Fire Destroys Garage And Storage Shed In Cottage Hill
January 15, 2019
An early morning fire destroyed a large detached garage and a storage shed in Cottage Hill.
The blaze was reported about 3:30 a.m. in the 1800 block of North Highway 95A, south of Stacey Road. The 840 square-foot garage and a smaller shed were a complete loss.
There was no immediate word on the cause of the fire, and there were no injuries reported.
The Cantonment, Molino, Ensley, Bellview, Beulah and Brent stations of Escambia Fire Rescue responded, along with Escambia County EMS.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Century Six: Three Fugitives Behind Bars; Three More Added To Wanted List
January 15, 2019
Three of the first members of the “Century Six” are behind bars, and new members have been named. The “Century Six” is a new fugitive listing from the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office focusing on those that live in the North Escambia area.
William Hamilton was arrested on an outstanding battery warrant [read more]. Robert Stabler and Christopher Moye are behind bars in Escambia County, AL. Moye was one of two inmates that escaped on Friday, and he was back in custody by Saturday. [Read more about the escapes ...]
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office has added Deandria Johnson, wanted for violation of probation, Marvin Moorer, wanted for failure to appear and Amber Victor, wanted for failure to appear, to the latest “Century Six.”
Anyone with information on the whereabouts on any of the Century Six is asked to contact the ECSO at (850) 436-9620 or to remain anonymous call Gulf Coast Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
RELATED STORY:
Century Man Charged With Battery, Theft Of Utility Trailer
ECSO: Century Woman Hit Her Daughter In The Face With A Bat
January 15, 2019
A Century woman is facing felony charges after allegedly taking a swing at her daughter with a baseball bat.
Kimberly Renee Harwell, 44, was charged with aggravated battery using a deadly weapon, possession of a controlled substance, and smuggling contraband into a detention facility. She remained in jail with bond set at $20,000.
An Escambia County Sheriff’s Office arrest report states Harwell was apparently dating the father of one of her daughter’s children, leading to an argument between the two. Harwell allegedly hit her adult daughter in the face with a metal bat.
When Harwell was booked into the Escambia County Jail, corrections officers reported finding her in possession a plastic bag containing a substance that test positive for methamphetamine.
Manna Offering Help to Federal Workers And Coast Guard During Shutdown
January 15, 2019
Manna Food Pantry is offering help to federal workers and Coast Guard members affected by the government shutdown.
Those that need help with groceries can contact Manna at (850) 432-2053 for an appointment at their Main Pantry at 3030 North E Street in Pensacola. Manna will be offering additional appointments and distribution days as needed to ensure help is available.
GoFundMe Established For DUI Crash Family; Tate ‘Numbers’ Memorial Honors Banks
January 15, 2019
Balloons with the numbers 40, 53 and 28 were on the fence outside Tate High School on Monday. Those were the jersey numbers worn by 15-year old sophomore Sean Banks in basketball, football and baseball.
Banks and his older sister Antoinette Marie McCoy, 22, were killed early Saturday morning in a suspected DUI crash on East Kingsfield Road.
The number 53 football jersey at Tate has been retired and will never be worn again.
A GoFundMe account for the Banks family has been established, according to the Tate Quarterback Club. The funds will help with funeral expenses and time off work for the parents. To contribute to the GoFundMe account, click here.
RELATED STORIES:
Tate Aggies Football Banquet Honors Student Athlete Killed In Crash; Mom Addresses Attendees
Grief Counselors Available Monday For Students, Staff At Tate High School
Tate High Aggie Family Mourns Loss Of Student Sean Banks
Two Killed In East Kingsfield Crash; Cantonment Man Charged With DUI Manslaughter
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Century Man Charged With Battery, Theft Of Utility Trailer
January 15, 2019
A Century man was arrested after being featured as one of the first members of the “Century Six” most wanted North Escambia area fugitives.
An arrest warrant for battery was issued for 28-year old William Hamilton after he allegedly became involved in an altercation with a female on Hilltop Road in Century on October 3, 2018. He struck the female in the mouth, according to an arrest report.
