Learn To Crochet At The Molino Library
August 6, 2014
A crochet class begins this week at the Molino Branch Library.
Dorothy C. Lee, Escambia County Family and Consumer Sciences extension agent will teach the basic techniques of crochet in three lessons for teens and adults at 6 p.m. on Thursday August 7, August 14 and August 21 at the Molino Branch Library.
The class size is limited; contact the Molino Branch Library to register at (850) 435-1760.
Messy Situation Shuts Down Highway For Six Hours
August 6, 2014
A messy situation shutdown Highway 31 on the west side of Flomaton for about six hours Tuesday afternoon.
A John Deere spreader being driven from Atmore to Samson, Ala., ruptured a hydraulic hose and spilled several gallons of hydraulic fluid over a quarter-mile stretch of Highway 31. The spill was cleaned up by the Flomaton Fire Department and the Century Station of Escambia Fire Rescue.
There were no injuries in the incident.
Reader submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Frances Brewton Edwards
August 6, 2014
Frances Brewton Edwards, 89, of McDavid and Pensacola, died July 29, 2014, ending her three year fight with dementia. Although dementia diminished her day to day capacity for most rational thought, it never took away her cheerful smile which shone on everyone.
Frances was a devoted mother and wife. Throughout her husband’s Alzheimer’s and her son Allen’s cancer, she was a steel I-beam of strength. Strength beyond strength charged her for whatever task was presented before her, which she approached with resilient dedication. Her mantra: “It’s my responsibility.”
Frances’ professional career began in the offices of Pensacola physicians Dr. Born and Dr. Rhea; however, the majority of her time was dedicated to her position as secretary and office manager of St. Mark United Methodist Church. All jobs received her attention to detail and focused work ethic.
A true Southern lady, she held the highest moral compass; her character was beyond reproach. Her sharp and biting wit could overcome any situation. Her Great Depression era McDavid, upbringing honed a respectable responsibility for those less fortunate, be it a meal, money, or transportation. As a cook, she was without peer–smothered steak, sour cream pound cake, baked crabs, field peas with okra, sliced tomatoes, creamed corn and homemade peach ice cream.
Frances’ many talents will be missed by those who knew her.
She is survived by her son, Woody Edwards of McKinney, TX; and her brother, Billy Gene Brewton of Pensacola.
The family holds in highest regard the many neighbors, friends, and family who have helped through the past few years– and the staff of Baptist Hospital emergency room, Home Instead Senior Care, Winn-Dixie pharmacy, and her dedicated caregivers: Jennifer Deville, Crystal Foster, Patricia Keaton, Nancy Ligon and Margaret Randolph.
A Memorial service will be held Thursday, August 7, 2014, at 11 a.m. at St. Mark United Methodist Church, 2203 N. 12th Ave., Pensacola, FL 32503. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until service time. Graveside services will be immediately after the service.
In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions St. Mark UMC.
Third Suspect Arrested In Detroit For June 22 Escambia County Murder
August 5, 2014
A third person has been arrested in connection with the June 22 Escambia County murder of 31-year old Tabius Cardell Huff.
Jimmy Jermaine Bonner, 27, was arrested by the U.S. Marshal’s Service in Detroit and extradited back to Escambia County on Monday. Trent Baker, 29, was arrested on June 24 and Jarrod Blackmon, 23, was arrested June 30, both also charged in the murder.
Huff was shot about 10 p.m. June 22 outside a convenience store in the 5300 block of Jackson Street near Edgewood Circle. Huff was pronounced deceased at the scene by Escambia County EMS.
Health Alert Rescinded For Area Around Rolling Hills Pit
August 5, 2014
Effective immediately, in response to air quality monitoring performed by Escambia County, the Florida Department of Health in Escambia County (FDOH-Escambia) is rescinding the health alert that was issued on July 22 for the area surrounding the Wedgewood Community Center and the Rolling Hills Construction and Demolition Landfill.
- Since July 22, daily air quality monitoring has been performed by Escambia County at multiple locations surrounding the Rolling Hills Construction and Demolition Landfill located at 6990 Rolling Hills Road, Pensacola.
- Since the air quality health alert was issued, all air samples taken at these monitoring sites have measured hydrogen sulfide gas concentrations that are below the minimum level of concern for long term exposure to humans.
- Inspections conducted by Escambia County and information from the operators of the landfill have indicated that the operators at the Rolling Hills Construction and Demolition Landfill have taken actions that have assisted in the prevention of further excessive hydrogen sulfide gas emission.
- The health department notes that the odor of hydrogen sulfide gas that can be detected by most people is below the minimum level of concern for long term exposure to humans.
The Florida Department of Health in Escambia County will continue to monitor for health risks in the area surrounding the Wedgewood Community Center and the Rolling Hills Construction and Demolition Landfill. Additional recommendations or alerts may be issued if new information becomes available.
FHP Searching For Driver That Crashed Through Utility Pole, Fence, Landed In Pond
August 5, 2014
A driver hit a utility pole, crashed through a fence and landed in a retention pond Tuesday morning, leaving numerous homes and businesses without power for several hours.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the driver of a 1998 Lincoln Navigator failed to negotiate a curve on Kenmore Road near Palafox Street, causing the accident. The driver and any passengers in the vehicle fled the scene before first responders arrived.
