VERIFIED: Press ID – Jane Reynolds – Expires 12/31/2025
December 10, 2020
This is a verified valid PRESS ID
JANE REYNOLDS
Associate Publisher of NorthEscambia.com.
EXPIRATION: 12/31/2025
VERIFIED: Press ID – William Reynolds – Expires 12/31/2025
December 10, 2020
This is a verified valid PRESS ID
WILLIAM REYNOLDS
Publisher of NorthEscambia.com.
EXPIRATION: 12/31/2025
start florida west ad — write
October 10, 2020
Steven Barry, Candidate Escambia County Commission District 5
August 14, 2020
NorthEscambia.com asked the three candidates for Escambia County Commission District 5 to answer a series of questions. In alphabetical order, here are candidates with a link to their video and written answers.
Steven Barry
John Reading (did not respond)
Megan Walters
Early voting continues through Saturday, and the polls will be open Tuesday, August 18 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Candidate: Steven Barry, Escambia County Commissioner District 5
Occupation:
Certified Financial Planner
Education:
B.A. Financial Accounting, University of West Florida, 1997
Criminal Record (traffic citations excluded):
None
Top Five Priorities:
1) Continuing to improve transportation infrastructure
2) Forging ahead bettering financial position of the county
3) Dealing with the Covid crisis
4) Divesting the public interest in outlying field 8 in Beulah
5) Improving all types of communication to the citizens
What , if anything, can you do to help ensure access to broadband internet access for residents of District 5, and ensure that the providers maintain an acceptable quality of service?
Through working on constituent concerns, I have become intimately aware the cable company franchises are granted and regulated through the State of Florida, rather than Escambia County. There are very few if any, performance measures or guidelines the companies are required to meet to maintain their franchise, other than not being able to discriminate against citizens or to not offer service in certain areas or neighborhoods. There are affordable low-income options with various providers, but firm consistent requirements for reliability of service, or speed and quality of service do not currently exist in the state requirements for franchisees. The great news is that the CARES ACT dollars the county has received can be used to provide for and to improve rural broadband access throughout District 5, and I am confident I can advocate successfully on our behalf to secure substantial dollars to do so.
What more can be done by the District 5 commissioner about trains stopped for long time periods across Highway 29 and/or Becks Lake Road in Cantonment?
I am very thankful for the help we received from Senator Doug Broxson to gather all the stakeholders together to improve the situation greatly with the trains blocking both the Beck’s Lake Road area crossing and Highway 29, just south of Muscogee Road. Our meetings also included International Paper, CSX, and Alabama Gulf Rail, which controls the rail storage area just west of Highway 29, east of the International Paper mill. We received support from AGR to reduce the number of rail cars stored in the area, thereby reducing the impact of the train when it is working at the rail crossing Highway 29. Best of all, we were able to convince CSX to reroute the cargo it was moving on the north-south rail line that was not bound for Pensacola, to a different route, resulting in a tremendous decline in the blocking of the crossing at Beck’s Lake Road.
What will you do, if anything, to improve roads and bridges in District 5? How do you fund improvements?
I plan to continue advocating successfully on our board for District 5 to secure the dollars to improve the road s and bridges of District 5. Since 2012, my constituents have benefitted from an unprecedented level of production, maximizing the return of their tax dollars to our community. In less than eight years, we have paved 37 dirt roads, totaling over 30 miles, resurfaced 83 roads, totaling over 50 miles, repaired, or replaced 57 bridges, and completed 13 large road widening and drainage projects. Most of these improvements have been funded with local option sales tax dollars, and I expect that dynamic to continue.
How do we improve public safety in District 5, both fire and EMS? How do you fund any improvements?
I will ensure that the allocation of county public safety resources matches the changing dynamic of Escambia County and District 5. Most of the growth in the future will be in District 5, and the allocation of resources should match more closely. As more people move into our community, we need a larger piece of the public safety financial pie. Through responsible financial management, attention to procurement, and controlling overtime expenses, we can make certain that there are enough resources to work with. I believe we have enough revenue to be successful, if we manage it prudently, so I have not in the past and do not support raising fees or taxes now.
Should any tax or MSBU be raised, and for what purpose?
I do not support raising the MSBU or any tax or fee.
What will you do, if anything, to continue dirt road paving in District 5? And what dirt road do you believe will be the very last paved in D5?
