Escambia Receives Share Of $13 Million Auto Parts Price Fixing Settlement
January 6, 2023
Escambia County has received its share of Florida’s $13 million settlement in price fixing claims against major automotive parts manufacturers.
The county received $33,473.92 after the funds were divided between over 80 local governments affected by the companies’ practices.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said the funds came after an investigation of more than 60 manufacturers, including Hitachi, Panasonic and Mitsubishi Electric. The investigation into the companies’ conduct found evidence of the manufacturers fixing prices and rigging contract bids. As a result of the companies’ actions, public entities paid more for vehicles needed for public services, including police cruisers.
“These automotive parts manufacturers set high prices and rigged contract bids, causing local and our state governments to spend more for vehicles needed for essential public services, like police cruisers. I’m proud to announce the conclusion of our investigation into these companies’ conduct and secure more than $13 million for the entities around the state that were affected,” Moody said.
The investigation found evidence that the conduct of approximately 60 companies likely violated antitrust laws. The companies, including major suppliers of automotive parts, engaged in activities that increased the price of many items, including lamps, radiators, air conditioning systems and air bags. As a result of this conduct, Florida public entities paid more for the vehicles needed to perform necessary public services, like police cruisers.
According to Moody, companies investigated include: Aisan Industry Co., Aisin Seiki, Alpha Corporation, Alps, Autoliv, Bosch, Bridgestone Corp., Brose Schliebsysteme, Calsonic, Chiyoda, Continental, Corning International, Delphi, Denso, Diamond Electric, Eberspacher, Faurecia SA, Fujikura, Furukawa, G.S. Electech, Green Tokai, Hitachi, Hitachi Metals, Inoac, JTEKT Corp, Keihin, Kiekert AG, Koito Mfg, KYB, Lear, Leoni, MAHLE Behr GmbH, Maruyasu Industries Co., Meritor, Mikuni, Mitsuba Corp, Mitsubishi Electric, Mitsubishi Heavy Ind., Nachi-Fujikoshi, NGK Insulators, NGK Spark Plug, Nippon Seiki, Nishikawa Rubber, NSK Ltd., NTN, Omron, Panasonic Corp., Sanden, Sanoh Industrial Co., Schaeffler, Showa Corp, SKF, Stanley Electric, Sumitomo, Sumitomo Riko, T.Rad, Tenneco, Tokai Rika Co., Toyo Denso, Toyo Tire & Rubber, Toyoda Gosei, TRW, Usui Kokusai Sangyo, Valeo Japan Co., Yamada, Yamashita Rubber and Yazaki.
Blue Wahoos Stadium Going Cashless For 2023
January 6, 2023
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos announced Thursday that Blue Wahoos Stadium will join ballparks and stadiums across the nation as a cashless venue during the 2023 Minor League Baseball season and at all future team events at the ballpark.
The transition to cashless payments at Blue Wahoos Stadium brings the ballpark in alignment with Major League Baseball stadiums across the country, joining 29 MLB teams with cashless stadium experiences including Pensacola’s affiliate, the Miami Marlins.
“Blue Wahoos Stadium will join stadiums and ballparks across the country in transitioning to a cashless experience, creating a faster, more efficient, and more secure payment system for fans,” team president Jonathan Griffith said. “Being cashless will help cut down on lines at concessions and the box office by making transactions quicker and offer added security for fans.”
Credit, debit, and gift cards will be accepted at all locations inside Blue Wahoos Stadium including the box office, Bait & Tackle Team Store, and concessions. Select locations will also process mobile tap-to-pay payments. The StadiumDrop app will remain available to fans, allowing them to order food and beverages for delivery directly to their seat.
Fans with cash will be able to exchange it for a stadium gift card at the Bait & Tackle Shop and box office at the ballpark.
Opening day for the Blue Wahoos is April 7.
Man Charged After Shooting At Two Women Outside Bingo Hall, ECSO Says
January 5, 2023
An Escambia County man is facing multiple charges after allegedly shooting at two women outside a bingo hall Wednesday night.
Lee David Wilkerson, 38, was standing outside of Bingo Paradise on Mobile Highway when two females tried to enter. The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office became involved in an altercation at the entrance of the building. During the altercation, he retrieved a firearm from his side and hit one female victim in the head with it. He then began shooting in their direction and continued to fire into the parking lot as the victims fled, deputies said.
ECSO said Wilkerson then tossed the firearm in a nearby dumpster, but not his meth. As Wilkerson tried to enter the building, two citizens who had witnessed the altercation pulled their concealed weapons, holding Wilkerson until deputies arrived.
Wilkerson was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, firing a weapon in public, use or display of a firearm during a felony, aggravated battery with use of a deadly weapon, and trafficking methamphetamine.
The firearm used was located by deputies in the nearby dumpster (pictured bottom).
Officials Urging Residents To Check FCC Broadband Map Accuracy At Their Location
January 5, 2023
Officials are encouraging residents in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties to review a new FCC national broadband map to see if it is accurate for their location.
Residents in both counties are asked to submit challenges if they notice any inaccuracies such as location or available internet service providers listed for their location. Accurate information is important because the federal government will use the map to determine how much funding each county will receive for broadband expansion opportunities.
Challenges to the FCC broadband map are due by Friday, January 13. View the map at broadbandmap.fcc.gov/home.
Escambia County said people without a fixed or mobile broadband connection are especially encouraged to participate. A mobile phone, a friend or family member’s computer, or a public access site can be used to enter a home address, review, and if needed, challenge the FCC’s national broadband map.
Santa Rosa County will host a drop-in open house from 5:30 until 7 p.m. on Tuesday, January 10 at the Santa Rosa County Extension Office, 6263 Dogwood Drive in Milton. Staff will be available to answer questions, go over the broadband map and demonstrate how to submit a challenge.
Escambia River Electric Cooperative has also joined the push to make sure the map is correct locally. EREC serves members in northern Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, and the cooperative responded to an Escambia County request for proposal to provide fiber internet in North Escambia.
To learn more about the new FCC broadband map and how to submit a challenge, visit www.fcc.gov/BroadbandData/consumers.
Longtime Cantonment Businessman, Lumberyard Owner Pittman Passes Away
January 5, 2023
The Cantonment community is mourning the loss a of longtime local businessman.
Larry Ozell Pittman, 74, passed away on December 31.
Pittman and his wife of 56 years Janice were the owners of Pittman’s Cantonment Building Materials. They opened their first lumberyard in 1972 and were in the lumber business for 50 years.
“Larry had a passion for lumber and building; whatever he built would certainly stand the test of time. He loved people and was always willing to give a helping hand to anyone. He was not afraid to tackle any project, no matter how large it was,” his obituary says.
Pittman is survived by his wife Janice Pittman, daughter Ashley Johnson and numerous other relatives.
A memorial service will be held Thursday, January 5 at 1 p.m. following a noon visitation at Faith Chapel North.
For the complete obituary, click or tap here.
Walnut Hill Suspect Charged With Domestic Violence, Battery On Deputy
January 5, 2023
A Walnut Hill man is facing charges for domestic violence and battery on a sheriff’s deputy.
Noelle Alicia Spence, 45, was charged with simple assault, false imprisonment, battery on a law enforcement officer and resisting arrest. All of the charges are felonies, except simple assault, which is a misdemeanor.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to a disturbance on Spence Road off Pineville Road where witnesses told deputies that Spence had jumped on the victim.
When deputies attempted to place Spence in handcuffs, he began to pull away before two deputies were able to get control of him, a report states.
“Spence hip checked me pushing me backwards into a door and tried to escape custody. I was able to subdue Noelle Spence and take him to the ground,” a deputy wrote in his report, noting that Spence “is a biological male that is in transition”.
The victim told deputies that Spence was “talking crazy” as he threatened to kill the victim while she was trapped in her room, according to an ECSO arrest report. The victim tried to call for help, but Spence grabbed her phone before making threats to do violence and kill her, the report continues.
Spence remained in the Escambia County Jail Thursday with bond set at $16,000.
It Was Christmas Morning. They Didn’t Know Their House Was Burning Above Them.
January 5, 2023
A Cantonment family did not know their house was on fire Christmas morning, until the fire department pulled up and knocked at the door.
Smoke was showing from the roof of the home in the 700 block of West Roberts Road when Escambia County Fire Rescue arrived about 7 a.m.
“My fiancé, stepson, and I woke up on Christmas morning to firefighters banging on our front door, telling us to get out. There was a fire in our attic that was started due to an electrical issue,” said Connar Moore
ECFR said smoke detectors did not alert the family because the fire was in the attack. Firefighters were able to extinguish the fire in just a few minutes, but the family was displaced until repairs can be made.
“It began over the master bedroom and was slowly moving via the insulation. Luckily, no one was hurt, and we were able to find and recover our cats,” Moore said. “The house is still standing, but there is a mix of fire, water, and smoke damage to the roof, the attic, the rafters, the master bedroom, the hallway, and one of the offices.”
According to Claudia Curiel, GoFundMe’s regional spokesperson, Moore organized a fundraiser to help the family get back on their feet.
“Any amount you can donate can help us get back on our feet and find somewhere to stay while we work to repair our home,” Moore said.
ECSO Seeks Suspect In Multiple Armed Robberies
January 5, 2023
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is searching for a suspect wanted in connection with multiple armed robberies.
The ECSO said the suspect hit several convenience stores throughout Escambia County between November 10. 2022, and January 3, 2023.
The individual has been dressed in dark clothing, wearing a dark mask, and carrying a silver and black handgun.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP or the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620.
Photos: ECSO, click to enlarge.
Established Foreign Manufacturing Company Seeks To Locate In Century; Town Council President Says No
January 4, 2023
A 50-year old foreign company with established American customers wants to lease a building owned by the Town of Century and bring new jobs, but the president of the town council is against the idea.
According to the FloridaWest Economic Development Alliance, the company is looking to set up their first domestic manufacturing and warehouse distribution facility serving the oil and gas industry. They plan to hire five people initially, with a goal of 10 employees by the end of the year with an average salary of $46,570 — the average wage in the Pensacola area. The company hopes to begin warehouse operations by the end of February with a forthcoming expansion into manufacturing.
“They were originally planning to just do warehouse and distribution, exporting their products here,” Danita Andrews (pictured left), chief business development officer for FloridaWest, said. “They have quickly decided that they want to move forward with being able to manufacture here as well…It makes good business sense for them to manufacture here rather than continue from where they are.”
The company wants to lease a 40,000 square foot town-owned building in their industrial park known as the “Helicopter Technology Building”. The town re-acquired the industrial building at public auction for less than $1 out of pocket back in August 2009, following the town’s foreclosure judgment against the now defunct Helicopter Technology company. The building has sat empty since then.
The lead for the project came from the international division of Enterprise Florida at the end of October, and the company visited Century and other available locations in Escambia County around Thanksgiving.
“They manufacture a component for a part for the oil and gas industry, they’re actually a plastics and rubber extrusion company,” Andrews said, adding that the raw product is in pelletized form before it is poured into a machine and molded using pressure.
Most details about the company and their plans remain confidential during discussions, as is allowed and is standard in economic development in Florida.
Andrews requested that the Century Town Council vote to allow Mayor Ben Boutwell to negotiate lease terms with the company for final approval by the council.
“It comes back to this table,” Boutwell told the council.
“Ain’t nothing fixing to be done period if I have anything to do with it,” Council President Luis Gomez (pictured left) responded.
“Okay Mr. Gomez, just keep holding us back sir. Just keep holding us back. Keep holding us back,” Boutwell rebutted.
“I’m out. Y’all can vote on it, but that ain’t what my vision is for the helicopter building,” Gomez said before asking for a motion to allow the mayor to negotiate with “this ghost client”.
Council member Dynette Lewis made a motion, clarifying that it would allow Boutwell to work with not a “ghost client” but with FloridaWest to negotiate lease terms with the company. The motion was seconded by Jackson and passed 3-1 with Gomez against.
The company is offering a lease amount equal to a recent appraisal — $94,000 annually or $7,833 monthly — with the company paying for insurance, taxes and maintenance with a minimum five-year term.
Company officials will be in Century next week to meet individually with each town council member and look at any potential upgrades to the building. Andrews said they will need to expand the existing facility by some 1,500 to 2,000 square feet to accommodate a large piece of manufacturing equipment that requires a tall ceiling.
“There is no waste; there is nothing that would contaminate the water or the air,” Andrews said. “They can take any excess product and reutilize that again in the extrusion process. This is my understanding.”
“Twenty jobs in five years is nothing for the town of Century,” Gomez said. “They opened up a peanut factory in Atmore, which I know don’t have anything to do with us, automatically 200 jobs. That’s what I’m looking for for Century. That’s what I am looking for for Century. Something with some people that want to be transparent on their own, not somebody who comes in here under the cover of night. They’ve got to have all these stipulations under the cover of a backroom deal negotiated by somebody else. That’s not going to benefit Century.”
“It sounds to me like we put the cart before the horse. We want to give up all of this authority to the mayor to a person that we don’t know,” Gomez continued. “We can’t even do due diligence. We can’t do no type of research. We can’t see what the background is, but we are supposed to just come in here and give him (the mayor) the authority to negotiate on behalf of the town and then accept or not accept whatever they come up with.”
“I’ve got to stick to my convictions. I’m just tired of people coming into Century wanting to hide,” he said.
FDLE: Former Navy Federal Employee Sold Member Account Info On The Dark Web
January 4, 2023
A former Navy Federal Credit Union employee has been charged by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement with selling customer information on the dark web.
Wade Hampton Helms, 34, of Arab, Alabama, was arrested on a FDLE warrant last week on one count of offenses against users of computers, computer systems, computer networks and electronic devices; eight counts of criminal use of personal identification information; 34 counts of unlawful possession of personal identification information; and one count of unlawful use of a two-way communications device. All charges are felonies.
FDLE’s investigation began in September 2022, when internal fraud investigators with a Pensacola-area credit union reported possible fraud related to Helms, who at the time lived in Pensacola and was an employee of the credit union.
Agents discovered that Helms misused his employee access to compromise dozens of credit union member accounts, taking the members’ personal identification information and providing it to third parties via the dark web. He also assisted the third parties to gain access to the credit union member accounts, resulting in the third parties stealing funds from the accounts.
The credit union has notified members whose information was compromised.
Helms was arrested by the Arab (Alabama) Police Department on the FDLE warrant and transported to Pensacola. He was booked into the Escambia County Jail and later released on a $47,000 bond.