Increase In Child ‘Baker Act’ Cases Draws Attention
July 30, 2017
With a dramatic increase in the number of children being taken in for involuntary psychiatric examinations, a state panel began looking to address the “Baker Act” issue. More than 32,000 children were subject to examinations under Florida’s Baker Act during the 2015-16 fiscal year, an increase of nearly 50 percent statewide over five years. Six counties saw increases of more than 100 percent over the same period. Under the Baker Act, people can be held against their will for up to 72 hours, until doctors determine whether they will likely hurt themselves or others. Legislation passed this year required minors to be seen within 12 hours of arriving at facilities. It also created the Task Force on Involuntary Examination of Minors within the Department of Children and Families to address the issue. That group held its first meeting in Tallahassee. April Lott, CEO of Directions For Living, a community mental-health agency in Pinellas County, said many people don’t know how to help children and see the Baker Act as their only option. She said mental-health services, behavioral-health services and intensive family services often aren’t accessible. “It’s not available to everybody,” Lott said. “Then they get at their wits end, and teachers, parents, and other caregivers don’t know what to do other than to use the Baker Act system.” John Bryant, assistant secretary for mental health and substance abuse at the Department of Children and Families, said he thinks more resources are needed to help address issues before they get out of control. “One of the recommendations might be that we supplement the activities and the level of professional staff that are available to address these problems within the public school system,” Bryant said.
by The News Service of Florida
Wahoos Fall 2-1 To Biloxi’s Shuckers In 10 Innings
July 30, 2017
Pensacola reliever Carlos Gonzalez entered the game in the 10th inning and struck out the first batter he faced. However, Gonzalez then walked the bases loaded, including throwing 10 straight balls.
Pensacola reliever Geoff Broussard replaced Gonzalez and catcher Jacob Nottingham hit a deep fly ball to center field that allowed Shuckers second baseman Blake Allemand to tag up and score the winning run, 2-1, in front of 5,038 at Blue Wahoos Stadium. It was the 14th sellout of the season.
Pensacola manager Pat Kelly said the game winning run was “very strange.”
“He’s been so good,” Kelly said of Gonzalez, who has three saves in 15 games for the Blue Wahoos. “He got into a rut, threw 10 straight balls. It’s something you don’t expect from him. Three walks and a sacrifice fly. You don’t envision it ending like that.”
However, former High-A Daytona Tortuga call ups, third baseman Nick Senzel and first baseman Gavin LaValley smacked back-to-back singles in the bottom of the ninth inning with one out.
In the first inning, Senzel smacked a double and LaValley followed with a single to drive him in to tie the score with the Biloxi Shuckers, 1-1.
The rally ended when Josh VanMeter, hitting .283 with 38 of his 41 RBIs with runners in scoring position, flew out to left field. Right fielder Aristides Aquino then bounced to third base into an inning-ending double play.
Kelly said he struggled with whether to have VanMeter bunt and give Aquino or second baseman Shed Long the chance to drive in the game-winning run in the ninth.
“The Tortugas are doing well,” Kelly said. “They get on in the ninth inning and you think you’re going to win it. We got Long, another Tortuga, maybe he could have won the game.”
Instead, Biloxi won in the 10th. The Shuckers scored in the opening inning of the game when speedy center fielder Johnny Davis got an infield single and stole his 30th base. He was driven in on a hard-hit single by shortstop Angel Ortega.
It looked like Biloxi would score more. However, with men on first and second and no outs, Pensacola spot starter Domingo Tapia struck out three Biloxi hitters in a row.
Biloxi had plenty of opportunities to score late in the game. Pensacola reliever Robert Stock replaced Tapia, the starter, to start the sixth inning and loaded the bases with one out, but worked out of the scoring threat with a strikeout and groundout. Again, in the seventh inning, Biloxi had a runner on second base with one out and failed to score. In the ninth inning, Biloxi blew another scoring opportunity with runners on first and second with two outs.
