Grocery Tax In Alabama Lowered By 1%; Walmart Error Double Taxes Customers Friday
September 1, 2023
The tax on food in Alabama was lowered by 1% on Friday under a bill passed by the Alabama legislature.
The state’s sales tax was lowered from 4% to 3% on food items. Most counties and municipalities add additional sales tax, making the full tax over twice as much. On September 1 of next year, the tax on food items will be lowered another 1% if conditions are met — if the growth from other tax sources is up by at least 3.5% for the Education Trust Fund.
On Friday, Walmart and Sam’s Clubs across the state were mistakenly double taxing items.
“Earlier today, some Walmart customers and Sam’s Club members across Alabama were incorrectly overcharged sales tax while shopping with us. Effective Sept. 1, the sales tax rate on food decreased by one percentage point statewide. Our systems mistakenly charged both the old rate and the new rate at the time of sale,” according to Walmart. “The situation is being corrected, and we’re asking potentially impacted customers to take their receipts to their nearby stores or clubs for a refund of the higher sales tax.”
Before Friday, Alabama was one of three states that charged full tax on groceries. There is no tax on groceries in Florida.
Pictured: A Walmart receipt from Friday, September 1 showing a customer in Alabama double taxed on a food purchase. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Man Accused Of Burglarizing Chemstrand Road Store Twice In The Same Day
September 1, 2023
An Escambia County man is charged with burglarizing a Chemstrand Road store twice in the same day.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said 25-year old Christian Alexis Melendez was wearing “distinctive clothing” and was caught on video prying open the front door and making entry into the store in the 10000 block of Chemstrand Road during the early morning hours. Deputies said he caused about $1,000 in damage and stole about $400 worth of tobacco products.
He returned a second time while the store was closed and forced his way through the front doors again, stealing $600 in tobacco products and $200 from the register after causing another $2,000 in damage, deputies said.
“Melendez was arrested at his home, where a search revealed the suspect’s unique clothing and the stolen tobacco products from the store,” ECSO said. “Deputies also located marijuana, Xanax pills, handguns, an AR15 short barrel rifle, and cash.”
Melendez was charged with both burglaries of the business, criminal mischief, grand theft, petit theft, possession of marijuana over 20 grams, possession of controlled substance without prescription and a weapons offense. He remained in the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $72,000.
EREC Crews To Help Restore Power After Hurricane Idalia In The Big Bend Area
September 1, 2023
Escambia River Electric Cooperative crews deployed Thursday to assist with power restoration following Hurricane Idalia.
They will assist Tri-County Electric Cooperative restore power in Jefferson, Madison and Taylor Counties, including Perry, Steinhatchee, Monticello, Madison and Lee, Florida, in the Big Bend from the Georgia state line to the Gulf of Mexico. A full 100% of their system was reported to have been impacted in some way by Idalia, leaving 20,000 members without power.
EREC sent two bucket trucks, a digger truck and a supply truck with crew members Christian Kent, Jacob Polk, Philip Gandy, David Deese, Brandon Smith and Matthew Reynolds. David Hatfield, EREC’s warehouse supervisor, will assist Tri-County’s materials management to keep linemen and other crews supplied with the materials they need to restore power.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Bonus Photos: Northview, Flomaton Bands And Cheerleaders
September 1, 2023
The Northview Chiefs took on the Flomaton Hurricanes last Friday night.
For a bonus photo gallery with the bands and cheerleaders, click here.
For a game action story and photos, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Escambia County Fire Rescue Deploys Team For Hurricane Idalia Search And Rescue
September 1, 2023
Members of the Escambia County Fire Rescue Light Technical Rescue Team deployed Wednesday to Madison, Florida, to assist with rescue efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Idalia. ECFR’s crew will spend up to 14 days performing search and rescue operations.
The team that deployed to Madison is composed of eight personnel specially trained in technical rescue. The team receives several hours of additional training in five disciplines: Vehicle and machinery rescue, structural collapse, trench rescue, rope rescue and confined space rescue. Some of the personnel also have specialized training in flood water rescue.
“ECFR is fortunate to have these specialized rescue teams and the equipment to serve our citizens,” said Deputy Chief Paul Williams. “These specially-trained personnel serve the citizens of the county daily, and we are proud to assist other agencies and citizens of Florida in the hurricane-ravaged areas.”
The current team deployed to Madison consists of ECFR members from the McDavid, Brent and Pleasant Grove fire stations. In addition, members of Escambia County Emergency Management have deployed to Tallahassee to provide logistical support.
