Three Large Sheds Damaged Or Destroyed By Fire Near Walnut Hill
May 8, 2018
Three large sheds were damaged or destroyed by fire Monday near Walnut Hill.
The first 20 x 30 foot shed was on the ground when firefighters arrived at 2:39 p.m. on Garrett Road off Pine Forest Road. The fire had spread to a second 20 x 30 shed, causing damage to the attic area. A third large shed was threatened and suffered minor damage. A chicken coop was also threatened by the fire.
There was no immediate word on the cause of the fire. No injuries were reported.
The Walnut Hill, McDavid, Molino and Century Stations of Escambia Fire Rescue, the Atmore Fire Department and the Nokomis (AL) Volunteer Department responded to the fire.
NorthEcambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
State Objects To Woman’s Anonymity In NRA Lawsuit
May 8, 2018
Dismissing the potential danger feared by a 19-year-old who wants to join a legal challenge filed by the National Rifle Association, lawyers for Attorney General Pam Bondi asked a federal judge to deny a request to keep the young woman’s identity private because they said her desire for anonymity was not justified.
Lawyers for the NRA late last month asked U.S. District Judge Mark Walker to keep the identity of “Jane Doe” secret, based in large part on a declaration filed by the gun-rights group’s Florida lobbyist Marion Hammer, who detailed threatening emails she had received featuring derogatory words for parts of the female anatomy.
But attorneys for Bondi, a defendant in the lawsuit who also represents the state, asked Walker on Friday to reject the NRA’s motion to use the Jane Doe pseudonym for the 19-year-old, portrayed in court documents as an Alachua county woman seeking to remain anonymous due to fear that public exposure could result in “harassment, intimidation, and potentially even physical violence.”
While those concerns warrant “careful consideration,” the plaintiffs’ argument “does not provide a sufficient basis for overcoming the strong presumption in favor of open judicial proceedings,” Florida Solicitor General Amit Agarwal wrote in Friday’s 22-page response.
The spat over the potential plaintiff’s pseudonym comes in a lawsuit filed on March 9 by the NRA, just hours after Gov. Rick Scott signed into law a sweeping school-safety measure that included new gun-related restrictions. The legislation was a rapid response to the Feb. 14 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School that left 17 students and faculty members dead and 17 others wounded.
The law raised from 18 to 21 the minimum age to purchase rifles and other long guns. It also imposed a three-day waiting period on the sale of long guns, such as the AR-15 semiautomatic rifle 19-year-old Nikolas Cruz last year legally purchased — without any waiting period — and is accused of using in the Valentine’s Day massacre at his former school in Parkland.
In late April, the NRA filed a motion to add “Jane Doe” as a plaintiff to the lawsuit, which contends the age restriction in the new law “violates the fundamental rights of thousands of responsible, law-abiding adult Florida citizens and is thus invalid under the Second and Fourteenth Amendments.”
But in Friday’s response, the state’s lawyers argued in favor of a “constitutionally-embedded presumption of openness in judicial proceedings.”
Courts have permitted plaintiffs to remain anonymous in cases involving “mental illness, homosexuality and transsexuality,” as well as birth control, abortion and the welfare rights of illegitimate children or abandoned families, wrote the state’s lawyers, relying on previous case law.
But “the courts have rejected anonymity in other kinds of cases, like this one, not involving ‘information of the utmost intimacy,’ “ the state argued.
“In short, plaintiffs have not pointed to any ‘substantial privacy interest’ that would be served” by keeping Jane Doe’s identity secret, the state’s lawyers wrote. “That consideration, standing alone, compels the conclusion that the motion to proceed under pseudonyms should be denied.”
In an interview with The News Service of Florida on Monday, Hammer condemned the state’s move.
“The attorney general has absolutely nothing to gain by insisting that the identity of this young woman be made public. It has nothing to do with facing an accuser. It’s about being able to stand up for your constitutional rights without fear of vicious hate-mongering. To oppose a motion to shield and protect a 19-year-old young woman from bullying harassment, death threats and intimidation, I view as an act of bullying itself,” the 79-year-old great-grandmother said.
The NRA last month also sought to add “John Doe,” a 19-year-old member of the group, as an “associational member” of the lawsuit.
