Update: Missing, Endangered Girl 8-Year Old Located
June 30, 2023
UPDATE: This missing girl has been located, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Previous story:
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is looking for a missing and endangered eight-year old girl.
Taj Dennis (pictured) was last seen Sunday, June 25 in the 900 block of South Corry Field Road wearing jeans and a purple/white t-shirt.
She was last seen with her non-custodial mother, 41-year old Esther Alexis and is believed to still be with her. They may be headed towards the Orlando area.
Anyone with information is asked to call 911.
Escambia Public Works Manager Aaron Smith Retires After 36 Years
June 30, 2023
Escambia County Public Works Division Manager Aaron Smith has retired after 36 years of service.
“Aaron’s career has had a huge impact on the community here in Escambia County, especially in the north end of the county,” Escambia County Administrator Wes Moreno said. “He’s just a wealth of knowledge, accomplished a lot, and this community is absolutely better because of his career here.”
A retirement lunch was held in his honor this week, where Smith said the department is a success because of the staff and the job that they do.
“Aaron is one of the people that we handed a job, handed him a responsibility and he is going to get it taken care of and do it right,” District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry said. “But the most important thing is to get the work done, and he’s always got a smile on his face.”
Smith said he does not really have any big plans as he heads into retirement.
“I’m going to take care of the grandkids, get them to school, and I’ll take care of mom and dad,” he said. “We’ll do some fishing; that’s where I’m headed.”
“No looking for potholes,” he quipped. “But I will report one if I hit it though.”
For more photos, click or tap here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Driver Receives Minor Injuries When Truck Rolls Over On Highway 29
June 30, 2023
One person received minor injuries in a crash Thursday afternoon on Highway 29 in McDavid.
The driver was northbound on Highway 29 just south of Bogia Road when he apparently lost control, over-corrected and struck a guardrail. The vehicle rolled over, struck a utility pole and caught fire.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the cause of the crash.
The Century and McDavid stations of Escambia County Fire Rescue and Escambia County EMS also responded.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Convicted Sex Offender Found Guilty On Federal Charges For Viewing Child Porn At His Business
June 30, 2023
A convicted sex offender has been convicted on federal charges for viewing child porn on a smart TV.
Following a three day trial, 58-year old Frank Paul Knight was found guilty of receiving and possessing images and videos of child pornography. Sentencing is currently set for September 25 at the U.S. Courthouse in Pensacola before the Honorable United States District Judge M. Casey Rodgers. Based on his prior child pornography convictions, Knight faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 15 years in federal prison, with a maximum of 40 years.
“Protecting innocent children from sexual predators remains one of our highest priorities,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “I commend our law enforcement partners and prosecutors who work diligently to identify these predators and bring them to justice so that they no longer have the opportunity to exploit any child again. Due to their efforts, our community is safer, and this repeat offender is exactly where he belongs – back behind bars.”
Between October 1, 2018, and October 12, 2022, Knight received, and attempted to receive, material containing child pornography. Also, between September 1, 2021, and October 12, 2022, Knight possessed, and attempted to possess, material containing child pornography. Knight is a previously convicted federal sex offender for similar crimes spanning 2002 – 2009. He served over six years in federal prison for those crimes but was released in 2015.
On October 5, 2022, one of the U.S. probation officers who was supervising Knight conducted a random check at Knight’s place of business and discovered electronic devices that had not been reported by Knight to his supervising officer.
On October 11, 2022, with the assistance of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the United States Probation Office seized additional electronic devices at Knight’s location that he also had not reported.
At that time, a smart TV was located in Knight’s personal living area within the business, which consisted of a small living room area and a connected bedroom. All the accounts on the Smart TV were logged in under Knight’s name and email address, and the browser history revealed child pornography websites had been recently accessed.
Investigators interviewed six of Knight’s employees. All of them stated they knew about Knight’s personal space, but none of them used the space or the television.
The electronic devices that were seized were analyzed by forensics examiners with the Department of Homeland Security, and numerous images and videos of child pornography were located on multiple seized devices. The devices all contained Knight’s login information, email accounts, credit card accounts, photographs, and other identifying information belonging to Knight. The devices also contained browser history searches and link files for child pornography dating back to 2018.
“This convicted felon once again showed no respect for the law by possessing child sexual abuse materials while on probation,” said HSI Tallahassee Assistant Special Agent in Charge Nicholas G. Ingegno. “Thanks to the vigilance of the North Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the U.S. Probations Office, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, this repeat offender will now be behind bars, making our communities safer for our children.”
Escambia Man Gets Just Over 10 Years For Killing His Mother
June 30, 2023
A 19-year old Escambia County man has been sentenced to just over 10 years in state prison for killing his mother in April 2022.
David Allan Ohlson, 19, was originally charged with second degree murder. He took a plea deal, pleading no contest to manslaughter and was sentenced by Judge John Simon to 124.5 months with credit for 446 days served.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to a home on Princeton Drive for an “accidental shooting”, but they discovered it was actually a domestic incident.
Ohlson’s mother was found with a shotgun wound to her abdomen. She was transported to an area hospital where she later died.
Ohlson’s father told deputies he received a call from the woman around 12:30 a.m. saying Ohlson was acting out and “made mention of a gun,” according to an arrest report. The father said he arrived at the home a short time later and found Ohlson sitting cross-legged on the floor with a shotgun.
According to the report, Ohlson raised the gun and pointed it at the father before pointing it at his mother. The father said Ohlson then pulled the trigger and dropped the gun. The father picked it up, “secured it inside of his truck” and called 911.
