Former Treasurer Indicted On 36 Felony Counts For Allegedly Stealing From NWE Youth Sports
November 18, 2024
The former treasurer of Northwest Escambia Bradberry Park in Walnut Hill has been indicted in Alabama on 36 felony charges for alleged fraud and theft from the organization.
Paula Star Pugh, 50, was indicted by a grand jury in Escambia County, Alabama, on one count of theft by deception first degree, one count of theft of property first degree, 25 counts of fraudulent use of a credit or debit card and nine counts of criminal possession of a forged instrument third degree. All 36 charges are felonies.
Pugh was originally charged in Escambia County, Alabama, in April 2023 with two felonies — grand theft and fraud. According to court documents, the Office of the State Attorney First Judicial Circuit of Florida dropped prosecution in the case for “jurisdiction reasons” in early June 2023. The Escambia County (FL) Sheriff’s Office then turned their investigative files and evidence over to the Atmore Police Department.
Day later, Atmore Police charged Pugh with nine counts of criminal possession of a forged instrument third degree, and one count each of theft by deception first degree, and theft by deception second degree. All of the charges are felonies.
According to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Pugh was the elected treasurer/bookkeeper since 2017 for NWE with the alleged thefts taking place from July 26, 2021, until December 9, 2022.
“During this time Pugh wrote checks on NWE’s account which she cashed for personal use, completed unauthorized debit transactions for personal use, and completed numerous ATM withdrawals for personal use,” the ECSO investigator wrote in his report, noting that Pugh had no receipt or explanation for the transactions.
According to a Florida warrant affidavit, the transactions included numerous cash ATM withdrawals from an Atmore bank; purchases from Shell Oil and Papa John’s Pizza in Tampa, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Home Goods Online; and eight checks payable to Cash that were signed by Pugh totaling $9,226. The transactions are detailed in the image below.
NWE first reported the misuse of funds to law enforcement on December 20, 2022, and an investigation was launched by the ECSO. Over the next several weeks, an ECSO investigator and ballpark officials examined the league’s financial records and built a ledger of transactions attributed to Pugh with no receipt or explanation, the report states. Deputies said the NWE board attempted at least twice to meet with Pugh and obtain receipts, but the attempts were unsuccessful.
The investigation also indicated that a ball tournament completed on June 13, 2022, yielded receipts/cash profit of $10,012.66. According to the warrant affidavit: Pugh sent a text message on June 13 that a deposit of $2,690 would be made the following day. On June 14, a deposit was made at NWE’s bank in Atmore for $1,557.10. “The difference in the amount to be deposited and the amount actually deposited could not be explained,” the report notes.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said numerous attempts were made by phone and in person by the investigator to contact Pugh with no result, until she returned contact on March 7, 2023. Pugh’s statements to law enforcement were redacted from the warrant affidavit.
Florida authorities alleged the following transactions were fraudulent, according to court documents. Pugh is not currently charged with all of these transactions.
Editor’s note: Northwest Escambia Bradberry Park is not affiliated with, Little League, Northwest Escambia (NWE) Football & Cheer at Bradberry Park.
Escambia Motorcylist Struck And Killed Sunday Afternoon
November 18, 2024
An Escambia County motorcyclist was struck and killed Sunday afternoon in Beulah.
The Florida Highway Patrol said the 36-year-old Pensacola man was travel east on Nine Mile Road just east of I-10 as a SUV driven by a 77-year-old Pensacola man was headed west in his SUV. Troopers said the SUV driver failed to yield right of way to the motorcycle and turned into the path of the biker.
The motorcyclist was pronounced deceased.
The FHP investigation is continuing.
Tate High School Names Students Of The Month
November 18, 2024
Tate High School has named their Students of the month. They are Brayley Cayton and Jayden Pugh. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
AAA: Florida Gas Prices Up A Couple Of Cents Over Past Week
November 18, 2024
Florida gas prices dipped down to $3.02 per gallon last week before bouncing back up 11 cents to $3.13 per gallon on Sunday.
