Missing Children’s Day: Search Continues In North Escambia Case
September 13, 2016
A Tate High School student last seen 15 years ago in North Escambia was among those remembered Monday on the 2016 Florida Missing Children’s Day in Tallahassee.
“Our prayers are with the parents of missing children. These children and their legacy is the driving force behind our efforts to ensure Florida is the safest state in the country for our families and citizens,” Florida Gov. Rick Scott said Monday.
In 2015, more than 34,000 incidents of missing children were reported to Florida law enforcement agencies and six AMBER Alerts were issued statewide. Since its inception, 203 AMBER Alerts have been issued, including seven so far this year. AMBER Alerts have directly aided in the rescue of 64 children.
“We all play an important role in keeping our children safe. When a child goes missing, it is vital that law enforcement, the public and media work together to help in a safe recovery. Please take time today to sign-up for AMBER and Missing Child Alert notifications or follow FDLE on Facebook and Twitter to receive the alerts,” FDLE Commissioner Rick Swearingen said.
Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi said, “Today, and every day, we pray for the safe return of all children who were taken from their homes, and remain united in support with our great law enforcement in their tireless efforts to reunite missing children with their families.”
Danielle Arion Bell was last seen at age 14 at a party in September 2001 in the 500 block of Cedar Tree Lane, between Highway 29 and Highway 95A in Cantonment.
Witnesses told authorities that Bell left a party with a man that was in his mid-twenties at the time. Escambia County deputies later questioned that man and searched his home, but he was never charged in connection with the case.
During the summer of 2007, Alfredo Gomez Sanchez, Jr. was charged with providing law enforcement with false information about his whereabouts at the time Bell disappeared. He was not implicated in her disappearance.
In October 2010, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Cold Case Unit served a search warrant at the home.
As part of that search warrant, a septic tank behind the residence was pumped out, and dogs from Escambia County Search and Rescue were also used to search the area. Investigators said nothing was found, and they would not say what new information might have led to the search.
According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Danielle has a scar on her right forearm and blue eyes. She had brown hair at the time of her disappearance. Danielle, whose nickname was “Dani”, was a member of the Tate Aggies cheerleading squad. The popular teen enjoyed dancing and drawing.
Anyone with information about Bell is asked to call the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit at (850) 436-9580 or Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
FDLE invites the public to sign up to receive Missing Child Alerts and AMBER Alerts via email or text message by visiting www.missingchildrenalert.com. To view photos of missing children, visit www.fdle.state.fl.us.
Pictured top: Investigators pumped and searched a septic tank at this home on Cedar Tree Lane in Cantonment in October 2010 in the case of missing teen Danielle Arion Bell. Pictured below: A search and rescue K-9 team was also on site. Pictured bottom: A septic tank company employee prepares to pump a septic tank at the home. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Century’s Splash Pad Opening Delayed By Valve Problem
September 13, 2016
One week ago, we reported that Century’s new splash pad was installed, but not yet officially opened.
The splash pad had been operational at times, but Century Mayor Freddie McCall said Monday that it now turned off awaiting the installation of a new part, which could happen as early as Friday. Once it’s up and running, a grand opening and official hours will be announced.
A $50,000 Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program grant was awarded to the town last October to fund the splash pad. The competitive grant program provides state funds to develop lands for public outdoor recreational use, such as building or renovating sports facilities or playgrounds. Century was the only recipient of the grant last year in Escambia County.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Escambia Man Sentenced For Burglaries
September 13, 2016
Monday, an Escambia County man was sentenced to prison for two burglaries.
State Attorney Bill Eddins announced that Jeremy Brandon Stinson was sentenced by Circuit Judge Paul Rasmussen as a habitual felony offender and prison releasee reoffender to 25 years in state prison. Stinson will serve 15 years of the 25 year sentence day for day.
Stinson was convicted last month by an Escambia County jury of two counts of burglary of a dwelling, petit theft and criminal mischief. On June 18, 2015, Stinson burglarized two neighboring residences in Escambia County.
Jeremy Brandon Stinson was previously incarcerated in Alabama for burglary and was released on May 14, 2015. His prior criminal history includes multiple burglaries, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and drug possession.
Battle Lines Set Amid Tighter Budget State Budget Forecast
September 13, 2016
With a budget shortfall looming in future years, lawmakers began setting the stage Monday for a fight over state spending during the 2017 legislative session.
The Joint Legislative Budget Commission, a panel of House and Senate members charged with supervising spending while the Legislature is out of session, approved a long-range financial outlook for the state Monday.
In the coming budget year, which begins July 1, the outlook projects a surplus of just $7.5 million — a tiny sliver of the state spending plan, which is now roughly $82 billion. The following year, a budget gap of $1.3 billion could open up, followed by $1.8 billion the year after that.
Republicans, who have run the state budget process for two decades, quickly zeroed in on a culprit: The state is being wasteful with the money that it has.
“It is 100 percent because of spending. Nothing else,” said incoming House Speaker Richard Corcoran, a Land O’ Lakes Republican who has been budget chief for two years.
Corcoran dismissed suggestions that the $784.9 million in tax cuts and tax holidays that lawmakers have approved over the last three years helped to create the situation the Legislature now faces. Instead, he suggested that reducing state government’s current spending will be the focus.