We have made considerable progress on dirt road paving, but I understand there is still much more work to do. We have been able to stretch the limited tax dollars by doing quite a bit of the preparatory work by the road department, and they have done a fantastic job and saved citizens millions of dollars, which have then been able to be used to pave even more roads. Relatively recently, at a board meeting, someone asked me if dirt roads were still a big issue in District 5, and I responded, “If you or your loved ones live on one, or you travel them regularly, then absolutely they are”. Conditions and circumstances are constantly changing with roads, so I would not be comfortable guessing which may be the last dirt road to be paved.
How will you manage growth and development in District 5? Please address your answer in at least two parts — the more populated areas of the district and the more rural, agricultural areas.
It is especially important for a community to have a long-range comprehensive plan that makes available an ample supply of land for residential, commercial, and recreational development, and sets aside permanent meaningful green spaces. The plan should also protect environmentally sensitive areas while maintaining a balance between environmental concerns and reasonable needs for the future growth of the community. Sufficient infrastructure becomes the largest issue in the more populated areas, and as the local option sales tax fund is our primary source of funds for constructing and updating our infrastructure, wisely managing that cash flow and fund balance is paramount to ensuring the resources are available when needed. In the less populated areas, some degree of residential growth is also coming. I think it very reasonable to have a future land use category whose density matches a zoning category of one unit per four acres. I believe that will also help with the problem that many farmers are having where they have one home on a parcel they farm and would like to sell the home, but currently to do so would require them to sell 20 acres, and potentially lose the ability to farm the acres that the buyer of the home may not need or want. It would also make it much more affordable for people who would like to live in rural areas to move there.
How does Escambia County react and prepare for economic impacts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic?
The Covid pandemic provides so many issues, both health and economic related. We have citizens currently sick, and citizens who have passed. We have businesses still struggling, and businesses which have closed and will not reopen. Congress has taken considerable financial actions to help businesses and individuals, but those measures are coming to an end and it is unclear what further measures may be taken. The timely and prudent disbursement of the CARES ACT funds we receive will be a great focus of the board over the next few months. Until there is a vaccine, or some other medical information emerges that eases the fear and anxiety felt by so many people, the Covid crisis will consume a tremendous amount of the county’s time and resources.
What can Escambia County do to ensure the continued success and growth of smaller businesses in D5, especially in light of the pandemic?
We must continue to focus on the health of our small businesses, as we know 80% of the new jobs created over the next five years will come from our small business partners. I will ensure our local small businesses are a big part of the county’s CARES ACT funding package, and that we have grant terms to impact positively the largest number of businesses we are able. We can also do a much better job of communicating the resources the county has access to which can aid our small business partners.
Do you support or oppose the Escambia Children’s Trust?
I supported the Escambia Children’s Trust being on the ballot for the voters to decide whether they support the initiative. I need to see more details about the operational aspects of the board and exactly how the organization will be run, and how the tax dollars will be spent before I decide on my personal vote in November.
Century has had their obvious share of economic and infrastructure problems in recent years. How can/should Escambia County assist?
I will continue to anything I can to support the Town and the citizens of Century. I will make certain a portion of CARES ACT funding is spent within the town limits as our board moves forward with our disbursement plan. We will continue to provide considerable support for the CRA (Community Redevelopment Area) efforts that the town has recently made. I placed a project in the BP Restore plan for $ 486,000 to support the town’s wastewater plant improvements and will see to it that the project comes to fruition. Also, I support the use of county CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) funds to help with clean up at the Alger Sullivan mill site, which should happen soon.
Your Top 5 favorite spots in D5 to spend time for enjoyment when you are not working:
Ashton Brosnaham facility, the playground at Ascend Park, nature trail at UWF, new walking track and demonstration garden at Stefani Extension, events at the beautiful 4-H property in Molino
Your Top 5 bingeable shows:
The Office, 30 Rock, Parks and Recreation, Veep, and Seinfeld
Your Top 5 favorite songs on your current playlist:
Some Things Never Change, Into the Unknown, All in Alabama, The Conversation, Shriner’s Convention
Top 5 favorite foods (and restaurant name, if it’s a restaurant dish):
Pizza, ice cream, lime popsicles, black beans and rice, cream corn from Filly’s in Cantonment
Best kept secret of District 5:
4-H Property in Molino
Megan Walters, Candidate Escambia County Commission District 5
August 14, 2020
NorthEscambia.com asked the three candidates for Escambia County Commission District 5 to answer a series of questions. In alphabetical order, here are candidates with a link to their video and written answers.
