Century Man Convicted Of Burglary Of An Occupied Home
March 13, 2018
A Century man is facing up to 30 years in prison after being convicted in connection with a burglary in the Wawbeek community.
Curtis Matthew Capers was found guilty of burglary of an occupied dwelling. He will be sentenced in early April by Judge Gary Bergosh.
Capers was the alleged getaway driver for Vernon Lambeth of Century in the burglary of a home on Highway 168. Lambeth was previously sentenced to 17 years in prison with a mandatory minimum of 10 years.
In October 2016, a woman returned to her home on Highway 168 near Wawbeek Road in the Wawbeek community west of Century and found Lambeth inside.
“I noticed some things were out of place, and then there he (Lambeth) was, standing in the hallway looking at me,” the victim told NorthEscambia.com on the day of the incident. She said she returned quickly to her 21-month old child, who was outside in a vehicle. Lambeth ran outside with the woman giving chase in her vehicle until he entered a nearby wooded area.
A K-9 team from Century Correctional Institution was able to track the Lambeth down and take him into custody near Wawbeek Road
Capers was seen leaving in the area in an older model green SUV with bullet holes. The vehicle was located in Alabama just north of the state line on Sam Jones Road, about two miles from the burglary. A K-9 was able to track Lambeth down; he had attempted to conceal himself with roofing tiles in an abandoned barn. A pillowcase that contained stolen items from the home on Highway 168 was also located. And Capers was positively identified by the burglary victim.
Capers was taken into custody in Alabama and later extradited back to Florida.
Lambeth was also convicted of charges related to burglaries on Rockaway Creek Road in Escambia County, FL, and a home on North Pineville Road.
Pictured above and below: The manhunt following burglary on Highway 168 in October 2016. Pictured immediately below: Vernon Lambeth is taken into custody. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
County Road 97A Bridge Nearing Completion (With Aerial Photos)
March 13, 2018
Construction is nearing completion on a $3 million bridge replacement project on County Road 97A over Boggy Creek near Enon in Escambia County. The new modem bridge features 12-foot travel lanes, eight foot shoulders, a solid concrete barrier railing and new bridge approaches.
The bridge being replaced was constructed in 1969.
Traffic will transition to the new bridge about noon Wednesday. Motorists may encounter minor delays as crews make final preparations to switch traffic Once traffic has been moved, crews will begin disassembling the temporary bridge and completing miscellaneous work items. The entire project is anticipated to be complete around the end of April, weather permitting. Work started in January 2017.
Editor’s note: This story originally stated that the project was set for competition by March 24 based upon erroneous information provided by the Florida Department of Transportation. The story has been updated with correct information.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Woman Claims Over $100K For Molino Winning Fantasy 5 Ticket
March 13, 2018
A woman has claimed her prize for a winning lottery ticket sold last week at a local store.
The Florida Lottery says the March 6 Fantasy 5 ticket worth $103,970.74 was sold to Cynthia K. Williamson of Pace. She purchased the ticket at the Molino First Stop on Highway 95A. It was one of two winning tickets sold for the drawing; the other winning ticket was sold in Merritt Island.
There were 277 tickets matching four numbers that won $121 each. Another 9,006 tickets matched three numbers and are worth $10 each, and 92,072 ticket holders won a Quick Pick ticket for picking two numbers.
The March 6 winning Fantasy 5 numbers were 2-4-13-19-33.
TSA PreCheck Enrollment Available This Week At Pensacola Airport
March 13, 2018
Travelers can register for the TSA PreCheck expedited screen process at the Pensacola International Airport through Friday.
TSA PreCheck provides identified low-risk air travelers a chance to take advantage of a more efficient screen experience. For TSA PreCheck travelers, there is no need to remove shoes, liquids, laptops, light outerwear or belts. There are more than 450 TSA PreCheck lanes at over 180 U.S. airports, including Pensacola.
To register for TSA Precheck, click here and fill out the form, choosing “Pensacola” and “Pensacola International Airport”.
Individuals most make an appointment to complete the enrollment process in person at the airport. Applicants will need proof of identity and U.S. citizen documentation (such as a U.S. Passport or a birth certificate and a driver license).
The application process is completed on site where fingerprints are captured for a background check. The application fee is $85 and is good for five years of service. The fee can be paid by credit card, money order, company check, or certified/cashier’s check. Cash and personal checks are not accepted.
