black men who look like me.”
Among those opposing Williams’ bill were representatives of the Florida Sheriffs Association, the Florida Police Chiefs Association and the Florida Public Defender Association. So were citizens who described how much safer they felt under “stand your ground.”
Among the backers of the repeal bill were Lucia McBath and Ron Davis, parents of 17-year-old Jordan Davis. The unarmed teen was shot and killed at a Jacksonville gas station last year. Angered by an argument over loud music, 45-year-old Michael Dunn took his gun out and opened fire.
“My son was gunned down by a man with violence in his heart…angered and empowered by his gun and by Florida’s ’stand your ground’ law,” McBath said.
The hearing included a running dispute over whether or not African Americans are targeted by the law.
Dale Landry, an official with the Florida NAACP, said blacks are subject to irrational fears “even if you’re posing no threat at all.”
“We live with fear,” said Phillip Agnew, leader of the Dream Defenders. “We do not feel safe.”
But John Henry of Monticello spoke for many when he said the current law works as it should. The proof, he said, was that the man who’d allegedly shot Jordan Davis was in police custody.
“Where’s Michael Dunn now?” Henry demanded. “He’s in jail in Duval County, awaiting trial on murder charges — where he should be. The law isn’t broken.”
The debate was spirited, with speakers alternating between backers and opponents of Williams’ measure. The imbalance was among the lawmakers. When Williams introduced his bill, no Democrats joined him — whereas the bill’s bipartisan opponents took turns bashing it.
Just the day before, House Minority Leader Perry Thurston, D-Fort Lauderdale, called a press conference to praise a much different “stand your ground” bill (SB 130) moving in the Senate. That measure, by Sens. David Simmons, R-Altamonte Springs, and Chris Smith, D-Fort Lauderdale, would require law enforcement officers to fully investigate claims of self-defense and create guidelines for neighborhood watch groups.
Williams had difficulty under a barrage of questions from Republican and Democratic lawmakers alike. To those who expressed concern that repealing the law would put Floridians more at risk in their homes, he said common law would protect them. He asked the panel to pass the bill so that it could be improved at its next committee stop.
“Let’s repair the divide, seen or unseen, that this law appears to have given communities across the state,” Williams said.
Only the black males on the panel — Reps. Randolph Bracy, D-Orlando, and Kionne McGhee, D-Miami —- voted in favor.
After the vote, Gaetz and Williams embraced, and Gaetz dismissed the Senate bill by Simmons and Smith as “an exercise in style over substance.”
“There is no meaningful reform currently moving through the Florida Senate,” he said. “I think you’ve got a couple of senators who just want to see something pass, even though it doesn’t fundamentally alter the rights of Floridians in a favorable way.”
But despite the bill’s decisive defeat, lobbyist Karen Woodall said the debate itself would have an impact.
“The breadth of testimony will lead to change in time,” she predicted.
by Margie Menzel, The News Service of Florida
Friday Night Football Schedule
November 8, 2013
Here’s a look at tonight’s high school football games:
- Northview at Blountstown, 7 p.m.
- MaClay at Jay, 7 p.m.
- Tate at Escambia, 7:30 p.m.
- West Florida at Washington, 7:30 p.m.
- PHS at Crestview, 7:30 p.m.
- Navarre at Gulf Breeze, 7 p.m.
- OPEN: Milton, Pace, Catholic, Pine Forest