ECSO: Century Woman Hit Her Daughter In The Face With A Bat
January 15, 2019
A Century woman is facing felony charges after allegedly taking a swing at her daughter with a baseball bat.
Kimberly Renee Harwell, 44, was charged with aggravated battery using a deadly weapon, possession of a controlled substance, and smuggling contraband into a detention facility. She remained in jail with bond set at $20,000.
An Escambia County Sheriff’s Office arrest report states Harwell was apparently dating the father of one of her daughter’s children, leading to an argument between the two. Harwell allegedly hit her adult daughter in the face with a metal bat.
When Harwell was booked into the Escambia County Jail, corrections officers reported finding her in possession a plastic bag containing a substance that test positive for methamphetamine.
Manna Offering Help to Federal Workers And Coast Guard During Shutdown
January 15, 2019
Manna Food Pantry is offering help to federal workers and Coast Guard members affected by the government shutdown.
Those that need help with groceries can contact Manna at (850) 432-2053 for an appointment at their Main Pantry at 3030 North E Street in Pensacola. Manna will be offering additional appointments and distribution days as needed to ensure help is available.
GoFundMe Established For DUI Crash Family; Tate ‘Numbers’ Memorial Honors Banks
January 15, 2019
Balloons with the numbers 40, 53 and 28 were on the fence outside Tate High School on Monday. Those were the jersey numbers worn by 15-year old sophomore Sean Banks in basketball, football and baseball.
Banks and his older sister Antoinette Marie McCoy, 22, were killed early Saturday morning in a suspected DUI crash on East Kingsfield Road.
The number 53 football jersey at Tate has been retired and will never be worn again.
A GoFundMe account for the Banks family has been established, according to the Tate Quarterback Club. The funds will help with funeral expenses and time off work for the parents. To contribute to the GoFundMe account, click here.
RELATED STORIES:
Tate Aggies Football Banquet Honors Student Athlete Killed In Crash; Mom Addresses Attendees
Grief Counselors Available Monday For Students, Staff At Tate High School
Tate High Aggie Family Mourns Loss Of Student Sean Banks
Two Killed In East Kingsfield Crash; Cantonment Man Charged With DUI Manslaughter
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Century Man Charged With Battery, Theft Of Utility Trailer
January 15, 2019
A Century man was arrested after being featured as one of the first members of the “Century Six” most wanted North Escambia area fugitives.
An arrest warrant for battery was issued for 28-year old William Hamilton after he allegedly became involved in an altercation with a female on Hilltop Road in Century on October 3, 2018. He struck the female in the mouth, according to an arrest report.
On December 26, a deputy spotted Hamilton in a vehicle in Century. Hamilton fled the vehicle and ran into wooded area behind his residence on Hilltop Road. A K-9 search was conducted, but he was not located. Deputies did, however, locate a utility trailer on the property that was reported stolen in November, leading to additional charges of grand theft and criminal mischief.
Hamilton was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $1,000 bond.
RELATED STORY:
Century Six: Three Fugitives Behind Bars; Three More Added To Wanted List
DeSantis Poised To Make Marijuana Changes
January 15, 2019
With one of his chief advisers tweeting the hashtag “NoSmokeIsAJoke,” Gov. Ron DeSantis said Monday he will “very soon” announce changes in how the state is carrying out a constitutional amendment that broadly legalized medical marijuana.
DeSantis, a Republican, said many voters believe the state has been “foot dragging” in implementing the amendment, largely bankrolled by Orlando trial lawyer John Morgan and approved by more than 71 percent of voters in 2016.
The new governor and his lieutenants have indicated DeSantis intends to abandon an appeal of a court decision that said a ban on smoking medical marijuana violates the constitutional amendment. Former Gov. Rick Scott’s administration appealed the decision to the 1st District Court of Appeal, which heard arguments in the case Tuesday, the same day DeSantis was sworn into office.
Appearing Monday at a press conference in Miami-Dade County to name Judge Robert J. Luck to the Florida Supreme Court, DeSantis said his medical-marijuana announcement will deal not only with “the litigation” but also with “legislation that I think is needed to implement the people’s will.”
The smoking ban was included in a 2017 law that was aimed at carrying out the constitutional amendment. The law also capped the number of medical-marijuana licenses and the number of dispensaries in the state. Court decisions in other lawsuits also ruled those limitations were in conflict with the amendment.
Echoing remarks he made while campaigning for governor last year, DeSantis, a Harvard Law School graduate who also attended Yale University, indicated the state has not properly implemented the constitutional change.
