ECSO: Man Charged With Abuse After Cancer Patient Mom Found In Feces Covered Mobile Home
August 10, 2018
A Beulah man has been arrested for neglecting his mother, who was a cancer patient, after she was found living in a mobile home surrounded by dogs and feces, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Timmy Glen Godwin, 59, was charged with neglect of an elderly person or disabled adult.
A sheriff’s deputy conducting a welfare check reported at least 10 dogs ran out of the home on Rebel Road when Godwin opened the door. Godwin told deputies that he lives at the residence with his 79-year old mother and his sole caregiver. He said she was discharged from the hospital about four weeks ago.
Godwin told the deputy he has 18 dogs and one cat. The deputy reported Godwin seemed more concerned about the dogs than his mother. The deputy noted Godwin had feces on his fingers, legs and feet. When asked why, Godwin said he had been digging in the backyard.
The deputy could smell animal urine and feces and saw animal vomit on the floor as he entered the home. He found Godwin’s elderly mother lying on a hospital bed in the living room. The bed was surrounded with animal urine and dog feces. There was dog feces on the elderly woman’s feed, and there was feces on the bedding, according to an arrest report.
The mother told deputies that she had not bathed in four weeks, about the time was released from the hospital. She said she suffers from lymphoma, lung cancer and liver cancer, and has had multiple strokes, the report states. She said she had not received medical care since arriving home from the hospital.
Godwin told deputies that he suffers from multiple medical problems, some of which limit his mobility.
The deputy also noted that the refrigerator contained molded and rotting food, but there did appear to be other food in the residence.
He remained in the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $10,000.
State Adult Protective Services was called by the Sheriff’s Office, but did not respond. The report does not state if the elderly woman was removed from the home.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
August 10, 2018
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Friday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 90. West wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Friday 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 calm in the evening.
Saturday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 91. West wind around 5 mph.
Saturday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Sunday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 92. Northwest wind around 5 mph.
Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Monday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 92. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph.
Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Tuesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93.
Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72.
Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93.
Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 73.
Thursday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92.
Escambia County Program Puts Youth To Work
August 10, 2018
As 17-year-old Raina Brown quickly made her way through a stack of emergency medical bills on a bustling Thursday morning at Escambia County Public Safety, you’d never know she’d only been doing her job for a couple of months – or that she just graduated high school in May.
Rather than just enjoying a break before starting her college education, Brown – who plans to be a nurse – spent her summer working for Public Safety through the Escambia County Youth Employment Program. She learned the ins and outs of Emergency Medical Services billing, insurance, customer service and related skills, also becoming CPR certified.
Brown was one of 76 local youth who participated in the Youth Employment Program this summer, which gave 16 to 24-year-olds the opportunity to get paid work experience in various county departments, including Public Works, Public Safety, Escambia County Area Transit, West Florida Public Libraries and more.
Through the program, youth worked up to 30 hours a week at minimum wage, gaining valuable experience all summer while learning workforce etiquette such as professional dress, timeliness and respect.
Brown said she was excited to work with computer programs and learn terminology often used in hospitals, which she said will help her in the future as she studies to become a registered nurse.
“Just knowing that I am getting an opportunity to do something like this, and the fact that I know it’s going to help me in the future makes it a lot better for me, and a lot more fun because I know I’m going to take something out of this,” she said. “It’s not just a job, it’s not just fast food – it’s something that I can keep with me forever.”
Brown’s supervisors were so impressed with her that they hired her after the program ended to work part-time while she attends Pensacola State College to get her associate degree.
“Raina is the type of person who’s a go-to,” EMS Billing Manager Shandra Jenkins said. “She takes the initiative, and she thinks outside the box. She would be an asset to any company that would employ her…Raina takes every challenge as an opportunity for growth.”
Several youth employees got to see what it’s like to work at one of the county’s seven public library branches, which was especially exciting for 17-year-old Sarah Hammer, who plans to be a librarian and author.
Hammer, who is starting her junior year at Pensacola High School, said the Youth Employment program gave her a great first job experience that helped build a solid foundation for when she begins her career as a librarian.