Tapia, making his seventh spot start this season, lasted five innings, gave up one run on six hits and a walk and struck out a season-high seven. He didn’t factor in the decision but is 1-3 with a 4.22 ERA in 32 innings. In 19 relief appearances, Tapia has a 3.77 ERA.
In the New York Mets organization, the hard throwing 6-foot-3, 250-pound Tapia made 87 starts in seven seasons before converting to a reliever after Tommy John surgery in May 2015.
“Those big guys you got to get them early before they settle in,” Kelly said.
Biloxi got another strong start from its right-handed ace Aaron Wilkerson, who was seeking his 10th win. He threw well enough to get it but left with a no decision. Wilkerson, chosen as a Southern League All-Star, worked six innings, gave up one run on three hits and a walk and struck out seven, including the side in his final inning.
In his last three starts, the 28-year-old is 2-0 with a 1.35 ERA, allowing three runs in 20 innings pitched, giving up seven hits and striking out 19.
The Blue Wahoos fell to 1-4 in extra-inning games this year. Two of those losses have come at the hands of Biloxi and Pensacola’s only extra inning win came against the Shuckers in 11 innings on April 15.
Photos courtesy Barrett McClean Photography/Blue Wahoos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
FDOT: Weekly Traffic Alerts
July 30, 2017
Drivers will encounter traffic variations on the following state roads in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County
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· Interstate 10 (I-10)/U.S. 29 Interchange Improvements Phase I- Drivers will encounter the following traffic impacts on I-10 near the U.S. 29 interchange (Exits 10A and 10B) from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, July 30 through Thursday, Aug. 3.
· Alternating lane closures on I-10 and on U.S. 29.
· Intermittent closure of the U.S. 29 south to I-10 eastbound ramp and the U.S. 29 north to I-10 eastbound ramp. Traffic will be detoured on U.S. 29 to access I-10 eastbound.
· Intermittent closure of the I-10 westbound to U.S. 29 south ramp (Exit 10A) and the I-10 westbound to U.S 29 north ramp (Exit 10B). Traffic will be detoured to the open ramp to access U.S. 29.
· I-10 Widening from Davis Highway to the Escambia Bay Bridge- Alternating lane closures between Davis Highway (Exit 13) and Scenic Highway (Exit 17) from 7 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. Sunday, July 30 through Thursday, Aug. 3 as crews widen the roadway. In addition, the outside lane of Scenic Highway north and southbound on the Scenic Highway overpass will be closed during this time as crews install new railing.
· State Road (S.R.) 95 (U.S. 29) Widening from I-10 to Nine Mile Road- East and westbound 9 Mile Road at the U.S. 29 overpass will be reduced to one lane from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. beginning Sunday, July 30. Eastbound traffic will be shifted to the westbound, inside travel lane nightly as crews prepare the area for construction of the support column for the new center bridge deck. Traffic control officers will be on site to help direct traffic. Drainage work continues on U.S. 29 between I-10 and 9 1/2 Mile Road. Drivers can expect alternating lane closures from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m…
· S.R. 30 (U.S. 98) Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement- Alternating east and westbound lane closures on U.S. 98 between 17th Avenue and the bridge from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday, July 31 through Saturday, Aug. 5. Tuesday, Aug. 8 lane closures will be from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. Crews will be clearing and grubbing in the state owned right-of-way, removing existing curb, setting barrier wall, and placing temporary pavement.
· Nine Mile Road (S.R. 10/U.S. 90A) Widening from Beulah Road to Pine Forest Road- Bell Ridge Drive near Nine Mile Road will be reduced to one lane from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 1 as crews relocate utilities. Traffic flaggers will be on site to safely direct drivers through the work zone.
· Creighton Road (S.R. 742) Construction Improvement Project from east of Davis Highway to Scenic Highway– Intermittent and alternating lane closures between Davis Highway and Scenic Highway from 8:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. continue as crews perform sidewalk repairs and Americans with Disabilities Act upgrades.
