State Investigation Underway Into Inmate Injury At Century Prison
February 20, 2023
A state investigation is underway after an inmate was seriously injured last week at the Century Correctional Institution.
According to the Florida Department of Corrections, “staff observed an inmate with injuries”. The nature of the injuries was not disclosed.
The inmate was flown to an area hospital by medical helicopter, according to Escambia County.
The FDC’s Office of Inspector General is the lead investigative agency.
“Due to the open and active investigation, we are unable to provide names or any additional information at this time,” FDC Press Secretary Paul W. Walker told NorthEscambia.com.
“The Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) is committed to providing for the safety and wellbeing of all inmates in custody,” Walker said. “Inmates who cause harm to others are held accountable for their actions. This includes administrative sanctions, placement in restrictive housing and criminal charges if applicable. This is done for the safety of staff and other inmates.”
NorthEscambia.com photo.
10,000 Pound Food Giveaway Delayed Until February 28 In Cantonment
February 20, 2023
The Cantonment Improvement Committee will hold a drive-thru 10,000 pound food giveaway February 28 at Carver Park on Webb Street. That is one week later than the normal schedule.
The Feeding the Gulf Coast food distribution will begin at 3 p.m. and continue while supplies last for anyone in need of food. People should line up their vehicles, single file on Webb Street facing north; food will be loaded into vehicles. Identification is required.
The food distribution is normally held on the third Tuesday of the month, but Feeding the Gulf Coast is closed on February 21 for Mardi Gras.
NorthEscambia.com file photos.
Florida Gas Prices Down Average Of 28 Cents Since January
February 20, 2023
Florida gas prices shrugged off upward pressure and sank another nine cents per gallon last week. The state average has now declined for three consecutive weeks, falling a total of 28 cents per gallon since late January.
On Sunday, Florida gas prices averaged $3.31 per gallon. That’s the lowest daily average price since mid-January. It’s a nickel more than this year’s low of $3.24 per gallon, and well below the 2023 high of $3.58.
In Escambia County, the average price per gallon was $3.23. A North Escambia low of $3.01 could be found on Highway 29 in Cantonment, and several Pensacola stations were also at $3.01.
“The fuel market is on a downward trend due to a combination of rising global oil supplies and renewed concerns that the U.S. Federal Reserve will pass another interest rate hike in effort to curb inflation,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “This has already been a volatile year for prices at the pump, and that’s likely to continue in the coming months. Gas prices normally increase in the spring as Americans take road trips, which drives up fuel demand. At the same time, refineries conduct springtime maintenance and begin making summer gasoline, which is more expensive to produce.”
Molino Man Facing Drugs, Weapons Charges
February 19, 2023
A Molino man is facing drug and weapons charges after allegedly running from a deputy at a fast food restaurant.
Hughlett Ray Mumaw was charged with possession of cocaine, possession of a controlled substance with a prescription (methamphetamines) and possession of a concealed firearm.
When Mumaw saw a deputy in a marked patrol unit approaching the Checkers on Pace Boulevard, Mumaw ran behind the business, according to an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office arrest report.
According to deputies, Mumaw had 3.4 grams of cocaine and a small purple bag that contained methamphetamines, a loaded 9mm handgun, scales, plastic baggies and his wallet with his Florida identification.
Mumaw was booked into the Escambia County Jail where he was being held without bond due to a probation violation charge.
Deputies noted in their report that Mumaw is not a convicted felon.
New Free Community Little Library Open In Cantonment
February 19, 2023
A new free community library is open in Cantonment.
It is located outside the Companion Animal Clinic at 450 South Highway 29.
Owner Dr. Keith Weekley, who grew up in Cantonment, said he wanted to give back to the area through reading, which he has always loved.
The little library was constructed by local master woodworker Ron Williamson.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Girl, 13, Hit By SUV When She ‘Darted” Across Pine Forest Road
February 19, 2023
A 13-year old Escambia County girl was struck by a SUV Saturday afternoon on Pine Forest Road.
Witnesses told the Florida Highway Patrol that the girl “darted” across Pine Forest Road at Wilde Lake Boulevard into the path of a Hyundai SUV traveling southbound on Pine Forest.
“Witnesses stated the teenage girl’s vision was obscured and so was the driver of the SUV by the backed up southbound traffic in the left turn lane to Interstate 10 eastbound,” FHP said in their report on the 2:59 p.m. accident.
The teen girl was transported by Escambia County EMS to Sacred Heart Hospital as a trauma alert. The 57-year old female driver of the Hyundai was not injured.
Century Blackcats Top Jay 34-24 To Claim Youth Basketball Championship
February 19, 2023
In youth basketball, the Century Blackcats varsity team (ages 11-13) defeated the Jay Rebels 34-24 in the league championship game Saturday afternoon in Chumuckla.
Century jumped out to an early 8-2 lead and never looked back on their way to claiming the championship. Tristan Pace led the Blackcats in scoring with 14 points.
“This was an all around team effort, the hard work by the coaches, the players, and the supportive parents really paid off today,” Century coach Kris Chancery said. “Go Blackcats!”
Submitted photo for NorthEscmbia.com, click to enlarge.
Want To Learn More About ‘YouthFirst Century’ Program Funded By Children’s Trust?
February 19, 2023
Last week, the Escambia County Children’s Trust announced $5.1 million in grant funding for 19 program, including one in Century.
The Urban Development Center’s YouthFirst Century will receive $397,556 for the first year as they work toward a goal of serving 750 youth ages 11-18 in the Century area over the next three years at a total cost of $1.2 million.
A YouthFirst Century informational session will be held on Saturday, February 25 at 11 a.m. at the Pilgrim Lodge Missionary Baptist Church at 7000 Jefferson Avenue in Century with Dr. Jessica Griffen, CEO and chairwoman of UDC.
The YouthFirst Century program will be for students that attend Bratt Elementary, Byrneville Elementary, Ernest Ward Middle and Northview High schools.
Violent Escambia County Felon Convicted Of Federal Drug Trafficking Charges
February 19, 2023
A violent convicted Escambia County felon has been convicted on federal drug trafficking charges after a four-day trial.
Michael Joe Green, II, was convicted of conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, and the distribution of 500 grams or more of cocaine.
In July 2021, the United States Postal Inspection Service seized a package sent from Houston to Pensacola containing over two kilograms of cocaine. An extended multi-agency investigation determined that Green had purchased certain unique packing materials used to ship the cocaine and directed his girlfriend to mail it to his mother’s address in Pensacola on his behalf. The investigation also revealed that during late 2021 and early 2022, Green made frequent trips to the Houston area to obtain large quantities of cocaine and methamphetamine and directed the transport of the drugs back to the Pensacola area for distribution.
In February 2022, Green was driving from Houston in tandem rental vehicles with his wife and others when both cars were stopped by law enforcement in Louisiana. Officers found and seized approximately eight pounds of cocaine and over half a kilogram of methamphetamine pills in the rental vehicle occupied by Green’s wife. On the same day, search warrants were executed at two residences in Escambia County associated with Green. Loaded firearms, small amounts of drugs, and documents addressed to Green at both residences were found in the houses.
Green will be sentenced May 22 before United States District Judge M. Casey Rodgers.
Due to the large quantity of drugs involved in his crimes and his multiple prior serious violent felony convictions—including armed burglary, armed robbery, aggravated assault, shooting in an occupied vehicle, resisting arrest with violence, and aggravated battery with great bodily harm, for which he served a sentence in state prison – Green faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 25 years and a maximum of life in prison.
The case resulted from a joint investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Marshals Service, and Lake Charles (Louisiana) Police Department.
Escambia Man Not Guilty By Reason Of Insanity Of Shooting Two Deputies Off Chemstrand Road
February 18, 2023
An Escambia County man was found not guilty by reason of insanity for shooting an Escambia County deputy and shooting at another in 2019.
Escambia Circuit Judge Coleman Robinson issued the ruling Friday in the case of 44-year old Daniel Jeremy Hux who was charged with two counts of attempted murder. He will be held in the Escambia County Jail until being transferred to a treatment facility.
At about 1:30 p.m. on December 11, 2019, Hux called 911 and requested to be taken to the hospital, stated that he was contemplating suicide, and that he was standing outside under a pine tree.
Deputy Douglas Shoemaker was dispatched to the address on Limerick Lane for a welfare check. He did not see anyone outside, knocked on the front door and went to a side carport door. At 2:16 p.m. he canceled Escambia County EMS.
Shoemaker was joined by Sgt. Melissa Lee. They again checked the doors of the residence, and Shoemaker returned to the carport and knocked on the side door again. He saw a figure moving to the door through frosted glass. When the door opened, he saw the muzzle of a firearm pointed toward him, and the person holding it opened fire. Shoemaker said he was hit by the first round in the chest and immediately ran and secured cover. The deputy then returned fire at Hux until he saw him “go down”.
Shoemaker suffered gunshot wounds to his chest, right side and right middle knuckle, and he was grazed on the forehead.
The sergeant heard the gunshots and saw an arm with a handgun sticking out of the door. Hux began to shoot in her direction, forcing her to seek cover at her vehicle. Lee indicated she did not fire because she could not see a clear target.
Deputy Shoemaker was shot four times and Hux was struck twice. Both were transported to the hospital and both survived. The State Attorney’s Office cleared the deputies of any wrongdoing.
Hux’s wife told investigators that Hux had become increasingly paranoid and delusional over several months. She said he called her the morning of the shooting and told her, “he loved her, and everything would be OK”.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge. Pictured top inset: Daniel Jeremy Hux in court on January 12, 2023, courtesy WEAR 3 for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