Steven Barry
John Reading (did not respond)
Megan Walters
Early voting continues through Saturday, and the polls will be open Tuesday, August 18 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Candidate: Megan Walters, Escambia County Commissioner District 5
Occupation:
Sales and Marketing. Community Advocate. Humanitarian. Wife. Mother.
Education:
AA Business Management. Work in progress: Bachelors Organizational Leadership.
Criminal Record (traffic citations excluded):
None.
Top Five Priorities:
Properly fund Infrastructure construction coupled with future maintenance; Improve public safety; Managed growth so as not to destroy the things special about Escambia County while implementing school and road concurrency; Support existing small businesses, especially those in District 5 by working to get adequate sewer and internet capabilities; Restore public trust by better transparency and education on issues that are important to the citizens, as well as representing them in Tallahassee and having quarterly meetings in District 5.
What , if anything, can you do to help ensure access to broadband internet access for residents of District 5, and ensure that the providers maintain an acceptable quality of service?
I will partner with the Florida Association of Counties and the State with their “Broadband for Rural Florida” initiatives, as their goals are to bring gigabit speeds to most rural parts of Florida. I will also lobby the other commissioners for their vote to use some of the nearly 1 Billion of Triumph money sitting in a bank account untouched. This is one of my top priorities as I see it as something achievable and because many in District 5 are now working from home and doing virtual school. The internet is no longer a luxury, but instead a needed utility for everyday life. I believe that by having the broadband available, it will improve the quality of service by the providers. I would also like to foster more competition for internet services in the Northern parts of District 5.
What more can be done by the District 5 commissioner about trains stopped for long time periods across Highway 29 and/or Becks Lake Road in Cantonment?
Our country was founded around the railroads. To halt the 15 minutes a day we are inconvenienced by the train in Cantonment, a domino effect would occur that would hinder the whole country. County and state officials have invested countless hours into this issue, ultimately the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA, which is a part of The US Department of Transportation) is the governing body. In asking the FRA to change the times the trains run through Cantonment, the domino effect previously mentioned would directly affect the railroad commerce in Atlanta and ripple across the country. Between the FRA and our local county officials, who do you think would win that argument? Long term, I believe an overpass would be an asset to the community. However, in building an overpass, many of the small businesses in the area of Muscogee/29 would have to relocate, which I don’t believe is a viable option at this time as there are greater needs in our district and county. I think that continuing to negotiate with commercial property owners in the area around the tracks to allow emergency access for Fire and EMS vehicles to pass through is crucial. CSX has indicated that they are willing to uncouple some of the cars that block all neighborhood accesses if they experience a mechanical failure that will take a long time to resolve.
What will you do, if anything, to improve roads and bridges in District 5? How do you fund improvements?
Stop using Local Option Sales Tax funds to pay for bringing new companies here when we are not treating our existing businesses right if we don’t fund the proper infrastructure for them. I would advocate for fully funding road maintenance and repair budget needs. I will make cuts to outside agency requests unless they specifically perform a government function that the county needs to provide. I will lobby to do away with discretionary funds so that we could use that amount for even the smallest projects that would make a difference to the majority of the county and district 5.
How do we improve public safety in District 5, both fire and EMS? How do you fund any improvements?
I would advocate using one of the salary studies/comparisons done within the past two years to see what comparable public safety agencies are paying their public safety employees and what benefits they give. It makes no sense to go through the costliest and least productive years of training of new recruits, only to lose them and their valuable experience when they leave for better pay and working conditions after they have experience under their belt. I would make hands on training and safety equipment a top priority to protect and show how valued our first responders really are to our community. Talk is cheap and we have had a whole lot of talk the last eight years. I would support appropriate wage increases executed in a timely manner to stop the exodus of our experienced Public Safety workers to other agencies. The BCC needs to find economies within the present budget and remove the ‘nice to have things’ to fund these priorities. Home values have gone up and the County has received more revenue each year but we continue to find other things that supplant what should be our main priorities.
Should any tax or MSBU be raised, and for what purpose?
No. If we cut out the frivolous spending, then we should be able to properly fund all the many things in the county. We should exhaust every possible means we can before we ever approach the subject of raising taxes. I will lobby to have ECAT paratransit assist EMS with non emergency patient transports which would generate revenue for our county.