For more information, click here.
Pictured: The TSA Precheck line at the Pensacola International Airport, and (below) travelers move through security Monday morning. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Escambia Tax Preparer Indicted For Filing False Federal Tax Forms
March 13, 2018
An Escambia County man has been indicted for allegedly filing false federal tax forms.
Benell English, 57, was arraigned in U.S. District Court on 18 counts of filing false returns.
The indictment alleges that English, a tax return preparer at Select Tax Service in Pensacola, prepared and filed false tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service for various individuals between 2013 and 2017. The indictment alleges that English falsely represented the taxpayers’ Schedule A itemized deductions, Schedule C business losses or profits, or household employee income.
The maximum penalty for each count of preparing false tax returns is three years in prison. The trial is scheduled for April 19, 2018, at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola. This case resulted from an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service—Criminal Investigation and the Social Security Administration-Office of Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Alicia H. Forbes is prosecuting the case.
Legislative Dead Bills – Fracking, Gambling, Guns At Church, Text And Driving
March 13, 2018
Banning “sanctuary” cities, revamping gambling laws, approving new sexual-harassment rules and even creating a license plate to commemorate the University of Central Florida’s undefeated football season were among numerous issues that died when the 2018 legislative session ended Sunday.
Senate Appropriations Chairman Rob Bradley, R-Fleming Island, was quick to praise the new budget for including $100.8 million to revive the Florida Forever land-preservation program after a decade of neglect.
But his effort (SB 370) to put into law an annual $100 million amount for Florida Forever, along with a separate bill to hike funding for the state’s natural springs and to restore the St. Johns River, are measures he will have to pursue again next year.
“The House version of the legislation put off spending on Florida Forever until later years, and that was not acceptable,” Bradley said after the Senate concluded most of its business Friday night. “I wanted to do it now.”
Overall, 2018 was not a stellar year for passing bills, with the House and Senate agreeing on 195 bills, four resolutions and one resolution-like “memorial.”
Here are some of the higher-profile issues that died when the session ended:
FRACKING
The effort (SB 462 and HB 237) to ban the controversial oil- and natural-gas drilling process known as “fracking” gained support from some Senate Republicans, along with Democrats. But the House never took up the issue in committees.
GAMBLING
Lawmakers made a late attempt to reach agreement on a gambling deal amid concerns about a proposed constitutional amendment on the November ballot that would give voters — not the Legislature — control of future gambling decisions. But legislative leaders abandoned the effort Friday, as negotiators grappled with issues such as a gambling agreement with the Seminole Tribe of Florida and allowing slot machines in counties where voters have approved referendums.
GUNS AT CHURCH
A proposal (SB 1048) that would have allowed people with concealed-weapons licenses to carry guns at churches and other religious institutions that share property with schools appeared headed toward passage this year. The measure got through the Senate Judiciary Committee — where a number of gun bills have failed in recent years — and had reached the Senate floor.
But then came the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Broward County. The church-related bill remained pending in the Senate throughout the rest of the session and did not get a vote.
INSURANCE
Neither of the big issues — to revamp laws dealing with a controversial practice known as “assignment of benefits” and to eliminate the “no-fault” auto insurance system — passed.
The House approved a bill (HB 19) to repeal the no-fault system, which requires motorists to carry personal-injury protection, or PIP, coverage. But the Senate proposal (SB 150), which included a requirement for motorists to carry $5,000 in what is known as medical payments coverage, or MedPay, couldn’t get through committees.
The insurance industry and business groups pushed for changes in assignment of benefits, an issue that involves policyholders signing over benefits to contractors, who then pursue payment from insurers. But the issue stalled early in the session in the Senate.
RED LIGHT CAMERAS
Among the first issues (HB 6001) out of the House this year was the annual effort to eliminate a law, known as the Mark Wandall Traffic Safety Act of 2010, that allows local governments to use red-light cameras. But as happened in past years, the idea once again failed to get the green light in the Senate.
‘SANCTUARY’ CITIES
A priority of House Speaker Richard Corcoran, the House passed a measure (HB 9) aimed at requiring local governments to comply with federal immigration laws — an issue that has become known as preventing “sanctuary cities.”
