Three Die In Fiery Crash On I-10; FHP Seeks Identities
June 16, 2013
Three people died in a fiery head-on collision early Sunday morning in Santa Rosa County.
Callers reported a vehicle traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes of I-10 prior to the crash.. The vehicles collided head-on at the 36 mile marker, and both vehicles burst into flames. The vehicles were fully engulfed before first responders arrived on scene.
The first vehicle was an unknown year Jeep Wrangler in which the driver died. The second vehicle was an unknown year Jeep Cherokee in which the driver and passenger died.
Anyone with information on the crash is asked to contact Cpl. Brian Davis at (850) 484-5000 ext. 306.
Democrats Almost Don’t Care Who Takes On Rick Scott
June 16, 2013
Democrats gathering for their annual fundraising dinner at the Westin Diplomat Resort on Saturday were certain of one thing: They will defeat Republican Gov. Rick Scott in a little more than a year.
“Rick Scott will be a one-term governor,” declared Florida Democratic Party Chairwoman Allison Tant to the 1,300 who gathered in a ballroom for the dinner. “Come January 2015, Rick Scott will hand the keys to the Governor’s Mansion over to Democratic hands.”
But which hands will receive those keys, should Tant’s vision of the future come true, remains unclear.
Democrats have a few potential candidates to take on Scott in 2014, when the so-far unpopular governor goes back before voters. But they have a shortage of declared candidates; the only one who has currently said she’s running is former state Sen. Nan Rich, whose exclusion from the speaker’s list at Saturday’s event drew publicity. (Tant said she was going to send an in-kind contribution reporting form to Republican Party Chairman Lenny Curry for calling attention to the flap — and the dinner.)
The three other candidates most often mentioned — former Republican Gov. Charlie Crist, who has since switched parties; former Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink, who came up just short of beating Scott as the party’s nominee in 2010; and U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, the only remaining Democrat in statewide office — have said they haven’t made up their mind yet or, in Nelson’s case, denied any interest at all.
And so what appears to be unprecedented enthusiasm among Democrats to win in 2014, with the dinner raising a record of $850,000 in confirmed contributions, is so far pointed against Scott even with the lack of a single candidate who has cleared the field.
“What it shows you is that people are so anxious for a change they almost don’t care who the person is,” Tant said shortly before the event.
National party officials are also, so far, unconcerned.
“I think whoever the Democratic nominee is will beat Rick Scott,” said Florida Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, who doubles as chair of the Democratic National Committee. “…It’s just going to be a matter of who is going to be able to get organized and focused and build the momentum.”
The undeclared candidates are so far playing things close to the vest.
“Obviously, I’m giving it very serious consideration, and I’m looking forward to making a decision before too long,” Crist told reporters who asked about a potential run.
And while he might demur on whether he’ll take on Scott, Crist was ready when asked about the incumbent’s focus on the job losses of Crist’s term and the job gains in more recent years.
“I’m not going to take credit for the global economic meltdown, and I don’t think he should take credit for the jobs that are coming in thanks to President Obama,” Crist said.
Sink said she hasn’t ruled out taking another shot at Scott, but said one of the largest factors in her decision right now is whether she could see herself taking on the race without the late Bill McBride, her husband.
“He very much wanted me to run again,” she said. “But, you know, he’s not here to go home to every night and be my cheerleader.”
The one who has been most emphatic about his intentions is Nelson, who once again told reporters that he wasn’t looking to throw his hat in the ring.
“First of all, you’ve heard me say it 100 times, and I’ll say it again: I have no plans to run for governor. I have no intention of running for governor,” he said.
But Nelson ripped into Scott during his speech at the dinner, and has continued to draw rumors about a possible bid — something he dismissed as a result of some of the unpopular stances Scott has taken.
“That’s why people are upset,” Nelson said. “And they’re looking for someone that can take him on and win.”
Others seem more than happy to float trial balloons for Nelson. During her remarks to the dinner, Wasserman Schultz noted that Nelson had gone from a state legislator to congressman to Florida insurance commissioner to U.S. Senator.
“Now, there seems to be a pattern here,” she said. “Tallahassee, DC, Tallahassee, DC. Hmm. Just saying. Just an observation.”
There were laughs and some scattered applause.
