Driver Trapped In West Kingsfield Road Crash
March 19, 2018
One person was trapped in their vehicle in a single vehicle crash into a wooded area Monday morning.
Firefighters extricated the driver following wreck just before 7 a.m. on West Kingsfield Road near Tobie Dean Road in Cantonment. The driver’s condition was not available.
The accident is under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol.
Photos by Meagan Lacy and others for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Updated: Three People Found After Being Lost Eight Hours Along The Escambia River
March 19, 2018
Three people were transported to the hospital early Monday morning after being lost along the Escambia River for most of the night.
They were able to call for help about 7:30 p.m. Sunday from somewhere along the river between Fischer Landing in Century and the Bluff Springs Boat Ramp. They entered a small creek and continued away from the main river until the water became too shallow for a kayak, at which point they continued to drag their kayaks further up the shallow creek. That made a rescue by boat impossible, with the operation becoming a foot search.
The men did not have a flashlight, and they were not wearing shoes, further hampering the rescue effort.
Authorities attempted to lead the men to a deer plot where a Santa Rosa County deputy was located and blaring his siren to lead them. That effort was unsuccessful.
Members of Baldwin (AL) Search and Rescue found the men about 2:30 a.m. They were brought out of the woods and transported by ambulance to the Jay Hospital emergency room for evaluation about 3:30 a.m — about eight hours after they were first reported lost.
The Jay, Allentown, Munson, Century, Molino, Cantonment and Flomaton fire departments, Baldwin Search and Rescue, Escambia County EMS, Lifeguard Ambulance, FWC, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Santa Rosa County Sheiff’s Office, Escambia County (AL) Chief Deputy Mike Lambert and other participated in the search, along with William Burgess who provided an additional boat, according to the Jay Volunteer Fire Department.
NorthEscambia.com file photos.
Agencies Worry As Escambia County Slashes Non-profit Allocations To Fund Sheriff’s Budget
March 19, 2018
When the Escambia County Commission came to a funding agreement with Sheriff David Morgan last week, several non-profits saw their funding slashed.
Beginning April 1, 2018, the BOCC will reduce budgets for discretionary outside agencies by 50 percent, except for Pathways for Change and Community Health Northwest Florida (formerly Escambia Community Clinics). In fiscal years 2019-2021, funding for outside agencies in the general fund will not exceed $734,374. These funds will be used for the implementation of the sheriff’s pay plan.
But exactly how the cuts will work, and how much each outside agency will lose this year, remains to be seen.
Escambia County Administrator Jack Brown told NorthEscambia.com that the exact methodology by which outside agencies will be cut must be hammed out by the county commission at a future meeting. They must come to a consensus on how outside agency funds will be cut by 50 percent because some have already collected more than 50 percent of their BOCC allocation.
Brown said each outside agency was warned months ago by letter than up to one-half their funding could be cut.
Agencies on the chopping block include the United Way of Escambia County, approved for $90,725 during this fiscal year, which ends September 30. United Way has not drawn any of those funds from the county.
“The amount set aside for United Way of Escambia County (UWEC) goes into our community investment process to be distributed to local agencies. A reduction means there will be less money available to award to agency programs. Additionally, many of the agencies in line for the cuts.” said Naomi Kjer, marketing manager for United Way of Escambia County.
And United Way is also worried about their 2-1-1 program that has already received 100 percent of their $25,000 allocation.
“UWEC operates 2-1-1, the free information and referral phone line that connects people in need with resources to help them. 2-1-1 also receives money from the commission. Although those funds have already been received this year, it is unclear what effect the cuts will have on future 2-1-1 operations,” said Laura P. Gilliam, president/CEO of United Way.
The commission cuts to outside funding will likely hit home for some senior citizens in Escambia County as funding for the Council on Aging in jeopardy.
“We were quite discouraged to hear that the preliminary agreement between the Sheriff and County Commission calls for a 50 percent reduction in funding to our agency. We were initially approved for $41,000, of which we have drawn down about $14,000, leaving just about $6,500 left for us, assuming we will be reduced from $41,000 to $20,500, ” said Josh Newby, marketing and communications director for the Council on Aging of West Florida”
“The question now becomes from where we will make up that $20,500 difference in our overall agency budget. At this time, we do not believe that we would have to terminate any current clients; that is always the last possible option. This shortfall does, however, hurt our ability to serve those on the waiting list, of which there are about 500 people in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. We do plan to carefully look at our budget for this year. We do expect some additional state funding this year, which should help us overcome that gap. It is unfortunate that these outside agencies are seen by some as non-critical.,” Newby said.
The Be Ready Alliance Coordinating for Emergencies, know more commonly as BRACE, is also facing cuts. They were allocated $81,250 in county funds, and they have already received well over 50 percent, with $50,967.07 paid out to date.
