Deputies: Thompson Confessed To Three Murders
July 22, 2014
The person of interest in a weekend double murder in Santa Rosa County is now behind bars. Derrick Ray Thompson was arrested Tuesday morning without incident in Troy, AL, on a Bay County warrant for homicide in the death of Allen Johnson, a former deputy and businessman.
Johnson’s body was found Monday afternoon at his home. At the time of his arrest, Thompson was driving the Toyota truck belonging to Johnson, and he was in possession of several handguns and one assault rifle.
According to investigators, Thompson confessed to Bay County murder as well as the double homicide in Santa Rosa County. He waived the extradition process and has been transferred to the Bay County Jail.
Thompson was also wanted on outstanding warrants for burglary/grand theft and fraud in Santa Rosa County where he was sought for questioning as a person of interest in the double murder of a husband and wife on Sunday.
Deputies say they responded to a 911 call for a medical emergency just about 8:50 a.m. Sunday in the 6200 block of Goliath Road in Milton. They found 60-year old Steven Tyrone Zackowski and 59-year old Debra Lynn Zackowski shot to death at the home.
Bay County Sheriff Details Events Leading To Arrest
Bay County Sheriff Frank McKeithen held a press conference this afternoon at the Bay County Sheriff’s Office to release details in the Allen Johnson homicide case and the arrest of the man believed responsible for Johnson’s death.
Johnson was discovered deceased on July 21, at about 1:43 p.m. in his residence on Wilson Avenue when family members, concerned when they could not reach him by phone, went to his home, made entry and found his body.
Derrick Ray Thompson, already a person of interest in a double homicide in Santa Rosa County, was quickly identified as a suspect. Thompson’s vehicle had been left in Johnson’s driveway and Johnson’s vehicle, a silver Toyota Tundra, was missing. Law enforcement believed Thompson had taken it.
Subsequent investigation revealed that while in Johnson’s vehicle, Thompson used money obtained from Johnson and Johnson’s cell phone to purchase illegal narcotics in Bay County shortly after the homicide. Based on this information, a warrant was obtained for Derrick Ray Thompson for the murder of Allen Johnson.
Information on the suspect and the vehicle was distributed to local media and media in the Alabama area when it was suspected that Thompson might go there. Thompson has done electrical work on a hunting lodge in that area.
A citizen in Troy, AL, familiar with a description of the vehicle from media reports, spotted the Toyota Tundra entering the hunting lease late last night and reported it to local law enforcement. A team comprised of the US Marshals, the Troy Police Department, and the Pike County Sheriff’s Office formed a perimeter and, due to the fact Thompson was believed armed and dangerous and weather was bad, decided to wait for daybreak to move in on the suspect.
Thompson attempted to leave just before daybreak. When he got out of the Tundra to open the gate and leave the property, SWAT teams deployed a flash bang device and took the stunned Thompson into custody on the warrant from the Bay County Sheriff’s Office without further incident.
Law enforcement from Bay and Santa Rosa counties traveled to Pike County, Alabama and spoke with Thompson. After interviewing Thompson, investigators believe he committed the double murders in Santa Rosa County on Saturday, July 19, 2014. He fled Santa Rosa County and stayed that Saturday night with a friend on Panama City Beach. Sunday morning, Thompson went to Chipley and stayed overnight in a motel. After checking media reports online, he found out law enforcement had connected him to the double homicide in Santa Rosa County. On Monday, Thompson used a borrowed phone from the motel clerk and called Allen Johnson and asked if he could come to Johnson’s home on Wilson Avenue under the guise of borrowing money.
It is believed that Allen Johnson, an acquaintance of Thompson’s, was unaware that Thompson was a person of interest in the double homicide in Santa Rosa County.
Thompson was able to give law enforcement details about the murder of Allen Johnson not yet released to the public.
Allen Johnson was a deputy with the Bay County Sheriff’s Office from 1974 to 1988, working as a confidential informant prior to becoming a law enforcement officer. Johnson was the first to work undercover in drug enforcement for the Bay County Sheriff’s Office.
