Four Injured In Highway 29 Wreck (With Photo Gallery)
March 28, 2012
Four people were injured in a two vehicle crash about noon Wednesday on Highway 29, including two children airlifted to a Pensacola hospital.
The Florida Highway Patrol says Charles Edward Reed, 66, of Century pulled his 2006 Ford F250 pickup from Byrneville Road into the path of Chevrolet Equinox that was northbound on Highway 29.
For more photos from the scene, click here.
The driver of the Chevrolet, 36-year old Karen Michelle Murray of Jasper, Ala., was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola by ambulance. Her children, 12-year old Sara Murray and 13-year old Katherine Sherer,, were airlifted by LifeFlight to Sacred Heart Hospital. Reid was transported by ambulance to Jay Hospital. None of the injuries were considered severe.
Reid was cited by the FHP with violation of right of way.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
71 Arrested As Deputies Crack Down On Meth (With Photo Gallery)
March 28, 2012
The Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office has made 71 meth-related arrests since late last year, including a handful of North Escambia area residents. And deputies are not done yet — they are looking for 13 more people on outstanding drug related warrants.
The investigation began in October 2011 after narcotics investigators began to receive increased complaints and information regarding meth activity in Santa Rosa County. according to Sheriff Wendell Hall.
Investigators began to target individuals that were purchasing large amounts of pseudoephedrine — one of the key components in making methamphetamines. The operation yielded 71 meth-related arrests as of Tuesday, plus 19 meth labs, 6 meth lab “dump sites”, 1 rolling meth lab in a vehicle and 791.4 grams of meth/meth oil with a street value of about $80,000.
For photos of one of the meth labs, click here.
Several of those arrested are from the North Escambia area. According to Santa Rosa County Jail records, they are:
- Clifford Eugene Kennedy, Cantonment — possession of listed chemicals with intent to manufacture a controlled substance
- Richard Paul Carpenter, Jay — producing marijuana
- Jessie Herman Ridderbjelke, Jay — producing methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia
- Thomas Collinsworth, Jr., formerly of Jay now living in Milton — possession methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia
- Kevin Francis Malone, formerly of Jay now living in Milton — possession of listed chemicals with the intent to manufacture a controlled substance
- Kimberly Ann Grant, Brewton – obtaining a controlled substance by fraud, three counts
- David Franklin Farmer, Pensacola — trafficking in methamphetamine, possession of narcotic equipment
- Amity Brianne Rogers, Pensacola — possession of listed chemicals with intent to manufacture a controlled substance
- John David Holmes, Pensacola — sale of a controlled substance
- James Allen McCoy, Pensacola — possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of a controlled substance without a prescription, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia
Last Friday, the Santa Rosa Sheriff’s Office conducted a warrants sweep with 19 of 32 targeted individuals arrested and two meth labs discovered. Deputies say they still have outstanding drug warrants for the arrest of the following 13 individuals:
- Meranda Anne Anderson
- Anthony Ray Barnes
- Glynn James Black
- Scott Allen Bosman
- Justin Allen Bowers
- Steven Raymond Byrd
- Brenda Kay Douglas
- David Wesley Johnson
- James Michael Measell
- Sara Megan Scott
- Jesse Jack Stephens
- Nathan Garret Stephens
- Charles Francis Teeter
Anyone with information about any of the 13 persons on the list above is asked to call Santa Rosa CrimeStoppers at (850) 437-STOP. Information that leads to a meth arrest means an automatic $500 reward.
For photos of one of the meth labs, click here.
Pictured: One of the meth labs discovered Friday by the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Sex Offender Released From Century Correctional Back Behind Bars
March 28, 2012
A convicted sex offender released from Century Correctional Institution has been arrested for failing to register with the state.
Kenneth Lamar Cobb, 36, was released from Century Correctional on February 27 with a GPS ankle monitor. According to an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office report, he visited the Escambia County Main Jail on that day to register as required as a sex offender, listing the Executive Inn on Pensacola Boulevard as his permanent address.
But the following day, he cut off his required GPS monitor and was listed as absconded by his probation officer. An address verification conducted by the Sheriff’s Office found that Cobb had spent only one night at the Executive Inn before checking out.
Cobb was arrested Monday on charges of failing to report a change in his address and failing to report vacating a permanent residence. He was booked into the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $30,000.
Cobb was sentenced to prison in 2009 as sexual offender for battery and false imprisonment of a minor.
