Burglar Shot By Homeowner Now In Escambia Jail
May 25, 2013
A week after being shot by a Walnut Hill homeowner, a Century man is now jailed in Escambia County.
Ricky Dewayne Taylor, age 33 of Front Street, was booked into the Escambia County Jail Friday afternoon on charges of burglary, larceny, criminal mischief property damage and battery. He was being held without bond as an out of state fugitive due to an outstanding warrant with another agency.
On May 17, a resident of the 3900 block of Rockaway Creek Road reported a burglary in progress at his home. The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said he arrived home to find two intruders inside of the residence.
The homeowner held the suspects at gunpoint while he called the Sheriff’s Office. As the victim was speaking with dispatcher Taylor lunged toward him. The homeowner fired a .38 caliber revolver, striking Taylor in the leg. Taylor was alert and conscious when he was transferred to LifeFlight to be airlifted to Baptist Hospital in Pensacola.
After Taylor was released from the hospital, he was arrested the evening of May 21 in Escambia County, Ala., and then extradited to Florida to face outstanding warrants.
The female suspect, 35-year old Teresa Dianne Sunday, received a minor injury on her face from a ricochet; she was taken into custody at the scene and charged with burglary of a residence and grand theft. She remained in the Escambia County Jail early Saturday morning with bond set at $12,500.
Pictured top: Burglary suspect Ricky Taylor, shot in the leg, is loaded into an ambulance on Rockaway Creek Road Friday afternoon. Pictured inset and bottom: Taylor is transferred to LifeFlight. Pictured below: The scene of an alleged burglary that ended with the suspect being shot Friday afternoon in Walnut Hill. NorthEscambia.com exclusive file photos, click to enlarge.
Taylor Roberson Becomes Third Chief To Sign With Jeff Davis Volleyball
May 25, 2013
Northview High School’s Taylor Roberson signed a volleyball scholarship Friday with Jefferson Davis Community College in Brewton.
Roberson became the third Chief to sign a volleyball scholarship this year with Jeff Davis, joining teammates Morgan Smith and Morgan Payne.
Pictured top: (bottom, L-R) Mom Tammy Ashcraft, Taylor Roberson, dad Wayne Roberson, (top) NHS volleyball coach Barbara Luker and Jeff Davis coach Allen Gainer. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Two Sentenced For Convenience Store Robbery
May 25, 2013
Two Escambia County men were sentenced Friday for the 2012 robbery of a convenience store on Mobile Highway.
William Cody Latner and Dylan Michael White, were sentenced by Circuit Court Judge Jole Boles. William Cody Latner was sentenced to 20 years in state prison for robbery with a firearm and two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and Dylan Michael White was sentenced to 11 years in state prison as a youthful offender for the armed robbery of a convenient store, as well as unrelated burglary charges.
The conviction stemmed from an armed robbery of Benn’s U-Save Foods on July 10, 2012. Defendants Latner and White entered the store and confronted the clerk with a firearm and demanded money. The suspects fled the area and were later identified as suspects on August 3, 2012. Days later both suspects were arrested following an interview by law enforcement.
Wahoos On Short End Of Pitchers’ Duel
May 25, 2013
The Chattanooga Lookouts broke a scoreless deadlock with a run in the bottom of the sixth inning when Joc Pederson singled home Rafael Ynoa giving the Lookouts all they needed in a 1-0 win over the Pensacola Blue Wahoos Friday night at AT&T Field.
Ryan Dennick allowed the run in the sixth, but it was his only blemish in an otherwise stellar start. The Wahoos lefty was strong through six innings allowing just the one run on six hits while fanning five. He retired 10 Lookouts in a row following a leadoff double by Blake Smith in the second inning. The next Chattanooga hit came in the sixth when Ynoa singled with a man out before he eventually scored.
Offensively the Wahoos were stymied by Lookouts pitching all night. The Blue Wahoos mustered just three hits, including back-to-back singles by Travis Mattair and Devin Lohman in the second inning. A strikeout and an inning-ending double play left the Wahoos without a tally following the threat. Pensacola’s only other opportunity came in the seventh when a single from Ryan LaMarre and a hit by pitch of Lohman put two on with one out. Despite a double steal, Pensacola was held off the board in the inning.
Dennick (L, 2-4) suffered the loss for the Blue Wahoos, while Rob Rasmussen (W, 3-2) earned the win out of the Lookouts bullpen. Rasmussen, normally a starter, worked two innings in relief of Chris Reed who pitched five scoreless innings for Chattanooga. Jose Dominguez (S, 1) shut out the Blue Wahoos in the ninth to earn the save.
The loss extends the Blue Wahoos losing streak to a franchise high six games.
