Escambia Man Facing Up To Life In Prison For Shooting Sleeping Man
January 19, 2019
An Escambia County man is facing up to life in prison for shooting a sleeping man last year.
Barry Locklear III, was convicted by an Escambia County jury of attempted first degree premeditated murder with a Firearm. The jury also found Locklear to be in actual possession of a firearm, that he discharged the firearm and caused great bodily harm.
Locklear faces up to life in prison with a minimum mandatory prison sentence of 25 years. Circuit Judge Jan Shackelford set sentencing for February 21.
On January 27, 2018, Locklear was involved in an argument with the victim regarding Locklear’s girlfriend. Locklear pulled a gun and threatened the victim during the argument.
The victim walked away and went to sleep. Shortly thereafter, the victim woke up to Locklear shooting him. The victim was shot in the face, the chest and the arm. Locklear then fled the scene with the firearm.
He was apprehended on February 4, 2018, in possession of a firearm matching the description given to law enforcement the day of the shooting. He was captured at the corner of Pine Forest and Stratford Road, near the 5 Flags Speedway.
Locklear has several prior convictions including convictions for assault on a female, assault, communicating threats, sell or delivery of a controlled substance, breaking and/or entering, larceny after breaking and/or entering, possessing with intent to sell or deliver marijuana, and possessing drug paraphernalia.
Locklear also has a possession of a firearm by a convicted felon charge that remains pending.
Century Reschedules Council Meeting Due To MLK Holiday
January 19, 2019
The Century Town Council has rescheduled their usual third Monday of the month meeting due to the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday.
Their Monday, January 21 meeting has been moved to Monday, January 28 at 7 p.m.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Basketball: Chipley Sweeps Northview, Washington Beats Pine Forest
January 19, 2019
Friday scores:
BOYS
Chipley 65, Northview 37
GIRLS
Chipley 51, Northview 23
Washington 54, Pine Forest 53
Driver Hits Utility Pole In Cantonment
January 18, 2019
A driver ran off the roadway and snapped a utility pole in Cantonment Friday afternoon.
There were no injuries in the crash about 1:15 p.m. on Muscogee Road near Jacks Branch Road, but Muscogee Road was temporarily closed.
As Gulf Power worked to safely make repairs, about 130 customers lost power in the area of Muscogee and Beulah Roads.
The accident is under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. Escambia County EMS and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office also responded.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Officials Plan Meeting With CSX, Fines Considered Over Roads Blocked By Trains
January 18, 2019
Trains blocking crossings for extended periods of time remains an issue in Escambia County , not only because it is an inconvenience but also a potential life safety issue when emergency vehicles are blocked or delayed.
Local officials have a sit down meeting on the calendar with CSX, a county commissioner has floated the idea of code enforcement fines against the railroad, and one state representative has filed a bill to impose civil fines for blocked crossings.
Florida Sen. Doug Broxson and Escambia County Commissioner Steven Barry will discuss the issue with CSX later this month and work on any possible local solutions.
Trains blocking local roadways is quality of life issue, Barry has said, because people can spend 30 minutes or more each day waiting for a train blocking Highway 29 near Muscogee Road. And Barry said it’s an obviously a public safety issue when first responders are blocked from reaching citizens in need.
One Cantonment neighborhood, east of Highway 95A from Countri Lane to McKenzie Road, has been completely cutoff for hours by a stopped train. There are documented incidents where fire trucks and EMS units were unable to respond to medical emergencies in the neighborhood due to stopped trains.
Barry said it might be possible for citizens to make complaints and Escambia County Code Enforcement issue citations to the railroad each time they block a crossing too long.
Escambia County has had an ordinance on the books since 1994 that allows for a $500 fine and up to 60 days in jail when a train blocks a crossing for more than 15 minutes, except in the case of an emergency or mechanical failure. Penalties allow for fines of up to $500 and up to 60 days in jail for the “owner or person in charge” of the train.
But enforcing that ordinance becomes difficult, according to county attorney Alison Rogers, because federal laws and protections for the railroads supersede local law.
Florida Rep. Wyman Duggan (R-Duval) filed a bill this week that would impose civil penalties on a rail company that blocks a crossing for more than 15 minutes, unless the train is stopped due to a safety-related emergency or a mechanical failure that makes moving the train impossible.