Derrick Ray Thompson was charged with an open count of murder in the death of Allen Johnson. He was extradited to Bay County to face a first appearance on the murder charge. After this the State Attorney’s Office for the first and fourteenth judicial circuits will work together to determine which homicide case will be tried first.
Century Takes Step Forward To Repair Gas Leak Under Highway 29
July 22, 2014
Over three years since the problem was first publicly revealed as a potential “major public safety issue”, natural gas continues to leak under Highway 29 in Century.
Monday night, the Century Town Council voted to take out a short term loan, up to 180 days, with United Bank for $678,300 to pay for the project before receiving reimbursement from a USDA program. The loan will cost the town $350 in fees at 2.75 percent in interest.
Back in April, the town awarded a repair contract to R.A.W. Construction, LLC of Tallahassee for $393,500 to repair the problem. The overall repair portion of the project, according to the town’s engineer, was estimated to about $1 million.
About 6,515 feet of 4-inch steel natural gas line was buried beneath the southbound lanes of Highway 29 when the road was widened to four lanes. Now, over 45 years since the almost 1.25 mile long pipe was put into the ground, the town believes the steel is corroding and leaking somewhere between West Highway 4 and McCurdy Street.
In April 2012, Century signed off on a $1.4 million USDA Rural Development loan to cover the cost of replacing the pipe. But, according to town officials, the town received the wrong form from the USDA, and as a result advertised the meetings incorrectly.
That meant heading back to the drawing board and starting the loan process again.
A new 4-inch pipe will be placed on the west side of Highway 29, while a new 2-inch pipe will be installed on the east side of the highway, eliminating the need to install pipes under the road to service natural gas customers. The pipe will be installed where existing easements exist or can be obtained at no cost, otherwise, it will be installed under existing sidewalks.
Two other bids were received on the project — one for $795,700.75 from Utility Service Company and one for $897,000 from Roberson Excavation, Inc. of Milton.
Pictured above and below: Natural gas is leaking somewhere under Highway 29 in Century. Pictured inset: Century Mayor Freddie McCall signs documents in April 2012 for a $1.401 million USDA Rural Development loan to repair the leaky gas lines. The loan was later invalidated by the USDA due to an incorrect form. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Ascend Volunteers Pitch In To Help Panhandle Equine Rescue
July 22, 2014
A group of volunteers from Ascend Performance Materials went up against the heat and humidity Monday to make some much needed improvements around the Cantonment home of Panhandle Equine Rescue.
“Despite the heat, 17 men came out, tore down an old stall that was rotting and built a new one,” said PER President Diane Lowery. “They also did fencing and painting. We appreciate large corporations who help non-profits since they have the manpower and resources that can be so difficult for organizations who depend on volunteers and donations.”
Ascend donated materials, in addition to the labor needed, for Monday’s improvements. Panhandle Equine Rescue is a non-profit organization that rescues and rehabilitates abused or neglected horses.
As part of their orientation program, new hires at Ascend participate in a community volunteer project.
Gulf Power, Other Big Utilities Ask To Scale Back Energy Efficiency Goals
July 22, 2014
Gulf Power and Florida’s other big electric providers are asking state regulators this week to let them scale back energy-efficiency programs — such as rebates for installing solar panels and power-saving appliances — that they say have become expensive and benefit few customers.
But conservationists argue that dramatically reducing energy-efficiency programs will only result in higher monthly bills for customers as the utilities eventually will need to build more natural-gas and nuclear power plants.
On Monday, Gulf Power Company, Florida Power & Light, Duke Energy Florida, Tampa Electric Co and JEA in Jacksonville began presenting testimony to the Florida Public Service Commission that they should be allowed to roll back energy-efficiency goals, as demand for the conservation programs has declined.
“We think it’s in the best interest of our 1.7 million customers to reduce that energy conservation goal and let us look at programs that could benefit the whole entire customer base,” Duke spokesman Sterling Ivey said. “It could be a community solar offering versus a rebate to an individual to put a solar panel on a roof, perhaps we can build a community solar array that all our customers pay into it and all would benefit.”
