Convicted Sexual Predator Exposed Himself To 10-15 Children In Nine Mile Home Depot, ECSO Says
September 6, 2023
A convicted sexual predator from Cantonment was arrested Saturday after allegedly exposing himself to a group of children attending a craft workshop Saturday at Home Depot on Nine Mile Road.
Lloyd Russell Allen, 74, was charged with exposure of sexual organs second or subsequent offense and being sex offender loitering within 300 feet of children. He remained in the Escambia County Jail Wednesday morning with bond set at $12,500.
According to an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Allen exposed his penis and fondled himself about 20 feet away from 10-15 children ranging in age from 5-12 inside the Home Depot.
The grandfather of one of the children witnessed the incident, grabbed Allen, walked him outside and detained him until deputies arrived. A Home Depot employee told deputies that there were no cameras on the aisle where the incident happened.
According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Allen is a registered sexual predator and was convicted in 2001, 2005, 2014 and 2020 of lewd and lascivious exhibition. All of the victims were under 16-years old.
During a 2013 incident, Allen was wearing transparent shorts that exposed his genitals to a child inside a Gulf Breeze Walmart, according to a Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office news release.
His last known address, according to the FDLE registry, was 1491 Chemstrand Road, Lot 4, in Cantonment. At the time of his arrest, he provided an address of 129 Elm Street in Pensacola.
Without Quorum, Century Can’t Act On 290% Tax Increase, 39% Higher Budget
September 6, 2023
The Century Town Council was unable to vote due to a lack of quorum Tuesday on a property tax increase of nearly 300% and an $8 million budget proposed by interim Mayor Luis Gomez, Jr.
Because the tax increase is so high, the state required approval by a unanimous vote of all four council members. Council president Dynette Lewis was absent from the meeting with the town clerk explaining that she was “very sick”.
The council was set to tentatively approve a property tax increase with a millage rate of .9204, which is 290.66% greater than the rolled-back rate of .2356 mills. The rolled back rate is a computed millage rate that would generate the same amount of ad valorem tax dollars as the prior fiscal year, based on the proposed year’s tax roll, excluding new construction. A millage rate higher than the rolled-back rate is defined by the State of Florida as a tax increase and the law says it must be advertised as such. The .9204 millage rate has been constant for several years.
Property values in Century have increased from approximately $49.5 million to $54.5 million over the last year, according to the Escambia County Property Appraiser’s Office. Last year, property taxes generated $45,518 for Century; this year is expected to be $50,307.
The $8,169,564 tentative budget is up more than $2 million (39%) over last year’s $5,828,525, mostly due to grant funds.
The budget includes a 3% cost of living raise for employees, an increased cost of about $100 per basic employee for insurance and a 150% rate increase for general liability and property insurance. The town pays 99% of employee health insurance and 50% of family cost.
All capital outlay expenses will be funded from American Rescue Plan (ARPA) funds.
Tuesday evening’s meeting was recessed and is set to be reconvened September 19 for a vote. A second vote for a final approval will follow at another meeting on September 26.
Pictured top: Century Town Clerk Leslie Howington discusses a budget item with interim Mayor Luis Gomez, Jr. during a Tuesday night meeting of the Century Town Council. Pictured inset: Only three of four council members attended the meeting; a unanimous vote of four was required to approve a tax increase. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Mostly Clear, Lower 70s Tonight
September 6, 2023
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 72. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.
Thursday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. Light west wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the morning. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Thursday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Mostly clear, with a low around 70. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Friday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 93. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 67. North wind around 5 mph.
Saturday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 92. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 67. Northwest wind around 5 mph.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 92. North wind 5 to 10 mph becoming west in the afternoon.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 69. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming northwest after midnight.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 93.
Monday Night: Clear, with a low around 70.
Tuesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Sunny, with a high near 93.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 69.
Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92.
Cantonment Man Charged With Stealing Rifle And Shotgun From Construction Business
September 6, 2023
A Cantonment man is accused of stealing firearms from a Chemstrand Road business.
Brandon Abernathy Brown, 36, was charged with armed burglary of an unoccupied business, criminal mischief, two counts of grand theft of a firearm and violation of a domestic violence injunction by being in possession of a firearm..
Last Saturday morning, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported suspicious person armed with a firearm in the area of Chemstrand Road and Junction Drive. Deputies then responded to the reported burglary of a construction contractor in the 1200 block of Chemstrand Road.
The victim, who is Brown’s father, told the ECSO that Brown was standing near the front gate of the business with a shotgun and a rifle and telling people that “people” kidnapped his son while armed with two firearms. Brown refused requests to return the firearms before he fled on foot, according to an arrest report.
The victim said Brown did not have permission to enter the business or take the guns, and that he caused about $400 in damage while forcing his way inside, the report states. The ECSO recovered both guns at the scene. Deputies said they were unloaded, and Brown never actually threatened to use them.
A permanent domestic violence injunction issued in December 2021 prohibited Brown from possessing any firearms.
Brown was booked in the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $55,000.
Jay Royals Defeat Northview
September 6, 2023
The Jay Lady Royals defeated the Northview Chiefs 3-1 high school volleyball action Tuesday evening.
The Jay won the match at Northview in four sets, 25-9, 21-5, 25-20, 25-20.
Northview (3-2) will host L.E.A.D Academy of Pace (0-6) Thursday at 6 p.m.
Jay (5-0) will host Milton (5-5) Thursday at 6 p.m.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Panhandle UF/IFAS Extension District Interim Director Named
September 6, 2023
A familiar face will lead the Panhandle’s Northwest Extension District as interim director while a nationwide search begins for its new, permanent leader.
Julie Dillard grew up in the Washington County 4-H program she would eventually lead, becoming an agent in 2007 and later the county Extension director in 2013. Her role again expanded in 2021 when she became the associate district director for the Northwest Extension District. She will continue to wear those hats as she adds interim district director to her titles.
The district encompasses the 16 westernmost Florida counties — including Escambia and Santa Rosa — and every area of Extension specialty. The district’s connection to the communities they serve is strengthened through “Program Implementation Teams,” which allow for inter-county collaboration within one of the specialized programming areas: agriculture, family and consumer sciences, horticulture, natural resources, and youth development.
“Northwest Extension District faculty already have a positive reputation for excellent programming within Program Implementation Teams and individually in their county programs,” Dillard said. “My vision for the district is to deliver relevant and highly impactful programs that not only set us apart from other organizations but also allow us to excel within partnerships that demonstrate collaboration and versatility.”
Dillard is a double Gator, earning both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the UF/IFAS department of agricultural education and communication. In 2022, she received an Ed.D. from Florida State University.
“I’m looking forward to working more closely with district faculty, staff, and volunteers to highlight Extension work,” Dillard said. “It is my mission to support them as they grow and adapt to meet the needs of clientele across the Florida Panhandle.”
McIntosh’s Late Homer Leads Pensacola Past Trash Pandas
September 6, 2023
Paul McIntosh hit a go-ahead ninth-inning homer as the Pensacola Blue Wahoos opened up their final regular season road series with a 3-2 win over the Rocket City Trash Pandas on Tuesday night.
Deadlocked in a 2-2 tie from the fourth inning on, the Pensacola designated hitter mashed a solo blast over the left field wall to begin the top of the ninth inning for the first Blue Wahoos lead of the night.
The game was dominated by pitching, as M.D. Johnson turned in a quality start with 6.0 innings of two-run ball and five Trash Pandas relievers held the Blue Wahoos to only five hits in a scheduled bullpen game.
Rocket City took a 2-0 lead in the second as Mac McCroskey blooped a two-out, two-run single to shallow right. Pensacola tied the game in the fourth with a Victor Mesa Jr. RBI double and McIntosh sacrifice fly.