What will you do, if anything, to continue dirt road paving in District 5? And what dirt road do you believe will be the very last paved in D5?
I would like to see a public road prioritization list made public based on what the majority of citizens utilize and based on what would be needed for school transportation and public safety services. The last dirt road to be paved in District 5 will probably be mine as I do not believe anyone wants it paved nor do they want to make it a public road.
How will you manage growth and development in District 5?
Please address your answer in at least two parts — the more populated areas of the district and the more rural, agricultural areas. We need to have professional and strategic master plans done for all areas of the county that work together in a coordinated way to plan future growth in our county. These plans need to be good for both the residents and the developers by providing consistent and predictable plans on which people can base their business and personal decisions without wondering if they will only be altered for a favored few. In the more populated and developed areas, we need to manage growth so that our roads and other infrastructure, as well as our public safety departments and schools can be ready for development as it hits the ground. In the more rural areas of District 5, we need to preserve some of the uniqueness of Escambia County and keep the special places and attributes that made many of us want to live here. We should incentivize urban infill in the developed areas to get more vacant and blighted properties back on the tax rolls and at the same time prevent costly sprawl. We also should plan to protect the agricultural areas that provide both economic benefit and stormwater conveyance, as well as recreational opportunities and wildlife protection. Good planning doesn’t have to be burdensome, it just has to be well thought out, with much public input, and consistently applied.
How does Escambia County react and prepare for economic impacts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic?
Like many household budgets, the county budget will need to be tightened to focus on our essential duties and postponing those things that are non-essential. We need to continue to make sure we have enough reserves to deal with any emergencies as we have seen so many situations happen in the past few years that emphasize the need to be ready for anything. By getting back to the “main thing” of infrastructure and public safety, we will create great places to live and make great places to do business in. I have a boundless amount of hope and optimism for our area and, with a disciplined approach, I will show the citizens of Escambia County that we can get through this present and any future crises by working together and being diligent. I will model the concern and care that I hope to inspire in others and will work for the betterment of my community with service and not self promotion.
What can Escambia County do to ensure the continued success and growth of smaller businesses in D5, especially in light of the pandemic?
Provide small businesses more opportunities to grow and expand their business locally, regionally, and nationally, if they so desire. Escambia County can make sure that their permitting, licensing, policies, and procedures are not confusing and overly burdensome. In relation to Covid 19, we should be helping businesses to provide safe, healthy environments to continue to prosper instead of finding roadblocks to shut them down. The county should make sure that small businesses have the tools to be successful and that starts with good infrastructure, as mentioned earlier, including adequate roads, utilities, including internet access. County procurement should be proactive in putting things out to bid that our area’s small businesses can fairly compete for and on larger projects, Escambia County should facilitate larger contractors using area subcontractors to win public contracts. I think that the County should stop subsidizing large out of state, or even out of country, businesses and think about investing in local small businesses with micro grants as a form of economic development. Escambia County can develop partnering relationships with the Small Business Development Center and UWF’s Entrepreneur programs to foster more local entrepreneurs, especially in our “pockets of poverty” areas.
Do you support or oppose the Escambia Children’s Trust?
No. There’s too many other things that need funding first. Before I would support an additional taxpayer assessment for something like this, I would consider a dedicated fund for public safety. The Escambia Children’s Trust, while noble in mission, would add another layer of unelected bureaucracy to administering funds to nonprofits. Those nonprofits that perform government mandated duties should be annually accountable in the Budget Hearings to the BCC Board. I do not believe that we need another dedicated funding source outside of the general budget because the BCC always uses this as an excuse to spend more of the General Fund dollars on new things, instead of getting back to the priorities that we should have. With the Library and ECAT dedicated funds, we saw no real improvements to infrastructure and public safety, did we?
Century has had their obvious share of economic and infrastructure problems in recent years. How can/should Escambia County assist?
I will establish a relationship with the Century Mayor and Town Council, while also being easily accessible to them. By having a strong working relationship, we will be able to see which resources we can utilize to turn things around in Century.
Your Top 5 favorite spots in D5 to spend time for enjoyment when you are not working:
Northwest Florida Water Management Area along the Perdido River, Escambia River Wildlife Management Area along the Escambia River, Crossroads Thrift Store, Cantonment Mercantile, and Antique Marketplace.
