FWC Law Enforcement Report
July 25, 2019
The Florida FWC Division of Law Enforcement reported the following activity during the weekly period ending July 11 in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
Officers Cushing, Land and Matechik were working Gulf State Waters aboard the offshore patrol vessel NW Fincat, Officer Cushing conducted a marine fisheries inspection of a 25-foot recreational fishing vessel and discovered a bag of fillets in a plastic bag. The captain stated that his wife caught her first “amberjack” and wanted to keep it. He admitted to filleting the fish and putting it in the bag. The appropriate action was taken reference the violations.
Officers Cushing and Land were on water patrol near Big Lagoon State park and saw an eastbound vessel plowing through the idle speed zone. Officers stopped the vessel to address the violation and instructed the operator to place his vessel engine in neutral. He had difficulty placing it in neutral, switching from forward to reverse multiple times. Officers then instructed him to turn the engine off. Officer Land saw a bucket full of empty beer cans in the vessel. The operator’s breath smelled of alcoholic beverage and Standardized Field Sobriety Tasks were administered. The operator was arrested and taken to Escambia County Jail.
Officers Clark and Long were on water patrol in the Quiet Water portion of the Santa Rosa Sound when they saw a vessel displaying partial registration numbers. They conducted a vessel stop and saw the operator showing indicators of impairment. Standardized field sobriety tasks were administered, and the operator was placed under arrest for boating under the influence. The subject provided a breath sample of 0.133 blood alcohol content and 0.122 blood alcohol content. The operator was cited for BUI and transported to the Escambia County Jail.
Officer Long and Investigator Livesay were patrolling Pensacola Bay and identified a vessel that was adrift with no navigation lights illuminated. A vessel stop was conducted to address the safety violation, and the owner/operator exhibited numerous signs of impairment. The operator was asked to perform Standard Field Sobriety Tasks and was placed under arrest and transported to the Escambia County Jail for operating a vessel while normal faculties were impaired.
Officer Allgood stopped a vessel near Fort McRee after noticing the registration was improperly displayed. The operator of the vessel saw Officer Allgood and switched places with another occupant. While speaking with the operator, Officer Allgood noticed several signs of impairment, including a very strong odor of alcohol. Officer Allgood requested the operator perform several field sobriety tasks. The operator refused to perform any of the tasks. Based on his observation Officer Allgood, arrested the operator for BUI. After being transported to the Escambia County Jail, the operator declined to give a breath sample but admitted to drinking 10-15 beers earlier that day.
Officer Allgood performed a safety check on a personal water craft (PWC) near Big Lagoon State Park. He found the operator was an employee of a nearby livery and he did not have a boating safety card as required. This prompted a livery inspection. Two PWC’s were rented out at the time and when they returned to the livery it was found that one of the operators did not have a boating safety card. The owner of the livery was cited for renting a PWC to a person that did not possess a required boating safety card. The employee was also cited for the violation.
SANTA ROSA COUNTY
Officer Land was conducting resource inspections at the Shoreline Park Boat Ramp. He saw a large vessel with multiple people on board return to the ramp and contacted the operator of the vessel to conduct a marine fisheries inspection. During the inspection Officer Land located an undersized cobia. The operator was cited for the violation.
Officer Ramos was on vessel patrol in the Santa Rosa sound and conducted a boating safety inspection on a pontoon boat with a family onboard. The inspection revealed that the pontoon did not have all required safety equipment even though it was rented from a nearby livery. Officer Ramos visited the livery and contacted the manager. The manager stated that the business does not use a check-off sheet to visually ensure all required safety equipment is on-board prior to each rental boat’s departure. He was issued a notice to appear citation for renting a vessel without the required safety equipment.
An FWC investigator saw two subjects steal a license plate off a vehicle near the Navarre Beach boat ramp. When the investigator identified himself to the suspects, one of the subjects fled in what later was identified as a stolen vehicle. The subject crashed into a vessel trailer parked at the Navarre Beach boat ramp while fleeing from law enforcement. FWC officers located the stolen vehicle a short-time later, and with the assistance of the Santa Rosa County Sherriff’s Office, located the subject swimming with a crowd on Navarre Beach in an effort to remain undetected. The subject was placed under arrest for multiple felony and misdemeanor charges.
This report represents some events the FWC handled during the time period; however, it does not include all actions taken by the Division of Law Enforcement. Information provided by FWC.
NorthEscambia.com photo.
AAA: Hands-free Devices Are Especially Distracting For Older Drivers
July 25, 2019
Hands-free devices are especially distracting for older drivers, according to AAA.
Now that texting while driving is illegal in Florida, drivers are now more likely than ever to utilize voice-to-text or other in-vehicle infotainment systems. However, new research from AAA shows that this technology still creates potentially dangerous distractions for all drivers, but the risk is highest among older adults.
The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety partnered with researchers from the University of Utah to test the visual and cognitive demand created by the infotainment systems in six 2018 vehicles. Study participants in two age groups (21-36 and 55-75) were required to use voice commands, touch screens and other interactive technologies to make a call, send a text message, tune the radio, or program navigation, all while driving.
During the study, drivers used voice-based and touch screen in-vehicle technology features. Both older and younger drivers were visually and mentally distracted for 17 to 40 seconds when completing tasks like programming navigation or sending a text message. The distraction was more significant among older drivers (ages 55-75), who removed their eyes and attention from the road for more than eight seconds longer than younger drivers (ages 21-36).
“Regardless of their age, drivers should be very cautious when using in-vehicle infotainment systems,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Drivers may be lulled into a false sense of security that since they’re not using their handheld device, they are a more focused driver. AAA warns that many of these systems are so complex or poorly designed that they divert the driver’s attention away from where it should be – the road.”
By 2030, more than one in five drivers on the road will be over the age of 65. With seniors becoming the fastest growing demographic in the U.S., finding ways to design technology to improve their comfort and safety is critical and may hold the key to enhancing the safe use of this technology for all drivers, AAA said.
Monsanto-Solutia Retirees Donate $30,000 In Scholarship Funds
July 25, 2019
Monsanto-Solutia Retirees, Inc. donated $30,000 Wednesday for scholarships.
The endowed scholarship funds were presented to Pensacola State College’s Foundation. The funds will be awarded to students with a 2.5 or higher GPA who also must:
- Have a connection to Monsanto, Solutia, or Ascend Performance Materials;
- Be an Ascend employee enrolled in programs to enhance job skills;
- Be enrolled in a health care program; or
- Be a student of chemical engineering.
Courtesy image for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Mosquito Fogging Planned Tonight West Nine Mile To Kingsfield
July 24, 2019
The Escambia County Mosquito Control Division plans to fog this evening between 6-9:30 p.m. in an area generally north of West Nine Mile Road and I-10, north to Kingsfield Road and east to Highway 29.
To make a request for service or an area to be listed as a no spray area, please call 850-937-2188, submit an online request here or send an email to mosquitocontrol@myescambia.com.
Click the maps to enlarge.
Cantonment Man Gets Jail Time After Police Find Drugs During Bicycle Traffic Stop
July 24, 2019
A Cantonment man that was riding a bicycle when deputies pulled him over has been sentenced to jail on drug charges.
Billy Early Grantham was sentenced to 270 days in the county jail for possession of cocaine, possession of marijuana, possession of controlled substance without a prescription, and resisting arrest without violence.
In late January, the Pensacola Police Department stopped Grantham as he rode his bicycle about 3:40 a.m. on Pace Boulevard near Cervantes Street for not having a required light on his bicycle.
During the search, officers located a metal pipe with marijuana residue and over three dozen pills of various types of controlled substances including Tramadol inside a backpack, according to arrest report. After providing consent to search, Grantham attempted to bolt away, and he was “assisted” to the ground by the police officer, the report states. At the jail, a corrections officer located a cocaine rock on his person.
Funeral Service Set For Local Marine Killed On California Roadway
July 24, 2019
Funeral services have been set for a local Marine that was struck and killed by vehicle as he crossed a multi-lane highway in Orange County, California.
Trace Kenneth Goodwin, 19, was struck by a Tesla Model 3 about 9:30 p.m. Saturday, July 13 on Jamboree Road in a Tustin, California, business district. Goodwin was in the roadway at the time he was hit by the vehicle, according to police, but the exact circumstances have not been released.
Visitation will be held at Faith Chapel Funeral Home South on Beverly Parkway from 5-7 p.m. on Sunday, July 28. Funeral services will be held at noon on Monday, July 29 with burial to follow at Pensacola Memorial Gardens on Pine Forest Road.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations in Goodwin’s name to the Wounded Warrior Project.
Goodwin is survived by his mother Wendy Marie Marotz, father Michael Wayne Goodwin and numerous other family members and friends.
For the full obituary, click here.
Middle 60s Tonight Inland Escambia
July 24, 2019
Lows tonight will be in the middle 60s tonight with a light north wind.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 66. North wind around 5 mph.
Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. East wind around 5 mph.
Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 68. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Friday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. East wind around 5 mph.
Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 69. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Saturday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 87. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon.
Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Sunday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 87. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph.
Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Monday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 88.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 71.
Tuesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 88.
Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71.
Wednesday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 89.
Local Officials Tour New Pensacola Bay Bridge Just Days Ahead Of Opening
July 24, 2019
Local officials toured the new Pensacola Bay Bridge Tuesday, five days ahead of the opening of the first span.
Senator Doug Broxson hosted a tour across the soon to be opened bridge on Tuesday. He was joined by Santa Rosa County Commissioner Lane Lynchard, whose district includes Gulf Breeze, along with Escambia County Commissioner Robert Bender, whose district includes the Escambia portion of the new bridge.
“Since the grand opening of the fully completed bridge will not be held until both spans are complete in 2021, we wanted these men and women to know how much the community appreciates their hard work,” said Senator Broxson.
“I would like to thank Senator Broxson, Skanska, and FDOT for this invitation,” said Commissioner Bender. “I appreciate the opportunity to thank the men and women for their hard work on the bridge that will connect Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties for decades to come. Each worker showed pride and excitement for being a part of this new bridge, which is also shared throughout our community.”
Highway 98 eastbound traffic (from Pensacola to Gulf Breeze) will be shifted to the Pensacola Bay Bridge on Sunday evening, July 28, and Highway 98 westbound traffic (Gulf Breeze to Pensacola) will shift on Thursday, August 1.
From 8 p.m. Sunday, July 28 to 6 a.m. Thursday, August 1, 17th Avenue will be closed to through traffic between Gregory Street and the CSX Railroad overpass. Drivers will be detoured using Ninth Avenue and Cervantes Street (U.S. 90). Access to the visitor’s center, boat ramp, and the Pensacola Bay Fishing Pier will be maintained for local traffic via 17th Avenue.
The temporary configuration for the new bridge will provide two lanes of east and two lanes of westbound traffic, along with a center-lane reserved for emergency vehicles. A multiuse path for pedestrians and bicyclists is expected to be operational approximately two-months after the traffic shift.
With all traffic shifted to the new bridge, construction crews will demolish the current bridge, complete the new westbound structure, and reconstruct the 17th Avenue interchange.
The entire bridge project, which is the largest infrastructure project in the history of Northwest Florida, is scheduled for completion in 2021.
The planned construction activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Four Escambia Tax Collector Employees Graduate From Certified Manager Program
July 24, 2019
lorida’s Certified Public Manager program.
Four Escambia County Tax Collector employees have graduated from Florida’s Certified Public Manager program.
The four CPM graduates are:
- Lisa Scruggs, director of human resources
- Marie Bumgarner, assistant manager
- Melissa Hogan, assistant manager
- Candice Lewis, senior deputy tax collector
The CPM program is a nationally-recognized leadership development program currently offered in 38 states and by the federal government. Its purpose is to develop more effective public managers. Graduates complete a rigorous two-year program, consisting of 32 days of classroom instruction, supplemented by comprehensive homework assignments and exams.
Florida has one of the largest and most successful CPM programs in the country, with over 6,600 graduates – more than any other state. More than 100 agencies, including city, county, state and constitutional offices, have participated in the Florida CPM program. The Florida Cabinet has recognized the program as a “preferred management development program.” The CPM program is administered by the Florida Center for Public Management at Florida State University, which is part of the Reubin O’Donovan Askew School of Public Administration and Policy.
The Goat Taken Into Custody By Deputies In Century Is Back Home
July 24, 2019
The goat taken into custody by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office after a standoff near a Century grocery store has been reunited with his family.
Deputies were called to the area of the Food Giant on North Century Boulevard about 8:45 p.m. July 12 due to the goat on the run. A witness said the goat and deputies ended up in a standoff before the ECSO’s livestock officer responded and roped the goat about two hours later.
We’re told the goat is named “Bandit”.
The owner claimed what the Sheriff’s Office described as a “brown goat with horns and a beard” after the story was posted on NorthEscambia.com.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
