Escambia Man Convicted Of Drug Trafficking Faces Up To 70 Years In Prison
March 13, 2021
An Escambia County man is facing up to 70 years in prison after being convicted on multiple drug charges.
Jerrel Lamar Leverette, 38, was convicted of trafficking in meth (200 or grams or more), trafficking in heroin (28 grams or more but less than 30 kilograms), possession of a controlled substance (fentanyl), possession of a controlled substance (cocaine) and possession of drug paraphernalia.
He will be sentenced on April 1. He faces up to 70 years in prison with a 25-year, minimum-mandatory prison sentence on the trafficking in heroin charge and a 15-year, minimum-mandatory prison sentence on the meth trafficking charge.
On October 30, 2018, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at Leverette’s residence in the 800 block of Madison Drive. Deputies located approximately 7.5 pounds of methamphetamine along with a large amount of heroin mixed with fentanyl and a quantity of cocaine. The drugs were located hidden in the attic access in Leverette’s bedroom’s master bathroom. Leverette’s cell phone was obtained and a download revealed incriminating text messages regarding the controlled substances.
Northview Completes Two Game Sweep Of Baker With 8-1 Win
March 13, 2021
The Northview Chiefs completed a two-game sweep over the Baker Gators 8-1 Friday night in Baker.
Kaden Odom took the win on the hill for the Chiefs, going six and a third innings while allowing one run on four hits and striking out three. Josh Landis tossed two-thirds of an inning in relief, allowing two hits, no runs and striking out one.
Rustin Pope was 2-3 at the plate for Northview with one run and one RBI. Jamarkus Jefferson was 1-2 with one and three RBIs; Odom was 1-3 with two runs and one RBI; Bryce Korinchak was 1-4 with a run; Trent Knighten had two runs, and Cody Thomas had a run.
Northview won the first game of the series Thursday night 5-4 over Baker.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Man Charged With Exploitation Of Elderly, ECSO Says There May Be More Victims
March 12, 2021
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a man for exploitation of the elderly, and investigators believe there may be more victims.
Between February 2020 and November 2020, Robin Peterson stole $20,000 from an elderly victim. He exploited the victim by using different tactics such as bullying, emotional and psychological coercion to take the money, according to the ECSO.
Peterson was arrested and charged with crimes against a person exploitation of elderly.
ECSO Investigators believe there could be more victims of Peterson, and it’s believed he could be using different alias to fraud people. If you think you may have been a victim, call the ECSO at (850) 436-9620.
Amber Alert Issued After Missing Tennessee Girl Possibly Seen In Florida
March 12, 2021
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has issued an Amber Alert for a missing Tennessee girl that may be in Florida.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation said the most recent information in the search for Daphne Westbrook and her non-custodial father, John, likely places them in Florida one week ago. They may be driving the pictured 1971 Volkswagen Beetle that has no license plate or windshield.
She was last seen in Chattanooga in October 2019, and did not return from a weekend visit with her non-custodial father. He is wanted for aggravated kidnapping.
Authorities received a credible sighting of the father and daughter in Fort Walton Beach on Saturday, March 6, the Hamilton County District Attorney’s Office said on Friday.
Anyone with information is asked to call their local law enforcement agency or 911.
Garcon Point Bridge Toll Suspension Extended Again
March 12, 2021
The toll suspension on the Garcon Point bridge has been extended through April 9, 2021, the Florida Department of Transportation announced Friday morning.
“The extension allows the Garcon Point Bridge to continue serving as a temporary detour route while the Pensacola Bay Bridge is being repaired from damage sustained during Hurricane Sally,” FDOT said in a news release.
The Pensacola Bay Bridge is no longer expected to open in March as previously announced due to additional repairs. An exact opening date has not been provided, but it is expected to be sometime in May.
Escambia Commission Agrees On Adjusted Hybrid Plan For OLF-8
March 12, 2021
The Escambia County Commission agreed Thursday to move forward with what’s known as the “Adjusted Hybrid Plan” for the OLF-8 property on Nine Mile Road in Beulah.
The plan is a combination of commerce, residential and amenities. It allocates 271 acres to commerce and industrial; 61 acres to residential including duplexes, townhomes and multifamily; 47 acres to a mixed-use center such as residential over retail and office over retail; and 45 acres to trails and public amenities such as a post office, school, day care and community garden.
DPZ CoDesign, the design firm for the project, will move forward with developing specifics including zoning, infrastructure and density plans. That phase is expected to be completed by about Memorial Day.
The commission has also discussed impact fees for construction on OLF-8 to pay for roads and other infrastructure on the site.
Towing Rates In Escambia County To Increase For First Time In 11 Years
March 12, 2021
The Escambia County Commission has agreed on new towing rates, the first increase for towing companies in 11 years.
The rates applies to no-consensual towing and storage — that’s for vehicles that are parked without the property owner’s permission or when police request a car be towed such as in the event of a wreck. Insurance companies will often pay the towing fee for wrecks.
Local tow truck companies have lobbied the commission for the increase, saying their cost of doing business has increased since 2009.
For vehicles less than 10,000 pounds, the maximum towing fee will increase from $100 to $150, and daily storage will increase from $20 to $40.
