For The Second Time In Two Weeks, Molino Man Arrested For Drug Trafficking, Weapons Offenses
April 5, 2021
For the second time in less than two weeks, an eight-time convicted felon from Molino has been arrested on a long list of weapons and narcotics charges.
Damion Tobias Bryant, 39, was free on a nearly quarter million dollar bond from a March 19 arrest when Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputies stopped a Ford F-150 he was driving near Yonge and “T” streets.
A K-9 searched the truck and located 1.3 grams of MDMA, 31 grams of Heroin, one gram of marijuana, 98.5 grams of Fentanyl, glass smoking pipes, a loaded Ak-47 with a round in the chamber and more than $1,300 in cash, according to the ECSO.
Bryant was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana, possession of a controlled substance without a prescription, trafficking in heroin, trafficking in fentanyl, carrying a concealed firearm, felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.
He was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $242,000 bond.
On March 19, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office served a search warrant at the Suburban Extended Stay Hotel in the 3900 block of Barrancas Avenue. Two people, Damion Tobias Bryant of Molino 32-year old Kiersten Marie Heusohn of Pensacola, were inside the room at the time, an arrest report states.
According to investigators, Bryant possessed approximately 267.8 grams of methamphetamine, 37.37 grams of a heroin and fentanyl mixture, 12.1 grams of synthetic marijuana, 22 grams of marijuana, 265 whole and 37 partial Alprazolam pills and two oxycodone pills.
In addition, deputies reported finding $1,475 in cash in the room and a .45 caliber pistol in a pool.
Bryant was charged with trafficking in methamphetamine, trafficking in heroin, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, destruction of evidence, and two counts of possession of a controlled substance. He was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $240,000 bond.
Heusohn was charged with conspiracy to traffic methamphetamine, conspiracy to traffic heroin and destruction of evidence. She was released from jail on a $102,500 bond.
Jay Man Killed In Early Morning Morristown Road Wreck
April 5, 2021
A single vehicle crash west of Jay claimed one life early Monday morning.
A 68-year old man from Jay was traveling north on Morristown Road when his pickup truck ran off the road into a ditch, went airborne and collided with a tree, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
The driver was ejected. He was pronounced deceased on the scene following the 3:30 a.m. wreck.
The FHP no longer releases the names of traffic crash victims.
File photo.
County Considers A Boat Ramp At Otto Hill For Perdido River Access For First Responders, Small Personal Craft
April 5, 2021
Escambia County is considering a gated boat launch at Otto Hill to allow first responders access to the Perdido River, but the public will be able to use it to launch small craft.
This week, the Escambia County Commission is expected to enter into an interlocal agreement with the Northwest Florida Water Management District. If approved, Escambia County will design and build a 10-foot wide boat launch with a gate at the Otto Hill Recreation area. It will be constructed at the site of a former primitive boat launch.
The gate across the launch will prohibit nonessential vehicle access by the public. Gate keys will be provided only to county staff and emergency personnel, water management staff, Escambia Search and Rescue, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
While the public will not have vehicle access to the launch, there will be walk-around space to allow the public to hand launch and retrieve canoes, kayaks and small boats.
The Otto Hill Recreation Area is located at 2401 Jacks Branch Road, just south of Fillingim Landing. It has a pavilion, portable toilet and reservation only campsite in addition to river access.
There are several short hiking trails — one of which leads to a picturesque sandbar approximately 100 yards from the main camp site. Under normal conditions, the river is shallow enough in this area to provide a fantastic swimming spot for children, according to the water district.
A short swim or paddle across the river leads visitors to another sandbar and more sunbathing opportunities.
The Escambia County Commission with vote on the agreement with the Northwest Florida Water Management District at a meeting on Thursday.
Pictured: The Otto Hill Recreation Area on the Perdido River off Jacks Branch Road. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Truck With Seven Occupants Overturns On Molino Road
April 5, 2021
There were no serious injuries reported when a truck with seven passengers overturned on Molino Road Sunday evening.
The truck overturned onto its side in a ditch about 6:40 p.m. in the area of Barrineau Lane, not far from South Highway 99. The seven people reportedly made their way to a nearby home where first responders found them.
The crash is under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. The Molino Station of Escambia Fire Rescue and Escambia County EMS also responded.
File photo.
McDavid Man Wanted After Skipping Court On Charges He Tried To Steal Two Trojan ‘Ultra Touch’ Personal Items
April 5, 2021
A McDavid man is wanted after failing to appear in court on charges related to the alleged attempted theft of two Trojan personal items from a Century retail store.
James Sean Brooks II, 21, was charged with two counts of retail theft for the September 2019 incident.
He was due in court March 18, but failed to appear according to court records.
Brooks entered the CVS Pharmacy on North Century Boulevard and took two Trojan Vibrations Ultra Touch vibrators valued at $25.79 each off the shelf and attempted to steal them, according to an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office arrest report.
The store reported that Brooks took the first item to another area of the store and attempted to remove an anti-theft box. He knelt down and put his knee on the anti-theft box and attempted to break it with his weight, but that did not work. He then stood on the box and jumped up and down, but was unsuccessful. He then hid the item behind shampoo bottles.
He took the second vibrator and went to the restroom at the rear of the store, according to an arrest report. The CVS reported he was in the restroom for “several minutes” before he left the store in a vehicle.
A store employee said the items was found in a restroom cabinet behind several rolls of toilet paper.
According to the sheriff’s office, surveillance video confirmed the store employee’s allegations.
Anyone with information on Brooks’ whereabouts can call Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
Spring Livestock Show Winners Announced (With Photo Galleries)
April 5, 2021
Recently, 4-H and FFA youth competed at the Gulf Coast Agriculture and Natural Resources Youth Organization’s spring livestock show and auction at the 4-H property in Molino.
Youth exhibited chickens, rabbits, guinea pigs, pigs, sheep, goats and cows. In addition to showing their animals in the show ring, youth were quizzed on their knowledge of their projects.
In the show ring youth could compete in two classes — one focused on the youth which is known as showmanship, and the other focused on the animal in either a breed or weight class. Over the past few months, and even years, the youth have poured countless hours into working and preparing their animals.
For a gallery of photos by Madison Fendley, click here.
For a gallery of reader submitted photos, click here.
Results were as follows:
Beef Breeding Supreme Champion- Leah Rutherford
- Beef Breeding Reserve Champion- Tucker Padgett
Grand Champion Preview Steer- Allen Thomas Bridgers
- Reserve Champion Preview Steer- Leah Rutherford
Grand Champion Market Steer- Jessica Conti
- Reserve Champion Market Steer- Ally Oliver
Grand Champion Dairy Cow- Tucker Padgett
- Reserve Champion Dairy Cow- Maliya Porter
Grand Champion Market Swine- Ella Gilmore
- Reserve Champion Market Swine- Josh Nichols
Grand Champion Market Meat Goat- Maliya Porter
Grand Champion Breeding Meat Goat- Andrew Fendley
- Reserve Champion Breeding Meat Goat- Maliya Porter
Grand Champion Dairy Goat- Andrew Fendley
- Reserve Champion Dairy Goat- Maliya Porter
Grand Champion Market Lam- Maliya Porter
Grand Champion Breeding Lamb- Austin Manning
Open Poultry Grand Champion Bird- Skylah Miles
- Open Poultry Reserve Champion Bird- Jessica Conti
Chick Chain Grand Champion Pen- Cade Weaver
- Chick Chain Reserve Champion Pen- Brooke Hoomes
Chick Chain Grand Champion Bird- Brooke Hoomes
- Chick Chain Reserve Champion Bird- Madison Behrends
Grand Champion Rabbit- Emerson Walters
- Reserve Champion Rabbit- Maliya Porter
————
Beef Breeding Showmanship Winners
Juniors
- Malarie Cooper
- Sydney Gilmore
- Ella Gilmore
Intermediates
- Tucker Padgett
- Allen Bridgers
Seniors
- Haylie Nelson
- Leah Rutherford
- James McElhaney
Preview Steer Showmanship Winners
Juniors
- Sydney Gilmore
- Ella Gilmore
Intermediates
- Tucker Padgett
- A.T. Bridgers
- Brooke Hoomes
Seniors
- Leah Rutherford
- James McElhaney
- Jessica Conti
Dairy Cow Showmanship Winners
Intermediates
- Tucker Padgett
Seniors
- Maliya Porter
Market Steer Showmanship Winners
Intermediates
- John Parker Miller
Seniors
- Laura Alexander
- Jessica Conti
- Lane Booker
Market Swine Showmanship Winners
Intermediates
- John Parker Miller
Seniors
- Laura Alexander
- Jessica Conti
- Lane Booker
Market Swine Showmanship Winners
Juniors
- Ella Gilmore
- Sydney Gilmore
- Malarie Cooper
Intermediates
- A.T. Bridgers
- Tucker Padgett
- John Parker Miller
Seniors
- Jessica Conti
- Hannah Thorne
- Madison Behrends
Dairy Goat Showmanship Winners
Juniors
- Riley Gibbs
Seniors
- Andrew Fendley
- Maliya Porter
Meat Goat Breeding Showmanship Winners
Juniors
- Riley Gibbs
Seniors
- Andrew Fendley
- Maliya Porter
Sheep Breeding Showmanship Winners
Seniors
- Maliya Porter
- Austin Manning
Open Poultry Showmanship Winners
Juniors
- Elizabeth Penullar
Intermediates
- Skylah Miles
- Phoenix Myrick
- Abby Vernier
Seniors
- Jessica Conti
- Maliya Porter
Chick Chain Poultry Showmanship Winners
Juniors
- Cade Weaver
Intermediates
- Brooke Hoomes
- Kennedy Ard
- Tucker Padgett
Seniors
- Amber Gilman
- Jamie Gruenwald
- Jessica Conti
Rabbit Showmanship Winners
Intermediates
- Tucker Padgett
- Ryan Clarke
- Laney Clarke
Seniors
- Maliya Porter
- Emerson Walters
Photos by Madison Fendley and others for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Florida Gas Prices Drift Lower On Average
April 5, 2021
Florida gas prices continue to drift lower, according to AAA’s weekly survey. The state average declined 3 cents last week, for a total discount of 6 cents in the past two weeks.
Pump prices have gradually declined since the state average reached the 2021 high of $2.91 per gallon on March 21. Drivers are now paying an average price of $2.85 per gallon.
The average price per gallon in Escambia COunty was also $2.85, down a penny in the last week. A low of $2.59 per gallon could be found Sunday night at a Highway 29 station in Cantonment and multiple locations in Pensacola.
“Florida drivers are getting a welcome break from rising prices at the pump,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Prices are declining now that refineries have mostly recovered from the power outages in mid-February, which resulted in reduced gasoline supplies. Crude oil prices also dropped in recent weeks, due to global concerns about rising cases of COVID-19 and lockdowns in Europe. Since retail prices have not yet fully adjusted to the oil and gasoline futures price drops, drivers should see pump prices slip even lower this week.”
COVID-19 Vaccine Now Available To Everyone 18+. Here’s How To Get Vaccinated In Escambia County.
April 5, 2021
The COVID-19 vaccine is now available to all Florida residents age 18 and over.
Here’s how to received the vaccine in Escambia County this week:
Florida Dept. Of Health Escambia
FDOH-Escambia is using the statewide preregistration system to schedule COVID-19 vaccine appointments. Escambia County residents can call (866 (201-1025 or preregister online at myvaccine.fl.gov.
Ascension Sacred Heart
Ascension Sacred Heart clinics will be held at Olive Baptist Church as follows:
- April 5 from 8:30 a.m. — 5 p.m.
- April 8 from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- April 10 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- April 16 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- April 17 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- April 19 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Online appointments can be made at www.GetSacredHeartCare.com. The clinics will offer either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, which require two shots about 3-4 weeks apart.
Baptist Health Care
Baptist Health Care is offering appointments the week of April 5 at Baptist Medical Park — Nine Mile located at 9400 University Parkway in Pensacola.
Appointments can be made one of three ways:
- Visit EasySchedule.com. Click “procedure appointment” and complete the registration.
- Email name and contact information to BHCVaccine@bhcpns.org.
- For those who do not have email/internet access, call 850.908.SHOT (7468), Monday — Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Community Health Northwest Florida
All clinics April 5-9 are for individuals returning for the second dose. Appointments are already scheduled.
Retail Pharmacies
Appointments are also available at retail pharmacies including: CVS, Publix, Walmart, Sam’s Club and Winn Dixie. See each retailer’s website for more details.
Worshipers Gather In Person For Easter Worship, Sunrise Services
April 4, 2021
Worshipers gathered in-person for sunrise services across Escambia County on Easter Sunday morning.
At the start of the pandemic, Easter morning services were empty in 2020 as everything was virtual. At the annual Community Sonrise Service at Blue Wahoo’s stadium, the stands were empty last year as thousands tuned in online, on TV or on the radio. At Olive Baptist Church, Pastor Ted Traylor shouted the message of the risen Saviour literally from the rooftop, standing in front of the church’s large cross overlooking Davis Highway.
Easter morning 2021 was much different as services were open for in-person attendance, including sunrise services such as the Community Sonrise Service at Blue Wahoo’s stadium.
The services were to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, an important event to the faithful. According to the Bible:
Matthew 28:1-20
Resurrection Morning
1 After the Sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to view the tomb. 2 Suddenly there was a violent earthquake, because an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and approached [the tomb]. He rolled back the stone and was sitting on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his robe was as white as snow. 4 The guards were so shaken from fear of him that they became like dead men. 5
But the angel told the women, “Don’t be afraid, because I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here! For He has been resurrected, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell His disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead. In fact, He is going ahead of you to Galilee; you will see Him there.’ Listen, I have told you.”
8 So, departing quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, they ran to tell His disciples the news. 9 Just then Jesus met them and said, “Good morning!” They came up, took hold of His feet, and worshiped Him. 10 Then Jesus told them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see Me there.”
The Soldiers Are Bribed to Lie
11 As they were on their way, some of the guard came into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened. 12 After the priests had assembled with the elders and agreed on a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money 13 and told them, “Say this, ‘His disciples came during the night and stole Him while we were sleeping.’ 14 If this reaches the governor’s ears, we will deal with him and keep you out of trouble.” 15 So they took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has been spread among Jewish people to this day.
The Great Commission
16 The 11 disciples traveled to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had directed them. 17 When they saw Him, they worshiped, but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
from the Holman Christian Standard Bible
Pictured above and below: The 2021 Marcus Pointe Baptist Church Community Sonrise Service at Blue Wahoos Stadium. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Missing, Endangered Cantonment Man Found Safe
April 4, 2021
UPDATE; The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said Sunday that this missing man has been safely located.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is search for a missing and endangered man last seen in Cantonment.
John Frenkel, 61, was last seen about 2 p.m. on Monday, March 29 in the 1500 block of Silver Ridge Drive, off Country Road 97, the ECSO said late Saturday night.
He was driving a silver 2014 Chevy Silverado with a Florida tag Z54FQX. Hie is described as 6-foot, 2-inches, 200 pounds and is bald. He may be in need of medical attention.
Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620.