“I have been in communication with the BRACE Board and its leadership about the possible impacts of the potential funding reduction on the public safety services offered by BRACE. As you know, our work is done in partnership with over 500 organizations and hundreds of volunteers. We work as an alliance to collectively enhance disaster preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation. In light of yesterday’s news I am seeking feedback from potentially affected partners so that I will be better positioned to share their projections with my board. I expect that I will be in a better position to project impacts after connecting with the affected partners and meeting with the BRACE board to do some brainstorming,” Greg Strader, BRACE CEO, said.
Other agencies facing cuts in their county funding include the School Readiness Coalition, Klaas Kids, the Wildlife Sanctuary of Northwest Florida, Junior Achievement of Northwest Florida, the Veterans Memorial Park, the Pensacola-Escambia Development Commission, the Gulf Coast African American Chamber of Commerce and a $55,000 allocation for economic develop initiatives in Century. (A complete list with dollars amounts is below.)
Two Escambia County commissioners, Lumon May and Steven Barry, voted against the mediation agreement with Morgan.
“I support our Escambia County law enforcement wholeheartedly, as evidenced by the three percent annual pay raises for the Sheriff’s department that has been included in all five county budgets since being elected,” Barry said. “Unfortunately, the mediation agreement contains several provisions that make it impossible for me to consider supporting it moving forward. I understand the majority of my colleagues disagree, so I anticipate that the interlocal agreement containing the settlement details of this mediation agreement will come forward to the board very soon.”
Pictured top: The Council on Aging of West Florida senior dining site in Century. NorthEsambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Lane Closures Planned On Highway 29 In Century
March 19, 2018
The Florida Department of Transportation says to expect lane closures after today on Highway 29 between Highway 4 and Salter’s Lake Road.
The northbound lane may be closed between 5 p.m. and 5 a.m. through April 23 as crews perform underground utility work to install a natural gas pipeline. [Previous story...]
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or re-scheduled in the event of inclement weather. Drivers are reminded by FDOT 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.
Northview Yearbook Staff Attends New York City Convention
March 19, 2018
Five members of the Northview High School Tribal Spirit yearbook attend the Columbia Scholastic Press Association’s 94th annual Spring Scholastic Convention last week at Columbia University in New York City.
In addition to attending convention classes and programs, the group was able to to see sights including Times Square, the Modern Museum of Art, the 911 Memorial, St. Paul’s Chapel, the New York Stock Exchange, Battery Park, the Brooklyn Bridge, Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center, Central Park, Grand Central Station and more. They also attended a Broadway play.
The Northview High School yearbook has been honored with multiple Gold Medal awards from the nationally recognized Columbia Scholastic Press Association, affiliated with Columbia University in New York City and the Columbia Graduate School of Journalism.
This was the third year the Tribal Spirit staff has attended the convention in New York City with their advisor Alison Robinson. Northview Principal Gayle Weaver also attended this year’s convention.
Pictured: Northview yearbook staffers Kayla McKillion. Anna King, Bailey Van Pelt, Delaney Reynolds and Skye Bullington in Central Park. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
EREC Warns Of Telephone Scam
March 19, 2018
Escambia River Electric Cooperative is warning members to be aware of scam artists who may call posing as electric cooperative employees.
The caller may tell EREC members that immediate payment on their account is needed to avoid disconnection of electric service. The callers then provide instructions to send money using a third-party pay system.
EREC said the company was made aware of the scam by members who called about the status of their account. EREC is advising members if they receive a suspicious call regarding their utility bill to hang up and not provide any credit card or payment information.
Members should also contact EREC to report the incident and check their account states.
“EREC will not call or email you for your account number or password, so do not disclose your account information. Do not assume you can trust caller ID to indicate where a caller is located. Scammers may use Internet calling technology, and the area code you see may not be their actual location,” the electric cooperative said.
Gulf Power has issued previous warnings about a similar scam.
File photo.
This Week: Tate Hosts 25th Annual Aggie Classic
March 19, 2018
The 25th Annual Aggie Classic Baseball tournament is scheduled to get underway today and continue through Thursday.
This year’s tournament has captivated the interest of teams from Oklahoma, Arkansas, Alabama, Tennessee and Florida. Last year’s Aggie Classic tournament Champion, Tate High School Aggies, will return as the tournament host and to defend their title.
The Tate Baseball Boosters will serve as the host of this year’s tournament. Nineteen teams will play at Tate, Escambia, West Florida, Choctawhatchee and Navarre High schools, Pensacola State College and the University of West Florida.
This year’s tournament will include 19 teams, 15 of which made their respective 2017 playoff series. Of the 15, six schools were regional finalists, four schools were state finalists, three schools played for a sate championship game, with on claiming a state title.
“This year’s field has been diminished in number because of the spring break alignment, but the field we have assembled is as strong as ever.. The commitment by our community and our boosters to put on an event of this magnitude is huge. I am truly thankful for everyone’s assistance. The venues for the games have expanded and are the best diamonds in our area. We are looking forward to a great week of competition,” said Tate Baseball head coach Karl Jernigan.
