Pilot Dies In Airplane Crash In Santa Rosa County
November 25, 2019
A pilot was killed when his single engine plane crashed in Santa Rosa County Sunday.
The crash occurred at the Peter Prince Airport in Milton and claimed the life of 38-year old Matthew P. Platt, a former resident of Navarre.
First responders found the single engine aircraft down on airport property. Platt was the only occupant.
The crash is being investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board and FAA are investigating.
Pictured: Peter Prince Airport in Milton. Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
AAA: Gas Prices Could Rise Up To 10 Cents By The Weekend
November 25, 2019
AAA says drivers could see an increase at the pump of 5-10 cents this week, just in time for Thanksgiving weekend travel.
“Even if gas prices do rise this week, a 5-10 cent increase is not likely to cause Floridians to cancel their travel plans,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “If the state average returns to $2.45 per gallon, it’d be the same price motorists paid during last year’s holiday. Additionally, it’s nearly the same price Floridians paid a month ago - when most people were finalizing their travel plans. However, if the state average remains less than $2.45, Thanksgiving travelers in Florida would be paying the lowest gas prices for the holiday in three years.”
Florida drivers are currently paying an average of $2.36 per gallon. In Escambia County, the average price per gallon was a bit higher at $2.39 a gallon. In North Escambia, one Cantonment station was at $2.28 Sunday night.
Former Ernest Ward Middle School Teacher One Of Seven Arrested For Allegedly Soliciting Kids For Sex
November 24, 2019
One of the men arrested in a sting last week that targeted the online solicitation of underage teens for sexual activity is a former teacher at a North Escambia school.
NorthEscambia.com has learned 34-year old James David McAllister of Cantonment was the band and chorus director at Ernest Ward Middle School. McAllister led the music departments at the school in Walnut Hill during the 2015-16 and 2016-17 school years.
He reportedly interned or completed his student teaching at Bailey Middle School prior to his tenure at Ernest Ward.
McAllister was one of seven men arrested during an undercover operation dubbed “Operation Rotten Pumpkin” announced Friday by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
McAllister is charged with using a computer to seduce, solicit or lure a child; traveling to meet after use of a computer to lure child; using a two-way communication device to facilitate a felony and sexual battery on a victim 12 years less than 18 years by a person 18 years or older. He remained in the Escambia County Jail Sunday with bond set at $115,000.
None of the charges are in any manner connected to his employment at Ernest Ward Middle School.
Investigators used social media or websites like Craigslist and Skip the Games to pose as 18 or 19 year olds to engage persons in conversation. Then the investigators told the individuals that they were really 13 or 14 years old, according to ECSO Chief Deputy Chip Simmons.
“Hundreds of people were engaged, but the majority backed out quickly when they realized it was a 13 or 14 year old boy or girl,” Simmons said. The seven charged and another dozen or more continued the conversations and in some cases exchanged pictures.
Those charged drove to a predetermined location under the pretense of a sexual meeting with the underage children but were instead met with deputies and the SWAT team, according to Simmons. The investigation into other individuals continues.
In additon to McAllister, the others charged were:
- James Patrick Dibble, 20, Pensacola
- Kevin Gerald Dailey, 25, Pensacola
- Benjamin Larry Marshall, 33, Pensacola
- Ronaldo Castro Bautista, 54, Orange Beach
- Michael Dawayne Gulley, 23, Prichard
- Patrick John Bradt, 47, Crestview
Pictured above and below: James McAllister leads the Ernest Ward Middle School band and chorus during a Christmas program December 16, 2016. Pictured bottom: McAllister leads the entire Ernest Ward Middle School student body in Christmas carols on December 16, 2016. NorthEscambia.com chose to blur student faces from our original photos because the students are unrelated to “Operation Rotten Pumpkin”. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Alabama Sheriff Shot And Killed; Suspect Returns To Scene And Surrenders
November 24, 2019
An Alabama sheriff was shot and killed at a gas station Saturday night.
Lowndes County Sheriff John “Big John” Williams was shot at the Hayneville QV convenience store at the intersection of Highway 21 and Highway 97, across the street from the Lowndes County Courthouse. The gas station is located west of I-65 south of Montgomery.
The State of Alabama has issued a Blue Alert for suspect 18-year old William Chase Johnson. Johnson later returned to the scene early Sunday morning and surrendered.
Sheriff Williams was in law enforcement for over 40 years. He first volunteered as a reserve deputy in 1978.
