FHP Charges Man With DUI, Hit And Run, Battery In Road Rage Incident
August 8, 2024
The Florida Highway Patrol has charged an Escambia County man in connection with a road rage incident.
Mitchell Hayden Coffey, 62, was charged with aggravated battery, hit and run, driving under the influence, providing false information and refusal to submit.
Troopers said Coffey and a 34-year-old male driver were involved in an altercation on Graves Road off East Olive Road after almost being involved in a collision where a death threat was made. The two parties separated before Coffey went to his home but reentered the roadway when he observed the other driver on the road.
FHP said Coffey intentionally collided with the other driver’s vehicle three times. He then retrieved a handgun from inside his home and placed it in his vehicle, they said.
Coffey remained in the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $41,000.
Pine Forest Traffic Stop Leads To Arrest For Possession of Gun, Drugs
August 8, 2024
Florida Highway Patrol troopers arrested a convicted felon out on parole on gun and drugs charges after a traffic stop on Pine Forest Road.
About 3:30 Tuesday afternoon, a FHP trooper clocked a copper Dodge Charger traveling 76 mph in a 45 mph zone on Pine Forest Road. The trooper conducted a traffic stop and reported a strong smell of burnt marijuana from the vehicle.
Oderious Anthony Merritt, 34, was charged with possession of a weapon or ammunition by a convicted felon, possession of drugs (meth) with intent to sell, possession of drugs (heroin) with intent to sell, possession of drugs (marijuana) with intent to sell, and possession of a controlled substance without prescription. He was also cited for speed and illegal window tint.
FHP said Merritt stated he had a medical marijuana card; however, his actions were not consistent with the conversation. Following the arrival of a second trooper, a thorough investigation of Merritt and vehicle were conducted, leading to the probable cause to search the vehicle.
Troopers reported finding 386 grams of cocaine, 188 grams of heroin, 39 grams of marijuana and three grams of methamphetamine. In addition to the drugs, the driver was discovered to be a convicted felon currently out on parole and was in possession of loaded handgun, FHP said.
Merritt was arrested without incident and booked into the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $60,000.
Escambia, FL, Man Arrested On Drug Charges In Atmore
August 8, 2024
An Escambia County, Florida, man was arrested on multiple drug charges in Atmore.
The Atmore Police Department responded to reported disturbance at a residence on Lindberg Avenue.
That’s what they found 55-year-old Jonathan McGhee standing in the yard screaming, Sgt. Darrell McMann said. He said offers were able to see a “large” marijuana plant in a vehicle in the driveway, and there was a strong odor of marijuana coming from the residence.
Atmore Police Department Narcotics Agents obtained a search warrant for the residence and the vehicles in the driveway. APD said agents discovered methamphetamine, suboxone, “numerous items commonly used to ingest narcotics”, and “evidence indicating the manufacturing of controlled substances”.
McGhee was charged with manufacturing a controlled substance second degree, two counts of possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
McGhee was booked into the Escambia County (AL) Detention Center without bond.
Late Drama Leaves Wahoos Wanting In 5-4 Loss To Braves
August 8, 2024
written by Erik Bremer
Pearl, Miss. – The Pensacola Blue Wahoos fell 5-4 to the Mississippi Braves on Wednesday night, charging back to tie the game once but coming up short in another ninth-inning rally.
Tied 3-3 in the bottom of the eighth, the Braves scored two runs against Nigel Belgrave (L, 0-1) as Bryson Horne hit a go-ahead RBI double and Bryson Worrell followed with an RBI groundout.
Down to their final out in the ninth, the Blue Wahoos rallied with three straight baserunners and drew to within a run on an Andrew Pintar RBI single before Elison Joseph (S, 2) closed things out for a 5-4 final.
Mississippi initially jumped ahead in the third with a two-out rally of their own against Blue Wahoos starter Luis Palacios, stringing together a walk and RBI singles from Cal Conley and Tyler Tolve to take a 3-0 lead.
The Blue Wahoos chipped away in the middle innings, scoring their first run against Braves starter Darius Vines in the fifth on a Graham Pauley sacrifice fly and adding another in the sixth on a Jacob Berry RBI single.
In the seventh, the Blue Wahoos manufactured a rare run against Landon Harper (W, 2-0), who had not allowed an earned run since late May. Shane Sasaki led off with a single, stole second, advanced to third on a wild pitch and scored on a Jakob Marsee RBI single to tie the game 3-3.
Mississippi answered back with their two eighth-inning runs to even up the series one game apiece.
The Blue Wahoos kept pace behind the first-place Biloxi Shuckers, who fell 1-0 in Montgomery to maintain a 3.0-game lead in the South Division with 34 games remaining in the regular season.
The series in Mississippi continues on Thursday. First pitch from Trustmark Park is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. CT.
New 24/7 Career Fire Crews Coming To Molino This Month
August 7, 2024
Career fighters will staff the Molino Fire Station 24 hours a day, seven days a week beginning Saturday, August 17.
The four-member crews will be a special operations team, providing light technical and special rescue services in addition to responding to fire and medical calls across North Escambia. The station will respond in the Molino fire district, and provide assistance in the McDavid, Walnut Hill, Century and Cantonment fire district, along with any other local to assist.
“This will really bolster our response in the north end,” Escambia County Public Safety Director Eric Gilmore said. “This will benefit the entire area.”
The current “Squad 9″ truck (pictured below) that was assigned to the McDavid Fire Station in September 2023 will be transferred to the Molino Fire Station, becoming known as “Squad 18″ for the new crews. “Engine 9″ and other apparatuses will remain in McDavid.
Work is currently underway at the Molino Fire Station to remodel the bunk rooms, living quarters and the kitchen to better support occupation by 24/7 crews.
Molino will become what is known as combination department –volunteers would still respond to calls alongside the paid crews. Fire stations currently also respond to neighboring areas to assist.
“I’m pleased to know that my friends and neighbors in the Molino area will have coverage 24/7 out of the Molino Fire Station, and I certainly appreciate the brave men and women who will be providing the service, be they volunteer or career,” District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry said.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Century Mayor, Council Member Going To Hollywood (Florida, That is)
August 7, 2024
A Century council member and the mayor are going to Hollywood (Florida, that is.)
Tuesday was a night of rather ordinary business for the Century Town Council with approval of travel and a couple of contracts.
The council unanimously approved travel expenses for Council member Shelisa McCall-Abraham to attend the Florida Black Caucus of Elected Officials (FBC-LEO) annual breakfast in Hollywood, Florida on August 16. The town will pay up to $1,200 in travel and lodging expenses for August 1-16. The FBC-LEO has covered her cost of registration, according to the town.
The council also unanimously approved travel expense not to exceed $1,400 for Mayor Luis Gomez, Jr. to attend the same Florida Black Caucus of Elected Officials annual breakfast in Hollywood, followed by the 2024 Florida League of Cities Annual Conference August 15-17, also at the Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood.
The council also voted to enter into a $16,375.80 contract with Accurate Control Systems, Inc. to provide automated mailing equipment services in the amount of $272.93 monthly for 60 months effective August 27, 2024. The town said a quote was also obtained from Pitney Bowes. The new deal is expected to save the town about $1,680 over the life of the contract.
The mailing equipment is used to primarily prepare and send utility bills. It will replace a system that has not been updated in “many years” and offers faster processing of 110 letters per minute.
The Century Town Council also voted to renew a contract with the Emerald Coast Regional Council (ECRC) for planning services to manage items related to their comprehensive plan, land development code, development review. ERRC will bill the town an hourly rate for personnel, ranging from $64 for a planner III, to $80 for a planner IV or a GIS coordinator, to $100 for a community and economic development director.
The council meeting followed their first budget workshop for the next fiscal year.
Pictured: The Century Town Council Tuesday night approved travel for Council member Shelisa McCall-Abraham (above) and Mayor Luis Gomez, Jr. (below). NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Pensacola Law Firm Namesake, Who Grew Up In Cottage Hill, Passes Away At Age 104
August 7, 2024
Patrick Emmanuel, one of the namesakes of the law firm Emmanuel Sheppard & Condon , has passed away at the age of 104. He grew up in Cottage Hill in North Escambia.
Patrick was born in Pensacola on January 25, 1920, to George Joseph Emmanuel and Mary Josephine Gibney Emmanuel.
He grew up in Cottage Hill, and attended a two-room schoolhouse, the Cottage Hill Grammar School, which allowed him to skip two grades.
Upon graduation from St. Michael’s High School, Patrick commenced his studies at the University of Florida at age 16. In 1940, he received his bachelor’s degree in business administration. Since he was too young to accept his Army ROTC commission, Patrick began his legal studies at the University of Florida College of Law. After two years of law school, Patrick served in the U.S. Army from 1941 to 1945. He was assigned to the 630th Tank Destroyer Battalion which was primarily attached to the 28th Infantry Division, the “Keystone” Division.
Patrick’s unit entered the war in Europe on July 24, 1944, when it landed at Omaha Beach, Normandy, France. On August 29, 1944, the battalion marched down the Avenue des Champs-Elysees past the Arc de Triomphe in the parade celebrating the liberation of Paris. That afternoon, they took up front line positions and were again fighting the Germans near St. Denis. His unit helped liberate France, Belgium and Luxembourg. During the battle of Hurtgen Forest, his unit experienced “‘some of the most intense warfare known to man.” Patrick’s unit helped hold the Vossenack Ridge. In this fierce struggle, the Germans began calling the Keystones the “Bloody Bucket” and from that time, the 28th Infantry Division was nicknamed the “Bloody Bucket” Division.
Starting on December 16, 1944, the battalion fought in the Battle of the Bulge in the Ardennes, one of the major battles of WWII. The unit also fought at Colmar and the Ruhr Pocket. They continued fighting in France and Germany until V-E Day on May 8, 1945. In July of 1945, the 630th Tank Destroyer Battalion was redeployed to the U.S. Patrick was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious achievement in the Battle of the Bulge. He was discharged from the Army with the rank of Major upon the conclusion of WWII in Europe.
Patrick completed his L.L.B. (predecessor to J.D.) at the University of Florida College of Law in 1946. Upon graduating, Patrick returned to Pensacola and joined the law firm of Holsberry and Holsberry. In 1947, he was made partner, and the firm’s name was changed to Holsberry, Holsberry and Emmanuel. It later became Emmanuel, Sheppard and Condon, which is celebrating its 111th anniversary this year.
Patrick concentrated his legal practice in real estate, corporate, banking, healthcare law, construction law, wills and estates, and business litigation. He served on the Board of Governors of The Florida Bar from 1968 to 1974, and was reelected in 1982. He served as Florida Bar President-elect from 1984-1985 and as President from 1985-1986. He was President of The Florida Bar Foundation from 1971-1973. He served on the Federal Judicial Nomination Commission of Florida as Chairman and Member from 1974-1981. In 1987, he was awarded The Florida Bar President’s Pro Bono Service Award. In 2001, The Florida Bar Foundation awarded Patrick its Medal of Honor. Patrick was AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell. He was a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, and the American Bar Association. Patrick retired from the practice of law on May 2, 2014, at the age of 94.
On May 15, 1948, Patrick married the love of his life, Olivia Bobe Cooke. They were married for 74 years. Patrick worked hard to support his family and was able to send his seven children to college. Patrick and Olivia enjoyed traveling, with multiple trips to Chicago, New York, California and Europe. Patrick and Olivia were gracious southern hosts who enjoyed entertaining with many dinner parties in their home. They also enjoyed sitting side-by-side reading their latest books and magazines.
Patrick was a devout Catholic and a long-time member of the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart. For many years, he was an active member of the Knights of Columbus. His church awards included the “Knight of St. Gregory” bestowed by Pope John XXIII in 1960. He twice was honored with the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice by Pope John Paul II in 1980 and 2000. He was also named an honorary member of the religious order of the Daughters of Charity in recognition of his service and contributions to Sacred Heart Hospital.
Throughout his life, Patrick was extensively involved in civic activities in the Pensacola community. At the 43rd annual PACE Awards in 2002, the Pensacola Chamber of Commerce gave Patrick its “Spirit of Pensacola” Award. The Combined Rotary Clubs of Pensacola and the UWF College of Business awarded Patrick its “Ethics in Business” Award in 2004. For many years, Patrick served on the Board of Directors and as pro bono legal counsel for Northwest Florida Children’s Home, and on the Advisory Board of Sacred Heart Hospital.
Patrick is preceded in death by his wife, Olivia Bobe Emmanuel; his parents, George Joseph Emmanuel and Mary Josephine Gibney Emmanuel; his three siblings, Mary Catherine Emmanuel Towery, George Joseph Emmanuel, Jr. and Joseph Brunaugh Emmanuel; and two daughters, Mary Josephine Emmanuel Hanover and Suzanne Emmanuel.
He is survived by six children, Deborah Emmanuel, Patrick G. Emmanuel, Jr. (Christy), Robert Emmanuel (Karen) – all of Pensacola, Barbara Emmanuel (Bernie) of Atlanta, Stephen Emmanuel (Susan) of Tallahassee, and John Emmanuel (Patty) of Tampa; son-in-law, Dennis Hanover in Fort Collins, CO; and his 12 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
“We are eternally grateful for the legacy left by Patrick Emmanuel. He was an inspirational leader and force in the Pensacola community. We wish comfort and peace to Mr. Emannuel’s family during this time,” the firm said in a statement release Tuesday.
Police: Century Man Facing Charges After Running From Arranged Drug Deal In Flomaton
August 7, 2024
A Century man is facing drug charges after meeting an undercover cop in Flomaton buy drugs, according to the Atmore Police Department.
Brandon Jackson, 38, was charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and attempting to elude an officer.
Atmore Police Department Sgt. Darrell McMann said an undercover agent contacted Jackson to arrange to purchase narcotics, and they agreed to meet in Flomaton.
McMann said Jackson fled when police exited their vehicle in uniform. He was taken into custody and was in possession of over five grams of methamphetamine and a digital scale, APD said.
Jackson was booked into the Escambia County (AL) Detention Center in Brewton without bond.
Waterfront Rescue Mission Opening Shelter Program For Homeless Women
August 7, 2024
The Waterfront Rescue Mission in Pensacola is opening “Hope for Her,” a shelter program dedicated to supporting homeless women in Escambia County.
The facility will provide overnight shelter for up to 49 single women each night, including access to restrooms, showers, clean clothing, laundry services, warm beds, meals, and support from chaplains and other Mission personnel.
“Hope for Her,” is a dedicated program to support homeless women in Escambia County.
“The need for dedicated services for homeless women in Escambia County has never been more urgent,” said Clay Romano, President of Waterfront Rescue Mission. “With ‘Hope for Her,’ we aim to provide the shelter, care, and resources these women desperately need. Most importantly, the women who stay at Waterfront will be safe and secure from the dangers of sleeping on the streets.”
In recent years, the issue of homelessness among women in Escambia County has grown significantly. According to the Florida Council on Homelessness Annual Report, the number of homeless individuals in Escambia County surged by 61% from 2022 to 2023. Women, who make up an average of 29% of the homeless population nationally, are particularly vulnerable due to factors such as economic instability, domestic violence, and the lack of affordable housing.
“This marks a monumental step forward for our community. The opening of the overnight women’s shelter by the Waterfront Rescue Mission is a testament to their unwavering commitment to compassion and service. This shelter is desperately needed, offering safety and support to those who have faced unimaginable challenges. The community is grateful to the Waterfront Rescue Mission for their dedication to making our community a place where
everyone can find hope and refuge,” added. Florida District 1 Rep. Michelle Salzman.
Friday Night: Meet The Chiefs; Tate Crimson And Gray Football & Fish Fry
August 7, 2024
High school football is returning, with special events this Friday night at both Northview at Tate high schools.
Tate High School
It’s good food, good friends and good football with the Tate Aggies Crimson and Gray game and fish fry is this Friday at 6:30 p.m.
It’s $15 for a fish plate with all the fixing and admission; $10 for a fish plate only, $7 for admission with no fish plate, or $3 for a student entrance only ticket.
Tickets can be purchased through EventBrite for this event only by clicking here. Regular season game tickets will once again be sold on GoFan.
Northview High School
The annual Northview High School will be at 6 p.m. Friday in Tommy Weaver Memorial Stadium. It’s free admission to meet the Northview Chiefs football players, coaches, cheerleaders, and band. Local youth football players and cheerleaders will also be introduced.
Admission is free.