State Objects To Life Sentence In Key Escambia Dealth Penalty Case
March 2, 2016
Attorney General Pam Bondi’s office is disputing arguments that a death row inmate from Escambia County should receive life in prison after successfully challenging Florida’s death-penalty sentencing system in the U.S. Supreme Court.
Bondi’s office filed a document Monday in the Florida Supreme Court arguing that what is known a “harmless error analysis” should be conducted in the case of Timothy Lee Hurst. An attorney for Hurst filed a motion last month asking the state Supreme Court to send the case to a lower court for imposition of a life sentence.
A challenge by Hurst led the U.S. Supreme Court in January to issue an 8-1 ruling that found Florida’s death-penalty sentencing system unconstitutional. The ruling said juries — not judges— should be responsible for imposing the death penalty and that Florida’s system of giving power to judges violated Hurst’s Sixth Amendment right to a trial by jury. Lawmakers are moving forward with plans to change the sentencing system to comply with the U.S. Supreme Court ruling.
In the document filed Monday, Bondi’s office said the U.S. Supreme Court required a “harmless error analysis” in the Hurst case. Broadly, such analyses determine whether errors are serious enough to require overturning earlier court decisions — in Hurst’s case, the decision to sentence him to death.
“If the United States Supreme Court felt it appropriate to commute appellant’s (Hurst’s) sentence to life imprisonment, it could have done so,” the document filed by Bondi’s office said. “Instead, the High Court specifically remanded this case to this (Florida Supreme) Court with directions to conduct a harmless error analysis.”
Hurst was sentenced to death for the 1998 killing of fast-food worker Cynthia Harrison. Harrison, an assistant manager at a Popeye’s Fried Chicken restaurant on Nine Mile Road where Hurst worked, was bound, gagged and stabbed more than 60 times. Her body was found in a freezer.
The motion filed last month by Hurst’s attorney did not take issue with his guilt. But it said Hurst should be sentenced to life in prison because he has “fundamentally been denied his Sixth Amendment right to a jury trial” in sentencing.
Roundup: Northview, Tate, Jay, West Florida
March 2, 2016
BASEBALL
West Florida 3, Tate 2
The West Florida Jaguars topped the Tate Aggies Tuesday night 3-2 at West Florida. The Jags were led by Kris Reber hitting a triple and driving in three runs.
Tate hitters: Cole Halfacre 1-3, 2B; Logan Blackmon 1-3, 2B; Logan McGuffy 1-3, 2B; Jake Davis 1-3; Reid Halfacre 1-4; Branden Fryman 1-3.
West Florida hitters: Adam Ostergaard 2-3, Kris Reber 2-3, 3B, 3 RBIs.
Tate will play at Pine Forest at 7 p.m. Thursday.
Northview 9, Pensacola Christian 2 (JV)
The Northview JV baseball team defeated Pensacola Christian Tuesday night by a score of 9-2.
Leading hitters for the Chiefs were Seth Killam (2-3, 2B, 2 runs), Trevor Singleton (2-2, run), John Chivington (1-1, 2 runs), Jackson Moore (1-2, 2B), and Andrew Sharpless (1-2, run). Also scoring runs for the Chiefs were Cade Allen, Heath Sheldt and Wesley Hardin.
Cade Allen earned the win on the mound, throwing four innings while striking out three batters. Trevor Singleton threw two innings, striking out four batters.
The Chiefs improved to 5-1 on the season. Both the JV and varsity play at home this Friday against Pensacola Christian.
SOFTBALL
Freeport 7, Northview 3
Freeport defeated the Northview Chiefs 7-3 Tuesday night in Freeport.
Tori Herrington pitched seven innings with nine strikeouts, nine hits, seven runs, two earned runs and two walks.
Aubree Love 2-4 with 2 RBI’s, Kendall Enfinger 2-4 with an RBI and a run, Hannah Ging 1-4, Tori Herrington 1-3 with a run, Daphne Young 1-3 with a run and Jamia Newton 1-3.
The Chiefs will travel to Brewton this Friday and Saturday for the TR Miller Invitational. Friday they will play Davidson at 5:15 and Blackshear at 7:45. Saturday they play Miller at 9:00. Single elimination bracket play will start at noon with the championship game scheduled at 4 p.m.
Tate 6, Pace 1
The varsity Tate Aggies defeated Pace 6-1 Tuesday night.
Jay 12, South Walton 6
The Jay Royals beat South Walton 12-6 on the road Tuesday night.
Destiny Herring picked up the win, striking out five in six innings. Jay hitters: Mikaela Stewart 3-5, 2 runs, double; Harley Taggert 3-4, 3 runs, double, RBI; Destiny Herring 3-5, 3 RBIs; Samantha Steadham 3-5, 3 RBIs; Alyssa Baxley 2-4, RBI.