Wahoos Quieted By Aguiar, Lookouts In 7-1 Loss
September 1, 2023
If not for three misplaced fastballs, Luis Palacios had a pitching line as good as any of his starts this season.
Unfortunately for him, that trio decided the game.
A rough first inning that included two home runs was later followed by a two-run bomb in the seventh in the Chattanooga Lookouts’ eventual 7-1 victory at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
In between those two innings, Palacios faced the minimum 15 batters. He allowed just one hit – a second inning single by Ivan Johnson, who was thrown out trying to stretch the play into a double. It was part of five consecutive innings when Palacios retired Chattanooga in order.
At that point, the Blue Wahoos trailed just 3-1. Will Banfield hit a fourth inning homer in his 2-for-4 night at the plate.
The Blue Wahoos managed just four hits off Lookouts starter Julian Aguiar, who worked into the eighth inning, striking out 12 of the 23 batters he faced. He did not allow a walk, improving to 4-3 with 3.47 earned run average.
The Lookouts tacked on a pair of unearned runs against Blue Wahoos reliever Chandler Jozwiak in the eighth, after a leadoff walk and a pair of infield errors.
With their win, the Lookouts (67-55 overall) took a 2-1 lead in the series that now shifts to the weekend.
by Bill Vilona, photo Nino Mendez / Pensacola Blue Wahoos
FHP Ride Along: Drivers Cited For School Zone Violations, Speed In North Escambia
August 31, 2023
An elementary school teacher will be going before a judge to explain her speed in a Highway 97 school zone.
Her Acura MDX was clocked by laser at 53 mph northbound in Walnut Hill when she passed a flashing school zone sign for Ernest Ward Middle School. At 53 mph in a 20 mph school zone, it’s a mandatory court appearance.
NorthEcambia.com was along for the ride Wednesday afternoon with Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Zach Cupples for traffic enforcement.
In the EWMS school zone, it did not take long to stop violators.
We were parked in a driveway near the Walnut Hill Fire Station, the black and tan FHP Dodge Charger clearly visible to oncoming southbound traffic. The flashing school zone sign almost directly across the highway. The driver of a F150 belonging to an Atmore business was clocked at 40 mph, 20 mph over. If convicted, the driver is facing a $456 ticket.
Another driver, with a child in their Honda Pilot ,was stopped at 23 mph over in the school zone. That’s also a $456 ticket.
For more photos, click or tap here.
Florida takes school zones seriously, Cupples said. When FHP scheduled the NorthEscambia.com ride along, the original plan was to work the school zone and follow a few school buses in light of a photo we published last week that showed a chemical tanker truck passing a school bus that was stopping for students to board on Highway 97. The trooper was so busy writing school zone violations Wednesday afternoon that we missed the bus, literally.
So we set out for a few other locations that our readers have complained about across the area.
We took Highway 99 North to Highway 164. With some portions only about eight-feet wide, Highway 164 has been the site of several crashes attributed to the road width. There were few vehicles on the road that time of the afternoon and no traffic stops.
Cupples ran LIDAR — essentially like radar but using a distance sight and a precise laser beam — on Highway 29 in the general area of Hecker Road in the heart of Century.
A Pontiac GT was ticketed for 50 in a 35 mph one. A Dodge Charger was stopped for 53 mph in a 35 and ticketed for no proof of insurance. A BMW X7 driver was pulled over for 56 mph in the 35 zone.
While southbound on Highway 29 at 35 mph in Century, the driver of a GMC Sierra pickup truck quickly changed lanes dangerously close to the marked FHP unit and sped up to about 45 mph. As we followed directly behind, he reached speeds up to 51 mph the 35 zone before the blue lights came on. The driver was also cited for no proof of insurance; the most recent insurance card he could provide was from 2020.
We also made several passes through a Highway 29 construction zone in Century where four lanes are shifted into two. We also sat stationary and clocked vehicle speeds. Vehicle after vehicle passed with none exceeding the speed limit by more than a couple of mph.
All drivers in this story are innocent until their admission of guilt or conviction.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Family Seeks The Person They Believe Burned Their Late Father’s Home
August 31, 2023
A family is looking for answers after they say someone set fire to their late father’s home earlier this week.
The home in the 1500 block of Tommy Street, just a few blocks from Pine Meadow Elementary School, was destroyed by fire before daybreak on Monday. Escambia County Fire Rescue was dispatched just after 5 a.m. and arrived to find fire coming from several windows of the single story home. The fire was brought under control in under an hour, but the home was a complete loss.
The Florida Bureau of Fire and Arson is investigating the cause and origin of the fire and has not yet made a final determination.
