FDLE Awards $10,000 Reward To Rice, Boyette Tipster
February 25, 2017
FDLE Friday awarded $10,000 to the anonymous tipster who notified local law enforcement and provided the location of fugitives Boyette and Rice, who were subsequently apprehended by law enforcement.
A killing spree across multiple states, including Florida, ended in Georgia on February 7 when William Boyette committed suicide and Mary Rice was arrested. The tipster had just seen a Facebook post with Boyette and Rice’s photos, as well as the tag number of the vehicle they were driving, when the tipster spotted the car and Rice at a convenience store. After the tag number of the car was verified, the tip was called in to law enforcement describing the location where the fugitives had been spotted. FDLE was informed on February 10 of a person wishing to claim the reward and has been working since to make sure it is awarded.
“It was very important to FDLE that this tipster receive the reward we had contributed. It certainly is well-deserved, because I firmly believe more lives could have been lost if these fugitives remained on the run,” said Jack Massey, Special Agent in Charge at FDLE’s Pensacola Regional Operations Center. “Due to the awareness and dedication of this citizen, who spotted them and took immediate action to report it, a murderous threat to the community was removed. Awarding this individual is the right thing to do.”
He added, “We all play a role in keeping our communities safe. Please report suspicious activity. ‘If you see something, say something.™’ It may well save innocent lives.”
Baseball: Tate Over WFHS; Escambia Academy Beats Northview
February 25, 2017
BASEBALL
Tate 2, West Florida 1
The strong pitching performance of juniors Ryan Greene and Gabe Castro earned the Tate High School Aggies a 2-1 win over West Florida Friday night.
Ryan Greene earned the win Tate. He tossed four innings, giving up one run, two hits, striking out six, and walking one. Gabe Castro recorded the last three outs to earn the save for Tate. Zabelle took the loss for West Florida. He pitched four innings, giving up two runs, three hits, and recording four strikeouts.
Tate hitters: Mason Land 1-3.. Logan McGuffey 1-2, Hunter NeSmith 1-3, Hunter McLean RBI.
West Florida hitters: Amir McDaniel 1-3 2B, RBI, Nick Zabelle 1-3.
The Tate Aggies will be at Gulf Breeze next Friday, while West Florida will be at Pine Forest on Thursday.
Escambia Academy 2, Northview 1
Escambia Academy defeated the Northview Chiefs Friday evening 2-1 in Canoe, AL, just outside Atmore.
The Northview Chiefs scored their solo run in the first inning when John Chivington grounded out to send Quinton Sampson across the plate. Escambia Academy evened it up with a run in the bottom of the first and scored the go ahead run in the third on a Chiefs error.
Seth Killam lead Northview at the plate, going 2-3. Chandler Lowery went 1-1 for the Chiefs.
John Neese took the loss for the Chiefs. In six innings, he allowed five hits and two runs while striking out nine.
Annual Walnut Hill Ruritan Farm Auction Is Saturday
February 25, 2017
The 43rd Annual Walnut Hill Ruritan Club Farm Equipment Auction will be held this Saturday, February 25 beginning at 9:30 a.m.
The auction includes not only farm equipment, but also household items like tools and small equipment, lawn and garden items, antiques and more. Items can be received on Friday.
Settlement must be made the day of the sale; unknown buyers must have cash, cashier’s check, major credit card, or a letter of credit from their bank. Items must be removed within 24 hours.
Concessions will be available all day from the Ruritan Club.
The sale will be located at the Walnut Hill Community Center on Highway 97 just north of Ernest Ward Middle School.
For more information or consignments, call (850) 384-5761 or (850) 327-4292.
Pictured: Hundreds attended a previous Walnut Hill Ruritan Club farm equipment auction in Walnut Hill. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
James David LaJoie
February 25, 2017
James “Jim” David LaJoie, 73, of Pensacola, FL passed away Saturday, February 18, 2017.
He is preceded in death by his parents, George A. and Erna Lajoie and his brother, Gary LaJoie.
