Escambia Reports 757 New COVID-19 Cases In Last Week
July 24, 2021
There were 757 new COVID-19 cases reported Escambia County over the last week by the Florida Department of Health. That’s compared to 390 new positives reported in the week prior.
FDOH has moved from daily to weekly reports and removed the COVID-19 dashboard. The state is now releasing a weekly report with local data limited only to number of cases and positivity rate; the number of deaths by county or cases by local cities and communities has been removed.
Here is the latest data:
Escambia County cases:
Total cases: 34,610 (+757)
Positivity Rate Last Week: 19.9%
Santa Rosa County cases:
Total cases: 19436 (+441)
Positivity Rate Last Week: 23.2%
Statewide cases:
Florida resident cases: 2,479,975 (+73,199)
Case positivity rate: 17.3%
Deaths: 38,670 (+78)
Escambia County 2021 Youth Employment Participants Recognized
July 24, 2021
Escambia County’s Youth Employment Program participants were recognized Friday.
The Youth Employment Program gave approximately 100 youth the opportunity to get paid work experience in various county departments, including Animal Services, Building Services, Engineering/Traffic, Parks and Recreation, Public Safety and more.
“The goal of this program is to give hope and opportunity to young people,” said District 3 Commissioner Lumon May. “This program provides such a great opportunity for the young people in our community to get real world, hands-on job experience, so that in the future, these young people will be able to use their knowledge and expertise to give back to their community. We’ve had a great time this year, and I would like to thank all of our directors who made it possible for young people to come and work.”
Through the program, youth worked up to 30 hours a week, gaining valuable experience all summer while learning workforce etiquette such as professional dress, timeliness and respect. Youth Employment Program participants also received job readiness training and post-employment briefings, which provided them feedback about their job performance.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Man Gets 11 Years In Federal Prison For Child Exploitation Charges
July 24, 2021
An Escambia County man has been sentence to more than a decade in federal prison for child exploitation crimes.
David Edward Merry, 60, sentenced to eleven years in prison on federal charges related to his receipt of child pornography following his guilty plea.
Court documents reflect, in February 2019, officers with the Pensacola Police Department received information from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that a particular online account with Google maintained child pornography. Homeland Security Investigations and the Pensacola Police Department were able to geo-locate the criminal activity of Merry to Pensacola.
The Pensacola Police Department, through a records check, confirmed that Merry was a suspect in two prior child exploitation investigations in 2016 and 2017. Law enforcement obtained a search warrant for Merry’s Google account, identifying the child pornography he maintained in the cloud. Law enforcement then obtained and executed a search warrant at Merry’s residence, resulting in the seizure of multiple electronic devices. A forensic review of the seized items revealed thousands of images of child pornography. Merry was arrested and released on bond conditions. While on release, probation officers suspected that Merry continued his illicit activity, and federal agents were able to seize his newly obtained cellular telephone and search it pursuant to a warrant. Additional images of child pornography were located, and Merry was taken into custody without bond. He has been in custody awaiting sentencing since that time.
During the sentencing hearing, United States District Court Judge M. Casey Rodgers considered a prior offense in which Merry was identified as having sexually exploited a minor female.
“The abuse committed by this child predator has come to an end as a result of the vigilant efforts of our law enforcement partners,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Coody. “We will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to ensure that those who engage in such heinous conduct will be held accountable for their actions.”
“Merry will now face accountability for his continued delight in the disgusting images of children being exploited,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Kevin Sibley, who oversees Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) operations in Northern Florida. “Every time one of these images is shared or viewed it revictimizes an innocent person.”
“This sentence is an example of the great partnership between Pensacola Police and the U.S. Department of Justice,” said Pensacola Police Chief Eric Randall. This team is determined to hold those fully accountable who seek to do harm to our children.”
Following his 11-year term of imprisonment, Merry will be supervised by the United States Probation Office for the rest of his life.
