Incumbent District 5 School Board Member Prefiles For Another Term
December 10, 2019
Incumbent Escambia County School Board District 5 member William “Bill” Slayton, Jr. prefiled Monday to seek reelection for the nonpartisan job.
Slayton, a resident of Cantonment, was first elected to the school board in 2008, following an unsuccessful bid for school superintendent in 2004.
Fleet and Family Service Center Provides Support After NAS Pensacola Shooting
December 10, 2019
NAS Pensacola’s Fleet and Family Service Center (FFSC) is doing its part to support those in need after the active shooter incident that resulted in the death of three sailors.
While FFSC offers services such as classes and education on a variety of topic areas, their counseling services for service members, their families and base residents who have been affected by these recent events have come to the forefront.
An Emergency Family Assistance Center (EFAC) has been established within the FFSC and will remain available for as long as needed.
“Our EFAC is here to provide counseling services for those impacted by the recent tragic event,” said Kathleen Doherty, Ph.D., Fleet and Family Support Center director. “We want all the service members and families affected to know that counselors, advocates, and other crisis responders are here to listen and provide guidance as needed.”
When a traumatic event of this nature occurs, FFSC steps in for DoD-specific personnel needs.
“Our focus right now is recovery for everyone involved,” said Doherty. “FFSC counselors, chaplains and professionals from Naval Hospital Pensacola’s Mental health department are working together to ensure that everyone has access to services in order to protect their overall mental well-being.”
Items such as the Mini-Stress Survival Kit, a pamphlet discussing the Operation Stress Control continuum, and other materials are provided for those who choose to simply read and become more aware of what reactions are normal and which are not. For those who prefer to process their emotions verbally, counselors are available for consultation and guidance. FFSC is also in the process of providing get-well cards for those currently in the hospital recovering from injuries.
“We recognize that our active duty and their family members are strong and resilient people, but a shooting is a very rare and tragic event,” said Doherty. “It’s normal for some to react strongly and to have difficulty incorporating this experience into their daily lives. Our goal is to make sure that anyone who wants help processing their reactions can get it in a way that is comfortable and effective for them.”
The EFAC includes representatives from the American Red Cross, FBI Victim Services, the Navy Wounded Warrior Program, and other agencies who have resources for non-DOD beneficiaries.
Additionally, The Navy Surgeon General dispatched a special psychiatric rapid intervention team (SPRINT) from Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Virginia to provide counseling support.
For counseling, support and information for those affected by the active shooter incident, contact the FFSC at 850-452-5990.
Two Alabama Correctional Officers Placed On Leave After Inmate Deaths, Including One At Holman
December 10, 2019
Two correctional officers have been placed on leave follow the deaths of two inmates, including one at Holman Correctional in Atmore.
Holman Correctional Facility inmate, 48 year old, Willie Leon Scott, of Birmingham, was pronounced deceased on December 6 at Baptist Medical Center South in Montgomery. Scott was serving a sentence of life without parole out of Jefferson County for murder. His injuries were the result of an incident that occurred on December 4 at Holman Correctional Facility. The circumstances related to Scott’s death are also the subject of an ongoing Intelligence and Investigations Division (I&I) investigation.
I&I law enforcement agents are also investigating the death of a 55 year old Ventress Correctional Facility inmate, Michael Smith of Fairfield, who, after being removed from life support, succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at Dale Medical Center on December. Smith’s cause of death is pending final autopsy results and the findings from I&I’s ongoing investigation.
Two two corrections officers were immediately placed on mandatory leave while I&I’s law enforcement agents investigate the case. While details regarding these cases are limited at this time, additional information will be made available at the conclusion of the investigations, according to the Alabama Department of Corrections.
“My department is taking swift and substantive action to create safer working and living conditions, better ensure policy adherence, and deter unacceptable behavior by both inmates and ADOC staff,” said ADOC Commissioner Dunn.
“To address use of force concerns, we are implementing an action plan and dispatching ADOC’s Training and Professional Development Division instructors to teach an on-the-job procedure refreshment course within our prisons to our correctional officers,” said Matthew Brand, ADOC Associate Commissioner of Administrative Services. “This action plan also integrates and expands ADOC’s Training, Professional Development, and Leadership Academy.”