Jim is survived by his loving wife, Cynthia J. LaJoie; sons, Dennis Lajoie and Kelby (Janelle) LaJoie; stepdaughter, Melissa (Aaron) Dorn; stepson, Patrick (Dayna) Roush; grandchildren, Hannah LaJoie, Abigal Dorn, MaKenna Dorn, Isaac Dorn, Kaylee Roush and Emerie Roush and many nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers were Kelby LaJoie, Dennis LaJoie, Gary LaJoie, Patrick Roush, Mike Barnes and Michael A. Barnes.
Funeral services were held Thursday, February 23, 2017 at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is entrusted with arrangements.
February Weather? Near 80 This Afternoon
February 24, 2017
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 80. Light southeast wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers after midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 52. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming northwest after midnight.
Saturday: Partly sunny, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 69. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday Night: Clear, with a low around 37. North wind around 5 mph.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 66. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 50. Southeast wind around 5 mph.
Monday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 75. South wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Monday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 78.
Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65.
Wednesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 77.
Wednesday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 51.
Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high near 64.
Miss NHS: Meet The Girls Part I (With Photos)
February 24, 2017
Today is part one of our annual multi-part series “the road to the crown” as we follow 11 young ladies at Northview High School in their quest for the crown and the title of “Miss NHS 2017″.
Today we introduce you to the first half of the contestants. Their biographies, as submitted by the girls, are below along with their photos. You can click any photo below to enlarge.
Our series “the road to the crown” will continue tomorrow with biographies and photos of the second half of the contestants. The pageant is Saturday night at 7:00 p.m. and NorthEscambia.com will have the new Miss NHS and all the pageant photos Sunday morning.
Advance tickets are $7 in the Northview front office. Tickets will be available for $10 at the door.
Hadley Marie Woodfin
Hadley is the 17 year old daughter of Robert and Beth Woodfin. She is being sponsored tonight by Maggie Quimby, Accessory Stylist for Premier Designs since 1994. At Northview, Hadley has been a member of SGA for four years, Beta Club for three years, a three year Academic All Star, and a JV cheerleader for one year. She has received various academic awards at Northview including Highest Academic Average in English I and exemplary performance in both English II and Digital Design 3. Hadley participated in the school’s 2016 production of “Into the Woods” and is the lead in this year’s “Band Geeks.” She has Adobe certifications in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign and Microsoft certifications in Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook. This year, she is a part of the Business Educational Directed Studies program where she creates pamphlets, posters, and programs for Northview’s school activities and functions.
In her community, Hadley works at Carter’s Burgers & Jimmy’s Grill, and attends Hillcrest Baptist Church. She also spends her summers and free time volunteering at Florida Baptist Children’s Home where she tutors and mentors the children. She also is a member of the Class of 2017 Youth Leadership of Pensacola.
Her hobbies include digital design, going to parks and museums with her sisters, and attending car shows with her grandfather.
Her future plans are to attend UWF and obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s in Education Leadership. She hopes to one day become a principal. Upon graduation, Hadley hopes to settle down and have a family.
Olivia Paige Seals
Olivia is the 15 year old daughter of Crystal and Shane Seals. She is being sponsored tonight by Rhonda’s Hair and Nail Salon. During her freshman year at Northview, Olivia was a JV cheerleader. This year, she is a varsity cheerleader and received the Best Showmanship award.
She has been a member of FBLA for two years. Olivia was selected to represent the Sophomore class on the homecoming court. Olivia is also a certified Microsoft specialist in Word, Excel, and Access.
Her hobbies include shopping, going to youth conventions with the First Assembly of God, spending time with friends and family, and going to the beach.
Her future plans are to attend a four year university to obtain a degree in physical therapy and work in a children’s hospital.
Allison Mercedes Rice
Allison is the 15 year old daughter of Justin Rice and Amanda Seales. She is being sponsored tonight by Your Little Pink Boutique. During her freshman year at Northview, Allison was a JV cheerleader and received the Most Flexible award. She also played on the JV softball team and received Microsoft specialist awards. This year, Allison cheered on the varsity team, is on the track team, FCA, FBLA, Spirit Club, and SGA. At the FBLA competition, Allison placed 5th in agribusiness.