For vehicles over 10,000 pounds, the towing rate will increase to $250 to 450 depending on vehicle weight. The current rates range from $175 to $400.
Commissioner also agreed to allow an annual increase based upon the Consumer Price Index.
The Escambia County Commission will formally vote on the rate increase at their next meeting on March 25. The new maximum rates do not apply if the vehicle owner requests a voluntary tow.
Detailed rates are below:
FWC Asks For Help To Stop Invasive Zebra Mussels. Yeah, That’s A Thing That Might Be In Your Aquarium.
March 12, 2021
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is asking for the public’s help in stopping the spread of the invasive zebra mussel. This species might cause devastating impacts to Florida’s ecology and economy, and has recently been discovered in a Florida pet store and stores in other parts of the country. The FWC is working with state and federal partners to address this national issue.
Zebra mussels are considered one of the most troublesome invasive species in North America. They clog pipelines used for water filtration, render beaches unusable and damage boats. They also can have harmful effects on native aquatic organisms. These filter feeders outcompete other native species in infested rivers and lakes. The waste they produce accumulates and degrades the environment, using up oxygen, making the water acidic and producing toxic byproducts.
Zebra mussels and their microscopic larvae have been found in a species of aquarium plants known as “moss balls” that are being sold in some pet stores under a variety of names throughout parts of the United States, including Florida. The moss balls are up to a few inches in diameter and are sold separately as an aquarium plant or may be provided with a fish being sold. Because the larvae might not be noticeable in the aquarium material, any purchased moss balls can contain zebra mussels or their larvae.
The FWC is urging pet stores to remove “moss ball” aquarium plant products from their shelves and properly dispose of them. If an aquarium owner has already bought one of these moss balls, they should safely dispose of it. The safest way to do this is by completely drying, freezing or placing the moss balls into a plastic zipper bag. Then throw that bag into a garbage bag. Aquarium water should be replaced, and filters/cartridges replaced and disinfected before disposal. Aquarium water can be disinfected prior to disposal by adding one cup of bleach per gallon and allowing it to sit for 10 minutes before disposing of the water down the drain. This method can also be used to disinfect gravel, filter, and other structures, and is highly recommended if zebra mussels are found attached to the moss or in the aquarium.
Zebra mussels are a small shellfish with triangular, brownish shells. As their name implies, they often have zebra-like stripes. They typically grow no bigger than an inch in size and some found in the pet store plants are less than a quarter of an inch long.
Spirit Airlines Coming To Pensacola Airport With Flights To Seven Cities
March 12, 2021
Spirit Airlines is is bringing flights to seven destinations to the Pensacola International Airport.
With brand new Airbus planes, Spirit will offer flights beginning June 10 to Columbus (CMH), Indianapolis (IND) and Louisville (SDF), along with nonstop service Austin (AUS), Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Kansas City (MCI) and St. Louis (STL).
The flights will be available as follows:
Austin, Texas — Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays
Columbus, Ohio — Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays
Dallas-Fort Worth — daily
Indianapolis — Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays
Kansas City — Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays
Louisville, Kentucky — Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays
St. Louis — daily
“As Florida’s Hometown Airline we are excited to launch service to Pensacola, our first destination in Northwest Florida,” Spirit Airlines Vice President of Network Planning John Kirby said. “With seven non-stop destinations, Spirit Airlines is making it easy and affordable for travelers to enjoy Pensacola’s emerald-green waters and sugar-white sands. In addition, our new Guests in Florida’s Panhandle will enjoy low-cost non-stops to many popular cities stretching from Texas to Ohio.”
“Today’s announcement further demonstrates Pensacola’s foothold in the national marketplace for air service,” said Matt Coughlin, Pensacola International Airport Director. “We are truly grateful for Spirit Airlines’ investment here at Pensacola International Airport, and more importantly, their commitment to the Gulf Coast region.”
Northview Chiefs Beat The Baker Gators (With Photo Gallery); Jay Softball Tops NHS
March 12, 2021
BASEBALL
Northview 5, Baker 4
The Northview Chiefs took a late lead on a Rustin Pope single in the bottom of the sixth to beat Baker 5-4 Thursday night in Bratt.
Pope led the Chiefs going 1-4 with a run and two RBIs. Bryce Korinchak was 1-2 with a run; Luke Bridges was 0-2 with an RBI; Trent Knighten was 0-1 with an RBI; and Josh Landis was 1-4.
Landis earned the win for NHS, going one and one-third innings allowing one hit, no runs, no walks and striking out three. Jamarkus Jefferson pitched five and two-third innings, allowing four runs on six hits, walking two and striking out nine.
FOR A PHOTO GALLERY, CLICK HERE.
SOFTBALL
Jay 12, Northview 2
The Jay Royals defeated the Northview chiefs 12-2 Thursday night in Jay.
Rylie Cochran pitched five innings for the Royals, allowing two runs on one hit.
Emma Gilmore went four and a third innings for the Chiefs, allowing six runs on seven hits and striking out four.
Cochran, Alayna Lowery and Madison Mathis each had home runs in the fifth inning for Jay.
Kailyn Watson was 1-2 with a run for Northview, and Chloe Ragsdale had one run.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
3