Mosquito Borne Illness Alert Issued After Two Confirmed Escambia County West Nile Virus Cases
August 17, 2023
Two confirmed West Nile virus cases have been reported in Escambia County, prompting a mosquito-borne illness alert from the Florida Department of Health.
There was only a single case reported in Escambia County in 2022.
The DOH is reminding residents and visitors to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes and to take basic precautions to help limit exposure.
To protect yourself from mosquitoes, the health department said to remember to “Drain and Cover”:
Drain standing water to stop mosquitoes from multiplying.
- Drain water from garbage cans, house gutters, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flowerpots, or any other containers where sprinkler or rainwater has collected.
- Discard old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots and pans, broken appliances and other items that aren’t being used.
- Empty and clean birdbaths and pet’s water bowls at least once or twice a week.
- Protect boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that do not accumulate water.
- Maintain swimming pools in good condition and appropriately chlorinated. Empty plastic swimming pools when not in use.
Cover skin with clothing or repellent.
- Clothing - Wear shoes, socks, and long pants and long-sleeves. This type of protection may be necessary for people who must work in areas where mosquitoes are present.
- Repellent - Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing.
- Always use repellents according to the label. Repellents with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, and IR3535 are effective.
- Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old.
Cover doors and windows with screens to keep mosquitoes out of your house.
- Repair broken screening on windows, doors, porches, and patios.
Tips on Repellent Use
- Always read label directions carefully for the approved usage before you apply a repellent. Some repellents are not suitable for children.
- Products with concentrations of up to 30 percent DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide) are generally recommended. Other U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-approved repellents contain picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, or IR3535. These products are generally available at local pharmacies. Look for active ingredients to be listed on the product label.
- Apply insect repellent to exposed skin, or onto clothing, but not under clothing.
- In protecting children, read label instructions to be sure the repellent is age appropriate. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mosquito repellents containing oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under the age of three years. DEET is not recommended on children younger than two months old.
- Avoid applying repellents to the hands of children. Adults should apply repellent first to their own hands and then transfer it to the child’s skin and clothing.
- If additional protection is necessary, apply a permethrin repellent directly to your clothing. Again, always follow the manufacturer’s directions.
County Settling Lawsuit For $300K With Family Of Cantonment Murder Suspect That Killed Himself In Jail
August 17, 2023
Escambia County is settling a lawsuit with the family of a Cantonment murder suspect that took his own life in the county jail.
Lukas MacKenzie Snelson, 24, was charged with second degree homicide, grand theft of a motor vehicle and resisting arrest for the death of his grandmother, 75-year old Fran Fournier.
On December 30, 2021, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to the end of Candy Lane in Cantonment for a death investigation. Fournier was found deceased, seated in a recliner with two dog leashes wrapped around her neck, according to an arrest report. Snelson was arrested hours later.
A few days after his arrest, Snelson was found hanging in his cell and later died at a local hospital.
The county will settle the lawsuit against the county and two corrections officers for $300,000. The full amount will be paid by the county’s insurance carrier, but the county will be responsible for a deductible of $86,241.17.
The lawsuit claimed Snelson was not provided proper mental health care and was not protected from self-harm.
“Escambia County and its corrections staff were deliberately indifferent to the medical needs and constitutional rights of Mr. Snelson who left behind a 2-year-old son at the time of his death,” the lawsuit stated.
“His death could have been prevented if Jail staff assisted him during the 40-minute period when the make-shift rope was tied around his neck, or if someone had changed the broken lights in his cell, used a flashlight during the visual checks, or actually confirmed that he was breathing during the visual checks,” the suit contended.
The county said, “the decedent attempted suicide, and his actions were not discovered by jail staff for a period of time during the attempt. The decedent ultimately passed away at a local hospital after being transported from the Jail.”
According to the settlement document, the “payment is not to be construed an an admission of any liability”.
Cantonment Woman Charged With Two Felonies For Failed Burglary
August 17, 2023
A Cantonment woman has been charged as an accessory in an unsuccessful burglary.
Lisamarie Jene Perkins, 36, was charged with accessory attempted burglary of an unoccupied dwelling and accessory to attempted grand theft. Both charges are felonies.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to a prowler complaint on Bridgedale Road where a homeowner was holding a suspect, later identified as Perkins, at gunpoint.
The victim was inside his residence when he heard an odd noise coming from his new home under construction across the road. He checked his cameras and observed a white male dragging a suitcase and a gold pickup parked nearby with the headlights off. The victim exited his home armed with a rifle. He told deputies that he found Perkis dressed in all black coming from behind his house and held her at gunpoint.
Surveillance video showed an unknown white male try and fail to kick in the front door and unsuccessfully attempt to steal a utility trailer, according to an arrest report.
The male fled the scene prior to the arrival of deputies, but the unoccupied gold pickup was located at a gas station on Mobile Highway.
Perkins remained in the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $15,000.
Osmond Charles ‘Bo’ Sharpless
August 17, 2023
Osmond Charles “Bo” Sharpless, 92, a native son of Cantonment Florida, passed away on August 13, 2023 after a brief illness.
Bo was born June 14, 1931 at his family home on the corner of Old Palafox and Diamond Dairy Road [now Burgess Road]. His parents were Osmond Sharpless of West Chester, Pennsylvania and Nannie Mae Braxton of Cottage Hill, Florida. He was raised with his two sisters, Dorothy Sharpless Kinne [now deceased], and Barbara Buckendorf. He was a 1948/1949 graduate of Tate High School, served in the US Army in Germany, and graduated from Florida State University in 1956. After marrying his wife of 58 years, Lois Dean Lewis of Florala, Alabama (who passed away earlier this year), they raised five children together; Diane Capers (Tommie), Susan Grantham, Gary Richards [now deceased] (Myrtle), Steve Richards (Cindy), and Sam Sharpless (Jennifer). To support this young family, Bo simultaneously worked full-time shiftwork at the Monsanto Nylon Plant, as part time soldier in the Florida National Guard, as a basketball referee, and as a substitute high school teacher. Bo ultimately retired from Monsanto a supervisor and from the Florida National Guard as Command Sergeant Major. During retirement, Lois and Bo enjoyed square dancing, volksmarching, and traveling together. They enjoyed their four grandchildren, Katie O’Neil, Jennifer Grantham, Stephanie Brown-Richards, and Carlson Sharpless; and his extended family including Jon Allen and Robbie Adams. Bo Sharpless had a lifelong association with the Boy Scouts of America, beginning as a “lone scout” even before the formation of Troop 20 in Cantonment. In scouting, he earned the titles of Eagle Scout, Ranger Explorer, Cubmaster, Scoutmaster, and Silver Beaver while mentoring countless young scouts in their lives and scouting careers. His lifetime of service included being a dedicated teacher, a postman, a tireless volunteer for the Red Cross, and serving in countless leadership positions at multiple churches and throughout multiple scouting organizations.
Funeral services will be held at 2PM on Saturday, August 19, 2023 at Gonzalez Methodist Church with Pastor Andy Perry officiating.
The family will receive friends at 1PM prior to services.
Burial will take place in Bayview Memorial Park Cemetery on Tuesday, August 22, 2023 at 11AM.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Boy Scout Troop 628, or Gonzalez Methodist church.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 South Highway 29, Cantonment, is entrusted with arrangements.
Ready For Some High School Football? Tate And Northview Hosting Kickoff Classics
August 17, 2023
The Tate Aggies will host a preseason kickoff classic Thursday night, and the Northview Chiefs kickoff classic will be Friday evening.
Tate vs. Washington – Thursday
The Tate Aggies will host Washington at 7 p.m. Thursday on Carl Madison Field in Pete Gindl Stadium. Gates will open at 5:30 p.m., and the Tate Showband of the South will march in at 6:20. Tickets available on GoFan. For the student section, the dress-up theme is “Wipe Out Washington” surfer attire.
Northview vs Baker – Friday
Baker will visit Northview High School in Bratt Friday at 6 p.m. for a kickoff classic. The Northview varsity and junior varsity teams will take to the field, along with the Ernest Ward Middle School Eagles.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Wahoos Drop Number Eight In A Row
August 17, 2023
One of the fastest games of the season Wednesday only accelerated the Blue Wahoos’ near-record slide.
Typifying the team’s current woes, it also ended a few feet short of walk-off heroics.
With teammate José Devers on first, Paul McIntosh drove a two-out, 3-2 pitch in the ninth inning that initially teased a dramatic finish, but instead it was caught at the base of the centerfield wall to seal the Montgomery Biscuits’ 2-1 win and the Blue Wahoos’ eighth consecutive loss.
The Blue Wahoos will need a win Thursday at Blue Wahoos Stadium to avoid matching the longest losing streak (9 games) in team history. Earlier this season, back in May, this team set the longest win streak (10 games) in the midst of winning 18 of 19 games.
Right now, any win has become elusive.
Wednesday, designated hitter Will Banfield provided the lone Pensacola jolt when he blasted a fourth-inning home run in that halved the Montgomery lead. Banfield’s homer was the 127th hit this season by the Blue Wahoos, passing the 2019 team for the most in a single season.
But that became the last Blue Wahoos hit in the game. They had just three. McIntosh followed by reaching on error. From that point, however, Montgomery pitchers retired the next 15 batters in succession, before Devers coaxed a one-out walk in the ninth inning.
Biscuits reliever Antonio Menendez recorded his second save by getting Banfield to pop out, then escaping a potential game-winning homer by McIntosh.
Blue Wahoos starter Luis Palacios gave up nine hits in six innings, but pitched out of worse damage and allowed just two runs.
Miami Marlins reliever Tommy Nance, pitching on an injury rehab assignment, looked strong when following with two scoreless innings. Dylan Bice ended the top of the ninth with a strikeout to strand two Biscuits runners.
Had McIntosh’s ball carried just a few more feet, it could have been the right kind of end.
The Blue Wahoos (20-21) dropped under .500 for the second half of the season and are 61-47 overall.
The third game of the series with Montgomery is Thursday.
by Bill Vilona, photo Nino Mendez / Pensacola Blue Wahoos
Your Local Winn Dixie Is Being Sold To ALDI
August 16, 2023
Winn Dixie stores are being sold to ALDI.
ALDI announced Wednesday morning that they have entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket as part of a larger divestiture of Southeastern Grocers to various entities.
The Southeast-focused acquisition includes approximately 400 Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket locations across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi. Some of the Winn Dixie stores will be converted to ALDI, while others will continue to operate as Winn Dixie. Plans for specific stores have not been announced.
Like ALDI, Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket have long histories and many loyal customers in the Southeast and we look forward to serving them in the years to come,” said Jason Hart, CEO, ALDI. “The time was right to build on our growth momentum and help residents in the Southeast save on their grocery bills. The transaction supports our long-term growth strategy across the United States, including plans to add 120 new stores nationwide this year to reach a total of more than 2,400 stores by year-end.”
ALDI first established its presence in the Southeast in the mid-1990s and since has invested $2.5 billion in the region. Most recently, ALDI deepened its roots in the region, opening its 26th regional headquarters and distribution center in Loxley, Alabama to help support new stores, with plans to open 20 new ALDI locations in the area by the end of the year.
In the local area, Aldi has two stores in Pensacola and one in Pace.
The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2024, subject to regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions.
Pictured top: The Winn Dixie store in Cantonment. Pictured below: The ALDI store on Mobile Highway in Pensacola. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Century Mayor Walks Out Of Meeting Offering To Resign, But Later Decides To Finish Term
August 16, 2023
Century Mayor Ben Boutwell walked out of a town council meeting Tuesday night saying that he would submit his resignation Wednesday morning, but now he says he will continue on the job and fighting for Century.
Council member Dynette Lewis questioned what she termed the mistreatment of employees. She also questioned why one employee was not paid more while being trained how to do a different task.
Boutwell said some employees were simply being cross-trained to do different jobs because, he said, there’s often no one else on the small staff able to perform a job when an employee is out.
“I’ll tell you what, if this is what you want, I’ll resign right now,” Boutwell said as the discussion became more intense. “Because you know what, I’ve had enough. All I’m trying to do is best for this town.” He then stood up, walked out of the meeting and went home.
Wednesday morning, Boutwell told NorthEcambia.com that he will not resign.
“Following a heated exchange during last night’s town council meeting, out of frustration I offered to resign my position as mayor,” Boutwell said. “In the light of a new day and following a sleepless night of prayer, I need to put that offer aside and press on. I have an obligation to the citizens who voted for me to see my term through and continue to do the best I can for our town. I would appreciate your prayers and support as we continue to work to improve Century.”
Pictured top and inset: Century Mayor Ben Boutwell offered to resign Tuesday night after a heated discussion with his town council. Pictured below: Council member Dynette Lewis questioned what she called the mistreatment of employees. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Upper 60s Tonight?
August 16, 2023
The forecast low tonight is 69 in the more northern parts of North Escambia, the lower 70s for everyone else. But don’t get too excited; the heat and humidity are returning.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 69-72. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 95. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 72. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Friday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 98. West wind around 5 mph.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 75. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Saturday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 100. West wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south in the afternoon.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 76. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Sunday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny and hot, with a high near 99. East wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 76. East wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 96.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 75.
Tuesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Sunny and hot, with a high near 98.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 74.
Wednesday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 98.
Escambia Children’s Trust Director Tammy Greer Submits Resignation
August 16, 2023
Tammy Greer, executive director of the Escambia Children’s Trust (ECT), is resigning.
With a subject line that simply said “Notice”, Greer emailed her resignation to board members late Tuesday afternoon.
“This job is unbelievably political. I knew it would be: Pensacola is indeed a small town. However, my leadership is now being questioned, and my 37-year stellar career is getting a stain on it that cannot be erased. Perhaps I am not the best fit. My best is not good enough,” Geer wrote.
The ECT board has expressed issues with how staff handled “single source” grant requests. The board voted to seek an opinion from the Florida Attorney General on whether the Trust can use funds to purchase property for a children’s resource center. The City of Pensacola wants just under $3.5 million to purchase and renovate the Morris L. Eaddy Activity Center on Lakeview Avenue. It would become a resource center and a location for youth healthcare.
“I hate that there is constant chaos when powerful people in the community don’t like the way things go. I did what I thought the Board wanted. I told people about the Trust and what we can do … giving examples of what other CSCs/Trusts have done. I see now that I should have spent the last 18 months in my office, not in the community. For that and all the drama I have caused, I apologize. I am sorry that getting all the funding out into the community and engaging new grassroots organizations in our system was not enough,” Greer continued in her email.
“I took this job because I wanted to help the children of the county where I grew up. I was that poor kid – the one who was homeless, in foster care, needed to see a dentist, needed mental health assistance, etc. – like the kids the Trust was established to serve. I have done the best I could to build this organization.”
Greer is exercising a 60-day notice provision in her contract that would make her last day October 15.
In November 2020, 61% of participating voters in Escambia County supported the creation of the Children’s Trust to be funded by an increase in ad valorem taxes of up to a maximum of 0.5 mil. The Children’s Trust will provide early childhood education, safety, developmental, preventative, health, and well-being services, including after school and summer enrichment programs.