Atmore Native Sworn In As Alabama’s Attorney General
February 14, 2017
An Atmore native was sworn in Monday as Alabama’s next attorney general.
Governor Robert J. Bentley appointed Marshall County District Attorney, Steve Marshall, to serve as the 50th Attorney General of Alabama. Former Attorney General Luther Strange was appointed to the United States Senate following Senator Jeff Sessions’ appointment and confirmation as Attorney General of the United States.
Following his appointment, Mr. Marshall said, “It is a great honor to be named Attorney General and I am thankful to Governor Bentley for the opportunity to serve the people of Alabama. The time spent working alongside law enforcement for the last 20 years has been a remarkable privilege. As Attorney General, I will continue to support their efforts to keep Alabamians safe and free from violent crime.”
Marshall was born October 26, 1964, in Atmore, Alabama, the only child of the late Conrad and Mary Jo Marshall. Conrad Marshall was a representative for a sporting goods manufacturer and Mary Jo Marshall was a secretary.
father’s job caused the family to move quite a bit during Steve’s childhood. When he was 3-years-old, Steve moved with his family to Mobile, where they stayed until the end of his first grade year. From there, they lived in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. Despite leaving Alabama in first grade and living in several Southern states, Steve knew Alabama was his home and returned to attend the University of Alabama School of Law.
FWC Law Enforcement Report
February 14, 2017
The Florida FWC Division of Law Enforcement reported the following activity during the weekly period ending February 9 in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
Officer Allgood checked a fisherman as he returned to Sherman’s Cove and discovered the man was in possession of red snapper fillets. Red snapper season is currently closed and it is a violation to clean the fish before it is landed. The individual was issued a notice to appear citation for the violations.
Lieutenant Allen and Officer Guy received a call from a local landowner stating that he had witnessed two suspects illegally hunting on his property. While the officers were en route, the landowner called back stating the suspects had gone and he provided their vehicle description. The officers canvased the area and located the vehicle pulling into a residence. One of the suspects was in the vehicle and initially denied that he had been hunting that morning. After further questioning, the suspect admitted to hunting and dropping the second suspect off at his residence. Officers Burkhead and Little responded to assist with the investigation and went to the second suspect’s residence, where they saw a whitetail doe carcass in the yard. A records check showed that this suspect was a convicted felon. This suspect admitted to being on the landowner’s property but denied having a gun. Upon further investigation and interviews, the suspect admitted that he did have a gun and also admitted to hiding three guns in a wooded area behind his residence prior to the officers arriving. Armed trespass charges were direct filed against both suspects. One of the suspects was also charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of an antlerless deer during the closed season.
SANTA ROSA COUNTY
Officer Hutchinson received information about a hunter who used a high-powered rifle to shoot a deer while hunting the Escambia River WMA during muzzle loading season. While driving towards the boat ramp where the subject’s vehicle was parked, he saw the subject’s vehicle travelling towards him. As the vehicle passed by, he observed a whitetail deer lying in the boat that was being towed by the subject’s vehicle. During a subsequent traffic stop, the subject claimed he shot the deer with a muzzle loader rifle. Officer Hutchinson discovered that he was in possession of only a muzzle loader, but after further questioning and inspection of the deer, the subject admitted to shooting the deer with a high-powered rifle. The subject called a friend to bring him a muzzle loader after he shot the deer. Once the friend arrived at his location, they swapped guns and the subject took possession of the muzzle loader and gave his friend the high-powered rifle to take back with him. Officer Hutchinson issued the subject a notice to appear citation for the violation of illegal method of taking game. The firearm and the deer were seized as evidence.
Officers Hutchinson and Arnette were informed by Lieutenant Golloher and Officer Tolbert about a vehicle that was travelling along several back roads while shining a spotlight into the fields and into tree lines. The officers drove to the area where the subject was seen and Officer Hutchinson saw the vehicle parked at a field while shining a spotlight into the field in a manner capable of disclosing the presence of deer. He conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle and discovered a loaded a 12‑gauge shotgun in the front seat. While conducting a search of the vehicle, he also discovered an open container of alcoholic beverage in the front console. The subject was issued a notice to appear citation for possession of a firearm while shining a light in a manner capable of disclosing the presence of deer. He was also issued a citation for possession of an open container of alcohol in the vehicle. The firearm was seized as evidence.
While working a night-hunting detail, officers observed a truck driving in a suspicious manner. The driver was shining a light in specific areas where deer are often seen. Officer Hutchinson approached the truck and watched him shining a light into a field. He stopped the vehicle and discovered a loaded, 12‑gauge shotgun in the front seat as well as an open beer in the front console. The man was issued a notice to appear for night hunting and a traffic citation for possession of an open container of alcohol in the vehicle.
FWC officers teamed up with staff from the Division of Hunting and Game Management to assist with the Blackwater Hutton Unit Mobility Impaired Hunts. Working with several volunteers including family and friends of FWC staff, as well as retired officers, they provided lunch each day for the hunters and their guests. Several local businesses donated everything from food and drinks to hunting equipment for prizes to be given away. The hunters had an enjoyable time in the field and were very appreciative of the time and effort put into the events.