“I’m saddened to hear about Sheriff Big John Williams, who was tragically killed this evening in the line of duty,” Alabama Governor Kay Ivey said Saturday night. “Through his service to our country in the United States Marine Corps and his many years working in law enforcement, he dedicated his life to keeping other people safe. He will be remembered as a consummate professional and pillar of his community. I offer my prayers and deepest sympathies to his family and to the men and women of the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Department.”
“Alabama mourns the loss of Lowndes County Sheriff “Big John” Williams, who was killed in the line of duty,” Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall said. “Sheriff Williams dedicated over 40 years of his life to public safety, including 19 years as Sheriff. Please pray for his family and fellow officers.”
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Sunny Sunday, Clear Cold Sunday Night
November 24, 2019
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 62. Northwest wind around 5 mph.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 39. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 65. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 47. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Tuesday: A 20 percent chance of showers after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 74. Light southeast wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Tuesday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers, mainly after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 61. South wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday: A 40 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 74. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming north in the afternoon.
Wednesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 51. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph.
Thanksgiving Day: Partly sunny, with a high near 71.
Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 51.
Friday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 72.
Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 55.
Saturday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 75.
In Depth: Proposed Budget Would Bring Changes To Florida’s Prison System
November 24, 2019
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Gov. Ron DeSantis has proposed increasing the Florida Department of Corrections budget by millions to create hundreds of new jobs and address “exceptionally high turnover rates”, including a $60.6 million retention pay plan and $29.1 million to modify shifts for corrections officers.
Here’s a an in-depth look at the proposed DeSantis budget for the Florida Department of Corrections:
$96.4 Million to Improve Operations and Create Safer Correctional Facilities
- Targeted Retention Incentives to Improve Staffing, $60.6 Million: The department proposes a targeted retention pay step plan which would apply to correctional officer to Colonel, correctional probation officer to correctional probation senior supervisor, and inspector to inspector supervisor position classes. The plan addresses exceptionally high turnover rates by providing a $1,500 pay increase at two years of service and a $2,500 increase at five years of service for included classes.
- 8.5-Hour Shift Pilot Program to Create Safer Conditions, $29.1 Million and 292 FTE: This pilot program will allow the department to convert approximately one third of its institutions to an 8.5-hour shift. Prior to implementation of the current 12-hour schedule, the department’s institutions and security staff worked an 8-hour schedule. After moving to a 12-hour schedule, the department has experienced numerous issues directly related to extended shifts, including increases in separations of staff, use of force incidents, contraband, violent incidents and more.
- Security Threat Group (STG) Sergeants, $2.2 Million and 34 FTE: These positions will allow the FDC to better manage STG members (gangs), improve staffing levels and increase the safety and security of institutions. STG activities within correctional institutions have increased 141% between FY 09-10 to FY 18-19. Contraband incidents increased 484%. In FY 18-19, there were 16,739 identified STG members, 17.5% of the total inmate population.
- Additional Office of Inspector General Inspectors, $1.5 Million and 20 FTE: Transparency and accountability remain priorities for the department, and these additional positions will reduce the average criminal and administrative investigation caseload. High volume of case assignments has negative impacts on quality, accuracy and timeliness of the investigative process.
- Security Enhancement Equipment, $3 Million: This recommendation targets the purchase of critical equipment including: netting systems for throw overs, metal detectors, radios, location tracking systems, intercoms for mental health units, cell phone detectors, drone detection systems, ID verification systems, warehouse x-ray inspection systems, perimeter cameras, perimeter motion lights, rapid ID for visitors, narcotics canines and grounds maintenance equipment.
$5.4 Million to Expand Reentry Programming and Reduce Recidivism
- Academic Education Expansion, $1.4 Million and 17 FTE: This recommendation expands academic programs statewide. This will expand the number of inmates who have access to educational programing such as General Education Degrees. By adding 17 teachers, more than 1,500 additional inmates will have access to educational programing. The goal is to continue to expand educational opportunities over the next three years.
- Career and Technical Services Education Expansion, $4 Million: This provides funding for FDC to partner with local technical/state colleges and industry training providers to expand vocational programming to 50 additional sites. Each site would be able to serve approximately 30 students annually. The request will increase the number of vocational and industrial certificates that are earned, help ensure inmates return to their communities with job skills and will increase the readiness and skill of Florida’s workforce.
$17.1 Million to Improve Health Services
- Wellness Specialists, nearly $1 Million and 17 FTE: This recommendation reestablishes wellness programs at major institutions and annexes. Inmate wellness activities decrease health costs and reduce incidents of disciplinary action by reducing inmate idleness.