· Nine Mile Road (S.R. 10/U.S. 90A) Widening from Pine Forest Road to U.S. 29- Jack and bore operations continue on Untreiner Avenue. Drivers can expect alternating lane closures.
Santa Rosa County
· U.S. 98 (S.R. 30) Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – Alternating east and westbound lane closures on the Gulf Breeze approaches to the bridge from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday, July 31 through Saturday, Aug. 5. Tuesday, Aug. 8 lane restrictions will be from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. Crews will be clearing and grubbing in the state owned right-of-way, removing existing curb, placing temporary pavement and setting barrier wall.
· I-10 Widening from Escambia Bay Bridge to Avalon Boulevard (Exit 22) –Drivers reminded east and westbound I-10 traffic is now shifted to the new inside travel lanes and overpass near Avalon Boulevard (Exit 22). There will be alternating lane closures from the Escambia Bay Bridge to east of S.R. 281 (Avalon Boulevard/Exit 22), and on Avalon Boulevard near the interchange from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, July 30 through Thursday, Aug. 3 as crews work to widen the interstate. Lane closures on Avalon Boulevard will be in effect from 4 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, July 30.
· S.R. 87 Multilane from Eglin AFB Boundary to Hickory Hammock Road – Traffic between County Road 184 (Hickory Hammock Road) and the Eglin AFB boundary is restricted to loads under 11-feet wide. The restriction will be in place through the completion of the project.
· U.S. 98 (Navarre Parkway) Underground Utility Work at Celle De Cantabria-Westbound, right turn lane to Calle De Cantabria will be closed from 8 p.m. Monday, Aug. 14 to 5 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 15 as crews replace a valve under the roadway.
Drivers are reminded to use caution, especially at night, when traveling through the construction zone, and to pay attention for workers and equipment entering and exiting the work area. All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Karen Denise Shepley
July 30, 2017
Karen Denise Shepley, age 55 of Cantonment, FL, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, July 27, 2017.
Born December 15, 1961, in Pensacola, FL to the late Carolyn Walker.
Karen was a beloved Mother, Grandmother, Daughter, Sister, and friend. Her greatest passion in life was her family, whom she loved fiercely and effortlessly. Karen was an amazing, loving, and passionate woman. You could always find her cracking jokes and opening her heart. She loved hard and lived life selflessly, a beautiful soul both inside and out who’s legacy will live on in on in all she loved .
She is survived by her daughters, Lindsey Shepley and Fallon Ward (Christy); her grandsons, Caleb Shepley and Jayden Shepley; her sisters, Pam Atiabi (Bob) of Somis, CA., Brenda Garrett, Fran Simpson (Carl), Larren Truitt (Mike), and Lesley Shepley (Mike); her father, Ted Walker and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North-Cantonment from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, August 1, 2017. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, August 2nd, 2017, with Bro. Don Neese officiating. Burial will follow at Cottage Hill Community Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Richard Blocker Josh Simpson, Derek Simpson, Scotti Garrett, Brad Mills, and Cody Chavers.
Florida Hazmat Teams Set Up Emergency Air Quality Monitoring
July 29, 2017
An Escambia County (FL) Hazmat team set up air quality monitoring on the Florida side of the state line Saturday morning due to a chemical plant fire in Atmore.
The fire at Sunbelt Chemicals (click here for the latest update) sent a potentially toxic smoke plume into the air, prompting the evacuation of nearby Alto Products Corp. A shelter in place and stay indoor order was issued for Atmore residents in an unspecified area around the plant.
There were no reports of any hazardous readings on the Florida air quality monitors.
Pictured: Escambia County (FL) Hazmat sets up an air quality monitoring at the Piggly Wiggly in Davisville due to a chemical plant fire in Atmore. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Major Fire At Atmore Chemical Plant
July 29, 2017
Firefighters battled a major chemical fire in Atmore Saturday morning.
The Atmore Fire Department was called about 5:30 a.m. to a sulfur fire at Tiger Sul (formerly Sunbelt Chemicals) on Highway 31 near the Country Club. Sulfur was reportedly burning inside a large warehouse at the facility. Firefighters reported that fire was through the roof of the warehouse and the building was in danger of collapse.