By Brandon Larrabee, The News Service of Florida
Summer Ball: Northview Splits Games With Niceville, Crestview
June 16, 2013
Northview’s summer ball series continued on Saturday in Crestview. The Chiefs A team defeated Niceville 6-4, and the B team fell to Crestview 13-0. Photos by Ramona Preston for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Molino All Stars Take World Series Consolation Championship
June 16, 2013
The Molino All-Stars took the consolation championship Saturday in the 2013 Gospel Projects Tee Ball World Series. On Saturday, Molino defeated Cantonment 32-13, then took the championship 33-21 over Milton. Players are Rylan Minor, Aubree Jordan, Austin Batz, Liam Hatcher,Douglas Ragsdale,Makayla Golson,Hunter Williams, Grayden Sheffield,Chloe Ragsdale and Dylan Settle. Coaches are Joey Settle, Tommy Sheffield, Brandon Minor and Joe Settle Sr. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Mobile Takes Third Straight Over Pensacola’s Blue Wahoos 6-2
June 16, 2013
The Mobile BayBears pushed themselves closer to a first half Southern Division crown with a 6-2 win over the Pensacola Blue Wahoos on Saturday night at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium. Coupled with a Mississippi loss, the BayBears need just one win in the next two days to clinch the crown.
The game took a back seat though in the fourth inning. With one out and the bases loaded Blue Wahoos right fielder Bryson Smith crashed into the wall while making the catch on Justin Greene’s fly ball. Smith caught his cleat in the fence and landed awkwardly while completing the catch. After a lengthy delay, Smith exited the game on a cart with an air cast on his left leg, protecting an apparent leg injury. No update on his condition was given at the time of this release.
The fourth inning was the critical frame in the game as well. Trailing 2-0, Mobile sent nine men to the plate and posted four runs with RBI’s coming from Nick Ahmed, Ender Inciarte, Greene, and Mike Freeman. The BayBears were able to take advantage of Wahoos’ starter Daniel Renken’s lack of control. Renken allowed the first four to reach in the fourth before being lifted for Wilkin De La Rosa. Renken dropped to 1-5 on the year while allowing four runs on just two hits but six walks in 3-plus frames.
Pensacola jumped out to an early advantage thanks in part to Smith. In the first inning, Smith drew a two-out walk and scored on an RBI double from Travis Mattair. In the third, Smith drove home Ryan LaMarre on a sac fly to give the Wahoos a 2-0 lead.
Mobile starter Andrew Chafin settled in after that, working out of a bases loaded jam in the fourth inning and then retiring 10 straight to finish his outing. Chafin (3-4) went seven innings and allowed two runs on five hits.
The BayBears added to their lead in the eighth inning with a two-out rally against Chris Manno. Nick Evans smacked a double to score Freeman, who reached base all five times he batted to make it 5-2 before Evans scored on an RBI single from Keon Broxton to provide the final run.
The two teams continue their series on Sunday afternoon at 4 p.m. from Pensacola Bayfront Stadium. Shaun Ellis (1-1, 4.21) gets the call for the Wahoos against the BayBears’ Archie Bradley (5-1, 1.34).
story by Kevin Burke
John Kimbrough
June 16, 2013
John Kimbrough, 68, of McDavid was called home suddenly on Wednesday, June 12, 2013.
John was united with the New Regeneration Holiness Church under the leadership of the late Chief Apostle Cleveland L. Salter.
He was a well known master carpenter in Century and the surrounding area.
His father, mother and one brother preceded him in death.
He leaves to cherish his memory a devoted and loving wife, Addie M. Kimbrough of McDavid; one son, Johnathon (Kendra) Kimbrough of Allentown; one step-son, Aubrey Odom, Jr. of Hinesville, GA; one grandson, Lucas Kimbrough of Chumuckla; three brothers, Billy (Paula) and Jimmy (Elaine) Kimbrough, both of Chumuckla and Atwood (Sandra) Kimbrough of Milton; two sisters, Carol (Floyd) Griffin and Bonnie Holt, both of Baker; two brothers-in-law, Frank (Charlotte) Johnson of Raeford, NC and Christopher (Lisa) Johnson of Nashville, TN; four sisters-in-law, Gwen Odom, Angela Johnson and Sandra (Juan) Andrews, all of Pensacola and Tammy Wright of Atmore; mother-in-law, Pastor Lucille Taylor of San Diego; special cousins, C.R. Cook and Mildred Salter; and family and a host of nieces, nephews, loved ones and the entire New Regeneration Holiness Church.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, June 17, 2013, at the Century Agriculture Building, located at 111 West Highway 4 Century with Pastor Shirley Coleman officiating.