Updated: Boil Water Notice Lifted For Portion Of East Kingsfield Road Area
June 30, 2023
UPDATE: This boil water notice was lifted on Sunday, July 2.
A precautionary boil water notice has been issued by ECUA for a portion of the East Kingsfield Road area after repairs were made to a broken eight-inch water main.
The notice is for the following area:
- East Kingsfield Rd., from Dueling Oaks Drive east to the end of Kingsfield Road
- Clear Creek Drive
- Sussex Lane
- Wakefield Drive
- Wakefield Lane
- Tecumseh Place
- Tecumseh Court
- Tecumseh Trail
- Wicker Hill Place
PWBNs are issued as a part of the standard protocol following any loss of water pressure or concerns, whether as a result of planned maintenance activities or unscheduled repairs. There was no loss of pressure and all sample results showed chlorine residuals within normal ranges.
Residents located in the specified area are advised to boil water for one minute at a rolling boil or to use eight drops of regular unscented household bleach per gallon of water, for water to be used for drinking or cooking purposes. Two independent bacteriological samples have been initiated and the advisory will be lifted as soon as possible. This process routinely takes 48 hours and the notice will be rescinded at that time.
ECUA staff resolved the issue at the well and have flushed out the lines. Residents within the PBWN area and nearby are advised that there is a possibility of residual discolored water as a result of the flushing, and to flush their home’s plumbing by running their taps for a few minutes. If problems persist, customers are asked to contact ECUA Customer Service at (850) 476-0480 for assistance.
Free Dog And Cat Adoptions At The Escambia Shelter Saturday
June 30, 2023
The Escambia County Department of Animal Welfare is partnering with animal welfare organization Best Friends Animal Society for the fifth National Adoption Weekend happening Saturday, July 1.
Adoptions for all cats and dogs one year or older will be free. Puppies will be available for $50 and kittens will be available for $25. An $11 licensing fee will be applied to all adoptions for Escambia County residents.
“The Department of Animal Welfare currently has over 100 dogs and over two dozen cats available for adoption that are eager to be part of a family,” said John Robinson, director for the Escambia County Department of Animal Welfare. “Adopting any of the animals from our organization not only helps the animal that you provide a home for, but allows for space at the Animal Welfare & Adoption Center for us to help more animals in need. We encourage you to come out this weekend and find a new best friend.”
The Escambia County Animal Welfare and Adoption Center is located at 200 W. Fairfield Drive. Hours of operation are Monday-Friday, 12-5 p.m., and Saturdays from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Incumbent District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry Pre-files To Seek Reelection
June 30, 2023
Incumbent Escambia County District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry pre-filed Thursday to seek reelection.
“I am excited to seek reelection for Escambia County Commissioner, District 5. I understand the faith and confidence my friends, neighbors and constituents have placed in me by allowing me to represent them on the Board of Escambia County Commissioners,” Barry said.
“I’m truly proud of the unprecedented county financial resources that have been invested in District 5 in recent years. I will continue to work hard to keep the positive momentum we currently have, and I vow to keep projects moving in the right direction for the betterment of our community.”
Steven Barry is an independent certified financial planner and has operated his small business in District 5 for over 20 years. He and his wife Ellen are the proud parents of 7-year old Sloane and 3-year old Jack.
Heat Advisory: High Around 99, Heat Index Approaching 110
June 30, 2023
Another heat advisory is in effect with heat index values (the “feels like” temperature) expected to range from 107-110 degrees on Friday.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Friday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 98. Heat index values as high as 108. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the morning.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 75. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Saturday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny and hot, with a high near 98. Heat index values as high as 107. West wind around 5 mph.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Sunday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 95. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 92. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 92. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74.
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 88. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Wednesday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73.
Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 87. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Johnny ‘Mike’ Seals
June 30, 2023
Mr. Johnny “Mike” Seals, age 65, passed away, Tuesday, June 27, 2023, at his home in McDavid, FL. He was a resident of Walnut Hill most of his life. He was retired from the shipyard with many years of service.
Mr. Seals enjoyed spending time with his family and grandchildren. He enjoyed many outdoor activities especially going fishing, to the creek, playing basketball, and going to the beach in Panama City. He loved to sit back and watch some good Alabama Football. He enjoyed riding the old back roads.
He is preceded in death by his father, William Joel Seals, mother, Melvie Seals House, wife Becky Seals, two sisters, Lisa Seals Hadley, Janice Hall, and one brother, William Joel Seals, Jr.
He is survived by one son Michael (Crystal) Seals, of Wetumpka, AL; one daughter, Shanon (Richard) Roux, of Monmouth, ME; three sisters, Shelia Lee, of Century, FL; Donna Jordan, of Atmore, AL; Sheree Morgan, of Loxley, Al; five grandchildren, Savanna, Samantha, Olivia, Haiden, Ryland, three great-grandchildren, Myles, Emmalyn, Dallas, special friends, Diane Crews, Winston Dortch, Ronnie Caraway, Ronald Hall, and other relatives.
Funeral services will be held Monday, July 3, 2023, at 2:00 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC. with Rev. Ronald Hall officiating.
Burial will follow at Antioch Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Monday, July 3, 2023 from 1:00 PM until service time at 2:00 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC.
Pallbearers will be Haiden Seals, Bubba Jordan, Richard Roux, Jr; Brad Quimby, and Kurt Sherouse.
