‘Hurricane Coleman’ Makes Landfall As Escambia County Practices For The Real Thing
May 3, 2018
Hurricane Coleman made landfall Tuesday with the Escambia County Emergency Operations Center fully staffed — all part of a Florida Division of Emergency Management’s statewide exercise to get ready for the upcoming Atlantic hurricane season.
Participants practiced Florida’s emergency plans and procedures for a potential hurricane making landfall. Escambia County focused on internal processes and training of the differing roles and responsibilities found in the emergency operations center.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Lavally’s Glam Slam Powers Wahoos Win Over The Mississippi Braves
May 3, 2018
Gavin LaValley came to plate in the seventh of a tie ballgame and gave the Wahoos the lead in grand fashion. He belted a go-ahead grand slam to lift the Wahoos over the Mississippi Braves 9-5 on Wednesday at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
LaValley swung at the first pitch he saw from Josh Graham (L, 2-2) and blasted Pensacola out of its three-game losing streak. Pensacola’s five-run rally in the frame sealed the win in the series opener. The win was gritty, and the type of performance that surely impressed many of the Cincinnati Reds brass who were in attendance to watch the Double-A affiliate.
The start of the game was far from perfect for Daniel Wright and the Wahoos. Mississippi cashed in on a hit batsman and an error as the visitors scored twice in the opening inning. Michael Reed added to their lead in the second inning with his first home run of the season to make it 3-0.
Pensacola’s first rally came in the fourth inning with the hosts trailing 3-1. After the first two batters reached safely, Brian O’Grady hit his second double of the game to bring home Josh VanMeter. Taylor Sparks followed with an RBI groundout, which tied the game at three. Garrett Boulware then gave the Wahoos their first lead with a sac fly to center to score O’Grady.
The lead didn’t last long because Austin Riley homered with a man on in the fifth inning to reposition Mississippi ahead of Pensacola 5-4. Wright exited the contest after five innings and allowed five runs (four earned). He was replaced by Evan Mitchell (W, 1-0) who worked two scoreless innings in relief. Carlos Navas closed the game out the game with two shutout frames to clinch the win.
The Blue Wahoos bigger rally was in in the seventh when the home side scored five runs on four hits. Boulware and Alberti Chavez led off the inning with singles, and pinch-hitter Nick Longhi singled to right to score Boulware. After a groundout and an intentional walk to load the bases, LaValley lifted Graham’s slider off Travis Demeritte’s glove and over the wall for the first Wahoos grand slam since Eric Jagielo’s slam back on May 5, 2016.
RHP Keury Mella (3-0) will put his Southern-League best 1.00 ERA on the line Thursday night against LHP Michael Mader (1-0, 2.81). Pensacola is a perfect 5-0 in games that Mella has started.
John Chester Hendrickson
May 3, 2018
John Chester Hendrickson, 64, of Pensacola, FL passed away on Sat., April 28, 2018. He was born on April 8, 1954 to the late Joseph and Joan Ramos Hendrickson in Elizabethton, TN. John was a Past Master of Cantonment Lodge #322 F&AM, member of Pensacola Hadji Temple. He was a welder at Westinghouse for 17 years and an optician until his retirement. He was “Master” of the Green Egg, loved traveling with Sherell and helping anyone in need. He loved his family and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Teresa Stewart.
John is survived by his wife of 25 years, Sherell Q. Hendrickson; son and daughter-in-law, Tony and Jeannie McClure; grandson, Austin McClure (who was the star in Papaw’s heart) all of Tallahassee, FL; brothers-in-law and spouses, Bennett Stewart of Pikeville, KY, Jack Wilder of Austin, TX, and Roy Wilder of Orlando, FL; sisters-in-law, Charlotte Mole (and spouse) and Becky Szabo both of Pensacola, FL; many loving nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thur., May 3, 2018 at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North with Pastor Mike Mashburn officiating.
Burial will follow in Pensacola Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wed., May 2, 2018 at the funeral home.
Pallbearers will be John’s lodge brothers.
Krystal Lynn Carnley Wallace
May 3, 2018
Mrs. Krystal Lynn Carnley Wallace, age 44, of Jay, FL, passed away on Tuesday, May 1, 2018, at Jay Hospital in Jay, FL.
Mrs. Wallace was born in Atmore, AL and was a lifetime member of the Jay community. Mrs. Wallace loved her friends and family very much. She was of the Christian faith, and was preceded in death by her husband, Joe N. Wallace.
Mrs. Wallace is survived by her parents, Franklin and Cathleen McLain Carnley, Sr. of Bratt, FL; son, Brandon Wallace of Jay, FL; step-daughter, Skylar Berwick of Mobile, AL; brothers, Eddie (Pam) Carnley of Perdido, AL, Allen (Kim) Carnley of Nokomis, FL; Kathryn (Steve) Huggins of Bay Minette, AL; two nieces and four nephews.
A memorial service for Mrs. Wallace will be held on Saturday, May 5, 2018 at Flomaton Funeral Home Chapel at 2 P.M. with Rev. Earle Greene officiating.