Your Top 5 bingeable shows:
It took me from the summer of 2017 to the shelter in place time this year to watch Criminal Minds from beginning to end, so I’m not really a binge watcher. I typically listen to podcasts from my pastor and youth pastor that I had growing up, Respective Podcast, and I have watched the different meetings on ECTV. If I were to binge watch, the five I’d probably pick would be MASH, I Love Lucy, Friends, Grey’s Anatomy, and Golden Girls.
Your Top 5 favorite songs on your current playlist:
Just Me by Roy Jones Jr; History Makers by Delirious; Girl on Fire by Alicia Keys; Rise Up by Andra Day; One Shot by 2piece featuring Roy Jones Jr
Top 5 favorite foods (and restaurant name, if it’s a restaurant dish):
Smokey’s cole slaw, anything at EL Tapatio (Mexican restaurant on Muscogee Road), fresh subs at Captain Smiley’s (right next to Jimmy’s Grill in Molino), Pork Sandwiches at The Cantonment Mercantile (AKA the feed store at 29/Muscogee), steak cooked by my husband that is Barrineau Park grown beef, and fresh made pork rinds from Kynette’s Place (formerly Watson’s) in McDavid. (yes I know it’s 6, I just couldn’t leave any out!)
Best kept secret of District 5:
Now if I said that, it wouldn’t be the best kept secret anymore! But I do like to rinse the dust off at the “car wash” at the paper mill, and Lava Java is better than Starbucks, and most don’t know that.
olf 8
July 27, 2020
Kevin Spinks
July 22, 2020
Kevin was the exact definition of a true man. His strong stature, noteworthy hands and approachable demeanor made him loved by all. He was often referred to as the gentle giant or big teddy bear; but he was mostly known to all as, Big K. Hearts like his, full of generosity and love made anyone in his presence feel special. His heart ultimately belonged to his family, first and foremost. Ona, his first-born child was the absolute center of his universe. She was so excited to meet the man that spoke to her every day, she decided to come a month early. She stole his heart as soon as we welcomed her into this world. Within 5 years, the completion of his heart was met when he was blessed with his second baby girl Kali. Her personality and sass could put a smile on his face no matter what the day had given him. He joked about being surrounded by women his whole life, but we all know he loved every second of it. I don’t think there is a more amazing girl dad out there. He was the solver of all problems…Go cart mechanic, bad dream chaser, hair style tester, but most of all the constant protector over all three Girls, Ashley, Ona and Kali.
He firmly believed that you earned everything through hard work. In 2003 he started his career with the Sheet Metal Works Union and became a Journeyman of his trade by 2007. He finished early, just another measurement of his ingenuity and sharp mindedness, nothing ever held him back. He took pride in the quality and craftsmanship of his trade, making him an asset to everyone he knew. If you needed anything, call Big K, he would find a way to make it happen. One of his favorite quotes was, “You’ll never know, unless you try”. There is nothing he wouldn’t do to help anyone in need or just to lend a hand.
Because of his strong work ethic, he was able to provide the most wonderful life for himself and his family. He enjoyed traveling to the Smoky Mountains, attending NASCAR races with the full experience, spending time on the river, fishing on East Bay, but most of all being around his family and friends (who he truly considered family) grilling and enjoying everyone’s company. Rarely would you see him without a big grin on his face enjoying the simple things in life, as he took nothing for granted. With his girls, his family and his friends by his side, all was right in his world.
He was inducted as a Tennessee Squire with the Jack Daniels Distillery in Tennessee and was an honorary boat shed mechanic in Molino.
He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Chester and Juanita Spinks, William K. and Syble Chandler, Leona McCullough, and Capt. Bud Arnold; and uncles, Bill Chandler, Jerry Lee and Robert Ging.
Kevin is survived by his wife and soul mate of 18 years, Ashley Brianne Spinks, daughters, Ona Lee (11 years old), Kali Paige (6 years old), father, Larry Spinks (Sandra Jackson), mother, Sharon Chandler Nelson (Malcolm Nelson); parents in law, Steven Arnold and Ramona Arnold; sisters, Angie Edmondson (Tim Edmondson), Kayla Nelson (Curtis Roughton), Jessica Morgan (Joey Russell), Michell Baxter, and Tonya Emmons; nieces and nephews, Hayley Gibson (Kody Gibson), Hunter Lee (Kaleigh Godwin), Logan Edmondson, and Lydia Edmondson.
Funeral services will be held at 2PM, Saturday, July 25, 2020 at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North with Pastor Mike Mashburn officiating.
