Parole Denied For Man Convicted Of 1988 Murder Of Teen In Escambia, Alabama
July 1, 2021
The Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles Wednesday rejected a parole for Edward Russell Dubose, who was convicted of the 1988 murder of Stephanie King.
Dubose is serving a life sentence for the murdering the 16-year old who at the time was a senior at T.R. Miller High School.
On Saturday, October 22, 1988, King went to the Alco Baptist Church in Brewton, where, in addition to being a member and the organist, she worked part-time as custodian to save money for college. She was abducted from the church, raped, sodomized and strangled using a cord from her sweatpants.
Local Ascend Plant Receives GM Supplier Quality Excellence Award
July 1, 2021
Ascend Performance Materials has received the General Motors 2020 Supplier Quality Excellence Award for its Pensacola polyamide 66 plant on Chemstrand Road. The award recognizes GM suppliers who meet or exceed the company’s rigorous quality performance criteria and support multiple functions across GM’s organization.
Ascend, the largest fully integrated producer of polyamide 66 resin, produces materials used to make parts that improve the safety, performance and fuel efficiency of automobiles, from fasteners and electrical connectors to airbags and radiator end tanks.
“Customer-focused is one of our core values at Ascend and it means that everything we do is in service to our customers,” said Phil Jeszke, automotive segment lead at Ascend. “The strength of our relationship with GM is built on partnerships throughout the production chain focused on quality and performance, from the materials to the design and manufacturing.”
This year’s award marks the second consecutive year Ascend has been recognized by GM.
“We strive to be a strategic partner to our customers, helping them drive growth,” said Isaac Khalil, senior vice president for polyamides at Ascend. “We’ve spent the last several years investing in our global footprint, product portfolio and technical resources in order to provide our customers with the materials and support they need. We value the recognition from GM and look forward to continue to support them.”
Every Wahoos Starter Knocks A Hit In Wahoos Win Over Biloxi
July 1, 2021
A capacity crowd at Blue Wahoos Stadium was standing, clapping in anticipation.
Zack Leban took a quick pause, gassed up a 97-mph fastball, then pounded his glove amid the cheers.
With all the festivities Wednesday – specialty uniforms, dogs on parade, the debut of Watson the service dog, even a police dog demonstration – Leban’s closing effort in relief completed the Blue Wahoos winning night in a 4-3 victory against the Biloxi Shuckers.
Oh yeah, plus there were post-game fireworks lighting up the sky, too.
The combination fan entertainment and the Blue Wahoos continued knack for winning one-run games created another special experience.
Their win in the season’s 50th game put the Blue Wahoos (30-20) back into a first-place tie in the Double-A South with the Mississippi Braves. The Wahoos, who collected 12 hits, are now 14-6 in one-run games, which is why they’ve climbed 10 games above .500.
Every Blue Wahoos batter in the lineup had at least one hitter – the first time that has occurred this season.
The Shuckers (15-34), meanwhile, dropped their ninth straight game.
And all of this happened Wednesday despite the Blue Wahoos touted pitcher Edward Cabrera struggling at times through his five-inning start.
But even without his A-game, Cabrera picked up his first win as a Blue Wahoos pitcher. The 23-year-righthander gave up three runs – only one of which was earned, striking out three and walking three. The Miami Marlins’ No. 4 overall rated prospect allowed just two earned runs in his three starts.
In this game, however, Cabrera, never seemed comfortable. He had one clean inning in the fourth, and got out of a two-on situation in the fifth inning by striking out Biloxi’s No. 3 hitter Louis Castro.
Biloxi took a 2-0 lead after a second-inning home run by Tristen Lutz, then a third inning single by Bruce Turang.
The Blue Wahoos erased that lead with a three-run rally in the fourth inning on four consecutive hits.
Jerar Encarnacion started the production with his leadoff double. Run-scoring singles from Demetrius Sims, Riley Mahan and Galli Cribbs Jr. put the Blue Wahoos ahead.
After Biloxi tied the game in the fifth, designated hitter Nick Fortes had the game’s biggest hit with his two-out single in the bottom of that inning to score Peyton Burdick, who reached on an error.
From that point, the Blue Wahoos bullpen shined again. Alberto Guerrero (2 innings), Dylan Bice (1 inning) and Leban combined to allow just two hits, no walks in scoreless relief.
Leban gave up a two-out single in the ninth, but stuck out Gabriel Garcia on a 2-2 fastball to end the game.
by Bill Vilona, Pensacola Blue Wahoos senior writer
Molino Motorcyclist Charged With Fleeing From Deputy At Speeds Over 100 MPH
June 30, 2021
A motorcyclist is charged with allegedly fleeing from a deputy in Cantonment at over 100 mph.
Tyler Austin Driver, age 22 of Molino, was charged with felony fleeing an officer.
An Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputy watched Driver, wearing a bright red shirt, traveling westbound at a high speed on Plaza Road North in Cantonment on a white Kawasaki motorcycle. The deputy then observed Driver run a stop sign and head westbound on Santa Rosa Road at speeds in excess of 100 mph, according to an arrest report.
The deputy activated his emergency lights and siren and attempted unsuccessfully to catch up with the motorcycle. Driver allegedly accelerated to over 100 miles per hour after turning onto Jacks Branch Road from Muscogee Road.
The deputy went to the area of the 1400 block of River Annex Road where he found the motorcycle and Driver, who was still wearing the same red shirt.
Driver was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $3,000 bond. He also received a traffic citation for running a stop sign.
Summer Toy Giveaway Set For Walnut Hill; Parents Must Register Now
June 30, 2021
A summer toy giveaway will be held in mid-July in Walnut Hill, but parents must register now.
The Toys for Tots event will be held Saturday, July 17 from 10 a.m. until noon at the Walnut Hill Community Center at 7850 Highway 97. It for children ages 2-17. Children must be present and accompanied by a parent.
Parents must register in advance by calling Chandra Fountain at (850) 501-8217 by July 2.
ECUA Sanitation, Water And Sewer Rate Increases Proposed; D5 Rep Says He Won’t Raise Rates ‘Willy-Nilly’
June 30, 2021
The Emerald Coast Utilities Authority is proposing a rate increase for water, sewer and sanitation rates.
The proposed increase for sanitation services is 9.5%, which would be about $2.33 for garbage and included recycling service.The proposed water and sewer rate increase is 2.5%, which would amount to about 76-cents on a residential customer using 6,000 gallons of water each month.
During a District 5 town hall meeting Monday night, ECUA District 5 board member Kevin Stephens faced tough questioning from citizens who stated he said he campaigned on a promise of no rate increases.
But Stephens said he stated during the campaign that he would raise rates only as a last option after first looking for ways to cut expenditures.
“I’m going to look at all the information; I’m going to look at the budget,” he said. “I’m going to find out where we can cut costs. We are going to look at our house first. Where can we cut things where it comes to waste when it comes to inefficiencies, redundancies, overlap, that sort of thing. When it comes to, like I said, spending. That’s our big thing.
“If I’ve done the best I can do when it comes to cutting spending looking at budget restructuring our debt load — keep in mind there’s about a $150 million DEP consent order that we’re putting money back into the kitty to pay for. If I can’t find the money through cutbacks, then absolutely, I would vote for one (a rate increase). But not willy-nilly, and not knowing where the money’s going to go to.”
Stephens said he continually gets complaints about missed pick ups, and that can be attributed a driver and laborer shortage. He said the sanitation rate increase would go toward salary increases for those employees and to bolster recruiting efforts.
“We have agreed that, that increase, if approved, would be targeted to employee pay. Not maybe, not general fund, but targeted. In fact, it was specifically designated for employee raises,” the District 5 representative said.
“I can tell you definitively if we don’t … at $14.50 an hour to start out with, our biggest competitor to retain our employees, our drivers, the ones that come to pick up our garbage right now, is the private sector and the city (of Pensacola). If the city gets wind of us proposing raising our employees’ pay, they instantly send out a proposal to one-up us.” He said the City of Pensacola currently charges 11% higher rates than ECUA.
Pictured: ECUA District 5 representative Kevin Stephens speaks during a District 5 town hall meeting Monday evening at the Molino Community Center. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
District 5 Quintette Neighborhood Cleanup Scheduled for July 7
June 30, 2021
Residents of Quintette will have the opportunity to dispose of yard debris and other items free of charge Wednesday, July 7 during a District 5 neighborhood cleanup.
Only residents in the designated cleanup area are able to participate in the neighborhood cleanup (click map above to enlarge). Items left at the curb outside of the cleanup area will not be collected.
During neighborhood cleanups, Escambia County departments team up to bring services to residents in an effort to keep local neighborhoods clean and safe. Participating is easy: Residents in the cleanup area simply leave eligible items at the curb to be disposed of free of charge by Escambia County and partnering agencies.
All debris must be at the curb directly in front of a residence by 7 a.m. on the day of the cleanup. Tires and paint cans should be separate from all other debris. Do not place piles under low-hanging lines or near poles, fences or mailboxes.
Items eligible for removal include:
Household appliances and electronics
- Household junk and debris
- Bicycles and toys
- Old furniture and mattresses
- Barbecue grills
- Household hazardous waste (old paint, motor oil, chemicals, batteries)
- Tires (limit 10 per household)
Items NOT eligible for removal include:
- Building materials (concrete, bricks, blocks, roofing, drywall or lumber)
- Explosives or ammunition
- Auto parts
- Dirt or sod
- Vehicles or vessels
- 55-gallon drums of fluids
The neighborhood cleanup initiative involves an aggressive clean-up effort, targeting different neighborhoods throughout the county, with crew members and volunteers picking up a variety of debris and waste, including electronics, furniture and household items.