The series continues from AT&T Field in Chattanooga on Saturday. The Blue Wahoos will start RHP Daniel Renken (1-3, 4.37) against Lookouts RHP Andrew Santiago (2-5, 6.31). First pitch is set for 6:15 p.m. CT.
story by Kevin Burke
Dorothy Elaine White
May 25, 2013
Mrs. Dorothy Elaine White, 81, passed away on Friday, May 24, 2013 in Atmore.
Mrs. White was a native and life long resident of Perdido. Mrs. White attended the Pine Grove Freewill Baptist Church. Her parents, Leon and Eva Coleman and husband, George H. White (Hamp), precede her in death.
She is survived by her nieces and nephews, Mike Eady, Joseph Leon Eady, Monica Buckhault, Audie Coleman, Tammy Burns and Ronnie Coleman all of Perdido; one brother, Leon Coleman, Jr. of Perdido; and one sister, Juanita Edmondson of Perdido.
Funeral services will be Monday, May 27, 2013, at 10 a.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Rev. Bubba Rolin officiating.
Burial will follow at the Pine Grove Freewill Cemetery.
Visitation will be Monday, May 27, 2013, from 9 a.m. until funeral time at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Joey Eady, Ronnie Coleman, Mike Eady, Levi Eady, Audie Coleman and Darrell Hicks.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC is in charge of all arrangements.
Cottage Hill Water Works Issues Precautionary Boil Water Notice
May 24, 2013
A precautionary boil water notice has been issued for Cottage Hill Water Works System customers in the following area:
1759- 1999 Hwy 95A , of if f you experienced low water pressure on these streets — Williams Ditch Road, Clymil Dr, Gainey Ln, Glenna Ln, Elna Rd, McKenzie Rd, Chavers Rd , Parker Rd, Hollow Point, Cottage Park, Handy Rd, Smyers Rd, Stacey Rd, BuckHead Trace, Elna Rd, Eastman, Danielle Lane, Heathrow Dr. and Wendy Drive.
This notice is being issued following a water main break. Residents are advised to boil water for one minute at a rolling boil or to use 6 drops of regular unscented household bleach per gallon of water for water to be used for drinking or cooking purposes. Bacteriological sampling is underway and the advisory will be lifted as soon as possible.
Crews have repaired the main and is flushing out the lines. Residents are advised that there is a possibility of discolored water as a result of the break and flushing, and to flush their home’s plumbing by running their taps for a few minutes.
If you have questions, contact the Cottage Hill Water Works office at (850) 968-5485.
Alabama High Speed Chase Ends With Century Manhunt
May 24, 2013
A high speed chase that began Thursday in Brewton, AL, ended with an unsuccessful manhunt in Century.
Escambia County (Ala.) Sheriff Grover Smith said officers attempted to serve an outstanding Florida arrest warrant on the suspect, later identified as 20-year old Akino Jama Jackson of Century, at a Brewton motel.
He was picked up in a Dodge Stratus by his alleged girlfriend, Smith said, fleeing the motel and nearly striking two officers. Alabama authorities gave chase along Highway 31 toward Flomaton. Somewhere along the way, he switched places with his girlfriend. With Jackson now behind the wheel, Smith said the chase reached speeds over 100 mph as it neared Flomaton. Alabama deputies deployed a spike strip before the chase reached Florida, but he avoided it.
The chase crossed into Florida on Fannie Road, with Escambia County (AL) deputies and the Flomaton Police Department still in pursuit as Jackson continued south on Jefferson Avenue. Smith said he ordered his officers to “back off” the chase and wait for assistance from Florida authorities.
Due to a “miscommunication” between agencies, Smith said his deputies continued to follow the car south through Century believing Escambia County, FL, deputies would take over the chase.
But Escambia County, FL, has a strict no-chase policy that virtually eliminates involvement in any pursuit. The policy reportedly did not come into play Thursday, as Alabama authorities lost sight of the Dodge Stratus as they fell back. Florida deputies never arrived in the area in time to join in a pursuit or even follow the vehicle.
Authorities located the vehicle a short time later in an overgrown area of a lot at the corner of Gilford Avenue and Bonwell Street. The occupants had fled on foot, and a K-9 unit from the Escambia County Road Prison was called to assist in a manhunt. Authorities were unable to locate Jackson after a complete search of the area.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Akino Jama Jackson is asked to call their local law enforcement agency or Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
Pictured top and below: A manhunt Thursday afternoon in Century following an Alabama high speed chase. Pictured inset: The suspects vehicle parked in an overgrown area at the corner of Gilford Avenue and Bonwell Street. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Woman Arrested For Vehicular Manslaughter For Olive Road Crash
May 24, 2013
An Escambia County woman has been charged in connection with a traffic death on Olive Road last month.
Candace Marie McArthur, 25, was arrested Thursday on a charge of vehicular homicide. She was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $100,000 bond.
