Escambia Deputies Arrest Man For Allegedly Stabbing Woman Multiple Times
April 3, 2023
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office arrested an attempted homicide suspect Monday morning.
Patrick Henderson stabbed a female victim and told her “I am going to kill you” during an argument on Sunday, according to the ECSO.
Deputies responded to a gas station in the 4500 block of North W Street in reference to a reported cutting. They found the victim there suffering from multiple stab wounds.
Henderson and the victim got into an argument at a nearby residence and she went to the gas station to call 911, according to investigators She was transported by Escambia County EMS to a local hospital for treatment.
After searching all night, ECSO deputies located Henderson Monday morning in the area of Biggs Lane and Palafox.
Driver Killed In Wreck On UWF Campus
April 3, 2023
A Pace man was killed in a single vehicle traffic crash early Monday morning on the campus of the University of West Florida.
Troppers said the 21-year old was traveling west on Campus Drive at a high rate of speed approaching a curve when he failed to maintain control of his vehicle. The vehicle crossed over the grassy median and sideswiped a tree, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
The man was pronounced deceased at the scene of the 2:13 a.m. wreck on Camps Drive near Campus Lane.
UWF said the man was not a student or affiliated with the university in any other way.
DeSantis Signs Bill To Allow Carrying Of Concealed Weapons Without A Permit
April 3, 2023
Monday morning, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed HB-543, touted as the “Constitutional Carry ” bill.
The bill allows Floridians to carry concealed weapons without a government issued permit. The bill will go into effect on July 1, 2023, making Florida the 26th state to enact constitutional carry legislation.
It will end the need to obtain any government permit to concealed carry a gun; however, it does not allow for open carry.
Vermel Perry McDonald
April 3, 2023
Vermel Perry McDonald, 91, of Molino, FL went home to be with Jesus on Friday, March 31, 2023.
She was born on January 30, 1932 in Molino, FL to Ilence and Clora Perry. Our mother was a dedicated homemaker and secretary for McDonald Gas Stations, Farmer’s Supply and Tire Store.
Vermel was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Tommy H. McDonald, infant daughter, Vida Ann and four still born infants, her parents and five siblings.
She leaves to cherish her memory, her son, Gary McDonald, Sr.; daughter, Felicia Shields and husband, Jeremy; daughter, Karen Ward and husband, Steve; five grandchildren, Rhesa Robinson, Gary McDonald, Jr., Hannah Chaddick, Emily Foster, and Tamara Garrett; seven great grandchildren, Haley Robinson, Haden Robinson, Gavin McDonald, Knox Chaddick, Emersyn Foster, Mila Chaddick and Ellison Foster.
Our mother dedicated her life to serving the Lord. She was the epitome of a classy and Godly Christian woman. She was a faithful member of New Hope Apostolic Church. Her greatest joy in life was going to church. She enjoyed reading her Bible, singing and baking. She was deeply loved and will be greatly missed.
Funeral services will be held at Calvary Apostolic Tabernacle on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, at 2 p.m. with Pastor Steve Ward and Pastor Jeremy Shields officiating. Serving as pallbearers are Ben Robinson, Haden Robinson, Morgan Chaddick, Austin Garrett, Harlan Foster, Gary McDonald, Jr. and serving as honorary pallbearers are Wanda Richardson, Sharon Smith, Patricia Wessell, Eldnar McGhee and Gavin McDonald. A visitation will be held on Monday, April 3, 2023 from 5 until 8 p.m. at the church. Interment will follow the funeral service at First Pentecostal Church Cemetery.
Escambia County Considers $1 Million FEMA Drainage Project In Century Town Limits
April 3, 2023
Escambia County is set to award a contract worth nearly $1 million for a drainage project in the town of Century, and it is expected that most of the cost will be covered by FEMA. If not, the county will be on the hook for nearly three-quarters of a million dollars.
During Hurricane Sally in 2020, flooding “supercharged” the existing drainage system in Century, overtopping Front Street at flooding yards on Front Street and Jefferson Avenue, according to the county. An existing 18-inch concrete pipe cracked, and an existing six-inch cast iron pipe became plugged with debris.