“It’s been a lot of fun,” Hammer said. “A lot of learning opportunities, a few challenges, but mostly it’s been a good time…I’ve enjoyed getting the basics now so that when I try to get a real job in a library or I try to become an actual librarian, I already have the basic knowledge of what goes on in a library from day to day.”
Ben Areola, 17, also had his first job experience through the Youth Employment Program, spending his summer working with the Escambia County Supervisor of Elections Office as they prepared for the Aug. 28 primary. He worked on everything from preventative maintenance on the voting machines to making ballot decks to test the machines before election day.
Although the tasks were outside of Areola’s projected study field of architecture or engineering, he said he enjoyed the variety of the work and appreciated learning about timeliness, responsibility and how to work well with his supervisor.
“I’m always excited to get up in the morning and see what I’m doing, because it’s not like you do the same thing every day,” he said. “Because once you’ve done one thing, you have to do something different to get ready for the election. So I just enjoyed the work environment.”
Doug Browne, a warehouse specialist with the Supervisor of Elections Office, supervised Areola over the summer and had nothing but positive feedback about working with him.
“I wish I had more of Ben,” Browne said. “He’s a very, very good employee. When I give him a task, he does it well. There are some things I gave him to do that he found an easier way to do it, so he was quicker at it – he’s always thinking about stuff like that.”
For one youth employee, working with the county over the summer helped solidify his plans to pursue studies in video and digital production. James Hill, a 19-year-old sophomore at Florida State University, worked in the county’s Community and Media Relations Division. His tasks included filming and editing videos for the county’s TV station, ECTV, working in the studio during the live broadcast of county commission meetings and making online documents compatible with Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines.
“My experience has been pretty interesting,” Hill said. “It’s been a learning experience, and it kind of helped me reevaluate what I like about videos and photos and editing. And it was also a learning experience because I had more of a sense of responsibility having to do certain things on my own.”
Youth Employment Program participants also received job readiness training and post-employment briefings, which provided them feedback about their job performance. The youth workers were recognized by District 3 Commissioner Lumon May and Neighborhood & Human Services staff at a ceremony Thursday.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Updated Hurricane Forecast Lowers Number Of Anticipated Storms
August 10, 2018
The 2018 hurricane season is now expected to be less active than originally forecast back in May.
“There are still more storms to come – the hurricane season is far from being over. We urge continued preparedness and vigilance,” said Gerry Bell, Ph.D., lead seasonal hurricane forecaster at NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center.
Seasonal forecasters with NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center have increased the likelihood of a below-normal Atlantic hurricane season to 60 percent (up from 25 percent in May) in the updated outlook, issued Thursday. The likelihood of a near-normal season is now at 30 percent, and the chance of an above-normal season has dropped from 35 percent to 10 percent.
For the entire season, which ends Nov. 30, NOAA predicts a total of 9-13 named storms (winds of 39 mph or greater) of which 4-7 will become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or greater), including 0-2 major hurricanes (winds of 111 mph or greater).
So far, the season has seen four named storms, including two hurricanes. An average six-month hurricane season produces 12 named storms, of which six become hurricanes, including three major hurricanes.
To produce the seasonal update, forecasters take several factors into account. El Nino is now much more likely to develop with enough strength to suppress storm development during the latter part of the season.
Additionally, sea surface temperatures across the tropical Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea have remained much cooler than average. A combination of stronger wind shear, drier air and increased stability of the atmosphere in the region where storms typically develop will further suppress hurricanes.
Century Counterfeit Cash Suspect Arrested; ECSO Seeking Second Suspect
August 10, 2018
One Century counterfeiting suspect has been arrested, while another remained at large Friday morning.
Montaio Dearies Mitchell was booked into the Escambia County Jail Thursday night. He was released on a $2,500 bond.
Mitchell and Antonio Demetrius Ewing attempted to pass counterfeit money on July 16 at Odom’s Bar on North Century Boulevard and other local businesses in the area, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Ewing is also wanted for fleeing and eluding law enforcement, driving while license is suspended and vehicle theft. If you have any information on Ewing’s whereabouts, call Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP or the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620.
Atmore Dedicates New Mural
August 10, 2018
A new “Discover Atmore” mural was dedicate Friday evening in Atmore.
The 12-foot by 30-foot mural was painted on the north side of the Atmore Area Chamber of Commerce on Ridgely Street at North Main Street. It highlights local scenes inside each of the giant letters.
The mural was painted by Patti Gillespie of Niceville. Her work includes a giant Pensacola-postcard mural in downtown Pensacola.
Pictured (top) Atmore’s new mural. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge, and (pictured below) a mural in Pensacola, photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Report Finds Flaws In Florida’s Cancer Efforts
August 10, 2018
Florida has received failing grades from an American Cancer Society political-action committee for not taking more steps to prevent cancer and for not expanding access to health care for uninsured working adults.
In the organization’s annual “How You Measure Up?” report, Florida earned passing, or green, marks in just one of nine categories — for a Medicaid program that treats women with breast and cervical cancer.
Known as the Mary Brogan Breast & Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, lawmakers reduced funding for the program this year compared to prior year levels. But it’s the first time that the Legislature has agreed to use recurring money to fund the program — named after former Lt. Gov Frank Brogan’s late wife — which means it should be built into the base of future state budgets.
The report measures Florida and other states on where they stand on issues that the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network says will reduce suffering and death from cancer. The report says the guidelines set by the organization are based on “proven policy solutions.”
According to the American Cancer Society, more than 2.1 million people will be diagnosed with cancer in 2018.
Florida earned a failing, or red, score for not passing a law to ban minors from using tanning devices. Current law allows children under age 14 to use tanning devices when accompanied by adults. Parental consent to use tanning devices is required for children between ages 14 and 18.
The state also failed to meet the organization’s benchmark for Medicaid smoking-cessation policies. According to the report, not all Medicaid patients are entitled to counseling or have access to tobacco-cessation medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
Florida is one of 17 states that have not passed a Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act. The refusal to do so earned the state a failing grade in the report.
Meanwhile, the report said Florida made improvements in such ways as introducing the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network’s model legislation to create a statewide expert advisory council on end-of-life care.
Also, the group gave Florida improvement scores for its 2018 tobacco-control funding, $68.6 million, and for its cigarette tax rate.
This year’s report includes information on how Florida new policies related to opioids impact cancer patients. Cancer society executives have included the information in a “Hanging in the Balance” section of the report and say it will be a recurring feature in future reports.
Wahoos Get Slim Win Over The BayBears
August 10, 2018
After Gavin LaValley drove in four in the series-opening win, the Wahoos first baseman was at it again as he delivered a two-run home run in Thursday’s 4-2 win at Hank Aaron Stadium.
With the Wahoos trailing 2-0 in the top of the fifth, Narciso Crook singled off Daniel Procopio to bring the tying run to the plate. LaValley timed up the 2-0 pitch perfectly and crushed Procopio’s offering over the left-field fence to tie the game at 2-2.
Similar to Wednesday night’s game, the Wahoos scored the go-ahead run in the seventh inning. Shed Long led off the frame with a single off Zac Ryan (L, 1-3) and then eventually stole second base. The next batter, Mitch Nay, struck out, but the pitch kicked away from BayBears catcher Jack Kruger to allow Long to advance to third. Crook then tapped a slow roller up the first base line, which allowed Long to score the go-ahead run.
Vladimir Gutierrez (W, 9-9) was excellent outside of the second inning. Jose Rojas and Zach Gibbons led off the second with back-to-back doubles to take a quick 1-0 lead. After a single, and a throwing error by Gutierrez, the BayBears had the bases loaded and nobody out. However, the right-hander worked brilliantly around the threat as he induced a double-play ball from Brandon Sandoval, which scored Gibbons to make it 2-0 Mobile. Mitch Spires followed with a groundout to short to end the inning.
Gutierrez pitched the other six innings of his seven-inning effort in shutout fashion. He finished his outing on a high note, retiring six of the final seven BayBears he faced. He departed the game having allowed two runs on seven hits with three strikeouts. The win was his first since July 19.
The Wahoos scored an insurance run in the top of the ninth inning thanks to a fielding error by Roberto Baldoquin. Taylor Featherston hit a groundball to the BayBear shortstop but it bounced past him and trickled into left. Featherston stole second and advanced to third after Kruger’s throw to second rolled into center. Nay brought home the insurance run with a single off Matt Custred to extend Pensacola’s lead to 4-2.
For the second consecutive night, Jody Davis called on Alex Powers (S, 15) to close out the win in the ninth. It wasn’t the cleanest inning for the Wahoos closer, as he allowed a walk and a single to bring the winning run to the plate with two outs. However, Spires flew out to TJ Friedl to end the game, which gave Powers his 15th save of the season and the Wahoos Their 61st win of the season.
The Bay to Bay series continues tomorrow night as the Wahoos try to earn a series win against Mobile. RHP Tony Santillan (4-0, 1.78) will put his undefeated record on the line Friday night against RHP Jose Rodriguez (7-9, 5.83).
Century’s Mayor Takes Aim At Former Candidate, Claiming He Wrongly Received A Free House
August 9, 2018
For an update to this story, click here.
Century Mayor Henry Hawkins has taken aim at former candidate for mayor that received a free house after an EF-3 tornado hit the town in 2016.
Felic Fussner filed an application for development to construct a privacy fence in the side and rear yards of a home in the 400 block of Front Street. The Century Historic Preservation Board gave him their blessings with a few modifications, with final approval up to the town council. The board also recommended that he be granted a temporary permit to continue to store tools and building materials in a metal freight container on his property for up to 180 days.
Fussner’s home was moved some 6-8 feet off its foundation during the February 2016 tornado. It was one of six replaced using state funding allocated to Escambia County to assist income eligible homeowners.
“I don’t think this man has the right to be jerking people around the chain when we got people out here that needs a house. He never lived in Century. He bought that house on the auction block. He never lived in it,” Hawkins told the Century Town Council.
Fussner was one three other candidates that unsuccessful challenged Hawkins during the 2016 mayor’s race. Fussner received no votes….not a single one of the 333 votes that were cast…perhaps a first in the state.
“He did not qualify because he did not live in the city,” Hawkins said this week.
But according to the Escambia County Supervisor of Elections Office, Fussner was a qualified candidate. In fact, the county’s canvassing board conducted a hand audit of the paper ballots just to make sure he received no votes.
Hawkins told the county he would “check with the county” in regards to his belief that Fussner should not have received the house.
“I don’t think at this point and time it matters. The house is built; it’s his. The deed is in his name, and it has been since before the tornado. I don’t think asking the county is going to do any good. They qualified him; they took his application. They processed it, and his house is ready to be moved into,” Century Town Planner Debbie Nickles said.
A motion by councilman Luis Gomez to table action on Fussner’s fence passed 4-1, with Brooks voting no.
As for his storage container – Fussner will get to keep it on his property for now.
“We have not had a chance to revise the ordinance that metal shipping containers are not allowed, so at this point and time they are allowed until we change the ordinance,” Nickles said.
Pictured: he Century Historic Preservation Board member Regi Burkett (front left) addresses Felic Fussner (front right) on July 31. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
High Tech Shirts Donated To Northview Football Team To Protect Against Injury
August 9, 2018
The Northview High School Chiefs football team received a donation Wednesday that will help keep them safe on the football field this season.
They will have high tech performance rib shirts under their uniforms. The shirts hold a shield that begins as a soft material, a high-tech polymer, that molds to each individual player’s body, becoming rock hard and protecting the abdomen from injury.
The shield is different than a foam pad that just softens a blow; the impact from a hard hit is dispersed across the entire shield
Ten years ago, Niceville High School football player Taylor Haugen passed away after a hit to his abdomen ruptured his liver. Since then, Taylor’s parents, Brian and Kathy have made it their mission to bring awareness that high school students need to be equipped with the same abdominal protective gear that professionals use.
The Taylor Haugen Foundation has now outfitted all the high schools in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, along with schools in 13 states nationwide.
“I lost my son 10 years ago to an abdominal injury. It actually crushed his liver during an impact that he sustained during a game,” Kathy Haugen said. “I found out the following year about this particular product, and I’ve been researching and trying to keep up with the technology ever since.”
She said she wants to see the shirts made part of the required high school football protective gear.
“We concentrate heavily on brain injuries and the impact that has, but there are organs down in your abdominal region that you can’t live without. And if you don’t catch some of the tears and injuries, you can also pass away from those.”
The shirts cost about $80 each.
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