Atmore Man, Century Woman Arrested During Suspicious Vehicle Investigation
July 17, 2024
An Atmore man and a Century woman were arrested during a suspicious vehicle investigation in Atmore.
About 12:30 a.m. Monday, an Atmore Police Officer on routine patrol observed a suspicious vehicle behind the Tavern on Highway 31.
As the officer approached the vehicle, he detected a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle and a male, later identified as 37-year-old Matthew Edward Thomas of Atmore, began walking away, according to Atmore Police Sgt. Darrell McMann. The officer reported that Thomas tossed a plastic bag as he walked way and detained Thomas.
The officer also detained the vehicle’s passenger, 28-year-old Kelsey Alanna Taylor of Century.
Atmore Police said the plastic bag allegedly tossed by Thomas contained 15-grams of crystal methamphetamine, and two grams of marijuana, a digital scale, and a clear glass pass with meth residue were located in the vehicle.
Thomas was charged with unlawful possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana II and tampering with physical evidence. He was booked into jail without bond.
Taylor was transported to the Escambia County (AL) Detention Center in Brewton and extradited to Escambia County, Florida, on an outstanding probation violation warrant in a 2022 grand theft case.
Vehicle Fire Slows Highway 29 Near Molino
July 17, 2024
A vehicle fire slowed traffic on Highway 29 near Molino Wednesday morning.
The Chevrolet Trailblazer fire was reported just before 10 a.m.
The SUV was parked on the shoulder of Highway 29 near Highway 196. The vehicle was a total loss.
The Cantonment and Molino Stations of Escambia County Fire Rescue were dispatched to the fire. There were no injuries reported.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
FDOT Updates Status Of Century Highway 29 Construction Work
July 16, 2024
A new traffic configuration will likely happen next week for a detour zone on North Century Boulevard (Highway 29) in Century.
After a NorthEscambia.com report on Monday that the roadway was not ready for a Florida Department of Transportation announced traffic shift to the southbound lanes, FDOT provided additional details.
According to Kohen Johns Brannon, FDOT public information specialist, the contractor located a damaged water line late last week that put them behind schedule. The contract was scheduled to put place rock on Monday and pave the southbound lanes Tuesday through Thursday.
“Once paving is complete, they will begin the process of shifting the lanes to the new traffic configuration,” Brannon said, adding the traffic shift to the southbound lanes will likely happen next week.
The FDOT projects includes a major reconstruction and realignment of Highway 29 from just south of East Highway 4 to the Alabama state line.
The project includes reconstructing a 700-foot curved segment of Highway 29 from north of Henry Street to Cottage Street; the curve has been the site of several truck accidents in recent years.
The full length of the $4.7 million project began in early January 2023 and had an original anticipated completion target date in Spring 2024.
FDOT will also upgrade traffic signals, drainage structures, pavement markings, and driveways, while also improving curb ramps and sidewalks to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.
Pictured: The southbound travel lanes of Highway 29 (North Century Boulevard) and the current traffic shift as seen on Saturday, July 13. NorthEscambaia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Heat Advisory Wednesday, Increased Chance Of Rain Relief Later In The Week
July 16, 2024
A heat advisory is in effect again for Wednesday, with the feels like temperature approaching 110 degrees. There is an increasing chance of relief from rain later in the week.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10pm. Mostly clear, with a low around 74. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly between 1pm and 4pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Heat index values as high as 106. Light and variable wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Wednesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1am. Mostly clear, with a low around 75. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 1pm and 4pm, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 4pm. High near 90. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Thursday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely before 1am, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Friday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm, then showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. High near 86. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Friday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. High near 87. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Saturday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. Calm wind.
Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. High near 87. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Sunday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73.
Monday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 89. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Monday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73.
Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 87. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Walnut Hill Man, Three Others Charged After Alleged Overdose On Embalming Fluid, GHB
July 16, 2024
A Walnut Hill man and three others were charged after he allegedly overdosed on GHB and embalming fluid.
At about 8 a.m. Sunday, the Police officers responded to a residence in the 300 block of Beck Street in reference to a possible drug overdose. The responding officer encountered several people on the property and was informed the unconscious person drank a cocktail consisting of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) and embalming fluid, a combination police said is commonly known as “Scoot”.
During the officer’s interaction with the other individuals at the scene he discovered there might be additional narcotics in camper on the property. The officer contacted Atmore Police narcotics investigators who obtained a search warrant.
Atmore Police Sgt. Darrell McMann said investigators executed the search warrant and discovered methamphetamine, numerous other items that have yet to be identified and numerous other items that are commonly used to ingest narcotics.
After being treated and released from the hospital, 29-year-old Shawn Michael Boutwell of Walnut Hill was charged with possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Leslie Anita Whiting, age 35 of Atmore, was charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and disorderly conduct.
McMann said Whiting claimed to have overdosed and was transported to the Atmore Community Hospital. He said she became irate and confrontational with hospital staff when she thought law enforcement was not present.
Police also charged 47-year-old Amy Jo Louise Nelson of Daytona Beach and 44-year-old Jonathan Alexander Schinasi of Lake Butler, Florida, with possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Pictured clockwise: Boutwell, Whiting, Schinasi and Nelson.
Escambia Man, 77, Charged With Shooting Multiple Rounds At Santa Rosa County SWAT
July 16, 2024
A 77-year-old Escambia County man has been charged after allegedly firing nine rounds at the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team on Saturday.
Clifford Whennen was charged with:
- fleeing and eluding
- resisting arrest
- aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer (five counts)
- firing weapon
- criminal mischief
- probation violation (two counts)
On Saturday, Milton Police Department responded to a reckless driver complaint on Glover Lane where they located a vehicle driven by and uncooperative Whennen. The MPD officer called for assistance from SRSO, which blocked the vehicle in. They said Whennen had an active felony warrant and was known for recent threats to law enforcement.
“The suspect had an active felony warrant and recent threats to law enforcement. The suspect exited the vehicle with a firearm pointed at his head. Deputies attempted to have Whennen drop the firearm, but he refused and reentered the backseat of his vehicle,” said Kylie Blankenship, SRSO assistant public information officer, said.
“Due to Whennen being barricaded with a firearm, SRSO SWAT responded to the scene with an armored rescue vehicle (Bearcat). Failed negotiations were continued, and less lethal munitions were deployed within the vehicle,” Blankenship added. “Upon deployment of less lethal munitions, Whennen immediately shot seven rounds in the direction of law enforcement. The armored rescue vehicle thankfully protected the Deputies inside from being hit by these lethal rounds.”
After several deployments of less lethal munition from SRSO SWAT, Whennen surrendered. He was treated at a local hospital for cuts caused by broken glass. He was booked into the Santa Rosa County Jail without bound due to two probation violation warrants.
Escambia (AL) Volunteer Fire Departments Receive State Grant, Present Service Awards
July 16, 2024
The Escambia County Volunteer Fire Association recently received a state grant and honored member accomplishments.
State forester David Thomas and Lucas Newbie presented 14 Volunteer Fire Departments with the 2024 Alabama Forestry Grant for $1995.79.
Alabama Reps. Alan Baker and Matthew Hammett attended the association meeting at Elim Baptist Church in the Roberts community. Baker thanked all fire personnel for their commitment to serving communities through Escambia County and stated that Senator Greg Albritton was an important part of the process. Hammett offered his appreciation to each firefighter for stepping up and providing “service above self” in medical emergencies, accidents, fires and natural disasters.
The Association also presented service awards at the meeting as follows:
- John Martin Lifetime Achievement Award – Captain Jerry Gehman Nokomis VFD
- Career Paid Fire Chief Award – Chief Ronald Peebles Atmore Fire Department
- Volunteer Fire Chief Award – Alex Singleton Appleton VFD
- Career Paid Firefighter Award – Captain Louis English Atmore Fire Department
- Volunteer Male Firefighter Award – Jerrel Cain Appleton VFD
- Volunteer Female Firefighter Award – Elisabeth Evans Wallace VFD
- Volunteer Firefighter Rookie of the Year Award – Logan Blake McCall VFD
- Volunteer Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Award – Melanie Jett Appleton VFD
There are 24 fire departments in Escambia County with over 285 firefighters.
Pictured top: Representative from the Appleton, Barnett Crossroads, Bradley, Dixie, Dixonville, Lambeth, Little Rock, McCall, McCollough, Nokomis, Ridge Road, Roberts, Wallace and Wawbeek fire departments with state Reps. Alan Baker and Matthew Hammett. Pictured below: Service award winners. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate Grad, UWF Standout Darrien McDowell Selected In 2024 MLB Draft
July 16, 2024
Tate High School graduate Darrien McDowell was selected by the San Diego Padres Monday in the sixth round of the 2024 MLB Draft.
McDowell, a junior first baseman for the University of West Florida Argos , was the 180th overall selection in the draft,. He was the first Division II player selected, and the first Argo drafted since 2015.
McDowell graduated from Tate High in 2020, and played at Pensacola State College before joining the UWF baseball team.
Last season at UWF, McDowell hit .442 with 27 home runs and 77 RBIs. He was the 2024 Division II Leader in home runs, total bases and slugging percentage, and was named the 2024 Gulf South Conference Player of the Year.
Photo for NorthEscambai.com click to enlarge.
Escambia County Corrections’ Wilson, Hankins Graduate From State Leadership Programs
July 16, 2024
Two Escambia County Corrections employees have graduated this year from leadership programs through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, demonstrating their dedication to enhancing their leadership skills in the criminal justice profession.
Capt. Shawn Hankins (pictured right) graduated from the Florida Criminal Justice Executive Institute’s Senior Leadership Program and Sgt. Lonnie Wilson (pictured left) graduated from the Florida Criminal Justice Executive Institute’s Florida Leadership Academy, both of which require a rigorous application and selection process.
“I’m incredibly proud of Capt. Hankins and Sgt. Wilson for taking the initiative and putting in the hard work it takes to apply for and complete these programs,” Escambia County’s Chief of Corrections Rich Powell said. “Corrections is a demanding and challenging career, and it’s imperative to develop and recognize strong leaders who can successfully guide our team through challenges that come our way. I appreciate FDLE for offering training and development programs like this to foster the advancement of Escambia County and other law enforcement agencies throughout the state.”
Capt. Hankins and Sgt. Wilson were selected from applicants throughout the state to participate in the multi-week programs, which teach participants critical skills to be effective leaders through the challenges faced by criminal justice professionals.
Both Capt. Hankins and Sgt. Wilson spoke highly of their experiences, which not only taught them valuable leadership skills, but also helped them network and build connections with other agencies throughout the state.
“I think it gets you ready for upper-level management, and it helps with that next level of getting a bigger perspective community-wide as opposed to focusing on your area of concern,” said Capt. Hankins, who has worked for Escambia County Corrections since 2005. “It makes you think of the community as whole and not just inside the jail, but how it affects the community outside of the jail.”
Sgt. Wilson was among 44 first-line supervisors serving in leadership roles selected for the Florida Leadership Academy, with participants representing 37 criminal justice agencies throughout the state. He was also nominated and selected as class president.
“The information that they taught, just learning how to become a leader and figuring out what type of leader you are – it’s helped me tremendously,” said Sgt. Wilson, who has been with Escambia County Corrections for nearly 25 years and now supervises more than 40 employees.
The Florida Leadership Academy consists of four week-long sessions where participants learn skills necessary to support the needs of their agencies and communities in preparation for future challenges. The goal of the academy is to prepare first-line supervisors in criminal justice organizations to exemplify the character and integrity expected of criminal justice professionals, while examining the various components necessary to become efficient leaders.
The Senior Leadership Program is designed to prepare Florida’s criminal justice leadership for the challenging and changing demands of the future. Participants met for seven weeks over a 10-month period. They studied the trends and events that will challenge criminal justice professionals and the state, also examining the leadership skills necessary to create and lead the changes that lie ahead.
Escambia Commission Cancels This Week’s Meeting
July 16, 2024
This week’s schedule Escambia County Commission meeting has been canceled.
The meeting was scheduled for Thursday, July 18.
The public forum preceding the meeting was also canceled due to no meeting cancellation.
The next scheduled meeting for the Escambia County Commission is Thursday, August 1 at 5:30 p.m.
Pictured: The July 9, 2024, meeting of the Escambia County Commission.