School Board Approves Contract With Interim Superintendent Keith Leonard
June 22, 2023
The Escambia County School Board has unanimously approved a contract with interim Superintendent Keith Leonard.
Leonard took over June 1 after the board voted 3-2 in May to terminate former Superintendent Tim Smith. Leonard, previously the assistant superintendent of human resources, was the runner-up in the selection process with Smith was hired in 2020.
In the contract, he will be paid $160,000 per year plus $500 per month for automobile expenses and $200 a month for business expenses. He can also receive $3,000 to $7,500 in incentives based upon his performance evaluation.
The contract ends June 30, 2024, at which time the board can extend or modify the agreement if a permanent superintendent has not been found.
Like Smith, Leonard can be terminated by the board without cause. He can resign with a 90 day notice.
NorthEscambia.com image, click to enlarge.
Escambia Man Gets 45 Years After High Speed Chase, Assaulting Trooper
June 22, 2023
An Escambia County man with a long criminal history has been sentenced to state prison after leading state troopers on a high speed chase.
Gregory Bernard Henderson, Jr. was sentenced to 45 years by Judge John Simon for aggravated assault upon a law enforcement officer and fleeing or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer with lights and sirens activated at high speed. The jury deliberated for less than an hour before finding him guilty as charged on all counts.
On the afternoon of June 21, 2022, a state trooper located a stolen Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited driven by Gregory Bernard Henderson in the parking lot of a Whataburger on Pensacola Boulevard, and the trooper attempted to make a traffic stop, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. As another Trooper responded as a backup unit and entered the parking lot directly in front of the stolen vehicle, Henderson drove into the right side of the trooper’s patrol car.
Henderson drove out of the Whataburger parking lot and traveled north on Highway 29 at a high rate of speed. As a FHP supervisor arrived on scene, Henderson then drove recklessly across the median and into the Tom Thumb parking lot at Highway 29 and Airport Boulevard. He then drove west on Airport where he disregarded the red light at the intersection of North W Street and at Marcus Pointe Boulevard. Additional troopers arrived on scene and attempted the PIT maneuver and were able to surround the vehicle at the intersection of Highway 29 and W Street.
Henderson refused multiple commands to exit the vehicle, and access was gained through a broken window. With the assistance of Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputies, troopers were able to arrest Henderson “after a brief moment of resistance”, according to FHP.
Henderson has over a dozen previous felony convictions including four fleeing to eludes, possession of firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a controlled substance, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, resisting arrest with violence, and grand theft. He had been released from prison less than a year. Based on the defendant’s criminal record, he was sentenced as a prison releasee reoffender and a habitual felony offender.
The first 15 years of the sentence must be served day for day as a statutory minimum mandatory for aggravated assault upon a law enforcement officer followed by 30 years for fleeing or attempting to elude.
“The defendant has shown he is a risk to the safety of the citizens of Escambia County, Law Enforcement, and anyone who is unfortunate enough to share the road with him,” prosecuting attorney Christopher Patterson argued at sentencing.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour and others, click to enlarge.
Local First Responders On Donut Strike For Manna; Here’s Where To Donate
June 22, 2023
Local first responders are on strike — teaming up again to fight hunger.
The brave men and women are going on strike against doughnuts through Friday to encourage the community to fight local hunger by supporting Manna. They won’t give in until truckloads of nutritious food has been donated to the cause.
Each day of the Donut Strike, first responders will be stationed at grocery stores across Escambia and Santa Rosa counties from 3 to 6 p.m. to collect food and monetary donations.
Locations are as follows:
THURSDAY
- Winn-Dixie — 1550 South Highway 29, Cantonment
- Walmart Neighborhood Market — 334 Gulf Breeze Pkwy.
- Winn-Dixie — 4751 Bayou Blvd.
- Winn-Dixie — 4224 Hwy. 90
- Publix– 5055 N. 9th Ave.
- Winn-Dixie — 3319 Gulf Breeze Pkwy.
- Publix — 5998 Mobile Hwy.
- Walmart – 3767 Gulf Breeze Pkwy.
FRIDAY
- Winn-Dixie — 1550 South Highway 29, Cantonment
- Publix — 8684 Beulah Rd.
- Walmart — 2650 Creighton Rd.
- Winn-Dixie — 4224 Hwy. 90
- Sam’s Club — 1250 Airport Blvd.
- Winn-Dixie — 3319 Gulf Breeze Pkwy.
- Walmart — 3767 Gulf Breeze Pkwy.
- Publix — 1430 Tiger Park Ln.
- Publix — 852 Gulf Breeze Pkwy.
Blue Wahoos Clinch First Half Title With Win Over Smokies
June 22, 2023
Nine months after winning a Southern League championship in Tennessee, the Blue Wahoos returned and celebrated the chance for another.
Troy Johnston ripped a two-out, two-run triple in the ninth inning and reliever Jefry Yan overcame a leadoff walk, striking out the final batter as the Blue Wahoos rallied to beat the Tennessee Smokies 3-1 Wednesday to clinch the first half South Division win, thus gaining the spot in post-season.