In lieu of flowers, any gifts may be put in a card and given to Mrs. Wallace’s son, Brandon.
Donald R. Dixon, Sr.
May 3, 2018
Donald R. Dixon, Sr., of Cantonment, Florida, passed away, May 1, 2018 at Covenant Care @ Sacred Heart.
Donald was born January 13, 1939 in Jacksonville, Florida to Pleasant Rudolph “PR” Dixon and Emma (Herron) Dixon. His father Rudolph remarried Emma’s sister Susie Jane who raised Donald from the age of 3 months after Emma’s death. Susie was loved by all. After the family moved to Pensacola, he attended Blount Junior High in his early years. On July 19, 1958, he married Helen Denenne Toler in Pensacola, Florida. Helen and their first child Cynthia Renee Dixon preceded him in death as did his parents and siblings. Donald was employed as a Machinist before his retirement. He enjoyed bass fishing and was a long time member of the Molino Bass Club. He spent many days on the water bass fishing. He also enjoyed tinkering and fixing things and spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Donald also loved his little dog Phoebe.
Donald is survived by his loving wife, Carolyn, daughters, Terri Brown (Drew), Penni Sievers (Greg) and son Donnie (Kimberly) six grandchildren, Gabe, Jesse, K.W., Erica, Haley and Christa; 10 great-grandchildren, Katie, Lauren, Austin, Alyssa, Jayj, Jayce, Mayci, Kathleen, Randy and Sophie.
A big Thank You to the Staff at Woodlands during his chemo treatments in 2016 and most recently Sacred Heart Hospital Cardiology Unit and Covenant Care.
Friends may visit Friday May 4, 2018 from 5pm to 7pm at Faith Chapel North in Cantonment. Graveside service at Highland Baptist Church, 6240 N. Highway 95-A Molino at 11am on Saturday, May 5, 2018. Lunch to follow in the Fellowship Hall.
In lieu of flowers, please help support Covenant Care Hospice Patients’ final wishes by making a donation to Covenant Care’s My Wish program at www.mywish.org or mailing a check to 5041 N. 12th Avenue, Pensacola, FL 32504.
Rebecca Ann (Mixson) Shelley
May 3, 2018
Rebecca Ann (Mixson) Shelley
1948-2018
Dedicated Daughter, Faithful Sister, Loving Mother, Tender Grandmother, Trustworthy Friend, and Devoted Wife are just a few ways to describe her. Rebecca lived in Pensacola for most of her life and was graduate of Woodham High School class of 1966 where she excelled as a student and was also a talented cheerleader. She spent the last 25 years of her working career at Baptist Health Care ultimately becoming its Director of Workman’s Compensation.
She is preceded in passing by her mother Corrine (Waller) Mixson, father William Mixson, brother Larry Mixson, & nephew Hank Mixson.
Rebecca leaves behind her loving husband Harvey Lee Shelley, sister Faye Lewis (Jim), brother Harold Mixson (Jere), sons Thomas Fine (Christina), David Shelley & Sherman Shelley (Donna); daughters Amber Hart (Tony), Erica Griffin (Bryan) & Tami Elmansouri; grandsons Zachary Fine, Gage Morgan Coates, Brandon Shelley, RJ Shelley (Sarah), Ryan Shelley, Joseph Nardi & Nicholas Nardi; granddaughters Vera Mae Griffin, Samantha Shelley, Ashley Nardi, Kailei Hart, & Lexie Capen; nephews Brett Lewis (Jennifer), Lincoln Mixson (Anna Marie); and nieces Allison Randal, Mehgan Murphy (Shane), and Wendi Mixson. Many more loving nieces & nephews, six great grandchildren, and countless lifelong friends are also remembered.
Honorary Pallbearers include Thomas Fine, Jim Lewis, David Shelley, and Sherman Shelley. Flowers are welcomed as Rebecca loved the beauty of life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to Covenant Hospice, 5041 North 12th Avenue, Pensacola, FL 32504.
Visitation will be Friday, May 4, 2018 at Faith Chapel Funeral Home South beginning at 5:00 p.m. with the memorial service to begin at 6:00 p.m.
Cantonment Man Charged With Assault With A Deadly Weapon
May 2, 2018
A Cantonment man was arrested after jumping from his attic and later pulling a gun on other occupants of his house, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Nicholas Morris was charged with two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
A deputy responded to the 1200 block of Woodlake Drive for a warrant service. When she arrived, she was met by a man that said Morris had jumped out of his attic and ordered everyone to get out of his house because “they were snitches”. The man said Morris had guns in the house and had been up for three days after taking methamphetamines, according to an ECSO arrest report.
A female outside the house told the deputy that after Morris jumped out of the attic, he grabbed a gun and said “if they didn’t get out, he would kill them, the arrest report states. The female said the gun was a lever-action rifle.
Deputies entered the residence by breaching the front door; Morris was found in his bathroom and taken into custody.
A search of the house revealed two semi-automatic handguns under a couch cushion in the living room, a box of ammunition in the living room and multiple calibers of ammunition in the bedroom used by Morris, according to the report.
Morris remained in the Escambia County Jail Wednesday morning due to a probation violation charge.
NTSB: Driver Unresponsive Before I-10 Bus Crash
May 2, 2018
The National Transportation Safety Board has released their preliminary report on the deadly tour bus crash on I-10 on March 13.
The bus was transporting a high school marching band from Disney World in Orlando, where the band had performed, to Channelview, TX. This was the final leg of a four-day charter. The bus had left Orlando at 10:00 p.m. the day before and was scheduled to make a driver change near Mobile.
The bus was traveling about 59 mph according to preliminary GPS data, the NTSB report states.
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A witness reported that the motorcoach suddenly left the right westbound lane, crossed the left westbound lane, and continued across the median into the eastbound lanes. The motorcoach continued across both eastbound lanes, almost colliding with a passenger vehicle and a semi-truck then continued onto the shoulder and struck a guardrail.
The bus traveled back across both eastbound lanes onto the median, where it continued west into a ravine between twin bridge structures. The bus came to rest in the ravine on its right side against a bridge pier, 38 feet below the roadway.
The driver died, and all 46 passengers sustained injuries ranging from minor to serious.
The NTSB said preliminary evidence showed no signs of braking. A passenger reported that as the motorcoach departed the travel lanes, the driver appeared unresponsive. The passenger attempted to revive the driver in the time before the crash.
An inspection found no vehicle defects that might have contributed to the crash. The motorcoach was equipped with lap/shoulder belts for all seats, and the extent of belt use by passengers is being examined. The NTSB is also evaluating motor carrier operations and driver performance as it relates to the crash.
All aspects of the crash remain under investigation.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour and others, click to enlarge. Overhead graphic from NTSB, click to enlarge.
Appeals Court Blocks ‘Homegrown’ Marijuana In Florida
May 2, 2018
Siding with the state Department of Health, an appeals court Tuesday at least temporarily blocked a Tampa businessman from being able to grow marijuana as he seeks to prevent a relapse of lung cancer.
The 1st District Court of Appeal reinstated a stay of a Leon County circuit judge’s ruling that would allow Joe Redner to grow his own pot for a treatment known as “juicing.”
Circuit Judge Karen Gievers last month ruled that Redner is entitled grow and possess marijuana for juicing under a 2016 constitutional amendment that broadly legalized medical marijuana in Florida.
The Department of Health appealed the ruling, triggering an automatic stay. But Gievers then lifted the automatic stay, spurring lawyers for the state to quickly ask the Tallahassee-based appeals court to reinstate the stay.
The appeals court Tuesday issued a one-page order reinstating the stay, which will remain in place as the court considers the appeal of Gievers’ underlying ruling that Redner should be allowed to grow his own marijuana.
“After this panel’s preliminary review of the full wording of the constitutional amendment, we determine that appellee (Redner) did not sufficiently demonstrate a likelihood of success on the merits as required to justify vacating the automatic governmental stay,” Tuesday’s order said. “However, we do not intend to preclude full review of the issues on appeal by the merits panel (of the appeals court).”
Redner, who made his fortune as a strip-club owner, filed the lawsuit last year as the state carried out the 2016 constitutional amendment. While the state has faced a series of legal challenges, it has designed a regulatory system that involves licensing limited numbers of businesses to grow, process and sell medical marijuana.
Redner’s doctor ordered a juicing treatment that uses live marijuana plants to prevent a relapse of stage 4 lung cancer, according to court documents. Emulsification, or juicing, of the “biomass of the marijuana plant” was determined to be “the most effective way” for Redner “to get the benefit of medical marijuana,” according to Gievers’ initial ruling last month.
Gievers’ ruling was narrowly tailored to Redner. But in arguing last month that the stay should remain in place while an appeal moves forward, attorneys for the Department of Health argued that the ruling “opens the door for plaintiff and other qualified patients to grow medical marijuana unchecked from any state regulation.”
“In other words, the effect of the final judgment is to grant civil and criminal immunity to any one of the thousands of qualifying patients in Florida who may wish to grow and use medical marijuana as plaintiff has been authorized to do by this (Gievers’) court,” the department’s attorneys, Jason Gonzalez and Amber Stoner, wrote in an April 16 document. “The only way to prevent the proliferation of unregulated homegrown marijuana is to maintain the status quo while the appellate court reviews the propriety” of Gievers’ interpretation of the 2016 constitutional amendment.
by Jim Saunders, The News Service of Florida
Tate FFA Alumni Rodeo Is Friday, Saturday Nights
May 2, 2018
The 27th Annual Tate FFA Alumni Foundation Rodeo will be Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30 at the Escambia County Equestrian Center on Mobile Highway.
Advance tickets are available at Farm and Nursery Mart, Hill Kelly Dodge, Barnes Feed Store Pensacola and Tate High School. Tickets are $8 for adults and $3 for children in advance and $10 and $5 at the gate.
For more information about the Rodeo, call (850) 937-2308.