If a crossing is blocked, proposed fines under the House bill are $200 for 15 up to 20 minutes, $300 for 20 up to 30 minutes, $600 for 30 minutes up to an hour, and $1,200 for more than an hour plus an additional $1,000 for each additional 15 minutes beyond one hour. The bill generally allows the fines only for the railroad company, not employees acting on a supervisor’s orders.
The House bill must go through committee, be approved by both the House and Senate before becoming law. If that happens, it would take effective July 1.
NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
FDOT To Replace Hanks Road Bridge In Bratt For $1.58 Million
January 18, 2019
The Florida Department of Transportation has announced the $1.58 million replacement of the Hanks Road Bridge over Breastworks Creek in Bratt.
FDOT will begin work in February. The project will include replacement of the bridge, milling and resurfacing of pavement, new signage and pavement markings , new guardrails and drainage improvements.
Hanks Road will be closed during work, which is expected to be completed by Fall 2019.
Drivers on Hanks Road, west of the bridge, will be detoured to Highway 99 and Highway 4. Drivers east of the bridge will be detoured north on Pine Barren Road.
The current bridge was constructed in 1968.
Florida Lawmakers Could Add $25 Million To Bright Futures
January 18, 2019
Florida lawmakers next week will consider pumping an additional $25.3 million into the Bright Futures scholarship program amid higher-than-expected student participation this year.
The Joint Legislative Budget Commission, which is made up of House and Senate leaders and can make mid-year budget changes, is scheduled to take up the issue Jan. 24, according to an agenda posted online Thursday.
Lawmakers provided nearly $520 million for the Bright Futures program in this budget year.
But the latest estimate from state analysts showed an increase in qualifying students could push the cost to about $545 million. The Department of Education is requesting that lawmakers approve an additional $25.3 million for the program, which is funded through what is known as the Educational Enhancement Trust Fund. That trust fund receives money from the Florida Lottery.
With backing from key lawmakers such as former Senate President Joe Negron, R-Stuart, the Legislature has dramatically increased higher-education financial aid programs in recent years. Lawmakers, for example, expanded top-level Bright Futures awards to cover full tuition and fees, as well as to pay for some textbooks.
by The News Service of Florida
HS Basketball: PHS Gets Past Tate; Jay Sweeps Northview
January 18, 2019
High school basketball scores from Thursday night:
BOYS
Pensacola High 74, Tate 72
– The game was tied 72 all with just 11 seconds to go Thursday night at Tate High School. Love Bettis led the Tate Aggies with 37 points.
Jay 74, Northview 36
GIRLS
Jay 54, Northview 28
– It was the 17th straight win for Jay’s girls team. Carsyn Seib led the Royals with 18, and Kaitlin Gafford led the Chiefs with 11 points.
EREC Offers Assistance To Furloughed Federal Employees
January 18, 2019
Escambia River Electric Cooperative is offering assistance to federal employees directly affected by the government shutdown.
EREC will not disconnect electric service during the furlough for federal workers that make arrangements with the utility.
Federal employees must submit a copy of their furlough letter in person or by email to memberservices@erec.com to qualify for payment arrangements. For more information, contact EREC members services at (850) 675-4521.
FHP Looking For Pickup Truck Involved In Fatal Pedestrian Crash
January 18, 2019
FOR AN UPDATE TO THIS STORY, CLICK HERE.
The Florida Highway Patrol is asking for the public’s help in locating a pickup truck involved in a fatal pedestrian crash Thursday night.
A white Dodge pickup truck was traveling westbound on Fairfield Drive approaching Pace Boulevard as a pedestrian was crossing northbound on Fairfield Drive. Witnesses told troopers that the pickup did not have headlights and was driving in two lanes when the pedestrian was struck.
The pedestrian was pronounced deceased on the scene. His name has not yet been released pending notification of next of kin.
The suspect vehicle is a white in color Dodge pickup, possibly a dually, with white hub caps. It may have a black color front grill protector.
Anyone with any information about this crash or information about a possible vehicle, is asked to contact FHP Corporal E. Diaz at (850) 484-5000.