Jay will host Freeport Thursday at 6 p.m.
Pictrured: Northview’s varsity beat Pensacola Christian Tuesday. NorthEscambia.com photos by Ramona Preston, click to enlarge.
New Open Container Alcohol Regulations On Pensacola Beach
March 2, 2016
There’s a new alcohol ordinance in effect at Pensacola Beach.
The ordinance restricts open containers in public areas of the commercial district of Pensacola Beach. It is illegal to consume or possess any alcoholic beverages in an open container in the public areas within the commercial district like sidewalks, boardwalks, roads and parking lots. It is permissible to have an open container on the sandy portions of the beach, except the “family area” of Casino Beach just west of the Pensacola Beach Fishing Pier.
The commercial district of Pensacola Beach is generally considered the area from the Bob Sikes Bridge south to the Casino Beach Bandstand, and from the first residence on the west to Avendia 10 on the east. Signs have been placed in the commercial district and beach goers are encouraged to ask lifeguards and law enforcement questions about the new policy. A special permitting process is available through the SRIA for events seeking an exemption to the open container restrictions.
Escambia County Board of County Commissioners adopted the ordinance back in December with an effective date of March 1.
Reever Erwin Farley
March 2, 2016
Reever went to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, February 26, 2016. She was born in Milan, GA and has lived in Pensacola for the last 41 years.
Reever was preceded in death by her mother and father; four sisters; and her late husband, Reverend Elmer Lee Farley.
She leaves behind four stepchildren who loved her very much. They are David F. Farley of Jay, Shirley F. Oglesby of Cantonment, W. Dale Farley (Paulette) of Huntsville, AL and Shelby F. Sahrie (Doug) of Pensacola; many nieces, nephews and friends.
Reever and Bro. Farley spent the latter part of their ministry by visiting the nursing homes in this area. Reever was a member of the Church of God for most of her life, but the last few years she has attended the Victory Assembly of God Church. Her love for people was what made her so loved by so many people.
A special thanks to Covenant Hospice for their tender loving care during her illness.
Funeral services were held Monday, February 29, 2016, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North with Brother McKeehan will be officiating.
Interment will follow at Bayview Memorial Park Cemetery.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is in charge of arrangements.
Marth Ann Stabler
March 2, 2016
Mrs. Martha Ann Stabler, 66, passed away on Friday, February 26, 2016, in Century.
Mrs. Stabler was a native of Lakeland, FL and a resident of Atmore for the past 42 years. She was retired from Vanity Fair with 21 years of service and was the former owner of Classic Touch Car Detailing and Stabler’s Country Lounge. She is preceded in death by her husband, Andrew Stabler; parents, Bob and Adeline Fordham; one brother, Gary Shelton; and three sisters, Barbara Jean Thompson, Patricia Fordham and Peggy Jean Rynearson.
She is survived by her three sons, Christopher Wade Canova of Louisiana, Hank William Stabler of Molino and Bobby Lee Stabler of Atmore; two daughters, Samantha Ann (Arthur) Mothershed of Atmore and Teresa Marie (Charles) Waters of Bratt; two brothers, Donald Shelton of New Port Richie, FL and Robert (Betty) Fordham of Augusta, SC; five sisters, Diane Boully of Lakeland, Wanda Fordham of Augusta, SC, Becky (Bruce) Meigs of Augusta, SC, Shirley (Jeff) Gibbons of Lakeland and Dolly Sue Richards of Pavo, GA; 15 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, March 1, 2016, at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Rev. Thurl Pearson officiating.
Burial was at the Oak Hill Cemetery.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC, is in charge of all arrangements.
Edgar Ray Garrett
March 2, 2016
E. R. Garrett, age 76, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, February 27, 2016. He was born on September 21, 1939, and was raised in Pensacola. He served in the U.S. Army and spent the rest of his career in the freight business, which included Railway Express and Carolina Freight where he was a member of the Teamsters. He always enjoyed fishing and after retiring he became an avid baker. He served as the Chaplin for the American Legion Post # 265 in Ochlocknee, GA for eight years.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Samuel W. and Anna E. Garrett; brother, David Garrett; and sisters, Florence White, Barbara Martin, and Doris Hughes.
He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Pat Garrett; children, Tina Jones and Vikki Garrett; two sisters, Lucille Kilcrease (Lamar) and Joyce Blackmon (Skip); one brother, Robert Garrett (Sherry); two grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.
Pallbearers will be Skipper Blackmon, Rodney Hanna, Clay Hughes, Jerry McGaughey, Lonnie Mette, and Billy Parker.
