Poarch Creeks Donated $6K In Computer Equipment To Atmore PD
March 3, 2014
The Poarch Band of Creek Indians Police Department recently donated for Dell laptop computers and docking stations valued at $6,000 to the Atmore Police Department.
“We are pleased to have this equipment donated, as a small department it can be a challenge to maintain the latest equipment,” the Atmore Police Department said in a statement.
Pictured top: Poarch Band of Creek Indians Police Department Assistant Chief Butch Lee withAtmore Public Safety Director Glenn Carlee. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Evers Bill: Motorists Should Face Tougher Penalties For Hitting ‘Vulnerable Road Users’
March 2, 2014
A bill filed in the Florida Legislature by Sen. Greg Evers would would impose tougher penalties for hitting certain road users.
Evers’ bill, and a companion House bill by Rep. Dwight Dudley, would impose a second-degree misdemeanor charge on any motorist who commits a moving violation that causes serious bodily harm to a “vulnerable road user”.
The designation would go to pedestrians, including people engaged in work on highways, and people lawfully on the road riding bicycles, motorcycles, scooters, mopeds or animals, or operating farm equipment, skateboards, in-line skates, horse-drawn carriages, electric personal-assistive mobility devices or wheelchairs.
The penalty would grow to a first-degree misdemeanor, with the potential loss of a motorist’s driver’s license for at least one year, if a “vulnerable road user” dies.
The penalties wouldn’t replace other charges motorists could face.
The proposal already has support from the motorcyclists-rights organization ABATE (American Bikers Aim toward Education) of Florida.
The measure is separate from the “Aaron Cohen” Hit-and-Run Act (SB 102 and HB 183), which has already started to move in the Legislature. That measure would make it a second-degree felony — rather than a third-degree felony — and carry the potential revocation of a driver’s license for a motorist who fails to remain at the scene of a crash involving serious bodily injuries. A motorist would face a minimum of four years in jail for leaving the scene of an accident resulting in the death of a person.
The News Service of Florida contributed to this report.
Pictured: A motorcyclist was critically injured in this hit and run accident on Highway 97 in Molino in April 2013. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Funeral Held For Atmore Police Officer
March 2, 2014
Law enforcement officers and first responders joined family and friends Saturday in honoring Atmore Police Office Dean Lindberg, who passed away Tuesday following a stroke. He was 54.
A retired Army Ranger, Officer Lindberg has been employed with Atmore Police Department as a full-time law enforcement officer since March of 2011. He had previously worked as a law enforcement officer for the Kent, WA, Police Department and the Whiting Field Naval Air Station.
He is survived by his wife of 14 years, Mary Ann Lindberg, two sons, Terry (Kate) Lindberg and Adam Lindberg both of Kent, WA, a daughter, Hunter Rose Lindberg, and a host of other relatives and friends. He attended the Grace Valley Baptist Church in Cantonment.
Funeral services were held Saturday morning at Johnson Quimby Funeral Home. Burial followed at Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church just off Highway 29 in Bogia.
Pictured top: The Atmore Fire Department flies a giant American flag along the funeral route to pay respect to Atmore Police Office Dean Lindberg. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Northview Lady Chiefs Win T.R. Miller Tournament
March 2, 2014
The Northview High School Lady Chiefs won the T.R. Miller Invitational Tournament this weekend in Brewton, Ala.
The Chiefs went undefeated, taking the tourney title with an 8-2 championship win over Davidson of Mobile. Other teams in the tournament were Escambia County (Atmore) High School, McGill, T.R. Miller, Uriah and W.S. Neal.
Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Rachel Grammer Named District 1 Miss FFA Sweetheart
March 2, 2014
Rachel Grammer of the Tate High School FFA was named the District 1 Miss FFA Sweetheart Saturday at Northview High School. First runner-up was Patra Miller from the Tate High FFA, and second runner-up was Victoria Kent of the Tate High FFA.
A dozen young ladies from the Tate, Northview, Ernest Ward and Bethlehem FFA chapters took part in the second annual pageant.
Pictured top: (L-R) Second Runner-up Victoria Kent, District 1 Miss FFA Sweetheart Rachel Grammer, First Runner-up Patra Miller, all of the Tate High School FFA Chapter. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Florida Bill Filed That Would Allow Recreational Marijuana Use
March 2, 2014
In the latest twist in a debate about legalizing marijuana in Florida, Sen. Dwight Bullard, D-Miami, filed a proposal Friday that would allow the recreational use of marijuana. The bill (SB 1562) likely has little chance of passing the Republican-dominated Legislature.
But it calls for allowing people who are 21 or older to possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana and also would allow them to cultivate up to six marijuana plants. The proposal also would create a regulatory structure that deals with issues such as the sale and taxation of marijuana.
The proposal comes as Florida voters prepare to cast ballots in November on legalizing medical marijuana. Also, lawmakers are considering proposals to legalize a marijuana extract that can help some children who have a form of epilepsy and suffer from severe seizures.
by The News Service of Florida
Two-Year Old Fatally Shot In Escambia County
March 2, 2014
A tw0-year old died after being shot in the head Saturday in Escambia County.
The shooting, which is being called accidental, occurred in the 1500 block of West Fairfield Drive about 10:30 a.m. The child was pronounced deceased at the scene by Escambia County EMS.
The shooting remains under investigation by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. Further details including the circumstances surrounding the shooting and the child’s name, have not yet been released.
Branden Penegar Memorial Car Show Held In Gonzalez
March 2, 2014
The Branden Penegar Memorial Car Show was held Saturday at the Gonzalez United Methodist Church on Pauline Street in Cantonment. Penegar, the “Gentle Giant” was a 2011 graduate of Tate High School, an assistant coach for the freshman Aggies’ football program and varsity tennis team, and a member of the Tate High School Student Hall of Fame. He passed away in March 2013 at the age of 20.
Penegar was a active member of the Gonzalez United Methodist Church and youth program.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Gary Clevon “Pops” James, Sr.
March 2, 2014
Gary Clevon James Sr., of McDavid passed away on Thursday, February 27, 2014.
Gary was born in Pensacola and was a lifelong resident of Escambia County. He was a member of Flomaton Pentecostal Holiness Church and was retired from Armstrong World Industries.
Preceding Gary in death are his parents, Eugene and Edna Lou James; grandson, Timothy Clyston James; three brothers and one sister.
Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Barbara Jane James; three sons, Gary, Larry (Sherry), and Wade; two daughters, Barbara (Scotty) and Cassie; five sisters; 15 grandchildren, Trey, Christy, Janey, Brianna, Boo (Sarah), Yogi, B-B (Logan), Tiger, Casey (Brandon), Noah, Spud, Brooke, Logan, and Luke; and six great-grandchildren, Jackson, Bryson, Atticus, Levi, Lizzie, and Maddie.
Visitation will be Tuesday, March 4, 2014, from 1 p.m. until service time at 2 p.m. at Pensacola Memorial Gardens Funeral Home.
The family wishes to express their heart felt appreciation to Covenant Hospice for their excellent care of Gary.
Locals Compete In Horse Show
March 2, 2014
Several local girls took part in a Coastal Jumper Horse Show at the Escambia County Equestrian Center, with Trinity Farms bringing home more than 120 ribbons including grand champions.
Among the local competitors and winners were: Morgan Mickel, Lexy Small, Tessa Walsingham, Molly Arnold, Trinity Smith, Rebecca Fulton, Aubrey DePury, Lindsey Walden, Sarah Birdsong, Ruth Gatewood, and Brystal Rhodes.
Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