“What a game,” said Blue Wahoos manager Kevin Randel amid a celebration in the visitors’ clubhouse at Smokies Stadium. “It’s always good (to get a playoff spot). Obviously titles are nice, first half wins are nice. (Wednesday) it felt like we were chasing them all night even thought the game was tight. Pitching was outstanding.”
The Blue Wahoos clinched their seventh playoff appearance in the last eight playing seasons (excluding 2020 when all Minor League Baseball was cancelled due to the coronavirus). They’ve done it with three different affiliations. A year ago, they won their first outright league title in the team’s 10th anniversary season.
Yan struck out pinch-hitter Nelson Maldonado on a wicked breaking pitch, leaped in the air and twirled in a dance as teammates joined him in the joyful scene. Yan’s relief effort capped an outstanding night of pitching as the Blue Wahoos ended a four-game losing streak with their biggest win so far this season.
Blue Wahoos starter Evan Fitterer went five innings in a duel against the Smokies Jordan Wicks – one of the Chicago Cubs’ top rated prospects. He gave up a second inning homer to Smokies catcher Pablo Aliendo, but retired the last seven batters he faced.
From that point, the Blue Wahoos bullpen was near-perfect. Cristian Charle pitched two scoreless innings, allowing one hit, them Matt Pushard, who just joined the team from the Beloit Sky Carp, the Miami Marlins High-A affiliate, earned the win with a clean eighth inning.
Pushard’s performance followed Will Banfield tying the game in the top of the eighth with a line drive homer over the left field wall.
After missing prior opportunities in the game to get more runs, the Blue Wahoos (38-26) took advantage of two walks by Cody Morissette and Bennett Hostetler. After J.D. Orr struck out, after first missing two chances at a sacrifice bunt, a wild pitch by Smokies reliever Cayne Ueckert with Nasim Nuñez batting moved the runners over.
Ueckert then struck out Nuñez, but on a 1-0 pitch to Johnston, it was rifled down the first base line off the glove of Haydn McGeary – ruled a two-run triple as it went down the right field line.
“It was a huge sigh of relief,” Randel said. “Troy was coming up with big spots all game, he wasn’t feeling great at the plate, but he got a pitch he put a really good swing on it. It was a big triple for him.”
A year ago, the Blue Wahoos won the first half with Eury Pérez as the ace in the rotation and strong starting pitching throughout. This half season, Pérez was a big part of the first month success, but his elevation to the Marlins, along with an injury to Dax Fulton and top closer Sean Reynolds called up to Triple-A changed the team in the final weeks.
“Our pitching is still holding up pretty good,” Randel said. “Our offense had been in a little bit of rut lately, but obviously something like this to pull it out keeps us rolling.”
The Smokies (35-29), the Chicago Cubs affiliate, are battling the Chattanooga Lookouts for first place in the North Division. The Lookouts dropped their first two games against Biloxi this week and the standings are now tied in that division.
The Blue Wahoos will continue this two-week road trip with a double-header Thursday at Smokies Stadium, following Tuesday night’s rainout.
written by Bill Vilona / Blue Wahoos, photo Angelina Alcantar / Tennessee Smokies
Woman Gets Life Plus 45 Years For Sexually Abusing Child For Years
June 22, 2023
A woman has been sentenced to serve life plus an additional 45 years in state prison for sexually abusing a child over a period of several years.
Sammi-Jo Lorn Combs was also designated as a sexual predator by Judge John Simon after she entered a plea to one count of sexual battery by a person in familial authority, three counts of lewd or lascivious battery on a victim aged 12 to 14, and one count of child abuse without causing great bodily harm.
On June 17 2020, an investigation began after the victim disclosed that Combs and Larry Steve Snipes had been sexually abusing the victim for a period of three years. Combs and Snipes were involved in a romantic relationship for years and started sexually abusing the victim when she was just 11-years old, according to prosecutors. The abuse continued until the victim was 14-years old. During Snipes’ trial, Combs was called as a witness, admitting that she and Snipes had been sexually abusing the victim.
“A victim of egregious child abuse like this will never live the same way after their traumatic experience. That is why someone who has abused a child in this manner should never be allowed to carry on with their lives like normal either.”, Assistant State Attorney Carrie Gilmer told the jury.
Snipes was sentenced in May to serve 10 consecutive life sentences on four counts of sexual battery of victim under 12, four counts of sexual battery of a victim under 18, one count of cruelty toward a child, one count of obscene material distribution to a minor and four counts of lewd or lascivious battery.
Atmore Man Charged With DUI After Molino Highway 97 Crash
June 21, 2023
An Atmore man has been charged with DUI after causing a near head-on wreck Monday evening on Highway 97 near Molino.
Jess William Taylor, Jr., 39, was charged with DUI with property damage and reckless driving first offense. He was released on a $1,500 bond.
According to FHP, Taylor was traveling north on Highway 97 just north of Sunshine Hill Road when he crossed the center line and struck a southbound vehicle about 7 p.m.. Troopers said injuries to both drivers were minor.
