Cantonment Man Charged With Breaking Into Woman’s Home, Barricading Himself Inside
July 9, 2021
A Cantonment man was charged after allegedly breaking into a woman’s home and barricading himself inside a bedroom.
Christopher James Adams, 23, was booked into the Escambia County Jail on felony charges of robbery, burglary, resisting arrest, and criminal mischief with property damage. He was also charged with a probation violation.
The woman gave Adams a ride, and he tried to take her purse in order to get her house keys, according to an arrest report. After he was unsuccessful, he broke the glass on her backdoor and went inside.
Responding Escambia County Sheriff’s deputies entered the home and found Adams barricaded inside a bedroom with a razorblade, according to the arrest report. They were forced to tase Adams before taking him into custody.
Adams remained in the Escambia County Jail without bond.
ReEntry Alliance To Provide Local Landlords Cash Incentives For Permanent Housing
July 9, 2021
ReEntry Alliance Pensacola, Inc. (REAP) was recently selected as a Rapid ReHousing (RRH) service provider and awarded over $200,000 from Opening Doors of Northwest Florida, Inc. This funding is part of the $3.5 million Emergency Shelter Grant Cares Act CV2 Funding provided by the State of Florida, Department of Children and Family, Office of Homelessness.
The new REAP RHH program will serve 100 people by preventing them from becoming homeless or by finding permanent housing for those experiencing homelessness over the next 12 months, to help limit the spread of COVID-19.
REAP will work in collaboration with Opening Doors of Northwest Florida and other local Continuum of Care service providers along with local private landlords and homes, duplex, apartment, and mobile home property management companies in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
“We are happy to be able to offer this needed housing assistance program to the community, especially those who have been negatively affected by the COVID 19 pandemic here in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties,” said Vinnie Whibbs, executive director of REAP.
Rick Dye will head up the new RRH and Landlord Incentive Program as director. The program will provide case management, rapid rehousing, and temporary financial assistance to 100 clients who have been impacted by COVID-19 and now find themselves homeless, or soon-to-be-homeless. Due to underlying health conditions and a lack of access to medical and indoor sleeping facilities, people experiencing homelessness are more susceptible to COVID-19 and at higher risk of experiencing severe symptoms.
“REAP is proud to be a part of the community’s initiatives to reduce homelessness in the two-county area by providing this Rapid ReHousing response service,” said Dye.
Working through Opening Doors of Northwest Florida, Inc., Escambia and Santa Rosa counties utilized various federal funds, including significant funding from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, to go toward reducing the number of local citizens who experience homelessness. Working together, the various cities and two counties are making the single largest investment in addressing homelessness and homeless prevention in each county’s history.
“We must take care of the most vulnerable among us during this time. The COVID-19 crisis has put many people’s living situations at an increased risk of becoming homeless due to a temporary loss of employment during the various local business shutdowns,” said John Johnson, executive director, Opening Doors of Northwest Florida, Inc. “REAP stands by the Housing First Initiative to help eligible people improve their lives when re-entering normal community life after an extended time of personal disorder.”
REAP will expand its current housing services to include those in the community who are in need of permanent housing due to loss of job or sickness during the pandemic but who have been re-hired and can prove to participating landlords a stable, reliable monthly income. Many of those negatively affected by COVID-19 have damaged their credit ratings and need the assistance REAP can provide in working with area landlords and property managers on their behalf.
Local rental property landlords and managers will have a crucial role to play in solving and preventing homelessness in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. As an incentive to local landlords and rental property managers, REAP is offering:
1). Cash bonuses paid to landlords who sign on as Community Partners equal to one or two months of rent, depending on the number of bedrooms in the rental home, or
2). Security deposits up to three times the monthly rent cost.
In addition to those landlord and property manager incentives, REAP will also provide housing assistance services to eligible individual participants, if needed, to reassure landlords of their rent worthiness, of the following:
1). Short-term (up to three months) rental assistance and may include up to six months of arrears, including rental application fees charged by owner to all applicants.
2). Security deposits not to exceed two month’s rental payments.
3). Utility deposits.