He specifically highlighted spending on incentives for businesses — something that the House has opposed — and said that in the coming session, the Legislature would likely discuss doing away with Enterprise Florida, the state’s public-private economic development agency.
“I think that we’ve got to move away from spending money on the 1 percent and start spending money on essential services for the people that need it most,” Corcoran said. “Spending money in economic development is a bad idea.”
At the same time, there are already proposals that would pour more money into some areas of the state budget. Incoming Senate President Joe Negron, R-Stuart, has pushed an additional $1 billion for higher education, as well as a plan to use bonds and federal money to boost Everglades restoration.
Corcoran said those ideas were not off the table but would have to be offset with cuts elsewhere.
Democrats, meanwhile, suggested that tax cuts were to blame. Rep. Janet Cruz, who is set to lead the House Democrats next year, issued a statement calling for lawmakers to take a look at those tax cuts before slicing spending.
“Actions have consequences,” Cruz, D-Tampa, said. “The last two years in particular, and for many years before, the majority has made decisions that are costing us now and into the future. Tax breaks that for the most part benefit big business interests mean we won’t have the flexibility to put the people of Florida first.”
The dueling positions suggested a possible return to the budget fights the played out in the Capitol after the financial downturn in 2008. Republicans leaned heavily on spending cuts while Democrats called for measures that would increase revenue. The GOP at the time agreed to increase tobacco taxes and motor-vehicle registration fees, which have since been rolled back, but avoided broad-based tax increases.
There are conclusions in the new long-range financial outlook that could change the potential shortfalls, in some cases dramatically. For example, the outlook assumes some increases in spending on areas like education and health care, projecting those areas to be handled the same as they have been in recent budget years.
The report includes a three-year average of tax cuts and projects similar decisions in the coming session.
It accounts for lawmakers setting aside $1 billion each year to deal with unexpected changes in the economy or additional needs that could crop up. No major changes are expected to that policy because lowering the state’s reserves substantially could make it more expensive to issue bonds to pay for construction needs.
Senate Appropriations Chairman Tom Lee, R-Brandon, noted that state economists will produce two more forecasts of revenues before the Legislature sits down to write the budget next spring. He also said other events, including potential approval of a new gambling agreement with the Seminole Tribe of Florida, could ease the shortfall.
“You could have a gaming compact. You could have some good things that happen,” Lee said.
by Brandon Larrabee, The News Service of Florida
Construction Begins On Highway 29 Widening Project
September 12, 2016
Construction activities will begin on Highway 29 from I-10 to one-half mile north of Nine Mile Road and near the Highway 29 overpass this week as crews begin mobilizing equipment and installing construction signs.
Improvements include widening Highway 29 from four to six lanes, replacing the existing twin bridges over Nine Mile Road with a single bridge, adding roadway lighting, sidewalks, bike lanes, improving signalization and performing drainage upgrades. The project is slated for completion summer 2020.
Other construction activities will include installing erosion control, as well as clearing and trees and shrubs around the stormwater retention ponds, which should not affect traffic. Various utility companies will also be performing utility relocations throughout the project area.
Motorists will encounter lane closures near the Highway 29 overpass as workers prepare the area for the bridge replacement Sunday, September 18. Lane closures will only be permitted between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Construction activities are weather dependent and might be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather. Drivers are reminded to use caution and watch for construction workers and equipment entering and exiting the roadway.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
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Scouts Surprise Local Heroes On 9/11
September 12, 2016
To mark 9/11 on Sunday, Webelos Scouts from Pack 499 and a girl scout from Troop 913, surprised local heroes at the Ferry Pass Fire Station with baked goods, handshakes and thank-yous for all they do everyday to protect the local community. The scouts also received a station tour. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Thousands Unite In Prayer On 9/11 In Bay Center Program
September 12, 2016
Thousands of people from churches across the area united Sunday for a night of prayer for our region, our county and the Body of Christ across the world. Pastor Ted Traylor of Olive Baptist Church and Pastor Joey Rogers of Pace Assembly Ministries worked together to host the event to unit the community through prayer.
In addition to Traylor and Rogers, scheduled speakers included Police Chief David Alexander, Pastor Ken Hall, Pastor Evon Horton, David Mayo, Chaplain Eric Melvin, Congressman Jeff Miller, Pastor John Spencer, and Pastor Bernard Yates.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
First Baptist Cantonment Honors First Responders With BBQ
September 12, 2016
The First Baptist Church of Cantonment held a special First Responder BBQ Picnic Sunday afternoon to honor local law enforcement, EMS and firefighters that dedicate their lives to service and protect. In the inset photo, the super-size serving is heading for delivery to the Molino Station of Escambia Fire Rescue. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Bonus Gallery: Tate High School Homecoming
September 12, 2016
For a Tate Homecoming 2016 photo gallery, click here.
The photo gallery includes the Homecoming Court, crowning of Homecoming Queen Gloria Jones, the Tate Showband, cheerleaders, ROTC and plenty of football actions shots.
NorthEcscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Bonus Photo Gallery: Northview At Gulf Breeze
September 12, 2016
Click here for a photo gallery from Friday night’s Northview at Gulf Breeze game.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Gary Amerson, click to enlarge.
