‘Going To Blow Tonight’ – Cantonment Man Sentenced For Arson Of His Grandmother’s Home
May 18, 2021
A Cantonment man has struck a plea deal and has been sentenced for setting fire to his grandmother’s house early this year.
Andrew Christian Geoghagan was charged with felony arson of a structure by the Florida Bureau of Fire, Arson and Explosives Investigations in connection with a fire in the 600 block of Jacks Branch Road in Cantonment on January 5, 2021.
Judge Jan Shackelford withheld adjudication and sentenced Geoghagan to six months community control (“house arrest”), 36 months probation and 100 hours of community service. He was also ordered to submit to drug and alcohol testing, pay fines and costs, seek employment and attend a weekly Narcotics Anonymous meeting.
According to prosecutor Elisibeth Davenport, Geoghagan started a fire in the crawlspace of his grandmother’s home using propane. The grandmother wanted to see Geoghagan receive drug treatment rather than spend time in state prison, Davenport said.
Before the fire, Geoghagan was seen taking a propane tank, and when confronted he stated, “that’s alright this [expletive] is going to blow tonight,” according to an arrest report. He was also seen in the area of the fire.
The estimated damage to the structure was approximately $1,000.
Pictured top: Andrew Christian Geoghagan appeared in video court before Judge Jan Shackelford. NorthEscambia.com image, click to enlarge.
Flomaton Elementary Dedicates ‘Jaden James Friendship Bench’ In Memory Of Student Killed Near Walnut Hill
May 18, 2021
On Monday, Flomaton Elementary School dedicated a bench in memory of a student killed in a car crash last year near Walnut Hill.
“The Jaden James Friendship Bench” honors the six grader killed in the crash October 3, 2020, on Highway 97 one mile south of Tungoil Road.
“Jaden was a friend to everyone he met and leaves a legacy for us to uphold,” the school said about Jaden James in a social media post. “The bench, which was built and donated anonymously, will be used for times when students (and adults) need to talk to each other and remember the value and importance of friendship.”
Jaden’s father Jermaine James and sister Jermiah attended the bench dedication.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Council On Aging Senior Dining Sites Have Reopened
May 18, 2021
The Council on Aging of West Florida senior dining sites reopened Monday for the first time since the start of the pandemic last year.
The Council on Aging congregate meal program sites are open elders 60 and over on Monday, May 17. The sites closed March 16, 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, meals were available at these sites via a Monday through Friday grab-and-go platform, but now the locations are open with 100 percent occupancy so older adults can resume daytime activities.
Meals must be ordered a day in advance before 12 noon by calling (850) 432-1475.
For those who can and enjoy getting out for lunch, the Senior Dining Program is a neighborhood-based program which offers older citizens the opportunity to share their lunch with others their age. Hot nutritious balanced meals are served to active senior adults at several locations throughout Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. Meals are prepared fresh daily and contain one-third of the required daily allowance (RDA) for adults and comply with the Florida Department of Elder Affairs Guidelines. In addition, participants have an opportunity to join in arts and crafts projects, play games and socialize. Serving times and location hours vary by site.
Missing from the list below are the sites in Cantonment and Beulah. Josh Newby, marketing director for the Council on Aging, said the Cantonment site needs building repairs, and the Beulah site is too small to allow for proper social distancing.
The sites wno open are:
Century Senior Center
6025 Industrial Boulevard
Century, FL 32535
(850) 256-1012
Hours: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Serving Time: 11:00 AM
Monday through Friday
Chumuckla Community Center
2355 Highway 182 West, Chumuckla, FL 32566
(850) 994-8811
Hours: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Serving Time: 11:00 AM
Monday through Friday
Jay Community Center
5259 Booker Lane, Jay, FL 32565
(850) 675-0810
Hours: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Serving Time: 11:00 AM
Tuesday through Thursday
Bayview Senior Center
2000 E Lloyd St.
Pensacola, FL 32503
(850) 432-1475
Hours: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Serving Time: 11:30 AM
Monday through Friday
Cobb Center
601 E. Mallory
Pensacola, FL 32503
(850) 436-5192
Hours: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Serving Time: 11:00 AM
Monday through Friday
Westwood Homes
4400 Westover Ave.
Pensacola, FL 32506
(850) 292-9868
Hours: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Serving Time: 11:15 AM
Monday through Friday
Bagdad Community Center
6860 Pooley St., Bagdad, FL 32530
(850) 983-4500
Hours: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Serving Time: 11:00 AM
Monday through Friday
Christ United Methodist Church
5983 Dogwood Street, Milton, FL 32570
(850) 983-4590
Hours: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Serving Time: 11:00 AM
Monday through Friday
E.H. Pullum Senior Center
8476 Gordon Goodin Lane. Navarre, FL 32566
(850) 936-1644
Hours: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Serving Time: 11:15 AM
Monday through Thursday Only
The decision to reopen comes after Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis lifted all coronavirus limitations based on emergency executive order, and local municipalities have followed suit. As vaccination rates continue to increase, COVID hospitalizations remain trending downward, and average infection age drops steadily, Council on Aging’s management and board have made the decision to allow seniors to recongregate.
“For decades, we have been preaching the importance of socialization and companionship for our community’s elderly,” said John B. Clark, Council on Aging president and CEO. “It’s good for your mind, your soul and your body. Of course, we had to reverse course during COVID as that physical safety became most pressing, but now we feel that our area is in a safe place to return these elders to a communal setting where they can support and enrich each other and grow together.”
Barrineau Park Historical Society Awards Scholarships To Outstanding Seniors
May 18, 2021
The Barrineau Park Historical Society recently awarded scholarships to five outstanding seniors.
Northview High School senior Abigail Nelson received a $1,000 Barrineau Park Historical Society scholarship awarded by BPHS President Craig Exner. She plans to attend Florida State University and work toward a degree in psychology.
Tate High School senior Jessica Conti received a $500 Lynda Minchew scholarship endowed by the Bobby Minchew family. She plans to major in agricultural science and will attend Mississippi State University in the fall.
Northview High School senior Amber Gilman received a $500 Louis Crabtree Sr. scholarship endowed by the Crabtree family. She will be attending the University of West Florida working towards a degree in psychology in the fall.
Home schooled senior Sidney Ziglar received a $1,000 Steven Jogan scholarship from the Barrineau Park Historical Society. Jogan was a lifetime BPHS member, and its treasurer and office manager for many years. Ziglar plans to attend the University of West Florida and major in physical therapy in the fall
Parker Hasselbrock ,a West Florida High School senior, received a $500 Mildred Haupert Schwartz scholarship endowed by the Paul Schwartz family. Parker plans to attend the University of West Florida and work towards a graphic design degree.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Man Charged With Battery By Strangulation Of Girlfriend
May 18, 2021
A Cantonment man is charged with allegedly strangling his girlfriend.
Jacob Michael Marmon, 29, was charged with felony domestic battery by strangulation and misdemeanor domestic battery.
The victim told deputies that she decided to meet Marmon, her boyfriend, at her home after work. He began to drink alcohol and struck her one time in the left jaw area with his elbow, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
She decided to go to bed alone, but woke up to Marmon pulling her hair about 3 a.m. He then began to slap, push and hit her; he also choked her until she could not breathe as he stated “I will kill you,” according to an arrest report. The victim was able to break free and run to a family member’s home.
The responding deputy noted redness on the victim’s face and neck and a small bruise on her back. She refused medical treatment.
ECUA Says Nearly 6 Million Gallons Of Sewage Leaked Last Week; Perdido Bay Health Advisories Remain In Effect
May 18, 2021
Nearly 6 million gallons of sewage leaked over 20 hours last week form the Emerald Coast Utilities Authority’s Bayou Marcus Water Reclamation Facility, and health advisories remain in effect.
In a report to the Florida Department of Environmental Management on Monday, ECUA said 5.922 million gallons leaked, and 222,660 gallons was collected. ECUA acknowledged in the report that the spill did reach Bayou Marcus Creek and surrounding wetlands.
A 30-inch diameter pipe at the Emerald Coast Utility Authority Bayou Marcus Water Reclamation Facility ruptured Thursday night. Some 20 hours later, the pipe had been replaced and was back in service. About 7:45 p.m. Friday, ECUA said the overflow had ceased and the plant had resume normal operation.
Friday afternoon, the Florida Department of Health issued a health advisory for Perdido Bay south of the Bayou Marcus Creek. The health department advised any water-related activities due to the potential for high bacteria levels. The Alabama Department of Environmental Management also advised caution and an increased risk of illness associated with swimming in Perdido Bay. The state line is roughly in the middle of the bay.
Monday afternoon, ECUA said they began sampling Saturday for E. Coli in Bayou Marcus Creek and Enterococci in Perdido Bay.
“The Perdido Bay sample results were below maximum allowable thresholds for Enterococci for both days,” ECUA said. “The upstream creek location sample results were also below maximum allowable thresholds for both days. The creek entry point and downstream sample results for both days were above the maximum allowable threshold but are declining rapidly.”
The facility is located west of the North Blue Angel Parkway and Muldoon Road intersection (maps below).
A Slight Chance Of Tuesday Afternoon Rain, Dry The Rest Of The Week
May 18, 2021
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tuesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 82. Southeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 65. East wind around 10 mph.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 82. Southeast wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 66. East wind 10 to 15 mph.
Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 82. East wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 65. East wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 84. East wind around 10 mph.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 65. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming east after midnight.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 85.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 64.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 88.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 65.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 90.
10 New COVID-19 Cases Reported In Escambia County
May 18, 2021
THIS IS AN ARCHIVED STORY. SEE NORTHESCAMBIA.COM FOR THE LATEST DATA.
There were 10 new COVID-19 cases reported Monday in Escambia County by the Florida Department of Health.
Here is the latest data:
Escambia County cases:
Total cases: 36,381 (+10)
Non-Florida residents: 3,691
Recovered: 33,852*
Total deaths: 697
Long-term care facility deaths: 288
Current hospitalizations: 39 (+5)
Number of tests reported last day: 227
Percent positive reported last day: 3.4%
Percent positive reported last week: 5.0%
Escambia County cases by location*:
Pensacola: 27,273 (+12)
Cantonment: 3,267 (+3)
Century: 1,185
—-including 774 Century prison inmates
Molino: 494
McDavid: 214
Bellview: 59
Walnut Hill: 57
Perdido Key: 21
Gonzalez: 13
Santa Rosa County cases:
Total cases: 18,365 (+12)
Non-Florida residents: 260
Total deaths: 291
Long-term care facility deaths: 82
Cumulative Hospitalizations: 910*
Number of tests reported last day: 187
Percent positive reported last day: 6.2%
Santa Rosa County cases by location*:
Milton: 8,758 (+6)
Navarre: 3,781 (+1)
Gulf Breeze: 3,380
Pace: 1,504 (+4)
Jay: 556
Bagdad: 32
Florida cases:
Total cases: 2,293,980
Florida residents: 2,251,148
Deaths: 36,133
Hospitalizations: 93,148
*“Hospitalizations” in the statewide and Santa Rosa County totals is a count of all laboratory confirmed cases in which an inpatient hospitalization occurred at any time during the course of illness. Most of these people are longer be hospitalized. The FDOH does not provide a count of patients currently hospitalized. The Escambia County number is current data compiled each day from the local hospitals.
**On cases by location, the city is based upon zip code and is not always received as part of the initial notification. There may be a delay in reporting locations, and locations will not total the daily case increase as a result.
***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 is reporting an approximate recovery number defined as the total cases prior to last month, minus deaths. In other words, anyone that tested positive more than a month ago is presumed to have recovered by Escambia County.
**Data Sources: Florida Department of Health, Escambia County, City of Pensacola, local hospitals.
Linda Darnell Brock
May 18, 2021
Mrs. Linda Darnell Brock, age 78, passed away Thursday, May 13, 2021 at a Pensacola hospital.
Mrs. Brock was a life-long resident of Flomaton. She worked as a seamstress at Vanity Fair, and later worked as a clerk at Flomaton Antique Auction. She was an avid quilt maker; loved riding horses and working in her garden. She was of he Holiness faith. Mrs. Brock was preceded in death by her parents, Narvie White and Mary Elizabeth Bell White; her mother and father-in-law, Clyde and Gladys Brock; and three sisters, Katherine White, Betty Ann Wamsley, and Elisabeth Ann Reid.
She is survived by her husband, Danny Brock of Flomaton; two sons, Joey Brock and Heather Fiorenti of Flomaton, and Stony (Lori) Brock of Cantonment, FL; daughter, Cheryl Watson of Norman, OK; sister, Treasa Lowry of Flomaton; special brother-in-law, Mr. Doug Reid of Flomaton; four grandchildren, Mallory Brock (Hunter Wise), Kamryn Brock, Destiny Watson, and Kobi Fiorenti; one great-grandchild, Kace Lambeth.
A time of visitation will be held at Flomaton Funeral Home on Tuesday, May 18, 2021 from 5 P.M. until 8 P.M.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Bratt Woman Charged After Allegedly Selling A Boat Motor Online But Never Delivering It
May 17, 2021
A Bratt woman is facing a felony charge after allegedly selling a boat motor online but never delivering it to the buyer.
Tammy Sue Amerson, 50, was charged with felony grand theft.
Amerson listed a 2012 Mercury 150 horsepower outboard motor as for sale on Facebook for $7,000, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. She sold the motor to an out of town victim, and he paid her an agreed upon total of $6,000, an arrest report states.
Investigators reported that they obtained emails, Facebooks posts, pictures, text messages and a signed bill of sale sent between Amerson and the victim. Amerson and victim communicated several time between his final payment on February 27 and March 11, when the ECSO says she stopped communicating with him.
On March 18, the victim filed a report with the sheriff’s office. The ECSO contacted her by phone on April 30 and she indicated that she was communicating with the buyer, but he motor was not delivered because he still owed her $3,000. When questioned about the for sale ad indicating the price to be $7,000 and a bill of sale for $6,000, Amerson told the deputy that she would refund his money, the report states.
On May 4, the deputy made contact with Amerson again, but he reported she stated she was busy and would call back. He unsuccessfully attempted to make contact again on May 5 and May 6, and Amerson texted him on May 7 saying she would have her attorney make contact. After no contact from Amerson or her attorney, the process of obtaining a warrant for her arrest was started on May 10.
Amerson was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $5,000 bond.