Deputies: 52 More Charges Await Burglary Suspect Trio
March 19, 2013
A trio arrested last week in Escambia County in connection with 37 burglaries will face another 52 charges in Santa Rosa County.
Charles Dylan Williams, age 19 of Walnut Hill, Richard Kevin Craig, age 21 of Pensacola, and Kevin Randall Bell, age 26 of Pensacola, were each charged with multiple counts of burglary, larceny, vehicle theft and fraudulent use of credit cards in Escambia County, and now 52 warrants have been issued for their arrests by Santa Rosa County.
The Santa Rosa County cases center around vehicle burglaries that begin January 28 in the Woodbine Springs and Autumn Run North subdivisions in Pace. Victims advised their cars were ransacked and items were stolen.
“Investigators were able to put the pieces of the puzzle together which lead them not only to the arrest of the three suspects, but also the recovery of the stolen items,” Deputy Rich Aloy, spokesman for the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office said Monday.
The trio will be transferred to Santa Rosa County after they face the Escambia County charges.
In Escambia County, a rash of burglaries were reported January 25 from Beulah to Cantonment, including the theft of credit cards and a set of car keys. The suspects later returned to attempt to steal the vehicle. Deputies said they abandoned the vehicle when spotted, but a witness was able to give a good description of the trio.
Evidence against the men include surveillance video of the suspects and the vehicle as they used stolen credit cards at a Red Box video machine. Based on this information, investigators were able to locate the vehicle at a home in the 9000 block of Bridlewood Road.
During a search of the vehicle and home, the suspects confessed to multiple burglaries. According to the suspects they had been using the stolen credit cards for gas, fast food and “Magic” gaming cards at Walmart.
As of Monday afternoon all three men remained in the Escambia County Jail. Bond was set at $292,500 for Craig, $129,500 for Bell and $239,000 for Williams.
Leadership Pensacola Breaks Ground On New Trail
March 19, 2013
The Greater Pensacola Chamber and Leadership Pensacola’s (LeaP) Class of 2013 broke ground Tuesday morning on the LEAP Trail, the group’s official class project.
The LEAP Trail, located near the City’s Roger Scott Athletic Complex, will be an inclusive activity space, providing leisure, exercise, activity, and play opportunities for the entire community. Among the trail’s amenities will be a three-mile Innisfree Hotels Track, which will begin at the new Hyatt Place Hotel at Pensacola International Airport and run south down 12th Avenue, then through Roger Scott, down Summit Boulevard, and up Jerry Maygarden Road. The trail will also feature an inclusive playground accessible for children and adults of all physical abilities, as well as six workout stations placed along the trail.
“This project is a great example of what we can accomplish through community-driven initiatives and public-private partnerships,” said Pensacola Mayor Ashton Hayward. “As we continue to make Pensacola a better place and improve our city’s quality of life, the LEAP Trail is going to be an incredible asset for our community.”
Construction on the LEAP Trail is expected to be completed in May.
Pictured top: A Monday groundbreaking for the LEAP Trail in Pensacola. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Florida House, Senate Release Budget Allocations, No Major Cuts Evident
March 19, 2013
House and Senate leaders unveiled plans Monday for how they would direct billions of dollars in state spending over the coming fiscal year, with both chambers apparently savoring the prospect of a budget that won’t be dominated by deep cuts in state services.
The most expansive plan was released by the House, which outlined more than $26.9 billion in spending from general revenue — well shy of the $28.5 billion that will be available — and billions more from state trust funds.
In a statement to members, House Speaker Will Weatherford said cuts weren’t necessary to make the allocations, though committee chairmen might still look for “meritorious efficiencies.”
“I remain committed to the disciplined fiscal principles that led us to where we are today but also recognize that state programs and services had been limited given the crisis we faced,” wrote Weatherford, R-Wesley Chapel. “Now there is an opportunity to appropriately provide additional funding for state priorities.”
Weatherford promised the first across-the-board pay increase for state workers in six years, though he didn’t say how much salaries would rise, and more than $1 billion more for public education. Colleges and universities would reclaim a $300 million one-time cut from last year, and the state would keep $1.2 billion in reserves.
The House would also “[p]rovide for the funding of our state’s transportation needs without sweeping the State Transportation Trust Fund” Weatherford said, but $309 million would be taken from dedicated funds throughout the budget. That would include $182.7 million from trust funds in the transportation and economic development area.
A spokesman for Weatherford said it was too soon to tell which other funds in that area of the budget would be swept if the road-building fund is protected.
The House plan does not specifically spell out how it would handle teacher pay raises. Gov. Rick Scott has called for an across-the-board raise of $2,500 for public school teachers, but lawmakers have indicated they would prefer any increase be based on merit.