On December 26, a deputy spotted Hamilton in a vehicle in Century. Hamilton fled the vehicle and ran into wooded area behind his residence on Hilltop Road. A K-9 search was conducted, but he was not located. Deputies did, however, locate a utility trailer on the property that was reported stolen in November, leading to additional charges of grand theft and criminal mischief.
Hamilton was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $1,000 bond.
RELATED STORY:
Century Six: Three Fugitives Behind Bars; Three More Added To Wanted List
DeSantis Poised To Make Marijuana Changes
January 15, 2019
With one of his chief advisers tweeting the hashtag “NoSmokeIsAJoke,” Gov. Ron DeSantis said Monday he will “very soon” announce changes in how the state is carrying out a constitutional amendment that broadly legalized medical marijuana.
DeSantis, a Republican, said many voters believe the state has been “foot dragging” in implementing the amendment, largely bankrolled by Orlando trial lawyer John Morgan and approved by more than 71 percent of voters in 2016.
The new governor and his lieutenants have indicated DeSantis intends to abandon an appeal of a court decision that said a ban on smoking medical marijuana violates the constitutional amendment. Former Gov. Rick Scott’s administration appealed the decision to the 1st District Court of Appeal, which heard arguments in the case Tuesday, the same day DeSantis was sworn into office.
Appearing Monday at a press conference in Miami-Dade County to name Judge Robert J. Luck to the Florida Supreme Court, DeSantis said his medical-marijuana announcement will deal not only with “the litigation” but also with “legislation that I think is needed to implement the people’s will.”
The smoking ban was included in a 2017 law that was aimed at carrying out the constitutional amendment. The law also capped the number of medical-marijuana licenses and the number of dispensaries in the state. Court decisions in other lawsuits also ruled those limitations were in conflict with the amendment.
Echoing remarks he made while campaigning for governor last year, DeSantis, a Harvard Law School graduate who also attended Yale University, indicated the state has not properly implemented the constitutional change.
“I think a lot of voters were frustrated that they don’t think that it has been. They think there’s been a lot of foot-dragging. So my job is, when the people speak, you have to listen. This was not an amendment that was really that close. It was like 72 percent,” he told reporters when asked about the lawsuit involving the smoking ban.
DeSantis said he wants to make sure the amendment is carried out “in a way for the folks that voted for it that they can feel that that’s what they voted for.”
“And I think a lot of ‘em don’t feel that way right now. So we’ll see some changes,” he said.
U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, a Panhandle Republican who was instrumental in the passage of Florida’s initial medical-marijuana laws and has been an outspoken proponent of medical marijuana, is one of DeSantis’ top transition advisers.
“I personally think the fight over smoking is silly. I also know Gov. DeSantis to feel duty-bound to execute the will of the people,” Gaetz said in a text Monday.
Morgan said he was encouraged by the new governor’s comments.
“The governor believes that the will of the people is important and understands that smoke was in the articles of intent. It appears he will end the wasteful spending of taxpayers’ dollars in this lawsuit and let patients receive all forms of mj (marijuana),” Morgan said in an email.
The shifting stance on medical marijuana isn’t isolated to the governor’s office.
Days after taking office, new Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, a Democrat who previously lobbied for medical marijuana operators, created a “director of cannabis” position within her department.
And lawmakers may be prepared to take action.
Senate budget chief Rob Bradley, a Fleming Island Republican who was one of the architects of Florida’s marijuana laws, told The News Service of Florida this month it will be a priority for the state “to have a culture of excellence that focuses on patient access and safety.”
Bradley praised Florida law for requiring research and data collection — which he called “the best in the country” — and for having dispensaries that function as “medical centers rather than head shops.”
But he expressed disappointment that health officials have yet to establish regulations to allow medical-marijuana operators to manufacture and sell edible marijuana products.
“We’re not where we need to be. There needs to be more licenses. What that looks like is an important discussion to have. Whether that happens through the Legislature or through the courts remains to be seen,” he said.
Lawmakers aren’t likely to put up a fight if DeSantis drops the appeal regarding the smoking ban, Bradley said. The prohibition was included in the law based on feedback from medical experts about the dangers of smoking.
