Century Woman Charged With Allegedly Threatening To Shoot Two People At Her Door
December 17, 2021
A Century woman was charged with two felonies after allegedly threatening to shoot two people at her door.
Margaret Mary Parker, 68, was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in a domestic violence situation and aggravated assault.
According to an arrest report, a man and his girlfriend had just arrived back in town after a business trip and attempted to enter the home. Because of the domestic violence charge, it’s known there was some relationship between Parker and one of the victims. But it is not clear what that relationship is because much of the arrest report is redacted.
The male victim told deputies he attempted to reason with Parker, but she refused to let them in. She went and got a semi-automatic handgun that she pointed at the victims while threatening to kill them, the report states. Part of the incident was recorded in a phone video that was provided to deputies.
Parker told deputies that both individuals were intruders and that is why she pointed a gun at them and threatened to shoot them, according to the arrest report.
The semi-automatic handgun was collected as evidence.
Parker was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $10,000 bond.
‘It Will Be OK’ – Rosco, The NorthEscambia Rescue Kitty, Passes Away
December 17, 2021
We wanted to share some really sad news from our NorthEscambia.com family.
Our beloved cat Rosco passed away suddenly and unexpectedly Tuesday morning at the age of five. He received the very best veterinary wellness care, and he had no known serious issues and not been sick.
We decided to share our grief with you because thousands of our readers have come to know Rosco over the past 2.5 years since we first published his adoption story. He’s been our photo model for several stories on NorthEscambia.com and has appeared many, many times on our social media channels. We get asked about him all the time.
Rosco has been a sounding board for story ideas and right by my side waiting for bed as I wrote those 2 a.m. breaking news stories. He knew that certain tones on the fire scanner would mean dad might be leaving, and he would often wait by the door for my return. At night, he would wait for me to finish writing or take a break. In our free time, he would snuggle next to me on the couch, just wanting the reassuring touch of my hand on his back. He really was part of our NorthEscambia.com operation.
We adopted Rosco and another kitty named Oreo, now age 7, from the Escambia County Animal Shelter in May 2019. At the time, Rosco had been at the shelter longer than any other cat because he had over-stimulation aggression. When we first met, he bit me. I bled. I tried to pet him again. He bit me again. I bled again. We fell in love. (You really should read that first adoption story.)
We don’t know his backstory before he arrived at the shelter. But we set out to give him a “furever” home, not knowing that furever would be just 2.5 short years.
He became a big sweetie, often by my side. He loved those couch cuddles and being held. He was a purrfect friend.
Some days, Rosco and Oreo had their little scuffles over the best spot of sunshine on the bed. For a couple of animal shelter cellmates turned brothers, they had an obvious love for one another. Oreo goes to bed around 10:00 each night. Later as we finished our late night NorthEscambia.com work, Rosco would walk me to the kitchen and ask for treats. He would not eat them, opting instead for his favorite food. Rosco would go to the bedroom and “tell” Oreo. “Little brother, I got you some treats. They are in the kitchen.” Oreo would head to the kitchen for his late night snack. Best bros look out for each other.
Little Oreo is lost now. He’s still looking for Rosco, and spending extra time wanting to be held.
Rosco would want you to know that he was a tough, brave little dude but inside he had the biggest of hearts. If dad offered a reassuring look and a “it’s OK”, he would stand strong against the loud noises of vacuum cleaners, power tools, anything. If dad said it was OK, all was well.
I held him Tuesday morning and told him it was OK. He made little kitty biscuits as he took his last breath.
Thank you for allowing us to share Rosco with you over the past 2.5 years. Please consider adopting a cat or dog from the Escambia County animal shelter if that fits your family situation. Or consider a financial donation to the Friends of the Escambia County Animal Shelter (click to donate). Tell them Rosco sent you, and he wants all the shelter animals to know before Christmas that…
It will be OK.
Pictured top: Rosco by a NorthEscambia.com camera bag waiting on the next big story. Pictured first below: Part of Rosco’s 2021 Christmas photoshoot. Next two photos: Rosco and Oreo sharing a spot of sunshine, and looking out a window. And bottom: More of his Christmas photoshoot. He didn’t trust the gnome, but dad said it would be OK. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Northview, Tate And Other Escambia County Sports Teams Earn State Academic Honors
December 17, 2021
Several high school athletic teams in Escambia County excelled not only on the field, but also in the classroom.
The Florida High School Academic Team Champion recognition program honors teamwork not only in competition, but in academics as well. The program recognizes teams in each of the Association’s sanctioned and recognized sports, naming an Academic Team Champion in each classification based on GPA.
Several Northview High School teams were among the top-ranked in their class by GPA:
- Northview football, No. 2 in state in 1A, 3.033 GPA
- Northview girls volleyball, No. 3 in state in 1A, 3.361 GPA
- Northview boys golf, No.4 in the state in 1A, 3.802 GPA
- Northview boys cross country 2A, 3.73 GPA
- Northview girls cross country 2A, 3.069 GPA
- Northview girls golf 1A, 3.625 GPA
Tate High School teams recognized for the their team GPA were:
- Tate girls volleyball 6A, 3.624 GPA
- Tate boys cross country 4A, 3.266 GPA
- Tate girls cross country 4A, 3.405 GPA
- Tate boys golf 3A, 3.066 GPA
- Tate girls golf 3A, 3.433 GPA
Several other Escambia County school had GPAs above 3.0.. Notably, Washington High School’s Boys Cross Country had the best team GPA in Class 3A at 3.849. and the Pensacola High boys golf team was No. 4 in Class 2A with a team GPA of 3.6.75
And The Kingsfield Elementary Teacher Gingerbread Contest Reader Favorite Is…
December 17, 2021
The teachers and staff of Kingsfield Elementary School held a gingerbread contest, and we took votes yesterday on social media for NorthEscambia.com Reader’s Choice Award.
The winner with 253 votes was number nine…a complete scene with a gingerbread house, ice rink and more. The winner gets bragging rights for a year. (Unfortunately, we were not provided the name of the creator.)
Our readers didn’t just vote; they commented on the top entry:
- “Love that you added a fence with decorations. We have had a outdoor fire with our gingerbread houses.”
- “This one is more original but the other ones are great they all did a great job!!”
- “I say this one has the most details and should win!”
Second place with 138 votes in our informal just-for-fun contest was number 3….a gingerbread Starbucks with several extra shots of Christmas trees and gumdrops.
Third place with 112 votes was number 12 with a tropical gingerbread beach scene.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Body Found After Escambia County RV Fire
December 17, 2021
A body was found an RV following a fire Thursday morning in Escambia County.
Escambia Fire Rescue responded to the RV fire in the 1400 block of “P” Street about 12:50 a.m. Thursday and found the vehicle fully engulfed in flames. A deceased individual was located inside the vehicle, and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office was notified.
The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office.
The fire is the eighth red bulb in the “Keep the Wreath Green” fire safety campaign in Escambia County.
During the month-long Keep the Wreath Green campaign, five-foot wreaths are on display at county fire stations and other locations. Each time firefighters respond to a residential fire with damage, a green light bulb is replaced with a red one to remind citizens of the dangers posed by fires in residential homes.
International Paper Emergency Alert System Unintentionally Activated Late Wednesday Night
December 16, 2021
An emergency alert system at International Paper was unintentionally activated in test mode just before 11 p.m. Wednesday, causing concern among many Cantonment area residents.
A spokesperson for International Paper said it was not immediately clear why the test was done that late, but there was no emergency. The system is normally tested at 1 p.m. Wednesdays and as needed for employee training, but not late at night.
Additional tests for employee evacuation drills are planned for Thursday and Friday at 9 a.m., 5 p.m. and 6 p.m.
In September, IP began using a new, louder alert system that has both a warning siren and voice capability.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Man Rescued After Becoming Trapped In Trailer Load Of Corn
December 16, 2021
A man was rescued after becoming trapped for about an hour in a semi-trailer loaded with corn late Wednesday afternoon at Eicher Farm in Walnut Hill.
The adult male became trapped from the waist down in the corn about 4:15 p.m. and was unable to free himself.
“Corn is like quicksand,” Escambia County Public Safety Director Eric Gilmore said after the rescue on Eicher Road off South Highway 29. “Movement can cause a person to sink deeper and deeper.”
For more photos, click or tap here.
The trailer was divided into two giant hoppers — one nearly fully and containing the trapped man, and one empty. Firefighters were able to access the man and avoid sinking in the corn by using backboards and ladders placed across the surface of the corn. A large grain vacuum powered by a tractor and five gallon buckets were used to remove the grain and free the man.
The individual was evaluated by Escambia County EMS but not transported to the hospital.
The Walnut Hill and McDavid fire stations and the Escambia County Fire Rescue Special Operations Team were among those that responded.
For more photos, click or tap here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Florida Deploys Teams To Support Tornado Response In Kentucky
December 16, 2021
Florida has deployed a nine-person State All-Hazards Incident Management Team to support the tornado response in Kentucky.
“Earlier this week, we made it clear that Florida would not hesitate to support states impacted by the devastating tornado outbreak,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “This team is made up of dedicated public servants who are willing to work through the holidays and provide aid to a state in need. I’m proud that we’re able to deploy this team quickly and help impacted areas begin their recovery efforts.”
All-Hazards Incident Management Teams are regional, multi-agency teams comprised of local law enforcement, fire and EMS, public health, emergency management, public works, and other public safety partners with standardized training and field experience in incident command system positions. Teams are trained to support incidents that extend beyond one operational period and are credentialed to serve in different positions.
Recent All-Hazards Incident Management Team deployments include Louisiana in response to Hurricane Ida, Mississippi in response to Hurricanes Marco and Laura, Hawaii in response to a volcanic eruption, and South Carolina in response to flooding.
Pictured: Tornado damage in Mayfield, Kentucky,.
USDA Disaster Assistance For Seven Alabama Counties; Escambia And Santa Rosa In Florida Eligible Too
December 16, 2021
The USDA has designated seven Alabama counties as primary natural disaster areas, opening assistance to those counties and adjacent counties in Florida.
The disaster designation is due to excessive rainfall and flooding caused by Tropical Storm Ida that occurred beginning August 29, 2021.
Primary eligible counties in Alabama include Escambia and Baldwin, and contiguous county eligibility extends to counties in Florida including Escambia and Santa Rosa.
Emergency loans can be used to meet various recovery needs including the replacement of essential items such as equipment or livestock, reorganization of a farming operation or the refinance of certain debts. FSA will review the loans based on the extent of losses, security available and repayment ability.
To file a Notice of Loss or to ask questions about available programs, contact your a local USDA Service Center, including the Molino Service Center, the Jay Service Center, or the Brewton Service Center.
Cantonment Woman Gets Over 20 Years In Prison For Stabbing Death Of Her Boyfriend
December 16, 2021
A Cantonment woman has been sentenced to over 20 years on state prison for the 2019 murder of her boyfriend.
Jaquoia Xiaxiana Collins was sentenced to 20.5 years for second degree murder with a weapon. She previously entered a plea of no contest to the charge.
She stabbed her boyfriend in the chest outside the Wild Oak Farms Apartments in the 800 block of North Highway 29 shortly before midnight on July 6, 2019. Deputies responded to the apartments at 11:39 p.m. where they found victim Quartez McShane unresponsive on the ground near the driver’s side door of a blue Mitsubishi Gallant parked in the entrance of the apartment complex. He had been stabbed in the center of his chest with a knife. McShane was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital where he was pronounced deceased less than an hour later.
Collins faced a maximum sentence of life in prison.