Nokomis Residents Receive Lower Fire Insurance Rating, Better Protection
July 23, 2014
The Nokomis (AL) Volunteer Fire Department has received an improved fire protection class rating which will translate to lower homeowner’s insurance premiums for hundreds of households.
The Insurance Services Office (ISO) recently notified the department that their new rating is a 5/5X, significant fire rating decrease from their previous 7/9. The new rating drops by two classifications for homes within 1,000 feet of a hydrant and drops fiyr classifications for homes outside the required distance from a hydrant.
Assistant Fire Chief Chris McGhee said many municipal, full-time fire departments are a Class 5. The lower ratings, he said, are based upon numerous factors, including water supply, equipment, number of firefighters and more.
The new ISO classification will take effect on October 1.
According to an example provided by the fire department, sample insurance premium on a $200,000 home would be $1,252 at a Class 9, but in the new Class 5X rating the premium would be $690, a savings for the homeowner of $562.
The Nokomis Volunteer Fire Department responds to an average of 60 calls a year with 15 volunteer firefighters in a district that begins just west of the Atmore Country Club and continues to the Baldwin County line, north to Doyle Hadley Road and south to the Alabama/Florida line — and area with about 400 residences.
An agreement between Escambia County, FL, and Nokomis calls for the Nokomis Volunteer Fire Department to automatically be dispatched to certain emergencies in a portion of the Walnut Hill fire district, and for Walnut Hill to be automatically dispatched to certain types of calls, such as structure fires, in Nokomis, AL.
The Nokomis Volunteer Fire Department’s “Squirt 24″ was formerly “Truck 5″ in Century. After the Century Station of Escambia Fire Rescue received a refurbished 75-foot ladder truck that was formerly assigned to Ensley, “Truck 5″ was put up for auction and purchased by the Nokomis VFD for $5,000.
“We are completely volunteer and have to raise our own support,” Nokoms Fire Chief Eddie Odom said. “There is always a need for funds and we hope that homeowners will step up and
contribute to the fire department, especially with the extra savings they will enjoy as a result of our efforts. A fund raising effort is underway now to expand the small fire station so we can receive a much needed 1,250 gallon per minute pumper that was donated from the City of Atmore but we have no room to house the truck. It’s not just the building that we need financial assistance with. The cost of keeping our firefighters equipped and trained is expensive just as diesel, parts, maintenance and building upkeep are. Now more than ever, we need homeowners and property owners to support us financially.”
Board member and Nokomis Fire Captain Jerry Gehman says many departments across the America ask for $95 to $125 per household as a general rule of funding annually. Many communities pay a “fire tax” around the same amount.
Contributions can be mailed to the Nokomis Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 727, Atmore, AL 36502.
Pictured: Operating under new mutual aid agreement, the Walnut Hill Station of Escambia Fire Rescue and the Nokomis (AL) Volunteer Fire Department held a combined training exercise last year in Walnut Hill. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Repeat Felon Gets 20 Years For Shooting Into Motel Room
July 23, 2014
An Escambia County man has been sentenced to two decades in state prison for shooting into a motel room.
Kendrell Maurice Sims entered a plea of no contest to the charges of shooting at, into or within a building, two counts of aggravated assault with a firearm, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Following his plea, Circuit Judge Jan Shackelford sentenced Sims to 20 years in prison.
On October 23, 2013, at the Relax Inn on Mobile Highway, Kendrell Sims and Gregory Henderson were in a physical altercation. Once the physical altercation broke up, Sims got a gun from his motel room and went back to Henderson’s motel room and began firing multiple rounds at the door of Henderson’s room. At that time, Greg Henderson and Elaine Green were inside the room.
Kendrell Sims was previously convicted of six felony charges, including drug related offenses.
Five Busted In Undercover Escambia County Child Predator Sting
July 23, 2014
Five people have been arrested after an undercover child predator sting in Escambia County. Operation Blue Guardian focused on adults soliciting and traveling to meet minors to engage in sexual activity.
The five day operation concluded on July 20. Investigators will continue to follow up on leads and additional arrests may be forthcoming.
According to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, the following were arrested:
- Jerry Armes, 40. Traveled from Fort Walton Beach for the purpose of having sex with what he believed to be an 11-year old girl. He was charged with obscene communication, using a computer to solicit/lure a child for sex, and obscene communication using a two-way device. His bond was set at $100,000.
