FWC Law Enforcement Report
July 7, 2014
The Florida FWC Division of Law Enforcement reported the following activity during the weekend ending July 3.
The “Operation Dry Water” campaign launched over the past week. Northwest Regional officers focused on boating safety education and awareness on drinking and boating. Throughout the campaign, officers inspected 901vessels and contacted 2,510 citizens taking an educational approach. There were 36 boating citations issued and 152 boating safety warnings issued. Six arrests for BUI were made.
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
Officers Cushing and Miller were working boating safety in the Intracoastal Waterway. The officers noticed an approaching boat with fishing gear commonly used for reef fish. Upon stopping and completing a boating safety inspection, the officers conducted a fisheries inspection. Officer Miller located a bag of freshly filleted red snapper in a cooler. Of these fillets, two appeared to have been from an undersized red snapper. Due to the fish not being landed in whole condition, the officers were unable to determine the actual size. The subject was issued a notice to appear for failure to land in whole condition.
Officer Livesay was on vessel patrol in Pensacola Bay when he checked a person that was fishing from a vessel. While performing a fisheries and boating safety check, the fisherman asked Officer Livesay what the size limit on flounder was. He claimed he had only one fish on board and it was a flounder. Officer Livesay checked the flounder, which was legal, but further inspection of the vessel revealed an undersized red snapper in the live well. Officer Livesay issued a notice to appear citation for the violation.
This report represents some events the FWC handled over the past week;however, it does not include all actions taken by the Division of Law Enforcement. Information provided by FWC.
$66.5 Million In Disaster Assistance Paid Out; Application Deadline Extended
July 7, 2014
Sixty days after a violent storm system brought massive flooding to Northwest Florida, $66.5 million in disaster assistance has been approved to help homeowners, renters and business owners recover. And now, FEMA has extended the deadline to apply for assistance.
Residents affected by the storms and flooding from April 28 to May 6 in Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Jackson and Walton counties have until Monday, July 21, to register for disaster assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Survivors can register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or at m.fema.gov on a smartphone. Survivors may also apply by phone at 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585.
More than 14,200 survivors have been in touch with FEMA seeking help or information on disaster assistance following what local officials called the worst flood in this part of the state in decades.
Since the May 6 disaster declaration, more than $32.1 million in Individual Assistance has helped more than 6,600 homeowners and renters who were affected by the spring storms and flooding. This includes more than $26.6 million in rental expenses and essential home repairs, and nearly $5.5 million to help cover other essential disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses and lost personal possessions.
In addition, the U.S. Small Business Administration has approved more than $34.4 million in low-interest disaster loans for qualified homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations.
The Public Assistance cost-share program may also be available to reimburse state agencies, local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations. These reimbursements can help pay for debris cleanup, repairs to damaged facilities and infrastructure, and for costs incurred in protecting lives and property during the floods. The program also provides mitigation funds to help rebuild infrastructure that is better able to withstand future storms.
In addition to state and federal disaster assistance programs, survivors have benefited from a wider array of disaster services and resources, including disaster unemployment assistance, free legal services, disaster-related stress help and guidance on flood insurance.
FEMA is continuing to work with state and local partners to connect survivors to recovery resources in their communities. Survivors who need extra help are encouraged to call Florida’s 2-1-1 information helpline or visit HelpNWFLrecover.org.
Several voluntary agencies, local community- and faith-based organizations and other nonprofit groups are working with survivors to help them tackle their longer term needs. Among these voluntary agencies are the American Red Cross, United Way, Volunteer Florida, Operation Blessing, Florida Baptists and Samaritan’s Purse.
West Florida’s Bedenfield Named Florida FFA Area Vice President
July 7, 2014
Jacobi Bedenfield of the West Florida High School FFA was elected as the 2014-2015 Area 1 State Vice President of the Florida FFA during the group’s annual convention in Orlando.
“I strive for service. Living to serve is something that I live by. I want to lead the members of Florida FFA in order to make a difference in their lives and communities. I want to guide members to premier leadership, personal growth, and career success,” Bedenfield said during his campaign.
Bedenfield and fellow West Florida High FFA member Xavier McKeon were the only two students from Florida FFA Area 1 to make it through the screening process in order to become state officer candidates. McKeon also ran for the Area 1 State Vice President position.