The home belonged to John Justice until he passed away earlier this year at the age of 74. The family had been cleaning up the home to sell.
His son, John Henry Wilkes Justice, is offering a $5,000 reward for “the arrest of the arsonist” that he believes started the fire.
“My goal is to turn something bad into something good. My dad always said the only thing bad people fear is good people willing to do the right thing. I’m hoping that there is a good person who knows what has happened. I hope the reward betters their life,” he said. “The weight of losing my father has been bigger than an elephant on our family. I feel everything happens for a reason and we are trying to use this opportunity to get someone bad off the streets and help a good person make a better life (with the reward).”
The family is asking anyone with information to call (850) 384-1773.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Man Indicted For First Degree Murder In Fentanyl Death
August 31, 2023
An Escambia County man has been indicted for first degree murder for a fentanyl death.
The grand jury returned the indictment against 38-year old Quantae Solethia Sanders for first degree murder death caused by the unlawful distribution of fentanyl for the death of Christopher West on January 18, 2023. According to prosecutors, Sanders was linked to the delivery of fentanyl to West just before he died.
The Drug Enforcement Agency has published that fentanyl is 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin, according to the State Attorney’s Office.
Escambia Sheriff’s Office Presents Awards (With Gallery)
August 31, 2023
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office recently honored several individuals during an awards ceremony.
For more photos, click or tap here.
According to the ECSO:
Investigator Dave Bashore was presented the Commendation Medal award. Investigator Bashore’s exemplary work and commitment to the Sexual Offender/Predator unit have played a crucial role in maintaining public safety in Escambia County.
Investigator Gregory Goult was presented the Commendation Medal award. Investigator Goult excels in Economic Crimes and Fraud investigations, showcasing his skill in handling difficult cases. His commitment to Escambia County’s citizens has positively represented himself and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputy Robert Campbell and Deputy Trae Walsingham were presented the Commendation Medal award. In March of 2023, Deputies Campbell, Walsingham, and Edgar responded to a domestic violence complaint. Their proactive pursuit of the suspect, along with their swift and skillful medical response to his deteriorating condition, prevented further harm and showcased their dedication to public safety. Their well-rounded approach, reflects their exceptional professionalism.
Deputy Zachary Banks was presented the Life Saving Medal award. In May of 2023, after his shift, Deputy Banks assisted the Pensacola Police during a house fire. He helped rescue a trapped child and began immediate life-saving efforts.
Deputy Banks performed chest compressions, and others gave oxygen and aided in breathing. Their actions revived the child before EMS took over. Deputy Banks’s brave and quick actions played a crucial role in saving the child.
Deputy Cody Brown was presented the Life Saving Medal award. In May of 2023, when Deputy Brown arrived at a house fire, he quickly joined fire personnel to help an adult female. Using his previous firefighter and EMT experience, he efficiently provided crucial medical aid to the victim, including oxygen and breathing assistance for about 17 minutes until EMS arrived. Deputy Brown’s actions were crucial in saving the woman.
The Investigations/Warrants Unit was presented the Unit Citation award. Members of this unit included: Lieutenant Stephen Cappas, Master Deputy Douglas Shoemaker, Master Deputy Eric Peck, Master Deputy Jeremy Jarman, Master Deputy Travis Peacock, Deputy Dalton Heigele, Lorraine Russell, Diona Murphy, Maria Camargo, Nicole Stout, Susan Merritt, Teresa Lyons, Karen Sztukowski, and Shea Goodale.
The Investigations/Special Victims Unit was presented the Unit Citation award. Members of this unit included: Sergeant Shaun White, Investigator David Bashore, Investigator Suzanne Pollock, Investigator Nate Hamel, Investigator Erin Bullard, Investigator Bernice Andre, Ola Wolff, Kimberly Smith, LaTonja Crocker, Angela Murphy, and Jeremy Horn.
ECSO Fleet Services was presented the Unit Citation award. Members of this unit included: Lieutenant Patrick Crossley, Jake Lucas, Allen Bell, Noah Benjamin, Robbie Kent, Christopher Leverett, Chad Mauldin, Jack Reid, Stephen Ware, Carl Weis, and Malcolm Reid.
The ECSO also congratulated the following individuals for their years of dedication and commitment to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office:
Sergeant Thax Langford – 20 years of service
Master Deputy Eric Peck – 20 years of service
Master Deputy Bryan Poole – 20 years of service
Pamela Gaines – 20 years of service
Henrique Dias – 25 years of service
Teresa Price – 25 years of service
Sergeant Steve Morris – 35 years of service
Joeann Wiggins – 35 years of service
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