While comparisons of the allocations are sometimes inexact, and Senate leaders did not spell out how they would use money from an array of trust funds, the upper chamber appears to have allocated slightly less than the House. The Senate plan outlines about $26.8 billion in general revenue spending.
Senate leaders were not quite as forthcoming in exactly how the money would be spent, but Senate Budget Chairman Joe Negron, R-Stuart, said that the combined area of the budget containing public and higher education would receive “the largest increase in available general revenue.”
The Senate allocation for schools and colleges appears to be in line with or perhaps slightly higher than the House’s set-aside.
In a statement, Negron took pains to say that the Senate was being cautious with its spending, noting that across-the-board federal budget cuts and the implementation of the new federal health-care law could cause a drag on the state’s economy or increase costs.
“Florida’s fiscal situation is improving however, the outlook for the 2013-14 fiscal year continues to reflect the challenges of a slow economic recovery and the uncertainty caused by instability in Washington. … This uncertainty, caused by a lack of leadership in Washington, highlights Florida’s need to plan ahead and be cautious,” he said.
By The News Service of Florida
Escambia County Seeks Board Of Adjustment Member
March 19, 2013
The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners is seeking qualified residents of Escambia County to serve on the Board of Adjustment in an “At Large” position for Escambia County.
Established by the Board of County Commissioners, the Escambia County Board of Adjustment conducts any required quasi-judicial public hearings to grant, grant with conditions, or deny applications for the following processes: Administrative Appeal, Conditional Use, Site Plan Approval Extension and Variance.
If interested in serving on the board, forward a current resume to the Development Services Department, Attn: Carla Cathey, 3363 West Park Place, Pensacola, Florida 32505, or email cgcathey@myescambia.com or adholmer@myescambia.com to submit your resume. All resumes must be submitted no later than Wednesday, April 3. A financial disclosure and W-9 forms are required to serve on this board.
Northview Beats Jay
March 19, 2013
The Northview Chiefs beat the Jay Royals 2-1 Monday night in seven innings in Bratt.
The varsity Northview Chiefs will host Chipley Friday at 6 p.m., while the Royals will sit out the rest of Spring Break week before hosting Escambia Academy on March 25.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Pictured: The Northview Chiefs topped the Jay Royals 2-1 Monday night. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Man Gets 35 Years For Robbing Navy Couple, High Speed Chase
March 19, 2013
An Escambia County man has been sentenced to 35 years in prison for robbing a couple and leading deputies on a high speed chase.
William Isiah Johnson, was convicted by an Escambia County jury of robbery, aggravated fleeing and attempting to elude a law enforcement officer with lights and siren activated, resisting an officer without violence, and credit card fraud.
After robbing a Navy couple and using their credit card on December 15, 2011, Johnson led deputies on a high-speed chase through the streets of Escambia County reaching speeds in excess of 100mph. During the pursuit, the defendant crossed through business parking lots and passed through traffic with no reduction in speed.
When Johnson stopped his vehicle, he ran through a nearby neighborhood on foot. A K-9 officer was used to locate the defendant. Once he was located and searched, the defendant had the victim’s drivers license in his pocket and numerous other items belonging to the victim were located in his vehicle.
Following the verdict, Circuit Judge Ross Goodman sentenced Johnson to the maximum sentence under each charge to a total of 35 years in state prison. This sentence is consecutive to Johnson’s 43-year sentenced imposed by Judge Goodman in January 2013, for Johnson’s conviction of the attack on two University of West Florida nursing students in 2011.
Florida Unemployment Dips; Steady To Increasing Rate Locally
March 19, 2013
The latest jobs numbers released Monday show the unemployment rate steady or increasing the North Escambia area, while the state jobless rate in Florida and Alabama decreased slightly.
Escambia County’s unemployment rate held steady at 7.8 percent from December to January. There were 34 fewer people reported unemployed during the period, for a total Escambia County unemployment of 10,924 people. One year ago, unemployment in Escambia County was 9.1 percent.
Santa Rosa County unemployment increased from 7.1 percent in December to 7.3 percent in January. Santa Rosa County had a total of 5,421 persons reported to be still unemployed. The year-ago unemployment rate in Santa Rosa County was 8.9 percent.
In Escambia County, Alabama, unemployment jumped from 8.1 percent in December to 9.7 percent in January. That represented 1,372 people unemployed in the county during the month. The year-ago rate was 9.0 percent.
The jobless numbers released by Florida and Alabama do not include persons that have given up on finding a job and are no longer reported as unemployed.
Florida’s jobless rate dipped slightly in Florida in January. In dropping from 7.9 percent in December to 7.8 percent in January, Florida’s jobless rate went below the national rate, which was 7.9 percent in January, for the first time since January of 2008.
“We are glad to see our unemployment rate fall below the national average for the first time in years, but our work isn’t done until every Floridian who wants a job can find one,” Gov. Rick Scott said.
