Free Produce Giveaway This Afternoon At Highland Baptist Church
June 10, 2020
Highland Baptist Church will host a free fresh produce box giveaway on Wednesday.
It will take place from 5-6 p.m., or while supplies last at the church, 6240 Highway 95A in Molino. It is limited to one box per vehicle. The produce is being provided in conjunction with the USDA and Gulf Coast Produce.
For more information, call (850) 587-5174.
Convicted Escambia County Sex Offender Gets 50 Years For Probation Violation
June 10, 2020
A convicted sex offender will spend the next five decades in prison for violating his probation.
Charlie Morgan Smith, 40, was sentenced to 50 years in state prison to be followed by a lifetime of probation.
On October 19, 2000, an 18-year old female was leaving Walmart on Mobile Highway when she was forced into her vehicle by Smith. He threatened her with a semi-automatic weapon, took $115 from her, and forced her to drive to a wooded area where he sexually assaulted her. He was convicted and forced to register as a sexual predator.
On October 23, 2003, he pleaded guilty to sexual battery with a weapon, kidnapping, and robbery with a gun. Smith was sentenced to 22 years in state prison followed by three years on probation. He was released from prison on July 3, 2019, placed on probation and forced to register as a sexual predator.
He absconded from probation in December 2019. In February of 2020, he was arrested for stealing from Walmart. Upon search of his bag, ammunition was also located. He was charged with possession of ammunition by convicted felon and petit theft.
On June 9, Smith pleaded guilty to violation of probation an possession of ammunition by a convicted felon and petit theft. Judge Coleman Robinson sentenced him to 50 years in state prison on the violation of probation charge and 15 years in state prison on the possession of ammunition by a convicted felon to run concurrently.
Atmore Man Was Alabama’s First-Ever ‘Missing and Endangered Person Alert’. He Was Quickly Found Safe.
June 10, 2020
When an 81-year old man with dementia left his home late Sunday afternoon near Atmore, a missing person report was filed with the Atmore Police Department, and local officers began to search.
And a short time later, Alabama issued its first-ever “Missing and Endangered Person Alert”. Within minutes, NorthEscambia.com and other media across Alabama and beyond shared the missing person information for Verbin. L Kemp. About an hour after the alert, Kemp was located on Lowery Landing Road near the Appleton community in northern Escambia County, Alabama.
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey signed into law an expanded version of Alabama’s Missing Senior Alert, changing the name to the Missing and Endangered Person Alert, effective June 1.
Previously, the Missing Senior Alert was issued for missing citizens with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia and at risk of bodily harm or death. The newly expanded alert also includes individuals ages 18 and older who have a mental or physical disability and who are at risk of bodily harm or death.
“In the past, our Alabama Fusion Center has faced the challenge of how to alert the public when a missing individual is too old to meet the criteria for an AMBER or Emergency Missing Child Alert and too young to meet the criteria for a Missing Senior Alert,” Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Secretary Hal Taylor said. “We appreciate Governor Ivey and the Llegislature’s support in working with us to ensure some of the state’s most vulnerable individuals who are reported missing are found as quickly as possible.”
According to Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama, wandering is a danger for 60 percent of those living with Alzheimer’s. The organization recognizes the need to include anyone ages 18 and older who has a mental or physical disability and who is at risk of bodily harm or death in the state’s new Missing and Endangered Person Alert.
The new Missing and Endangered Person alert is one of four alerts in Alabama. The other alerts are:
- AMBER Alert: for a child ages 17 and younger who has been abducted and is believed to be in danger of serious bodily injury or death
- Emergency Missing Child Alert: for a child ages 17 and younger who is missing (not abducted) and believed to be in danger of serious bodily injury or death
- Blue Alert: for a peace officer who is missing, injured or killed and the at-large suspect is believed to be a serious threat to the public
Pictured: Verbin Kemp. Photo below is from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency; the photo above was provide to NorthEscambia.com by family.
Johnell Vincent Smith
June 10, 2020
Johnell Vincent Smith, 51, of Cantonment, FL, passed away on Tuesday, June 9, 2020.
Mr. Smith was born November 1, 1968, in Pensacola, FL. He owned and operated Smith Services and from 1995-2008 volunteered at the Cantonment Volunteer Fire Department. He was honored to serve as fire chief for a couple of years and received the White Fireman’s helmet.
He was preceded in death by his father, Journei Smith; two brothers, Donell Smith, Joey Smith; father-in-law, James Hobbs, Sr; mother-in-law, Linda Hobbs; and brother-in-law, James Hobbs, Jr.
Surviving is his wife, Lori Smith; son, Dakota Smith; daughter, Trinity Smith; stepchildren, Hunter Kinnard, Amanda Geary, Garrett McGlothren, Autumn Trail; mother, Ethel Smith; sisters, Sharon (Reggie) Thompson, Karen (Reggie) Carper, Marian (John) Shaw; nieces, Heather (Sara) Phelps; nephews, Bradley (Ashley) Thompson, Kyle (Trysha) Thompson, J. J. (Charlsie) Shaw, Ryan Smith, Riley Smith, Ricky Smith; great nephews, Liam Thompson, River Phelps; great niece, Haley Carter.
Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Sunday, June 14, 2020, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North with Rev. Jeff Howard officiating. Interment will follow in Pensacola Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends Saturday, June 13, 2020, from 5-7 p.m. at the funeral home.
Douglas Whitfield
June 10, 2020
Douglas Whitfield was granted his legs on June 5th, 2020. His final days were spent surrounded by family and friends that Douglas had touched in some small way throughout his short, yet very memorable life.
Douglas was a native of Pensacola and graduated from Tate High School. He went on to become one of the finest residential and commercial painters Pensacola had to offer.
Douglas’ life would seem too short to many, but those who were touched by him understood that the quality of existence far exceeds the quantity of time in which one lives. His gentle smile, soft touch and warm hugs meant so much joy to our family.
Although he was so frail in his later years, he gave us all such courage and hope and reminded us of the preciousness of life. He loved to work whenever he could and would pester those doing work for him. He could spend hours making those around him laugh with jokes and stories from his past. He truly was the life of the party, when he wasn’t there, something was missing. He’ll be remembered for loving his family, friends, southern heritage, and Alabama football.
Douglas is survived by his loving parents, Douglas Whitfield, Sr. and Shirley Shaw of Pensacola, Fl. ; wife, Sandra Whitfield; sons, Bryan Whitfield and Brett Whitfield; daughters, Whitney Whitfield and Kelly Rogers; grandchildren, Hunter, Hannah and Chandler Rogers, Jaylen Lites, Kylie, Camden and Carter Whitfield of Pensacola Fl.
Funeral services will be held 1PM on Thursday, June 11, 2020 at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North with Pastor Mike Mashburn officiating. The family will receive friends at 12 noon prior to services.
42-Year Old Cold Case Murder Solved; Real Estate Agent’s Body Was Found At Cantonment Home
June 9, 2020
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office has solved the 42-year old cold case murder of a real estate agent found dead at an empty home in Cantonment.
On April 7, 1978, the body of 47-year-old Carolyn Cox Rose was discovered in a house in the Pine Forest Hills subdivision off Highway 297A. Rose, who was vice president of Better Homes Realty, received a call to show the empty home. When she did not return, coworkers went to the home to check on her and discovered her body.
Escambia County Sheriff’s Office investigators launched a full investigation, several suspects were interviewed and investigated thoroughly. DNA evidence was collected on scene, but lack of technology made it impossible to use for an arrest.
As DNA technology advanced, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office investigator Kevin Coxwell partnered with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Parabon NanoLab. Their research revealed Julius William Hill Jr. as Rose’s killer.
In 2007, Hill died in the Victorville United States Penitentiary in California, while serving a 30-year sentence for two different bank robberies.
“We are extending our heartfelt sympathy to the family and descendants of Mrs. Rose. While nothing fills the void of a lost loved one we can at least finally bring closure in knowing justice was served,” Escambia County Sheriff’s David Morgan said.
Semi Truck Hauling Frozen Chicken Overturns On I-10 Bridge
June 9, 2020
A semi-truck hauling frozen chicken overturned on an I-10 bridge Tuesday morning.
The crash happened on the bridge over the Perdido River at the Florida/Alabama state line, just inside Alabama. There were no injuries reported.
Emergency crews from both states responded. Alabama State Troopers are investigating the crash that closed eastbound I-10.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tuesday Update: Escambia COVID-19 Cases Up By 16
June 9, 2020
THIS STORY IS OUTDATED. SEE NORTHESCAMBIA.COM FOR THE LATEST DATA.
The number of COVID-19 cases in Escambia County increased by 16 since Monday, according to the Monday report from the Florida Department of Health.
The number of cases in Escambia County is now 907, and Santa Rosa County increased by three to 261..
Of the 36 deaths in Escambia County, 28 have been long-term care facility residents or staff. There have been eight deaths in Santa Rosa County, seven of those at the Blackwater River Correctional Facility and none in long-term care facilities.
Statewide, there were 66,000 cases including 64,448 Florida residents. There have been 11,185 hospitalizations* and 2,765 deaths. The Florida Department of Health does not have a clear standard or definition of “recovered” and does not report a number of recovered individuals.
Escambia County cases:
- Total cases — 907 (+16 since Monday)
- Pensacola — 637
- Cantonment — 53
- Bellview — 6
- Perdido Key — 1
- McDavid/Walnut Hill — 1
- Molino – 12
- Century — 3
- Hospitalizations: 65*
- Deaths — 36
- Male — 301
- Female — 415
- Youngest — 0
- Oldest — 105
Santa Rosa County cases:
- Total cases — 261 (+3 since Monday)
- Milton — 159
- Navarre — 42
- Gulf Breeze — 31
- Pace — 17
- Jay — 4
- Residents: 129
- Nonresidents — 1
- Hospitalizations — 25*
- Deaths — 9
- Male — 180
- Female — 73
- Youngest — 2 months
- Oldest — 94
Florida cases:
- Total cases — 66,000
- Florida residents — 64,448
- Deaths — 2,765
- Hospitalizations — 11,185*
*“Hospitalizations” is a count of all laboratory confirmed cases in which an inpatient hospitalization occurred at any time during the course of illness. These people may no longer be hospitalized. This number does not represent the number of COVID-19 positive persons currently hospitalized. The FDOH does not provide a count of patients currently hospitalized.
Boutwell Resigns From Town Council To Run For Century Mayor: Incumbent Hawkins Prefiles
June 9, 2020
Ben Boutwell resigned from the Century Town Council Monday and qualified to run for mayor. Henry Hawkins, the incumbent mayor, prefiled Monday to seek reelection.
Under Century’s charter, the existing council is responsible for filling the immediate vacancy on the council until a successor is elected. Candidate qualifying is currently underway for state and local offices, including the Town of Century. Anyone wishing to run for the vacant Seat 3 must qualify no later than noon on Friday, June 12. The office of mayor and council seats 1 and 2 are also on the ballot.
Candidates may qualify at the Escambia County Supervisor of Elections office in Pensacola during regular business hours, until qualifying closes at noon on Friday. In addition, a member of the supervisor of elections staff will be at Century Town Hall on Wednesday, June 10 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. to receive and process paperwork for candidates wishing to qualify for office.
Pictured: Ben Boutwell (above) and Henry Hawkins. NorthEscambia.com photos. Pictured inset: Boutwell’s resignation letter. Click to enlarge.
International Paper Accepting Applications For $65K In Community Grants (With List Of Last Year’s Winners)
June 9, 2020
International Paper Pensacola Mill will award $65,000 in grants in 2020.
Applications will be accepted at www.ipgiving.com through Monday, July 6. In 2019, the foundation awarded $65,000 in grants to area non-profit organizations (list is below).
The International Paper Foundation makes sustainable investments to address critical needs in the communities where its employees live and work.
Signature Causes include:
- Education – Programs focused on helping children succeed via a comprehensive approach to education. Priority is given to literacy programs from birth through 3rd grade.
- Hunger – Programs dedicated to improving food security throughout our communities.
- Health & Wellness – Programs that promote healthy living habits.
- Disaster Relief – Programs that help communities prepare for and recover from natural disasters.
Funding also is available to address environmental initiatives (forests, water and air), employee involvement grants and other critical community needs.
Eligibility
Applicants must be a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization or qualifying federal entity to apply for a grant. To be considered, organizations must have a program that addresses critical community needs and have measureable objectives to demonstrate impact. Details on grant eligibility, guidelines and restrictions are available at www.ipgiving.com.
Application Process & Procedures
An eligible non-profit organization with a program in an area that the foundation supports must apply online by visiting http://www.ipgiving.com. Applications are routed to the local IP facility and must be completed in its entirety to be considered. If you have questions about the grant guidelines or process, contact Whitney Fike at (850) 968-3076 or via email at whitney.fike@ipaper.com.
Local International Paper Foundation grant award winners in 2019 were:
- Autism Pensacola – Kids For Camp Summer Learning Lab
- Bright Bridge Ministries – Cold Storage, Warm Hearts
- Capstone Adaptive Learning – Tell Me Early Learning Literacy Program
- Council On Aging Of West Florida – Ways To Go Green Project
- Creative Learning Academy – Strengthening Literacy by Empowering Young Readers
- Ernest Ward Middle School – Pollinators Promote Sustainability and Hydroponics
- Escambia County 4-H Foundation – Escambia County 4-H Team Challenge Course
- Escambia County Public Schools Foundation – Grants for Excellence
- Every Child A Reader – Books for the Break
- Feeding The Gulf Coast – Weekend Backpacks for Children at Carver Park
- Gulf Coast Kid’s House – Getting Families Back Together
- Institute For Human And Machine Cognition (IHMC) – Hands-On Science Saturday
- Jim Allen Elementary School – Leveled Readers Lead The Way to Literacy
- Kingsfield Elementary – Flocabulary for Fundamental Fabulous Readers
- Manna Food Bank – Healthy Kids Initiative
- Molino Park Elementary School – Classroom Literacy Leap
- Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center – Light Boxes and Educational Displays
- Pace Band Boosters – Pace Band Polish and Shine
- Pensacola Children’s Chorus – Inaugural Preparatory Choir
- Pensacola Little Theatre – Teaching an Old Dog New (Dramatic) Tricks
- Pensacola Mess Hall – Questioning Corner
- Pensacola State College Foundation – PSC Milton Campus Food Pantry
- Chain Reaction – Teens Impacting Literacy and Learning
- Quintette Community Park Association – Senior Citizen and Youth Programs
- Ronald McDonald House Charities Of Northwest Florida – Home for Dinner Program
- Studer Community Institute – Brain Bags
- The Arc Gateway – Tools For Developmental Screening: Helping All Children Be Ready for Kindergarten
- United Way of West Florida – Born Learning Trail
- University of West Florida Foundation – Argo Pantry, Community Garden, National Writing Project and B.E.S.T. Robotics Competition
Pictured: 2019 IP grant recipients Ernest Ward Middle School (top), Molino Park Elementary School (below), Feeding the Gulf Coast (second below), Escambia County 4-H Foundation (third below) and the Ronald McDonald House (bottom). Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