Despite last week’s fluctuations, Sunday’s state average was only 2 cents more than what drivers paid a week ago. It’s also 3 cents more than what drivers paid this time last month, and 5 cents more than this time last year. The
The average price in Escambia County was $2.82. A low of $2.61 was available at the warehouse clubs in Pensacola. In North Escambia, the low price Sunday was $2.72 a gallon at a station on Muscogee Road, while $2.73 was available at multiple stations on Highway 29 in Cantonment.
Oil prices dipped 5% last week. Friday’s closing price was $67.02 per barrel. That’s a $3.36 per barrel decline from last week. Gasoline futures also dropped 6 cents per gallon, last week. The discounts in the fuel market were reportedly driven by ongoing demand.
Deputies Arrest Burglary Suspect On Chemstrand Road
November 18, 2024
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office arrested a burglary suspect early Sunday morning on Chemstrand Road.
Trenton John Devaughn, 19 was charged burglary, possession of burglary tools, and misdemeanor criminal mischief.
Deputies responded to a burglary at the Quick Stop in the 8700 block of Chemstrand Road. They said Devaughn w had first attempted to enter a residence, and he was caught while fleeing by deputies Robert Campbell and Don Campbell (who are unrelated).
The ECSO said burglary tools were recovered, and the back door was damaged.
Devaughn was booked into the Escambia County Jail where he remained early Monday morning without bond.
Escambia County EMS Employees Recognized As “Healers” For Helping Circle K Burn Victim
November 18, 2024
Five Escambia County EMS employees were honored as “Healers” during USA Health’s “A Night Honoring Healers” for their role providing lifesaving care to severe burn survivor, Joie Hellmich.
On March 30, 2022, Escambia County EMS and Escambia County Fire Rescue were dispatched to the Circle K gas station at 4501 North W St. for an emergency call about a person on fire. Within minutes, Escambia County EMS arrived on the scene and began to administer care.
After a brief stay at Baptist Hospital, Escambia County EMS transported Hellmich to USA Health University Hospital’s Arnold Luterman Regional Burn Center in Mobile, where she received specialized care for the next seven weeks.
As a result of the hard work, expertise, lifesaving bravery, and steadfastness involved in Hellmich’s rescue and care, the following Escambia County EMS employees were recognized as “Healers” by the University of South Alabama’s USA Foundation:
Reid Jackson – Paramedic Supervisor
Angela Jackson – Paramedic
Sarah Fish – Paramedic
Clifton Wheeler – EMT
Danielle Hopkins – EMT
Each EMS employee was honored with a medal draping ceremony during the gala.
“Each and every day, the men and women of Escambia County EMS dedicate their efforts to being the healers for their community,” EMS Chief Chris Watts said. “The five individuals honored reflect the core of our values: service, professionalism and vigilance. Their lifesaving abilities were put on display when they encountered Ms. Hellmich in 2022, and, on behalf of Escambia County EMS, we’re overjoyed by her remarkable recovery and wish her continued success during her journey of healing.”
Pictured top: Escambia EMS employees Hopkins, A. Jackson, R. Jackson, Wheeler, Fish. Pictured below: Burn survivor Joie Hellmich with EMT Wheeler and Paramedic Fish. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
East Tops West 3-0 In All-Star Volleyball Action (With Gallery)
November 18, 2024
The East topped the West 3-0 in the 2024 Pensacola Sports All-Star Volleyball game.
The west team was comprised of the top seniors from high schools in Escambia County; the east team was players from Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties.
