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.
Atmore Man Arrested For Baldwin County Homicide
August 23, 2017
An Atmore man has been arrested in connection with a Tuesday morning murder in northern Baldwin County, AL.
The Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office says 31-year-old Justin Brian Still has been charged with murder.
Deputies responded to call in Perdido Tuesday morning. They found a white male in his 20’s deceased with from an apparent gunshot wound on the side of Dallas Hadley Lane near Hoyle Bryars Road, about five miles from the Florida state line.
Further details, including the name of the victim, were not immediately released.
George Stone Offers GED Classes In Four Locations
August 23, 2017
George Stone Technical Center (GSTC) is offering Adult Basic Education/GED classes on the main campus and also three outlying sites, including Molino. They have open enrollment and students may enroll anytime throughout the year.
Classes are actively taught by certified teachers and personalized instruction is given based on each student’s academic level.
“We have the proven prescription for success to pass the GED test. We use direct instruction, as well as materials that are aligned to the actual content of the GED test,” said Patricia Harrison, GSTC counselor. “When students are ready to take the test, they can feel confident and assured of a passing score.”
GED classes on GSTC’s main campus on Longleaf Drive are held Monday through Friday offering class times in the morning, afternoon, and evening. Classes starts on the main campus on August 10.
If this location is not convenient, students may attend classes at one of the 3 outlying sites. GED classes are held at:
- Molino Community Center every Monday and Thursday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
- Pathways for Change every Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday from 9:30 am till 12:00. Free childcare is offered at the Pathways for Change site.
- Ensley Elementary every Tuesday & Thursday from 4:00 – 6;00 p.m. The Ensley Elementary site offers free tuition for all students enrolled in that program.
Classes will start at the outlying sites the week of August 21st. Students wanting to enroll in any of GSTC’s Adult Programs need to complete the online application by visiting www.georgestonecenter.com. To find out more about the variety of Adult Education programs offered by Escambia County School District’s George Stone Technical Center visit their page at www.georgestonecenter.com or call Patricia Harrison at 850-941-6200 ext. 2361.
Gulf Power Flips Switch On Major DOD Solar Installation
August 23, 2017
Executives from Gulf Power and Coronal Energy joined officials from the U.S. Air Force and Navy Tuesday at Naval Air Station Pensacola’s Naval Outlying Landing Field (NOLF) Saufley for the ceremonial “Flip the Switch” ceremony signifying the completion of the three largest combined solar facilities on Department of Defense property.
“We work hard every day to provide our customers with valuable and diverse energy solutions, and it’s a special occasion to see the vision we had for this project come to life today,” said Stan Connally, Gulf Power chairman, president and CEO. “Adding clean, affordable energy to our energy grid through the innovative public-private partnership that enabled the completion of all three of the portfolio’s solar facilities is a proud accomplishment for Gulf Power, and a significant milestone for the local economy, our customers and the environment.”
Ground was broken in November 2016 on the 120 megawatt Gulf Coast Solar Center that spans 940 acres across three Navy and Air Force sites in Northwest Florida. The ceremonial Flip the Switch was held at Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola’s Naval Outlying Landing Field (NOLF) Saufley, which hosts the largest of the three installations spanning 366-acres, with nearly 600,000 solar photovoltaic panels producing 50 megawatts of energy.
The large-scale solar complex is just one of three military installations constructed by Gulf Power and developer Coronal Energy, powered by Panasonic. The projects will support the Department of Defense’s commitment to renewable energy and help further diversify Gulf Power’s energy portfolio and support the mission to provide safe, affordable, reliable and environmentally responsible energy for its customers in Northwest Florida.
The three-project portfolio, representing one of the largest combined solar projects east of the Mississippi, also includes the Eglin Air Force Base Reservation and Naval Air Station (NAS) Whiting Field’s (NOLF) Holley Field. All three combined have approximately 1.5 million solar panels capable of generating up to 120 megawatts of electricity, enough energy to power nearly 18,000 homes each year across Escambia, Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties. These projects became operational earlier this summer.
“Considering the scale of the Gulf Coast Solar Center portfolio, collaboration between our team and the like-minded teams at the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, and Gulf Power has been an essential element of our success in developing these projects,” said Jonathan Jaffrey, chairman and CEO of Coronal Energy™. “The result is a landmark energy project that represents what is possible when our nation’s military and its leading energy companies like Gulf Power commit to renewables. We are honored to take our place alongside these partners for this historic project.”
Combined, the facilities have the potential to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than 3.5 million tons over 25 years. This figure equates to removing nearly 670,700 cars from the road for one year.
“The Navy continually explores commercially viable means of incorporating renewable energy into our base operations and communities, both on land and at sea,” said NAS Pensacola Commanding Officer Capt. Christopher Martin. “The initiative we’re celebrating today, in which Naval Air Stations Pensacola and Whiting Field converted two dormant landing fields into fully operational and grid-connected solar facilities, showcases one path we’ve chosen. By strategically repurposing these assets, we’ve added resilience to our bases and created economic opportunity for the United States military and all of the project partners.”
