National Day Of Prayer Events Planned For Today
May 3, 2018
National Day of Prayer events are planned today in Atmore, Century and Pensacola.
Events will be held:
Century – 7 p.m. — Century Community Center, West Highway 4. Prayer service.
Atmore – 5:30 – 6:00 p.m. — Community prayer service in the Escambia County High School Gym. There will be a simultaneous children’s prayer service in the RPM Trailer.
Pensacola – noon — Pensacola City Hall.
St. Luke’s Methodist, Nine Mile Road – 7 p.m. — Prayer, music and worship.
Pictured: National Day of Prayer 2017 in Century (above) and Atmore (below). NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
District Semifinal: Tate Shuts Out Pine Forest
May 3, 2018
The Tate Aggies won their District 1-7A semifinal game over Pine Forest Wednesday, 12-0 in six innings.
Raymond LaFleur earned the win for Tate in five innings, allowing one hit and no runs while striking out four.
Nolan Rigby took the loss for Pine Forest. He gave up six runs on five hits in two and a third innings while striking out one.
Raymond LaFleur had three-run home run for Tate, going 1-2 with a run and three RBIs.
For Tate: Reid Halfacre 1-4, RBI, 2R; Jesse Sherrill 2-4, RBI: Mason Land 1-3, RBI; Hunter McLean 2-3, 2RBI, R; Blake Anderson 2-4, 2R; Darrien McDowell 2R; Ethan Bloodwoth R; Hunter Riggan 1-1, 2RBI; Trent Jeffcoat 1-2, 2R; Ryan Green R; Raymond LaFleur 1-2, HR, 3RBI.
Photos courtesy WEAR 3 for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Cuts To Florida Prison Drug Programs Draw Criticism
May 3, 2018
As Florida continues to deal with an opioid crisis, state corrections officials are moving ahead on a plan to cut substance-abuse services to make up a shortfall in health-care funding for the prison system.
“We’re in the worst drug epidemic that this country and Florida have ever seen and we’re talking now about reducing programs at the same exact time we’re trying to turn the corner on this epidemic. It just doesn’t make a whole lot of sense to me,” Mark Fontaine, executive director of the Florida Alcohol & Drug Abuse Association, said Wednesday.
The state Department of Corrections announced the plan Tuesday evening, saying services had to be cut to shift money to the health care program, where there is a $55 million shortfall.
Corrections Secretary Julie Jones said although lawmakers increased health-care funding for the prison system, the department does not have enough money to cover a new contract for medical, dental, mental-health and hospital services in the budget year that begins July 1. The current contract expires at the end of June.
The agency projects it will need an additional $28 million in 2018-2019 to fund the new contract and will have to offset $26.8 million in rising costs for pharmaceuticals.
“In order to secure a health services contractor, fund the increased pharmaceutical budget, and adjust for reductions, we’ve unfortunately had to make some very difficult decisions. At the start of the next fiscal year, we will be reducing some of our current contracts with community providers,” Jones said in a statement.
The reductions will be felt across the state, impacting some 33 community providers that offer substance-abuse services and other programs, ranging from life-skills development to job placement, designed to help prisoners successfully return to society once they have served sentences.
“They are reducing or eliminating contracts that they have with community providers that are providing very valuable, evidence-based and effective programs in order to get to that goal,” Fontaine said.
The cuts include a 40 percent reduction in funding for substance-abuse and mental-health treatment for prisoners returning to their communities, representing a $9.1 million reduction. Another $1.6 million will be cut in transitional housing services.
In the prisons, another $7.6 million in substance-abuse services will be eliminated, and the plan will shift prisoners receiving more intensive “therapeutic” treatment to “more cost-effective” work-release programs, providing another $6 million in savings, according to the plan.
Another $2.3 million will be cut from basic-education re-entry centers, while smaller cuts include $500,000 used to fund chaplains and librarians.
Fontaine said cuts in substance-abuse treatment are particularly troubling.
“Seventy percent of the people in prison have a drug problem, and these are the few critical services we have providing drug treatment and they’re talking about reducing those,” he said.
He also said effective drug treatment can help reduce the rate of prisoners returning to the system, reduce costs and protect communities.
“We’ve seen that over and over again. Research-based drug treatment makes a difference,” Fontaine said.
In an interview Tuesday night with The News Service of Florida, Senate Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations Chairman Jeff Brandes, R-St. Petersburg, said the prison system funding crisis had “been festering for years” and that lawmakers failed to adequately respond to the issue.
Brandes said health-care funding shortfalls have to be addressed, but he lamented the impact on the substance-abuse services.
“You can’t have an opioid crisis and cut opioid funding. You can’t just let people out of prison without some type of transition back into society. These are the types of programs that the research shows provide the best outcomes,” he said.
Fontaine, who said he is talking with lawmakers, legislative staff and Gov. Rick Scott’s aides, suggested one way to address the crisis would be to shift some of the state’s reserve funds into the prison budget, although lawmakers have been reluctant to spend down reserves.
“It’s not like we have to take this (budget-cutting) action. There are other actions that can be done. It just takes the political will to do it,” he said.
The privatization of prison health care has been an ongoing problem for the state, with the Department of Corrections going through a series of companies in an attempt to provide the services. Jones is negotiating a new contract with Centurion of Florida LLC, which provides the current services for about 87,000 inmates. The new contract is expected to be a five-year, $2 billion agreement.
by Lloyd Dunkelberger, The News Service of Florida
‘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.