The family will receive friends at 1PM prior to services.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial account has been set up at Pen Air FCU for his beloved daughters Ona and Kali Spinks.
Protected: Barry Test Ads
June 3, 2020
Escambia County Finalizes Graduation Schedule For June 22-24 At Pensacola Bay Center
June 1, 2020
The School District of Escambia County, Florida, has announced plans for 2020 high school graduation ceremonies. After consultation with local and state officials, dates for graduation ceremonies have been scheduled and will be held as follows:
Monday, June 22, 2020
- 9:30 a.m. Escambia Virtual School & George Stone at Pensacola High School
- 4:00 p.m. Escambia High School at Pensacola Bay Center
Tuesday, June 23, 2020
- 9:00 a.m. West Florida High School at Pensacola Bay Center
- 2:00 p.m. Pine Forest High School at Pensacola Bay Center
- 7:00 p.m. Tate High School at Pensacola Bay Center
Wednesday, June 24, 2020
- 9:00 a.m. Pensacola High School at Pensacola Bay Center
- 2:00 p.m. Northview High School at Pensacola Bay Center
- 7:00 p.m. Booker T. Washington High School at Pensacola Bay Center
Important safety measures will be added to these graduation ceremonies from those held in the past. In order to adhere to social distancing guidelines, the following information is provided:
- Ceremonies will be live streamed. Remote viewing is encouraged
- Participation in graduation ceremonies is voluntary
- Face masks are encouraged
- Bags of any kind (tote bags, backpacks, etc.) are discouraged
- Seating is general admission, with six (6) tickets provided to each graduating student and distributed by their school
- Absolutely no replacement of lost tickets
- Graduation times have been scheduled to allow the Pensacola Bay Center to be sanitized after each ceremony
- No congregating after graduation ceremonies; graduates and families should go directly to their vehicles and exit the property promptly
- Graduates will be allowed to keep their cap and gown, and return these items to schools at a later date. This allows families to celebrate and take pictures with their graduates
- Graduates and guests will maintain social distancing while in the Pensacola Bay Center
- Anyone who has recently traveled outside of the country, had a fever within the last 14 days, or in contact with someone who was COVID-19 positive will be asked not to attend.
- All graduations will be live streamed for the general public for family members and friends who cannot attend, or to watch at a later time.
“The Escambia County School District is committed to recognizing and celebrating the educational successes of the Senior Class of 2020. Your hard work and persistence during these turbulent last few months has been admirable. We are eager and excited about coming together to celebrate the success of your high school career. We are finally going to make it happen and look forward to seeing you on June 22, 23rd and June 24th,” said Escambia County School Superintendent Malcolm Thomas. “Congratulations to the Class of 2020 graduates. Best wishes in your future endeavors.”
Cantonment Man Charged With Luring And Trying To Meet Underage Girl For Sex. He Was Met By Deputies Instead.
April 3, 2020
A Cantonment man is facing multiple felony charges after allegedly luring and trying to meet an underage girl for sex on Thursday. Instead, he was met by deputies from the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Christopher James McElveen, Sr., 40, was charged with luring or enticing a minor to engage in unlawful sexual conduct, traveling to meet a minor to engage in unlawful sexual conduct and the unlawful use of a two-way communication device to facilitate a felony.
Using the profile name “Chris McElveen” on a commonly used social media platform, McElveen initiated contact on March 23 with an undercover investigator posing as girl under the age of 13, according to an arrest report. The social media site was not named by authorities.
The investigator informed McElveen several times that his online persona was an underage girl. McElveen stated “I would prefer younger but its all good” and he initiated sexual conversation. His chats included statements that included “Im okay with you”, “age and all” and comments that he has previously engaged in sexual contact with a seven-year old girl, the report states.
“McElveen sent several messages of his sexual intent, he began inquiring about if my parents we at home or at work and expressed wanting to meet. McElveen advised that he wished to get a hotel room for a few hours with the underage female, and once again named the sexual acts he wished to perform with the underage female,” the investigator wrote.
A meeting location was established on Thursday, April 2, and McElveen drove his gold GMC van to the location and sent a message to the undercover social media profile which stated “Im parked on the side”. He was taken into custody without incident, and a search warrant was executed at his residence at 801 Cedar Tree Lane. His cellular phone was seized as evidence pending an additional search warrant.
McElveen’s statements to investigators were redacted from the arrest report. He was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $25,000 bond.