In a document filed Monday, lawyers for the NRA said the state failed to show “that the circumstances of this case warrant exposing the 19-year-old private citizens who wish to participate in this case to the harassment and threats that, plaintiffs have shown, would almost certainly be inflicted upon them if they are publicly identified with this highly controversial litigation in the current political environment.”
According to the NRA’s filing, “the context of this case cannot be understood apart from the tragic” shooting at the Parkland high school “and its aftermath.”
“That event not only led to the enactment of the ban challenged in this case; it was the catalyst for a nationwide effort to restrict the possession and use of firearms,” the NRA lawyers wrote.
The brief said a “group of well-heeled anti-gun organizations” funded activists who “have barnstormed the country” to push gun-rights restrictions.
“Anti-gun forces have also pushed coordinated secondary boycotts not only of the NRA but of any business that does not take a sufficiently hard line against firearms,” the NRA’s lawyers wrote. “In the current environment, it is difficult to think of a topic as controversial and contentious as Second Amendment rights.”
But in Friday’s filing, Bondi’s lawyers discounted the legal arguments posed by the national gun lobby.
“A litigant’s status as a plaintiff is not ‘highly sensitive and personal information;’ the strong presumption in favor of openness in judicial proceedings may not be discarded to avoid ‘unwanted pubic attention and censure;’ this case is no more ‘controversial’ than countless others — including others involving substantially similar claims — that have been filed by plaintiffs in their own names; and plaintiffs do not cite a single case in which a court has allowed claims of this kind to be brought under pseudonym,” the attorney general’s lawyers wrote.
“Lawsuits are public events,” which must be hashed out in the public forum, Bondi’s lawyers wrote.
Hammer, who was the recipient of epithets too explicit to reprint in newspapers, disagreed.
“The reality is that when the attorney general says lawsuits are ‘public events’ so that everybody must be identified, apparently she has forgotten about Roe v. Wade and many other events where the courts protected identities from public exposure,” she said.
Hammer also blasted Bondi for not representing crime victims.
“Our attorney general advocates for victims. Why on earth would she stand by and allow a 19-year-old young woman to be victimized, if she can stop it?” Hammer said.
by Jim Saunders, The News Service of Florida
NWE Storm Wins Weekend Tournament
May 8, 2018
Northwest Escambia Storm took first place in an eight-team interleague tournament hosted by NWE in Walnut Hill. Team Storm defeated Navarre, Jay, and Molino on their way to the championship.
ECSO: Man Arrested For Alleged Involvement In Cocaine Distribution Operation
May 8, 2018
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Narcotics Unit recently arrested 32-year old Lester Johnny Wayne Steans for his alleged involvement in a cocaine distribution operation.
The investigation resulted in the seizure of 1.3 pounds of cocaine, with an estimated street value of $60,000.
More arrests are expected to be made in this case, according to investigators.
Steans is facing with multiple cocaine trafficking charges. He remained in the Escambia County Jail with bond set at just over $1 million.
Eula B. White Sullivan
May 8, 2018
Eula B White Sullivan, 78 of Atmore, AL, passed away Thursday, May 3, 2018, after an extended illness. She was a longtime member, volunteer and employee of The Sail Center of Atmore. She was a member of Unity Baptist Church and
attended Brooks Memorial Baptist Church. She loved God, people, her children and grandchildren. Her strong faith and positive attitude were an inspiration to everyone who knew her.
She is preceded in death by her parents, John and Lillian Scott White and a dear sister-in- law, Ann White.
She is survived by two sons, Wayne (Tracy) Sullivan of Flomaton, AL and Larry (Donna) Sullivan of Dothan, AL; daughter, Kathy (Mike) Gilbert of Fountain, FL; grandchildren, Claire and Kate Sullivan of Dothan, AL; brothers, John White, Jr., Lavon “Whitey” (Shirley) White, and Lee Ander (Linda) White, all of Century, FL and Bob H. (Veroncia) White of Bay Minette, AL; many nieces, nephews, and longtime friend and companion, Ray Fowler.
Services were held Monday, May 7, 2018, at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel, with Bro. Earl Harrison officiating.
Interment was in Oak Hill Cemetery.
Active pallbearers were Daniel Kelley, Alton White, David Burkett, Jonathan Burkett, Don Smith and Danny Woodham.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
Warren H Jernigan Sr.