Chandler Jozwiak held the Trash Pandas hitless through 1.2 innings of relief, and Dylan Bice (W, 2-2) entered to record the final out of the eighth and preserve the 2-2 tie. McIntosh then turned around a Hayden Seig (L, 0-1) breaking ball for his sixth Double-A homer of the season, giving the Blue Wahoos a late road lead for the second time in as many weeks after a similar eighth-inning blast two weeks ago in Biloxi.
Bice worked a quiet ninth to lock down Pensacola’s 71st win of the season.
The Blue Wahoos have a quick turnaround, playing their Wednesday game in the late morning as part of a field trip day at Toyota Field.
Sara Blackburn (‘Nana’)
September 6, 2023
It is with the deepest sorrow and immense love that we announce the passing of Sara Aileen Jennings Blackburn, affectionately known to everyone as “Nana.” A pillar of love, kindness, and unfaltering support, Sara left this earthly realm to join her mother and father, Sara and Fred, her Aunt Nannie, and her brothers, Fred and Wayne, in Heaven.
Born to a loving family on May 22nd, 1956, Sara grew up in a household that emphasized the values of compassion and community-qualities she carried with her throughout her life. As a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, Sara’s selfless love touched everyone who knew her. Her warm embrace was a refuge, her laughter was infectious, and her sweet gentle spirit was a joy to all she met.
She leaves behind a legacy of love and enduring relationships, particularly with her devoted husband of forty-two years, Rex. Together, they built a life filled with joy and purpose, and instilled these same values in their children: Jonathon and his husband Chris, Matthew and his wife Candice, Marc and his wife Kaitlin, and Hunter and his wife Laura.
A proud and loving grandmother, Sara cherished every moment with her grandchildren: Addison, Alexis, Raeleigh, Deacon, Brooks, and Bryce. Her beautiful, kind spirit will continue to live on in them and the future generations of the Blackburn family.
Sara is also survived by her sisters, Susan Hagan and Kathy Jernigan (Cecil), sister-in-law Marilyn, brother Lee (Susan), mother-in-law Myrtle (“Granny”), sister-in-law Linda, sister-in-law Kathy Blackburn, cousin Kim Carlson, and her nieces MaryAnn Jennings, Laura Jennings, Caitlin Jennings, Kaye Jernigan, Sydney Jernigan, Meghan Stackhouse, Natalie Stroman, and many great nieces and nephews.
In life, Sara was an active and beloved member of her community, particularly her congregation at Gonzalez Baptist Church, where her devout faith and warm spirit lifted up all those around her. Her absence will be felt deeply within this community and many others.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the pallbearers, nephews Scott Jernigan, Robert Jernigan, Philip Jernigan, Steven Jennings, Sawyer Jernigan, Fred Jennings, Chris Jennings, Mike Jennings, and Andy Blackburn, along with Chad Hetherington and David Gaines, for their love and support. Special thanks to honorary pallbearers Joe Murphy, KC Fehl, Packy Mitchell, Terry Smith, Gary Peters, and Jeff Hoffman for their enduring friendship and care for Sara.
As we mourn the loss of a remarkable woman, we also celebrate her beautiful life, knowing she is at peace, embraced by the love that she so generously gave throughout her life. Sara will be remembered with immense love and affection by her family, friends, and community. We are all better for having known her, and her spirit will continue to inspire us all. Sara loved her weekly bowling league family, her Ransom Middle School family and special friends Richard, Mary, Joe, Nubia, and Terrie, and her choir family at Gonzalez Baptist.
The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Sara’s name to her beloved Gonzalez Baptist Church Choir, Covenant Care, or UAB Gift Records (specify Alzheimer’s Research).
We invite all who knew and loved Sara to join us in celebrating her remarkable life and legacy. There will be a visitation for family at Gonzalez Baptist Church on Saturday, September 9th from 11:00-12:00, and a general visitation from 12:00-2:00. A funeral service to honor Sara’s life will be held at 2PM, followed by a committal service at Gonzalez Methodist Church. Following the service, a reception will be held at Gonzalez Baptist Church for all who would like to attend.
Sara may have left this world, but she will forever remain in our hearts. Hers was the very definition of a life well-lived.
Rest in Peace, Nana. We love you always and forever.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is entrusted with arrangements.
Cantonment House Fire Caused By Charging Lithium-Ion Batteries; Fire Department Warns Of Battery Dangers
September 5, 2023
A residential fire in Cantonment on Labor Day Monday was sparked by lithium-ion batteries, the third such fire in two weeks in Escambia County. That prompted the fire department to warn residents of the dangers from charging batteries.
Firefighters responded to the 300 block of Homeland Avenue about 9:30 a.m. They arrived to find a garage fire that had extended to a nearby car. The home suffered heavy damage, but can be reoccupied with extensive repairs, according to Escambia County Fire Rescue. There were no injuries.
ECFR determined the cause of the fire to be lithium-ion batteries charging in the garage. This was the third fire in Escambia County in two weeks caused by lithium-ion batteries.
Two previous house fires were sparked by lithium-ion push mower batteries that were charging in garages, ECFR said.
“While battery-powered equipment such as vehicles, lawn mowers and bikes are good for the environment and reducing emissions, we want our citizens to know the dangers associated with lithium-ion batteries,” said ECFR Deputy Fire Chief Paul Williams. “These devices and equipment, when charged in your home, can pose dangers and should be monitored closely. Fires resulting from lithium-ion batteries intensify significantly and quickly, leaving little time for people to react.”
The National Fire Protection Association offers the following tips to prevent fires from lithium-ion batteries:
- Purchase and use devices listed by a qualified testing laboratory
- Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions
- Only use the battery designed for the device
- Put batteries in the device the right way
- Only use the charging cord that came with the device
- Do not charge a device under your pillow, on your bed or on a couch
- Do not keep charging the device or device battery after it is fully charged
- Keep batteries at room temperature when possible. Do not charge them at temperatures below 32°F (0°C) or above 105°F (40°C)
- Store batteries away from anything that can catch fire
- Stop using the battery if you notice an odor, change in color, too much heat, change in shape, leaking or odd noises. If it is safe to do so, move the device away from anything that can catch fire and call 911.
Additionally, residents are urged not to put lithium-ion batteries in the trash. Batteries are considered household hazardous waste and can be brought to the Perdido Landfill year-round for proper disposal at no charge to Escambia County residents.
Photos by Kristi Barbour and others for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
School Data Clerk Accused Of Cocaine And Fentanyl Possession, DUI On Barrineau Park Road
September 5, 2023
An Escambia County Public Schools data clerk was arrested for alleged DUI and possession of drugs including fentanyl after being stopped on Barrineau Park Road.
Regina Denise Bonal, 39, was charged with driving under the influence, possession of fentanyl, and possession of cocaine.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported impaired driver on Highway 29 and observed the vehicle “drifting drastically onto and over the lane lines and was unable to maintain a consistent speed,” an arrest report states.
According to the ECSO, Bonal had difficulty articulating her words, her speech seemed lethargic and she was dropping items. Bonal denied any alcohol or medication.
A field sobriety test showed “extreme” impairment, and she was arrested, a report states.
A deputy observed a clear baggie on the floor that appeared to be cocaine or methamphetamine, and she replied that she would never do methamphetamine, “suspiciously omitting the cocaine”, according to the arrest report. Deputies reported finding a coffee drink container in the center console that contained numerous bags of narcotics, one of which tested for approximately 1.5 grams of fentanyl, and a wrapper in her wallet that field tested positive for cocaine residue. according to the ECSO.
The ECSO said Bonal was employed as a records clerk at Escambia High School and was in possession of two large boxes of student files at the time of her arrest. Deputies made arrangements to return the records to the school, along with her school identification and keys.
She remained in the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $4,500.