The Florida Highway Patrol said at 2:18 a.m. on April 28, 25-year old McArthur was closely following another vehicle westbound on Olive Road. Troopers said McArthur had been involved in an altercation with the other unidentified driver earlier in the evening.
The driver of the other vehicle switched into the opposite lane and braked to avoid McArthur’s 2002 Chevrolet Impala. McArthur lost control and over-corrected. The Impala slid across Olive Road and onto the shoulder before hitting tree.
McArthur was taken to Sacred Heart Hospital with serious injuries. Her passenger, 19-year old Cassidy Dunaway was transported to Sacred Heart in critical condition and was pronounced deceased the following day.
Deputies Stumble Across Potted Pot Plants
May 24, 2013
Escambia County Sheriff’s deputies literally stumbled across a couple of potted pot plants Thursday afternoon in Century.
As deputies were involved in a manhunt near the intersection of Gilford Avenue and Bonwell Street, they spotted a couple of a small marijuana plants behind a home growing in pots that were labeled as previously containing hybrid tomato plants.
The plants were uprooted and seized as evidence, while the pots were returned to a Bonwell Street resident.
No charges were filed in the incident.
Pictured top and below: Escambia County Sheriff’s deputies stumbled across a couple of potted pot plants during a manhunt Thursday afternoon in Century. Pictured inset: One of the small plants seized as evidence. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Repeal Of Florida’s Ethanol Law Fuels Debate
May 24, 2013
A bio-energy company on the Treasure Coast is calling for Gov. Rick Scott to veto a measure that would repeal the state law requiring most gasoline sold in the state to include nearly 10 percent ethanol.
But based upon the relative ease in which the bill (HB 4001) moved through the Legislature, and a stack of emails sent to the governor’s office in support of the measure, Vero Beach-based INEOS New Planet BioEnergy has a hard road ahead.
“The production of ethanol costs more than the production of gasoline, takes huge amounts of corn out of the food system thus raising the cost of food and causes severe damage to internal combustion engines,” Linda Skidmore of Holiday emailed Scott.
Skidmore’s request for Scott to sign the bill was among the more than 1,000 emails sent to the governor this month in favor of repeal.
Still, regardless of how Scott acts, David Mica, executive director of Florida Petroleum Council, said the legislation may be mostly symbolic because of federal mandates that gasoline be mixed with ethanol or other biofuels.
The bill was sent to Scott on Monday. He has until June 4 to make a decision.
Scott joined several other governors in October in asking the U.S. Environmental Protection Administration to suspend the requirement for putting a certain amount of ethanol into America’s gas tanks, saying it was causing a shortage of cattle feed for Florida ranchers.
Meanwhile, a spokeswoman for Scott said he is reviewing the proposed legislation.
INEOS Bio CEO Peter Williams urged supporters on Wednesday to contact Scott against the bill.
“Repeal of the state’s renewable fuels standard would send a clear signal to companies like ours and other investors that Florida is unfriendly to advanced biofuels, investing in new technology and jobs it creates or to building a clean energy economy,” Williams said in an email.
The bill is intended to repeal the 2008 Florida Renewable Fuel Standard Act, which requires most gas sold in the state to include nearly 10 percent ethanol.
During debate on the proposed repeal, House sponsor Matt Gaetz, R-Fort Walton Beach, called the law a “flawed business model” for government to require people to buy products. “Do we believe in free markets or not?” Gaetz asked.
Rep. Debbie Mayfield, R-Vero Beach, argued to keep the law in place, saying the repeal “does nothing but hurt the businesses that are here in Florida, and it hurts an industry that we are wanting to move to the state of Florida.”
INEOS Bio received a $50 million grant in December 2009 from the U.S. Department of Energy to build the first full commercial bio-refining facility in the nation. The grant was considered part of a move to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil and create new clean technology jobs.
The company is part of Switzerland-based INEOS, which is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of petrochemicals, specialty chemicals and oil products.
The Vero Beach plant, which is using yard and vegetative waste to produce its advance bioethanol, started to produce electricity in October. Eventually the plant is expected to provide enough energy to power its own facility and 1,400 homes in the Vero Beach area.
Despite Williams’ call for support of the law, the emails have remained overwhelming in favor of repeal.
Most of the email sent to Scott this past week, appearing under the subject line “Please Sign HB 4001, Repeal the Florida Ethanol Mandate,” is a form letter, while others that feature a more simple “HB 4001″ subject line, offered impassioned comments to end the state law.
“I own an antique car, and it has screwed up my fuel system,” wrote GR Dornfeld of The Villages. “The Ethanol attracts water, and when my car sits for long periods, rust occurs. Also, the substance deteriorates all the rubber parts in the fuel system. I have had to replace the fuel tank, steel tube to deliver fuel forward from the tank, the fuel pump and carburetor on my 1939 Ford.”
by Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida