Freida Margene Allen
July 14, 2015
Freida Margene Allen, 58, of Molino, passed away on Thursday, July 9, 2015.
She was a loving wife and mother who will be missed.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Jeanette McCrory of Cantonment.
Freida is survived by her husband, Larry Allen of Molino; her children, Rodney (Carol) Allen of Cantonment and Dale (Joan) Allen of Tampa; grandchildren, Gracie and Brady of Cantonment and Justine of Tampa; and siblings, Carolyn of Cantonment, Theresa of Arlington, TX, Wayne of Cantonment and Marilyn of Cantonment.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 18, 2015, with Bro. Fred Stallworth officiating.
Burial to follow in Pugh’s Chapel.
Visitation will begin one hour prior to services.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is in charge of arrangements.
Senior Rae Gilbert Griffin
July 14, 2015
Senior Rae Gilbert Griffin, 85, of Jay, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 11, 2015. She was prepared to meet her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Senior was born on March 8, 1930, and grew up in Ashland, Alabama. During her early life, she was an active member of Jay First Baptist Church and was involved in many activities for the youth and the choir. She was also a member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Carlton Griffin; and parents, Perry and Nellie Jane Waldrop Gilbert.
She is survived by her loving children, daughters, Joan Byrd, Doris Jackson, and Debbie (John) Bell; sons, James Griffin and Bryan Griffin; grandsons, Michael Holland, Gary Holland, Daniel Haan, Joey Wolfe, Ryan Wolfe, and Greg Byrd; granddaughters, Lacy Griffin and Vonda Byrd Buckhault; 11 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Voncille Shannon and Shirley Caldwell; and brother, Charles Gilbert.
Senior’s mother died when Senior was only 13, so she became the mother figure and caregiver to her siblings, which helped shape her as the caring and generous woman that she became. She was selfless and giving of herself and truly had a servant’s heart. Her early career as a kindergarten teacher not only provided many of the town’s children a head start on their education but also educated their hearts, teaching them how to love and treat others.
Through her many years as a florist, she shared in countless memories with the people of Jay and its surrounding areas. She helped the community celebrate joyous occasions, as well as comfort them in times of sickness, sorrow, and grief with her beautiful floral arrangements that she lovingly created. She was always there to offer a kind word and a warm hug to her customers. She worked hard and long hours doing what she loved to do, helping provide a good life for her family and bring joy to others. Her house was always open to her children’s friends, and she became a mother to all of them.
She always made those around her smile. During her two years residing at Century Health and Rehabilitation Center, she brightened the day of the other residents with her witty remarks, compliments, and classes on flower arranging. She was a gentle and generous Southern lady to the end.
The family wishes to extend its thanks to the entire staff of Century Health and Rehabilitation Center for its tremendous love and care of their mother. Also, sincere thanks to Covenant Hospice, Dr. David Smith, and roommate Nancy Thames.
Visitation at Jay First Baptist Church will be held Saturday, July 18, 2015, from 2 p.m. until 3 p.m. for immediate family and from 3 p.m. until 4 p.m. for friends. Funeral services will begin at 4 p.m.
Interment will be at Jay Cemetery.
Jay Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
William Hubert Parker
July 14, 2015
William Hubert Parker, 99, passed away Monday, July 13, 2015. As we celebrated granddad’s 99th birthday, we will now celebrate his new life. He was a man of humility and never spoke an unkind word about anyone. He was born May 28, 1916, in Brewton to the late Lydia Douglas Parker and Archie Parker.
He was the past president of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles. As an ordained Pastor he faithfully served his Lord and congregation and was often referred to as “Rabbi.”
He was preceded in death by the love of his life, Gladys Louise Thompkins Parker; daughter, Mary Louise Harrell; granddaughter, Debbie Brown; great-grandson, Ronnie Brown; daughter-in-law, Marie Parker; brother, Elbert Lee Parker; and sister, Mary Sue Parker McIntosh.
He will be lovingly remembered by his son, James Kenneth Parker; daughters, Rosa Lee Ard and Pamela Kay (Frank) Murphy; grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.
