Police ID Atmore Graduation Party Murder Victim
May 21, 2019
Police have released the name of the young man shot and killed at a graduation party early Saturday morning in Atmore.
Chirshawn Jermaine Westry, 19, was pronounced deceased at the scene of the shooting, according to Atmore Police Chief Chuck Brooks. Eight other people were injured.
As of Tuesday afternoon, Atmore Police have not made any arrests and are continuing to investigate.
Brooks said Atmore Police officers could hear gunfire around the property when they arrived at a party attended by hundreds of people at a community center in the former Escambia County Middle School on Martin Luther King Drive about 2 a.m. Saturday. Westry was found deceased in the cafeteria of the building, where the party was being held.
Witnesses told police that a fight broke out between two females. As partygoers attempted to separate the females, numerous gunshots were fired, hitting several individuals, the police chief stated. Additional gunshots were fired, striking more victims, in the parking lot.
NorthEscambia.com file photos.
Century Rejects $240K Offer For Vacant Industrial Property
May 21, 2019
A $240,100 deal is dead that would have seen the first tenant in over a decade in the former Helicopter Technology building in Century.
West Florida Gin Manager Robert Earl Godwin and businessman Larry Baxley, who are in the process of setting up North Escambia Warehouse and Storage, LLC, made a preliminary lease-to-own offer on the town-owned building at $4,000 per month for five years, for a total of $240,000. The company would make an $8,000 deposit, pay the first month’s rent in advance, and pay for any upgrades to the building.
At the end of the lease term, they would be able to buy the building for $100, a proposed lease agreement prepared by the town’s attorney stated.
A motion by council member Boutwell Monday night to proceed with negotiations and work on an agreement failed on a 3-2 vote with council members James Smith, Sandra McMurray-Jackson and Luis Gomez voting against.
“It doesn’t look like there is a next step,” Council President Ann Brooks said.
The West Florida Gin planned to use about half of the warehouse space for cotton storage because the longtime Walnut Hill business has outgrown its storage space. Baxley said there is a “tenant we have in mind at the moment” for the remainder of the space, a move that would have required additional council approval for a sub-lease.
The cotton storage would likely not create any jobs, which was one major concern for some council members.
“I don’t see the benefit for us,” Smith said. “Where’s the employment?”
In 2017, the building was appraised for $550,000 with a fair market rent of $80,000 per year ($6,667 per month).
Smith and Gomez expressed concerns that if the council were to lease the building below market value, the town would not have any available industrial space if another company wanted to located in Century with new jobs.
“Someday it could produce jobs, even it’s 10-15 jobs for Century,” Gomez said.
“Let’s talk about y’all’s track record and my track record,” Baxley said after pointing out that no company had seriously considered the building in the past decade but he had developed several similar properties. “For 46 years now, I’ve been making payroll.”
The former Helicopter Technology building is a 40,000 square foot office/warehouse building with full climate control, sprinkler system, new HVAC and energy efficient lighting. The town re-acquired the industrial building at public auction for less than $1 out of pocket back in August 2009, following the town’s foreclosure judgment against the now defunct Helicopter Technology.
Businessman Larry Baxley (pictured top photo on left) listens to the Century Town Council shoot down his lease-to-own offer for the former Helicopter Technology industrial building (pictured below). NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Escambia Fire Rescue Presents Annual Awards
May 21, 2019
The night of November 2, 2018, Escambia Fire Rescue responded to a house fire in the 2500 block Portobella Place, just south of East Kingsfield Road. The crew from the Cantonment Station of Escambia Rescue was first on scene, and other responding fire engines were significantly delayed due to an extended medical call.
Lt. Bryan Caro instructed firefighter Matthew Callahan to pull a hose to the back of the home, where most of the fire was located. Caro and firefighter Eric Irigoyen entered the home for an aggressive search. A female resident was located by Caro and carried out the front door where he was met and assisted by Battalion Chief Dan Brask. CPR was started, and woman was transported to an area hospital.
During Escambia Fire Rescue’s annual Medal Day, Caro was awarded the Medal of Gallantry, while Brash received the Distinguished Service Medal. A Company Citation and ribbon were presented to firefighters Callahan, Eric Irigoyen, Will Smith, Justin Amberg and Justin Bratt; and Lt. Scott Averill.
