Escambia Man Gets Federal Prison For Mailing ISIS Threats To Sheriff Morgan
November 28, 2017
An Escambia County man has been sentenced to federal prison for mailing threats to Escambia County Sheriff David Morgan.
Regis L. Walker, 31, was sentenced to 41 months after pleading guilty to mailing threatening communications.
In June 2016, Walker mailed a threatening letter on notebook paper to Sheriff David Morgan at the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. In the letter, Walker claimed several people who had joined ISIS would simultaneously attack military bases, beaches, and schools at a nonspecific time and could not be stopped by law enforcement.
Walker made specific reference to the attack in Orlando that killed approximately 50 people. Walker wrote that the attackers planned on “not giving up,” and that they “plan on dying.” He appeared to sign the note as “ISIS ALLAH.”
This case resulted from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Assistant United States Attorney David L. Goldberg prosecuted the case.
FHP Seeks Hit And Run Driver
November 28, 2017
The Florida Highway Patrol is looking for a man possibly known by “J.R.” that fled from an accident scene Monday.
The man, pictured on this page, left the scene of the 12:32 p.m. crash at the Circle K on Olive Road near Scenic Highway before law enforcement arrived and did not return to the scene, according to FHP.
He was driving a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu and turned into the path of another vehicle and also struck a parked vehicle. The drivers of those vehicles suffered minor injuries.
The man is now wanted for hit and run plus additional pending charges.
Any with information on “J.R.” or the crash is asked to contact FHP Lt. Rafael Streeter at 850-316-2465 or Gulf Coast Crime Stoppers at 1-877-433-TIPS (8477).
Photos courtesy Florida Highway Patrol for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
State Panel Supports School Board Term Limits, Appointed School Superintendents
November 28, 2017
School board members would be limited to eight years in office, and school superintendents would be appointed in all 67 school districts under measures advanced Monday by a panel of the Florida Constitution Revision Commission.
In a unanimous vote, the commission’s Education Committee backed a measure (Proposal 43), sponsored by Commissioner Erika Donalds, that would impose an eight-year term limit on school board members, who now serve four-year terms without limits on running for re-election.
Donalds, a Collier County School Board member, said her proposal was patterned after the eight-year term limit for members of the Legislature, which was adopted by voters in 1992.
“Term limits provide fresh faces and new ideas to elected office,” Donalds said. “Longtime politicians become entrenched with the status quo and develop a pride in ownership of the bureaucracy they helped to create and sustain.”
Donalds said limiting terms will reduce the influence of special-interest groups in elections and remove the power of incumbency, making it easier for new members to join school boards.
But the measure drew opposition from a number of education advocates.
Chris Doolin, representing a coalition of 38 rural school districts, said imposing term limits would be “a giant leap” from the current system and could hurt smaller districts where there is “a limited pool of folks willing to run and serve on their boards.”
“This proposal is arbitrary,” Doolin said. “It is unfair, and it doesn’t trust the voters.”
Andrea Messina, executive director of the Florida School Boards Association, said a review of school board races since 2010 showed 65.5 percent of the races were competitive, with a 41 percent turnover rate.
“School board races are some of the most challenged races in the local communities,” Messina said. “We agree it should be left up to the local voters.”
Shawn Frost, chairman of the Indian River County School Board, said he had advanced the idea of term limits because he believed board members should be performing “a public service” rather than looking to establish a career.
Commissioner Marva Johnson, chairwoman of the education panel, added an amendment to Donalds’ proposal that would make term limits “partially retroactive.”
She said her aim was to start the term-limit clock going back to the 2016 elections even though the proposal, if it is adopted by the full Constitution Revision Commission, will be on the 2018 ballot.
The 37-member Constitution Revision Commission, which meets every 20 years, has the power to place proposed constitutional amendments directly on the 2018 ballot. Its committees are considering dozens of proposals, with the commission expected to whittle the list of ballot measures in the coming months.
Any proposals that go on the ballot would need approval from 60 percent of voters to change the Constitution.
In a 6-2 vote Monday, the commission’s Education Committee also adopted another Donalds measure (P33) that would require all school districts to appoint their superintendents rather than have them elected.
Currently, 26 districts, including all of Florida’s major metropolitan areas, appoint their superintendents, while 41 districts, representing largely smaller, more rural counties, elect superintendents. The superintendent in Escambia County is elected.
Donalds said Florida is out of step since the overwhelmingly majority of school systems across the nation appoint superintendents. She said only Alabama and Florida still allow elections.
Donalds and other supporters also said allowing the appointment of superintendents would broaden the pool of potential school administrators, rather than restricting the job to county residents through the elections process.
Pasco County Superintendent Kurt Browning, who is elected, opposed the measure.
“My fundamental concern is the loss of local control,” Browning said.
Noting the statewide average for the tenure of appointed school superintendents was about three years, Browning said there is “much more” stability with an elected superintendent, who serves a four-year term.