In dropping to 7.8 percent, Florida’s jobless rate is now at its lowest point since November of 2008, near the beginning of the recession, and down from over 9 percent just a year ago.
And rather than simply improving the rate by losing workers from the workforce – as was the case with some earlier gains – Florida’s economy created jobs in January, the Department of Economic Opportunity said.
Alabama’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate, at 6.9 percent in January, was up from December’s rate of 6.8 percent and was below the year-ago rate of 7.3 percent.
Northview Hosts Track And Field Meet
March 19, 2013
The Northview Chiefs hosted a track and field meet Monday with J.U. Blacksher and Pensacola Christian. Results were not immediately available and will be posted as they are released, along with a photo gallery. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Aggie Classic Day One
March 19, 2013
Here’s a look at Aggie Classic scores from Monday followed by Tuesday’s schedule in the 22-team tournament.
Cardinal Pool
- Hume-Fogg (TN) 12, Grove (OK) 2
- Hueytown (Ala.) 4, Tahlequah (OK) 0
- Overton (TN) 5, Tate 3
- Edmond North (OK) 3, Escambia 1
- Jay (OK) 6, Navarre 0
- Washington 4, Washington (OK) 1
Grey Pool
- Milton 4, Greenwood (Ark.) 2
- Norman North (OK) 5, West Florida 4
- Goodpasture (TN) 4, Claremore (OK) 0
- Arlington 14, Pryor (OK) 4
- Westmoore (OK) 8, McAdory (AL) 7
TUESDAY’S SCHEDULE
At Tate High
• Arlington Country Day vs. Westmoore, 4 p.m.
• Tate vs. Washington (OK), 7 p.m.
At Escambia High
• McAdory vs. Claremore, 4 p.m.
• Escambia vs. Hume-Fogg, 7 p.m.
At Washington High
• Overton vs. Tahlequah, 4 p.m.
• Grove vs. Washington, 7 p.m.
At West Florida High
• Edmond North vs. Navarre, 4 p.m.
• West Florida vs. Pryor, 7 p.m.
At Pensacola State
• Hueytown vs. Jay, 4 p.m.
• Good Pasture vs. Milton, 7 p.m.
At Woodham Middle
• Norman North vs. Greenwood, 7 p.m.
William Richard “Dick” Moye, Sr.
March 19, 2013
William Richard “Dick” Moye, Sr., 80, went to be with his Lord on March 16, 2013, after a brief illness. He was born in the Pineview Community of Brewton on March 20, 1932, to Clifford Vernon Moye and Ida Ruth Bagwell Moye. He married the love of his life in October 1954 and had six children.
He operated businesses in Brewton for fifteen years. He moved to Pensacola in 1969 as a salesman at Pensacola Buggy Works where he worked for five years. In 1973, he launched out and created his own business, Dick Moye Auto Sales, Inc., where he has served the transportation needs of the Pensacola area for 40 years. It began on Barrancas Avenue in 1973 and moved to North Old Palafox Road in 1979 and it still operates today. At his death, he was the oldest used car dealer in Pensacola.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Ray Moye and Clifford Moye.
He is survived by his wife, Ella Monk Moye; sister, Gladys Andrews of East Brewton; six children, Richard Vernon “Dicky” Moye (Pam), Angela Moye Douglas (Mike), Alicia Moye McCormick (Terry), William Richard “Richie” Moye, Jr. (Dana), William Russell “Rusty” Moye (Mandy), and Timothy Warren Moye (Maria); 15 grandchildren, Candice Stokes (John), Pamela Williams (Jason), Joshua Moye, Shane Moye (Kayla), Sara Henderson (Bill), Ashley McCormick, Brittany Moye, Richard “RJ” Moye , Preston Moye, Melissa Moye, Casey Moye, Jolene Douglas, Russ Moye, Brad Moye, and Trenton Moye; six great-grandchildren, Courtney Stokes, Katelyn Stokes, McKenzie Williams, Kash Brown, Parker Moye, and Reagan Williams; and numerous nieces and nephews; special friend, Dwayne Davis, Jr.; his beloved pet, KoKo; and many friends.
He was a member of Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church where he served as trustee and was on the Finance Committee.
Visitation will be Tuesday, March 19, 2013, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North.
Funeral services will be Wednesday, March 20, 2013, at 11 a.m. at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North.
Burial will follow in Ray’s Chapel Cemetery.
Active pallbearers will be RJ, Shane, Preston, Josh, Brad, Casey, Russ Moye and Dwayne Davis, Jr.
Honorary pallbearers will be company technicians, Billy Hedrick, Rick Kortz, Donald Carter, and Giles Laframboise.
In lieu of flowers, the family wishes that donations be made to Covenant Hospice, West Florida Hospital.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is in charge of arrangements.