Local Sex Offender Gets Federal Prison On Child Porn Charges
August 31, 2016
A Chemstrand Road man was sentenced Tuesday to federal prison on child porn charges.
Daniel Leroy Ard, 33, a registered sex offender, was sentenced to 180 months in federal prison after pleading guilty in June 2016 to receipt of child pornography.
During an online investigation, federal agents discovered that on numerous occasions, between June 14, 2014, and May 26, 2015, Ard received or attempted to receive child pornography images and videos. A forensic review of Ard’s laptop computer and numerous hard drives recovered approximately 87 videos and 4,257 images containing child pornography.
Ard was previously convicted in 2003 of lewd or lascivious battery on a victim age 12-15 years old.
The case was investigated by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Pensacola Police Department, and the North Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey M. Tharp.
Century’s Mayor Race: Runoff Between Hawkins, McCall
August 31, 2016
Unofficial results in the Century mayor’s race show that there will be a November runoff between incumbent Freddie McCall and former council member Henry Hawkins.
Unofficial totals show:
Henry Hawkins 128
Freddie McCall 112
Ben Boutwell 93
Felic Fussner 0
The top candidate would have needed 50 percent plus one vote in order to have avoided a runoff.
McCall has served two terms as mayor, while Hawkins served four years on the town council followed by an unsuccessful run for mayor in 2011.
Gaetz Wins Republican Nomination For Congressional Seat
August 31, 2016
Tuesday, Matt Gaetz won the Republican primary for Florida’s First Congressional District.
Gaetz received 35,675 votes (36.12%), followed by Greg Evers with 21,532 votes (21.8%) and Cris Dozev with 20,608 votes (20.86%). North Escambia native Rebekah Johansen Bydlak, finished fourth with 7,689 votes (7.78%).
“Thank you to Northwest Florida voters for giving me the honor of standing as the Republican nominee for the First Congressional District. Our nation is in trouble. We need bold conservative leadership to fight Washington and restore America. I will fight every day for our veterans and military, defend our Second Amendment rights, build the wall to stop illegal immigration, and defeat radical Muslim terrorists,” said Matt Gaetz.
“I want to thank our volunteers, supporters, family and friends for their overwhelming support in this election. I am very proud of the high energy grassroots campaign we ran. Our goal was to find new ways to interact with and listen to voters. We knocked on over 25,000 doors, made more than 40,000 phone calls, and amassed a Facebook audience of 44,000 fans. I cannot thank the voters enough for the trust they have placed in me with tonight’s nomination,” Gaetz said.
Rubio To Face Murphy For U.S. Senate Seat
August 31, 2016
U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, the Republican incumbent, will face Democratic Congressman Patrick Murphy in November in a high-profile race that could decide control of the Senate.
As votes continued to roll in Tuesday night, Rubio and Murphy were both cruising against their primary opponents.
With 87.5 percent of precincts reporting, Rubio was leading developer Carlos Beruff by roughly 53 percentage points — carrying almost 71.9 percent of the vote to Beruff’s 18.7 percent. Two other minor candidates drew the rest.
On the Democratic side, Murphy had almost 58.9 percent of the vote, with fellow Congressman Alan Grayson getting 17.7 percent and attorney Pam Keith drawing 15.4 percent. The rest of the votes were divided among two other candidates.
Setting a tough tone for the November general election, Murphy zeroed in on Rubio’s voting record during remarks to supporters. During a failed bid for the presidency, Rubio had one of the lowest attendance marks in the Senate.
“Marco Rubio is the worst of Washington, because he puts himself first every time,” Murphy said.
The Democratic nominee also needled Rubio over the latter’s repeated resistance to promising to serve a full six-year term in the Senate, rather than running for president again, if re-elected. Rubio recently told CNN that “no one can make that commitment.”
“Guess what, senator?” Murphy said Tuesday. “I’ve got two words for you: I can.”
Republicans returned fire. U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., blasted Murphy in a statement congratulating Rubio for his victory.
“(Rubio’s) work ethic and positive vision for Florida and America stand in stark contrast to Privileged Patrick Murphy, who has been exposed for repeating falsehood on falsehood about every aspect of his professional life prior to his career in politics,” said Wicker, chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee. “After spending the summer running from scandal and avoiding voters, Murphy has given Floridians little reason to believe he’ll work on their behalf in Washington.”