Supreme Courts Digs Into Health Care Mandate
March 28, 2012
A divided U.S. Supreme Court quizzed attorneys Tuesday about the most-controversial part of the 2010 federal health overhaul — a requirement that almost all Americans have health coverage in 2014. It’s a case that was first heard in Escambia County as Judge Roger Vinson of Federal District Court in Pensacola ruled against the mandate.
Justice Anthony Kennedy, who is widely viewed as a swing vote, asked questions that indicated skepticism about Obama administration arguments that the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution allows the requirement.
“I understand that we must presume laws are constitutional, but, even so, when you are changing the relation of the individual to the government in this … unique way, do you not have a heavy burden of justification to show authorization under the Constitution?” Kennedy asked U.S. Solicitor General Donald Verrilli.
Conservative justices Samuel Alito and Antonin Scalia hammered Verrilli about the limits of federal power, offering hypothetical questions about such things as requiring people to have burial insurance.
“You can get burial insurance. You can get health insurance,” Alito said, according to a transcript of the two-hour hearing. “Most people are going to need health care. Almost everybody. Everybody is going to be buried or cremated at some point. What’s the difference?”
But justices such as Elena Kagan and Ruth Bader Ginsburg appeared to side with an administration argument that the Commerce Clause allows the coverage requirement because the costs of treating the uninsured get shifted to other people — ultimately leading to higher premiums for the people with insurance.
“Those (uninsured) people are in commerce,” Kagan said. “They are making decisions that are affecting the price that everybody pays for this service.”
The arguments about the so-called “individual mandate” came on the second day of the Supreme Court’s landmark hearings in a Florida-led challenge to the federal health overhaul, known commonly as the Affordable Care Act. The hearings will end Wednesday with arguments about the constitutionality of part of the act that would expand Medicaid.
By The News Service of Florida
New Playground Installed At Hurricane Park
March 28, 2012
A new playground has been installed at Hurricane Park in Flomaton. The park is located on Highway 31 across from Flomaton High School. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Sunny Weather Continues
March 28, 2012
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
- Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 83. South wind between 5 and 10 mph.
- Wednesday Night: Patchy fog after 1am. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 58. South wind between 5 and 10 mph becoming calm.
- Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 83. Calm wind becoming south between 5 and 10 mph.
- Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 59. South wind between 5 and 10 mph becoming calm.
- Friday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 82. Calm wind becoming south between 5 and 10 mph.
- Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63. South wind between 5 and 10 mph becoming calm.
- Saturday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 80. Calm wind becoming southwest between 5 and 10 mph.
- Saturday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
- Sunday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 83.
- Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 60.
- Monday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 80.
- Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 57.
- Tuesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 77.
Florida PSC Approves Lifeline Phone Changes
March 28, 2012
Prompted by the federal government, the Florida Public Service Commission on Tuesday approved changes in the Lifeline subsidized phone service for low-income residents.
The changes include reducing the amount of monthly credits that enrollees can receive from $13.50 to $12.75. Also, the changes include elimination of a process in which people can sign a document certifying that they are eligible for the program.
The Federal Communications Commission earlier this year required changes in Lifeline programs across the country, saying the changes are needed to “reform and modernize” the program.
In part, the changes reflect a shift from land-line to mobile phones and an effort to expand broadband communications.
Lifeline is financed through what is known as the Universal Service Fund, which is a charge on telephone customers’ bills.
The federal government will reduce the amount of credits that it provides for Lifeline customers in Florida from $10 to $9.25. A state share will remain at $3.50.
Also, the elimination of the self-certification process is part of a FCC push to reduce fraud. PSC officials say Florida has been successful in limiting fraud and has developed a computerized system with the Department of Children and Families in which phone companies can verify eligibility. PSC member
Lisa Edgar, however, expressed concerns Tuesday about the changes after the state has made efforts in recent years to increase enrollment. The PSC’s staff said it will look for ways to make sure enrollment is as easy as possible.
By The News Service of Florida
Prep Baseball, Softball: Tate, Northview, Jay, Flomaton, ACS, Escambia Academy
March 28, 2012
Tate 16 — Pensacola 0
Tuesday night was another big win for the Tate Aggies as they improved to 13-1 on the season with a 16-0 shutout of the Pensacola High Tigers
Cody Palmer pitched a complete game, shortened by the 10-run rule, to notch his fifth victory with no defeats for the year. He allowed three hits, walked two, and struck out four. Palmer also helped his own cause offensively going 2-4 with an RBI. Also for Tate: Maverick Chapman was 2-3 with 2 RBI. Mac Seibert 1-1, 2B, 2 RBI. Austin Quina 1-1, 2B, RBI. Matt Rickard 1-1, RBI.
The Aggies will head to Santa Rosa County Thursday as they look for win number 14 against Milton in a 7 p.m. district game.
Tate 11 — Pensacola 1 (JV)
In junior varsity play, the Tate Aggies beat the Pensacola High Tigers 11-1 Tuesday.
Tate 2 — West Florida 1 (Freshmen)
In freshman baseball action, the Tate Aggies defeated West Florida High School Tuesday, 2-1.
Northview 3 — Jay 2
The Northview Chiefs beat the Jay Royals in extra innings Tuesday night, 3-2. The Chiefs will travel to Central on Thursday, taking the field at 6:30. The Royals will host Walton at 6 p.m. Thursday.
Northview 8 — Jay 8 (JV) — tie
The junior varsity game Tuesday between the Northview Chiefs and the Jay Royals ended in an 8-8 tie. The JV Chiefs will be on the road at Central at 4:00 Thursday. The JV Royals will next be in action Monday, April 2 as they host the Baker Gators.
Flomaton 7 — T.R. Miller 5
The Flomaton Hurricanes beat the T.R. Miller Tigers 7-5 Tuesday night. Joseph Parker got the win for the Hurricanes and Darby Black took the loss for the Tigers. Zack Watson closed the game and got the save. Flomaton is on a 13 game winning streak and is now 14-3. The Hurricanes next games are at Mobile Christian Friday, with the JV at 4:00 and varsity at 6:00.
For Flomaton: Andrew Cash 1-4 1B 1 run SB; Hunter Bonds 1-3 1B RBI 1 run SB; James Dean 1-3 1B 2 runs; Zack Watson 1-2 2 runs; Jacob Newton 1-3 2B RBI SB; Trey Weeks 1-3 2B 3RBI 1 run; Tyler Dove 1-4 RBI; Tyler Harris 1-2 2B SB; Joseph Parker SB. Pitching for Flomaton: Joseph Parker 3IP 2K 2ER 3 hits allowed; Hunter Bonds 2IP 2K 2ER 2 hits allowed ND Zack Watson 2IP 4K 1W S.
Escambia Academy 18 — Atmore Christian School 0
Escambia Academy defeated Atmore Christian School 18-0 Tuesday in Canoe. The two teams will meet again 6 p.m. at Escambia Academy. (Pictured top)
SOFTBALL
Jay 2 — Northview 0
The Jay Lady Royals defeated the Northview Chiefs 2-0 in varsity softball action Tuesday evening in Jay. The Lady Chiefs will be action again Thursday at 5 p.m. on the road at West Florida High School. The Lady Royals will travel to W.S. Neal Thursday at 6:00.
Northview 10 — Jay 2 (JV)
In junior varsity action, the Northview Chiefs beat the Jay Lady Royals 10-2 in Jay. The junior varsity Lady Chiefs will next play April 9 in Pensacola against Washington High. The JV Lady Royals will travel to W.S. Neal Thursday at 4:00.
Navarre 6 — Tate 5
In varsity softball play, Navarre got past the Tate Lady Aggies 6-5 Tuesday.
Pictured top: Escambia Academy beat Atmore Christian 18-0 Tuesday in Canoe. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Blue Angels Begin Free Practice Shows
March 28, 2012
The Blue Angels performed before a crowd of thousands Tuesday morning at Pensacola Naval Air Station during their first public practice of the year.
The Blue Angels conduct regular practice demonstrations at 8:30 a.m. on most Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Following most Wednesday shows, the team signs autographs and meets fans inside the National Naval Aviation Museum.
Museum entrance and the Blue Angels practice shows are free. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early due to heavy traffic.
For a complete practice Blue Angels show schedule, click here.
Pictured top: The Blue Angels perform. Pictured inset: Blue Angels pilots make eye contact during a maneuver. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Fire Departments Battle 30 Acre Wildfire (With Photo Gallery)
March 28, 2012
Fire departments from across the area battled a 30 acre wildfire north of Flomaton for most of the afternoon Tuesday.
The fire off Upper Creek Road reportedly threatened a small number of homes, but fire crews worked to protect the structures. There was no damage reported to any of the homes in the area.
The Flomaton, Friendship and Lambeth volunteer fire departments from Alabama along with the Century and McDavid stations of Escambia (Fla.) Fire Rescue responded to the blaze. The Alabama Forest Commission also responded to the fire with bulldozers to contain the blaze.
Pictured: Fire fighters worked for hours to contain a brush fire north of Flomaton Tuesday afternoon. NorthEscambia.com photos by Amy Lambeth, click to enlarge.
