Two Receive Minor Injuries In ATV Rollover Accident
August 24, 2017
Two people received minor injuries in an ATV rollover accident on Highway 4 in Century Wednesday afternoon. They were transported by private vehicle to an Atmore hospital. The 4 p.m. accident on West Highway 4 near Pleasant Hill Road is under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Senator Wants To Legalize Fireworks In Florida
August 24, 2017
Sen. Greg Steube is again trying to light the fuse on a proposal to legalize fireworks sales to the general public in Florida. The Sarasota Republican’s proposal would end a decades-old prohibition on fireworks sales.
Many people have gotten around the ban by using loopholes that allow the purchase of fireworks for such things as frightening birds for agriculture-related reasons. Lawmakers have unsuccessfully pushed to end the prohibition for years.
Steube filed the bill for the 2018 legislative session, which starts in January. He proposed an identical measure during the 2017 session, but it was not heard in committee.
by The News Service of Florida
Wahoos Take Series Lead Over The Generals
August 24, 2017
Pensacola catcher Joe Hudson admittedly has struggled at the plate this season but drilled a two-out, two-run double to left field to help the Blue Wahoos rally for a 4-3 lead in the fourth inning.
Hudson’s clutch hit and the Pensacola bullpen led the Blue Wahoos to a 9-3 victory Wednesday over the Jackson Generals at Blue Wahoos Stadium. Pensacola leads the series, 2-1.
Hudson knows hitting .177 is not what he wanted to do this season. But the 26-year-old catcher is 5-for-11, or .455, against the Generals pitching this year.
“Getting a hit is a blessing for a guy like me,” Hudson said. “Taking care of the pitchers is the main take away for me.”
Pensacola manager Pat Kelly said Hudson’s average is deceiving.
“Joe has had some big hits for us,” he said. “He’s hit very well against Jackson.”
Jackson starter Frank Duncan was three outs shy of a nine-inning no-hitter in his last game against the Biloxi Shuckers. The big right hander then had a perfect game for 3.1 innings Wednesday against Pensacola.
“I was just hoping we didn’t get no-hit,” Kelly said.
That’s when the Blue Wahoos, trailing Jackson, 3-0, rallied for four runs in the fourth inning.
Pensacola center fielder broke up Duncan’s perfect game with a hard-hit line drive to center field. With the bases loaded and one out, first baseman Gavin LaValley smoked a grounder that bounced off the third base umpire, scoring Guerrero with Pensacola’s first run.
Blue Wahoos right fielder Aristides Aquino hit a bouncer to Jackson shortstop Galli Cribbs who tagged left fielder Josh VanMeter for the second out of the inning and fired to first but Aquino beat the throw. Senzel scored on the play and Pensacola trailed Jackson, 3-2.
With runners on first and second, Hudson doubled in both LaValley and Aquino to complete the comeback, giving Pensacola a 4-3 lead.
Jackson had jumped on Pensacola starter Austin Ross in the second inning, scoring three runs to go ahead, 3-0. It seemed like an insurmountable lead with Pensacola averaging 1.75 runs in its previous four games.
Ross is slowly returning to form after spending a month on the disabled list for shoulder tightness. In four starts the right hander has pitched 14.2 innings, allowed six earned runs, walked two for a 3.68 ERA and earned the win Wednesday. On the season, the 28-year-old improved to 8-0 with a 1.81 ERA, which leads the Southern League.
The franchise record is Tony Cingrani’s 2.12 ERA in Pensacola’s first season in 2012.
Kelly said he is still treating Ross as a rehab pitcher.
“We were concerned in that second inning about overextending him,” Kelly said. “His experience really helped out. He was one out away from finishing the fifth and getting the win.”
The first three Jackson batters reached base in the second inning when right fielder Kelly Dugan lined a single to center field. Jackson second baseman Vladimir Frias doubled off the wall in right center. And then, Generals shortstop Galli Cribbs, hitting 8th in the batting order and batting .197 on the season, doubled into the left field corner to score both Dugan and Frias. Cribbs then scored the third run for Jackson on a sacrifice fly by center fielder Emilio Bonifacio.
But relievers Robert Stock, Nefi Ogando and Andrew McKirahan combined to toss 4.1 scoreless innings on threeX hits, no walks and oneX strikeout.