Mayberry Funeral Home is in charge of the service.
Billy Glen Thomas
June 16, 2013
Mr. Billy Glen Thomas, 61, passed away on Sunday, June 16, 2013, in Perdido.
Mr. Thomas was a native of Bay Minette and a resident of Perdido for most of his life. Mr. Thomas was an avid deer, coon hunter and fisherman. He loved the outdoors, horseman and dogs.
He is survived by wife, Elaine Thomas of Perdido; five sons, Billy Randall Thomas of Olla, LA, Tommy Glen Thomas of Bay Minette, Al Clifton Thomas of Greenville, AL, Marion Shane Thomas of Olla, LA and Phillip Bradley Thomas of Rome, GA; two daughters, Daphne Deason of Houston, TX and Hannah Dean of Mobile; one sister, Betty Perry of Bay Minette; eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be Wednesday, June 19, 2013, at 2 p.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Sis. Helen Stewart and Rev. Joe Welch officiating.
Burial will follow at the Bryars-McGill Cemetery.
Visitation will be Tuesday, June 19, 2013, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Bill Hadley, Danny Hadley, Randy Hadley, Danny “Boy” Hadley, Larry Williams and Monty Wilson.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC, is in charge of all arrangements.
Two Injured In Hwy 29, Barrineau Park Road Crash
June 15, 2013
Two people were injured in a two vehicle crash late Saturday morning in Molino.
The crash happened on Highway 29 at Barrineau Park Road about 11:35 a.m. The Florida Highway Patrol said 52-year old David Newbold of Molino was northbound on Highway 29 in the left turn lane to Barrineau Park Road in a 1998 Ford Explorer. He turned into the path of a southbound 2007 Ford F150 driven by Richard Baker of Century.
The Ford Expedition overturned onto its side; both vehicles came to rest just out of the southbound Highway 29 and Barrineau Park Road intersection.
Newbold and his passenger, 69-year old Edna Newbold of Molino, were transported to West Florida Hospital with minor injuries. Baker was not injured. David Newbold was cited for violation of right of way, according to the FHP.
The Molino Station of Escambia Fire Rescue and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office also responded to the crash.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Driver Slams Pickup Into Cantonment Business
June 15, 2013
A driver slammed his pickup truck into a Cantonment business early Saturday morning.
The accident happened about 12:55 a.m. on Jacks Branch Road just north of Annie Bell Drive. The driver apparently lost control of his pickup truck, ran off the roadway where the vehicle overturned onto its side and collided with Al’s Small Engine Repair at 652 Jacks Branch Road.
The pickup truck pushed into the corner of the concrete block building causing severe damage to the building and its electrical service panel. The driver was not seriously injured and refused transport to the hospital by EMS.
The wreck was called into 911 by a resident at a nearby home that heard the crash.
The accident remains under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. Further details have not yet been released. The Cantonment Station of Escambia Fire Rescue and Escambia County EMS also responded to the crash.
Pictured above and inset: A driver collided with a business in Cantonment early Saturday morning. Pictured below: One entire corner of the building was destroyed. Reader submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Volunteers Make A Difference In Cantonment
June 15, 2013
The Council on Aging of West Florida and volunteers from International Paper teamed up Friday afternoon to help an elderly Cantonment resident.
About a dozen IP employees braved the afternoon heat by cleaning up the yard of 80-year old Maggie McNeal. The volunteers raked, trimmed and cleaned out McNeal’s yard.
“I just thank the Lord for all the help that’s come out here and help me,” McNeal said. “I thank the Lord for them.”
There’s often a waiting list of people like McNeal that need a helping hand in the yard from the Council on Aging, so they are always looking for more volunteers. For more information, call the Council on Aging at (850) 432-1475.
Pictured: Volunteers from International Paper joined the Council on Aging to clean up an elderly Cantonment resident’s yard Friday afternoon. Photos courtesy WEAR for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
