I-65 Police Chase Ends Near Flomaton Exit; Vehicle Stolen From Florida
July 8, 2013
A police pursuit that began in Saraland, AL, ended just north of the Flomaton exit on I-65 Friday with the driver of a car stolen from Santa Rosa County behind bars.
Gary J. Daughtery, 34 of Knoxville, TN, allegedly shoplifted items from a Walmart in Saraland. He allegedly fought back against store loss prevention employees and assaulted a good Samaritan that tried to help. He fled the store in a vehicle that police later learned was stolen from Milton.
The pursuit continued north on I-65 where spike strips were deployed and disabled his vehicle at the 71 mile marker, about two miles north of the Highway 113 Flomaton exit.
Daughtery was charged with first degree robbery, first degree attempted assault, first degree receiving stolen property, third degree theft of property and reckless endangerment. He was also cited for driving on a revoked license, running a red light, not using a turn signal and an improper lane change.
Daughtery may face additional charges in Florida related to the stolen vehicle.
Escambia Approves Design Of Cantonment Drainage Improvements
July 8, 2013
Escambia County is working to design drainage improvements in a 215 acre area of Cantonment around the Carver Park.
The project has been divided into four areas, with a $87,803.50 contract recently issued to Hatch Mott MacDonald to develop drainage improvement plans for the “East Area”, which is east of Highway 297A and south of the railroad tracks near Muscogee Road. The East Area includes Webb Street, Griggs Street and Ransom Street, along with portions of Booker Street, Louis Street and Washington Street.
Once the design for the East Area is completed, design will begin on one of the three remaining zones. All four zones include an area bounded by Ransom Street to the east, the Escambia County Road Prison to the south, Booker Street to the west, and Muscogee Road to the north.
The complete design will be funded by Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) funds. The design projects will includes topographic surveys, geotechnical exploration, wetlands assessments, permitting, public meetings and construction administrative services.
The design projects do not include any actual construction; construction contracts would have to be awarded by the Escambia County Commission at a future date.
Retired Escambia Chief Deputy Aiken Joins Technology Company
July 8, 2013
Larry Aiken, former chief deputy of the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office has joined technology company Edge Access of Odessa, Fla. Edge Access is a developer and integrator of voice over IP technologies for first responders and the correctional industry.
Aiken, who retired from the ECSO effective at the end of June, joined Edge Access as vice president of business development.
“Larry brings 34 plus years of law enforcement experience along with an incredible technical prowess to Edge Access. When you combine that with the most advanced video visitation and investigative system available in the market today, I feel that the company is now positioned to dominate this evolving market,” said Rob Veschi, Edge Access president and CEO.
“I look forward to working with the team to move the company forward by deepening our current customer relationships and attracting new accounts with the most robust visitation system I’ve seen available today,” Aiken said.
11U Argos Win Gulf Coast Elite World Title
July 8, 2013
The Cantonment 11U Argos are the Nations Gulf Coast Elite World Champions. They recently defeated the Gulf Coast Storm 16-9 for the title, after needing to win three straight games during the tournament in Gulf Breeze. Pictured: (bottom L-R) : Christian Munoz, John Pinette, Nathan Brewton, Trevor Norton, Cole Mullins, (top) Sam Shackle, Cameron Bailey, TJ McCants, Chase Barcus and Jacob Bryant. Coaches are Mike Norton, Levy Bryant and Matt Faust. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Generals Put Damper On Late Wahoos Rally
July 8, 2013
The Jackson Generals saw a 3-0 lead disappear but put together a two-run top of the eighth inning to take Sunday night’s game from the Pensacola Blue Wahoos 5-4 at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium.
Trailing 4-3 heading to the eighth inning, Jackson took advantage of some sloppy defense to take the lead. The Generals loaded the bases with nobody out with two singles and a sacrifice bunt with Leon Landry reaching on an error by first baseman Donald Lutz. Steven Proscia knotted the game at four with a sacrifice fly before the bases were reloaded with an intentional walk. Loek Van Mil struck out Ramon Morla but then uncorked a wild pitch, allowing Landry to scamper home from third with the go-ahead run. Van Mil got John Hicks to fly out to end the threat.