This report represents some events the FWC handled over the past week; however, it does not include all actions taken by the Division of Law Enforcement. Information provided by FWC.
NorthEscambia.com photo.
Tim Anderson
February 14, 2017
Mr. Tim Anderson, age 58 of Evergreen, passed away at his residence after a brief illness, Tuesday, February 14, 2017.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am., Thursday, February 16, 2017 at the Evergreen Baptist Church. Rev. Jim Collins will officiate. Mrs. Judy Robbins will provide special music. Interment will follow in the Magnolia Cemetery with Cope-Keahey Funeral Home directing. The family will receive friends one hour prior to services at the church.
He is survived by his wife, Sara Margret Cope Anderson of Evergreen; sons, John (Ashley) Anderson of Robertsdale, and Jeremy (Sara) Anderson of Andalusia; daughters, Lisa Anderson, and Laura (Mike) Barnett of Brewton; mother Erlene (step-father George) Williamson of Brewton; mother-in-law, Margarete McInnis Cope of Evergreen; grandchildren, Kaitlyn Barnett, Adria Barnett, Haley Anderson, Emily Anderson, Ava Anderson and Audrey Anderson; brother-in-law, Bill Cope of Evergreen; and sister-in-law, Cathy Cope of Fairhope.
He was proceeded in death by his father, John Anderson.
Mr. Anderson served in the US Army for four years then he served as an Investigator with the Escambia County Sheriff Department for 10 years. He enjoyed hunting and fishing at the Burnt Corn Hunting Club where he served as a board member. He was currently serving as a deacon at the Evergreen Baptist Church.
Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made to Southern Care Hospice of Greenville.
Billy Joe Gibson
February 14, 2017
Mr. Billy Joe Gibson, 70, passed away Friday, February 10, 2017, in Poarch, Alabama.
Mr. Gibson was a native and lifelong resident of Poarch, AL. He was a member and employee with Poarch Band of Creek Indians. He was a collector of antique cars, loving husband, father, grandfather and loved his family and outdoors. He was a member of the Poarch Community Church.
He is survived by his wife, Nadine Gibson of Poarch, AL; two sons, Steve Gibson of Bratt, FL and Kevin Gibson of Montgomery, AL; two daughters, Emily Lee Tullis of Nokomis, FL and Sandy Presley of Nokomis, FL; two step-daughters, Pam Evans of Dothan, AL and Terry Eddins of Atmore, AL; one brother, Earl Smith of Atmore, AL; and 15 grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, February 15, 2017, at 10 a.m. at the Poarch Community Church with Rev. Johnny Stabler officiating.
Burial will follow at the Judson Creek Indian Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be William Andrew “Drew” Eddins, John Boyette, Rayford Tuberville, Christopher Blackburn, Shane Gibson and Michael McGhee.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.
New Three Story, 50 Unit Apartment Complex Under Construction In Century
February 13, 2017
Land clearing is underway for a new 50-unit apartment complex is planned for Century.
“Century Park Apartments” is being constructed on Second Street, which is the entrance to the parking lot of of the Billy G. Ward Courthouse.
Plans call for two, three-story buildings and 125 parking spaces. Sixteen of the apartments will be 984 square feet with two bedrooms and one bath, while 22 will be 1,119 square feet with three bedrooms and two baths. There will also be 12 apartments with 1,291 square feet with four bedrooms and two baths.
Some of the apartments will be reserved for low income residents
NorthEscambia.com graphics and photos, click to enlarge.
Tate Takes Top High School Honors In CyberThon 2017
February 13, 2017
More than 140 local students from dozens of schools across Northwest Florida participated in CyberThon 2017 recently, with Tate High School taking home the top honors in the high school division.
New for CyberThon 2017 was a “capture the flag” style gameplay carried out on the FacebookCTF platform customized specifically for this event. Teams worked to win points on the game board while completing challenges on a computer network that included a simulated online financial system. Dubbed “First Federation Credit Union,” the fully functional banking environment was designed by Premier Sponsor Navy Federal Credit Union. Teams used software tools including Security Onion and Splunk to monitor suspicious network activity and complete gameplay challenges.
Control of the CyberThon leaderboard changed hands multiple times during the two-day competition, with teams from Pensacola State College, Pine Forest High School, Tate High School, and UWF all taking turns in the top spot. In the end, however, teams from UWF and Tate High School emerged as winners in the college and high school divisions.
A Tate High School team led by Kevin Schmidt took the top spot among high schools while scoring more points overall before penalties than any team in the event. Tate High swept both top spots among high schools, with a team led by Michelle Ward claiming second place.
In support of the Department of Homeland Security’s mission statement that “Homeland Security Begins with Hometown Security,” the three-day event also included keynote addresses on cybersecurity trends from leading experts in the cyber industry.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Motorcyclist Critical After Escambia Crash
February 13, 2017
An Escambia County man critically injured in a motorcycle crash Sunday evening.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, 46-year old Dallas Rawlings was traveling east on Sorrento and ran off the roadway while attempting to pass several other vehicles. Rawlings was ejected from the motorcyle. He was airlifted to Baptist Hospital in critical condition.