4). Utility payments for gas, electric, water, and sewer (up to three months including up to six months arrearage.)
5). Moving cost assistance (including short term storage not to exceed three months.)
6). Housing Search and Placement Services to assist participants in locating and obtaining permanent housing.
7). Case Management Services to include initial assessments and re-evaluations, housing stability planning, and arranging, coordinating, and monitoring the delivery of services to facilitate housing stability.
8). Legal and Mediation Services required to resolve a legal problem that prohibits the household to obtain or maintain permanent housing.
9). Credit Repair Services to assist with skills related to household budgeting, money management and resolving personal credit problems.
Landlords and property managers interested in participating in the REAP Rapid ReHousing Program/Landlord Incentive Program can contact Rick Dye at rickdye73@gmail.com or Juliana Regis, Leasing Agent, at 850-332-6677 or call the REAP Landlord Incentive Program’s hotline at 850-832-3014.
M-Braves Take Two, Wahoos Drop Third Straight
July 9, 2021
The Mississippi Braves (35-22) used two separate penultimate-inning rallies to win both games against Pensacola (33-24) on Thursday at Trustmark Park.
The first game was the resumption of Wednesday’s suspended game, that began 2-2 in the bottom of the fifth inning. There was no offense until the bottom of the eighth inning when the M-Braves cashed in on a pair of leadoff walks. After a sac bunt from Wendell Rijo, Braden Shewmake lined a base hit into center off Dylan Bice (L, 1-3) to put the M-Braves up 3-2.
Will Latcham (W, 2-1)—who pitched in the eighth—worked a scoreless ninth inning to give the M-Braves an early win to start the evening. Even though eight of Pensacola’s nine starters had a base hit, the Wahoos ultimately left nine men on base in the one-run loss. Pensacola is now 15-8 in one-run games this season.
In the second game of the night, Jeff Lindgren (L, 2-5) took the mound for the Wahoos and pitched well through the first five innings of the game. It was a back-and-forth affair between the two sides as the Wahoos led for most of the night. Riley Mahan laced a two-out, two-run double in the top of the first inning to put Pensacola ahead 2-0.
The seesaw battle soon continued. Mississippi scored once in the second to cut Pensacola’s lead down to 2-1. Both teams scored once in the third and the Wahoos tacked on another run in the top of the fourth to make it 4-2.
Things began to unravel in the fifth. With Lindgren still on the mound, Shea Langeliers hit a home run that initially looked just foul, despite being ruled a homer by the third base umpire. The manager of the Wahoos, Kevin Randel, and several of the players questioned the umpire and despite a umpire’s conference between all three officials, the call stood. One pitch later, pitching coach Tim Norton was ejected, clearly still baffled by the ruling of a fair ball.
After the ejection, Lindgren elevated his game, striking out the next two batters and taking the Wahoos to the top of sixth with a 4-3 lead.
However, in the bottom of the sixth, the M-Braves scored six times to stun the Wahoos and ultimately put the game out of reach. After a soft come-backer for the first out, the next six M-Braves all reached base safely. Lindgren allowed a walk and single before a wild pitch set up the M-Braves with two runners in scoring position. Lindgren then allowed a two-run base hit to Justin Dean to put Mississippi up 5-4.
Jose Mesa Jr replaced Lindgren and allowed back-to-back walked before striking out Wendell Rijo (who had homered earlier in the game against Lindgren). With two outs, Jefrey Ramos tripled to bring home two more and put the M-Braves up 9-4. Pensacola scored once in the top of the seventh but ultimately fell 9-5.
The Wahoos now sit two games out of first place and are in jeopardy of losing their third series of the year. LHP Will Stewart (3-4, 4.53) will take the mound for the Blue Wahoos and he will be opposed by RHP AJ Puckett (1-4, 3.15).
Suspect Arrested After Standoff, Charged With Assaulting Law Enforcement Officer
July 8, 2021
A suspect has been arrested after a standoff with law enforcement in Escambia County Thursday morning, and he is charged with assaulting a state trooper.