In her community, Allison attends Hillcrest Baptist Church and takes gymnastics and tumbling classes with Quantum Cheer in Davisville.
Her hobbies include shopping, hanging out with friends, and mud riding.
Her future plans are to make it to state in track during high school. Upon graduating from Northview, Allison hopes to attend Auburn University and pursue a career as a veterinarian.
Jessica Lauren Stacey
Jessica is the 17 year old daughter of Allen and Cheryl Stacey. She is being sponsored tonight by Escofab, Inc. Jessica has been a member of the Tribal Beat band for four years; playing the clarinet for three years and a majorette for one year. She has also been a member of the Beta Club and theater for three years. This year, she will be playing the role of Nicole in the production “Band Geeks.” Jessica has been a member of the Art Club, FFA, and Battle of the Books for one year and has also been an Academic All Star. She is a certified Microsoft Office specialist and has been a dual enrollment student for the past two years. Jessica was also recently accepted into Mississippi State University.
In her community, Jessica has been a volunteer at the Century Branch Library for the past six years.
Her hobbies include Netflix marathons, listening to music, and reading.
Her future plans are to attend Mississippi State and major in anthropology and english. She then plans to obtain her doctorate and become a forensic anthropologist and one day teach english in South Korea. Jessica also hopes to become a sponsor for Compassion International.
Ashtyn Brooke Carnley
Ashtyn is the 15 year old daughter of Eddie and Kristy Carnley. She is being sponsored tonight by her parents. During her freshman year at Northview, Ashtyn was class secretary, a member of FBLA where she received 3rd place in the District One competition in Financial Math, a JV cheerleader where she received the Most Dedicated and Most Improved awards, a member of FCA, and the recipient of the highest academic average awards in English I Honors, Intro., To Informational Tech, and Geometry Honors. She also received the exemplary award in Physical Science Honors. Ashtyn became a certified Microsoft Office specialist in Word, PowerPoint, and Excel and was an Atmore Rotary Academic All Star. Ashtyn was also selected to represent her class on the homecoming court and was voted class maid. In last year’s Miss NHS pageant, Ashtyn placed in the top five. This year, Ashtyn is a member of FBLA, FCA, FFA, Beta Club, SGA, the yearbook staff, and she is also sophomore class president. She was also selected to represent her class on the homecoming court. Ashtyn is a member of the varsity volleyball team and was the recipient of the Best Attitude Award. Ashtyn is an Adobe certified associate in Photoshop and is currently ranked number one in her class.
Her hobbies include singing, dancing, working out, playing the ukulele, and taking online classes.
Her future plans are to graduate as valedictorian of her graduating class, attend Auburn University for a masters in Medical Science and earn her doctorate at Harvard Medical School and pursue a career as an Anesthesiologist.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Work Set To Resurface State Road 4, Reconstruct R/R Crossing In Century
February 24, 2017
Construction activities on a $1.13 million project will begin the week of Monday, February 27 on State Road 4 in Century.
Crews will mill and resurface the travel lanes from Highway 29 to the Escambia River Bridge, construct minor shoulder widening, place new signs and pavement markings along the project, and reconstruct the CSX railroad crossing in Century. A temporary onsite diversion will be constructed to route traffic around the railroad reconstruction work. Law enforcement will be on site to assist with traffic control.
Motorists are reminded to use caution and to obey the posted speed limit when traveling through the work zone. Construction is anticipated to be complete spring 2017, weather permitting.
This is a Florida Department of Transportation project, and is not funded or managed by the Town of Century.
‘Golden Cow Dung Award’ Presented To EWMS Assistant Principal
February 24, 2017
Ernest Ward Middle School Assistant Principal Virkeisha Palmer received the eighth annual “Golden Cow Dung Award” from members of the Ernest Ward FFA. The award presented Thursday afternoon featured a large piece of cow dung, painted a golden color and mounted on a board painted in school colors.