Visitation will be on Wednesday, March 2, 2016, from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. at Charity Baptist Church, located at 1675 W. Roberts Road in Cantonment. Services will follow at 11a.m. with Dr. James McGaughey officiating.
Interment will follow at Barrancas National Cemetery located at Pensacola Naval Air Station.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North has been entrusted with arrangements.
Kenneth Chad Hanks
March 2, 2016
Mr. Kenneth Chad Hanks, 40, passed away on Friday, February 26, 2016, in Pensacola.
Mr. Hanks was a native of McDavid and a resident of Century for most of his life. Mr. Hanks was an employee of Blackjack Creek and was of the Holiness Faith. He is preceded in death by his father, Ken Hanks; grandmothers, Ruby Griffis and Mazie Hanks; aunt, Annette Lambeth; aunt and uncle, Wayne and Mary Griffis; uncle, Tony Hanks; and cousin, David Griffis.
He is survived by his mother, Brenda Hanks of Century; wife, Shannon Hanks of Flomaton; two sons, Logan Hanks and Dalton Hanks both of Flomaton; one daughter, Destiny Hanks of Flomaton; four step-daughters, Allison Ladner, Emily Ladner, Jessie Marion and Lexie Marion, all of Flomaton; one sister, Shannon Hanks Campbell of Century; one grandchild, Ryland Burnham of Flomaton; nephew, Nick (Lynn) Campbell; great-nieces and nephew, Callie and Collin Campbell; niece, Megan (Chase) Lewis; and great-nephew, Liam Lewis.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 3, 2016, at 2 p.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Bro. Cliff Emmons and Rev. Mike Wetzel officiating.
Burial will be at Mt. Carmel Cemetery.
Visitation will be Wednesday, March 2, 2016, from 6 p.m. until service time at 2 p.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Jason Findley, Jr. Emmons, Sammy Portwood, Clavin O’Neal, Brian Belle, Wade White and Keith Baker.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.
Winston F. Fontaine
March 2, 2016
Winston F. Fontaine, 92, passed away Monday, February 29, 2016. Winston was the fourth of 10 children born to Annice Vickers Fontaine and John Penick Fontaine. He was born in Selma, AL and lived most of his childhood in Montgomery. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Ellen; and eight brothers and sisters.
He is survived by one sister, Sarajo Bagley (Montgomery); two daughters, Sandra A. Miller (Ric) and Rebecca F. Garvin (Durrice). He is also survived by three grandchildren, Barton Miller, Jeremy Garvin, and Melanie Gregory; and two great-grandchildren, Katie and Kristen Gregory. He will be missed by numerous nieces and nephews.
Winston enlisted in the United States Marine Corps a week after the attack on Pearl Harbor. He served in the USMC from 1942-1967, retiring with the rank of Major. He was a decorated veteran of WWII and the Korean War, receiving the Silver Star, a Bronze Star for Valor and a Purple Heart for wounds inflicted at the battle of Pelelieu. After retiring from the Marine Corps, in 1967, he moved his family to Pensacola, where he graduated from the University of West Florida in 1970. He served as Human Resources Director for West Florida Hospital from 1972-74. He taught at Pensacola Junior College from 1973-1975. After retiring from his second career, he enjoyed gardening, reading, and walking daily four to five miles. He is the author of a book about his family’s genealogy.
The family thanks neighbors for watching out for Winston the past few years. A special thank you to Cathy for taking loving care of home the past three years. Thanks also to the wonderful folks at the Dieu De Bhuddist temple, who became loving neighbors and friends. The family is comforted by the knowledge that we will all be together again one day.
Visitation will be Thursday, March 3, 2016, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North from10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Graveside services will be held at Barrancas National Cemetery at 12:30 p.m.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is in charge of arrangements.
Firefighters Respond To Reported Fire At Grain Elevator In Walnut Hill
March 1, 2016
Firefighters from across the area were dispatched to a reported fire at Escambia Grain Tuesday afternoon. When the first firefighters arrived on scene at the grain elevator on Arthur Brown Road in Walnut Hill, they found a ceiling or attic fire in the front of an office building had already been extinguished by the business. There was no major damage and no injuries reported. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Two Airlifted After ATV Crash Near Century
March 1, 2016
Two people were injured in an off-road ATV accident late Tuesday morning outside Century.
The two males were both airlifted in two different medical helicopters to area hospitals. One of them, a 27-year old male, was a “trauma alert”, according to EMS. The two were reported thrown from their 4-wheeler in or near field in the area of the 3200 block of Highway 4A.
The accident is under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol; further details, including the names of the victims, have not yet been released.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.