But the Senate version of the controversial measure (SB 308) stalled in the Senate Judiciary Committee because of opposition from Democrats and two Republicans, Sen. Rene Garcia of Hialeah and Sen. Anitere Flores of Miami.
SEXUAL HARASSMENT
One of the hot topics as the session began — with once-powerful Sen. Jack Latvala resigning after a damaging investigation — the House and Senate were unable to agree on how to prevent and punish people who engage in sexual harassment.
The House approved a bill (HB 7007) that attached anti-sexual harassment language to other ethics issues. But the Senate didn’t go along with tying the issues together.
TEXTING WHILE DRIVING
With the backing of Corcoran, a proposal (HB 33 and SB 90) to allow law-enforcement officers to pull over people for texting while driving cruised through the House and had advanced through the Senate.
But Bradley let the proposal die in the Senate Appropriations Committee. The bill faced concerns about issues such as minority drivers facing increased racial profiling if texting while driving became a “primary” traffic offense. Bradley was unswayed by arguments that the bill would require law-enforcement officers to record the race and ethnicity of each person pulled over for texting while driving.
TRAINS AND ‘BO’S BRIDGE’
Derailed for the second year, Treasure Coast lawmakers failed to pick up needed support from outside their region to impose state rules (SB 572 and HB 525) about passenger trains, particularly All Aboard Florida’s Brightline service, which is expected to eventually run from Miami to Orlando.
Also, lawmakers didn’t approve a proposal to acquire the financially troubled Garcon Point Bridge — known in Tallahassee as “Bo’s Bridge — near Pensacola. The bridge, named after former House Speaker Bo Johnson who championed the project, has been in default for years. Toll revenue fell well short of what was projected in the original $95 million bond agreement. Debt on the bridge has ballooned to $135 million.
UCF DEFEATED
The annual push to create a slew of new specialty license plates combined during the session with euphoria following the University of Central Florida’s perfect football season. In the end, lawmakers punted on a license plate to commemorate UCF’s season and most other specialty tags, including an attempt by Auburn University alumni to create a license plate for the Alabama school.
VACATION RENTALS
Lawmakers again waded into the controversial issue of preventing local regulation of vacation rental properties. But despite backing from industry and business groups, bills (SB 1400 and HB 773) never were heard on the Senate or House floors.
by Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida
ECSO: Shooting Victim Wanted For Questioning After Leaving Hospital
March 13, 2018
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is looking to question a man that was shot last month.
On March 11, deputies responded to a reported gunshot victim in the 8000 block of Tower Terrace, just off Highway 29. They found 32-year old Brian Anthony Stallworth suffering from a gunshot
Deputies said Brian Anthony Stallworth, 32, was shot in the hand. He reported two unknown suspects attempted to break into his home before firing shots inside the home, striking Stallworth in the hand and almost hitting a sleeping two-year old child.
The Sheriff’s Office said a subsequent search warrant served at the home resulted in the seizure of a kilogram of cocaine, methamphetamine, promethazine with codeine, marijuana, a gun and $20,000 in cash.
Stallworth was taken to a local hospital where he left on his own free will.
Photos: Escambia County Sheriff’s Office for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia 4-H Members Compete In County Events
March 13, 2018
The UF/IFAS Escambia County Extension Office hosted 4-H County Events recently, with 32 youth submitting 52 different entries. Events included competitions in public speaking, demonstrations and illustrated talks, photography, graphic design, and share-the-fun (talent) activities.
Winners were as follows:
Graphic Design: Taylor Nelson and Raeleigh Woodfin.
Public Speaking: Alexandra Odom and Michelle Tinker
Demonstrations and Illustrated Talks: Taylor Anderson, Abigail Bray-Crews, Alan Bray-Crews, Chloe Bray-Crews, Raimi Joseph, Rashidi J., Izzy Kent, Von Littlejohn, Taylor Nelson, Hannah S., Blake Stevenson, Hannah Thorne, Bobby Vose, Raeleigh Woodfin, and Lord Wyrick.
Photography: Lacie Kittrell (2), Tucker Padgett (3), Ava Chauvette (5), Chelsi Lashley, Shelby Lashley, Alexandra Odom (2), Izzy Kent (4), Levi Nelson, Taylor Nelson (2), Ethan Thorne, and Hannah Thorne (2).
accomplishments.