Team members and coaches were:
WEST
Head Coach: Ashley Young – Pensacola High School
Assistant Coach: Sean Flynn – Escambia High School
- Olivia Johnson – Tate – setter/DS
- Carlyn Henley – Tate – libero/DS
- Kadyn Austin – Tate – middle/outside hitter
- Kamryn Langham – Northview – right side/outside hitter
- Jaden Gentry – West Florida – left side/outside hitter
- Kayla Anderson – West Florida – middle/right side
- Avery Varias – West Florida – setter/DS
- Hahhan Bradley – Washington – outside hitter
- Reagan Smith – Washington – opposite/middle
- Susanna Snyder – Catholic – setter/right side
- Bella Lambert – Catholic – DS
- Grace Dickin – Escambia – setter/outside hitter
- Brianna Williams – Escambia – setter/outside hitter
- Berkeley Morris – Pensacola – libero/DS
- Anita Surratt – Pensacola – right side
- McKenna Hughes – Tate – middle/right side
- Silvia Leos – Pine Forest – outside hitter/DS
- Chrisshonna Bargaineer – Pine Forest – middle/outside hitter
EAST
Head Coach: Melanie Marchena, Ft. Walton Beach High School
Assistant Coach: James Kerrell, Crestview High School
- Taegan Baggett – Central – libero/DS
- Kaelin Martin – Laurel Hill – outside hitter/DS
- Chesney Caraway – LEAD Academy – setter/DS
- Bella Satterwhite – Gulf Breeze – outside hitter/right side
- Sarah Frazee – Gulf Breeze – libero/DS
- Brighton Watson – Ft. Walton Beach – libero/DS
- Camille Reeves – Crestview – setter/DS
- Kaleigh Moss – Baker – outside hitter/middle
- Madolyn Mills – Baker – middle/outside hitter
- Addison Cudney – Choctawhatchee – outside hitter/libero
- Sophia Hull – Choctawhatchee – middle
- Morgan Barrow – Jay – setter
- Harper Cooley – Milton – libero/DS
- Audryana Colon – Niceville – outside hitter
- Elise Smith – Niceville – outside hitter
- Whitleigh Walsh – Niceville – libero
- Kinsley Hines – Pace – setter
- Addison Danforth – Navarre – libero/DS
- Emma Gross – Navarre – middle
Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Make Your Appointment Now To Let The Miracle League Fry Your Thanksgiving Turkey
November 17, 2024
Now is the time to reserve your spot to have the Miracle League of Pensacola fry your Thanksgiving turkey.
A minimum of $30 per turkey or turkey breast is necessary to help cover costs, and any additional donation will benefit the Miracle League of Pensacola.
Call (850) 380-4994 with questions or to schedule your appointment (leave a message if no answer). Walk-ups are welcome, but reservations should be made early as the number of time slots is limited and appointments take priority.
There are a few things to remember after scheduling an appointment. Completely thaw your turkey, removing all of the inside packaging and giblets. Write down exactly how much your turkey weighs so it is fried perfectly and take it to the Miracle League Park at 555 East Nine Mile Road at your appointment time between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Wednesday, November 27. And be on time for your appointment.
Individuals interested in volunteering should also call (850) 380-4994.
File photo.
Four Takeaways From Tate’s 6A Quarterfinal Game At Nease (And 40 Photos)
November 17, 2024
The Tate Aggies fell 42-14 to Nease Friday night in a Region 1-6A quarterfinal game Friday night on the road near Jacksonville.
Here are five key takeaways:
- Tate scored on a 12-yard passing touchdown from Taite Davis to Elijah West (pictured top). Tate fought to the very end. The last Aggie touchdown came with just seconds remaining in the game on a Davis quarterback keeper.
- Tate entered the game at No. 8 in the region, while Nease was No 1. Nease was also ranked No. 1 statewide.
- Tate’s season ended at 7-4, making their first playoff appearance since 2020.
- The 2024 season for the Tate Aggie was their first winning season since they also went 7-4 in 2017.
For more photos from Friday night, click here.
Pictured: Tate took on No 1. Nease Friday night near Jacksonville. NorthEscamia.com photos by James Vernacotola, click to enlarge.
Here Are Road Construction Spots To Watch This Week
November 17, 2024
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads and projects in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- U.S. 98 (Gregory Street) Resurfacing from North Palafox Street to east of 14th Avenue – Drivers may encounter westbound inside lane closures on Gregory Street, from 14th Avenue to 11th Avenue Sunday, Nov. 17 through Thursday, Nov. 21, between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m., while crews perform concrete work.
- North Palafox Street (U.S. 29) Resurfacing from Cervantes Street to Brent Lane (State Road (S.R.) 296) – The week of Nov. 17, drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on North Palafox Street, from Cervantes Street to Brent Lane, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., for paving operations, traffic signalization and concrete work.
- Interstate Circle Bridge Over Eight Mile Creek Construction – Interstate Circle is closed at the Eight Mile Creek Bridge through mid-2025 while crews replace the bridge. Signage is in place to detour drivers around the work zone using Pine Forest Road, Longleaf Drive and Wymart Road.
- Interstate 10 (I-10) at Nine Mile Road Interchange (Exit 5) Construction – Drivers may encounter traffic disruptions at the following locations as crews construct a temporary traffic shift and perform stormwater drainage work:
- Inside lane closures on I-10 near Exit 5, Monday, Nov. 18 through Thursday, Nov. 21, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- Outside lane closures on Nine Mile Road between the I-10 ramps, Wednesday, Nov. 20 and Thursday, Nov. 21, from 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.
- I-10 at U.S. 29 Interchange (Exit 10) Construction – Drivers will encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions the week of Sunday, Nov. 17:
- I-10, between U.S. 29 and I-110, is reduced to two travel lanes in each direction.
- Sunday, Nov. 17 through Thursday, Nov. 21, the left lane of I-10 Eastbound will be closed intermittently near U.S. 29 between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. as crews perform guardrail and asphalt work.
- The U.S. 29 northbound ramp to I-10 eastbound is closed. U.S. 29 northbound drivers are being detoured to make a U-turn at Broad Street onto U.S. 29 southbound to access I-10 eastbound.
- A new, temporary on-ramp for U.S. 29 southbound drivers accessing I-10 eastbound is now open. Detouring traffic to the temporary ramp will allow crews to continue work to reconstruct the I-10/U.S. 29 interchange.
- U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard) Resurfacing between Henry Street and Cottage Street in Century – Drivers on North Century Boulevard, between S.R. 4 and the Alabama State Line, may encounter intermittent lane closures for paving operations. Signage will be in place to direct drivers safely through the work zone.
- I-10 Routine Bridge Inspection over Blackwater River – Motorists may encounter intermittent lane closures west of S.R. 87 Sunday, Nov. 17 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for routine bridge inspection.
- U.S. 98 (West Garden Street) Routine Underground Maintenance from A Street to B Street – Motorists may encounter intermittent lane closures Monday, Nov. 18 and Tuesday, Nov. 19, from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., for routine underground maintenance.
Santa Rosa County:
- U.S. 90 Resurfacing from west of Avalon Boulevard to east of Stewart Street – Drivers may encounter intermittent U.S. 90 lane closures, between Avalon Boulevard and Stewart Street, Sunday, Nov. 17 through Thursday, Nov. 21, from 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., for milling and paving operations.
- U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive – Motorists will encounter the following traffic impacts:
-
- Median and turn-lane closures from Bayshore Road to Tiger Lake Drive.
- Intermittent lane closures and additional median closures between Bayshore Road and Tiger Lake Drive Sunday, Nov. 17, through Friday, Nov. 22, from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for stormwater drainage improvements and paving operations.
- Beginning Sunday, November 17, motorists will encounter a new traffic configuration as U.S. 98 eastbound lanes from Villa Woods Circle to Oriole Beach Road will be shifted south. This is necessary for crews to complete median construction operations. (release attached).
- U.S. 98 Striping Operations at Bergren Road – Motorists may encounter intermittent inside eastbound lane closures Monday, Nov. 18 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. for striping operations.
- U.S. 90 Bridge Replacement over Simpson River – Drivers may encounter an eastbound lane closure on the Simpson River Bridge Monday, Nov. 18 from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., as crews perform construction activities for the new bridge. Drivers are reminded that the speed limit is 35 mph throughout the work zone.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.