- William Johnson, 49. Traveled from Pace for the purpose of having sex with what he believed to be a 12-year old girl. He was charged with obscene communication, using a computer to solicit/lure a child for sex, and obscene communication using a two-way device. His bond was set at $100,000.
- Douglas Lee Shearer, 44. Traveled locally in order to have sex with what he believed to be a 14-year old boy. He was charged with obscene communication, using a computer to solicit/lure a child for sex, and obscene communication using a two-way device. His bond was set at $150,000.
- David W. Slater, 52. Traveled locally in order to have sex with what he believed to be a 14-year old boy. He was charged with obscene communication, using a computer to solicit/lure a child for sex, obscene communication using a two-way device and possession of marijuana. His bond was set at $100,500.
- Taylor James Walker, 18. Traveled from Shalimar, for the purpose of having sex with what he believed to be an 11-year old girl. He was charged with obscene communication, using a computer to solicit/lure a child for sex, and obscene communication using a two-way device. His bond was set at $100,000.
The operation was conducted by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office in conjunction with the Pensacola Police Department and additional local, state and federal agencies.
Century Adopts New Fee Schedule For Planning, Zoning, Development Review
July 23, 2014
The Town of Century has adopted a new fee schedule for planning, zoning and development review as part of the town’s land development code.
The new fee schedule items such as residential site renovation permits for $25, commercial site renovation permits for $50 and $50 demolition permits. In many cases, a portion of the fee is refunded once the applicant receives the required building permits from Escambia County.
The only fees greater than $50 are: $250 for a new commercial site or development, $500 for a small scale comprehensive plan amendment and $750 for large scale amendment to the comprehensive plan.
For a pdf copy of the fee schedule, click here.
Blue Angels Announce 2015 Team Members
July 23, 2014
The Blue Angels have announced the officers selected for the 2015. The squadron selected an executive officer, three F/A-18 demonstration pilots, an events coordination officer, two C-130 demonstration pilots, a flight surgeon, and a supply officer to join the 2015 team.
Many highly-qualified Navy and Marine Corps officers submit applications to join the Blue Angels each year.
“We remain committed to selecting the most talented and qualified individuals to join the Blue Angels,” said Cmdr. Tom Frosch, flight leader and commanding officer for the team. “Once again, a significant number of extremely talented, experienced Sailors and Marines applied this year, and we are proud of those we have chosen to join the 2015 team. They are excellent representatives of the skilled service members defending our freedom around the world.”
The Blue Angels select finalists to interview at the Blue Angels’ home base at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla., during the week of the Pensacola Beach Air Show. The team makes selections at the conclusion of the interview week.
“All of our finalists this year are incredible examples of some of the finest officers in the Navy and Marine Corps, from both the aviation community and the fleet,” said Lt. Cmdr. John Hiltz, Right Wing pilot and the applications officer for the 2014 team. “What was most important for us — regardless of anything else — was to select the most qualified individuals for the team to represent the more than 540,000 Sailors and Marines deployed around the world, around the clock. And I’m happy to say that we’ve done that.”
The newly-selected 2015 team members include:
Executive officer:
Navy Cmdr. Bob Flynn, 45, of Moorestown, N.J., is a S-3B Viking naval flight officer and is currently assigned to the Naval War College. He is a 1992 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Md.
F/A-18 demonstration pilots:
Navy Lt. Matt Suyderhoud, 31, of Honolulu, is currently assigned to Training Squadron 22 (VT-22) at Naval Air Station Kingsville, Texas. He is a 2005 graduate of Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Mo.
Navy Lt. Andrew Talbott, 31, of Sedan, Kan., is currently assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron 106 (VFA-106) at Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia Beach, Va. He is a 2005 graduate of Kansas State University, Salina, Kan.
Marine Capt. Jeff Kuss, 30, of Durango, Colo., is currently assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 312 (VMFA-312) Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C. He is a 2006 graduate of Fort Lewis College, Durango, Colo.
Events coordination officer:
Marine Capt. Corrie Mays, 34, of Marstons Mills, Mass., is currently assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (All Weather) 225 (VMFA(AW)-225) at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, San Diego. She is a 2003 graduate of the University of Georgia, Athens, Ga.
C-130 demonstration pilots:
Marine Maj. Mark Hamilton, 36, of Becker, Minn., is currently assigned to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252 (VMGR-252) at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C. He is a 2000 graduate of Purdue University, West Lafayette, Ind.
Marine Capt. Katie Higgins, 27, of Annapolis, Md., is currently assigned to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252 (VMGR-252) at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C. She is a 2008 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Md.
Flight surgeon:
Navy Lt. Joe Schwartz, 34, of Arlington, Va., is currently assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron 132 (VAQ-132) at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Oak Harbor, Wash. He is a 2002 graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Ind.
Supply officer:
Navy Lt. Gregory Bollinger, Jr., 31, of Carbondale, Ill., is currently assigned to Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 9 (VX-9) at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, Calif. He is a 2006 graduate of the University of Maryland University College, Adelphi, Md.
Expected to return for the 2015 season are:
F/A-18 demonstration pilots:
Navy Cmdr. Tom Frosch, 44, of Clinton Township, Mich.
Navy Lt. Cmdr. Nate Barton, 33, of Hummelstown, Pa.
Navy Lt. Mark Tedrow, 31, of Charleroi, Pa.
Navy Lt. Ryan Chamberlain, 29, of Bloomington, Ill.
C-130 demonstration pilots:
Marine Capt. Dusty Cook, 32, of East Bernard, Texas.
Maintenance officer:
Navy Lt. Cmdr. Declan Hartney, 44, of Limerick, Ireland.
Administration officer:
Navy Lt. j.g. Phillip Harper, 33, of Chicago.
Public affairs officer:
Navy Lt. j.g. Amber Lynn Daniel, 33, of Ramona, Calif.
The mission of the Blue Angels is to showcase the pride and professionalism of the United States Navy and Marine Corps by inspiring a culture of excellence and service to country through flight demonstrations and community outreach.
Since its inception in 1946, the Blue Angels have performed for more than 484 million fans.
Two Arrested For Torching Stolen Car In Century Ballpark
July 23, 2014
Two Century residents have been arrested for stealing a car from the Food Giant in Century and then torching it in a ballpark.
Michael Alexander Dubose, 20, and Aubrey Odom, 17, have been charged with arson in the second degree, criminal mischief and vehicle theft for the July 1 incident.
The fire was reported about 7:15 a.m. behind an concession stand at the Lloyd Barrow Field on Church Street. The 1993 Buick Century was in an area not normally accessible to vehicle traffic. A witness said the vehicle had no tag attached.
The ballpark’s concession stand, owned by the town of Century, suffered minor damage, with vinyl siding melted off the back of the building. Damage to the building was estimated at less than $2,000.
NorthEscambia.com file photos.
Lendle Clarence “Lenny” Godwin, Jr.
July 23, 2014
Mr. Lendle Clarence “Lenny” Godwin, Jr., age 53, passed away on Sunday, July 20, 2014, at his Flomaton residence.
Mr. Godwin was born in Escambia County, AL and was a former resident of Castleberry before moving back to the Brewton/Flomaton area 22 years ago. He had worked as a mechanic for Peach Chevrolet. Mr. Godwin was a member of Friendship Free Will Baptist Church.
He is survived by his brother, Eddie Godwin of Castleberry; two step-daughters, Kristy (Greg) Barlow of Flomaton and Amanda (Dax) Selario of Bridgeport, WV; sister-in-law, Samantha Kay (Paul) Howell of Flomaton; cousin, Ricky Godwin of Castleberry; grandchildren, Darcy, Zoe, and Gabbie Selario; and a number of aunts and cousins.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, July 24, 2014, at 11 a.m. from the chapel of Craver’s Funeral Home with Rev. Rusty Burnham officiating.
Interment will follow in Buffington Cemetery.
William Ernest “Junior” Stacey, Jr.
July 23, 2014
William Ernest “Junior” Stacey, Jr., 44, of Flomaton, went to be with the Lord on July 18, 2014. He was born December 8, 1969, in Escambia County to Carol and William Ernest Stacey.
He is preceded in death by his father.
Mr. Stacey is survived by his mother and step-father, Carol and Bobby Satterwhite; daughter, Alexandria Stacey; two sisters, Regina Wyatt and Carla Settles; step-brothers, Tim Harvell, Mike Harvell, Tim Satterwhite, and Johnny Satterwhite; two nieces; three nephews; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Visitation will be held at Pensacola Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home on Thursday, July, 24, 2014 from 6-8 p.m.