Tournament passes are available for $30. Daily admission is $10, with free admission for children under five. No passes will be accepted.
A site schedule is below, click to enlarge.
Walnut Hill Man Charged With Pulling Loaded Gun On His Wife
March 19, 2018
Update: Charges in this case were dismissed by the state. Click here for more details.
A Walnut Hill man was charged after allegedly pulling a loaded gun on his wife and threatening to kill her.
Cody Helton Burroughs, 29, was charged with felony aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without the intent to kill.
The victim told deputies she had been in a verbal argument with Burroughs about ending their relationship when he pointed a loaded 9mm handgun at her and told her that he would kill her if she left him, according to an arrest report. She told deputies that her relationship with her husband had a been “on again off again” for last seven years, the report states.
Deputies were unable to located Burroughs when they arrived at the victim’s home on Gobbler Road, and a warrant for his arrest was issued.
Burroughs was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $15,000 bond.
Community Says Goodbye To Longtime Physician ‘Dr. Van’
March 18, 2018
People from across the Flomaton area said goodbye Saturday to their beloved “Dr. Van”.
Dr. John Alwin Vanlandingham, age 79, of Flomaton, passed away Wednesday. His funeral was held Saturday with honors from area fire departments. The primary care physician had practiced medicine in Flomaton from 1974 until his recent retirement.
The funeral service was held at the First Baptist Church of Flomaton — on what was formerly Houston Street but is now renamed as “Dr. Van Avenue” to honor the physician.
Vanlandingham, a native of Marianna, attended medical school at the University of Michigan and received his medical degree in 1970. Upon his graduation from the School of Medicine at the University of Michigan, Dr. Vanlandingham completed his internship at St. Joseph Hospital in Michigan.
After completing his training at St. Joseph Hospital, Vanlandingham came to Flomaton to start what has turned out to be a very long and successful medical practice. He originally came to Flomaton to help treat patients on a temporary basis while a local physician was unavailable. That short visit transitioned into a long term commitment of medical care to the Flomaton community.
During his career, he has served on the medical staff for the former Abernathy Hospital in Flomaton and D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital in Brewton. He has also served in many community appointments on various boards and committees. In 2005, D. W. McMillan Memorial Hospital and Dr. Vanlandingham partnered to establish a Rural Health Clinic at the Flomaton Medical Center. Without the foundation of Vanlandingham’s 30 plus year private practice, the Flomaton Medical Center would not be what it is today for the Flomaton community.
He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Wanda Hart Vanlandingham of Flomaton, AL; sons, Joshua (Ivy) Vanlandingham of Molino, FL and Jared (Partner, Andres) Vanlandingham of Brooklyn, NY; brothers, Charles (Marcheta) Vanlandingham of Milton, FL and Frank (Genia) Vanlandingham of Geneva, AL.
The funeral procession passed under a giant American flag help by ladder trucks from the Century Station of Escambia Fire Rescue and the Atmore Fire Department. The Flomaton, Pineview, McCall, Friendship, and Lambeth fire departments also took part in honoring Vanlandingham, along with the Flomaton Police Department, and the Escambia County (AL) Sheriff’s Office. A MedStar medical helicopter from Baldwin County performed a flyover at Flomaton Cemetery.
Pictured above and below: The funeral procession Saturday in Flomaton for longtime physician Dr. John Vanlandingham. Pictured bottom: Houston Street was renamed “Dr Van Avenue” in honor of Vanlandingham. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Reconstruction Underway For Tornado Ravaged 114 Year Old Century Church
March 18, 2018
Reconstruction is underway for the historic Century United Methodist Church, which was damaged beyond repair in the February 15, 2016, EF-3 tornado in Century.
Pensacola architect Carter Quina designed the new church to look much like the old building. It will include windows, pews, light fixtures, woodwork and more salvaged from the old church.
The Century United Methodist Church was built in 1902, just after Century was established by The Alger-Sullivan Lumber Company. It was constructed of virgin long leaf pine, with interior detail and finish that created a reverent place for worship.
For over 114 years, the sanctuary helped to provide comfort and inspiration to Century residents with weekly services, as well as special occasions such as baptisms, weddings, and funerals.
Time took its toll on the familiar old building, along with a fire and hurricanes. The February 15, 2016, EF-3 tornado that struck Century dealt a blow from which the building could not be recovered. Many architectural details were salvaged before the structure had to be dismantled.
D&B Builders of Molino is the project’s general contractor.
A groundbreaking was held in late January; church members hope to be in the new church building by Christmas. Meanwhile, they are continuing to meet in their Annex Building across the street.
Pictured top: Reconstruction is underway for the historic Century United Methodist Church as seen on Saturday, March 18. NorthEscambia.com photo.
