Assault Incident Involving 11 Inmates Reported At Holman Prison; Two Stabbed
April 30, 2019
Tuesday morning, the Alabama Department of Corrections made public an assault incident involving 11 inmates last Friday at the Holman Correctional Facility in Atmore.
The inmate on inmate assault occurred about 10 p.m. April 26.
Two of the three inmates were taken to a local hospital and treated for stab wounds that were reported as not life-threatening. The inmates were later released back to ADOC’s custody. A third inmate was treated at the facility’s infirmary for minor injuries.
Following the incident and as a precautionary measure, ADOC deployed a correctional emergency response team to augment the staff during each of the facility’s daily shifts. Prison officials reported that the incident was isolated to one housing area and that no other inmates were involved. Eight inmates who were identified as suspects in the assault were moved to different facilities for security reasons. ADOC is not releasing the names of the inmates at this time. The circumstances that led to the incident remain under investigation.
On April 18, Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) conducted a joint law enforcement operation at the prison that targeted illegal contraband. The operation led to the seizure of illegal drugs, weapons, cellphones and various types of electronic devices. The operation recovered 356 makeshift weapons, 91 grams of meth, 98 grams of marijuana, some cocaine, more than 400 assorted pills, and 16 cell phones.
Holman, a maximum security prison with 827 inmates of which 148 are on death row, is required to have 166 correctional officers with 53 on staff.
ADOC is pursuing new options to increase correctional officer staffing through ongoing collaboration with the Alabama Personnel Department, and has also been working to pass legislation surrounding compensation, which would be extremely beneficial for hiring and retaining correctional staff. The legislation would allow for a 5 percent pay raise along with incentive bonuses for career milestones for security staff.
ADOC’s strategic plan, to be released early May, will highlight several additional initiatives intended to reverse long-established trends negatively affecting the prison system.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
One-On-One With Janice Gilley, Escambia County’s Next Administrator
April 30, 2019
Monday, the Escambia County Commission chose Janice Gilley of Molino as the next county administrator.
After contract negotiations are complete, her employment will be ratified by the commission, making her the first female administrator for the county.
“I am absolutely thrilled to have this opportunity. I wanted to purse this because our community has so much potential,” she told NorthEscambia.com shortly after the commission made their choice. “I knew I needed to get involved to make it reality. We need a stronger, more quality Escambia County.”
“I am extremely excited to work with Janice Gilley as our next county administrator,” District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry, who added Gilley to the finalist list two weeks ago. “She has so many of the qualities that Escambia County citizens deserve in their county administrator; integrity, aptitude, savvy, and a true heart for public service. I know she is going to do a fantastic job, and I can’t wait to for her to get started.”
Gilley’s 100 Day Plan, “Strive to Thrive in 2025″
Gilley has drafted a potential 100-day plan of “things I wish to accomplish and hold me accountable,’ she said. “There are four buckets of things — people, policies, processes and plans — a 100-day listening, learning and learning strategy.”
She plans to review the past county budgets, understand collective bargaining agreements and analyze the county’s organizational chart.
“There are 40 departments; that’s a lot of departments I want to look and see if the functions match, maybe organize them into divisions,” she said. “I also want to look at the how the procurement process works, making improvements to the process to make things move along. It should not take six months, plus three months on the street (to receive bids) to procure. At that point, almost a year has gone by without executing a plan.”
She is also concerned that less than 3-percent of county vendors are minorities. “I just don’t think that is acceptable,” she told NorthEscambia.com.
It’s all part of the strategic plan Gilley is calling “Strive to Thrive in 2025″.
“Recruitment and staff development are big issues, as are employee engagement programs,” she said. “Employees should know their role in government. Some feel like they have special privileges because of who and what they know, and that’s just not acceptable today.”
Escambia County EMS and Fire
As for the problems and the state investigation into Escambia County EMS, Gilley said she’s not able to offer much comment at this point. That’s because she only knows the little information that has been made public. More details have not yet been released outside current county administration due to the ongoing investigation.
“What I do know now is this…I do like transparency and accountability in government. The community should be involved in such a way that people don’t get surprised when something like this becomes public. I want to make sure everyone is aware of what is going on.”
On another public safety topic, Gilley said she is supportive of continuing with a mix of career and volunteer firefighters if the system continues to work.
“As long as our volunteers are able to take the time and respond, I am 100 percent supportive of a volunteer service. We have to look at some metrics and numbers, and what is the level of service we will guarantee.”
Gilley’s Background
Gilley currently serves as the associate vice president of external affairs for the president at the University of West Florida. She oversees the management of special projects and governmental relations and serves as the liaison to the university’s board of trustees.
In addition to her professional experience at the University of West Florida, Gilley has served in the governor’s office, was a member of the Florida Legislature and is currently a member of the Santa Rosa Island Authority. She previously served as an Escambia County commissioner from May 2002 to November 2004, Escambia County School Board member in 1999 as well as a member and vice chair for the Three Rivers Conservation and Development Council from 1993 to 2007. Her volunteer services include working with the Pensacola Opera Board, American Cancer Society, Leukemia Society, Children’s Home Society and Trinitas Christian School.