“I think a lot of voters were frustrated that they don’t think that it has been. They think there’s been a lot of foot-dragging. So my job is, when the people speak, you have to listen. This was not an amendment that was really that close. It was like 72 percent,” he told reporters when asked about the lawsuit involving the smoking ban.
DeSantis said he wants to make sure the amendment is carried out “in a way for the folks that voted for it that they can feel that that’s what they voted for.”
“And I think a lot of ‘em don’t feel that way right now. So we’ll see some changes,” he said.
U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, a Panhandle Republican who was instrumental in the passage of Florida’s initial medical-marijuana laws and has been an outspoken proponent of medical marijuana, is one of DeSantis’ top transition advisers.
“I personally think the fight over smoking is silly. I also know Gov. DeSantis to feel duty-bound to execute the will of the people,” Gaetz said in a text Monday.
Morgan said he was encouraged by the new governor’s comments.
“The governor believes that the will of the people is important and understands that smoke was in the articles of intent. It appears he will end the wasteful spending of taxpayers’ dollars in this lawsuit and let patients receive all forms of mj (marijuana),” Morgan said in an email.
The shifting stance on medical marijuana isn’t isolated to the governor’s office.
Days after taking office, new Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, a Democrat who previously lobbied for medical marijuana operators, created a “director of cannabis” position within her department.
And lawmakers may be prepared to take action.
Senate budget chief Rob Bradley, a Fleming Island Republican who was one of the architects of Florida’s marijuana laws, told The News Service of Florida this month it will be a priority for the state “to have a culture of excellence that focuses on patient access and safety.”
Bradley praised Florida law for requiring research and data collection — which he called “the best in the country” — and for having dispensaries that function as “medical centers rather than head shops.”
But he expressed disappointment that health officials have yet to establish regulations to allow medical-marijuana operators to manufacture and sell edible marijuana products.
“We’re not where we need to be. There needs to be more licenses. What that looks like is an important discussion to have. Whether that happens through the Legislature or through the courts remains to be seen,” he said.
Lawmakers aren’t likely to put up a fight if DeSantis drops the appeal regarding the smoking ban, Bradley said. The prohibition was included in the law based on feedback from medical experts about the dangers of smoking.
Bradley said “it’s starting to have the feel of an issue we sort of need to have behind us and move on. … It was done for good, solid policy reasons but if (DeSantis) decides to move in a different direction on the issue, I certainly respect and understand that.”
Dropping the appeal could come as early as this week, based on a social-media post by Gaetz.
On Saturday, Gaetz said in a tweet he was looking forward to seeing Morgan “next week,” using the hashtags #NoSmokeIsaJoke, popularized by Morgan and others who unsuccessfully pushed Scott to drop the appeal, and #PotDaddy, referring to Morgan.
“Air Morgan is fueled and ready to fly,” Morgan, a longtime fundraiser for Democratic candidates, replied, repeating the same hashtags. “#PotDaddy is looking forward to seeing his favorite Republican, other than my wife!! Let the people speak and be heard.”
Ditching the appeal would be in keeping with the political muscle DeSantis has flexed since taking office last week. Since Tuesday, the Republican governor has appointed two Florida Supreme Court justices, suspended two elected officials — including embattled Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel — and unleashed sweeping plans to address the state’s water woes.
Morgan said Monday he is encouraged by DeSantis’ “commitment to the environment and science.”
“This guy is very smart. Harvard and Yale. While we as citizens can disagree on some issues, we can agree on many more,” he said.
by Dara Kam, The News Service of Florida
Kay Ivey Takes Office As Alabama’s First Elected Female Republican Governor
January 15, 2019
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey was sworn in Monday on the steps of the state capital for her first full term. She is the second female governor and the first elected female Republican governor in the history of the state.
“With your help — and with God’s amazing grace — the next four years will not only mark the beginning of our third century, they’ll be the foundation for our best years to come,” she said.
Ivey was lieutenant governor, when then-Gov. Robert Bentley resigned during an impeachment investigation 21 months ago.
“The people of Alabama will always be our greatest resource, as well as the fabric that holds this state together in the best of times, as well as in the most challenging of times,” Ivey said.
Pictured: The inauguration for Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey Monday in Montgomery. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Accused DUI Manslaughter Suspect Back In Jail Without Bond; State Seeks Upgraded Charges; FHP Report Reveals New Details
January 14, 2019
The man accused of DUI manslaughter in the deaths of a Tate High School student and his sister in a Cantonment wreck is back behind bars without bond, and a report from the Florida Highway Patrol provides more details on the tragic crash.