“As with any case, we fully are committed to thoroughly and impartially investigating all the facts and allegations surrounding any inmate’s death,” said Arnaldo Mercado, ADOC I&I Director. “Upon completion of these investigations, the I&I Division will refer these matters to the appropriate district attorney’s office for review and consideration. We hold each member of our staff to the highest standards of law enforcement. Any ADOC employee who commits a violation will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”
NAS Pensacola Shooting Victim Thanks Community In Video Post
December 9, 2019
NAS Pensacola shooting victim Ryan Blackwell has posted a video expressing his thanks for community support. He is a active duty Navy, wrestling coach for the Gulf Breeze wrestling club and assistant wrestling coach at Gulf Breeze High School.
The video is below.
Blackwell was one of eight injured in the shooting last Friday morning. Five of the injured have been released from the hospital.
Five NAS Victims, Including Two Deputies, Released From Hospital; Base Open For DoD ID Holders
December 9, 2019
Five of the eight people injured in the shooting Friday at NAS Pensacola have been released from the hospital, including two Escambia County deputies.
The three victims remaining in the hospital were in stable condition Monday afternoon, according to the Navy.
Three others were killed in the incident, while the gunman was shot and killed by the two Escambia County deputies that were injured. The names of the deputies have not been released.
Naval Air Station Pensacola is currently open for current DoD ID card holders only. The museum and lighthouse will be open, but only for current DoD ID card holders.
Assistance is available at the Fleet and Family Service Center (FFSC). FFSC will have counselors there to support witnesses, friends, family and base residents. They can be contacted at (850) 452-5990.
Suspect On The Run After Atmore Convenience Store Robbed At Gunpoint
December 9, 2019
Atmore Police are investigating a weekend convenience store armed robbery.
About 2:07 Saturday morning, the Circle K at 901 West Nashville Avenue was robbed at gunpoint. The clerk told Atmore Police that a male dressed in all black clothing entered the store and asked about the price of cigarettes. He then pulled a firearm and demanded cash, Atmore Police Chief Chuck Brooks said Monday.
The suspect fled the store on foot with an undisclosed amount of money.
The Atmore Police Department quickly established a perimeter around the store, but a manhunt for the suspect turned up empty.
The investigation is continuing. Anyone with information on the armed robbery is asked to call Atmore Police at (251) 368-9141.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Sheriff Morgan, Feds Meet To Discuss NAS Shooting Investigation, Any Credible Threats Against Escambia County
December 9, 2019
Federal agencies sat down with Escambia County Sheriff David Morgan in his office Monday to brief him on their investigation into the NAS Pensacola shooting and any current threat against Escambia County.
Morgan called the meeting productive, and said he received much of the information he has requested.
“I think we have ensured the partnership going forward,” Morgan told NorthEscambia.com. “I am encouraged by the meeting that we can move forward here and make sure that we do what we need to do.”
FBI Jacksonville Special Agent in Charge Rachel Rojas, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Florida Larry Keefe, and FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Todd Bobe met with Morgan and his leadership team to provide updates about the ongoing investigation.
The FBI has released multiple statements since the shootings Friday morning that there is no credible threat “at this time” against the local community.
“The information that the FBI is dealing with to date is the basis of them making that statement,” Morgan said. “But we are also aware it is a fluid situation. The purpose of the meeting was to ensure if and when there was any change to that belief on their part that notifications would be instantaneous.”
“Friday morning at 6:50, there was no credible threat,” the sheriff told NorthEscambia.com. “At 6:51, the call went out for us to respond for shots fired, and three sailors are dead. So the difficulty I had was now three days late since the first briefing there is no credible threat. Well there wasn’t any credible threat Friday morning either.”
Morgan said at this time he agrees with a statement by Keefe that he would be comfortable for any member of his family to be out in public.
FBI ASAC Bobe was deployed to Pensacola on Saturday and has since been serving as the FBI liaison to Morgan, ECSO Chief Deputy Chip Simmons and his leadership team, and the Navy, according to a statement from the FBI.
The FBI said there are no press conferences scheduled for Monday to update the public on the investigation, unless there are significant developments.
Pictured top: (L-R) U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Florida Larry Keefe, FBI Jacksonville Special Agent in Charge Rachel Rojas, FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Todd Bobe, ECSO Major Andrew Hobbs and Sheriff David Morgan. ECSO Chief Deputy Chip Simmons was also present; he was blocked from camera view by Morgan. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
City Of Pensacola Under Cyber Attack
December 9, 2019
The City of Pensacola is under cyber attack and has been for more than two days.
“The FBI has not identified a connection between the cyber incident reported by the City of Pensacola and the NAS Pensacola shooting. Our preliminary investigation continues,” the FBI said in a statement Monday night.
Almost all computer systems and communications are down, including phones and email. Billing systems for Pensacola Energy and the sanitation department are also unavailable.
The city does not yet have an estimate on when services will be fully restored,” according to a statement released at 6:15 p.m. Monday.
“We are at this point going in two different directions,” Mayor Grover Robinson said in a morning press conference. “We’re working it from a legal standpoint, trying to work it forensically that way, trying to figure out who this was. And two, where do we go from here in putting our system back together.”
Emergency dispatch and 911 are not impacted, and the Pensacola International Airport is operating normally.
The mayor said he was unable to comment if there has been a ransom demand, and it’s not known if the cyber attack is in anyway related to the shooting and events at NAS Pensacola.
The notified the FBI, Department of Homeland Security and Florida Department of Law Enforcement about the incident as a precaution.”The City of Pensacola has notified the FBI of a potential cyber related incident. We are providing resources to assist,” the FBI said in a released statement.
The attack began in the early morning hour Saturday.
Remains Of NAS Pensacola Shooting Victims Arrive At Dover Air Force Base
December 9, 2019
The remains of the three sailors killed Friday were moved to Dover Air Force Base.
Their remains were transferred from Naval Hospital Pensacola to NAS Pensacola and then flown to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware where dignified transfer ceremonies took place for each.
The victims are:
-Ensign Joshua Kaleb Watson, Student, Naval Aviation Schools Command, 23, from Enterprise, Alabama
-Airman Mohammed Sameh Haitham, Student, Naval Aviation Schools Command, 19, from St. Petersburg, Florida
-Airmen Apprentice Cameron Scott Walters, Student, Naval Aviation Schools Command, 21, from Richmond Hill, Georgia
Pictured: Dignified transfer ceremonies for the victims of the NAS Pensacola shootings were held Sunday night at Dover Air Force Base. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Unity In Tragedy: Statement From Commander Of Navy Region Southeast
December 9, 2019
by Rear Adm. Gary Mayes
I just came from the funeral procession, and the remains of our three fallen Shipmates are currently on their way to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware.
Friday’s senseless act of violence took these young men from us, physically wounded eight others, and scarred the hearts of countless more.
On behalf of the entire Navy, I extend my deepest sympathies to the families of the Sailors whose lives were taken during this heinous act.
In painful times like these, we also see the true strength and character of our interagency partnerships. Naval Security Forces responded to the scene immediately; within minutes the Escambia County first responders arrived, and they worked together seamlessly in this crisis, just as they trained. This team hones skills they hoped they would never have to use, but when called upon they responded with such expertise and determination that they most certainly saved the lives of many others. The “whole of community” response continues, and the Navy will continue to work closely with local, county, state and federal law enforcement in support of the FBI’s investigation into this tragic incident.
For the Navy, our primary focus remains on taking care of the families and friends of the victims, as well as ensuring the Service members, civilians, and the families of NAS Pensacola receive the support that they need. The Navy chaplains are available for pastoral care, an Emergency Family Assistance Center has been established at the Fleet and Family Service Center, and additional counselors are available to help the team already here in Pensacola.
I urge anyone who feels they need a little extra support to reach out and get the help they need to process this event and rebuild and strengthen your personal resiliency. Asking for help is a sign of strength, and we are strongest as a team.
The installation is currently open only to mission essential personnel, and as it shifts back to routine access tomorrow morning, know that the security forces are doing what needs to be done to make NAS Pensacola and bases and installations around the world as safe as possible. We will continue to work with our partners in law enforcement to investigate, review and guard against future vulnerabilities and to safeguard the security of our service members and their families. Their safety is paramount.
The citizens of Pensacola have been incredibly generous with their thoughts and prayers, which are foundational and continue to make a huge difference during the process of healing and recovery. On behalf of Navy leadership, I would again like to thank the hard work and dedication of everyone here and the entire community.