About 9:45 a.m., a Florida Highway Patrol sergeant attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a motorcyclist in the area of Mobile Highway and Massachusetts Avenue, for multiple traffic violations. Although the traffic stop was unsuccessful, the sergeant was able to locate the motorcycle at an apartment complex at 2702 Massachusetts Avenue.
The trooper attempted to make contact with the rider and was unsuccessful. The motorcyclist barricaded himself in the apartment, leading to multiple units from the Florida Highway Patrol and Escambia County Sheriff’s Office to
responded to the scene.
At approximately 11:03 a.m., 32-year-old James Marvin Smith, Jr. was taken into custody without further incident. Smith was charged with aggravated assault on an officer, and fleeing and eluding.
Man Charged With Shooting At Vehicle Driven By His Child’s Mother On Highway 97 In Cantonment
July 8, 2021
A man allegedly shot at a vehicle driven by the mother of his child as she drove along County Road 97, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Joseph Patrick Gartman, 30, was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and possession of a controlled substance without a prescription.
The victim told Escambia County Sheriff’s deputies she was driving to her home in Cantonment when she observed Gartman walking in the area of Highway 97 and Kingsfield Road. She stated she and Gartman had been arguing, so she attempted to turn around to avoid him.
As she turned her vehicle around, she saw Gartman run toward her car, pull out a handgun and fire, according to an arrest report. His shot missed, and she fled the area, calling law enforcement. A witness told deputies that she was driving north on Highway 97 when she observed a white male with a red toolbox run toward a vehicle and fire a shot.
An Escambia County Sheriff’s deputy located Gartman walking in the area of Highway 87 and Tobias Road. According to an arrest report, he said he yelled at the victim when he saw her driving, but he had not been in possession of a firearm all day.
A cloth firearm holster was located in Gartman’s waistband, and his red tool bag contained a 9 mm handgun and two Xanax pills, according to ECSO.
Gartman remained in the Escambia County Jail Thursday morning with bond set at $21,000.
Century Trying Again To Hire Two; Council Has Rejected The Mayor’s Choices Twice, Accused Him Of Charter Violation
July 8, 2021
Century’s attempt to hire two employees has dragged on for months, and now they are going to try again. The problem has not been a lack of applications, but a lack of agreement between the mayor and council.
It has been a process that started in early February and has seen the council reject the mayor’s choices twice, a somewhat awkward meeting where a female applicant was twice called a “beautiful woman” by the council president, and allegations by council members that the mayor violated the town charter.
This week, councilman James Smith said the town needed to get back on track to hire the two employees, saying it was only fair to advertise again and toss previous applications. The positions will be posted for 30 days.
Here’s the process so far:
February 2
The town submitted the advertisement for the position to NorthEscambia.com and others for publication.
The Century Town Council rejected two employees hired by the mayor because they say he violated the town’s charter. After the town received five applications for an entry-level service worker in the street department and 50 applications for a citizen services clerk office position, Mayor Ben Boutwell and staff members made their selections and offered jobs to two people. The service worker was already on the job, and the clerk was set to start a few days later.
The service worker the mayor hired had nine years experience as millwright at a lumber mill, five years in maintenance at a chemical plant, and six years in home construction. The office worker selected by Boutwell had almost 20 years experience at an area bank as a bookkeeper, loan assistance, teller and accounts payable clerk, and holds an associate degree from Pensacola Junior College.
Council president Luis Gomez said the two were not hired in accordance with the town charter. The charter states that the mayor will present his employee selections to the town council to be approved or denied. The council can only vote yes or no on the mayor’s choice; the charter does not give the council any authority to hire anyone not recommended by the mayor.
At that March 15 meeting, the council voted 3-2 to restart the process and advertise the positions again. Council members James Smith and Sandra McMurray Jackson in opposition.
The council again rejected Boutwell’s request to hire the same two applicants.
Gomez said he had personally contacted the references listed by the service worker applicant and had found he was terminated for just cause and was not eligible for rehired by a former employer. Gomez made additional disparaging comments about the individual.
The council provided no next step for the hiring process.
The applicant recommended by the mayor and rejected by the council for an entry level window citizens services clerk attended a council meeting wanting to know the status of the job. Gomez told her that he would never consider her for the job, and in a verbal exchange twice referred to her as a “beautiful woman.”
Gomez said he regretted that the woman was essentially caught in the rift between the council and mayor because her application was received last November but the position was not advertised until early February. “What I’m saying is I hate this beautiful woman is tied up in the middle of all this,” he said.
“I know you are a beautiful person. I would love to have lunch with you, even buy you lunch because I know you’re a beautiful person and probably have a beautiful family,” Gomez told Daniel. “But this is business. And please don’t take it personal.”
Cox Recognizes Inspirational Student Heroes
July 8, 2021
Cox Communications honored a special group of Escambia and Okaloosa County students this past school year as Cox Inspirational Student Heroes. Combined, a record 85 students were celebrated for having overcome extreme hardships in their lives.
The students were chosen by a committee of leaders at their school, due to their resilience in the face of adversity. Whether they have overcome a loss of a family member, medical issue, difficult family situation or other hardship, they did so with a smile on their face and continued to encourage and inspire others around them.
“Recognizing these Cox Inspirational Student Heroes is always one of our favorite ways to give back to the community,” said David Deliman, market vice president for Cox Gulf Coast. “These students remind us that even as we face challenges in our lives, we still have an influence on those around us. They deserve to be celebrated and honored for being an inspiration to others. We salute all of this year’s heroes.”
In the mail, students received a personalized engraved medallion and certificates of honor from Cox, Florida State Senators Doug Broxson and George Gainer and state representatives Michelle Salzman, Alex Andrade, Jayer Williamson and Patt Maney.
This year’s award recipients in Escambia County were:
- AK Suter Elementary School – Lincoln Williams
- Bellview Elementary School – Madison “Madi” Garrick
- Beulah Academy of Science – McKenzie Fuqua
- Beulah Elementary School – Jayden Lewis
- Beulah Middle School – Lenita Floyd
- Blue Angels Elementary School – Kendyl Wynne
- Bratt Elementary School – Kendal Ard
- Brentwood Elementary School – Casin Wooten
- Brown Barge Middle School – Riley Valdez
- Byrneville Elementary School – Jordan Mullally
- CA Weis Elementary School – Maverick Knapp
- Cordova Park Elementary School – Ryan Tjung
- Ensley Elementary School – Scarlet Funez
- Ernest Ward Middle School – Ja’mya Thomas
- Escambia High School – Jason Sauceda
- Ferry Pass Elementary School – Breanna Rice
- Ferry Pass Middle School – Zy’mirrea Norris
- Global Learning Academy – Andrea Webster
- Hellen Caro Elementary School – Gracelyn “Gracie” Eubanks
- Holm Elementary School – Javarious Toler
- Jim Allen Elementary School – Akeem Dobbins
- Jim Bailey Middle School – Hannah Villarreal
- Kingsfield Elementary School – Aiden Griffin
- Laurel Hill School – Hayden Fryday
- Lincoln Park Elementary – Zavion Dennis-Thomas
- Lipscomb Elementary School – Ja’liah Spurlock
- Longleaf Elementary School – Brianna Smith
- McArthur Elementary School – Joshua “Josh” Johanson
- Molino Park Elementary – Randy Jackson
- Myrtle Grove Elementary – Shamlia Bentham
- N.B. Cook Elementary School – Emma Rathburn
- Navy Point Elementary School – Braeden Francis
- Northview High School – Payton Gilchrist
- Oakcrest Elementary School – Faheem Maddox
- OJ Semmes Elementary School – Cory Tepole
- PACE Center for Girls – Breiana Hendley
- Pensacola High School – Noah Anderson
- Pine Forest High School – Emilio Gonzalez
- Pine Meadow Elementary School – Raylan Rice
- Pleasant Grove Elementary School – Tyrus Richardson
- Ransom Middle School – Noah Jacobs
- Sherwood Elementary School – Nya Jackson
- Success Academy – Sanclaria Dumas
- Warrington Elementary School – Janiah Rolle
- Warrington Middle School – Lilly Moore
- Washington High School – Yasmin English
- West Florida High School – Kyla Bradford
- West Pensacola Elementary School – Jeremiah Slocum
- Workman Middle School – Antawn Wanliss
The Cox Inspirational Student Hero Awards program began 28 years ago in New Orleans, Louisiana. The program has spread to other Cox markets in the Southeast Region. To date, Cox has recognized over 4,500 students from Lafayette, Louisiana, to Gainesville, Florida.