Rep. Dwight Dudley, D-St. Petersburg, said customers’ electricity bills have dropped due to conservation efforts and “slashing” the energy-efficiency programs will simply allow the power companies to make more money.
“This is not in the interest of the public, this is not in the interest of the people,” Dudley told the commission.
The hearing is expected to last three days. Two extra days have been set aside next week if the review runs long.
The commission isn’t expected to make a ruling on any of the requests until late fall.
by Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida
Pictured: Concerned citizens and conservation groups are attending the three-day meeting of the Florida Public Service Commission in Tallahassee to protest rollbacks in conservation rebates for energy consumers. Top photo by Ivan Penn, Florida News Connection , inset photo by Tom Urban, News Service of Florida, for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Hospice Volunteers Needed; Free Training Available Saturday
July 22, 2014
There is a shortage of hospice volunteers in the North Escambia area. Covenant Hospice will hold a new volunteer workshop at the Century Chamber of Commerce this Saturday.
Covenant Hospital volunteers help with:
- patient and family support
- honoring veterans
- children’s programs
- faith- based initiatives
- teen volunteers
- ambassadors
- fundraising and special events
- community events
- bereavement services
- Alzheimer’s family services
- administrative projects
The training will take place from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Saturday at the chamber office, 7811 North Century Boulevard. RSVP to Sharon Oakes at (850) 380-0356.
Head Start Registration Tuesday Morning In Molino
July 22, 2014
Parents and guardians are invited to register children for the new Head Start center in Molino Tuesday from 10:30 a.m. until noon at the Molino Community Center Auditorium at 6450 Highway 95A.
Head Start provides education and family programming for children ages three to five. To be eligible, families must qualify according to federal income guidelines or have a child with a diagnosed disability. Children must be age three or four by September 1, 2014.
Head Start is currently completing renovations at the old Molino Elementary School next to the library. The new center is expected to open at the same time or soon after the 2014-2015 school year begins for Escambia County Schools on August 18. Student drop off will begin at 7:45 a.m. with pick up at 1 p.m., Monday through Friday. Limited transportation is available.
A home-based program, Early Head Start, is also available for pregnant women and children from birth to 36 months.
To register for Head Start or Early Head Start, the following information is needed:
- Child’s birth certificate or proof of pregnancy
- Proof of residence
- Social security card
- Proof of income
- Insurance/Medicaid
Anyone interested in learning more about Head Start and Early Head Start may call (850) 432-2992 ext. 437. In Escambia County, Head Start is a part of the Community Action Program Committee, Inc. (CAPC).
Deputies: Man Hid, Fed Wanted Woman In His Shed
July 22, 2014
A Century man has been charged for allegedly hiding a wanted woman in his backyard shed, even feeding her there, to help her avoid arrest on felony warrants.
Gregory Lee Martin, 53, was charged with resisting an officer/obstruction of justice and released from the Escambia County Jail on a $500 bond.
Over a period of about a month, Martin allegedly allowed wanted felon Judy C. James of Atmore to stay in a shed in the backyard of his home in the 4700 block of Highway 168. Once arrested at Martin’s home, James told deputies that Martin routinely brought her meals from inside the main house to the shed for her to eat. James was charged with a probation violation and possession of drug paraphernalia.
During the period the woman was hidden in the shed, Martin reportedly told deputies several times that he had not had any contact with James and did not know her whereabouts.
Martin is current awaiting trial for felony unarmed burglary of an unoccupied structure, felony larceny and and obstructing an officer without violence.
According to an arrest report, Martin told deputies that he allowed a suspect in a nearby burglary to store stolen property in his shed. Martin also admitted to allowing the suspect to get dressed in camouflage on his property prior to a burglary, the report states.
Recycling Resumes In Santa Rosa County
July 22, 2014
Recycling resumed in Santa Rosa County recently when a contract with the Emerald Coast Utility Authority (ECUA) to transport recyclable material from the recycling transfer station at the Central Landfill in Milton was approved by the commission. Residents who previously had curbside recycling will see no change in service from their curbside providers.