Cantonment Improvement Committee Continues Weekly Food Giveaways
June 30, 2021
When the pandemic forced schools to close last year, it left many families in need of help to feed their children who had relied on school breakfast and lunch.
The Cantonment Improvement Committee (CIC) stepped up and is continuing to hold weekly food giveaways.
The CIC food distributions begin at 3:30 p.m. every Tuesday at Carver Park and continue while supplies last for anyone in need of food. Participants are asked to line up on Webb Street facing north, and the food is loaded into vehicles. The takes place rain or shine.
Pictured: Volunteers from Ascend Performance Materials helped with a Cantonment Improvement Committee food giveaway Tuesday at Carver Park. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Donut Strike For Manna Collects Enough Food For 34,074 Meals
June 30, 2021
The final count is in from the “Donut Strike” for Manna Food Panties. First responders were on strike against doughnuts for three days last week worked toward a goal of 30,000 meals for Manna.
The Donut Strike collected 20,233 pounds of healthy food and $21,582.05. That’s 11,358 people fed for an entire day and 34,074 meals, according to Manna.
Participating agencies were Escambia County Fire Rescue, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Gulf Breeze Fire Rescue, Gulf Breeze Police Department, Midway Fire District, Pace Fire Rescue District, Pensacola Fire Department, and Pensacola Police Department.
Pictured: Donut Strike for Manna at Winn Dixie in Cantonment and the Beulah Publix on Friday. NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour and ECSO, click to enlarge.
Blue Wahoos Get Series Opening Victory Over Biloxi
June 30, 2021
Along with command of his arsenal of pitches, the Blue Wahoos’ Max Meyer has shown another important quality in his rookie professional season.
He’s twice followed a rough outing with a brilliant one.
Meyer matched his season-high length, working six shutout innings and getting enough run support for the the Blue Wahoos to hold off the Biloxi Shuckers in the ninth inning for a 5-3 win Tuesday at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
Credit his brother’s weekend wedding, too. It followed Meyer’s disappointment in allowing four runs a week ago at Birmingham, leading to the Barons’ comeback win that night.
“I took a couple days off from throwing and I feel like I was just getting loose back out there again,” said Meyer, smiling, afterward, as he continued his progression as one of the Miami Marlins’ top prospects.
“As the game went on, I felt I got a little sharper,” Meyer said. “I think my (velocity) went up a little bit and knocked all that rust of off.”
In two starts against Birmingham, Meyer has giving up a combined nine runs and 13 hits. Against everyone else in the league, he’s given up one run. That’s one run in seven games.
“Being able to bounce back after giving up runs that I obviously hate to do…. just kinda dial it in more and be a little more focused,” said Meyer, explaining his approach. “Birmingham has got me twice now and the next start I usually lock it in a little bit better. I guess it is fun to do.”
It was fun to watch among a crowd of 4,409 as the quick-working Meyer breezed through six innings, allowing four hits, just one walk with six strikeouts. He twice gave up leadoff singles in the third and fifth and responded with quality pitches.
The win began a six-game, Fourth of July week homestand for the Blue Wahoos (29-20) in a festive way. The Shuckers (15-33) have now lost eight straight games.
The Blue Wahoos are sending another heralded prospect, Edward Cabrera, on the mound Wednesday for the first of four post-game fireworks nights, followed by Jake Eder on Thursday. It’s a trio that is among the top of minor league baseball with earned run averages and overall performance.
“It’s really fun to watch these guys (Cabrera, Eder),” said Meyer, the No. 3 overall selection by the Marlins a year ago out of the University of Minnesota.
“Us three kinda rolling out back to back to back,” he said. “We kind a feed off each other and we all have pretty good stuff so you are able to see how to throw to the teams we are facing. And really, good guys, too.”
As they’ve done all season, the Blue Wahoos’ offense made the most of each hit. Five hits, five runs.
Demetrius Sims started with a solo home run in the second into the right field berm. In the fifth, after Peyton Burdick and J.J. Bleday walked, Jerar Encarnacion just missed a three-run homer to straightaway center.
But catcher Nick Fortes hit a one-out single to score both runners.
In the ninth inning, Burdick followed a bases-loaded, none out situation by delivering a two-run double to continue his Double-A South lead in RBI.
Blue Wahoos closer Colton Hock gained his 11th save by making one big pitch – striking out Alexander Palms with the bases loaded in the eighth on a perfect curveball.
But Hock then struggled in the ninth, giving up a single, double, another batter reaching on an error, then a two-run double before ending the game on two flyouts.
by Bill Vilona, Blue Wahoos Senior Writer
