FWC Law Enforcement Report
October 13, 2020
The Florida FWC Division of Law Enforcement reported the following activity during the period ending August 20.
(Editor’s Note: FWC fell behind in issuing reports during the pandemic, and reports have remained delayed.)
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
Officer Cushing and Lieutenant B. Lambert were on vessel patrol in Bayou Chico when they observed a 37-foot vessel being operated without working navigational lights. They stopped the vessel for a safety inspection and the operator showed signs of impairment. Field sobriety tasks (SFST) were utilized and the operator was arrested for boating under the influence and transported and booked into the Escambia County Jail.
Senior Officer Specialist Clark and Officer Long were on vessel patrol on Escambia Bay when they were dispatched to a possible boating accident. Once on scene they observed two pontoons slowly operating away from the area of the accident. Officer Clark contacted the operator of the first pontoon, and it was determined there was no accident. The operator showed signs of impairment and standardized field sobriety tasks (SFST) were conducted. The operator was arrested for BUI and transported and booked into the Escambia County Jail.
Senior Officer Specialist Clark and Officer Long were on vessel patrol in Pensacola Bay when they were contacted by dispatch to assist Senior Officer Specialist Cushing with a vessel stop at the Navy Point boat ramp. Once on scene Officer Cushing observed the operator and passengers on the vessel were showing signs of impairment. Officer Cushing conducted standardized field sobriety tasks (SFST) on the operator and he was arrested for boating under the influence. A second impaired operator boarded the vessel and attempted to leave the area. The second operator was arrested for BUI and both were transported to the Escambia County Jail. Both operators were charged accordingly.
Senior Officer Specialist Clark was on foot patrol at Galvez Landing boat ramp when he observed a jet ski intermittently getting up on plane in a posted idle zone. Officer Clark gained the attention of the operator and motioned him to come to the dock. While conducting a safety inspection, Officer Clark observed the operator showing signs of impairment and Standardized Field Sobriety Tasks (SFST) were utilized. The operator was arrested for boating under the influence and transported and booked into the Escambia County Jail.
Senior Officer Specialist Clark and Officer Specialist Petty were on water patrol on the ICW near Galvez Landing boat ramp when they observed a vessel violating the idle speed zone. They initiated a vessel stop and instructed the vessel to dock at the nearby boat ramp due to traffic and safety reasons. Officers Clark and Petty contacted the operator and four passengers on the dock. While conducting a safety inspection, Officer Clark observed the operator showing signs of impairment. Standardized Field Sobriety Tasks (SFST) were utilized and the operator was arrested for boating under the influence and transported and booked into the Escambia County Jail.
Officer Cushing observed two fishermen returning to a vehicle near the PensacolaPass. Officer Cushing contacted the fishermen and conducted a resource inspection which found two redfish in the cooler. One of the subjects admitted to catching both fish. The appropriate action was taken for the violations. Officers Ramos and Bower were on vessel patrol near the Pensacola Pass and observed a boat kicking up a “rooster tail” as it departed the beach. A safety inspection was performed, and the operator showed multiple signs of impairment during the inspection. Standardized Field Sobriety Tasks (SFST) were administered and the operator was arrested for Boating Under the Influence (BUI) and booked into the county
jail.
Officers Ramos and Bower were on patrol and observed a vessel violating an Idle speed zone at night. The operator failed to pay attention to directions and continuously adjusted steering and throttle controls on his boat even though the officers instructed him otherwise. During the safety inspection, the operator showed signs of impairment and was asked to complete Standardized Field Sobriety Tasks (SFST). The operator was arrested for BUI and booked into the county jail.
Officer Allgood and Lieutenant Lambert were on vessel patrol in the Ft. McRee area when they noticed a vessel that was leaving the area nearly collide with other vessels. The vessel was stopped for a safety inspection and the operator showed several signs of impairment. The operator agreed to complete Standard Field Sobriety Tasks (SFST), was arrested for boating under the influence and transported to the Escambia County Jail.