The case was investigated by United States Homeland Security Investigations, the Pensacola Police Department, and the North Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David L. Goldberg and Meredith L. Steer.
Pensacola’s Late Push Not Enough, Biscuits Down Wahoos 4-3
July 24, 2021
The Blue Wahoos fell behind 4-0 early and watched their comeback bid come up short against the Biscuits, losing 4-3 on Friday night at Montgomery Riverwalk Stadium.
Zach McCambley’s (L, 0-2) start tonight was more similar to his Double-A debut, and not his most recent start. Pensacola’s starter gave up runs in each of the first four innings and was pulled after 3.1 innings for the second time this season.
Trailing 1-0 in the second, Chriss Betts homered of the right-field foul pole to put the Biscuits up 2-0. In the third inning with the bases loaded and nobody out, Jonathan Aranda grounded a single to left field that scored two, doubling Montgomery’s lead.
The Wahoos had an immediate response in the fourth inning when the scored twice against Adrian De Horta. After a leadoff single, Demetrius Sims advanced from first-to-third on a soft grounder to third due to some savvy baserunning. He scored one batter later on a fielder’s choice, in which the third basebase tried to nab Sims at the plate. With everybody safe on the play, Griffin Conine tallied his first Double-A hit with an RBI double to the left-center gap.
Pensacola missed a golden opportunity to score in the top of the fifth with the bases loaded and only one out. However, Nick Fortes struck out and Conine flew out to end the threat.
Fortes redeemed himself in the eighth when he smashed a no-doubt homer to left to make it a 4-3 game. However, the Biscuits retired the next six batters in order, with Montgomery closer Chris Muller (S, 7) striking out the side in the ninth to close out the game.
Pensacola’s bullpen was the bright spot in the game, as three different relievers combined to throw 4.2 innings of one-hit, shutout baseball. Pensacola’s offense stalled once again, as they were held to just three hits while striking out 15 times. The Wahoos have recorded 14 hits through the first four games of this series while striking out 56 times.
The penultimate game of the series is tomorrow at 6:05 PM CT in Montgomery. RHP Jeff Lindgren (3-6, 4.98) gets the green light for the Wahoos while he will be opposed by RHP Peyton Battenfield (3-0, 2.33).
Escambia County’s Chief Budget Officer Submits Resignation
July 23, 2021
Escambia County Chief Budget Officer Amber McClure has submitted her resignation.
“I wanted to share with you that I have made the decision, after much consideration, to part ways with Escambia County Board of County Commissioners. I am passionate about making a difference and appreciate the time I’ve been fortunate enough to serve the citizens of Escambia County alongside each of you,” McClure wrote in an email.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed working with you — you are an inspirational, pleasant group of leaders — your passion is apparent,” she continued in her email to commissioners.
McClure’s last day on the job will be Friday, August 20. She is currently in the midst of leading the commission through the steps of finalizing the county’s $568 million budget for the next fiscal year that begins on October 1.
She was responsible for key decision-making regarding budget development, administration, revenue forecasting, fiscal management, capital planning and policies affecting the overall fiscal health of the county.
McClure joined Escambia County in July 2020 with 17 years of experience in accounting and financial management, most recently as the CFO at Studer Entertainment and Retail. She began her career as a senior accountant for the City of Pensacola in 2004.
Highway 29, Molino Road Intersection Partially Blocked By Morning Wreck
July 23, 2021
A Friday morning crash on Highway 29 closed part of a Molino intersection and injured at least one person.
The two vehicle crash was reported about 9:50 a.m. at Highway 29 and Molino Road, blocking both southbound lanes. The Florida Highway Patrol diverted traffic around the crash through a turn lane.
At least one person was reported transported to the hospital by Escambia County with injuries that were not considered serious. The FHP is investigating the cause of the wreck.
NorthEsambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Childers Says 401(a) Annuity Plan Is Illegal And Commissioners Should Pay Money Back
July 23, 2021
During a commission meeting Thursday morning, Escambia County Clerk Pam Childers asserted that state has told her that the county’s 401(a) annuity plan is illegal.
“The state has determined it is illegal to have a 401(a) for elected officials,” Childers told commissioners. “They emailed me yesterday. All forms have been changed throughout the state of Florida, and I think that Madam Attorney probably needs to get with a few of you about these changes that have happened. And Commissioner Bender, if I could have a private conversation with you I would appreciate it.”
County Attorney Alison Rogers sent a public records request email to Childers asking for documentation.
“Please consider this a public records request for the opinion, memo, email or other similar record which you indicated during the Board meeting came from the State regarding the legality of elected officials participation in a 401a program,” Rogers wrote in the email.
Childers responded by email about a half-hour later, sending a link to a form on the website of the Florida Retirement System (FRS). She noted there is no longer an option that states “Withdraw from the FRS to participate in a local annuity plan.”
“There are limited reasons to opt out of FRS. FRS is compulsory if statutes do not allow an opt-out provision,” Childers wrote. “When Codey returns, he will share our follow up written communication. My communication was all verbal. There is no need to amend the statute because the statute is clearly written.” Codey is Codey Leigh, general counsel for the Escambia County Clerk of Court and Comptroller.
“We will need to talk through walking back those commissioners in the 401a to migrate back to FRS. The statute is clear how that happens,” Childers continued. “During a previous meeting, all commissioners agreed to give back the money if it was deemed illegal. I will prepare calculations for the amount that can legally be kept and that which should be returned to the county. The contribution rates are clearly written in the statutes, we can compound a reasonable rate of earnings.”
In a reply email, Rogers pointed out it was FRS that allowed Commissioners Robert Bender, Lumon May and Steven Barry to opt out of FRS and participate in the 401(a) program.
“We have three commissioners who the FRS specifically allowed to opt out of FRS in order to participate in a local annuity; one would assume if FRS has changed its mind on previously participating officials, then it should reach out to those it knowingly allowed to do this. I would have to assume participants would be grandfathered,” Rogers said in an email reply to Childers.
401(a) Annuity Program
It’s called a 401(a) annuity program, and under state statute was offered only to senior management service employees and commissioners that opt out of the Florida Retirement System (FRS). It’s available statewide, not just in Escambia County.
The plan does not cost Escambia County taxpayers anything extra when contributions are made in a timely fashion; the employee contributions are exactly the same whether or not the money goes into FRS or the annuity program. FRS has significant administrative overhead and fund liability that is funded from employee contributions. The 401(a) annuity plan participant costs are lower, so participants can earn significantly more retirement dollars.
Escambia County has offered a 401(a) annuity program to senior management employees and elected officials since 1997.
Two Century Men Facing Drug Charges After Traffic Stop
July 23, 2021
Two Century men are facing numerous drug charges after a traffic stop.
Don Duran Dubose, Jr., was charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana, and possession of a controlled substance (marijuana).
Jeremy Lemon Mitchell was charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and knowingly driving while license suspended third of subsequent offense.
An Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputy stopped a Ford Escape driven by Mitchell on Jefferson Avenue after observing him with no seat belt. Mitchell was arrested on a charge of driving with a suspended license. When he was searched, a plastic bag of methamphetamine was located in his underwear, and another plastic bag of meth and a bag of marijuana fell out of his shorts, according to an arrest report.
Deputies located bags containing marijuana, meth, crack cocaine and ecstasy “packaged in a way that is consistent with the sale of narcotics” inside in Dubose’s pants, the report states. Deputies also discovered $70 in cash, three battery operated digital scales and a box of plastic bags in the center console of the car, the arrest report states.
Dubose told deputies that Mitchell threw a bag containing the drugs into his lap during the traffic stop, and Dubose denied ownership of the drugs allegedly found in his pants.
Dubose remained in the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $8,000. Mitchell was also still in jail Friday morning; his bond was set at $12,000.
Here’s The List Of Adjusted Start And Dismissal Times For Escambia County Schools
July 23, 2021
The Escambia County School District has provided a list detailing the start and dismissal times for every school in the county, many of which were adjusted due a shortage of bus drivers.
The longest adjustment times are approximately 35 minutes, with other schools having smaller adjustments of 15 minutes or less. The district announced the changes Wednesday and provided the list to NorthEscambia.com Thursday afternoon.
Here are the 2021-2022 school year start and dismissal times for every Escambia County School District school:
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
7:10 a.m. until 1:25 p.m. (11:35 a.m. early release)
- Ensley Elementary
- Global Learning Academy
- L.D. McArthur Elementary
- Longleaf Elementary
- Montclair Elementary
- Navy Point Elementary
- Oakcrest Elementary
- O.J. Semmes Elementary
- Scenic Heights Elementary
- West Pensacola Elementary
7:35 a.m. until 1:50 p.m. (noon early release)
- Beulah Elementary
- Bratt Elementary
- Hellen Caro Elementary
- Molino Park Elementary
7:50 a.m. until 2:10 p.m. (12:20 p.m. early release)
- Bellview Elementary
- Blue Angels Elementary
- Brentwood Elementary
- Cook Elementary
- Cordova Park Elementary
- Ferry Pass Elementary
- Holm Elementary
- Jim Allen Elementary
- Kingsfield Elementary
- Lincoln Park Elementary
- R. C. Lipscomb Elementary
- Myrtle Grove Elementary
- Pine Meadow Elementary
- Pleasant Grove Elementary
- Sherwood Elementary
- A. K. Suter Elementary
- Warrington Elementary
- C. A. Weis Elementary
MIDDLE SCHOOLS
8:40 a.m. to 3:20 p.m. (1:10 p.m. early release)
- Brown Barge Middle School
9:05 a.m. until 3:45 p.m. (1:35 p.m. early release)
- Ernest Ward Middle School
9:30 a.m. until 4:15 p.m (2:10 p.m. early release)
- Bailey Middle
- Bellview Middle
- Beulah Middle
- Ferry Pass Middle
- Ransom Middle
- Workman Middle
9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m (2:10 p.m. early release)
- Warrington Middle
HIGH SCHOOLS
8:25 a.m. until 3:05 p.m. (12:55 p.m. early release)
- West Florida High
8:30 a.m. until 3:10 p.m. (1:20 p.m. early release)
- Escambia High
- Pensacola High
- Pine Forest High
- Tate High
- Washington High
8:45 a.m. until 3:20 p.m. (1:10 p.m. early release)
- Northview High
ALTERNATIVE SCHOOLS/CENTERS
- Hope Horizon Lakeview Center — 7:20 a.m. until 1:20 p.m.(noon early release)
- Westgate Center — 7:50 a.m. until 2:10 p.m. (12:20 p.m. early release)
- District Extended (times vary, early release at noon)
- KAPS K-5/ Achieve 6-12 — 8:45 a.m. until 3:25 p.m. (2 p.m. early release)
- Success Academy — 9 a.m. until 2:35 p.m. (12:30 p.m. early release)
120 Gallon Diesel Spill Slows I-10 Traffic After Semi Hits Toolbox In The Roadway
July 23, 2021
A large fuel spill on I-10 in Escambia County slowed down afternoon traffic Thursday.
The Florida Highway Patrol said the driver of an unknown pickup truck failed to secure a truck bed toolbox. The toolbox fell off the vehicle an landed in the westbound lanes of I-10. Three vehicles — a semi truck, a pickup truck and a car — all hit the toolbox causing disabling damage.
The oil pan and diesel fuel tank ruptured on the semi, spilling about 120 gallons of fuel and resulting in an environmental cleanup.
FHP said they had no description or information on the toolbox owner. There were no injuries reported.
Image for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.