There was no physical description of the driver available. Anyone with information on the crash is asked to call Trooper Kitchen at (850) 484-5000 ext. 347. The accident remains under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol, with charges pending against the driver.
NorthEscambia.com reader submitted photo by Alan Thedford, click to enlarge.
Prison K-9 Team Rescues Lost Child
August 5, 2014
When a two-year old child went missing from her family’s home off Munson Highway in Santa Rosa County Saturday, the Santa Rosa Correctional Institution’s K-9 team jumped into action to quickly find the little girl and return her safely to her family.
The Santa Rosa Correctional Institution K-9 search team consisted of Sergeant Robert Lenzo, Officer Christopher Gilbert, Officer Joshua Chandler and K-9 Luke. Despite the young girl having been missing for two hours, temperatures in the high 90’s and the area crowded with friends, family and volunteers trying to locate her, the K-9 team established her track and found where she had left the residence. They followed the track through the woods and located her approximately one-half mile behind her home in a thick patch of thorns and vines. Sergeant Lenzo crawled into the thicket and freed her from the vines.
The child was quickly turned over to the Santa Rosa Sheriff’s Office deputies who reunited her with her parents.
“I am proud of the brave men and women of the Department of Corrections who serve their communities daily through their public service, including by committing acts of heroism and bravery such as this rescue,” said DOC Secretary Michael Crews. “Ensuring the safety of Florida families is a priority of the Department of Corrections, and the Santa Rosa C.I. K-9 team is a stellar example of that commitment.”
The little girl was playing in her family’s backyard and ran into the woods as her mom stepped inside briefly to get her water.
The Florida Department of Corrections has 38 K-9 programs statewide which are used to support other law enforcement agencies with felon apprehension, searching for missing persons and locating and providing aid to persons in distress. In addition to the team at Santa Rosa C.I., a K-9 team is also located at the Century Correctional Institution.
Pictured top: A little girl that went missing on Saturday meets K-9 Luke. Pictured inset: Ofc. Christopher Gilbert and Ofc. Joshua Chandler after Saturday’s rescue. Reader submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Missing Alabama Man Found In Escambia County By Florida Ag Cops
August 5, 2014
A missing man from Alabama was located Monday morning in Escambia County by agricultural law enforcement officers with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
David Cain of Semmes, Ala, was the subject of a Silver Alert issued on Sunday.
“I’m proud of my department’s agricultural law enforcement officers, who stepped up to help a family in need today,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam. “Thanks to their diligence, David Cain was reunited with his family safely.”
Cain stopped at the agriculture interdiction station on Interstate 10 in Pensacola around 8 a.m. Monday. Agricultural Law Enforcement Officer John Riley spoke with Cain, who appeared confused and said he was trying to find his way back home to Alabama.
Riley requested Cain’s documentation and ran his identification through the system, which turned up the Silver Alert. A Silver Alert is a national public notification system that broadcasts information about missing individuals, especially those with dementia, developmental disabilities or other health concerns. Public information generally consists of the name and description of the missing person and the missing person’s car and license number.
Cain was reported missing from Semmes, about 75 miles from Pensacola, when he left church on Sunday morning and did not make it to his house. O’Riley contacted Cain’s family, who reunited with him at the interdiction station shortly after they were contacted.
Molino Man Convicted Of Stealing Copper Wire, Now Facing Federal Charge
August 5, 2014
A Molino man was convicted Monday of selling copper wiring stolen from a private contractor working aboard Naval Air Station Pensacola and breaking into a Molino area home. And he’s now facing a federal charge in connection with the crime.
Calvin Antwane Smith, age 28 of Cedartown Road, was sentenced in Escambia Count Circuit Court Monday by Judge Gary Bergosh to 36 months probation on charges of felony fraud providing a false statement verifying ownership of regulated metals, and felony dealing in stolen property. According to investigators, he sold two spools of copper wire to two recycling companies after the wire was stolen from his private contractor employer at NAS Pensacola.
He is now facing a federal charge of larceny within a special maritime jurisdiction for stealing the wire, which was valued at less than $1,000. Arrested by federal authorities, Smith was released on his own recognizance pending a September federal court date.
Two More, Including Air Force Captain, Arrested In Operation Blue Guardian
August 5, 2014
Two more people — including an Air Force captain — have been arrested as part of an undercover sex sting. Five people were previously arrested in Operation Blue Guardian, which focused on adults soliciting and traveling to meeting minor to engage in sexual activity.
Adam Craig Kendrick, 40, was charged with obscene communication using a computer to lure a child for sex, and obscene communication using a two-way device.
Kenneth D. Lebay, 31, was charged with obscene communication using a computer to lure a child for sex, and obscene communication using a two-way device. According to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Lebay is an active duty Air Force captain. He allegedly traveled to a local business to meet what he believed was a juvenile female but was actually an undercover investigator.
For more information on Operation Blue Guardian and previous arrests, click here for an earlier story. The operation was a joint operation between the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Pensacola Police Department and additional state, federal and local agencies.