May 8, 2018
Warren H Jernigan Sr., 81, passed away on Monday April 30, 2018. Warren was born in Ferry Pass, Florida, to William and Edna Jernigan. Upon graduation from Tate High School, he dedicated his life to federal service enlisting in the U.S Air Force, becoming the legislative assistant to Congressman Bob Sikes, First District of Florida, and the chief doorman of the U.S. House of Representatives. During his career in Washington ,D.C., he began to volunteer for a number of benevolent organizations including service as the Worshipful Master Federal Lodge #1 F.A.A.M Washington D.C., president of the Worshipful Masters Association of the District of Colombia Founder, and president U.S. House Representatives Doorman’s Society.
Just after turning 40, Warren was struck with Gilliam-Barre Syndrome (French Polio), which left him partially paralyzed after a year and half of physical and occupational rehabilitation. Never one to back down from a formidable challenge, Warren focused his energies on raising the level of attention both in the State of Florida and U.S. Congress to the vocational and transportation needs of the disabled. During the reaming 41 years of his life he continued in public service through his volunteering by championing the rights and considerations of the disabled. Warren served or was appointed as the chairman of the Florida Committee on Transportation Disadvantaged, president of the Pensacola Pen Wheels, vice chairman Florida Rehabilitation Council, chairman Florida Bioterrorism Disability Task Force 2003, Florida State Commissioner Occupational Access and Opportunity Commission Vocational Rehabilitation, board of directors the Florida Able Trust, board of directors Northwest Florida Genealogy Society, vice chairman Florida State Commission on Ethics, and board of directions Boy Scouts of America Gulf Coast Council.
Recognized as the expert on transportation of the disabled and vocational rehabilitation in the State of Florida, Warren was inducted into the American Disabilities Act Hall of Fame, U.S. House Representatives Doorman’s Society Exemplarily award, U.S. House Representatives Doorman’s Society Meritorious Service to U.S. Congress award, and received the Pioneer Descendants Certificate for Jernigan-Whitmire Descendants. Warren is preceded in death by his wife of 58 years Helen D. Jernigan, and survived by his two sisters Annette Polston and Audrey Richardson, his wife, Patricia Harrelson Jernigan, his son Warren Jernigan II and his wife Becki, his son Robert Jernigan and his wife Stephanie, and his six grandchildren, Warren III, Martin, Gabriel, Julia, Savannah, and Riley.
The memorial service will be held Tuesday May 15, 2108, at First United Methodist Church of Pensacola, 6 E. Wright St. Pensacola at 10:30 a.m., with a reception following in the Wright Place 80 E. Wright St. Pensacola. Burial procession will depart First United Methodist Church of Pensacola at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 15 for the 1:30 p.m. service with military honors at Barrancas National Service cemetery. The family respectfully requests in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Warren’s honor to the The Pensacola Pen Wheels (c/o Secretary PPW, 9345 Chisam Rd. Apt C3, Pensacola, Fl 32514), or the Center for Independent Living (3660 Pace Blvd, Pensacola Fl. 32505)
Mearlene Bishop
May 8, 2018
Mearlene Bishop, 81, of Atmore, AL, passed away Sunday, May 6, 2018, in Atmore, AL. She was a seamstress at Vanity Fair Mills. She was born in Albertville, AL on September 25, 1936, to the late Jesse M. and Fairy Traylor Stephenson. She was a member of The Church of The Living God.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 42 years, Fred L. Bishop; brother, Billy Traylor; and sister, Willa Dean Pendergrass.
Survivors include her two sons, Jesse Watson (Vicki) Bishop of Perdido, AL and Rex L. (Michelle) Bishop of Loxley, AL; two daughters, Alice Hilton Of Loxley, AL and Kathryn (Frank) Gossett of Union Springs, AL; seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Services will be Wednesday, May 9, 2018, at 2 p.m. from Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel, with Bro. Earl Harrison and Bro. Joe Welch officiating.
Interment will follow in Perdido Baptist Cemetery.
Active Pallbearers will beJeremy Smith, Derek Smith, Justin Bishop, Anthony Kitts, Brandon Richardson, and Bo Bishop.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
Alice B. Stacey
May 8, 2018
Alice B. Stacey, 96, of Atmore, AL, passed away Friday, May 4, 2018, in Atmore, AL. She was retired from First National Bank of Atmore. She was born on February 1, 1922 in Robinsonville, AL to the late Robert and Annie Higdon Kearley. She was a member of the First Baptist of Atmore.
She is preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Julian Kearley, Alva Quarles, Aubrey Kearley and Evelyn Wood.
Survivors include two sons, Wayne (Donna) Stacey of Gulf Shores, AL and Joseph Burl (Kim) Stacey of Arkansas; eight grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
Services were held Monday May 7, 2018, from Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel.
Interment was in Oak Hill Cemetery.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home, is in charge of all arrangements.
Barons Blast Past Wahoos, 9-6
May 8, 2018
The Barons belted three home runs and rallied for six runs in the eighth inning as they beat the Pensacola Blue Wahoos, 9-6, Monday night at Regions Field.
Wahoos starting pitcher Daniel Wright went five innings and allowed three runs on six hits in a no-decision. He struck out five with just one walk. Pensacola was trailing 3-2 when Wright came out of the game, but the Blue Wahoos tied it with a run in the top of the sixth. With two outs, C.J. McElroy singled home Taylor Sparks to even the game at 3-3.
Pensacola took a three run lead in the seventh. The Wahoos sent eight batters to the plate, scoring three times and doing so on just two hits. Luis Gonzalez started the inning with a double, he scored the go-ahead run on an error by the shortstop. Gavin LaValley scored later in the inning on a Taylor Sparks single and Brian O’Grady scrambled home with the final run on a wild pitch.
The bullpen, which has been brilliant all season, ran into issues in the eighth inning. After a pair of scoreless innings from former Baron Robinson Leyer, Birmingham loaded the bases against Brennan Bernardino with a walk and two singles. Rafael De Paula (L, 0-3) followed Bernardino and the Barons scored the first run on a sacrifice fly before a three-run homer from Danny Medick put them ahead. Two batters later, Zack Collins belted a two-run shot to make it 9-6 Barons and cap the scoring.
De Paula was charged with three runs over 0.2 inning and the loss. Brandon Brennan (W, 2-0) earned with win with 1.2 innings in relief for Birmingham. Jake Johansen (S, 1) pitched a scoreless ninth inning for the save, despite allowing the Wahoos to load the bases with three singles.
Chadwick Tromp and Sparks led the way offensively for Pensacola with three hits apiece. Gonzalez, O’Grady and McElroy each chipped in with two-hit games.
Child, Teen Killed In Pace DUI Crash; Deputy Tried To Stop Driver Minutes Earlier
May 7, 2018
FOR AN UPDATE TO THIS STORY, CLICK HERE.
A crash claimed the life of a child and a teenager Sunday afternoon in Pace, about three minutes after a deputy attempted to stop the vehicle speeding and driving erratically on Quintette Road.
The Florida Highway Patrol said 35-year old Kailen Kelly of Pace, was traveling at a high rate of speed when he crossed into another lane and slammed his 2008 Ford pickup head-on into a 2010 Buick driven by 39-year old Melanie Harrell of Pace. Harell’s Buick came to rest in a ditch, while Kelly’s pickup overturned into a ditch on the opposite side of the road and ignited into flames.
Stormie P. Harrell, 7, and Michaela D. Sidney, 17, were killed. Melanie Harrell and 18-year old McKenzie Murphy were seriously injured and transported to Sacred Heart Hospital. Kelly received minor injuries in the crash on Woodbine Road near Dunning Drive in Pace.
A deputy with the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office was driving eastbound on Quintette Road in Pace on routine patrol when he observed a speeding vehicle passing him in a no passing zone. according to Sgt. Rich Aloy, spokesperson for the SRSO.
“The driver was also having difficulty maintaining his lane of travel. The deputy attempted to initiate a traffic stop but the vehicle did not stop. Due to the extreme safety hazard created by the driver, approaching intersection, and disregard for public safety, the attempt to stop was immediately discontinued,” Aloy said. “As the deputy crested a hill on Woodbine Road, he observed a traffic crash involving the suspect vehicle. Both Deputies in the vehicle proceeded to provide first aid where they tended to the victims and pulled the suspect driver out of his vehicle before it caught on fire.”
Kelly was charged with two counts of DUI-vehicular manslaughter, DUI with serious bodily injury to another, refusing to submit to a DUI test after license suspension, reckless driving, fleeing/eluding police and other traffic offenses. He remains in the Santa Rosa County Jail without bond.
Pictured top: Kelly’s vehicle following a double fatal crash. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.