He also discounted the argument that appointing superintendents reduces the politics in the process, noting appointed administrators still need to keep the support of at least three members of a five-member school board.
“It is political whether you are appointed or elected,” he said.
Donalds also asked the Education Committee to delay a vote on a third measure (P32) that would eliminate salaries for school board members.
The salaries now average more than $34,000 a year statewide, ranging from $25,413 in Lafayette County to $44,443 in the largest counties.
The two measures approved by the education panel next head to the commission’s Local Government Committee.
If amendments clear the committees and are taken up by the full commission, they will need support from 22 of the 37 members to be placed on the November 2018 general-election ballot. The commission has a May 10 deadline for finishing its work.
by Lloyd Dunkelberger, The News Service of Florida
Pictured top: Escambia County School Superintendent Malcolm Thomas. Below: The Escambia County School Board. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Pensacola Sailor Honored In Memorial Service On USS Ronald Reagan
November 28, 2017
A memorial service in honor of the life and service of Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Apprentice Bryan Grosso of Pensacola and two other sailors was held held aboard the Navy’s forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan.
Grosso graduated in 2017 from West Florida High School and then reported to Naval Station Great Lakes for recruit training. After graduating boot camp, he attended “A” school in Pensacola, Florida, and received orders to Ronald Reagan. He arrived at CFAY and checked in to Reagan Ranch on November 7 to begin his preparations to join his first ship underway.
Also killed in the crash were Lt. Steven Combs, from Florida, Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) Airman Matthew Chialastri, from Louisiana.
There were 11 crew and passengers aboard a C-2A Greyhound of VRC-30 when it crashed into the ocean approximately 500 nautical miles southeast of Okinawa, Nov. 22. Eight were immediately recovered. The aircraft was conducting a routine transport flight carrying passengers and cargo from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, to Ronald Reagan.
“The loss of these crew members hits across the entire ship with great significance,” said Capt. Buzz Donnelly, Ronald Reagan’s commanding officer. “On behalf of the entire crew of USS Ronald Reagan, I extend heartfelt prayers and sincere condolences to the families and friends of the three shipmates we lost.”
The memorial service included remarks by Donnelly and Capt. Michael Wosje, commander, CVW-5; a presentation of biographies of the lost Sailors by chaplains assigned to Ronald Reagan and CVW-5; personal reflections by Sailors who knew the deceased; and performances of Amazing Grace and Taps.
“AOAA Bryan Grosso was someone who was not only a shipmate, but a good friend to me and many other members of our class from the Reagan Ranch,” said Ship’s Serviceman Seaman Apprentice Byron Arndt, a Sailor who reported to Reagan Ranch around the same time as Grosso. “What I like about Bryan was that he’s an outgoing, kind, and caring person, always willing to be there for his friends and shipmates. Even if he didn’t know too much about the topic of discussion, Bryan would always listen and pay attention to what we had to say. Then if he had anything to say about it, he would offer his advice and opinion. I really respected that.”
Herminio Arabe Javier, Jr.
November 28, 2017
Herminio “Dad/Papa/Bong” Arabe Javier, Jr., born on January 19, 1950 in Binalonan, Pangasinan to Herminio and Genoveva Javier, died peacefully on Saturday, November 25 , 2017. After a rambunctious childhood which included shooting a neighbor’s chicken with a homemade slingshot, he attended the prestigious Mapúa Institute of Technology for Civil Engineering. He then enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he traveled the world, rose to the ranks of Senior Chief Petty Officer, and received 3 Good Conduct Medals, the Battle “E” Ribbon, the Humanitarian Service Medal, and the Sea Service Ribbon with 3 Stars. While stationed in Japan, he caught the attention of his soon-to- be wife using his incredibly good looks. Together, they raised their three girls and settled in Pensacola, Florida. He worked as a radiology technician and retired in 2016.
He is survived by his wife, Leticia, his sister, Linda and her husband, Adolfo, his daughters, Genie, Christina, and Sarah, three sons-in- law, Edrick, Bert, and Austin, and seven grandkids: Gabe, Dylan, Kira, Alani, Makayla, Camilla, and Liliana.
Herminio was truly a man of God, steadfast in faith, and exceedingly humble. He will be remembered fondly for his abundant sense of humor, generosity, and giant heart. He provided a home filled with warmth, memories, and laughter to his daughters and wife, and is cherished by of all his grandchildren. Throughout his life, he provided his family wise advice including his famous adage, “Good things come to those who stand and wait.” Rest in peace, Papa. We know you are watching over us.
Visitation services will be held at Faith Chapel (100 Beverly Parkway, Pensacola, FL 32505) on Friday, December 1 st from 2-4pm, with a rosary service at 1:30pm. We will hold a funeral mass for him on Saturday, December 2 nd from 11:30am to 12:30pm at the Holy Spirit Catholic Church located at 10650 Gulf Beach Hwy, Pensacola, FL 32507. From the mass, we will lay him to rest at the Holy Cross Cemetery (1300 E Hayes St, Pensacola, FL 32503).
George Stanford Purvis
November 28, 2017
George Stanford Purvis, 82, passed away peacefully on November 25, 2017 surrounded by his loving family. He was an avid fisherman, retired iron worker and an amazing dad who loved his family and grandchildren very much.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Evie Purvis; infant daughter Joan Carol; Brothers Ray and Melvin Purvis; Sister Hazel Fillingim and Foster brother Jake Nims.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Katherine Purvis; son’s George (Mary) Purvis, James (Sherri) Purvis and Brian (Tonya) Purvis; daughter Elizabeth Townley; grandsons Randall Purvis, Jared Townley and Joshua Baum; granddaughters Julianne Purvis, Samantha (Brandy) Wallace, Shelby Williams and Sara Baum; great grandkids Caleb Black and Julianna Grimes; sisters Gladys (Ronald) Davis, Joyce (William) Peterson, Rachel Kelley and Jane Harpe; brother Jimmy Purvis and sister-in-law Bernice Purvis.
Visitation will be Tuesday November 28 at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. with the funeral service beginning at 2:00pm. Interment will follow at Jordan cemetery.
Carman Sue Walker Smith
November 28, 2017
Carman Sue Walker Smith, 76, of Pensacola passed away Friday November 24, 2017.
Mrs. Smith was born in Byrneville, FL and resided in the Pensacola area most of her life. She taught at Pine Forest High School for 23 years.
Preceding Mrs. Smith in death are her husband of 56 years, James B. Smith, and her parents, Joe Caphas Walker and Rosa Carmen Walker.
Survivors include her two sons, Randall Smith (Regina) and David Smith (Denise); five grandchildren, Patricia Shadle (Kurt), Christopher Smith, Sarah Smith, Jessica Smith and Jami Smith; and one step-
grandson, Cameron Spivey.
Visitation will be held at Pensacola Memorial Gardens Funeral Home on Thursday, November 30, 2017 beginning at 10 AM. The service will follow at 11 AM. Burial will be in Barrancas National Cemetery at 2 PM.
The family wished to express their heart felt ‘Thank You’ to the staff at Sacred Heart Hospital that treated her and cared for the family.
In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to the Manna Food Bank 3030 N E St, Pensacola, FL 32501.
Two Crashes Involving Four Vehicles On Highway 29 In Molino
November 27, 2017
There were no serious injuries reported in a two different accidents involving four vehicles Monday evening on Highway 29 at Omega Drive, near the Escambia Sheriff’s Office Substation in Molino.
One accident occurred when the driver of a pickup truck rear-ended a Nissan Altima on northbound Highway 29 about 5:30 p.m.. One person was transported to an area hospital with minor injuries.
The second accident was a minor fender-bender when the trailer-hitch on a pickup truck and a car collided. The were no injuries and only minor damage to the car.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Note With ‘Threatening Statement’ Found Inside Molino Head Start Center
November 27, 2017
Authorities investigating a note making a “threatening statement” discovered Monday inside the Molino Head Start Center.
The note was left in an area of the building and and in a manner in which it was not clear if threat was against a child or an adult, according to Maj. Andrew Hobbs, spokesperson for the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. The wording on the note has not been divulged.
There were no signs of forcible entry into the building or any damage, but a window had been left open during the long holiday weekend, Hobbs said.
The Molino Head Start Center is located next to the library in separate building at the Molino Community Complex on Molino Road.
Pictured: Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputies and a crime scene unit on scene Monday at the Molino Head Start Center in the Molino Community Complex. NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Man Charged With Using Fake Money To Buy Gaming System, Stealing Games From Walmart
November 27, 2017
A Cantonment man has been charged with passing fake “movie money” $100 bills to purchase a gaming system and stealing hundreds of dollars worth of video games from Walmart.
Cedric Levon White, Jr., 26, is facing multiple felony counts after the two unrelated incidents.
White allegedly responded to a Facebook Marketplace ad for a Wii U gaming system with four games for sale. When he met the woman selling the gaming system, he handed what she told deputies looked like two $100 bills folded up. After White waked off with the Wii, the woman reported that she unfolded the money to find that it was marked “For Motion Picture Use Only”.
A few days later, Walmart on Mobile Highway reported that a man later identified as White entered the store and selected two black backpacks valued at $15 each. He emptied the bags of all packing material. White then placed about 30 video games valued at $643 in shopping cart and then concealed them inside the two backpacks. He the used a fire exit to leave the store, Walmart reported.
White was charged with petit theft, felony passing a counterfeited bank note and felony grand theft. He was later released from the Escambia County Jail on a $2,000 bond.
Pictured below: An example of “for motion picture use only” money. NorthEscambia.com image, click to enlarge.
