Alabama Police Chase Ends In Florida With Fire, Kidnapping Arrest
February 8, 2021
A stolen vehicle and police chase out of Atmore ended with a fire and a kidnapping arrest in Florida Sunday night.
Brandon Kieth Sheppard, 18, was charged with two felony counts of false imprisonment (kidnapping), one count of a felony false imprisonment (kidnapping) domestic violence related, one felony count of resisting arrest with violence, one count of resisting arrest without violence and possession of a stolen vehicle in Escambia County, Florida. He remained in the Escambia County Jail in Pensacola without bond.
Sheppard allegedly stole a pickup truck from an Atmore gas station Sunday night and later picked up three girls from an Atmore motel. They were unaware the truck was stolen, according to Atmore Police Chief Chuck Brooks. Atmore Police spotted the truck on Florida Highway in Alabama and gave chase onto Florida continuing at a high rate of speed for several miles in both Florida and Alabama.
The truck slowed and one of the the girls jumped from the truck near Hollingsworth Road in Nokomis (FL).
During the pursuit, Sheppard drove into a Florida field off Jones Road along the state line in Nokomis.
Sheppard refused to exit the vehicle and was holding the two teens against their will, according to the Escambia County (FL) Sheriff’ Office. After several minutes passed, the two females exited the truck and ran toward officers unharmed, Brooks said.
“He continued to try to accelerate there in the field but was stuck in the mud and going nowhere,” said Amber Southard, ECSO spokesperson. After trying to get the vehicle out of the mud for about 45 minutes, the pickup truck began to smoke and eventually caught fire.
Sheppard exited the truck and tried to flee on foot but was captured by deputies, Southard said.
The Walnut Hill Station of Escambia Fire Rescue and the Nokomis Volunteer Fire Department responded to the blaze about 9:20 p.m.
Once released in Florida, Sheppard is expected to face a charge of theft of property first degree in Alabama.
Sheppard provided a residential address in Gilbert, South Carolina, at the time of his address.
Here Is Escambia County’s Vaccine Distribution Plan For The Week, And How To Register
February 8, 2021
The Florida Department of Health in Escambia County has announced this week’s COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan.
Vaccines allocated by the state are being distributed through county health departments, which are receiving an allocation based on their county’s percentage of Florida’s over-65 population. FDOH-Escambia received an allocation of 2,500 doses of the COVID-19 Moderna vaccine for the week.
The doses will be distributed as follows:
- Ascension Sacred Heart: 500 doses
- Baptist Health Care: 500 doses
- Community Health Northwest Florida: 800 doses
- FDOH-Escambia: 500 doses
- West Florida Hospital: 200 doses
Some appointments will be scheduled using the statewide preregistration system. FDOH-Escambia and partner organizations are in the process of contacting individuals to schedule appointments, do not contact the providers directly for these appointments.
To register, Escambia County residents age 65 and over can call the state preregistration number at (866) 201-1025 or register online at myvaccine.fl.gov. The state has established a help line at (833) 959-0217 for those who need to make changes to their original preregistration.
Residents who previously completed FDOH-Escambia’s online interest form do not need to call or email to confirm their registration. Those registrations have been transferred to the new state system.
Ruth Carol Whitney
February 8, 2021
Mrs. Ruth Carol Whitney, age 77, of Flomaton, AL, passed away on Friday, February 5, 2021 at D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital.
Mrs. Whitney was a native of Standish, ME, and a resident of Flomaton for 24 years coming from Parsonsfield, ME. She was a member of the Phithian Sisters, the American Legion and the Grange Association in Maine. She loved her farm animals and enjoyed her crafts. Mrs. Whitney was a member of the Latter Day Saints Church and she preceded in death by her husband, Raymond R. Whitney, Sr.
She is survived by her children, Raymond R. (Jodi) Whitney, Jr. of Flomaton, AL, Gary (Kimberly) Whitney of Adolphus, KY; daughters, Lori Blake of Oklahoma City, OK, Lisa Whitney of Flomaton, AL, Georgia Ford of Flomaton, AL; brothers, Philip Smith of Vermont, George W. (Judy) Smith, Jr. of Jasper, AL, Harold E. (Robin) Nason of Standish, ME, Norman E. Smith of Lewiston, ME; sisters, Dorothy Dyer of Maine, Cora (Ronnie) Woods of Phoenix, AL, Mary Nason of Jay, ME, Sally (Dana) Smith of Auburn, ME, Cindy Nason of Sanford, ME, Terrie Smith of Indiana, Sharon Smith of California, Norma (Jeff) Willis of Gorhum, ME; 18 grandchildren and 42 great-grandchildren.
A Memorial service will be held by Mrs. Whitney’s family at a later date.
ECUA Replacing Over 15,000 Blue Cans In North Escambia
February 8, 2021
Are you an ECUA customer with a blue garbage can? If so, it’s time for a replacement can.
On Tuesday, ECUA will begin replacing the over 15,000 blue cans still being using in North Escambia. The cans were a part of the Allied Waste service area that ECUA took over in January 2009.
It is expected to take three or four weeks to complete the can switch. ECUA customers are asked to leave their cans out at the curb after this week’s pick up as crews will be working each day to expedite the replacement process. Cans that already have the ECUA logo are not included in this effort.
ECUA customers will not be charged for their new can.
The replacement cans are not a new expenditure for ECUA. The cans were used for ECUA service in Santa Rosa County, which came to an end on December 31. 2020.
NorthEscambia.com file graphic.
Ransom Middle School Names Students Of The Month
February 8, 2021
Ransom Middle School has named their January Students of the Month. They are seventh grader Alinson Crawford and eighth grader Ellen Rigby. Photos for NorthEscambia.com. click to enlarge.
Rain Returns Overnight Monday And Into Tuesday
February 8, 2021
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after midnight. Cloudy, with a low around 52. East wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Tuesday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before noon, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Cloudy, with a high near 66. East wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 57. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Wednesday: A chance of showers before 9am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 9am and noon, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 72. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Wednesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62. South wind around 5 mph.
Thursday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after noon. High near 72. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Thursday Night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Low around 52. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming north after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Friday: A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 60. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 46.
Saturday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 56.
Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 39.
Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high near 54.
Cooking Fire Damages Duplex
February 8, 2021
A weekend cooking fire damaged a duplex just off Nine Mile Road.
Escambia Fire Rescue responded to the fire Saturday night in the 8600 block of Jernigan Road. Firefighters arrived to find everyone outside and smoke showing from the front door of the one of the apartments.
The fire was quickly extinguished. The blaze caused heavy damage to one kitchen and smoke damage throughout.’
The American Red Cross is assisting the individuals displaced by the fire.
Donald Eugene Weaver
February 8, 2021
Donald Eugene Weaver, 81, of Pensacola, Florida, passed away on Friday, February 5th, 2021 after a long battle with cancer. He was born on May 31st, 1939 in Silverton, Oregon to the late John and Eunice Weaver. He grew up in the Brownsville community of Pensacola and attended Pensacola Tech High School High School and later Pensacola Junior College.
Donald served 2 years in the Army before becoming a firefighter with the city of Pensacola Fire Department and retired after many years as a Captain. He then became a deputy with the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office for several years.
Donald was an avid Hunter and Fisherman. He was a member of the Mckinnonville and Bay Springs Sportsman hunting Clubs for many years. One hunting highlight was winning a big buck competition in 1979 when he got an 11 point buck that scored 2nd in the state of Florida at that time. Donald was also a Licensed boat Captain and spent many hours on his boat chasing King Mackerel and Red snapper.
Donald was preceded in death by his parents, John and Eunice Weaver and sister Jane Moodhard.
He is survived by daughter, Crystal, brother Jimmy Weaver and sister Jenny Barnes.
Pallbearers are Bruce Weaver, David Weaver, Russell Weaver, Jonathan Weaver, Weston Weaver, John Moodhard and Jim Moodhard.
Funeral services will be held at 11AM on Wed., Feb. 10, 2021 at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North. Burial will follow in Jordan Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at 10AM prior to services.
Lisa Ann Sport Herrington
February 8, 2021
Lisa Ann Sport Herrington, 54, of Molino, FL, died February 5 after a brief illness.
Born in Atlanta, GA, on December 26, 1967, Lisa graduated from Tate High School in 1986 and was well known as a local hair stylist for 30 years, working most recently at Mane Street Styles in Pensacola. Known for her laughter, generosity, and kind hearted spirit, Lisa’s family was the light of her life, and she was most content when spending time with them. She embraced her newest role as grandmother to the twin granddaughters with joy and vitality.
Lisa grew up in Pinewoods Presbyterian Church of Cantonment, but in recent years was an active member of First Baptist Church, where she sang in the choir.
She was preceded in death by her parents, John “Buddy” and Elizabeth “Betty” Sport. She is survived by her husband, Scott Herrington, two daughters, Amanda Jenkins and Tori Herrington, a son, Scott Herrington, and four grandchildren, Bailey, Alliana, Atalie and Wyatt. Also surviving are her brothers, Mercer Sport (Jean) of Cantonment and Lewis Sport (Paula) of St. Augustine, FL, as well as numerous nieces and nephews: Haleigh Sport, Hunter Sport, Tanner Sport, Heather Sport Bowman (Noah), Tavi Sport, Matthew Fraser (Ainsley) and Christopher Fraser.
The family will receive guests at a visitation February 13 at 12:30 p.m. at Pinewoods Presbyterian Church in Cantonment, followed by a celebration of her life at 2:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Covenant Care.
Florida Gas Prices Increase Over The Last Week
February 8, 2021
Florida gas prices took a jump last week, rising an average of 11 cents, according to AAA.
Florida drivers are now paying an average price of $2.49 per gallon.
The average price per gallon was $2.40 in Escambia County, six cents more than last week. Sunday night’s low price in North Escambia was $2.33 at one station on Highway 29 in Cantonment, while a low of $2.25 could be found on North Palafox Street in Pensacola.
Prices at the pump are now the most expensive in more than a year. The state average is now the highest since January 2020. During that time, the price of crude was sitting at the same level it is now.
Crude oil prices have also bounced back to pre-pandemic levels. The price for U.S. crude rose to nearly $57 per barrel on Friday; the most expensive oil price since January 2020. Friday’s settlement of $56.85/b is $4 per barrel more than the week before. A 9% shift like that would typically lead to a 10 cent shift at the pump, as a higher oil price raises the cost for producing gasoline.