The GOP primary victory marked the latest turn in a tumultuous year for Rubio, who began 2016 as one of the front-runners for the Republican presidential nomination before being swept away by the wave of support for real-estate developer Donald Trump. Rubio, who vowed that he would not pursue a second term in the Senate, then reversed course and ran for re-election.
That chased away every major Republican opponent except Beruff, who had never run for elected office. Despite a blunt style that was similar to Trump’s, Beruff never gained traction against Rubio.
The Democratic race was expected to be closer, with Grayson drawing on his support among progressive activists to topple the centrist Murphy. Murphy was also dogged by questions about whether he had exaggerated aspects of his biography.
But Grayson’s campaign was essentially capsized when his ex-wife accused him of domestic violence. Grayson denied the allegations, but at least two progressive groups withdrew their support and Murphy cited the reports as a reason not to debate Grayson.
The general election in Florida, the largest swing state in a presidential year, is expected to be critical to Democratic hopes to recapture the majority in the Senate. Republicans are defending 24 seats in the 2016 election, compared to 10 Democratic seats that go before voters. The GOP currently holds a total of 54 seats, while Democrats and two independents who usually vote with them have 46.
by Brandon Larrabee, The News Service of Florida
Man Arrested After Facebook Deal Gone Bad
August 31, 2016
A Mobile man was jailed after a Facebook deal gone bad in Atmore.
According to Atmore Police, the female victim met with a man at a business on Highway 21 North in order to purchase a pair of shoes from him that he posted for sale for $100 on on Facebook.
The suspect, later identified as 24-year old Nigah Kawman Edwards of Mobile, approached her vehicle and demanded $125. After some conversation, she agreed to pay the extra $25.00. As the female subject was looking through her purse the suspect saw more money inside the purse and struggled with the female in order to gain control of her purse. Once he physically forced it from her hands, he then left the area and headed south on I-65.
Through subpoenas from the social media website police were able to determine the identity of the suspect. Warrants were issued and Edwards was arrested in Mobile and transported to the Escambia County Jail without incident.
About $2,700 taken from the victim was not recovered.
Complete Escambia Primary Election Results
August 31, 2016
With all precincts reporting primary winners from Tuesday in Escambia County are:
US Senate: Marco Rubio
Congress: Matt Gaetz
Senate: Doug Broxson
Sheriff: David Morgan
Tax Collector: Scott Lunsford
BOCC District 1: Jeff Bergosh
BOCC District 5: Steven Barry
ECUA District 1: Vicki Campbell
ECUA District 3: Elbin McCorvey
ECUA District 5: Larry Walker
School Board District 1: Kevin Adams
Century Mayor: Runoff between Freddie McCall and Henry Hawkins
Here are complete, but unofficial vote totals from Escambia County on Tuesday…….
United States Senator (REP)
Marco Rubio 28,128 80.13 %
Carlos Beruff 3,197 9.11 %
Dwight Mark Anthony Young 2,290 6.52 %
Ernie Rivera 1,486 4.23 %
Representative in Congress District 1 (REP)
Matt Gaetz 11,594 33.10 %
Cris Dosev 8,895 25.39 %
Greg Evers 6,541 18.67 %
Rebekah Johansen Bydlak 3,265 9.32 %
James Zumwalt 2,631 7.51 %
Brian Frazier 1,394 3.98 %
Gary Fairchild 441 1.26 %
Mark Wichern 268 0.77 %
State Senator District 1 (REP)
Doug Broxson 19,044 55.50 %
Mike Hill 15,269 44.50 %
Sheriff (REP)
David Morgan 21,487 60.77 %
John Johnson 6,280 17.76 %
Ron McNesby 5,174 14.63 %
Doug Baldwin Sr 2,416 6.83 %
Tax Collector (REP)
Scott Lunsford 21,783 62.95 %
Buck Lee 12,822 37.05 %
Board of County Commissioners District 1 (REP)
Jeff Bergosh 3,346 40.79 %
Jesse Casey 2,442 29.77 %
Karen Sindel 2,415 29.44 %
Board of County Commissioners District 5 (REP)
Steven Barry 8,437 67.63 %
Danny Smillie 4,038 32.37 %
Emerald Coast Utilities Authority District 1 (REP)
Vicki H. Campbell 4,406 55.05 %
Jim Faxlanger 3,598 44.95 %
Emerald Coast Utilities Authority District 5 (REP)
Larry Walker 5,577 60.04 %
Jim A. Taylor 3,712 39.96 %
United States Senator (DEM)
Patrick Murphy 6,099 40.49 %
Pam Keith 5,355 35.55 %