There were no Tiger-Sul employees working at the time of the fire and no employee injuries. A few firefighters were treated for heat exhaustion.
The Poarch Creek Fire Department, Nokomis Volunteer Fire Department, Rabun Fire Department and others from Baldwin County, and the Walnut Hill Station and McDavid stations of Escambia (FL) Fire Rescue also responded to the fire. Fire units from as far away as Saraland and hazmat team from CSX responded, while the Flomaton Fire Department stood by to answer other call in the city.
Nearby Alto Products Corp. was evacuated as a precaution. A shelter in place order was issued for residents near the plant. The caustic smoke was said to be a danger to those with asthma and other breathing problems. Residents were being advised to stay indoors. The shelter in place order was lifted by 11 a.m.
As of 11 a.m. firefighters had back off the fire, letting remaining sulfur burn. Florida firefighters were released and returning.
Highway 31 was closed from James Road in Nokomis to Industrial Drive in Atmore.
Emergency air quality monitoring was put into place in Florida (read more).
NorthEscambia.com photos by Tim Doerr and others, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Man Sentenced For Video Voyeurism At Target, Child Porn
July 29, 2017
A Cantonment man was sentenced to prison for shooting videos up women’s skirts and possessing child pornography.
Christopher Dreyer pled no contest to the charges of two counts of video voyeurism, vattery, and five counts of possession of child pornography.
Dreyer was sentenced today by Circuit Judge Jan Shackelford to 24 months in state prison to be followed by 24 months community control, followed by six years of probation. Shackelford also designated Dreyer as a sexual offender and he will be required to register as such.
In July 2016, Christopher Dreyer was arrested for placing a video camera under the skirt of the victim and touching her leg while shopping at Target on Nine Mile Road. A female customer inside the Target on Nine Mile Road told the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office that she was standing in a store aisle when she felt something touch her leg. She turned around and saw Dreyer bending down at a bottom shelf. She said she asked Dreyer what he was doing at which time he replied that he was picking something up.
According to deputies, Dryer can clearly be seen on store surveillance video as he approached the victim from behind with what was identified as a micro-camera. He is clearly seen, deputies said, placing the camera device between the woman’s legs under her skirt. The victim was clearly startled when Dryer touched her inner leg. According to an arrest report, the victim’s statements were clearly corroborated by the store video.
Escambia County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant for the video camera and for Dreyer’s residence. A search of the video camera revealed additional victims of video voyeurism. During the search of Dreyer’s residence, images of child pornography were also found.
The investigation and arrest were conducted by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Saturday Showers And Thunderstorms
July 29, 2017
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms. High near 86. West wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. North wind around 5 mph.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 91. North wind around 5 mph.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. North wind around 5 mph becoming east after midnight.
Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. East wind around 5 mph.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 70. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Wednesday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 88.
Wednesday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72.
Thursday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 86.
Thursday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72.
Friday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 87.
Northview Names New Cross Country Coach, Sets Student Meeting For Monday
July 29, 2017
Friday, Northview High School name Ronnie Gill as the new girls and boys cross country coach.
Gill will hold a meeting for interested cross country runners on Monday afternoon at 3:00 in the Northview media center. Parents are welcome to attend.
Gill is a a retired school resource officer.
Century ‘Test Drives’ Vacuum Truck
July 29, 2017
The Century Town Council and several employees took a “test drive” of sorts Friday morning on a vacuum truck.
Mayor Henry Hawkins said the town is in need of such a vehicle for sewage spill and overflow emergencies, plus general maintenance duties. The truck demonstrated Friday by Vacuum Truck Sales & Service of Gonzalez, LA, was a Model 2100 FreightLine with a rebuilt 2104 “Vactor” body — with a sticker price around $249,000.
Any discussion on purchasing the demonstrated truck or a similar piece of equipment was not held Friday; that discussion will come at a future council meeting. The truck
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge
