Proposal Would Allow Open Carrying Of Firearms
September 15, 2015
A House Republican on Monday filed a proposal that would allow people with concealed-weapons licenses to openly carry firearms.
The bill (HB 163), filed by Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fort Walton Beach, will be considered by lawmakers during the 2016 legislative session, which starts in January.
The bill also would make other changes in gun-related laws, including giving direction for judges to use “strict scrutiny” when reviewing laws dealing with the right to bear arms or self defense.
“The right to bear arms is a fundamental and individual right that exists in any place that a person has the right to be, subject only to exceptionally and narrowly tailored restrictions that employ the least possible restriction on the right in order to achieve a compelling government interest,” the bill says.
by The News Service of Florida
Airbus Officially Opens US Plant In Mobile
September 15, 2015
In a much-anticipated ceremony Monday in Mobile, Airbus inaugurated operations at its first ever U.S. Manufacturing Facility. The plant – which assembles the industry-leading family of A319s, A320s and A321s – is officially open for business, with a skilled team of more than 250 Airbus manufacturing employees now at work on the first U.S.-made Airbus aircraft.
“Our commercial aircraft production in Mobile signifies two things: that Airbus has become the first truly global aircraft manufacturer, and that Airbus is now also a truly American manufacturer,” said Airbus President and CEO Fabrice Brégier. “With the addition of our U.S. facility to our production network in Europe and Asia, we have strategically expanded our worldwide industrial base.”
“The Airbus U.S. Manufacturing Facility is an important step forward in Airbus’ strategy, strengthening our position as a leader and competitor in all of our key markets,” Fabrice Brégier continued. “It enables us to grow our already significant presence in America – the largest single-aisle aircraft market in the world – and to be closer to our U.S. customers and key supplier partners. At the same time, the expanded industrial capacity gives us more flexibility to increase production across Airbus to meet global demand. The U.S. facility is good news for the overall Airbus enterprise, as this greater production capacity creates global growth opportunities across the company and throughout our supply chain.”
Airbus announced plans for the $600 million U.S. Manufacturing Facility in 2012, and construction began at the Mobile Aeroplex at Brookley the following year. The first U.S.-made Airbus commercial aircraft – an A321 – is scheduled for delivery next spring. By 2018, the facility will produce between 40 and 50 single-aisle aircraft per year. Airbus’ market forecast indicates a demand over the next 20 years (from all manufacturers) for some 4,700 single-aisle aircraft in North America alone.
Fabrice Brégier and members of the new Airbus workforce in Mobile were joined at the inaugural ceremony today by Airbus Group CEO Tom Enders, Alabama Governor Robert Bentley, Senator Jeff Sessions, Congressman Bradley Byrne, and scores of other dignitaries, airline and aerospace executives, and local leaders. The industry- and community-wide event convened under the theme, “Let’s Get to Work – Together!” and culminated in the ceremonial placement of a placard on a component of the first aircraft to be produced in Mobile. The placard reads, “This aircraft proudly made in the U.S.A. by the worldwide team from Airbus.”
The establishment of the Airbus U.S. Manufacturing Facility doubles the number of manufacturers of large commercial aircraft in the United States, creating jobs, expanding skills, and establishing a new aerospace centre of competence on the U.S. Gulf Coast. In addition to the new Alabama manufacturing site, Airbus assembles commercial aircraft at modern facilities in Hamburg (Germany), Tianjin (China) and Toulouse (France).
Five Escambia County Sheriff’s Deputies Promoted
September 15, 2015
Several Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputies were promoted to new positions Monday.
Promoted were: (pictured top) Sergeant Heath Jackson, (pictured below, in descending order) 1st Lieutenant Carl Jones, 1st Lieutenant Tom Greer, Lieutenant Kevin Pachucki and Sergeant Kevin Biggs.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
James Leon “Bobby” Gibson
September 15, 2015
James Leon “Bobby” Gibson, 71, a lifelong resident of Walnut Hill, passed away Sunday, September 13, 2015, in Mobile. He was a retired electrician. He was born on December 28, 1943, in Pensacola, to the late Jack and Lois Agerton Gibson. He was a proud and active tribal member of The Poarch Band of Creek Indians. He also loved fishing, gardening and woodworking.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Elaine Gibson.
Survivors include two sons, Donnie (Katie) Gibson and Tommy Gibson all of Atmore; one daughter, Sandra Gibson (Jay) Chimento of Mobile; one sister, Joan Gibson of Walnut Hill; grandchildren, Ashley (Bo) McCall, Rebecca Gibson, Joey (Michelle) Mizell, Melissa (Quinn) Nichols, Savanah Chimento, Meagan Chimento, Joseph Chimento and Sarah Gibson; great-grandchildren, Landon Robertson, B.J.McCall, Zoey Gayle Mizell, Laiken Nichols, Madi Claire Nichols and Isabella Chimento; nephew, LeVan (Jennifer) Trull; aunt and uncle, Edward and Ann Agerton; cousins, James, Gene, and Robert Agerton and many, many aunts, uncles and cousins from our Gibson family.
Services will be Thursday, September 17, 2015, at 11:30 a.m. from the Walnut Hill Baptist Church with Rev. Ted Bridges officiating.
Interment will follow in the Walnut Hill Baptist Cemetery.
Active pallbearers will be James Agerton, Gene Agerton, Robert Agerton, Little John Davis, Byron Vaughn and Tim Rexroads.
Honorary pallbearer will be Benny Ikner.
Family will receive friends, Thursday, September 17, 2015, at the Walnut Hill Baptist Church from 10 a.m. until service time.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
Monette S. Owen
September 15, 2015
Monette S. Owen, born December 13, 1924, passed away peacefully on September 11, 2015, in Hot Springs, AR. She was born in Ponce de Leon, FL to the late Sidney D. Sutton and Mattie Smith McDonald Sutton.
Monette was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 44 years, Eugene “Gene” Darrell Owen; and all of her twenty-two sisters and brothers.
She is survived by her four daughters, Pat (Sam) Lovelace of Huntsville, AL, Jackie (Ron) Moore of Hot Springs Village, AR, Flynne (Jack) Mitchell of Salem, AL, and Debbie (Charlie) Reifschneider of Hot Springs Village, AR; eight grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, September 18, 2015, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North,with Dr. Ted Traylor and Bro. Jerry Passmore officiating.
Visitation be will held one hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to Olive Baptist Church building fund, 1836 E. Olive Road, Pensacola, FL 32514 or Arkansas Hospice, 300 Werner Street, 5 West, Hot Springs, AR 71913.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is in charge of arrangements.
Armed Robbery Suspect Dead Following Police Chase From Flomaton
September 14, 2015
An armed robbery suspect was killed in an Okaloosa County wreck following a police chase out of Flomaton, AL, that began a short period of time after the armed robbery of a restaurant.
Two black males wearing some type of clothing over their face held up the Church’s Chicken in Flomaton about 10:10 p.m. Sunday, according to Flomaton Police Chief Bryan Davis. One suspect was described as wearing a blue hoodie and armed with a small handgun, while the second suspect was wearing a red hoodie. Both fled the restaurant on foot following the robbery.
Flomaton Police, the Escambia County (AL) Sheriff’s Office, the Escambia County (FL) Sheriff’s Office and K-9 teams from the Century Correctional Institution, Fountain Correctional Facility in Atmore and the Escambia County (FL) Road Prison worked to establish a perimeter around the restaurant. K-9 teams were on the ground conducting a search, Davis said.
High Speed Police Chase
The Escambia County (AL) Sheriff’s Office said in written statement that one of their deputies observed a small red truck with no headlights moving at extremely slow pace coming out of a side street behind Church’s Chicken. The vehicle refused to stop and proceeded across the state line into Escambia County, FL, and turned on Highway 4 and headed into Santa Rosa County.
The truck, driven by 35-year old Jermey Montrell Elliot of Flomaton, continued at about 100 miles per hour across Santa Rosa County and into Okaloosa County, according to an Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office report. An Okaloosa County deputy reported that he met the vehicle on Highway 4 being pursued by three Escambia County (AL) deputies. The Okaloosa deputy was advised by his sergeant that he was to assist and not become directly involved in the pursuit; the Okaloosa deputy stayed one-half to three-quarters of a mile behind.
The vehicle crashed about 12:30 a.m. at Georgia Avenue and Dairy Road in Baker, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Elliot was pronounced deceased on the scene. The FHP said Elliot’s 2001 Dodge Dakota collided with several trees and overturned near Baker School. Elliot was not wearing his seat belt. According to the FHP report, there were no passengers in the vehicle.
According to the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office there were two loaded pistols, one shotgun, a loaded AR-15, several rounds of ammunition and a brown backpack containing what was believed to be marijuana found inside Elliot’s truck. Elliot also had about $2,000 on his person. Another pistol was located outside of the vehicle, according to an incident report.
Authorities also located what appeared to be crystal methamphetamines, cocaine, scales and prescription medication in the truck, according to an Escambia County (AL) Sheriff’s Office press release.
The guns and other evidence were turned over to the Escambia County (AL) Sheriff’s Office.
Late Monday afternoon, Davis confirmed that Elliot was a suspect in the Church’s Chicken robbery. So far, there’s no word on the whereabouts of the second suspect.
Any additional details will be posted as they are made available.
Photos courtesy WEAR 3 for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Hundreds Witness ‘Miracle’ After Coach’s Heart Attack At Northview
September 14, 2015
Hundreds of people believe they witnessed a real miracle Saturday night during youth football games at Northview High School in Bratt.
The scene was a jubilant one on the Northwest Escambia side over the field after a win over Flomaton and a spirit line forming as their next team was about to get underway. The excitement was building; it had been a great homecoming day for the NWE Chiefs.
But that changed, literally in a heartbeat, as a NWE coach fell to the field in full cardiac arrest.
In the moments that followed, the pieces of a lifesaving puzzle quickly fell into place. Husband and wife medics, a doctor and other football fans trained in CPR rushed to the field, literally taking turns performing chest compression on the beloved coach. There was no AED and no advanced life support immediately available on the field. Fire and EMS arrived on scene several minutes later.
Around the stadium, the crowd began to pray. Entire football teams dropped to their knees in prayer. There were no team divisions, no rivals, no opponents…just the voices of prayer as CPR continued.
Shannon Nolen snapped the powerful photo at the top of the page as another NWE coach, Pastor Ted Bridges, was on his knees, hands on the ambulance in prayer with the fallen coach inside.
“In the middle of all the chaos everyone prayed together with Brother Ted as he lead us over the PA system,” witness Crystal Godwin said. “There was no lines of division between race, team or family, we were all as one and the Holy Spirit could be felt moving through the stadium.”
And then there was an answer.
“Someone came and faced the crowd from the back of the ambulance and gave a thumbs up and the stadium erupted with joy! There wasn’t a dry eye in the stadium.” CPR had worked.
“Coach….is stable which is a work of God after seeing his condition on that field,” Flomaton Youth Football League President William DeSpain said. “These 9-10 year old boys and girls did not get to play Saturday night, but they helped with a great accomplishment of answered prayer. They all won Saturday night.”
The NWE coach was airlifted to Sacred Heart Hospital, where family member said late Sunday he was expected to make a full recovery. A second member of the crowd was also airlifted to an area hospital in a second helicopter after suffering a medical problem.
Karen Jay and her husband Frank, owners of Atmore Ambulance, were off-duty and among those at the game that performed CPR on the coach.
“It truly was a miracle along with CPR that saved him,” Karen Jay said as she encouraged everyone to learn CPR. “But the Lord’s hand was on him. A whole lot of people witnessed a miracle.”
Pictured top and inset: Pastor Ted Bridges, who is also a NWE football coach, on his knees praying outside an ambulance as CPR is performed inside on another NWE coach. Flomaton football players on their knees praying for the NWE coach. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Driver Arrested After Causing Pickup To Slam Into House
September 14, 2015
A pickup truck slammed into a home Sunday afternoon following a hit and run crash.
The accident happened just before 4 p.m. on Tara Down Circle off East 10 Mile Road..
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, 31-year old William Russell Stiffey-Sell was traveling west on 10 Mile Road in a 1995 Nissan King Cab pickup when he veered into the travel lane of an eastbound Toyota Tacoma driven by 32-year old Efrain Alberto Paz Marquez.
The impact caused Marquez’s Tacoma to travel a fence, across a yard and well into the brick home. The other vehicle then fled the scene.
Stiffey-Sell was apprehended a short time later and charge with the leaving the scene of a crash and failure to maintain lane.
There were no injuries in the crash.
Photos by Meagan Kennedy for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Retired Veterans Affairs Service Officer Mike Hanks Honored
September 14, 2015
Former area Veterans Affairs Service Officer Mike Hanks was honored with a retirement reception Sunday by VFW Post 7016 and the American Legion Post 90 at the American Legion Hall in Atmore.
Hanks assisted countless area veterans and the families in his 27 years of service. He has also been a familiar face at veterans-related events at area schools, usually in a very patriotic flag tie or shirt.
In 1971, in the midst of the Vietnam War, he was drafted into the U.S. Army.
During a ceremony earlier this year for National Vietnam Veterans Welcome Home Day, Hanks said he did not talk about the Vietnam War for a long time. “I didn’t figure anybody wanted to hear about it.”
He related the story of his “Freedom Flight” home following his tour, and of the business woman sitting next to him on that plane. Her reaction to being seated next to a returning solider from Vietnam and what she said to the stewardess still resonates deeply with Hanks.
“I want a different seat; I don’t want to sit by a baby killer,” she said loudly.
“That hurt me more than anything, because she couldn’t understand how much I love kids. and it hurt,” an emotional Hanks said, as other veterans in the audience were visible moved.
“Words cannot describe how much it helps the healing process for you to have something like this for our veterans,” Hanks concluded as he thanked the organizers of the welcome home ceremony. “I’ve got news for you. I am a Vietnam veteran of the U.S. Army. Any I am proud of it, and I’m proud to be an American.”
Hanks is a 1969 graduate of Ernest Ward High School in Walnut Hill. He has been married to his wife Gayle for 45 years; they have two children and five grandchildren.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Fire Damages Ensley Home
September 14, 2015
Fire damaged an Ensley home Sunday night. The fire on Brosnaham Avenue, near Kenmore Road and North Palafox, was quickly extinguished by fir fighters with no injuries reported. There was no immediate word on the cause of the fire. NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Price, click to enlarge.