Bradley said “it’s starting to have the feel of an issue we sort of need to have behind us and move on. … It was done for good, solid policy reasons but if (DeSantis) decides to move in a different direction on the issue, I certainly respect and understand that.”
Dropping the appeal could come as early as this week, based on a social-media post by Gaetz.
On Saturday, Gaetz said in a tweet he was looking forward to seeing Morgan “next week,” using the hashtags #NoSmokeIsaJoke, popularized by Morgan and others who unsuccessfully pushed Scott to drop the appeal, and #PotDaddy, referring to Morgan.
“Air Morgan is fueled and ready to fly,” Morgan, a longtime fundraiser for Democratic candidates, replied, repeating the same hashtags. “#PotDaddy is looking forward to seeing his favorite Republican, other than my wife!! Let the people speak and be heard.”
Ditching the appeal would be in keeping with the political muscle DeSantis has flexed since taking office last week. Since Tuesday, the Republican governor has appointed two Florida Supreme Court justices, suspended two elected officials — including embattled Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel — and unleashed sweeping plans to address the state’s water woes.
Morgan said Monday he is encouraged by DeSantis’ “commitment to the environment and science.”
“This guy is very smart. Harvard and Yale. While we as citizens can disagree on some issues, we can agree on many more,” he said.
by Dara Kam, The News Service of Florida
Cold Night In The Middle 30’s
January 15, 2019
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 35. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 60. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 38. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 65. Light and variable wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Thursday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 52. South wind around 5 mph.
Friday: A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 69. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 56. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after noon. High near 73. South wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Saturday Night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before midnight, then a slight chance of showers. Low around 42. South wind around 15 mph becoming northwest after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high near 47.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 27.
M.L.King Day: Sunny, with a high near 50.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 32.
Tuesday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 59.
Kay Ivey Takes Office As Alabama’s First Elected Female Republican Governor
January 15, 2019
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey was sworn in Monday on the steps of the state capital for her first full term. She is the second female governor and the first elected female Republican governor in the history of the state.
“With your help — and with God’s amazing grace — the next four years will not only mark the beginning of our third century, they’ll be the foundation for our best years to come,” she said.
Ivey was lieutenant governor, when then-Gov. Robert Bentley resigned during an impeachment investigation 21 months ago.
“The people of Alabama will always be our greatest resource, as well as the fabric that holds this state together in the best of times, as well as in the most challenging of times,” Ivey said.
Pictured: The inauguration for Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey Monday in Montgomery. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Anthony Wayne Myers
January 15, 2019
Anthony Wayne Myers passed away Sunday, January 6, 2019. Anthony was born June 9, 1984, in Pensacola, Florida.
Anthony was a roofer at the time, but a painter at heart. He loved working on his vehicles and playing with his toys. He was such a joy to be around, always laughing and cutting up, making sure to put a smile on everyone’s face. He was a loving fiancé and father that would do anything for his family. He made an impact on everyone he came in contact with. He also attended First Pentecostal Church every Sunday he could. His faith was strong and his heart was in the right place.
Anthony was preceded in death by his dad, Gary Myers; mother, Nichole Olsen; and father, Anthony “Wayne” Minchew.
Anthony is survived by his mom, Mary Sue Myers; fiancé, Crystal Gibson; daughter, Alexis Myers; step-children, Cheyenne and Trey Patterson; brothers, Bryan and Tommy Minchew, Zachary Sosby; sisters, Ryan Jacobs (Minchew), Robin Overall (Minchew), Kaylyn and Laci Olsen; step-sister, Dana Olsen; step-brother, Trey Olsen; uncles, Jerome and Betty Myers and Terry Myers; aunts, Sherry and Tom Burton, and Mary Jones.
Services were held Monday, January 14, 2019, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North.
Interment was in Union Hill Cemetery. Pastor Mike Mashburn officiated services.
Pallbearers were Bryan Minchew, Brett McPhearson, Trey Olsen, Ian Penton, Allen Curtis and Travis Mack.
Honorary pallbearers were Keith Mount and Brandon Paker.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is entrusted with arrangements.