Wahoos Fall To Mobile
July 7, 2014
The Mobile BayBears got a bases loaded single in the bottom of the 10th to finish off their third straight win over the Blue Wahoos, 5-4, Sunday evening at Hank Aaron Stadium in Mobile. Tim Adleman made a spot start for Pensacola and fanned a career high eight batters over 5.0 innings in a no-decision. He allowed just one run in his first start of the year.
Pensacola battled from behind on three different occasions to tie the game, but never could take the lead. Pensacola forced extra innings with some good luck. Jesse Winker’s fly ball to right-centerfield looked to be routine, but as BayBears centerfielder Evan Marzilli got to the ball, he slipped and the ball landed behind him for a double. Winker ended up scoring on a wild pitch and throwing error by the catcher. The double was one of two for the Blue Wahoos left fielder on the night.
Ryan Wright paced the offense for Pensacola with a 3-for-5 game. He also added an RBI. Kyle Waldrop had the Blue Wahoos other multi-hit effort with a 2-for-4 night.
Drew Hayes (L, 4-3) allowed the winning run in the 10th to suffer the loss. He allowed 1 R/ER on three hits over 1.1 innings. Willy Peredes (W, 4-1) picked up the win for the BayBears after working a scoreless 10th inning. Diamondbacks top prospect Archie Bradley took a no-decision after giving up 1 R/ER over 5.1 innings. He walked two and struck out three.
Pensacola looks to snap their three-game skid on Monday night with RHP Robert Stephenson (3-6, 4.24) on the mound against BayBears RHP Justin Fitzgerald (7-1, 4.04). First pitch is slated for 7:05 p.m. at Hank Aaron Stadium.
by Tommy Thrall
Sheriff’s Office Neighborhood Watch Academy Accepting Applications
July 7, 2014
Applications are now being accepted for a July 15 Neighborhood Watch Academy from the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
The one-evening seminar begins with a complementary meal at 5:00 and ends at 9 p.m. The event is meant for those that may wish to start a neighborhood watch group, or those that simply just want to learn how to be less likely to be a victim of crime. Much of the curriculum covers basic safety and security tips for the home, anonymous reporting and crime prevention through environmental design.
For more information or to register, call David Craig in the ECSO Community Services Unit at (850) 436-9281 or email gcraig@escambiaso.com. The seminar will be held in the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Administration Building at 1700 West Leonard Street.
Hynes Completes Basic Training
July 7, 2014
Air Force Airman Joshua C. Hynes graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas.
The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.
Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.
Hynes is the son of Michael Hynes of Pensacola.
He is a 2011 graduate of the West Florida High School.
Gerald (Jerry) Lambeth
July 7, 2014
Gerald (Jerry) Lambeth, born March 10, 1949, passed away at the age of 65 on July 5, 2014.
Born in Century, he was raised in Flomaton. He went to school at Flomaton and graduated from Flomaton. He worked as a boilermaker out of Local 112 out of Mobile for 31 years. He was a fireman for Friendship Volunteer Fire Department for ten years and was chief for two years. He loved to hunt and fish.
He was survived by his wife, Shirley Lambeth of 40 ½ years; sons, Brady Lambeth (Donna Biggs) of Flomaton; Jason (Stacey) Lambeth of Pensacola; daughters, Kristy (Joey) Hutchcraft of Brewton, AL, daughter, Misty (Justin) Jerkins of Flomaton; brother, Johnny (Linda) Lambeth of Evergreen, AL; sister, Sue (Kenny) Bryan of Beatrice, AL and grandkids, Logan Lambeth, Olivia Lambeth, Tyler Riggs, Nathan & Trenton Lambeth, Megan Smith, Chandler Enfinger, Tyler Hutchcraft, Hannah Peacock, Harley Jerkins and JT Jerkins.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Marjorie Lambeth; and sister, Carol Beasley.
Funeral services will be Tuesday, July 8, 2014, at 10 a.m.. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Rev. Andy Boutwell officiating.
Burial will follow at the Traveler’s Rest Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Mike Boutwell, Jeremy Lee, Terry Boutwell, Billy Byrd, Earl Bradley, Daniel Higdon and Toby Boutwell.
Honorary pallbearer will be Billy Odom.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements
James O’Neal Amos
July 7, 2014
Mr. James O’Neal Amos, 57, passed away on Wednesday, July 2, 2014, in Atmore.
Mr. Amos was a native and lifelong resident of Atmore. Mr. Amos is preceded in death by his mother, Gladys Johnson Amos and father, James M. Amos.
He is survived by his four brothers, Clifford Amos, Carlton Amos, Will Amos and Thomas Amos all of Atmore; and three sisters, Carolyn (Jimmy) Jackson, Bernice (Joe) Pace and Polly Dean all of Atmore.
Funeral services were held Saturday, July 5, 2014, at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Rev. Mike Grindle officiating.
Burial will follow at the Sullivan Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Robine Jackson, O’Neal Jackson, Stevy Jackson, Joe Pace, James Commalander and Casey Jackson.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.
Huston Wright Shell
July 7, 2014
Huston Wright Shell, 80, of Jay, passed away on July 5, 2014, after a short illness. He was born on January 10, 1934, to Loyd T. And Fanny Hall Shell in Jay. Huston was a lifetime resident of Jay. He graduated from Jay High School in 1952. He attended Auburn University and joined the US Air Force where he earned the National Defense Service Medal for designing a safer way to pack a parachute that is still in use today. After an Honorable Discharge he returned to Jay to farm with his father. However he soon started working at Chemstrand (Monsanto). He retired as a supervising foreman after 34 years. Huston loved God, family, children, hunting, fishing, farming, and grand adventures. He was an expert turkey hunter and was awarded a lifetime membership in the National Wildlife Turkey Federation for his achievements. Huston enjoyed sports of all kinds, especially Auburn football. War Eagle! He was a faithful member of Pine Level Baptist Church where he served as deacon and Sunday School teacher for many years.
Huston was preceded in death by his parents, Loyd and Fanny Shell; and son-in-law, Roger Earl Lewis.
Huston is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Gwen, who was a co-conspirator in many of his exploits; two devoted daughters, Dianne Lewis of Berrydale and Donna (Lawrence) Jackson of Jay; five grandchildren, Trent Lewis (Amelia Weekley), Cassie Lewis (Peter) Odahowski , Kerry McCall, Jeremy (Jessica) Odom and Megan (Cliffton) Carroll; six great-grandchildren, Braden Lewis, Erica McCall, Travis McCall, Walker Odom, Jason Carroll, and Alexis Carroll; two step-grandchildren, Stephen (Talia) Jackson, and Sonya (Reggie) Odom; five step-great-grandchildren, Colby, Baylie, and Allie Odom and Avarie and Payton Jackson; two brothers, Truss (Audrey) Shell of Jay, and Billy (Marguerite) Shell of Brewton; two sisters, Luellen (Mallory) Cooley of Jay and Gail Davis (Jeff Buchanan ) of Pensacola; one uncle, Otis (Estelle) Hall of Ocala, FL, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. Tuesday, July 8, 2014, at Jay Funeral Home.
Services will be at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, July 9, 2014 at Pine Level Baptist Church in Jay with Rev. Mark Stuart, Rev. Earle Greene, and Rev. Dennis Terry officiating.
Internment will be at Pine Level Baptist Church cemetery.
Pallbearers will be his grandchildren.
Honorary pallbearers will be his great-grandchildren, step-grandchildren, Martha Terry, Jan Smith, Davis Terry, Mary Jones, Frank Harold, Yvonne Hall, and Faye and Ben Hudson.
Flowers are welcome or donations may be made to Pine Level Baptist Church Children’s Fund.
Dry, Sunny Weather Continues
July 6, 2014
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
- Sunday Sunny, with a high near 92. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.
- Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 68. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
- Monday Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Light and variable wind becoming southwest 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.
- Monday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 70. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
- Tuesday A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. West wind 5 to 10 mph.
- Tuesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
- Wednesday A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 92. West wind 5 to 10 mph.
- Wednesday Night A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
- Thursday A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 93.
- Thursday Night A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73.
- Friday A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 92.
- Friday Night A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74.
- Saturday A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 93.