Also leading Pensacola’s nine-run parade was Gavin LaValley, who had his first four-RBI game in Double-A, going 3-4 with a double and scoring a run. LaValley has three other four-RBI games in and a career high five RBIs on Sept. 4, 2016.
Additionally, Blue Wahoos center fielder Gabriel Guerrero increased his franchise record for hits to 131, going 2-5 with a double, run scored and RBI. Ryan LaMarre owned the record with 127 in 2012.
Hudson, who played for Pensacola last season, really wants another crack at playing in the playoffs.
“We’ve established a precedent of winning here in Pensacola,” Hudson said. “It’s hard playing regular season games when we know already we’re in the playoffs. Last year was a sour ending. I thought we were better than that Mississippi (Braves) team.”
Pensacola tied the Tennessee Smokies for the Southern League record of winning four straight halves. Tennessee did it from 2009 to 2011. The Blue Wahoos are in the hunt this season to win the Southern Division a fifth straight time at 28-30 and just 3.5 games behind the front-runner Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp.
Kelly is already resting up his everyday players and arranging his rotation so Deck McGuire, Jose Lopez and Ross can pitch the first three games of the Southern Division playoffs.
“We’ve had a big turnover player wise, but we’ve had good pitching and play good defense. We haven’t been an offensive juggernaut any of the past three years.”
Boston Murder Suspect Arrested In Atmore
August 24, 2017
A man wanted for murder in Boston has been arrested in Atmore.
Andre Henderson, 34, was arrested by the U.S. Marshals Gulf Coast Regional Task Force as a fugitive from justice. Members of the Boston Police Fugitive Unit traveled to Atmore to take custody of Henderson. He was arrested on Bragg Street.
He was transported back to Boston where he will face arraignment in Dorchester District Court for murder.
Henderson was believed to have been in Atmore for a couple of months.
On Monday June 26, at about 6:27 p.m., officers from the Boston Police Department responded to a call for a person shot in the area of 1357 Blue Hill Avenue. When they arrived, officers located a male victim suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. The victim, later identified as Jorrell Browne, 29, of Boston, was transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.
“I want to commend my officers and our law enforcement partners for their tireless efforts which led to this arrest. This suspect thought he could avoid facing justice by hiding out of state – but you can’t escape the reach of the U.S. Marshals or the Boston Police Department,” Boston Police Commisioner
Two Charged With Homicide For Daycare Hot Van Death
August 23, 2017
Two people were arrested Wednesday morning in connection with an Escambia County daycare death.
Louvenia Shantae Johnson, 28, and Cornell Antonio McGee, 27, have been charged with homicide – negligent manslaughter. Both were employees at the In His Arms Christian Academy on Detroit Boulevard.
Both suspects caused the death by “knowingly and intentionally not following the established procedure of ensuring the In His Arms Christian Academy van was empty and clear of children. Their neglect resulted in the death of three-year-old Jai’nier Barnes,” according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Jai’nier, 3, was found Friday afternoon in a hot van outside the academy. She was later pronounced deceased at West Florida Hospital.
The Florida Department of Children and Families has closed the facility until further notice, issuing an emergency suspension order as an investigation is conducted.
The Early Learning Coalition, which administers government funds, pulled its contract with the academy.
No further arrests are expected in this case, deputies said.
Greg Evers Remembered As Champion For Florida, North Escambia
August 23, 2017
State Sen. Greg Evers is being remembered as a champion for Northwest Florida and for the communities of North Escambia.
Evers, 62, was killed in a single vehicle traffic accident near Baker. [Read story.]
Less than a week after an EF-5 tornado ripped through Century in 2016, Evers was on the ground with rest of the Northwest Florida Legislative delegation. Evers removed metal debris from the street and stopped to listen to and console the victims. Evers was critical in pressuring the state government to release recovery funds for Century.
Escambia County District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry said Evers was a friend of North Escambia, and he was instrumental in the development of the new 4-H facility in Molino.
“I am shocked and extremely saddened to hear of Senator Evers passing. He was a true public servant and an ally and advocate for Northwest Florida, especially Escambia County, for many years in Tallahassee,” Barry said. It’s not an embellishment, nor an exaggeration, to say the successful 4-H property acquisition and subsequent development in Molino would not have happened without his personal, passionate, and direct involvement, regularly over a two year period. He will be missed and my thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this tragic time. North Escambia County has lost a friend today.”
Evers was behind legislation that changed the way Florida regulates farm equipment on the state’s highways. The law eliminated the permits and fees for producers and allows them to move over-sized agricultural equipment within a 50-mile radius of their farms. He worked with several North Escambia farmers on the bill that also resulted in the highway signs depicting a tractor with the words “Share the Road” to remind Florida motorists that agricultural equipment shares the road.
For the town of Century, Evers supported several projects and grants.
“He was always here for us and supported us,” former Century Mayor Freddie McCall said Tuesday as he learned of Evers’ passing. “He is going to be missed.”
Tributes and condolences poured in Tuesday from elected officials and others who knew Evers for his work as a state lawmaker.
“Ann and I are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Sen. Greg Evers,” Gov. Rick Scott tweeted. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his entire family.”
“Vicki and I are deeply saddened to hear of the death of our friend Greg Evers. Greg was a true gentleman and an outstanding public servant,” former U.S. Rep. Jeff Miller said.
“I’m crushed by the news that former State Senator Greg Evers was killed in a car accident late last evening. Greg has been my friend for 16 years. Northwest Florida has lost a great champion and true public servant,” Congressman Matt Gaetz said.
Sen. George Gainer, R-Panama City, said Evers was “a dedicated public servant and an even better friend.” “He will be greatly missed,” Gainer said in a tweet. “Go rest high on that mountain.”
Gus Corbella, a lobbyist and former Senate chief of staff, called Evers “one of a kind.” “A down-home gentleman who always kept his word,” Corbella said in a tweet.
“Greg passionately represented his district for many years in both the House and Senate,” Senate President Joe Negron, R-Stuart, said in a statement. “He was especially dedicated to the men and women of his community who were serving or had served in the military, as well as our fellow Floridians across the state who serve as corrections officers.”
A native of Milton, Evers, a Republican, served nine years in the Florida House before his election to the Senate in 2010. Evers left his Senate seat last year to make a bid for the U.S. House but lost the Republican primary to U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz.
In addition to his advocacy for corrections officers and on criminal justice issues, Evers was a staunch defender of Second Amendment rights.
In 2014, he authored the so-called “Pop-Tart bill,” which prohibits schools from disciplining students who play with simulated weapons. The bill was inspired by the suspension of an 8-year-old Maryland boy for biting a Pop-Tart into the shape of a gun.
More recently, Evers made a bid for an appointment to the Florida Public Service Commission, although he was not chosen as a finalist last week.
In interviews with a Public Service Commission nominating council, Evers underscored his rural roots and independence.
“Farmers never make any money,” Evers said, when questioned about the lack of reported income from a farm supply business. “You know, if we made money then we’d become entrepreneurs.”
“I’m pretty much my own man and I make up my own mind,” Evers also said.
Pictured top. Sen. Greg Evers consoles Century tornado victim Helen Mincy in the days following an EF-3 tornado in Century. Pictured inset: Evers removes debris out of the roadway on Front Street in Century. Pictured below: Evers signs a letter from the Northwest Florida Legislative Delegation encouraging Gov. Rick Scott to release funding for Century tornado victims. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Partly Sunny, Scattered Storms
August 23, 2017
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Wednesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph.
Wednesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming northwest after midnight.
Thursday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 91. North wind around 5 mph.
Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Friday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 90. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 88. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Saturday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Sunday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 85.
Sunday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a low around 70.
Monday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a high near 82.
Monday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69.
Tuesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 85.
Century Council President Takes Issue With Mayor’s Employee Compensation Policies
August 23, 2017
The president of the Century Town Council has taken issue with some of the employee compensation practices implemented by the town’s mayor, saying that he is exceeding his spending limit.
Ann Brooks said the town charter says Mayor Henry Hawkins can’t spend more than $199.99 without prior council authorization.
She said Hawkins has established a new overtime policy that includes four hours overtime for any employee attending a council meeting or workshop, “even if they are only at the meeting for an hour, and even if they have not worked 40 hours of regular time for the week.”
She said $1,425.2 was paid in overtime for the week of August 6-10 — $563.20 for employees attending an August 7 council meeting and $832.07 for an August 9 budget meeting.