Brigadier General Evan Dertien, 96th Test Wing, Air Force Materiel Command, Eglin Air Force Base said, “The initiatives at Eglin, along with those at Saufley and Holley, support the Department of Defense’s commitment to renewable energy and are an impressive display of joint leadership that results in the effective pursuit of energy independence. We’re also empowered by the fact that the revenue received for leasing the projects on Eglin lands will afford us the opportunity to invest in Eglin’s on-base energy initiatives, all while offering long-term local benefits that can serve as a positive example to military communities across the country.”
The combined solar facilities contribute to the growth rate for renewable energy jobs in Northwest Florida. Since construction began at all three locations in November 2016, nearly 450 local laborers have been deployed.
The facilities are estimated to generate the following amounts of electricity:
- Eglin Air Force Base: 30 megawatts with approximately 371,000 photovoltaic panels, producing enough energy to power nearly 4,500 Okaloosa County homes for a year.
- NAS Pensacola NOLF Saufley: 50 megawatts with approximately 600,000 photovoltaic panels, producing enough energy to power nearly 7,400 Escambia County homes for a year.
- NAS Whiting Field NOLF Holley: 40 megawatts with approximately 475,000 photovoltaic panels, producing enough energy to power nearly 6,100 Santa Rosa County homes for a year.
Howard Vero Southard
August 23, 2017
Howard Vero Southard, 84, of Pensacola, entered Heaven Friday morning, August 18, 2017.
He was born Nov. 30, 1932 to Pearl Parnell Southard and Tom Martin Southard in Norfork, Arkansas. After attending school in Norfork, Howard and family moved to Mountain Home where after high school, he graduated from Wichita University in 1955 and then entered Naval Officer Candidate School. During his naval career, he flew as a Naval Flight Officer. One flight activity was with Photo Squadron (VAP-62) conducting monthly mapping updates of Cuba for two years prior to the Cuban Missile Crisis. He served as the first Executive Officer of VAW-115, an airborne control squadron deployed on board the USS Ranger (CV61) to set up air control in the Gulf of Tonkin off the coast of Vietnam in 1968. He later served as Executive Officer at Naval Air Station Dallas. He retired from the Navy in 1981 while serving as Executive Officer as NAS Atlanta. Following his naval career, he worked in the Civil Service at Saufley Field for 25 years.
On December 31, 1960, he married Lanara Stewart, and was blessed with three children, Celeste, Mark and Scott. Our children have been obedient to God’s Word in honoring their parents, especially while Howard has been sick. Celeste was there almost night and day when her Dad was in the hospital even though she worked. The Southard family moved to Pensacola in 1982 and joined Olive Baptist church. That was one of the best decisions we ever made. He was a deacon at Olive. What a devoted and humble man he was to God and family. Even when he was only capable of making 5 or 6 steps, he wanted to be in church. Bob Hill would come by the house, load up the electric wheel chair and take him to make sure his wishes were met. Nothing was more important to him than his Savior, wife, children and grandchildren. Howard worked hard, but always gave himself time to be with his children. He enjoyed being outdoors, hunting, fishing, and especially golf. He loved his golfing friends who helped him in every way possible to play as long as he could.
Howard was preceded in death by his parents; his seven brothers and sisters and their spouses, Clara (Hershel) Perry, Opal (Walter) Gorrell, Lela Southard, Clifton (Verna) Southard, Nola (Manford) Edens, Hugh (Wanda) Southard, and Betty (Delbert) Peters; sister-in-law, Margaret Campbell; and brother-in-law, Lorenzo Stewart.
He is survived by his wife of 57 wonderful years, Lanara Southard; and by his children and grandchildren, Celeste Southard of Milton, Mark (Joyce) Southard, and their children Nolan and Mia of Pace, Scott (Joanna) Southard and their children Molly and Kleet of Huntsville, Alabama; a special friend, Amy Miller has been by our side every step of the way. He is also survived by brothers-in law and sisters-in-law, Glen Campbell of Chumuckla, Millie and Jack Hare of Milton, Ruthie and Edmond Fortune of Pace, Mavis and Bill Morris of Huntsville, AL, Lorandal and Beth Stewart of LaGrange, GA, Jeannie Stewart of Pensacola; and numerous nieces and nephews.
As our 7 year old granddaughter wrote in a letter to her granddad: “The whole world loves you”, she spoke truth. He served a mighty God and left a legacy for all of us. He was respected by all who met him for his kindness, grace, humbleness and his strong faith in Jesus. This precious man was an example for all to live by. One of the last things he said to his wife, “do all you can to see that the children and grandchildren meet me in heaven one day.”
Funeral services were held Tuesday, August 22, 2017, at Olive Baptist Church with Pastor Ted Traylor and Jerry Passmore officiating.
Interment was at Barrancas National Cemetery.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is entrusted with the arrangements.