Gilley earned her master’s degree in public administration from the University of Florida and a bachelor’s degree in journalism, public relations and communications from the University of Southern Mississippi.
A Mom Remembers A Daughter Lost As Search Continues For Molino Woman’s Killer
April 30, 2019
“Yours was a heart full of joy and love for the Lord, your children, family and friends; your lilting voice, melodious and sweet with song, wafts thru our hearts and minds.”
That is the opening line of a poem written Sue Brown as she remembers her daughter Anna Louis Brown. Tuesday, April 30, marked two years since Anna was found shot and killed on Gibson Road off Crabtree Church Road in Molino. Her family is hoping for closure from the arrest of a suspect.
Brown, 38, was pronounced deceased at the scene; her body was discovered face down by the roadway.
Investigators believe the murder was not a random act of violence, and they believe Brown knew the person that killed her. No suspect has been named by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
“Anna was a caring and compassionate person, helping others and ministering to them with God’s love and grace. She never met a stranger, often smiling and greeting many with whom she came into contact,” Sue Brown said in statement on the first anniversary of her daughter’s death.
When Anna joined a class at Hamilton Baptist Church in Robertsdale, Anna was asked to write down something about her life.
“I am …doing life as a working, blessed Mom of two amazing children,” Anna wrote. “I love being a mom! There are moments and days and situations that are tough and rough and painful and challenging and hard; but the joy of loving and having the privilege to nurture and teach my kids is a gift. I know they are each God’s first, and that helps me worry less when they are away,” Anna wrote. “I work as a Physical Therapist Assistant …I love doing therapy!”
She continued, “I have a great family. I have wonderful parents and I have a growing relationship with my Creator, my Lord, my salvation, my strength, provider, comforter and friend. With my natural family and my church family, I am never alone or separated. I receive love and support and physical, tangible help when it’s needed. That support and encouragement makes single parenting not so single! Yay!”
Anyone with information on the murder is asked to contact the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620 or call Gulf Coast Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP
The complete poem penned by Sue Brown for the second anniversary of her daughter is below.
Images for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Father Of Man Killed In Easter Wreck Has Died
April 30, 2019
A man involved in a traffic crash on Easter Sunday has died from his injuries.
Randy Riley, 49, passed away at Baptist Hospital on Monday. His son, 22-year-old Nelson Riley, was killed in the collision that happened at Fairfield Drive and W Street.
The Florida Highway Patrol said 47-year old Marie Ann Simpkins (pictured) failed to stop her Hyundai Sonata at a red traffic signal at Fairfield Drive and W Street about 4:30 p.m. and collided with a Ford Mustang driven by Randy Riley.
Simpkins’ vehicle also hit a Nissan Murano drive by Gladys Taylor, who suffered minor injuries.
Two passengers in Simpkins’ car, 19-year old Jobe Simpkins and a 4-year old, were also transported to the hospital.
Simpkins was charged with vehicular manslaughter, DUI manslaughter, DUI with serious bodily injury and reckless driving. She was booked into the Escambia Jail after the crash and remains behind bars with bond set at $701,000.
Jay Man Involved In Fatal Crash Involving A Pedestrian
April 30, 2019
A Jay man was involved in a fatal crash involving a pedestrian Sunday night, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
The FHP said Monday that 20-year old Tristan Hughes was traveling east on Highway 90 when his 1994 Ford F150 struck a pedestrian that was walking in his lane of travel.
The pedestrian, 22-year old Alex Elks of Milton, was pronounced decreased following the 10:52 p.m. crash.
No charges were filed.
Northview Beats PHS; Tate JV Tops Pace
April 30, 2019
Northview 12, Pensacola High 1
The Northview Chiefs beat Pensacola High School 12-1 Monday night at PHS.
The Chiefs tied things up in the top of the second when Bricen Love grounded out to score on run. The Chiefs pulled away in a three-run third inning. Jackson Moore was hit by a pitch, driving in a run, and Northview scored a couple of runs when Adam Aliff singled on a 1-1 count.
Northview added five runs in the sixth inning. Nick Venable, Seth Killam and Bryce Korinchak each drove in runs.
Venable started on the mound for Northview, lasting four innings, allowing on run on six hits and striking out seven. Bryant pitched three innings with two hits, no runs and striking out three.
Aliff went 4-4 for Northview with two RBIs to lead the Chiefs at the plate.
Tate 2, Pace 1 (JV)
The junior varsity Tate Aggies beat Pace 2-1 Monday afternoon. Three freshmen pitchers held the Patriots to one run. Josh Turner hit a game-tying home run in the bottom of the seventh before Grant Gill hit the walk off single to score Zak LiCastro.
File photo.