The road was closed for over an hour due to the crash.
Escambia County Fire Rescue, Escambia County EMS and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office also responded.
Century Approves $1,800 To Spruce Up Santa, Considers $33K For New Christmas Decorations
June 21, 2023
The Century Town Council wants to improve their Christmas decorations.
Tuesday night, the council voted to spend up to $1,800 for new garland for a Santa Claus decoration that stands annually in the Nadine McCaw Park on North Century Boulevard.
The council is also looking to spend an estimated $33,600 for new lighted decorations for 48 utility poles along North Century Boulevard, replacing decorations that are about a decade old.
The park Santa decoration was actually donated to Century several years ago. It’s a popular part of Christmas in town, Mayor Ben Boutwell said.
“I tell you, that is a picture-taking rascal,” Boutwell told the council. “I sit on my porch, and people come there and get their pictures; they do Christmas pictures there. It’s incredible the people that show up there. I’m talking family portraits. And redoing it (the Santa) will take it to another level.”
The council is expected to discuss the utility pole Christmas decorations at an upcoming meeting.
NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Response Plan Implemented After Florida’s First Chronic Wasting Disease Case
June 21, 2023
Following the confirmation of Florida’s first case of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in Holmes County, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) have implemented management actions and an executive order to protect against the possible spread of CWD.
As part of a response plan, the FWC will collect samples from specific established zones to further assess the spread of the disease. The results from this initial sampling effort will inform resource managers so they can respond with appropriate management strategies.
As part of the plan, the FWC will collect samples from specific established zones to further assess the spread of the disease. The results from this initial sampling effort will inform resource managers so they can respond with appropriate management strategies.
In an executive order signed by FWC Executive Director Roger Young on June 19, new actions include:
- Establishment of a CWD Management Zone centered around the location of the positive sample. The CWD Management Zone includes the portions of Holmes, Jackson and Washington counties north of Interstate 10, east of State Road 81 and west of U.S. Highway 231.
- The prohibition of exporting whole cervid (deer) carcasses and high-risk carcass parts originating from the CWD Management Zone
- The prohibition of baiting or feeding deer within the CWD Management Zone with limited exceptions
- The prohibition of rehabilitating or releasing injured or orphaned white-tailed deer originating within the CWD Management Zone.
FDACS management actions to date include:
- Heightened review of transportation permits for intra-state captive cervids to or from captive cervid facilities within the CWD Management Zone.
- Increased communication with captive cervid facilities in the CWD Management Zone.
- Quarantine of all captive cervid facilities in the CWD Management Zone.
- The Florida Department of Health has provided informational resources to all county health offices in the area and is integrated into the Unified Command to assist as necessary.
The purpose of these regulations is to help protect Florida’s white-tailed deer herd by reducing the potential spread of CWD within the CWD Management Zone and to other parts of the state.
Controlling the spread of CWD is difficult once it becomes established in a natural population. Because prions shed by infected deer persist in the environment, the best chance for controlling CWD is acting quickly after it’s been detected to prevent more animals from becoming infected. CWD can be transmitted directly – from animal to animal – or indirectly from the environment. Multiple management strategies will be employed to control the spread of the disease.
The FWC is asking anyone who sees a sick, abnormally thin deer or finds a deer dead from unknown causes to call the CWD hotline, 866-CWD-WATCH (866-293-9282) and report the animal’s location.
Currently, there is no scientific evidence that CWD can be transmitted to humans or livestock under natural conditions. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention do not recommend consuming meat from animals that test positive for CWD or from any sick animal. The FWC provides information about precautions people should take when pursuing or handling deer that might have been exposed to CWD.
‘Constituent Services Day’ Gives Local Residents Access To Government Officials
June 21, 2023
Several government officials were on hand for a Constituent Services Day in Beulah Tuesday afternoon, assisting local residents with a variety of issues.
State Rep. Michelle Salzman hosted the event in conjunction with U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, Escambia County Commissioner Jeff Bergosh, Escambia County Tax Collector Scott Lunsford, and the Veterans Affairs team to assist constituents with local, state and federal casework issues.
The Escambia County Tax Collector’s Office was also there with their new mobile identification card program.
The event took place at the Beulah Freewill Baptist Church.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Blue Wahoos, Smokies Rained Out In Tennessee
June 21, 2023
Tuesday’s series opener between the Pensacola Blue Wahoos and Tennessee Smokies has been postponed due to rain at Smokies Stadium.
The game will be made up as part of a doubleheader on Thursday, with first pitch beginning at 4:30 CT. Both games will be seven-inning contests.
Pensacola’s magic number to clinch the First Half South Division Championship remains at two. They can clinch with one more win, or if Montgomery, Mississippi and Biloxi each lose a game. All three South Division foes were scheduled to play their series openers, meaning the Blue Wahoos could still secure a playoff spot on Tuesday pending other results around the league.
Wednesday’s regularly scheduled game will not be impacted by Tuesday’s rainout.
written by Erik Bremer