Molino’s Troop 430 Celebrates Scout Sunday
February 13, 2017
Sunday was “Scout Sunday” at Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Molino. During the morning worship service, the scouts and leaders of Troop 430 Molino were honored with God and Family Awards and a slideshow of activities was presented. Scouts also received thee 2017 Scout Sunday Patch.
Troop 430 meets each week at Aldersgate UMC.
Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Atwater Stepping Down From Cabinet Post
February 13, 2017
State Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater announced that he will leave his elected position for a job at Florida Atlantic University after the upcoming legislative session.
Gov. Rick Scott will name a replacement for Atwater, who has held the Cabinet post since getting elected in 2010. The CFO position will be on the ballot again in 2018.
Atwater, a former Senate president whose political future has long been the subject of speculation, unsuccessfully sought to become Florida Atlantic president three years ago. He will serve as a vice president at the Boca Raton school managing finances and economic development.
“While I would have preferred to embrace this opportunity at a later date, the timing of crucial university initiatives warranted an accelerated transition,” the North Palm Beach Republican said in a statement.
“As a parent of FAU graduates, I cannot think of a better place to begin the next phase of my career,” Atwater added in a release from the university.
Atwater, who had considered a U.S. Senate run in 2016, is in his second term as CFO and would be prevented from seeking reelection next year due to term limits.
Atwater’s statewide post pays $128,972 a year. At FAU, he will replace Dorothy Russell, who retired in January after a decade at the university and was paid nearly $250,000 last year.
The 60-day legislative session begins March 7. Atwater, 58, noted in the statement that leaving after the session will give Scott “sufficient time” to name a replacement to serve out the remainder of Atwater’s term.
Scott, in a statement praising Atwater, said he would begin the process of making an appointment.
“I got to know CFO Jeff Atwater well in 2010 on the campaign trail, and like me, he has been laser-focused on keeping the cost of living low for all Floridians,” Scott said in his statement. “I am proud that the state has paid down over $7.6 billion in debt since 2011 and CFO Atwater has aggressively helped us achieve that goal. He has fought to reduce burdensome regulations that hinder job growth, protect families from financial fraud and has traveled the state to return more than $1 billion in unclaimed property to its rightful owners.”
Atwater, a banker who started his political career on the North Palm Beach Village Council in 1993, was elected to the state House in 2000 and moved to the Senate in 2002. He served as Senate president for the 2009 and 2010 sessions.
Current Senate President Joe Negron, R-Stuart, issued a statement calling Atwater “one of the leading fixtures in Florida government for the last 15 years.”
“When I was elected to the Senate in 2009, we were in the middle of the recession and working to balance a budget, while dealing with a multibillion-dollar shortfall,” Negron said. “I will always remember CFO Atwater’s strong and determined leadership during this extremely trying time. I know he will serve FAU with the same tenacity.”
As chief financial officer, Atwater teamed with Scott in 2012 to push legislation intended to reform the personal-injury protection portion of auto insurance coverage. However, the two also clashed in 2015 over the abrupt departure of Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Gerald Bailey, whose exit was orchestrated by the governor’s office.
Atwater was elected chief financial officer with 57 percent of the vote in 2010, and he got 59 percent when he was re-elected four years later.
Scott’s decision about appointing a replacement for Atwater could play a critical role in the 2018 contest for the Cabinet seat. The appointee could have a leg up in running for a full term in the job.
Nobody has opened a campaign account to run for the office in 2018, according to the state Division of Elections website. However, the names of a number of potential appointees have already been floated.
Those names include Lt. Gov. Carlos Lopez-Cantera, who Scott appointed to his current post after Jennifer Carroll was asked to leave the administration in 2013. Other names include former state Rep. Tom Grady and state Sens. Jeff Brandes of St. Petersburg, Tom Lee of Thonotosassa, Lizbeth Benacquisto of Fort Myers and Jack Latvala of Clearwater.
Latvala has been an ally of Scott on economic incentives and recently floated a potential candidacy for governor in 2018.
Grady, a Naples neighbor of Scott, is currently vying to become president of Florida Gulf Coast University. He has been appointed in the past by the governor to the State Board of Education and to lead the Office of Financial Regulation.
At FAU, Atwater will report to President John Kelly, who landed the job Atwater briefly pursued in January 2014.
“When I approached Jeff about joining us here, it was immediately obvious he cares passionately about FAU,” Kelly said in a prepared statement. “There is no better person to help guide this university’s finances and corporate relationships as we continue with unbridled ambition to make FAU America’s fastest improving university.”
by Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida
Save Your Sweetheart First Aid Class Tuesday At Molino Library
February 13, 2017
Escambia County residents can learn basic first aid skills Tuesday, february 14 at 6 p.m. at the Molino Branch Library.
Escambia County Fire Rescue staff will provide basic first aid techniques and tips to keep residents and their Valentine’s Day sweethearts safe and healthy. An additional first aid class for teens 13-17 will be offered Tuesday, February 21 at 6 p.m.
These classes are not for certification.
For information on these and other library events, call (850) 436-5060.
The Molino Branch Library is located at , 6450-A Highway 95A North in the Molino Community Complex.