Dognapping? Family Dog Missing After Being Hit By Vehicle
January 14, 2015
A local family is looking for their “fur baby”, and a little bit of closure, after the dog was apparently hit by a car Monday morning. “Coal”, a blue pit, has been the baby of the Johnson family for about five years.
Kim Johnson said she let Coal outside about 6 a.m. Monday. Normally, Coal would have stayed in the backyard, but for some reason he went around front of their home on Rockaway Creek Road, just south of the Florida/Alabama state line.
“I heard them hit my dog, stop and then I heard a few choice words and the vehicle door slam,” Johnson said. “My fur baby is nowhere to be found. Did you take our dog after you hit him? We need some closure.”
She said the family realizes Coal could have ran away after being hit, but they are very concerned that he may have been picked up by the driver. The vehicle, Johnson said, appeared to be a silver or white SUV. Area veterinarians are on alert, but so far there’s no sign of Coal.
“I’m in no way blaming someone because we do realize accidents happen. We just need some peace,” she said.
If you have any information about Coal, call Kim at (850) 698-3422, Robbie at (850) 698-3423, or the Atmore Ambulance office at (251) 368-3003.
Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Deputies Seek Suspect For Attacking, Robbing Elderly Man
January 14, 2015
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is looking for a man they say attacked and robbed an elderly man.
According to information released Tuesday by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred November 24 in the lobby of a hotel on Plantation Road when the suspect asked an 81-year old man for money. After the man gave him $5, the suspect followed him, jumped on him and tried to take his wallet. He was unsuccessful in taking the wallet, but did take an additional $2 from the victim before fleeing on foot.
Anyone with information on the identity of the suspect or the crime is asked to contact Gulf Coast Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP. Callers do not have to give their name and may be eligible for a cash reward.
FDOT: Highway 29, Highway 97 Traffic Signal Installation Delayed
January 13, 2015
Plans were complete months ago and Escambia County made a deposit of just over a quarter of a million dollars for the Florida Department of Transportation to install a new traffic signal at the intersection of Highway 29 and Highway 97 in Molino. FDOT was set to begin construction by December 31, but now transportation officials say the start date for the project has been delayed.
Ian Satter, public information director for the local FDOT district, said Monday that several factors led to the delay. He said the redesign of the intersection turned out to be a more complex process than was originally anticipated, and the contractor needed more time to order additional materials as a result.
Now, Satter said, FDOT expects the contractor will begin work in February.
“We apologize that is has taken this long, but it was necessary to work with the contractor while still working to complete the project in a timely fashion,” Satter said.
District 5 Escambia County Commissioner Steven Barry, who led the push for the county to fund the traffic signal, said he was disappointed that work was not already underway, but the situation was understandable.
“I understand the reason for the delay, but I still apologize to our residents,” Barry said. “I am aware, very concerned, and I commit to work with our partners to help accomplish a timely, positive outcome.”
In October 2013, the Escambia County Commission affirmed its support for improvements at the intersection and expressed a willingness for the county to pay for the red light at the intersection. A Florida Department of Transportation study determined the intersection did meet the criteria for the light, with an agreement in place that FDOT would design and construct the upgrades with Escambia County paying for the construction.
FDOT completed the design phase. and the Escambia County Commission approved $265,400 in funding last August, with the payment made October 29.
A few days later, a 16-year old Northview High School student died as a result of injuries she received in an accident in the intersection.
A FDOT “Signal Warrant Study” found the following information that supported the urgent need for a traffic signal at the intersection:
- There have been 37 documented crashes reported by the Crash Analysis Reporting System from 2008 to 2013.
- 10 of the reported collisions resulted in injury where one or more people required transportation to a medical facility.
- 22 of the reported crashes were of the type of collisions susceptible to correction by the installation of a traffic signal.
- In 2011 there were five left-turn crashes.
- In 2012 there were eight left-turn crashes.
- In the last three years, the number of reported crashes at this intersection was significantly greater than the statistical average of similar roadway facilities in FDOT’s District 3, which is made up of the 16 westernmost Counties in the panhandle.
A second upcoming project will redesign the intersection of Crabtree Church Road and Highway 97, which is currently just feet away from Highway 29.
Pictured: An Escambia County deputy collided with a Mercedes in the intersection of Highway 29 and Highway 97 about a week after Escambia County made a payment to FDOT for a traffic light at the juncture. There were no injuries in the crash, which came one day after a wreck that claimed the life of a 16-year old high school student. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Scott Proposes ‘Historic’ School Budget Increase
January 13, 2015
Making good on a campaign promise, Gov. Rick Scott announced Monday he will ask lawmakers to provide the highest per-student funding for education in state history during the legislative session that begins in March.
Scott said his “Keep Florida Working” budget would include $7,176 per student, about $50 above the previous high in the 2007-08 budget year. That spending plan was approved before the financial crisis that caused the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression.
“Our historic funding proposal of $7,176 per student will provide our schools the resources for our students to have the very best opportunity to succeed because we know the workers and leaders of tomorrow are in our classrooms today,” Scott said in a prepared statement. ” … These record investments will continue to equip our students for the jobs of tomorrow and help us on our path to be the number one destination for jobs.”
The proposal would mark an increase of roughly $261 from the current budget year, which ends June 30. But it still has to survive a legislative process in which lawmakers will be eager to fulfill their own priorities. So far, legislative leaders have been noncommittal when asked specifically about meeting Scott’s targets for education funding and a portion of the $1 billion in tax cuts he promised over two years.
The school funding proposal won Scott a rare compliment from the state’s largest teachers union.
“FEA applauds the governor for keeping his campaign promise and increasing the state’s budget allotment for public school students,” Florida Education Association President Andy Ford said. “We look forward to working with the governor and the Legislature to continue to invest to improve our local public schools and helping all of the students who attend them.”
Overall, funding for public schools would rise by $842.5 million, to almost $19.8 billion. The state’s share would increase to a shade over $11 billion, meaning about $400 million of the new funding would come from the state. Local taxpayers would pick up the rest.
Democrats have signaled that they’re not impressed by Scott’s pitch. After the governor’s inaugural address last week, Senate Minority Leader Arthenia Joyner, D-Tampa, said the proposed boost in education spending isn’t enough.
“We need to do a whole lot more than that, because coming to Florida to live is more than about lower taxes and warm weather,” she said. “It’s about the quality of life that you will have and the type jobs that we will offer these people.”
Scott is expected to release a full budget proposal in the next few weeks.
by Brandon Larrabee, The News Service of Florida
Driver Charged With DUI Following Bratt Road Crash
January 13, 2015
The driver in a single vehicle crash Monday night on Bratt Road was arrested for driving under the influence.
Debra Lee Lukkar, age 51 of Century, lost control of her vehicle, with her Jeep overturning coming to rest across both lanes of Bratt Road just east of Vaughn Road about 10:30 p.m.. Lukkar was briefly trapped in the vehicle but quickly extricated by firefighters. She refused medical treatment at the scene.
According to jail records, Lukkar was charged by the Florida Highway Patrol with DUI and resisting an officer without violence. She was booked into the Escambia County Jail early Tuesday morning with bond set at $2,500.
The accident is under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. Atmore Ambulance, the Walnut Hill and Century stations of Escambia Fire Rescue and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office also responded to the crash.
Pictured top and bottom: An overturned vehicle Monday night on Bratt Road. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Man Gets 17 Years For Attacking Escambia Woman
January 13, 2015
A Mississippi man is headed to prison for attacking an Escambia County woman.
Gregory McGee, 53, entered a plea to two counts of sexual battery with a weapon, one county of armed kidnapping with a weapon and one count of battery. Under a plea agreement, he was sentenced by Judge Gary Bergosh to 17 years in state prison and designated as a sexual offender.
McGee’s charged stemmed from an event in early June. The victim met McGee that day and offered him a place to stay because he was homeless. Soon after arriving at her home, an argument ensued and McGee punched the victim in the face. He later grabbed a knife from the victim’s kitchen and sexually battered her at knife point.
McGee repeated that act later, before she was able to convince him to let her leave to check on a nearby relative. She immediately contacted law enforcement, which arrived to find McGee still at the residence. The investigation found a broken
window, blood on the victim’s clothing, and injuries to the victim.
School Parking Lot Vehicle Burglar Nabbed Thanks To Citizens’ Tips
January 13, 2015
The man believed to be responsible for vehicle burglaries in the Flomaton High School parking lot last week was arrested Monday, thanks to tips from local citizens.
Michael Paul Baggett, 32, of Repton, AL, was arrested at his residence on Highway 84 in Conecuh County, AL, by officers from the Repton and Flomaton police departments. He was charged with two counts of unlawful breaking and entering in a motor vehicle and two counts of theft of property third degree.
According to Flomaton Police, Baggett allegedly entered the student parking at Flomaton High while school was in session last Wednesday and stole two Yeti brand coolers from two different vehicles.