Pictured: Some of the Cox Inspirational Student Heroes from North Escambia.com. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
FDC Announces $1,000 Hiring Bonus At Century And Santa Rosa Correctional Institutions
July 8, 2021
The Florida Department of Corrections has announced $1,000 hiring bonuses for Century Correctional Institution, Santa Rosa Correctional Institution and other facilities across the state.
The $1,000 hiring bonus is for newly certified correctional officers.
No experience is necessary to apply, and all training is provided. During training and academy, noncertified officers receive a competitive starting salary and benefits, including health insurance, on day one of their new career in public safety.
Upon successful completion of the basic training academy, newly certified officers at qualifying institutions will receive the bonus. Additional benefits such as a biannual uniform allowance, state college tuition waivers and criminal justice incentive pay become available after certification.
To qualify, interested applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years of age (no maximum age restriction)
- Be a United States Citizen
- Possess a high school diploma or equivalent
- Possess a valid driver’s license
- Pass a drug test and physical examination
- Pass a background investigation and fingerprinting, which includes but is not limited to; no felony convictions; no misdemeanor involving perjury or false statement; no misdemeanor conviction of domestic violence.
- Must demonstrate good moral character as determined by a thorough background investigation.
For more information, visit FLDOCjobs.com
Escambia County Judge Pat Kinsey Announces Retirement
July 8, 2021
Escambia County Judge Pat Kinsey has announced her retirement after nearly three decades of service.
Kinsey will not seek re-election and will enter retirement at the end of her current term on January 2, 2023.
“It has been the great honor of my life to serve the citizens of Escambia County on the bench of the First Judicial Circuit for more than 20 years,” said Kinsey. “The trust that voters placed in me to treat every case with fairness and respect will never be forgotten.”
Kinsey was first elected to the bench in 1998 after having served as assistant state attorney for seven years and was subsequently re-elected in 2010 and 2016.
Kinsey was instrumental in establishing the Civil Division of the Escambia County Court system following extensive damage to the Escambia Judicial Center caused by Hurricane Ivan that resulted in a backlog of more than 7,000 cases. Under Kinsey’s leadership, the backlog was cleared in under two years and the Civil Division made a permanent fixture of the First Judicial Circuit.
Before pursuing a legal career, Kinsey found success in the private sector as a regional vice-president for a division of Chase Manhattan Bank.
Kinsey earned her bachelor’s degree with highest honors from the University of West Florida and her juris doctorate with high honors from the Florida State University College of Law.
Her professional memberships have included the Task Force on Juvenile Delinquency, East Hill Association, the Florida Council on Crime and Delinquency and the Escambia-Santa Rosa County Bar Association. She has also been involved with IMPACT 100, Rotary International and Toastmasters International.
Voters will have the chance to select Kinsey’s successor in the primary election set to take place on August 23, 2022. Candidates wishing to qualify for the election must do so between April 25-29, 2022.
Escambia Health Department Resumes COVID-19 Testing Next Week
July 8, 2021
The Florida Department of Health in Escambia County (FDOH-Escambia) is resuming specimen collection for COVID-19 offered to all persons with or without symptoms beginning on Monday, July 12.
The primary focus is virus testing from swab samples to help identify those who are COVID positive and that need contact tracing. This effort is part of the continuing public health surveillance and monitoring for COVID-19 that is occurring across the state.
COVID-19 testing will be available at the health department at 1295 West Fairfield Drive Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.. The testing is open to anyone with or without symptoms, but an appointment is need. Call (850) 595-6554 to schedule.
For questions, call (850) 595-6500, option 6. Bring a valid form of identification. Cloth face coverings are required to enter the building