Weekend Visitations Canceled At Century Work Camp After Lockdown

February 17, 2018

The Florida Department of Corrections on Friday announced that weekend visitations have been canceled at the Century Work Camp after the discover of a “significant” amount on contraband inside the facility.

As NorthEscambia.com previously reported, the Century Work Camp has been under a partial  lockdown since Tuesday following a contraband search.

The contraband discovery is currently under investigation by the Florida Department of Corrections Inspector General’s Office.

The department declined to identify what type or quantity of contraband was located inside the facility on Tedder Road just west of the Century Correctional Institution.

Weekend visitations were also canceled at the Blackwater Correctional Facility due to contraband.

“The secure operation of our correctional institutions is our chief priority. We have zero tolerance for inmate misconduct or the introduction of contraband into our secure facilities. We are taking proactive measures to ensure these institutions can continue normal operations and that the safety of staff and inmates can be upheld. We look forward to resuming normal visitation as quickly as possible,” Michele Glady, FDC communications director, said.

Navy Federal Named One Of Fortune’s Best Companies To Work For

February 17, 2018

Navy Federal Credit Union has been listed at number 42 on Fortune magazine’s list of the “100 Best Companies To Work For” in 2018.  This was highest ranking achieved by the world’s largest credit union in their eight years on the list.

“We work continually to make sure that Navy Federal is an outstanding place to build a career,” said Cutler Dawson, president/CEO of Navy Federal. “Our mission is about excellent service to our members and that mission starts with our employees. I believe that our success is all about putting employees first.”

In recognizing Navy Federal, Fortune noted that 96 percent of employees say they were made to feel welcome when they joined the team, and 95 percent are proud to tell others where they work.

“Being part of team you believe in is a critical part of a great place to work. That’s why we continue to invest in an environment where people can learn, prosper and grow,” Dawson added.

Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Barrineau Park Road Bridge Reopens

February 17, 2018

The bridge on Barrineau Park Road across the Perdido River into Alabama has reopened. It was closed last Monday due to flooding. The photo shows the bridge on Monday. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Tate Lady Aggies Beat Milton

February 17, 2018

The Tate High School Lady Aggies defeated Milton Friday in Cantonment.

Tate 2, Milton 0

In varsity action, Tate topped Milton 2-0.

Hannah Brown pitched the win for the Aggies, giving up three hits while allowing no runs and striking out seven.

Shelby Ullrich was 2-2 with an RBI, Belle Wolfenden recorded an RBI, Deazia Nickerson was 1-2 with a run, a Ryleigh Cawby had a run for the Lady Aggies.

Tate 16, Milton 1

In junior varsity action, Tate powered past Milton 12-1.

Driver Strikes Fire Hydrant In Crash That Injures Three

February 17, 2018

Three people were transported to area hospital following a two-vehicle crash Friday night in Cantonment.

One of the vehicles left Highway 95A and struck a fire hydrant in the 7:33 p.m. crash.

The accident is under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol.

NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.

Escambia Jail Medical Director Terminated

February 17, 2018

Escambia County Medical Director for Public Safety Paul Henning, who also served as the medical director at the Escambia County Jail, was terminated on Thursday, effective immediately. The reason for that termination has been not been provided by the county.

Henning took over jail medical services in January 2016.

ECSO: Man Threatens To “Shoot Up” Several Local Schools

February 16, 2018

An Escambia County man has accused of making social media threats against local schools.

During a press conference Friday afternoon, Escambia County Sheriff David Morgan said 23-year old Gabriel Brooks Harvell was threatening to “shoot up” Escambia High School, Pine Forest High School and Pensacola State College. Harvell was immediately arrested on an outstanding warrant for a probation violation in a stalking case.

“In Escambia County, we are going to take any insinuation or threat involving our school system and our children beyond serious,” Sheriff David Morgan said. “If you are stupid enough…to be be engaged in this sort of communication, you can expect the full weight of the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office to be visited upon you. To state that this is not a joking manner is to state in in the minimus.  These are things we do not joke about.

Also Friday, the Pensacola Police Department announced the arrest of 13-year old student for the disruption of a school function after he share message on social media that alluded to a school student. Because the charge is a misdemeanor, the student’s name was not released.

Assistant State Attorney Greg Marcille said “anybody that is arrested will be treated ver”, referring to school threats, and seeking maximum available punishments.

“We’ve had more weapons found this school year than we have found in a couple of years,” Superintend Malcolm Thomass said. “That’s unacceptable.”

“If you bring a weapon to school you are going to face the most serious consequences that I  can issue as superintendent,, and I will be referring those students to law enforcement,” Thomas said. “School  is not a place to bring a weapon.”

Thomas asked that parents keep their children away from guns…change gun safe combinations or find a new key hiding location, and he urged parents to check  their child’s book bags and social media posts.

“I’m calling on the entire community…if you see something, say something,” the superintendent said. “For our students, if you see somebody at school that is acting weird and think that they are a little off, you need to report it.

Pictured top. Escambia County School Superintendent Malcolm Thomas addresses school security as Sheriff David Morgan listens Friday afternoon.

Investigators Now Believe Missing Molino Man Was Murdered

February 16, 2018

Investigators now say a Molino man that disappeared more than a decade ago is presumed dead, and they are treating his case as homicide.

“I’m not ever going to be finished with this investigation until there is justice”, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Michelle Wert said Thursday. The case has been particularly frustrating for Wert, knowing that she could have arrested at least two people if the statue of limitations in part of the case had not expired, but she’s continuing to work toward homicide arrests. There  is no statute of limitations for homicide.

Timothy Allen Lamb was a developmentally disabled, legally blind and suffered from a heart condition, according to Wert. He lived with his mother until 2003 and then lived with different friends in the Molino area. He did not work and did not drive.

“Taking care of him was like having a third child,” Wert said. “There is no way the he could be out there living on his own.”

Relatives last communicated with Lamb in 2004 due to “very strained family relationships,” she said. In 2016, a relative tried to contact Lamb, but discovered that he was no where to be found and he had not been seen by friends in years. He was last known to be living with a friend off Highway 97 in Molino in 2005. And now the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office believes Lamb was murdered in 2005.

Investigators made the case public in September 2017 in an attempt to obtain more information.

Search warrants were served in 2005 off Highway 97 at the home of Lamb’s friend, but the search did not produce a body, Wert said. Additional search warrants have been executed, and other properties have been searched after owners gave consent.

The statute of limitations passed years ago, but Wert said there was concrete evidence of fraud in the case, along with element of foul play.

“Because of the length of time, parts of the case have been more difficult,” Wert stated. “But if it had not been so long ago, there would have been fraud arrests.”

Wert declined to name the fraud suspects as they are not facing any criminal charges and the related homicide investigation is active and ongoing by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and the State Attorney’s Office.

“We are continuing to review information in  this case, and there have been no charges at this time,” State Attorney Bill Eddins said. “We are still gathering evidence.”

Wert is asking anyone that knows anything about Lamb — whether recently or from years ago, the names of his friends or any other information contact the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620 or Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.

Partly Sunny, Lower 80’s

February 16, 2018

Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:

Friday: Partly sunny, with a high near 81. Southwest wind 5 to 15 mph.

Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Patchy fog after midnight. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 57. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Saturday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Patchy fog before 9am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 76. Light south wind increasing to 10 to 15 mph in the morning.

Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Patchy fog after midnight. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 57. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Sunday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Patchy fog before 9am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 74. North wind around 5 mph becoming south in the afternoon.

Sunday Night: Patchy fog after midnight. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 60. Southeast wind around 5 mph.

Washington’s Birthday: A 40 percent chance of showers. Patchy fog before 9am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 77. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

Monday Night: Patchy fog after midnight. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 61. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.

Tuesday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Patchy fog before 9am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 79.

Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Patchy fog. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 62.

Wednesday: A 40 percent chance of showers. Patchy fog. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 77.

Wednesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers. Patchy fog. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 62.

Thursday: A 30 percent chance of showers. Patchy fog. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 76.

FDOC: Century Work Camp On Lockdown

February 16, 2018

The Century Work Camp has been under lockdown since Tuesday, according to the Florida Department of Corrections.

“In an abundance of caution, Century CI’s Work Camp was placed on lockdown Tuesday following a contraband search and discovery. There were no disturbances or injuries to inmates or staff. Inmates are on a partial lockdown. Inmates still have access to the dining hall, showers, medical services, etc,” Ashley Cook, press secretary for the Florida Department of Corrections told NorthEscambia.com.

The contraband discovery is currently under investigation by the Florida Department of Corrections Inspector General’s Office.

Cook declined to identify what type or quantity of contraband was located inside the facility on Tedder Road just west of the Century Correctional Institution.

“Inmates found in possession of any type of contraband are subject to disciplinary action, and visitors found with any type of contraband are subject to arrest, she stated.

“Contraband is defined as any article or item that you have in your possession, or in your property, that was not issued, and has not been approved by the Department,” according to the FDOC’s “Inmate Orientation Handbook”.

“The Department has absolutely zero tolerance for contraband introduction, and we are always looking for new and innovative approaches to reduce contraband introduction into our prisons. In April of 2016, the Department’s Office of Intelligence was created to better integrate intelligence-led corrections and formulate data-driven analytics to aid in operations throughout our institutions,” Cook said.  “In July 2017, the Department initiated new Enhanced Search Procedures to further combat contraband and ensure the continued safety and security of our institutions.

The Department has also recently acquired some new forms of technology to help combat the introduction of contraband. One of the enhancements being used are x-ray machines at all of staff and visitor entrance points.

Pictured: Bunks inside the Century Correctional Institution. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.

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