The Front Street Drainage Repairs FEMA Project is designed to replace and improve a failing stormwater drainage outfall system located on private property by routing around it. Improvements consist of a new stormwater system, roadway improvements, concrete curbs, valley gutters, and ditch-bottom inlets.
The lowest and responsible bid received for the project was $993,312.98, to Chavers Construction.
FEMA obligated $242,809.60 for this project in November 2021. The current approved amount makes it a large FEMA project, which allows for the current obligated amount to be adjusted to cover all documented costs incurred (actual costs).
According to Escambia County, it is anticipated that $943,647.33 (95%) of the entire cost, will be reimbursed by FEMA and the State of Florida, and Escambia County would be responsible for the remaining 5% of the entire cost, or $49,665.65.
But if FEMA determines the additional costs to be ineligible, Escambia County would be responsible for the remaining amount of $750,503.38.
Escambia County will consider awarding the contract at a regular meeting on Thursday. If approved, construction is expected to begin in May 2023 with a completion by February 2024.
Pictured: This map, provided by Escambia County, shows a proposed FEMA drainage improvement project in Century. Image for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Chance Of Showers For Monday, High In The 80s
April 3, 2023
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Monday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 4pm. Patchy fog before 10am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 82. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Monday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 83. South wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 84. South wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. South wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Thursday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a high near 80. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon.
Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 79.
Friday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63.
Saturday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a high near 74.
Saturday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a low around 59.
Sunday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 74.
New Security Screenings Begin At Courthouse In Escambia, Alabama
April 3, 2023
New security procedures are in place at the Escambia County (AL) Courthouse in Brewton.
All visitors to the courthouse will be required to go through security screening at the front entrance. All persons, purses and bags will be searched and screened for prohibited items.
According to the Escambia County (AL) Sheriff’s Office, prohibited items include guns, knives, bats, nunchucks, brass knuckles, ammunition, swords, lighters, pepper spray, or any other item that would be deemed dangerous.
“We are sorry for any inconvenience but your safety while visiting an Escambia County facility is our top priority,” the sheriff’s office said. “Please plan accordingly and if you have court, arrive early. The Sheriff’s Office does not issue tardy notes and can’t excuse you from being late.”
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Northview Boys Weightlifting Headed To Regions; Several Lifters Take First At Districts
April 3, 2023
The Northview High School boys weightlifting team finished as district runner-ups, and several team members earned individual district championships.
Dustin Santinelli earned the district championship in the 119-pound class with a total of 355 pounds. Tony Antrim won the 129-pound class with a total of 360-pounds. Blake Yoder won the district title in the 199-pound class with a total of 525 pounds.
Other medalists included Danny McGaha, third place in the 139-pound division; Jacquez Moore, third place in the 169-pound division; Kaleb Selig third place in the 199-pound division; and Daniel Earnest, third place in the 219-pound division.
Teams at the meet also included Jay, Catholic, and Baker.
“I am very proud of our guys’ consistency this season. We are looking forward to regionals,” Northview boys weightlifting coach Jace Gandy said.
The regional championship will be Friday, April 7 in Port St. Joe.
Pictured top: District medalists from the Northview High School boys weightlifting team. Pictured below: The complete team. Photos for NorthEsambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Corrections K-9 Handlers Compete In Regional Competition
April 3, 2023
The Escambia County Corrections Work Annex K-9 handlers recently participated in the United States Police Canine Association Region One Tracking competition.
The four K-9 handlers and their K-9s were:
- Lt. Chad Sims with Half Collar (pictured top left)
- Sgt. Robert Oliver with Shorty (pictured top right)
- Officer Dusty Burkette with Willie (pictured bottom left)
- Officer Matt Marmont with Bear (pictured bottom right)
Each qualified in basic and exceptional tracking tests.
The USPCA is considered the leading police canine certification, emphasizing obedience, agility and attention to detail in training. Each event tests the dog’s ability, communication with its handler and overall skill.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate Girls Tennis Improves To 12-1 With Win Over Pace
April 3, 2023
The Tate High School Aggies girls tennis team defeated Pace Friday 6-1. With the win, the improve to 12-1 for the season. The Tate girls tennis team’s last home match is Monday against Gulf Breeze. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
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