His family extends their thanks to Ms. Velva and Regency Hospice nurse, Kalie.
To his “special” sons, Clayton and Frank, thank you for fulfilling all his dreams. You were his sons-in-law by chance, but became his sons by choice.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, July 17, 2015, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North with Pastor Jean Comans and Pastor Virgil Pope officiating.
Burial will follow in Jordan Cemetery.
Family will receive friends from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 16, 2015.
Pallbearers will be James Parker, Chris Parker, Josh Parker, Tanner Montanez, Suede Collins, Jacob Hawkins, Gary Hawkins, Rece Howard, and Ryan Floyd.
He leaves behind a legacy of love and encouragement which reminds us all that ‘Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted’. Matthew 5:4.
Police: Missing, Endangered Flomaton Teen Found Safe
July 13, 2015
A Flomaton teenager reported missing over two weeks ago has been found.
Jasmine Nicole Smith, 16, was located about 3:00 this afternoon in Central Alabama, according to Flomaton Police Chief Bryan Davis. He declined to release complete details, but Davis said the girl is “fine” and in good condition. Davis said additional details will be released later by Flomaton Police.
Smith was reported missing from her residence in Flomaton on June 27. On July 9, police upgraded the case from a runaway to missing/endangered status after receiving information from a family member that the teen was in physical danger. Flomaton Police warned July 8 that because Smith is a juvenile, anyone harboring her without the consent of a parent “is committing a crime and will be prosecuted”.
Highway 97 Temporary Bridge Nears Completion
July 13, 2015
Work is nearing completion on a temporary bridge in Walnut Hill, part of the replacement of a 75-year old Highway 97 bridge over Little Pine Barren Creek in Walnut Hill.
Last week, the approach lanes to the temporary bridge were paved, after months of work that began on the structure at the end of March.
The work is part of a $2.5 million contract which consist of replacing the existing structurally deficient bridge, including roadway reconstruction, milling and resurfacing, guardrail, drainage, new signs and pavement markings. Drivers will utilize a temporary roadway and bridge during construction of the new bridge. Work is anticipated to be completed in the spring of 2016. No overweight loads will be permitted onto the temporary bridge (loads weighing over 88-thousand pounds).
The bridge is located at the intersection of Wiggins Lake Road, about one mile north of Ernest Ward Middle School. The bridge was constructed in 1940.
There’s no word yet from the Florida Department of Transportation as to when traffic will shift to the new temporary bridge.
Pictured: A temporary bridge nears completion on Highway 97 in Walnut Hill. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Upper 90’s, Slight Chance Of Storms
July 13, 2015
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Monday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 98. Heat index values as high as 106. Northwest wind around 5 mph.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 75. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Sunny, with a high near 96. Heat index values as high as 107. West wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 74. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Sunny, with a high near 95. West wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 95. West wind 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 95.
Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 75.
Saturday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 95.
Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 75.
Sunday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94.
Justices Could Hear Satellite TV Tax Fight
July 13, 2015
The Department of Revenue has filed a notice of appeal in the Florida Supreme Court after a lower court ruled that a state law is unconstitutional because it imposes a higher tax rate on satellite-television companies than on their cable-TV competitors.
The department is seeking to overturn a ruling last month by the 1st District Court of Appeal, which also ordered that a circuit court determine how much money should be refunded to satellite-TV companies.
The case focuses on the state communications-services tax being set at 6.65 percent for cable TV and 10.8 percent for satellite service. The appeals court, in a 2-1 decision, found that the tax is discriminatory and violates the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution.
Alleged Drunk Driver Plows Into Deputy’s SUV
July 13, 2015
An alleged drunk driver was jailed after slamming his SUV into an Escambia County Sheriff’s deputy in a marked Tahoe.
Joseph Gavin Merritt, 34, was eastbound on Gulf Beach Highway in a 2003 Chevrolet Suburban about 11:30 Saturday night. Merritt crossed the center line into the path of Deputy William Hallford, 51. Hallford swerved in an unsuccessful attempt to avoid a collision.
