Two Century Correctional Officers Charged With Smuggling Drugs Into The Prison
July 26, 2024
Two Century Correctional Institution correctional officers have been were arrested this week for
Ysuna Myteria Staples, age 29 of Atmore, was charged with delivery of synthetic cannabinoids and smuggling contraband into a prison.
Brandi Shaniece Major, age 29 of Mobile, was charged with delivery of synthetic cannabinoids, smuggling contraband into a prison, and trafficking methamphetamine.
All of the charges are felonies.
In February, Staples and Majors were subject to random “pat-downs” before entering the prison for their shifts.
“During these pat-downs, items were felt on each officer’s person that appeared to be contraband,” an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputy wrote in his report.
According to the arrest report:
Major was asked and voluntarily removed three plastic packages from her pants that contained 166.5 grams of methamphetamine and 269 grams of MDPV (methylenedioxypyrovalerone, commonly known as “bath salts”).
Staples was asked and voluntarily removed a single plastic package of 165.5 grams of spice.
The incident was captured on Century CI surveillance cameras.
Major was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $100,000 bond. Staples was released on a $30,000 bond.
Florida Forest Service Announces $2 Million For Florida Landowners To Improve Forest Health
July 26, 2024
Thursday, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson and the Florida Forest Service announced $2 million is now available to Florida landowners through the Florida’s Future Forests Program to improve forest health. In its fourth year, the program offers landowners cost-share opportunities to help enhance the capacity of Florida’s forests, which provide clean air, clean water, wildlife habitat, recreation, and thousands of essential products.
“A majority of our state’s forests are privately owned so Florida landowners are key to maintaining and conserving our forests and natural resources for future generations,” said Simpson. “This important program helps landowners offset the initial cost of site preparation, seedlings, and the planting of seedlings.”
The Florida’s Future Forests Program is open to non-industrial, private landowners, local governments, and registered nonprofit organizations. To obtain an application and learn more about the Florida’s Future Forests Program, visit FDACS.gov/FutureForests.
Applicants may request funding for tree establishment practices on a minimum of 10 acres and up to 250 acres. Since 2021, the Florida Legislature has appropriated approximately $14 million for this program. These funds have already been used to create 26,000 acres of healthy forests in Florida.
The Florida Legislature funded the program with a total of $4 million this fiscal year. In addition to the initial $2 million offering, an additional $2 million will be released later this fiscal year to fund future site preparation and planting.
To learn more in Escambia County, contact Escambia County Forester Cathy Hardin at (850) 587-5237 or Cathy.Hardin@FDACS.gov.
Friends Of The Library Hot Summer Book Sale Going On Through Sunday
July 26, 2024
The Friends of the West Florida Public Library HOT Summer Book Sale is going on through Sunday.
For every 10th items (books, DVD’s, audiobooks, and CDs) purchased, library supporters will be invited to select an 11th item – for free! This includes all books, (paperback, hardback, kids’ books, etc.) except those in the Collector’s Corner. The books in Collector’s Corner are always individually priced.
The books will be sorted by genre to make it easier to find your favorite novels, children’s books, books about gardening and decorating, biographies, and so many more.
Friday, July 26, 2024, 3-7 p.m., $5 admission (free for members), Hot Summer Sale: Buy 10 items and get one more for free.
Saturday, July 27, 2024, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., free admission, Half-off prices all day! Hot Summer Sale: Buy 10 items and get one more for free.
Sunday, July 28, 2024, 9a.m. – 3 p.m., free admission | $7 bag sale (Collector’s Corner closes on Sunday at 12:30 p.m.)
The sale will be held at the downtown library, located at 239 North Spring Street. Debit and credit cards will be accepted.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Animal Shelter Has Free Cat And Dog Adoptions Through July 31
July 26, 2024
The animal shelter in Escambia County has free cat and dog adoptions through the end of July.
Adoptions are free for cats and dogs one year or older through Wednesday, July 31. Puppies are available for $50 and kittens are $25. An $11 licensing fee will be applied to all adoptions for Escambia County residents.
“We are so excited to participate in the Bissell adoption event again,” said Escambia County Director for the Department of Animal Welfare John Robinson. “These events provide us with an opportunity to allow our community to see all of the wonderful dogs and cats that we currently have available at the Animal Welfare and Adoption Center. We encourage you to come visit us over these next three weeks and meet our amazing animals who are ready to be part of a family.”
Robinson emphasized that while Bissell’s event makes adoptions even more affordable for families, it also raises awareness for pets that are sometimes overlooked in the shelter.
“We have over 200 pets available for adoption, and our team understands it can be overwhelming to walk through the kennels if you don’t know what you’re looking for,” said Robinson. “We’re here to help with the entire process. Let us make it easy for you to complete your family by helping you find the perfect pet.”
View all adoptable pets at the Animal Welfare and Adoption Center on 24petconnect.com.
The Escambia County Animal Welfare and Adoption Center is located at 200 W. Fairfield Drive. Hours of operation are Monday-Friday, 12-5 p.m., and Saturday from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Martorella’s Clutch Hit Ignites Blue Wahoos Walk-Off Win
July 26, 2024
written by Bill Vilona
The Blue Wahoos’ game-winning celebration went all the way into right field.
Nathan Martorella was thrilled to run that far in jubilation.
Inserted two innings earlier as a pinch-hitter, Martorella broke through his recent struggles to deliver a two out, bases-loaded single in the 11th inning that capped a two-run rally and lifted the Blue Wahoos to a much-enjoyed 4-3 walk-off victory Thursday against the Biloxi Shuckers.
With about half the original crowd remaining at Blue Wahoos Stadium, Martorella reacted the split-second he connected on a slider, low-and-away, from Shuckers closer Justin Yeager and sent it opposite field into left-center for the game-winner.
It happened on a night when Pensacola (51- 40 overall) took on its alternate identity as the Pensacola Mullets on “Mullet Thursday” – a switch that has them 7-2 this season in those Thursday uniforms.
Biloxi (45-46), the second-half divisional leader, had taken a 3-2 lead in the top of the 11th on a leadoff single from Lamar Sparks, scoring placement runner Dylan O’Rae. But Blue Wahoos reliever Tyler Eckberg retired the next three batters. That proved pivotal.
The Blue Wahoos loaded the bases with one out on singles from Paul McIntosh and Jacob Berry. Shane Sasaki, who led the way in Tuesday’s win against Biloxi, worked his way from an 0-2 count into a game-tying walk.
After Cody Morissette struck out swinging, Martorella delivered. He had been 1-for-9 this series, but on a tough pitch to hit, he produced an emphatic result.
This game started out with a double no-hitter into the sixth inning.
In the bottom of the sixth, the Blue Wahoos broke through against Shuckers starter Shane Smith. With two outs, Jakob Marsee walked. Zach Zubia broke up the Smith’s no-hitter with a double off the left field wall. McIntosh followed with a 2-run single.
Blue Wahoos starter Jonathan Bermúdez lost his no-hitter in the seventh inning after walking the first two batters and giving up an RBI double to Sparks for the Shuckers’ first run. Sparks then tied the game in the eighth on a sacrifice fly.
It was a tough no-decision for Bermúdez, who finished with a one-hitter in 6.1 innings with three strikeouts and five walks. Three of those walks, however, occurred in the seventh inning as he just missed the strike zone on several pitches.
The Blue Wahoos were unable to deliver a game-winner after their closer, Austin Roberts, twice had scoreless innings in the ninth and 10th.
But when Martorella singled, his teammates raced from the dugout as he rounded first and turned right, going into the outfield where he was doused with ice water.
It continued Pensacola’s noteworthy success in these kind of games with eight wins in nine extra-inning games.
McIntosh was the Blue Wahoos’ lone multi-hit batter, going 2-for-5 to boost his average to .250.
The fourth game of the series will be Friday at 6:05 p.m.
No Serious Injuries In Cantonment Highway 29 Crash
July 25, 2024
There were no injuries reported in a two vehicle crash Wednesday afternoon in Cantonment.
A pickup truck and passenger car collided just after 3 p.m. at Highway and Neal Road.