“I do not believe our budget can handle this type of wasteful spending,” Brooks said. In the future, employees will be paid for actual time at meetings they are required to attend.
Brooks also took issue with pay increase given to gas department supervisor Kim Godwin. The council voted earlier this year to increase Godwin’s pay from $13.26 per hour to $18.26 per hour. The increase coincided with her move from a clerk to gas superintendent. The council voted at the time to give Godwin additional increases as she obtained more education and training for her new position.
After Godwin obtained additional certifications, Hawkins raised her pay to that of other department superintendents — $21.30 per hour — retroactive to April 1, which was 11 days after the initial council vote. That amounted to an additional $6,323.
A council vote failed to remove Godwin’s raise.
“Our gas department is in a very grim state. The council voted in June to loan the gas department $95,562 from the Special Revenue account,” Brooks said.
Brooks has instructed Hawkins to eliminate a new policy allowing “some employees” to remain on the clock if they go to the doctor or are sic.
“We have a sick leave policy in our charter that gives employees who have been employed six months to one year 40 hours of sick leave, those employed one to five years 80 hours of leave, and on according to their number of years of service. When additional time is given, without reducing the sick leave allowance, it is the same as spending money that has not been authorized,” she said.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Jay Man Sentenced In Santa Rosa’s Biggest Crystal Meth Bust
August 23, 2017
A Jay man has been sentenced in Santa Rosa County’s largest ever crystal methamphetamine bust last summer.
Edgardo Xavier Rivera was sentenced to 25 years in state prison after entering a plea to trafficking in methamphetamine, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, five counts of possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of prescription drugs without a prescription.
On July 8, 2016, the Santa Rosa Sheriff’s Office Narcotic’s Unit, Santa Rosa SWAT team and the DEA executed a search warrant at Rivera’s rental home at 3501 Highway 4 in Jay. During the search, detectives located approximately 385 grams of crystal methamphetamine, cocaine, various prescription pills, 15 firearms, and numerous items of drug paraphernalia.
Santa Rosa Sheriff’s Office Narcotics investigators obtained the search warrant after conducting an undercover purchase of methamphetamine from Rivera.
For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery, click here.
Rivera was taken into custody in the parking lot of a business on North Century Boulevard in Century as he arrived to pay his rent shortly after the raid.
A neighbor, who asked to remain anonymous out of fear of retribution, said she and other neighbors were concerned about activity at the home.
“There are always people coming and going from the house at all times of the day and night,” she said on the day of the drug raid. “And we all felt like something was up by the way they kept the windows and carport blacked out all the time. It just seemed like they really had something to hide.”
The 34-year old Rivera must serve 15 years of his 25 year sentence as a minimum mandatory. He was also assessed a $250,000 fine.
Rivera’s wife, Mariano Solano, was also arrested and is scheduled to appear in court on August 31.
Pictured top and bottom: Deputies collect evidence under the carport of a Jay home in July 2016. Faces of undercover deputies have been obscured for their safety. Pictured below: Weapons and over a record amount of crystal methamphetamine were seized during the operation. Pictured second from bottom: Rivera was arrested here after he got our of his truck in the parking lot of this North Century Boulevard business. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Two Arrested In Burglary, Home Invasion, Police Chase
August 23, 2017
Two 19-year olds were arrested Tuesday for a multitude of crimes, including burglary and a Beulah home invasion.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said Tadaris Johnson and Christopher Simpkins burglarized a home on 9th Avenue and stole a truck on Monday night. Deputies said they took that truck as they broke into another home in the 9700 block of Bridlewood Road Tuesday morning.
The victim was inside on the phone with dispatchers as someone broke a window to break into the Beulah home. But before deputies were able to arrive, the burglars had fled in another vehicle. Deputies spotted both vehicles traveling together and attempted a traffic stop. But they sped off in different directions, resulting in two different police pursuits.
Johnson was stopped by deputies on New Warrington Road. While Simpkins ditched the vehicle and led deputies on a chase in the Mayfair area. Both are charged with vehicle theft, burglary, and property damage. Johnson remained in the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $41,000.
Simpkins was also charged with eluding police and battery. He is being held without bond.
Deputies are searching for a possible third suspect.