Funeral services will be held at10 a.m. on Friday, July 25, 2014, at Pensacola Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home.
Wahoos Beat Mobile
July 23, 2014
With hundreds of budding princesses roaming Pensacola Bayfront Stadium in their dresses and tiaras, something magical happened in the first inning.
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos scored seven runs on eight hits, including five doubles, and went on to defeat the Mobile BayBears, 8-4, on 18 hits.
Daddy-Daughter night at the ballpark included a pre-game parade where Little Mermaids, Snow Whites and Jasmines pranced down the first baseline to loud applause. It included Wahoos Manager Delino DeShields young daughter helping her daddy deliver the lineup card to the umpires and join a quartet of other princesses to sing, “Take Me Out to the Ballgame,” during the seventh inning stretch.
Whether it was magic spells at work or not, DeShields was just happy to see his hitters hitting. During the team’s 1-8 skid entering Tuesday’s game, the Wahoos hit .239 as a team and had 77 strikeouts and 67 hits.
All nine starters got on base during the game and only pitcher Daniel Corcino was hitless. In fact, seven of the nine hitters had at least two hits and Ryan Wright, Kyle Waldrop and Juan Duran all had three.
DeShields said it was the first time his 7-year-old daughter, Delaney, got to sit in the dugout and hangout on the field. They watched the 7-minute fireworks show to Disney tunes together after the game.
“She might be a good luck charm,” DeShields said. “I’m going to have to start bringing her all the time.”
Yorman Rodriguez, who went 2-5, including a double to start the game, said one of the most special feelings he has is when he hears his toddler in the stands behind the backstop shouting his name.
“The whole game she yells, ‘Poppie! Poppie!’” Rodriguez said. “She yells loud, too. It’s awesome.”
Mobile scored three of its runs on a homerun over the right-center fence by Jake Lamb, who is leading or near the top in every offensive category in the Southern League. The Arizona Diamondbacks No. 9 prospect according to MLB.com has 13 homers and 76 RBI.
The third game of the five-game series with the Arizona Diamonbacks Double-A affiliate the Mobile BayBears gets underway at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday. RHP Jon Moscot (5-9, 3.19) takes the mound for the Wahoos and is scheduled to be opposed by the BayBears RHP A.J. Schugel (4-1, 3.70).
by Tommy Thrall
Escambia Issues Air Quality Health Alert For Wedgewood Area
July 22, 2014
Effective immediately, in response to air quality monitoring, the Florida Department of Health in Escambia County (FDOH-Escambia) is issuing a health alert for the area surrounding the Wedgewood Community Center and the Rolling Hills Construction and Demolition Landfill in Escambia County.
Air quality monitoring has been performed by Escambia County at the Wedgewood Community Center (6405 Wagner Road, Pensacola). This center is adjacent to the Rolling Hills Construction and Demolition Landfill located at 6990 Rolling Hills Road, Pensacola. The monitoring has revealed elevated levels of hydrogen sulfide in the air at a minimum level of concern for long term exposure to humans. Hydrogen sulfide is a colorless gas which often has an odor similar to rotten eggs, but which may have no detectable smell when present in low concentrations. However, even low concentrations of hydrogen sulfide gas can have negative health effects.
Exposure to hydrogen sulfide may cause respiratory symptoms such as eye, nose, and throat irritation in some individuals. People experiencing respiratory symptoms should consult their physician for treatment and should stay inside their homes. According to FDOH-Escambia’s Director, Dr. John Lanza, “While inside, people should close their windows, run their cooling/heating system, and change their system’s filter, as needed. If symptoms persist while inside an air conditioned home, people may choose to leave the area until their symptoms are tolerable.”
Persons who have questions about health problems or symptoms they may be experiencing related to hydrogen sulfide exposure should contact their primary care physician. Those who have asthma or other chronic lung disease should follow their disease management plan, and should call their doctor if symptoms worsen. For medical emergencies, call 911 or go immediately to the nearest emergency facility.
The Florida Department of Health in Escambia County will continue to evaluate air quality monitoring results, as reported by Escambia County. Any further recommendations and alerts will be released as more information becomes available.