Pensacola wasn’t able to muster a comeback in the final two innings and fell for the third consecutive game, thus losing the series to the Generals with a game still to be played.
The Wahoos offense looked much like it did in Saturday’s doubleheader, mustering just one hit through the first five innings. Jackson had built a 3-0 lead after five thanks to a Proscia solo homer in the second, a Ji-Man Choi single in the fourth and a Hicks sacrifice fly, also in the fourth.
Yorman Rodriguez sparked the Pensacola offense, though, with a one-out solo homer in the sixth against Jackson reliever Kyle Hunter. It was the first career Double-A home run for the 20-year old Rodriguez, and 10th this season combined between Bakersfield and Pensacola.
An inning later, the Wahoos rallied for three runs to take the lead. Matt Kennelly singled to lead off the frame, stole second base and advanced to third on a throwing error by the catcher Hicks. Ryan LaMarre singled him home to make it 3-2. Ray Chang and Brodie Greene followed with singles to load the bases. LaMarre then scampered home on a passed ball to knot the game at three before Devin Lohman reached on a fielder’s choice to the shortstop as Gabriel Noriega’s throw to the plate to try and get Chang was wide, giving the Wahoos a 4-3 advantage. Pensacola was unable to scratch across any more runs as Donald Lutz grounded into a double play two batters later.
Tyler Burgoon (4-2) picked up the win by getting the final two outs of the seventh inning and then retiring the side in the eighth inning for the Generals. Jackson starter James Gillheeney went two innings before exiting the game due to unknown circumstances. Carson Smith picked up his 10th save of the year with a scoreless ninth inning.
Daniel Renken started for Pensacola and posted another quality start, allowing three runs on six hits in six innings. Wilkin De La Rosa (2-5) took the loss by allowing the tying and go-ahead runs in the eighth. De La Rosa yielded two runs (one earned) on three hits in an inning plus three batters.
The series wraps up on Monday night at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium. Recently named All-Star Josh Smith (7-6, 3.47) will take the ball for Pensacola against Jackson’s Chance Ruffin (4-3, 3.66).
story by Kevin Burke
Jerald “Jerry” Buck
July 8, 2013
Mr. Jerald “Jerry” Buck, 73, passed away on Monday, July 8, 2013, in Nokomis, AL.
Mr. Buck was a native of McCullough, former resident of Lottie, and had resided in Nokomis since 1984. Mr. Buck was retired from International Paper Company in Mobile after 40 years of service. He is preceded in death by his first wife, Annice Buck; son, Timothy Buck; parents, Ed and Letha Buck; and one brother, Murray Buck.
Survivors include his wife of 27 years, Mary Buck of Nokomis; three sons, Jeffrey Buck of Birmingham, Ashley (Cassie) Buck of Nokomis, and John (Joei) Buck of Bay Minette; one stepson, Ryan Curenton of Meridian, MS; two stepdaughters, Joyce Petty of Nokomis, and Mary (Doug) McKee of Meridian, MS; 15 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be Wednesday, July 10, 2013, at 2 p.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Rev. Ronald Hall officiating.
Burial will follow at the McCullough Cemetery.
Visitation will be Tuesday, July 9, 2013, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Tim Lassister, Jason Morris, Doug McKee, Robert Wooten, Shane Rolin, Ryan Currenton and Manny Karvelas.
Honorary pallbearers will be Winston Bryan, Bennie Biggs, Runt Bryan, Pete Powell, Billy Rolin and Dennis Moye.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC, is in charge of all arrangements.
AG Bondi: Hurricane Window Film Is A Scam
July 8, 2013
Attorney General Pam Bondi said people need to be cautious of companies that claim window films provide protection from hurricane-force winds. Bondi’s office has entered eight settlement agreements to resolve allegations against companies that sell window film, noting that the Florida Building Commission has not approved the material as a form of hurricane protection.
“What’s happening now is we have scam companies selling people window film. Making people think it’s safe to stay in their homes during a storm, Bondi said Tuesday. “I don’t want our Floridians, especially our seniors, to purchase this junk and have a false sense of security.”
Bondi added that her agency continues to investigate a number of businesses that are offering the window covering as a storm protection and said consumers should check on the companies with the Better Business Bureau before completing any deals.