Company Citations were presented to members of the Century Station of Cantonment Fire Rescue for a November 23, 2018, medical call for a 45-year old man in cardiac arrest. The man, who is a welder and had been working on a project, was on the ground when first responders arrived. A bystander had started CPR. Firefighters, Escambia EMS and an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputy arrived on scene within minutes to being advanced life support. Before LifeFlight arrived for transport, the man had signs of a pulse and was trying to breathe on his own. He made a full recovery.
Acting Lt. Dale Dirks, firefighter Gavin Nigh, Lt. Keith Chapman, District Chief David Adams and Assistant District Chief Chris Barrow received the company citation.
Numerous Escambia Fire Rescue firefighters received awards during the program for other lifesaving and property-saving events over the past year. In addition to those named above, the follow awards were also presented:
Medal of Gallantry: FF Steve Clark, FF Dale Coulter, FF Kenny Fehl
Distinguished Service Medal: Lt. Greg Campanella, FF Philip Hoffman, FF Jonathan Page, Lt. Jim Beagle, Lt. Andrew Rasnick, FF Bruce Durden. FF Michael Hernandez, Lt. Daniel Mills, FF Kenny Fehl, FF Cody Brown
Medal of Courage: FF Steve Clark
Company Citations: Lt. Lyndon Halteman, FF Justin King, FF Jonathan Page, FF/Paramedic Chase Webb, Lt. Timothy M. Scallan, FF Jeffery Fangman, Lt. Michael Madrey, FF Jason Crabbe, FF Jeff Rohrer, Deputy Chief Paul Williams, Battalion Chief Adam Harrison
Letter of Appreciation: FF Philip Hoffman, Ashley Durden
Annual Awards: Reed Moss was named Volunteer Firefighter of the Year, Capt. Sam Skinner was named Volunteer Fire Office of the Year, Kenney Fehl was named Fire Fighter of the Year, and Lt. Josh Hunter was named Fire Office of the Year.
For photos of many of the award winners, click here.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Man Charged After Alleged Disturbance Involving His Grandfather, Uncle
May 21, 2019
An Escambia County man is facing charges after an alleged disturbance with his grandfather and uncle.
Justin Scott Martin, 25, was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and battery.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to a disturbance on Vineyard Lane, just north of 10 Mile Road, after receiving reports of disturbance involving a man throwing knives.
Martin allegedly became involved in altercations with his live-in uncle and live-in grandfather. At one point he went outside and “started hollering and cussings around the neighborhood” before running across the street and banging on a neighbor’s door, according to an ECSO arrest report.
Martin allegedly began “hollering and cussing” at his grandfather while holding a knife in his hand, the report states, and he grabbed him with both hands around his neck without impeding his breathing, the report states. The grandfather suffered minor injuries after being cut by his eyeglasses during the incident. He refused medical treatment.
Sheriff’s deputies reported the recovery of two knives from a driveway.
Martin remained in the Escambia County Jail Tuesday morning with bond set at $7,500.
Bratt Elementary Celebrates Reading With Superhero Party
May 21, 2019
Monday, Bratt Elementary School held a superhero themed Accelerated Reader party for students that met their reading goals for the year.
For a photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Escambia Seeks Appointee Housing Finance Authority
May 21, 2019
The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners is seeking Escambia County residents interested in volunteering to be considered for an appointment to the Escambia County Housing Finance Authority. Appointees serve without compensation. Escambia residents interested in serving on the Escambia County Housing Finance Authority are asked to submit a resume and letter indicating their desire to serve by 5 p.m. Monday, June 17. Resumes should be submitted to Shamara Jernigan, Program Coordinator, Board of County Commissioners, P.O. Box 1591, Pensacola, FL 32502 or BoardApply@myescambia.com.
Resumes submitted to a BCC agenda for consideration will become part of the official meeting minutes and are subject to public records requests.
The Escambia County Housing Finance Authority was established in accordance with Florida law. The authority’s duties are to assist in eliminating shortages of adequate housing, stop reoccurrence of slum conditions and stimulate employment and commerce. Knowledge in the area of labor, finance or commerce required. Authority members serve a four-year term of office. Financial disclosure is required.
Requirements:
- The authority’s regular meetings are held the second Tuesday of every month and typically last between one to two hours (i.e. 24 hours annually). Board members are also required to attend special meetings that are occasionally called on an “as needed” basis in connection with proposed multi- and single-family financings.
- Board members must review various documents (official statements, trust statements, loan agreements, etc.) prior to each monthly meeting. Preparation time generally ranges from one hour for a normal meeting, to four to six hours if there is a substantial item on the agenda.
- Board members are also required to be available for any bond issue closings that occur during the year and to also make time during the month to consult with the executive director (and/or be available to sign documents, checks, etc.) as needed in connection with routine authority business.
- Board members are also strongly encouraged to participate in various educational workshops and conferences sponsored by the National and Florida Associations of Local Housing Finance Authorities (approximately two a year) in an effort to stay abreast of emerging trends and changes to all the various laws and regulations in the housing finance and municipal finance industries (such as their due diligence responsibilities before approving a bond issue, SEC/MSRB regulations, disclosure responsibilities, etc.) that impact the authority’s mission of providing safe, decent and affordable housing.
Man Found Shot To Death In Escambia County
May 20, 2019
A man was found shot to death in Escambia County early Monday morning.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to a shots fired call about 3:33 a.m. in the 7500 block of Cobb Lane.
When they arrived at the scene, they found 29-year old McQuell Jeremiah Spellman deceased from a gunshot wound inside the home.
Further details have not been released. Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to call the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620 or Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
Toddler Nearly Drowns In Cantonment Pool
May 20, 2019
A toddler nearly drowned in a Cantonment pool Sunday afternoon, according to an Escambia County spokesperson.
Escambia Fire Rescue and Escambia County EMS responded to a near drowning in the 2000 block of Sandicrest Drive. A toddler was found in a pool about 1:30 p.m. He was transported by ambulance to Sacred Heart Hospital.
His condition and further details have not been released.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
County Renews Contract For Lake Stone Caretaker
May 20, 2019
The Escambia County Commission is extending their caretaker agreement for the Lake Stone Campground near Century.
Dennis Keith Cole will continue to manage the facility for another year, until May 31, 2020. He will be paid $11,400 in 12 equal monthly installments of $950 with housing and utilities provided. Cole was first named Lake Stone caretaker in June 2013.
Lake Stone Campground is a 100-acre campground and boat ramp facility located at 801 West Highway 4. The campground has 77 campsites for everything from big RV rigs to tents. Lake Stone is the Escambia County’s only facility located on a freshwater lake. The facilities include a boat ramp , indoor public use pavilion, a playground, showers, restrooms, a fishing pier, security lights, electrical and water hookups, a sewage dump station, picnic areas and the lake.
The Lake Stone pavilion or campsites can be reserved by calling the Lake Stone campground manager at (850) 256-5555 or Escambia County Parks and Recreation at (850) 475-5220.
Since the inception of the Lake Stone Campground, the County has entered into an agreement for on-site caretaker/management services at the facility.
NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Gas Prices Trend Downward Another Week
May 20, 2019
Florida gas prices are declining as 2.3 million Floridians prepare for a Memorial Day weekend getaway, according to AAA.
“If gas prices continue following their current downward trend, drivers could find holiday gas prices that are 30 cents less than last year,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “A 30-cent discount would mean Memorial Day drivers will spend $4.50 less on a full tank compared to last year. However, there’s still a chance that gas prices reverse course. In addition to an anticipated surge in demand, oil and wholesale gasoline prices inched higher last week, which could directly result in a 3-5 cent increase at the pump.”
Florida gas prices are averaging $2.64 per gallon – the lowest daily average price since March. The state average is 7 cents less than a week ago, 11 cents less than last month, and nearly 20 cents less than this time last year. Several stations were below $2.50 in Escambia County.
The average price per gallon Sunday night in Escambia County was $2.61, down from from $2.65 a week ago and $2.69 one month ago.
Pictured: Gas was $2.49 a gallon this weekend in Cantonment. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.