The winning photographs were displayed with the intent of increasing public awareness and understanding of the 4-H program.The top overall photo taken by Izzy Kent is being exhibited inside the Langley Bell 4-H Center.
All blue ribbon demonstrations and the first and second place public speakers and Share-the-Fun participants will go on to district events which will be held in Escambia County in May. In the photography and graphic design competitions, all blue-ribbon winners will be eligible for the state contest at 4-H University at the University of Florida in July.
Organizers said events would not possible without adult volunteers. They offered thanks to judges and volunteers including Sonia Bush, Virdell Cleveland, Lyla Knapp, Millie Knapp, Denise Mann, Vickie Parker, Raven Patel, Anne Peterson, Carolyn Prime, Tex Ritter, Christine Rodgers, and Danielle Tinker; and Wide Angle Photo Club members Norm Haines, John Mankelwicz, Harry Purcell, and Loretto Sitton. To become a 4-H volunteer, call the 4-H office at (850) 475-5320.
Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Northview Boys Win Baker Track Meet
March 13, 2018
The Northview High School boys track team topped eight other schools for first place in a recent meet in Baker.
Northview results were as follows:
BOYS
100m-1st Brandon Spencer, 2nd Joseph Wright
4×100 dash-1st place Brandon Spencer, Joseph Wright, Tim Bush, and Jarius Moorer
400m-2nd Daniel Merit
200m-1st Joseph Wright, 2nd Brandon Spencer
4×400 dash-1st place Brandon Spencer, Joseph Wright, Daniel Merit, Tim Bush
Triple Jump-1st Rayvon Bush
GIRLS
100m-1st Crystal Douglas, 3rd Nene Findley
200m-1st Crystal Douglas, 3rd Lexi Broadhead
Escambia County Receives Restore Act Funding For Three Projects
March 13, 2018
Escambia County received grant awards for three RESTORE Direct Component Pot 1 projects from the U.S. Department of Treasury as part of the county’s RESTORE Multi-Year Implementation Plan. These planning projects include the Carpenter Creek and Bayou Texar Revitalization Plan, the Universal Public Access Plan and the Eleven Mile Creek Basin Stormwater Ponds Plan. All three projects are expected to begin in the spring.
- The Carpenter Creek and Bayou Texar Revitalization Plan will develop a master plan to enhance the environmental and economic resilience of the watershed. An environmental assessment will identify the causes of legacy environmental impairments to Carpenter Creek and Bayou Texar. A master plan will be developed, based on stakeholder input, to identify comprehensive restoration and recreational opportunities within the watershed. Approximately $1,308,000 has been contributed from the RESTORE Pot 1 allocation.
- The Universal Public Access Plan will evaluate public infrastructure, including facilities, in Escambia County for compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act Standards to identify enhancement opportunities to meet the needs and desires of citizens with disabilities by upgrading existing infrastructure and facilities. Citizens, specifically disabled citizens, will provide input to identify amenities and priorities for future implementation by Escambia County and partner community organizations. A total of $360,000 has been contributed from the RESTORE Pot 1 allocation.
- The Eleven Mile Creek Basin Stormwater Ponds project will plan and design two new stormwater ponds in the Eleven Mile Creek basin that will provide flood attenuation, improve water quality, expand and/or improve adjoining floodplains/wetlands, and positively impact coastal areas of Escambia County that border Perdido Bay. These pond and stream restoration sites in the Eleven Mile Creek basin have been evaluated in a recently completed due diligence report performed by the county. This application will design and permit two stormwater ponds out of 14, along with an associated drainage conveyance system. A total of $268,800 has been contributed from the RESTORE Pot 1 allocation. [Previous story...]
About the Multi-Year Implementation Project
The MYIP prioritizes eligible activities for Direct Component Pot 1 funds awarded to the county through the Deepwater Horizon Settlement and RESTORE Act, or the Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast States Act of 2012. The MYIP also seeks to obtain broad-based participation from individuals, businesses, Indian tribes and nonprofit organizations.
The county’s MYIP includes 10 projects selected by the Escambia County Board of County Commissioners for a total of $8,638,650 of the funds available in Escambia County’s allocation in the Gulf Coast Restoration Trust Fund. The approval comes after a three-year process that included diligent efforts from the RESTORE Advisory Committee, along with a 45-day public comment period for citizens to give input on the projects.