Both drivers reportedly refused transport to the hospital by Escambia County EMS.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating and has not released the cause of the crash.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Driver’s License Driving Exams Available Saturday, August 3 During Special Event
July 25, 2024
Escambia County Tax Collector Scott Lunsford will offer special hours on Saturday, August 3 for driver’s license driving exams for new drivers.
The exams will be offered at the Marcus Pointe office located at 6451 North “W” Street.
Click here to request an appointment.
Pictured: Driving tests were offered during a special event Saturday, July 22, 2023, at the ECTC Marcus Pointe office. About 80 people were served.Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Man Charged With Killing Wife, Shooting Dog
July 25, 2024
Update: The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office initially said the dog that was shot died at the vet after being shot, but said Friday that they were giving incorrect information. The dog is continuing to recover.
An Escambia County man is accused of murdering his wife, who was reported missing, and shooting a dog.
Timothy Joseph Kramer, 51, was arrested by the Milton Police Department. He is facing charges of homicide and animal cruelty in Escambia County, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s office.
About 11:30 p.m. Tuesday, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office issued a notice that 47-year-old Rosa Maria Kramer was missing and was last seen about 6 a.m. Tuesday. The sheriff’s office said that time that she was possibly in the company of Timothy Kramer.
Deputies said Rosa Kramer was found dead at a home in the 2600 block of Hillcrest Avenue, about a block from Longleaf Elementary School. They said a dog was also found with a gunshot wound; it was taken for veterinarian care.
Kramer remained in the Escambia County Jail Thursday morning without bond.
Man Killed In Head-On Crash With Dump Truck Near Atmore
July 25, 2024
A 58-year-old man was killed in a head-on crash with a dump truck Wednesday north of Atmore.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency said Troy Graham of Bay Minette was fatally injured when the 2004 Ford F-150 he was driving collided head-on with the 2018 International 7000 dump truck driven by 35-year-old Eric D. Nails of Hamilton, Alabama.
Troopers said Graham was not using a seat belt at the time of the crash and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The crash happened about 10 a.m. on Highway 21 just south of the Fountain Correctional Facility.
Troopers are continuing their investigation.
Blue Wahoos Blanked By Strong Pitching As Shuckers Even Series
July 25, 2024
written Bill Vilona
In Bradley Blalock’s three previous starts against the Blue Wahoos, the righthander didn’t make it past the third inning.
He crafted a far different impression Wednesday.
Blalock worked into the sixth inning, allowing just four hits, as the Biloxi Shuckers picked up a 3-0 win against the Blue Wahoos in the second game of this week-long series at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
A crowd of 4,203, the second-largest Wednesday crowd this season, stayed through the game to see the final mid-week, summer fireworks show.
The display was the game’s highlight for the home crowd.
The Blue Wahoos had baserunners in six of the nine innings, but were unable to string together hits or produce an extra-base hit among the five hits in the game.
Three Shuckers relievers held the Blue Wahoos to one hit and combined for five strikeouts as Biloxi (45-45, 15-8 in second half) evened their overall record and won for only the second time this year in Pensacola.
The Blue Wahoos (50-41, 12-11) were shutout for the ninth time this season.
Leadoff batter Jakob Marsee had the team’s best night at the plate. He reached base three times with a walk and two singles and had three stolen bases – a team high this season.
Blue Wahoos starter Tristan Stevens, making his first home start, absorbed the loss after working five innings, allowing seven hits with four strikeouts and no walks.
The Shuckers got all the runs they needed when Ernesto Martinez singled, Connor Scott doubled and Casey Martin hit a two-out, two-run single off Stevens in the second inning. Lamar Sparks then doubled home Martinez, who had doubled in the fourth inning for the other run.
Blalock, originally drafted by the Boston Red Sox, is the Milwaukee Brewers No. 17 overall prospect as rated by MLB pipeline. He pitched one inning in relief for the Brewers in June. He made his 16th start for Biloxi on Wednesday.
The teams will continue their series on Thursday, a Mullet Thursday, with the Blue Wahoos’ Jonathan Bermúdez on the mound.
WANT TO GO?
WHO: Biloxi Shuckers vs. Blue Wahoos
WHEN: Thursday, 6:05 p.m.
WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium