FWC Law Enforcement Report: Boating Violations, Underage Alcohol
July 24, 2023
The Florida FWC Division of Law Enforcement recently reported the following activity:
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
Officers Bower and Corbin were on patrol in the Pensacola pass and observed a vessel with a youth passenger under the age of six years old not wearing a life jacket. A vessel stop was conducted to perform a boating safety inspection. The operator showed signs of impairment and the officers determined it was not safe for the operator to navigate home. The officers placed the operator under arrest for boating under the influence. They also ensured the child was safely reunited with another guardian.
Officers Bower and Ramos were on patrol at Fort McCrae and observed several vessel occupants that appeared to be underage and drinking alcoholic beverages. When the occupants saw the patrol vessel, they began to hide the alcoholic beverages. A vessel stop was conducted to perform a boating safety inspection. The officers determined the three subjects were under the age of 21 and consuming alcoholic beverages. Throughout the stop the operator of the vessel showed signs of impairment and was placed under arrest for boating under the influence.
Officer Hahr initiated two derelict vessel cases in Bayou Chico. A man and woman took possession of two older sailboats and were unable to keep them operational. Both ended up sinking within a week of each other. The subjects were charged with allowing a vessel to become derelict on state waters.
Officer Hahr was on patrol and conducted a stop on a boat returning from the Gulf of Mexico to conduct a resource inspection. The vessel had a limit of red snapper on board and was on its way back to Alabama. He was issued a notice to appear for possession of red snapper during the closed season.
Officer Hahr responded to assist the Pensacola Police Department with a subject that was observed shooting a bird and then trying to hide it in a dumpster. Officer Hahr identified the bird as a yellow-crowned night heron. The man admitted to shooting his automatic BB gun near the bird but stated he wasn’t trying to kill it. The witnesses on scene stated the man deliberately aimed at the bird and kicked it into the water after it died. While the witnesses called 911, the man took the bird to the dumpster and threw it in behind a mound of trash. The man was charged with taking a protected migratory bird and willful and wanton waste of wildlife.
SANTA ROSA COUNTY
Officers Bower and Long were on patrol and observed a vessel without proper navigation lights displayed. A vessel stop was conducted to address the violation and a resource inspection was performed. It was determined that Officer Bower stopped the same operator the week prior for the same violation. The operator did not have a valid Florida fishing license and was found to be in possession of an undersized seatrout. The subject was issued a notice to appear citation for harvesting an undersized spotted seatrout.
Officer Bower was on patrol and conducted a stop on a vessel that was missing vessel registrations numbers. The following day the vessel was listed for rent by a privately owned livery. An investigation revealed the owner was renting his personally owned personal watercraft vessel. A safety inspection was conducted to ensure the subject had all the required documents, permits and safety equipment. It was determined the subject did not have NASBLA-approved boater safety education, boating safety signage, FWC livery permit or a FWC rental form and failed to do an on-the-water demonstration to ensure the subjects knew how to operate the vessel. Officer Bower and Officer Corbin educated the subject about how to become compliant with the livery laws. The subject was issued a notice to appear for not having a NASBLA-approved boater safety and issued warnings for the other violations.
This report represents some events the FWC handled during the time period; however, it does not include all actions taken by the Division of Law Enforcement. Information provided by FWC.
NorthEscambia.com photo.
Janis Sue Scott
July 24, 2023
t, 73, of Pensacola, FL passed away on July 21, 2023. She was born in Pensacola, FL on July 29, 1949, to Eben Pete Olsen and Effie Townley Olsen.
Janis had a good career as a banquet manager for Marriott. She was an active member of Gonzalez Baptist Church over the past few years using her passions for cooking, catering events, and decorating cakes for others.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Pete and Effie Olsen; her sisters, Helen Cole, Ruby Moore, Mary “Doodlebug” Ferguson, and Frances Hampton; and her brothers, Pete Olsen, Willie Olsen, and Michael Olsen.
Janis is survived by her husband of 54 years, Larry Allen Scott; son, Teague (Kelli) Scott; daughter, Janette Scott; grandchildren, Alexandria Stacey and Zander Scott; sisters, Nelree Williams and Janey (Tom) Hood; and brother, Jerry Olsen.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice in memory of Janis Sue Scott.
Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 27, 2023, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North with Pastor Mike Mashburn officiating. Burial will follow in Klondike Baptist Church Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at 1:30 p.m. prior to services.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is entrusted with arrangements.
35,000 Pounds Of Food, 350 Backpacks Benefit Hundreds Of Families (With Photo Gallery)
July 23, 2023
Hundreds of families received a helping hand Saturday during a food and backpack distribution in Gonzalez.
A large group of volunteers distributed 30,000 pounds of food and 350 backpacks filled with supplies and socks in about an hour and a half at the Gonzalez Methodist Church.
Rep. Michelle Salzman, the Gonzalez Methodist Church and other community partners sponsored the event, which was open to all in need with no eligibility requirements.
For a photo gallery, click or tap here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Woman Wanted In Florida Arrested In Atmore On Drug, Theft Charges After Shoplifting Report
July 23, 2023
A woman wanted in Escambia County, Florida, was arrested on multiple charges in Atmore after a shoplifting report.
The Atmore Police Department responded to a local store to investigate the shoplifting report, but they were unable to substantiate that anyone was shoplifting. But they found that 29-year old Christiane Tayler McCurry had an outstanding warrant for battery from the Escambia County (FL) Sheriff’s Office.
Inside her vehicle, officers discovered two cigarettes containing marijuana and a glass pipe with residue that field tested positive for methamphetamine, according to police. An officer found McMurray wearing a pair of shorts under her clothing that still had a price tag attached, and she confessed to the theft, Atmore Police said.
McMurray was booked into the Escambia County (AL) Detention Center in Brewton on charges of criminal trespass third degree, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, theft of property fourth degree, possession of marijuana second degree, and fugitive from justice. She was held without bond awaiting extradition to Escambia County, Florida.
New Residential Development Planned For Highway 97 In Molino
July 23, 2023
A new residential development is being proposed for Highway 97 in Molino.
Bluewater Creek Estates would be a 33-lot single family residential community located on 185 acres in the 1400 block of Highway 97 just north of Sunshine Hill Road. Plans show the single family homes located on lots ranging in size from four to 12 acres.
The development would be served by Molino Utilities for potable water and private septic systems for wastewater because sewer is not available.
The development, as proposed by Hammond Engineering, is currently in the pre-application stage with the Escambia County Development Review Committee.
‘Cooler’ High In The Upper 80s For Sunday, Scattered Showers And Storms
July 23, 2023
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 87. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 70. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Monday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 90. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph in the morning.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 70. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Tuesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 92. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 72. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.
Wednesday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 92. North wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south in the afternoon.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 71. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming north after midnight.
Thursday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 93.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 72.
Friday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Sunny, with a high near 93.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 72.
Saturday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Sunny, with a high near 94.
Driver’s License Driving Tests Available Next Saturday During Special Event
July 23, 2023
UPDATE: There are no longer any appointments available.
Escambia County Tax Collector Scott Lunsford will offer special hours next Saturday for driver’s license driving tests.
The tests will be offered from 8 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 29 at the Marcus Pointe office located at 6451 North “W” Street.
New drivers who are under the age of 18 and who have held a permit for at least six months, may email ectc@EscambiaTaxCollector.com to confirm eligibility and schedule an appointment. New drivers over the age of 18 may test at any time. Request an appointment at EscambiaTaxCollector.com. As of publication time of this story, afternoon appointments were available.
A safety inspection of the applicant’s vehicle will be performed to ensure that lights, signals, tires, and brakes are operational and in good repair. Applicants should be prepared to present valid proof of insurance and registration for the vehicle in which they wish to test. Rental cars may be used, but a rental agreement and proof of insurance must be presented.
Driving tests resulting from a medical review or multiple crashes will not be offered during the special Saturday events
Pictured: Driving tests for driver’s licenses were offered during a special event Saturday, July 22 at the ECTC Marcus Pointe office. About 80 people were served. Another event will be held Saturday, July 29. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Extension, Research Center Hosting Corn And Soybean Field Day
July 23, 2023
UF/IFAS Extension Service and UF/IFAS West Florida Research and Education Center (WFREC) will hold a corn and soybean field day from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, July 25 at the WFREC, 4253 Experiment Road, Highway 182, in Jay.
UF/IFAS Extension and UF/IFAS WFREC will give local producers updates on corn and soybean varieties, pests, weeds, and diseases that affect the two crops, as well as a nematode update to educate on proper management strategies. They will also be applying for Florida Pesticide CEUs and educating on precision agriculture and ways of improving yields and management decisions to promote best management practices.
Lunch will be provided. To register, call Robin Vickers at (850) -983-7134 or email rvickers@ufl.edu.
Here Are This Week’s Road Construction Slow Down Areas
July 23, 2023
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- U.S. 29 (S.R. 95) Turn Lane Construction North of West Roberts – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures Monday, July 24 through Monday, July 31 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for paving operation (pictured above).
- Interstate 10 (I-10) Escambia County Welcome Center – The I-10 Welcome Center located on I-10 eastbound, (mile marker four) will be closed from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, July 23 through Thursday, July 27 as crews perform construction activities. In addition, the outside lane of I-10 eastbound near the Welcome Center and the on- and off-ramps to the Welcome Center will be closed. Drivers may use the I-10 eastbound rest area at mile marker 29 during these times. The Welcome Center, along with the front and middle parking lots, will remain open daily from 6 a.m. until 8 p.m., but the truck parking area will remain closed until work concludes at the Welcome Center this summer.
- East Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90A) Roadway Improvements from Chemstrand Road to East of Baldridge Drive – The bicycle lanes are temporarily closed to allow crews to widen the turn lanes and construct new five-foot bicycle lanes. In addition, the speed limit has been reduced from 45 mph to 35 mph as vehicles and bicycles share the roadway. The closure and speed limit reduction will be in place until the project is complete later this summer.
- Mobile Highway (U.S. 90) Resurfacing from Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90A) to west of Pine Forest Road (State Road (S.R.) 297) – Drivers may encounter lane closures between Beulah Road and Blue Angel Parkway Sunday, July 23 through Thursday, July 27 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. as crews mill and pave the roadway.
- U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard) Resurfacing between Henry Street and Cottage Street in Century – Northbound and southbound traffic on U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard) is shifted to one outside travel lane in each direction between Hatties Boulevard and East Cottage Street. The shift will be in place through August as crews perform drainage improvements. Signage will be in place to safely direct drivers through the work zone.
- Sorrento Road (S.R. 292) Resurfacing from the Theo Baars Bridge to Bauer Road - Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures, between Theo Baars Bridge and Bauer Road, Sunday, July 23 through Thursday, July 27 from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. as crews place pavement markings on the roadway.
- County Road (C.R.) 4 over Canoe Creek Bridge – C.R. 4, between Byrneville and Bratt, will be closed until fall 2024 as crews replace the Canoe Creek bridge. Traffic is directed through a 5.6-mile detour using Bratt Road to Pine Barren Road, then back to C.R. 4.
- I-10 Routine Utility Maintenance from Exit 5 (U.S. 90) to Exit 22 (Avalon Boulevard) – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures Sunday, July 23 through Thursday, July 27 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. to repair overhead lights.
- Interstate 110 Routine Utility Maintenance from I-10 to Gregory Street – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures Sunday, July 23 through Thursday, July 27 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. to repair overhead lights.
- S.R. 297 (Pine Forest Road) Turn Lane Construction South of Nine Mile Road – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures Sunday, July 23 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. for paving operation.
- Beulah Road Turn Lane Construction at U.S. 90 Intersection – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures Monday, July 24 through Friday, July 28 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for paving operation.
Santa Rosa County:
- U.S. 98 (S.R. 30/Gulf Breeze Parkway/Navarre Parkway) Resurfacing of select areas from Abercrombie Road to Calle De Palencia Street - Drivers on U.S. 98 (Navarre Parkway), between S.R. 87 and Calle De Palencia Street, may encounter intermittent nightly lane closures from 8:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. as crews perform construction activities.
- U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive – Motorists will encounter the following traffic impacts:
- Median and turn-lane closures from Bayshore Road to Tiger Point Drive.
- Intermittent lane closures and additional median closures between S.R. 281 and Bayshore Road Sunday, July 23, through Friday, July 28, from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for stormwater drainage improvements and paving operations.
- I-10 Resurfacing from S.R. 281 (Avalon Boulevard) to East of S.R. 87 – Motorists will encounter nighttime east and westbound lane closures Monday, July 23 and Thursday, July 27 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for paving operations.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Pictured: Turn lane construction on Highway 29 just north of West Roberts Road. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Mesa’s Walk-Off Grand Slam Caps Festive Wahoos Win
July 23, 2023
The fireworks show Saturday at Blue Wahoos Stadium played out in the most literal way.
After Rocket City rallied from an 8-4 deficit with one big hit in the ninth inning to tie the game, Blue Wahoos centerfielder Victor Mesa Jr launched a two-strike fastball like a roman candle, deep into the night sky for the first walk-off grand slam in franchise history that lifted Pensacola into a 12-8 victory.
One grand finale led into another on a night fittingly-themed “Christmas in July” with the Blue Wahoos wearing blue Christmas-style jerseys.
After Mesa Jr. touched the plate in a spray of water and bucket-dousing from teammates in celebration, the postgame pyro show immediately followed, sponsored by Pen Air Credit Union. That completed the night amid another sellout crowd (5,038) at the bayfront park.
So much happened in this wild game, which started an hour late due to weather issues.
The Blue Wahoos surged to an 8-0 lead in the third inning. They batted around and chased two Rocket City Trash Pandas pitchers with a six-run rally in that inning.
But they couldn’t finish the game smoothly.
Closer Jefry Yan, normally reliable for a save, walked the bases loaded with one out in the top of the ninth. He then gave up a run-scoring single. With two outs, on a 3-2 pitch, Yan threw a fastball across the plate that the Trash Pandas’ Sonny DiChiara hit off the wall in right-center – just missing a grand slam – to tie the game.
That sent Blue Wahoos manager Kevin Randel out to replace Yan with Brady Puckett, whose two-strike pitch to Tucker Flint was fielded on a good stop by Cobie Fletcher-Vance at third base and thrown across the diamond to end the inning.
More theatrics followed in the bottom of the ninth.
Avisaíl García led off with a pop double down the right field line. Troy Johnston, who has crunched Rocket City pitching all week, was intentionally walked. Will Banfield followed with a sacrifice bunt attempt that pitcher Kenyon Yovan threw wide enough at third to allow pinch runner Dalvy Rosario’s slide to be safe on the play and load the bases.
Mesa Jr. followed off several pitches in a battling at-bat. But he made perfect contact on the next one he saw that carried over the straightaway center wall for the electrifying walk-off slam.
The Blue Wahoos clinched the series with their fourth win of this homestand. It was also their 14th win in 15 games against Rocket City in Blue Wahoos Stadium. The consecutive streak ended with the Trash Pandas’ win Friday night.
Besides the 20 runs, this game featured a combined 25 hits. The Blue Wahoos took advantage of four Rocket City errors early in the game to build the lead.
Banfield and Johnston both had three hits apiece among five multi-hit batters for the Blue Wahoos.
Earlier in the game, Blue Wahoos starter Jake Eder produced a strong outing in his comeback from two injuries. Making his fifth start this season at the Double-A level, Eder continued progression by working five innings, giving up five hits with a season-best eight strikeouts and three walks.
He committed two pitch clock violations, one of which led to a run when Eder followed by yielding a balk that became a run with a two-out RBI single by Jose Gomez.
The event-filled homestand concludes Sunday afternoon with the Blue Wahoos trying for a fifth win against the Trash Pandas in the six-game series.
by Bill Vilona, photo Nino Mendez / Pensacola Blue Wahoos