- Electronic Medical Record (EMR) Infrastructure, $4.2 Million: The Department recently negotiated an EMR solution as a value-added component of the health services contract. The current IT network and systems do not support the connectivity needed to implement the EMR solution, and this funding will allow the necessary IT upgrades to implement the program.
- Mental Health Hospital at Lake Correctional Institution, $11.9 Million: The FDC will build a new mental health facility at Lake CI. The facility is required to provide the mental health services needed by the inmate population, and in line with the Disability Rights of Florida Consent Decree entered December 2016. This new facility will create staff and building efficiencies and is located near an adequate pool of mental health and security staff.
$9 Million to Address Aging Infrastructure
- Facility Maintenance and Repairs, $9 Million: Major repair and renovations are necessary for facilities statewide, including roof replacements, electrical repairs and necessary renovations to unusable buildings due to natural disasters. The department is responsible for the repair and renovation needs of 145 facilities statewide, which equates to more than 22 million square feet of space. Many of these facilities are old and the physical plant systems are well past their operational life expectancy.
Pictured: Inside a prisoner dorm at Century Correctional Institution. NorthEscambia.com photo.
ECUA Lifts Boil Water Notice For Beulah Area
November 24, 2019
A Precautionary Boil Water Notice issued by the Emerald Coast Utilities Authority has been lifted for the Beulah area.
The boil water notice was issued after a 12-inch water main break early Thursday morning for the area of Mobile Highway from Beulah Road east to Dooley Drive and for Dooley Drive.
Bacteriological sampling shows the water to be safe, according to ECUA.
Tate Grad Beal Completes Marine Boot Camp
November 24, 2019
U.S. Marine Corps Private 1st Class Jackson Evan Beal graduated from boot camp at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina, recently.
The recruit completed an intensive, 12 week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Marine core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills. It concluded with a 58 hour exercise in endurance called the Crucible.
Beal is the son of Rich and Jennifer Beal of Pensacola.
He is a 2019 graduate of J. M. Tate High School where he was involved in ROTC for four years..
Tate Varsity And JV Cheerleading Teams Earn Bid To Nationals
November 24, 2019
The Tate High School varsity and junior varsity cheerleading teams have both earned a bid to the 2020 UCA National High School Cheerleading Championships. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
UWF Opens NCAA Playoffs With 38-17 Rout Of Wingate
November 24, 2019
The 20th-ranked UWF Argonauts scored 31 unanswered points and forced three turnovers to defeat fourth-seeded Wingate, 38-17, in the first round of the 2019 NCAA Division II Playoffs Saturday.
Anthony Johnson, Jr. ran for 109 yards on 19 carries as UWF (9-2) advanced to the second round for the second time in as many appearances. The Argos rushed for 195 yards and outgained the Bulldogs 360-264 overall.
Austin Reed threw for 165 yards with eight completions and three of those going for touchdowns. Tate Lehtio led the team with five receptions for 81 yards a score.
Quentin Randolph followed last week’s career game with two more touchdowns on two catches Saturday. He has now caught five touchdowns in his last nine receptions.
After Wingate made a 24-yard field goal on its opening drive, the Argos capitalized on a muffed punt that setup a 37-yard boot of their own by Austin Williams.
Two possessions later, Reed found Randolph down the left sideline for a 56-yard touchdown. UWF got another score right before halftime when Johnson reached the blue and gold checkerboard end zone from five yards out as part of a 9-play, 60-yard drive in just 1:56.
Wingate received the second half kickoff and Andre Duncombe, Jr. intercepted Shaw Crocker’s third-down pass and returned it 12 yards to the 13. Two plays later, Reed connected with Tate Lehtio to put UWF up 24-3.
The Argonauts then began running the ball and consuming large chunks of time off the clock. Their next scoring drive was the longest all season and lasted 7:51, before Reed and Randolph connected again, this time on a 7-yard pattern with 4:11 left in the third.
The Bulldogs scored twice in the fourth quarter as they bookended a 16-yard Jaden Gardner run with 6:18 to play that extended the UWF lead to 37-10.
Wingate (10-2) managed just 131 rushing yards after entering the game averaging 199. Their 264 yards were the second lowest this season.
Henry Montgomery had a career-high 11 tackles to lead the UWF defense.
UWF opened its 2017 playoff run with a 31-0 win over the Bulldogs at Irwin Belk Stadium. Prior to Saturday’s outburst, that was the most points scored in playoff history for the Argos.
With the win, UWF advances to the second round where it will meet top-ranked and defending national champion Valdosta State (10-0) next Saturday in Valdosta, Ga.