Alan Grayson 2,438 16.18 %
Roque ”Rocky” De La Fuente 655 4.35 %
Reginald Luster 517 3.43 %
Emerald Coast Utilities Authority District 3 (DEM)
Elvin McCorvey 2,079 43.74 %
Clorissti Johnson Mitchell 1,368 28.78 %
Kennie Lyons 693 14.58 %
Charles D. Thornton Sr 613 12.90 %
School Board Member District 1
Kevin Adams 7,235 65.74 %
Willie Kirkland Jr 3,771 34.26 %
Mayor Town of Century
Henry J. Hawkins 128 38.44 %
Freddie W. McCall 112 33.63 %
Ben Boutwell 93 27.93 %
Felic J. Fussner 0 0.00 %
Health Advisory Issued For Escambia After West Nile Case Confirmed
August 31, 2016
The Florida Department of Health in Escambia County (FDOH-Escambia) has issued a mosquito-borne illness advisory after the first human case of West Nile virus (WNV) in 2016 was confirmed in a resident in Escambia County.
The Escambia County Mosquito Control Division and FDOH-Escambia continue surveillance and prevention efforts. There is heightened concern that other Escambia County residents and visitors may become ill from being bitten by an infected mosquito.
According to CDC, most people (70-80 percent) infected with WNV show no symptoms at all. About one in five people who are infected will develop a fever with other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. Most people with this type of illness recover completely, but fatigue and weakness can last for weeks or months.
Less than one percent of people who are infected will develop a serious neurologic illness such as encephalitis or meningitis (inflammation of the brain or surrounding tissues). Older adults and persons with weakened immune systems and/or other chronic illnesses are at the greatest risk for severe illness.
“If you suspect you are ill with a West Nile virus infection, please visit your doctor,” says FDOH-Escambia Director, Dr. John J. Lanza. “The most important thing we can do is take precautions to prevent infection.”
Mosquitoes are known carriers of WNV, and other disease-causing viruses. To protect yourself from mosquitoes, you should remember to drain and cover.
Drain standing water.
· Drain water from garbage cans, house gutters, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flower pots or any other containers where sprinkler or rain water has collected.
· Discard old tires, bottles, pots, broken appliances and other items not being used.
· Empty and clean birdbaths and pets’ water bowls at least twice a week.
· Protect boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that do not accumulate water.
· Maintain swimming pools in good condition and chlorinated. Empty plastic swimming pools when not in use.
Cover skin with clothing or repellent;
· Wear shoes, socks, long pants and long sleeves when mosquitoes are most prevalent.
· Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing.
· Always use repellents according to the label. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registered repellents with 10-30 percent DEET, picaridin, IR3535 and some oil of lemon eucalyptus and para-menthane-diol products provide longer-lasting protection.
· Re-apply mosquito repellent as often as needed to prevent mosquito landings and bites.
· Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old.
· Adults should apply repellent first to their own hands and then transfer it to the child’s skin and clothing. Avoid applying repellents to the hands of children.
Cover doors and windows.
· Place screens on windows, doors, porches, and patios.
· Repair broken screens.
· Keep unscreened windows and doors closed.
Wahoos Beat Suns
August 31, 2016
His teammates call him, “Mr. Clutch,” and Tuesday Pensacola Blue Wahoos minor league veteran Ray Chang lived up to the nickname.
Locked in a pitcher’s duel between Pensacola right-handed starter Sal Romano and Jacksonville Suns left-hander starter Matt Tomshaw, Chang hit a line drive single with the bases loaded and two outs in the sixth inning to drive in Blue Wahoos right fielder Sebastian Elizalde and center fielder Brandon Dixon to give his team a 2-0 lead.
Mr. Clutch is now 4-5 with a double and seven RBIs with the bases loaded for Pensacola this season.
Pensacola won its fifth in a row, beating Jacksonville, 5-2, Tuesday in front of 3,192 at Blue Wahoos Stadium. Pensacola is just 1,937 fans short of reaching 300,000 fans in each of its first five seasons with one more home game to play Wednesday.