And The Rain Continues
July 7, 2013
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
- Tonight: Showers and thunderstorms until 1am, then a slight chance of showers after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
- Monday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 90. East wind around 5 mph becoming south in the afternoon.
- Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
- Tuesday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 93. Light and variable wind becoming southeast 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
- Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.
- Wednesday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.
- Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.
- Thursday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 92. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
- Thursday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
- Friday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 91.
- Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71.
- Saturday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 90.
- Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 70.
- Sunday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 91.
Farm Bureau Names Greg Evers 2013 Legislative Champion For Agriculture
July 7, 2013
The Florida Farm Bureau has named several lawmakers as Champions of Agriculture, including Sen. Greg. Evers.
Florida Farm Bureau is initiated the new program to recognize a group of lawmakers as Champions for Agriculture for their role in promoting an agriculture- friendly legislative agenda. After a productive legislative session where all of its priority bills were passed, Farm Bureau recognized 18 representatives and six senators who took an active role in supporting the state’s farmers and ranchers.
“In a year where we had so much legislative support, this is our way of highlighting and thanking a group of legislators who showed leadership in promoting strong agricultural policy for Florida,” stated Adam Basford, director of State Legislative Affairs at Florida Farm Bureau. “Each of these Champions for Agriculture played key roles in passing legislation that allows agriculture to continue to benefit the state both economically and environmentally. We are truly grateful for their efforts.”
The Florida Farm Bureau 2013 Champions for Agriculture are:
Florida Senate
Sen. Jeff Brandes
Sen. Greg Evers
Sen. Denise Grimsley
Sen. Alan Hays
Sen. Bill Montford
Sen. Wilton Simpson
Florida House of Representatives
Rep. Ben Albritton
Rep. Halsey Beshears
Rep. Jim Boyd
Rep. Matt Caldwell
Rep. Marti Coley
Rep. Neil Combee
Rep. Steve Crisafulli
Rep. Katie Edwards
Rep. Travis Hutson
Rep. Mike La Rosa
Rep. Debbie Mayfield
Rep. Ray Pilon
Rep. Jake Raburn
Rep. Holly Raschein
Rep. Pat Rooney
Rep. Charlie Van Zant
Rep. Clovis Watson
Rep. Ritch Workman
Parole Revoked For Murder, Arson Suspect
July 7, 2013
Parole has been revoked for an Atmore murder suspect as he awaits a grand jury hearing into his role in the death of an Atmore woman found in a burning house June 8.
Collis McCaster, 40, is charged with capital murder, first degree arson and first degree sexual abuse in connecttion with the death of 60-year old Mildred Jackson Morris of Atmore. Her remains were found on a living room couch following a house fire about 5:20 a.m. on June 8 at 227 Adams Street. The fire was contained mostly to the living room of the home where Morris’ body was found on the couch where she usually slept. Her hands had been tied behind her back, according to investigators.
McCaster, known to stay at Morris’ home on occasion, was quickly developed as a person of interest. Less than six hours after the fire, he was arrested in Atmore on an outstanding felony warrant from Conecuh County, AL, related to a stolen debit card. That arrest violated his probation in Conecuh County.
McCaster was transported to the Foley (AL) Police Department where he voluntary underwent a polygraph test and answered questioned concerning the fire. After completion of the polygraph test, McCaster met with investigators from the Atmore Police Department in a separate interview and confessed to committing crimes against Morris and causing her death by strangulation, police said.
He confessed to smoking synthetic marijuana, commonly known as “spice” prior to the murder. He told investigators that he provided three rocks of crack that were smoked by Morris, and that she became angry and threw a beer can at him when he could not provide more.
McCaster became angry, investigators said, grabbing Morris by the neck, before throwing a lantern that had been used to heat the crack onto the couch and starting the fire. He did not admit to sexual abusing Morris as investigators said evidence indicated.
McCaster is back behind bars at the Kilby Correctional Facility in Montgomery as he awaits a grand jury hearing on the charges related to Morris’ death.
Pictured top and bottom: A woman found dead following a fire at the Adams Street home in Atmore was murdered. Pictured below: Firemen fill out statements for law enforcement following the blaze. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