(Cow dung, in case you did not know, is what you are probably thinking it is. It’s that natural byproduct that cows drop in the field. The award is 100 percent real dung spray painted a golden color. The golden piece presented Thursday is actually the first award piece created and painted eight years ago.)
Palmer received the award from the school’s FFA members as a “thank you” for supporting FFA. The same Golden Cow Dung Award was presented last year to teacher Laura Chavers. Previous awards were presented to Barbara Ryals, Betty Coon, history teacher Kenneth Hicks, teacher’s assistant Lindsey Kelley, Family & Consumer Science teacher Kathy Ellis and Principal Nancy Perry.
More than half a million members around the nation participated in National FFA Week activities at the local and state levels this week.
Pictured: Ernest Ward Middle School FFA Golden Cow Dung Award presentation to Virkeisha Palmer Thursday afternoon. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Federal Prison For Escambia Man On Child Porn Charges
February 24, 2017
An Escambia County man is headed to federal prison on child porn charges.
Shawn Ryan Goodfleisch, 38, of Pensacola, was sentenced Thursday to 10 years in federal prison and will be required to register as a sex offender. A jury convicted Goodfleisch on September 29, 2016, of receipt of child pornography and destruction of evidence to prevent seizure. The sentence was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
At trial, the government presented evidence that, between January 2014, and October 2014, Goodfleisch received and possessed child pornography, including videos depicting images of minors less than 12 years of age engaged in sex acts. An undercover law enforcement officer discovered and downloaded files containing child pornography from a public sharing network that could be traced to Goodfleisch’s computer. After agents executed a search warrant at Goodfleish’s residence, a forensic analysis of his computer’s hard drive revealed numerous images and videos of child pornography. During the execution of the federal search warrant,
Goodfleisch remotely accessed his computer using a cellular telephone and destroyed, or attempted to destroy, the contents contained on his computer.
United States Attorney Canova stated, “Protecting children from online exploitation is a top priority for this office, the Department of Justice, and our many law enforcement partners. Tragically, it is easy for child predators to access reprehensible content via the Internet.”
“Because of HSI special agent’s investigative authorities, along with our law enforcement partnerships, like with the Pensacola Police Department, this predator will now be behind bars – making our communities safer,” said Susan L. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge of HSI Tampa.
Changes Weighed For Local Deepwater Horizon Plan Payouts
February 24, 2017
Money from the Deepwater Horizon disaster settlement may be used to market Northwest Florida and for broad economic development projects, under changes to a pair of bills before the House Select Committee on Triumph Gulf Coast.
Also, amendments that the committee rolled out just before a meeting Thursday would eliminate a requirement for projects to get approval from the Joint Legislative Budget Commission. Instead, Triumph Gulf Coast Inc. — a non-profit organization within the Department of Economic Opportunity designed to handle the bulk of the state’s settlement money — will be required to post online details of any project or program 14 days before cash awards are made.
House committee Chairman Jay Trumbull, R-Panama City, said the changes being considered should create “a very fluid process” for projects to advance.
“The fact of the matter is, this is the Panhandle’s money, it’s not Tallahassee’s money,” Trumbull said after the meeting. “So why subject it with too many strings attached to it … too many opportunities for somebody to grab it and send it to South Florida.”
Florida is in line to eventually receive up to $2 billion from the $4.9 billion that is expected to be paid by BP to resolve Gulf Coast economic claims arising from the Deepwater Horizon oil-spill disaster. The state received $400 million last year and is expected to get $106.7 million a year from 2019 through 2033.
Seventy-five percent of the money is to go to the non-profit representing eight Panhandle counties most impacted by the disaster — Bay, Escambia, Franklin, Gulf, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Wakulla and Walton. Panhandle officials and some member of the committee — comprised of Republican lawmakers from Northwest Florida — have expressed concerns that the initial House proposal was too restrictive.
Due to the late introduction of the changes, the committee agreed to postpone a vote on the amended bills until its next meeting, tentatively set for March 6, the day before the start of the regular Legislative session.
by The News Service of Florida