Flomaton Police Chief Brian Davis said 10 different people called his department after seeing a story posted by NorthEscambia.com and the Brewton Standard.
“The media should be given credit for getting the suspect and the suspect’s vehicle out to the public, and the citizens should be given credit for calling in and alerting police,” Davis said Monday. “I am thankful for the citizens that continue to stand up against crime.”
Davis said the Flomaton Police Department is still looking for a LIT brand cooler, which is similar to a YETI. The department is also looking to speak to anyone that may have purchase Costa sunglasses, or YETI or LIT coolers from Baggett. Anyone with information should contact the Flomaton Police Department at (251) 296-5811 or their local law enforcement agency.
The Escambia County (AL) Sheriff’s Office School Resource Division and the Conecuh County Sheriff’s Department also assisted in the investigation.
Pictured: Surveillance images from the Flomaton High School parking lot showing an alleged burglar and his vehicle. Images for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
$900K Volunteer Florida Grant To Support Local Flood Recovery
January 13, 2015
Volunteer Florida has announced the approval of an over $905,000 FEMA grant to provide disaster case management services and assist victims of the spring 2014 flooding in the Florida Panhandle. The grant will fund disaster case managers in Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Walton counties that will work with Panhandle residents to identify needs, develop recovery plans, and navigate requirements for assistance.
“Continuing to aid in the Panhandle’s recovery from April’s floods is a top priority, and I would like to thank everyone who has worked hard to help Panhandle families. Our work is not done until every family in the Panhandle has fully recovered from this disaster, and we will continue to work to find ways to accomplish this goal,” Gov. Rick Scott said.
In addition to the FEMA grant,Scott and Volunteer Florida activated the Florida Disaster Fund in May 2014 following the flooding. Working closely with partners in impacted counties, including representatives from county governments and volunteers from community and faith-based organizations, the Volunteer Florida Foundation raised and distributed $250,000 in grants to local organizations to aid affected Panhandle families with long-term recovery efforts.
“Governor Scott’s and Volunteer Florida’s persistence and commitment to assisting citizens in the Florida Panhandle have paid off. We are grateful for the support and look forward to helping families get back on their feet,” said Sen. Greg Evers.
“The grant will help Floridians develop outcome-oriented plans and identify ways to meet recovery goals. We are grateful for Governor Scott and Volunteer Florida’s advocacy in our long-term recovery efforts,” added Rep. Clay Ingram.
Free Longleaf Pine Seedlings Wednesday In Walnut Hill And Century
January 13, 2015
Free pine seedlings and a little expert advice will be available today n Walnut Hill and Century.
The Florida Forest Service will sponsor two Arbor Day events on Wednesday. New Escambia County Forester Cathy Hardin will distribute free longleaf pine seedlings at the Walnut Hill Substation in the morning and at the Century Chamber of Commerce in the afternoon. Information will be available on services provided by the county forester and the Florida Forest Service for private landowners.
From 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., the Hardin will be in Walnut Hill at the UF-IFAS substation located at 7850 Highway 97, just north of Ernest Ward Middle School and in front of the Ruritan Building. Hardin will be at the Century Chamber of Commerce from 1 to 3 p.m. at 7811 North Century Boulevard.
In addition to tree seedlings, there will be brochures on services for both urban and rural land owners including the current Cogongrass grass treatment program.
Man Sentenced In ‘Large Scale’ Local Cocaine Trafficking Ring
January 13, 2015
Another member of what federal prosecutors called a “large scale” local cocaine trafficking organization has been sentenced to federal prison.
Victor Darnell Rome, age 36 of Escambia County, was sentenced by Chief United State District Judge M. Casey Rodger to 280 months in federal prison and 10 years of supervised probation following his release.
Rome’s indictment was part of a continuing investigation into a large scale distribution network that involved the transportation of cocaine from Texas into the Northern District of Florida. Rome’s co-conspirators Coneil T. Wilkins and Ricky L. Blankenship were sentenced last year. Wilkins was sentenced to 35 years in federal prison for his role in the distribution of approximately $20 million worth of cocaine in Pensacola, and Blankenship was sentenced to life imprisonment for related drug trafficking offenses.
United States Attorney Marsh praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, the Pensacola Police Department, and the State Attorney’s Office for the 1st Judicial Circuit, whose joint investigation led to the indictments.
“I commend our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners for their commitment to public service and community safety,” said United States Attorney Marsh. “This teamwork has resulted in the dismantling of a multi-year criminal conspiracy and demonstrates how the collaboration of all levels of government helps to protect the Northern District of Florida from dangerous drugs.”