Officers in Escambia County created a detail focused on keeping the waterways safe by taking impaired operators off the water. Five individuals were arrested for boating under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
SANTA ROSA COUNTY
Officer Lugg observed a small stationary vessel within East Bay during unfavorable sea conditions. Officer Lugg observed the vessel molest a marked commercial blue crab trap line and travel to a marked and clearly posted commercial oyster lease and molest an oyster cage within the posted lease. After the vessel maneuvered out of sight, Officer Lugg attempted to locate the vessel and after canvassing several potential locations, a vehicle and trailer were located that matched the vessel. Officer Lugg contacted Officer Wilkenson to assist in the investigation. Information was received from multiple nearby sources that the individuals who launched from the boat ramp matched the suspects observed within the bay. Contact was made with the vessel upon its arrival and a marine fisheries inspection was performed. Twenty-one undersized red drum (19 over the bag limit, 13 over the allotted vessel limit, seven not whole condition), one undersized spotted seatrout (not whole condition), and one stone crab (whole body, out of season) was located. Both individuals were placed under arrest and transported to the Santa Rosa County Jail.
This report represents some events the FWC handled during the time period; however, it does not include all actions taken by the Division of Law Enforcement. Information provided by FWC.
NorthEscambia.com photo.
County Court Judge Barry Dickson Sworn In
October 13, 2020
County Court Judge Barry Dickson was sworn in by First Judicial Circuit Chief Judge John L. Miller on Monday.
Dickson was appointed to the office by Governor Ron DeSantis on September 23.
Dickson, of Pensacola Beach, has been an assistant public defender for the First Judicial Circuit since 2004.
He currently serves as a reserve Lt. Colonel in the U.S. Air Force Chaplain Corps. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and his law degree from Florida State University. Dickson fills the vacancy created by the elevation of Judge Jennifer Frydrychowicz to the Circuit Court bench.
Virtual Meetings To Discuss OLF-8 Development This Week
October 12, 2020
The planning firm for OLF-8 will hold a series of online community meetings Tuesday through Thursday to gather input and ideas on the future development of OLF-8.
The series of meetings, called a “charrette,” allows citizens and stakeholders to participate directly in the planning and design process.
“At the beginning of the charrette, we will present the research and analysis of the site, as well as a few different scenarios for the development of the OLF-8 site. For the next 10 days, we will be asking the citizens to share their feedback, suggestions, and ideas with us as we refine those scenarios,” Marina Khoury of DPZ said. “This allows the community to see their input and feedback implemented and incorporated into the plan, almost in real-time.”
For those who would like to participate in the charrette process, there will be 10 different events that you will be able to check into virtually from Tuesday, October 13 through Thursday, October 15. View a full list of the online public workshops here.
Drop-Off Locations Available for Residential Vegetative Hurricane Debris
October 12, 2020
Escambia County residents that wish to dispose of Hurricane Sally debris can do so at several locations across the county, and there are options for construction and demolition debris.
In addition to curbside removal of debris for residents, drop off sites in Escambia County are accepting trees, branches and other vegetative debris.
Drop off locations are available from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. seven days a week until further notice for vegetative debris only:
- Escambia County Equestrian Center at 7750 Mobile Highway
- John R. Jones Athletic Complex at 555 East Nine Mile Road
- Oak Grove Convenience Center at 745 North Highway 99
- Baars Field at 13020 Sorrento Road
- Lexington Terrace at 900 S Old Corry Field Road
- Park East at 1233-1235 at Fort Pickens Road
These are free sites for Escambia County residents with identification or proof of residency. These locations are only for private residential use only; no commercial debris will be accepted.
If residents would like to drop off construction and demolition debris, they can do so at the following locations:
- Perdido Landfill (Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
- Oak Grove Convenience Center (Fridays and Saturdays 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
Pictured: The Oak Grove Convenience Center. (Note that the fees listed on the sign do not apply to Hurricane Sally vegativative debris). NorthEscambia.com photo.
Ransom Middle School Names Students Of The Month
October 12, 2020
Ransom Middle School has named Students of the Month for October. They are Alyssa Stefanko (pictured left) and Daniel Tourney. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
IMPACT 100 Awards Nearly $1.2 Million To 11 Community Groups
October 12, 2020
IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area, a women’s philanthropic organization, awarded nearly $1.2 million to 11 grant recipients announced on Sunday.
The nonprofit finalists will each receive a grant of $106,000 from IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area. They are:
ARTS & CULTURE
- Pensacola Little Theatre, Inc. - Project: A Stage for all Stages: Restoring the Little Theatre’s Big Rigging
- Pensacola Opera, Inc. - Project: IMPACT Opera: In Perfect Harmony
EDUCATION
- Every Child a Reader in Escambia, Inc. dba ECARE - Project: Get Our Children and Families Ready for Kindergarten
- Gulf Coast Kid’s House, Inc. - Project: Protecting Our Children During a Time of Uncertainty
ENVIRONMENT, RECREATION & PRESERVATION
- Keep Santa Rosa Beautiful, Inc. dba Panhandle Butterfly House & Nature Center -Project: Panhandle Butterfly House and Nature Center
- Veterans Memorial Park Foundation of Pensacola, Inc. - Project: Accommodating Veterans Memorial Park Events
FAMILY
- AMR at Pensacola, Inc. - Project: The Phoenix Project – Tiny Home Communities
- Feeding the Gulf Coast, Inc. - Project: Feeding the Florida Panhandle
- FoodRaising Friends, Inc. Project: FoodRaising Friends Foundational Food for Families
HEALTH & WELLNESS
- Ecomfort, Inc. - Project: Food as a Tool: Impacting lives in the Community Mentally, Physically and Spiritually
- Pensacola United Methodist Community Ministries, Inc. dba Bright Bridge Ministries - Project: Updated Kitchen, Uplifted Lives
“This year has been like none other, in terms of community need from the impact of COVID-19 and Hurricane Sally,” said Brigette Brooks, president of IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area. “Thanks to support from our all-volunteer board including our technology team, the majority of our grant review processes this year were handled virtually to ensure our members stayed healthy and safe, and to ensure social distancing, while still serving our community that we love.”
With 1,166 members this year, IMPACT 100 was able to award $106,000 each to1 1 nonprofit organizations in our community for a total impact of $1,166,000. In the 17 years since its inception, IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area has awarded 120 grants to 84 nonprofits totaling $12,830,000.
Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Gulf Power, EREC Crews Helping To Restore Power In Louisiana
October 12, 2020
Crews from Gulf Power and Escambia River Electric Cooperative are assisting with power restoration in Louisiana after Hurricane Delta.
Gulf Power
Nearly 40 Gulf Power lineworkers and support personnel will join its sister company, Florida Power & Light Company, which is supporting the same restoration effort with more than 450 lineworkers and support personnel.
“Helping other energy companies and communities in their time of need is part of what makes our industry so special,” said Marlene Santos, president of Gulf Power. “Just a few weeks ago, about 6,000 men and women heeded the call to help us restore power following Hurricane Sally. We know from very recent experience how important that support is, and we are honored to be able to return the favor to others that are recovering from Hurricane Delta.”
In addition to restoring power to our own customers following Sally, Gulf Power crews have traveled to assist other utilities three different times this storm season. Before Sally hit, the team assisted Entergy in Louisiana following Hurricane Laura. Gulf Power crews also traveled south in support of FPL when Hurricane Isaias brushed the eastern coastline of Florida, and then sent a team to New Jersey when that same hurricane hit the Northeast.
Escambia River Electric Cooperative
EREC sent line crews to assist fellow cooperative DEMCO in Greenwell Springs, Louisiana.
DEMCO is one of the largest electric cooperatives in Louisiana, serving 110,000 members in seven southeast parishes of the state. Delta’s path through DEMCO’s service area left numerous broken poles, downed power lines and thousands without power.
“Our cooperative knows how devastating hurricanes can be on a power system and the communities it serves,” said EREC CEO Ryan Campbell. “We are committed to answering the call when our co-op family is in need. Our linemen are always ready and willing to go the extra mile to help communities get back on their feet after these destructive storms.”
EREC will assist DEMCO with power restoration to their members following Hurricane Delta’s damaging winds and rain. Many of these cooperative areas in Louisiana are still recovering from Category 4 Hurricane Laura’s devastation just over six weeks ago.
NorthEscambia.com photo.
Fall Tradition: Pumpkins Have Arrived At Cantonment Pumpkin Patch
October 12, 2020
It’s a sure sign of fall in Cantonment.
The pumpkins have arrived at the Allen Memorial United Methodist Church Pumpkin Patch. The Molino Volunteer Fire Department, along with junior fighters, and volunteers from the Northview High School NJROTC help unload the pumpkin truck on Sunday.
Pumpkins of all shapes and sizes are available under the big tent on Highway 29 near Neal Road from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 12-6 on Sundays.
The Allen Memorial United Methodist Men have sponsored the Pumpkin Patch since 1995.
Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Florida Gas Prices Down A Little This Week
October 12, 2020
Florida gas prices were down three cents last week, even as Hurricane Delta made landfall along the Gulf Coast refinery region.
Florida drivers are currently paying an average price of $2.16 per gallon at the pump. The state average declined 3 cents after reaching as high as $2.19 per gallon eight days ago. Florida gas prices are 27 cents per gallon less than this time last year.
In Escambia County, the average price per gallon was $2.13 Sunday night. In North Escambia, a low of $2.04 could be found on Muscogee Road, while the discount clubs in Pensacola were at $1.91.
“It’s still a little early to know what, if any impacts Hurricane Delta will have on gas prices in Florida,” Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA – The Auto Club Group, said Sunday night. “For now, wholesale gasoline prices are at a level that could allow pump prices to drop another 5 cents in the short term. However, prices in the coming weeks will likely be swayed by news coming out of the Gulf Coast, as crews assess any storm damage to refineries and pipelines.”
Preliminary reports suggest the storm had more of a limiting effect on regional demand than supply. Most of the refineries in the storm’s path were already shut down from Hurricane Laura – which blew through the region more than a month ago. However, the storm knocked out power to Colonial Pipeline, which carries fuel from the Gulf Coast oil refineries to markets across the southeastern United States, ending in North Carolina. Line one, which carries gasoline was restored on Saturday. However, Line 2 – which carries Diesel fuel remained shut down as of Sunday night.
ECUA Is Getting Back To Recycling, Normal Collections This Week
October 11, 2020
The Emerald Coast Utilities Authority is getting back to a normal collection schedule this week, including recycling.
Recycling in Escambia County was temporarily put on hold after Hurricane Sally substantially damaged the ECUA Materials Recycling Facility (MRF) at the Perdido Landfill.
“Repairs to the Material Recycling Facility have progressed well and we are resuming processing operations with a soft restart by processing recyclables collected by our ECUA sanitation crews,” ECUA Public Information Officer Nathalie Bowers said.
The MRF sustained about $800,000 in damage to the structure and equipment during Hurricane Sally, and a contractor was on site to begin repairs within a few days.
Recycling trucks will collect recycling cans this week and deliver the recyclables to the MRF to be processed. But if recycling loads are found to be too contaminated they will be disposed of in the landfill, Bowers said.
ECUA will also return to collecting yard trash and bulk waste this week — but only if the items were not debris from Hurricane Sally. Hurricane debris is being collected by FEMA contractors in Escambia County, totally separate from the services provided by ECUA.
“The yard trash crews will be directed to pick up only ‘green’ limbs and branches, that appear to be freshly cut and are within normal ECUA yard trash collection limits,” Bowers said. “Any piles of ‘brown’ limbs and branches are considered storm debris and will not be collected by ECUA crews.”
ECUA Bulk waste collection crews will resume their collections. However, the bulk waste crews will be directed not to pick up any items which appear to be storm debris. No building materials, carpet, fencing, or other storm-related debris will be collected by EUCA.
ECUA customers with questions can call their customer service at (850) 476-0480.
Pictured: Hurricane Sally damage to the ECUA Material Recycling Facility at the Perdido Landfill. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