Hallford was transported to Baptist Hospital with minor injuries.
Merritt was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and refusal to submit to a lawful DUI test. He was later released from the Escambia County Jail on a $1,000 bond.
Missing Century Child Found At Neighbor’s Home
July 13, 2015
A 5-year old reported missing in Century late Sunday morning was located safe and sound a short time later.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to the missing child report on Campbell Road just off East Highway 4 shortly before noon. According to the Sheriff’s Office, the child was located at a nearby relative’s home.
Escambia Search and Rescue was called to Century to assist in the search for the child, but the child was found before ESAR arrived.
The Sheriff’s Office said there was no criminal wrongdoing in the case.
Court: Defendants Face Burden In ‘Stand Your Ground’ Case
July 13, 2015
In a case that started with a tourist brandishing a gun during a traffic dispute, the Florida Supreme Court said people who use the state’s controversial “stand your ground” legal defense have the burden of proving they should be shielded from prosecution.
The 5-2 ruling dealt with a key part of the way the state has carried out the “stand your ground” law, which in part provides immunity to people who use justifiable force in self-defense.
In “stand your ground” cases, pre-trial evidentiary hearings are held to determine whether defendants are immune from prosecution because of the law. The Supreme Court ruling centered on who should have the burden of proof during those hearings — defendants or prosecutors.
Justices sided with lower courts that have required defendants to prove that they should be protected from prosecution by the self-defense law. The majority opinion, written by Justice Barbara Pariente, said immunity in the “stand your ground” law “is not a blanket immunity, but rather, requires the establishment that the use of force was legally justified.”
“We conclude that placing the burden of proof on the defendant to establish entitlement to Stand Your Ground immunity by a preponderance of the evidence at the pretrial evidentiary hearing, rather than on the state to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant’s use of force was not justified, is consistent with this court’s precedent and gives effect to the legislative intent,” said the majority opinion, which was joined by Chief Justice Jorge Labarga and justices Peggy Quince and James E.C. Perry.
Justice R. Fred Lewis concurred in the outcome, though he did not sign on to the majority opinion.
In a dissenting opinion, Justice Charles Canady wrote that the majority ruling “substantially curtails the benefit of the immunity from trial conferred by the Legislature under the Stand Your Ground law.”
“The factual question raised by the assertion of Stand Your Ground immunity in a pretrial evidentiary hearing is the same as the factual question raised by a Stand Your Ground defense presented at trial: whether the evidence establishes beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant’s conduct was not justified under the governing statutory standard,” Canady wrote in the dissent, which was joined by Justice Ricky Polston.
The ruling came in a case that started in 2011 with a dispute on Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway in Osceola County. Jared Bretherick, a tourist from Indiana, was a backseat passenger in a vehicle driven by his father that was almost side-swiped by a truck, according to a summary in the Supreme Court opinion.
The driver of the truck, identified in court documents as Derek Dunning, then abruptly stopped in front of the Bretherick vehicle. Dunning, who was unarmed, got out of his truck and approached the vehicle. Bretherick’s father held up a holstered gun, which led Dunning to return to his truck.
Bretherick subsequently got out of the vehicle and approached the truck while pointing the handgun at Dunning, the court opinion said. He later went back to the family’s vehicle and continued pointing the gun at Dunning. Police arrived after receiving 911 calls, and Bretherick was charged with aggravated assault with a firearm.
After an evidentiary hearing, a circuit judge ruled that Bretherick was not entitled to immunity from prosecution under the “stand your ground” law. The judge pointed to Dunning’s retreat to his truck after Bretherick’s father showed the handgun, ruling that the “threat was no longer imminent, and in fact, the possible volatile situation had been diffused. The defendant’s subjective fear was no longer reasonable.”
The National Rifle Association and another gun-rights group, Florida Carry Inc. filed briefs in the Supreme Court supporting Bretherick. But the Florida Prosecuting Attorneys Association backed the state’s position on the burden-of-proof issue.
by Jim Saunders, The News Service of Florida