Stronger Florida Texting And Driving Ban Heads To The Governor
April 30, 2019
Florida legislators on Monday gave final approval to a measure strengthening the current law prohibiting texting and driving.
The bill changes current enforcement of the ban from a secondary offense to a primary offense – enabling law enforcement officers to stop a vehicle solely for texting while driving. Drivers will also be prohibited from using their handheld device while driving in active construction and school zones.
The bill now heads to heads to Gov. Ron DeSantis, and with his signature it will go into effect July 1. When signed into law, Florida will become the 45th state to enact a primary enforcement text messaging ban for all drivers.
“By strengthening the ban on texting while driving, Florida legislators are sending a strong message about this dangerous form of driver distraction,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “AAA has long advocated for comprehensive distracted driving legislation and this is a major step forward in improving the safety on Florida roads. Although this law may encourage a shift of habit to in-vehicle systems, drivers should know that voice-to-text technology can also be distracting. AAA urges drivers to focus on road and avoid any form of texting while behind the wheel.”
The legislation does not change the existing penalties associated with texting and driving. The first violation of the ban is a non-moving violation, carrying a $30 base fine plus court costs and fees. A second or subsequent violation committed within five years is a moving violation, carrying a $60 base fine plus court costs and fees.
Wahoos Fall 3-1 In Series Finale In Jackson
April 30, 2019
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos fell 3-1 in their series finale against the Jackson Generals on Monday afternoon, finishing off what has otherwise been an overwhelmingly successful month for the team. The Blue Wahoos will head back to Pensacola sporting their best April record in club history (17-8), having won all five series in April for the first time in franchise history.
The Blue Wahoos continued their habit of scoring early in games, going up 1-0 in the top of the first on a solo home run by Travis Blankenhorn, his first in Double-A after a promotion from A+ Fort Myers. With the home run, the Blue Wahoos have now scored first in 20 of 25 games this season and scored in the first or second inning for the 14th time.
The Generals answered with a solo home run of their own in the home half of the first inning from Jeffey Baez off of Wahoos starter Griffin Jax, who had entered the game with the best ERA in the Southern League (0.41). Following the solo shot, Jax settled in and provided 5.1 strong innings, allowing no additional runs on just three additional hits.
Generals starter Matt Peacock matched Jax zero-for-zero after the first inning, allowing just two hits over 4.0 innings. He combined with a quartet of relievers to keep the Wahoos from scoring further in the game, as just two Pensacola base runners reached scoring position in the contest.
The score stayed locked at 1-1 until the seventh inning. Ben DeLuzio worked a one out walk against Wahoos reliever Jovani Moran. After a strike out of Galli Cribbs Jr., Andy Young pulled a two-run shot to left field to put the Generals up 3-1.
Kevin Ginkel (1-1) earned his first win of the season for the Generals, throwing 1.2 innings of scoreless relief and striking out a pair. Former Twins farmhand Michael Kohn picked up his league-leading sixth save by striking out the side in the ninth inning.
Offensively, the Wahoos had just four hits in the game, the eighth time this season they’ve had four or less hits in the game.
After an off-day on Tuesday, the Blue Wahoos will welcome the Biloxi Shuckers (12-13) to Pensacola for a five-game set to open the month of May., continuing the ongoing Seafood Buffet Rivalry Series between Pensacola, Biloxi, and Jacksonville. The Wahoos currently have a 7-3 record in the series. Sean Poppen (2-0, 0.75 ERA) is scheduled to start the opener for the Wahoos.
Escambia Names Janice Gilley Of Molino As Next County Administrator
April 29, 2019
The Escambia County Commission has chosen Janice Gilley of Molino as the next county administrator.
The choice came after a day of interviews.
Gilley has held the position of vice president of External Affairs at the University of West Florida for 10 years. She served one year as the national policy director for the Foundation for Excellence in Education, one year as deputy chief of staff for the Florida House of Representatives and served as policy director and deputy policy director for year in the Executive Office of the Governor in Florida. She served as an Escambia County commissioner from 2002-2004.
The county will work to negotiate a contract with Gilley. In the event an agreement is not reachws, the county will negotiate with Patrick Thompson of Woodbury, MN, the commission’s second choice.
Pictured: Janice Gilley of Molino addresses the Escambia County Commission Monday afternoon. Image for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
John Dosh Named Interim Escambia Public Safety Director
April 29, 2019
Escambia County Emergency Manager John Dosh has been named interim public safety director amid a state investigation into Escambia County EMS.
Dosh replaces Assistant County Administrator Matt Coughlin who was acting interim public safety director. Coughlin submitted his resignation April 22, citing “tribalism”, a failed mission and a downward progression in Escambia County.
Coughlin was appointed to the interim public safety post by Interim County Administrator Amy Lovoy, who has also submitted her resignation.
Longtime public safety director Mike Weaver resigned in early April, one day after a firefighter union called for an investigation of the EMS department. Rusty Nail, the county fire chief who also served as deputy public safety director, resigned in early April.