No one was happier to have the 12-year-minor league veteran Chang back in the lineup than Pensacola manager Pat Kelly.
“How about that? He comes back and gets that big clutch hit,” Kelly said. “And then gets a double after that. He didn’t miss a beat. He comes with experience. He knows all the pressure is on the pitcher and not the hitter.”
Chang was playing in his second game Tuesday with the Blue Wahoos after getting transferred from Triple-A Louisville, where he had just gone 3-3. He was a defensive substitution Monday. Chang went 2-4 with a run scored and two RBIs and is hitting .274 for Pensacola.
“It was weird,” the 33-year-old Chang said. “I wasn’t 100 percent locked in the first two at bats. That situation automatically locks you in. I was just trying to get a pitch to hit.”
Romano was grateful for Chang coming through. Romano improved to 6-11 with a 3.42 ERA this season. In the second half of the season, the Cincinnati Reds No. 16 prospect has been dominant, going 5-4 with a 2.39 ERA.
He had a perfect game through 4.2 innings with four strikeouts when Jacksonville shortstop Peter Mooney hit a line drive to left field for the first Suns hit.
Romano has a career high 140 strike outs and now is tied for the Pensacola single-season franchise record. Three more strikeouts and, Romano, who boasts a 95 mph fastball, will reach 500 career strikeouts in five minor league seasons. Romano, who is second in the Southern League in strikeouts, previously had a high of 128 strikeouts in 2014 for the Low-A Dayton Dragons.
His final line in Tuesday’s game read: eight innings pitched, two hits, no runs, no walks and six strikeouts on 94 total pitches.
“I pitched off my fastball, which made all my other pitches look better,” Romano said. “I trust all my pitches. It’s been a fun half.”
Kelly liked that Romano wanted to go out and finish the game in the ninth inning after only giving up the singles to Mooney and second baseman Garrett Weber.
“That was fun to see,” Kelly said of Romano’s two hitter. “Boy, how far he has come since the start of the year. He wanted to go out for the ninth. We’ve raised all these five or six-inning pitchers who look to come out of the game. Here’s a guy who wants to end the game. That’s nice to see.”
After Chang’s single, Pensacola added two more runs to put the Blue Wahoos up, 4-0, when Blue Wahoos catcher Joe Hudson followed with a double into the left field corner. Both third baseman Taylor Sparks and Chang scored.
The Blue Wahoos, who have won four straight series, are 14-5 with six games left before the playoffs. Pensacola, which won the first half South Division title, are battling Mississippi Braves for the second half crown, too. The Blue Wahoos are a half game behind Mississippi, which is 35-28 and 69-63 overall. Pensacola is 35-29 in the second half and has its best overall record in franchise history at 76-58.
Romano is looking forward to the playoff run.
“This is a special team and a special run for us,” he said. “We go out there and try to win every single ball game and play hard. We’re going to be a hard team to beat. I’m really excited for it.”
Kelly added: “The next five days will be very interesting,” Kelly said.
Firefighters Save Cantonment Home
August 30, 2016
Quick work by firefighters saved a Cantonment home early Tuesday morning. They were able to quickly extinguish an apparent stove fire about 2 a.m. in the 9900 block of Bristol Park Road. The Cantonment, Ensley and Bellview stations of Escambia Fire Rescue responded to the blaze. Photo by Kristi Barbour for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
One Injured When Semi Hits Two Vehicles In Jay
August 30, 2016
One person was injured when the driver of a semi plowed into a couple of other vehicles in Jay Monday morning.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, semi truck driver Winston Terry Spencer, age 45 of Chipley, said his vision was obstructed by a glare on his windshield as he rear-ended a 2002 GMC Sierra driven by 22-year old Gerald Casey Kilpatrick of Jay.
The accident happened about 11 a.m. on Highway 4 at Commerce Street as Kilpatrick slowed for traffic. After hitting Kilpatrick’s Sierra, the semi also hit a parked Kia Sorrento and a sign belonging to Tri-City Home Medical Supply.
Spencer and Kilpatrick were not injured. Kilpatrick’s passenger, 29-year old Rachel Jackson of Jay, was transported to Jay Hospital with minor injuries.
Spencer was cited for careless driving by the FHP.