At this time two recycling drop off sites are available for residents that do not have curbside recycling. Recycling can be dropped off at no charge at the Central Landfill located at 6337 Da Lisa Road in Milton and Jay Transfer Station located at 3786 Transfer Station Road in Jay. Residents who do not currently have curbside recycling are encouraged to contact their service provider to inquire if curbside recycling is an available service option.
Additionally, the county is currently exploring expanding the solid waste service provider franchise to areas north of the Yellow River. A franchise agreement would mean that only one hauler would be able to provide residential curbside service in a specified area, it would not impact business or commercial accounts. If approved, service could begin as soon as January 1, 2015 and is expected to include residential curbside recycling, yard waste and bulky waste pickup in addition to household solid waste services.
Louise Zlata Hayles
July 22, 2014
Louise Zlata Hayles, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and aunt went home to her Lord and Savior on Friday, Jul 18, 2014. She walked the earth in grace and humility, leaving behind a legacy of strength of character and love of Christ.
She was born September 30, 1925, in Omaha, NEm to Mary and Frank Zlata (deceased) where she lived with her brother Robert (Joan) and sister Mary Jane (deceased) until graduating from high school. Upon moving to Mobile, Alabama she worked for the IRS where she met the love of her life, Malcolm Hayles. After a three month courtship they were united in marriage on May 11, 1946. During their 68 year marriage, including six years in Monroeville, AL, before moving to Fort Walton Beach in 1952, their family began to multiply in number and love with the birth of their daughter Joan Smith and son Ricky (Helen) Hayles, grandchildren, Sara (Brian) Calhoun, Ty (Beth) Smith, Eric (Angela) Hayles, great grandchildren, Savanna Calhoun, Micah Calhoun, Maddox Hayles, Kaylynn Hayles and Tyson Smith.
She was the epitome of the Proverbs 31 woman and graciously assumed the role of household chef, seamstress, hostess of youth functions, supporter of her husband’s ministries, Sunday school teacher, scout leader, grandchildren event planner and exceptional bookkeeper at Kenwood Elementary.
Although she may have appeared delicate and meek, she was the driving family force with an unusual balance of dignity, grace, and strength, an obvious defender of the underdog, the first to respond to those in need with kindness and love, possessing the talent for always complimenting others and taking no credit for herself. Her hand was truly an extension of the love of Christ to all and a tangible way for others to understand the unconditional love the Father has for His children. Of all her roles in life, none describe her better than knowing she was a child of God and her family rests in assurance of her restored health at the feet of her Savior.
Although our hearts will always ache, we have the peace that passes all understanding in knowing that “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saint” Psalm 116:15
Please join us in a Celebration of Her Life and Legacy, Tuesday, July 22, 2014 at First United Methodist Church, Fort Walton Beach, with a visitation at 10 a.m. followed by an 11 a.m. service. Following services, burial will be at Beal Memorial Cemetery, Fort Walton Beach.
Memorials may be made in her name to First United Methodist Church in Fort Walton Beach, or Highland Baptist Church in Molino.
Report: Florida Blue Could Raise Rates
July 22, 2014
Major insurer Florida Blue could raise rates in 2015 for people enrolled through the federal health-care exchange after seeing a large number of older and sicker enrollees, Kaiser Health News reported Monday.
Patrick Geraghty, chief executive officer of the Jacksonville-based insurer, said it remains committed to the individual health-insurance market. But Geraghty told Kaiser Health News that rates also could be affected by such factors as a relative lack of younger and healthier enrollees.
“We will be under tremendous financial pressure initially given the age, risk profile and high utilization of the new membership,” he said. “It is far from clear that large enrollment in the marketplace is a financially beneficial place to be.”
Kaiser Health News said Florida Blue, which formerly was known as Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, would not disclose its proposed 2015 rates. That proposal was submitted to state regulators last month.
Florida Blue added 339,000 customers through the Affordable Care Act’s federal marketplace this year, according to Kaiser Health News.