State Attorney Bill Eddins said on Monday his office filed a motion to have the charges against 24-year old Hunter Russell Black upgraded to two counts of vehicular homicide. Each count can carry up to 15 years in prison.
According to Eddins, his office advised Black should have been held without bond for the manslaughter charges. Eddins said there was a misunderstanding with law enforcement, which led to the $25,000 bond amount.
Eddins said there will be no chance of a bond until Black’s next hearing. His bond was revoked Monday in a 2018 battery case.
The Florida Highway said Black was traveling west on Kingsfield Road near Kingslake Drive about 12:30 Saturday morning when he crossed the centerline into the path of a 2001 Mitsubishi driven by 22-year old Antoinette Marie McCoy of Pensacola. McCoy attempted to avoid the collision but was hit head-on.
McCoy and her brother, 15-year old Tate High School student Sean Banks, died at local hospitals shortly after the crash.
Black was charged with two counts of DUI manslaughter and two counts of reckless driving causing serious bodily injury by the Florida Highway Patrol. He was released from jail about 1 a.m. Sunday on a $25,000 bond.
Newly Released FHP Report
The report details the accounts of two crash witnesses. One reported a driver he was able to identify as Black was driving all over the roadway and was having trouble maintaining his lane in a curve. After the crash, he said he helped Black out of his vehicle (pictured left). The second witness told the FHP he witnessed Black’s vehicle cross the center line as the collision occurred.
A Florida Highway Patrol sergeant that responded to Sacred Heart reported that Black was showing signs of impairment with slurred speech and trouble staying awake, according to an arrest report. A FHP trooper said Black had slurred speech, was unable to provide proper information and had “a white crusty substance on his lips.”
Black voluntarily provided a blood sample. The report does not provide the results of the blood tests. The State Attorney’s Office said Monday afternoon that those results were not yet available.
The FHP said Black had been involved in another crash before the fatal wreck when he ran off East Kingsfield Road and struck a tree near Berrydale Road. He then made a U-turn and traveled back west on Kingsfield Road a short distrance before the fatal crash occurred.
Troopers arrived back at Sacred Heart Hospital to arrest him for two counts DUI manslaughter. They reported Black still had slurred speech. He was arrested at 5:06 a.m.
Previous Battery Case
On October 1, 2018, Black was charged with misdemeanor battery after allegedly striking his stepfather.
The stepfather and his wife met deputies at the RaceWay gas station on Highway 29 at Muscogee Road. The stepfather told deputies that his Black came home and appeared to be high on some type of drugs. He said Black became angry for no reason and began to kick and hit him multiple times, according to Escambia County Escambia Sheriff’s Office report.
The stepfather reported that he curled up into a ball on the living room floor as Black continued to hit him, the arrest report states, as Black’s mother tried to stop her son. The stepfather refused medical treatment. Black’s mother told deputies that she believed her son had substance abuse problem.
Black entered into a pretrial diversion program in the case. On Monday, the State Attorney’s Office filed a motion to revoke Black’s bond on the battery charge.
RELATED STORIES:
Tate Aggies Football Banquet Honors Student Athlete Killed In Crash; Mom Addresses Attendees
Grief Counselors Available Monday For Students, Staff At Tate High School
Tate High Aggie Family Mourns Loss Of Student Sean Banks
Two Killed In East Kingsfield Crash; Cantonment Man Charged With DUI Manslaughter
NortheEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Century Man Facing Multiple Drug Charges, Sexual Offender Violation
January 14, 2019
A broken windshield landed a Century man behind bars on multiple drug charges and a sexual offender violation.
While patrolling Front Street, an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputy reported seeing 50-year old Daryl Lamar Brown pass in a red Ford Focus with a windshield that was cracked in driver’s view. The deputy made contact with brown at Camellia Gardens Apartments. The deputy reported a strong smell of marijuana coming from the vehicle.
A records check indicated that Brown had an outstanding warrant for a sexual offender registration violation and had a suspended driver’s license. Brown was taken into custody.
A search of his vehicle revealed a black nylon bag that contained four plastic bags that contained marijuana and one that contained spice. One of the plastic bags that contained marijuana had the marijuana individually packed into 15 small baggies for sale, and one plastic bag contained nine individual bags of spice ready for sale, according to an arrest report.
Brown was charged with possession of marijuana more than 20 grams with the intent to distribute, possession of a controlled substance (spice) with the intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia, knowingly driving with a suspended license and failing to register as a sex offender.
Brown was convicted of lewd or lascivious exhibition in the presence of an elderly or disabled person in 2014, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement offender registry.
Brown remained in the Escambia County Jail Monday with bond set at $57,000.
Walking Program Every Tuesday Morning At The Molino Library
January 14, 2019
The Molino Branch Library is inviting participants for “Walk This Way at Molino Branch Library” every Tuesday. Groups will walk the track behind the library beginning at 8 a.m.
NorthEcambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
FDOT: Weekly Traffic Alerts; Where To Expect Delays
January 14, 2019
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
- · State Road (S.R.) 727 (Fairfield Drive) Drainage Improvements from south of Usher Circle to north of Hestia Place- The south entrance to Usher Circle from Fairfield Drive is closed to traffic to allow for crews to install pipe across the roadway. Once the work is complete the entrance will reopen to traffic. Those seeking access to Usher Circle may utilize the north entrance off Fairfield Drive.
- · U.S. 98 (Lillian Highway) Resurfacing from the Perdido Bay Bridge to Dog Track Road– Paving operations continue from the Perdido Bay Bridge to Dog Track Road. Lane closures will be in effect from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 13 through Sunday, Jan. 20.
- · U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement –Lane closures will take place from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 13 through Saturday, Saturday, Jan. 19.
- · Interstate 10 Routine Maintenance between Exit 5 (U.S. 90 Alternate) and Exit 17 (U.S. 90/Scenic Highway)- There will be alternating and intermittent east and westbound lane restrictions between U.S. 90A and Scenic Highway from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 13 through Thursday, Jan. 17 as crews repair lighting.
- · U.S. 29 Widening from Interstate 10 (I-10) to U.S. 90 (Nine Mile Road)– The following traffic impacts will occur from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 13 through Saturday, Jan. 19.
- · U.S. 90 (Mobile Highway) and County Road (C.R.) 99 (Beulah Road) Intersection – Paving operations will require intermittent lane closures near the intersection the week of Monday, Jan. 14 There will be no lane closures allowed from 6 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
- · U.S. 29 Shoulder and Driveway Work near West Airport Boulevard– Southbound traffic will encounter lane restrictions from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday, Jan. 14 through Thursday, Jan. 19 near West Airport Boulevard as crews perform shoulder and driveway construction at the new Allen Turner Hyundia.
- · S.R. 10A (E. Cervantes Street) Underground Utility Operations at 9th Avenue and 10th Avenue- The westbound outside lane will be closed from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 15 and Wednesday, Jan. 16 at 9th Avenue and 10th Avenue as crews perform underground utility work.
- · Crary Road Bridge Replacement- Crary Road is closed between Tedder Road and Byrneville Road as crews construct a bridge culvert. Motorists will be detoured via C.R. 4 and Byrneville Road.
- · Bratt Road Bridge Replacement over Canoe Creek- Bratt Road will continue to be closed near Canoe Creek. Drivers on Bratt Road, west of the bridge, will be detoured to Pine Barren Road and C.R. 4. Drivers east of the bridge will be detoured east on Bratt Road.
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- U.S. 98 east and westbound, from North 14th Avenue in Pensacola to 2,000-feet east of the Pensacola Bay Bridge in Gulf Breeze.
- North 17th Avenue in Pensacola, between U.S. 98 and the CSX Railroad overpass (Graffiti Bridge).
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- Nine Mile Road at the U.S. 29 Overpass: Alternating traffic shifts will direct all traffic onto the westbound or eastbound lanes as crews continue construction of the new northbound bridge deck. Nine Mile Road lane restrictions are Sunday through Friday.
- U.S. 29 between I-10 and 9 1/2 Mile Road: Drainage and paving operations continue. Drivers can expect alternating lane closures Monday through Saturday.
Santa Rosa County:
- S.R. 87 Multilane from Eglin AFB boundary to C.R. 184 (Hickory Hammock Road)–Traffic between Hickory Hammock Road and the Eglin AFB boundary will continue to be restricted to loads less than 11-feet wide. The restriction will be in place until the project is completed.
- U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement– Lane closures will take place from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 13 through Saturday, Saturday, Jan. 19.
- U.S. 98 east and westbound, from North 14th Avenue in Pensacola to 2,000-feet east of the Pensacola Bay Bridge in Gulf Breeze.
- North 17th Avenue in Pensacola, between U.S. 98 and the CSX Railroad overpass (Graffiti Bridge).
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather. Drivers are reminded to use caution, especially at night, when traveling through a work zone and to watch for construction workers and equipment entering and exiting the roadway.