Charges Dismissed Against Second Of Four Suspects In 2020 Century Shooting Death
August 29, 2022
Charges have been dismissed against the second of four suspects accused in a November 2020 triple shooting in Century.
The victim, Joseph Christopher Smith, was found shot to death outside a shed near a mobile home in the 8200 block of Alger Road, just off North Century Boulevard.. Multiple shell casings were found near the body, in the shed and leading away from the body.
Two other adult males, Xavier Demarquese Walker and Lavor Chante Johnson were sitting near the mobile home when deputies arrived. Both had been shot and both survived.
Charges were dropped last week against E’Monee DeMontae Long. according to court documents. Charges against Kiaunna Shane Grice were previously dismissed. Tacorius Cordale Stallworth was convicted in the case and sentenced to life in prison, while Jaran Britt Myles is awaiting trial.
Here is the case status on all four originally charged defendants:
E’Monee DeMontae Long
The State Attorney’s Office announced recently that they have dropped charges of first degree murder and two counts of aggravated battery against E’Monee DeMontae Long.
“There is insufficient evidence to prove the charges against this defendant beyond a reasonable doubt,” Assistant State Attorney Alvin B. Myers III wrote in a court document.
After his release from the Escambia County (FL) Jail in Pensacola, he was booked into Escambia County (AL) Detention Center in Brewton for failure to appear on a previous felony offense. He remained jailed without bond Monday morning.
Tacorius Cordale Stallworth
In June, Tacorius Cordale Stallworth was sentenced to life in prison for first degree murder. He was convicted by an Escambia County jury in June of first degree murder for the death of Joseph Christopher Smith and two counts of aggravated battery for two others that were shot and survived. In addition to the life sentence, Judge John Simon also sentenced Stallworth to an additional 15 years in prison to run concurrently for each of the aggravated battery counts. He has since filed an appeal.
Jaran Britt Myles
Jaran Britt Myles is awaiting trial for the first degree murder for the death of Smith and two counts of aggravated battery for two others that were shot in November 2020.
A few days after his indictment, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office caught up with Myles as he walked out of the Liquor Cabinet on Highway 29 at Old Chemstrand Road in Gonzalez. Deputies gave him loud verbal commands, but he turned and walked back inside the store. The deputies drew their service weapons, entered the store and continued to give loud verbal commands. Myles entered one of the aisles and made movements near products on the shelf before placing his hands and surrendering, an arrest report states.
Myles removed a handgun from sweatshirt and attempted to hide the gun on a store shelf. The incident was caught on surveillance video.
For the liquor store incident, he was sentenced in May by Judge John Simon for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and violation of his probation on a 2015 conviction for manslaughter with a firearm.
At age 21, Myles pleaded no contest and was sentenced to prison for manslaughter with a firearm for the January 31, 2015, shooting death of 20-year old Jonathan Ray Wilson on Backwoods Road in Century.
Kiaunna Shane Grice
Charges of first degree murder and two counts of aggravated battery against Kiaunna Shane Grice were dismissed in February 2021 due to insufficient evidence.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Century Town Hall Lobby Closed This Week To Refinish Lobby Floor
August 29, 2022
The Century Town Hall lobby will be closed all this week as the lobby floor is refinished.
The drive-thru window and phone lines will be open.
Pictured: The lobby floor at the Century Town Hall before refinishing. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Fewer Afternoon Showers Expected For Monday
August 29, 2022
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Monday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph in the morning.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph.
Tuesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph in the morning.
Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. Calm wind.
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Wednesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. Calm wind.
Thursday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph.
Thursday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. Calm wind.
Friday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 87. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Friday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72.
Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms. High near 85. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Saturday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72.
Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 85. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Bonus Photo Gallery: Northview And Flomaton Band, Cheerleaders, Fans And More
August 29, 2022
The Northview Chiefs defeated the Flomaton Hurricanes 48-33 Friday night in Bratt.
For a photo gallery with the cheerleaders, bands, fans and more, click here.
For a game action story and photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Escambia County Native Serving Navy In Nuclear Deterrence Mission
August 29, 2022
An Escambia County native native is serving in the U.S. Navy as part of the nation’s nuclear deterrence mission at Strategic Communications Wing One (STRATCOMMWING ONE). Its TACAMO (“Take Charge and Move Out”) mission provides airborne communication links to nuclear missile units of U.S. Strategic Command.
Petty Officer 1st Class Crystal Moody joined the Navy six years ago.
“I joined the Navy for a better life,” said Moody. “I also joined for the financial security the military provides.”
Today, Moody serves as an aviation maintenance administrationman.
“My favorite thing about my job is that I get to work with people from many different backgrounds,” said Moody. “I also get to travel to a lot of places, which I love.”
Growing up in Pensacola, Moody attended Pine Forest High School and graduated in 2010,
“I am thankful for the NJROTC program at Pine Forest High School,” said Moody. “The leadership there is what started me on this journey and gave me a passion for the Navy.”
Now, Moody uses skills and values similar to those found in Pensacola to succeed in the Navy.
“My hometown taught me to have respect for the people I work with,” said Moody. “That has carried me a long way in my career. I also learned that we all come from different backgrounds. We all have different dreams and goals, but we’re all trying to accomplish the same mission.”
The Navy’s presence aboard an Air Force base in the middle of America may seem like an odd location given its distance from any ocean; however, the central location allows for the deployment of aircraft to both coasts and the Gulf of Mexico on a moment’s notice. This quick response is key to the success of the nuclear deterrence mission.
The Navy command consists of a Wing staff, the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training, and three Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadrons: The “Ironmen” of VQ 3, the “Shadows” of VQ 4 and the “Roughnecks” of VQ 7.
STRATCOMMWING One employs more than 1,300 active-duty sailors and 100 contractors to provide maintenance, security, operations, administration, training and logistic support for the Boeing E-6 Mercury aircraft fleet, an airborne command post and communications relay based on the Boeing 707.
Their mission stems from the original 1961 Cold War order known as ‘Take Charge and Move Out!’ Adapted as TACAMO and now the command’s nickname, the men and women of TACAMO continue to provide a survivable communication link between national decision makers and the nation’s nuclear weapons.
The commander-in-chief issues orders to members of the military who operate nuclear weapons aboard submarines, aircraft or in land-based missile silos. Sailors aboard TACAMO E-6 Mercury aircraft provide the one-of-a-kind and most-survivable communication needed for this critical mission.
With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.
Serving in the Navy means Moody is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“The Navy is important to the National Defense Strategy because we are a show of force around the world,” said Moody.
Moody and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest Navy accomplishment has been being named Sailor of the Year in 2021,” said Moody.
As Moody and other sailors continue to perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“For me, serving in the Navy is a sense of pride,” added Moody. “I feel good about how I contribute and give back. It’s really a sense of pride for me. I love it.”
Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Anna-Liesa Hussey for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Downward Trends Ends At The Pump In Florida
August 29, 2022
The downward trend at the pump came to an end last week. The state average price for regular unleaded increased 7 cents per gallon, reaching $3.61 on Sunday.
The average price per gallon in Escambia County was $3.41. A North Escambia low of $3.22 could be found Sunday at three stations along Highway 29 near Muscogee Road. In Pensacola, a low price of $3.15 could be found Sunday night on Nine Mile Road.
This snapped what became a 70-day streak of declines, amounting to a total discount of $1.36 per gallon.
The 10-week streak began in mid-June, when the state average fell from its all-time high of $4.89 per gallon down to $3.53 last Monday.
NorthEscambia.com photo.
Ladwig’s Strong Start Spoiled In 11-4 Wahoos Loss
August 29, 2022
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos fell 11-4 in their series finale against the Montgomery Biscuits on Sunday afternoon despite another quality start from A.J. Ladwig.
Ladwig (L, 7-4) allowed an unearned run in the first and a solo homer to Niko Hulsizer in the fourth, but completed 6.0 innings of four-hit ball. Pensacola couldn’t solve Montgomery starter Michael Mercado or reliever Chris Gau (W, 5-0), collecting only an infield hit over the first seven innings.
Montgomery broke the game open in the top of the eighth, scoring four runs against Jefry Yan thanks to a pair of walks and RBI singles from Kyle Manzardo and Jordan Qsar. The Blue Wahoos returned the favor with four runs of their own in the bottom of the inning, getting two-out RBI hits from Nasim Nuñez, Paul McIntosh and J.D. Osborne to draw the deficit to 6-4.
Biscuits reliever Trevor Brigden fanned Griffin Conine as the potential go-ahead run to end the eighth-inning threat, and the Montgomery offense got back to work in the ninth with five more runs against Zack Leban and Robinson Martinez. A Manzardo three-run homer was the decisive blow as the Biscuits earned a split in the six-game series.
After an off day Monday, the Blue Wahoos begin a six-game road series against the Chattanooga Lookouts on Tuesday.
by Erik Bremer, Pensacola Blue Wahoos
A.” Luverne” Dockens Paternoster
August 28, 2022
A.” Luverne” Dockens Paternoster
7-08-1936……8-27-2022
She was a beloved wife, mother and Nana. She was a member of the Farm Hill Church and Community for many years.
She was preceded in death by her husband; Anthony “Tony”; father; Freeman, mother; Maggie, sister; Dolly, and brother; Freeman “Dougie”.
She is survived by her sister Linda ;(Joe) Drulia, daughters; Tonette and Dawn (Mike) Gaddis,
Five grandchildren; Jennifer (Sean) Rezek; Wendy Crawford; Kristen Gaddis; Sabrina (Josh) Gerstel, Christopher (Christina) Gaddis and thirteen great grandchildren.
There will be a Celebration of Life at “Luverne’ s” home on Saturday August 3, 2022.
ECUA Proposes Water, Sewer And Sanitation Rate Increase, Plus Extra Sanitation Fee
August 28, 2022
The Emerald Coast Utilities Authority (ECUA) has proposed a rate increase for sanitation, water and wastewater services.
The ECUA board voted to advertise a public hearing on the rate increases for September 27.
Proposed Sanitation Rate Increase
ECUA is proposing a sanitation (garbage) rate increase of 6% plus the addition of a $1 per month fee to fund the construction of a new sanitation transfer station on Pine Forest Road. Customers will continue to pay the $1 per month until the transfer station is paid off, which is currently projected to be in 2043.
The rate increase applies to the collection fee. For the average family with one 90-gallon container, the monthly rate will increase from $26.39 to $27.67, plus the $1 fee for the transfer station. The transfer station location is the current ECUA complex at Godwin Lane and Pine Forest Road.
The motion approving a fiscal year 2023 budget with the sanitation rate increase and the $1 fee was made by District 5 board member Kevin Stephens, and seconded by Dale Perkins. It passed 5-0.
Proposed Water And Wastewater Rate Increase
ECUA is proposing a 5% rate increase for water and wastewater. For an average customer using 6,000 gallons, the increase will be less than $1 per month for water and about $2 for wastewater.
The motion approving a budget with the rate increase for water and wastewater was made by District 1 representative Vicki Campbell and seconded by Dale Perkins before passing unanimously.
A Final Farewell: Last Call Sounds For Retired Century Fire Chief Regi Burkett
August 28, 2022
Funeral services were held Saturday afternoon for Regi Burkett, the longtime chief of the Century Station of Escambia County Fire Rescue.. He was 62.
Burkett passed away August 20 at the age of 62, surrounded by his family at his bedside. Burkett spent nearly 40 years in the fire service for his community.
During a graveside service at Beulah Chapel Assembly of God Cemetery in Byrneville, an Escambia County Fire Rescue dispatcher conducted a traditional “last call”.
“Escambia to retired fire chief 501″, the dispatcher called twice with no response.
“Escambia to retired fire chief Regi Burkett,” the dispatcher said, her voice resounding across the radios at the funeral service. “There is no response from retired fire chief 501, chief Regi Burkett.”
The radio silence was broken again, this time by tones used to alert firefighters to important information, followed by:
“On behalf of Escambia County Fire Rescue and the members of Century Fire Department, after 40 years of service to the citizens of Escambia County, it is with great sadness to announce that retired fire chief Regi Burkett has completed his last call on earth and is ready for his next assignment to watch over his friends, family and fellow firefighters. Retired fire chief Regi Burkett, although you are gone, you will not be forgotten. Escambia clear at 16:13.”
Burkett joined the Century Volunteer Fire Department in April 1978. He advanced through the ranks before being named chief in 1987. He served as Century’s fire chief until his retirement in July 2017.
Burkett is survived by his loving wife of 43 years Ann Burkett, son Ryan Burkett, daughter Casey Roach and numerous other family and friends.