Escambia County Sheriff’s K-9 Unit Earns Awards
March 20, 2021
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit competed with multiple agencies during the K-9 Trials held by the Pensacola Police Department this week. Friday, they were presented with the following awards:
2020 Cases in Quarter Award:
- Deputy Matt Beaty and K-9 Maddox
- Deputy Corey Smith and K-9 Cairo
- Deputy Casey Bowling and K-9 Nero
- Deputy Larry Richardson and K-9 Eso
- Deputy Thomas Bortner and K-9 Zeek
- Deputy Matt Howell and K-9 Tebow
4th in Overall (Patrol Dog):
- Deputy James Freeman and K-9 Shane
5th Overall (Patrol Dog):
- Deputy Wayne Gulsby and K-9 Enzo
13th in Overall (Patrol Dog):
- Deputy Matthew Housam and K-9 Axel
17th in Overall (Patrol Dog):
- Deputy Corey Smith and K-9 Cairo
4th in Agility:
- Deputy James Freeman and K-9 Shane
3rd in Two-Man Narcotics:
- Deputy James Freeman and K-9 Shane
- Deputy Matthew Housam and K-9 Axel
4th in Narcotics Indoor Detection:
- Deputy Larry Richardson and K-9 Eso
4th in Two-Man Narcotics Detection:
- Deputy Larry Richardson and K-9 Eso
- Deputy Matt Beaty and K-9 Maddox
Two-Man Intra-department:
- Deputy Thomas Bortner and K-9 Zeek
- Deputy T. White (Gulf Breeze Police Department)
Top Dual Dog:
- Deputy Matthew Housam and K-9 Axel
High School All-Star Basketball Teams Announced
March 20, 2021
Pensacola Sports has announced the rosters for its High School All-Star Basketball Game.
The women will play Wednesday, March 24 and the men will play Thursday, March 25. Both games will be held at Catholic High School at 7 p.m.
Due to COVID-19 capacity restrictions, limited tickets will be available. Tickets will be made available to the players families first. Any remaining tickets will be made available to the public at pensacolasports.org/hsallstars.
Rosters are as follows:
WEST BOYS TEAMS
Tate — Jordan Williams — Point Guard/Shooting Guard
Tate — Skyler Bryant — Forward
Pensacola Catholic — Austin Burkette — Forward
Washington — Kaimarcus Johnson — WING
Washington — Jordan Carmona — Guard
West Florida — Jalen King — point
West Florida — Ashton Hudgins — small forward
West Florida — Adriane Simmons — shooting guard
Escambia — Marcus White — Forward
Escambia — Algie Stallworth — Point Guard
Escambia — Darrius Sanders — SG/SF
Escambia — Jarruis Hunter — PF
Escambia — Ta’darius Padgett — Center
Pensacola High — Isaiah Gaines — Power Forward
Pensacola High — Tywan Thomas — PG
Pensacola High — Emanuel McDuffie — Shooting Guard
Pensacola High — Ty’darius Gulley — Center
Pine Forest — Kenny Cotton — PG
Pine Forest — Quan Calbert — F
Northview — Johnny Wyndham — Power Forward
The head coach for the West Boys team is Jeff Gill from Catholic High School
EAST BOYS TEAM
Choctaw — Jamil Bowles — PG
Choctaw — Ezra McKenna — SF
Choctaw — Isaiah Bledsoe — G
Milton — Kemontre Current — SF
Laurel Hill — Trey Williams — Forward
Fort Walton Beach — Bishop Taylor — PG
Fort Walton Beach — Shelton Wilder — SF
Pace — Micah Dietrich — PG
Pace — Rickey Stacey — SG
Pace — Logan Donohoe — SG
Rocky Bayou — Drew Wagenschutz — Guard
Crestview — Shakur Cobb — Forward
Jay — Brody Johnson — Forward
Gulf Breeze — Weston Smith — Guard
Navarre — Tim Brewer — Forward
Central — Trenton Moye — PG
Central — A.J. Hof — SG
Central — Tristan Wright — Center
Niceville — Kendell Mosley — Small Forward
Niceville — Marcus Linnen — Point Guard
The head coach for the East Boys team is Cameron Belden from Milton High School.
WEST GIRLS TEAM
West Florida — Ja’Vina Jackson — Guard
West Florida — Tia Whittaker — Guard
Pensacola — Swan Fails — Shooting Guard
Pine Forest — Danielle Luckey — Center/ Power Forward
Pine Forest — Joniya Perry — shooting guard and point guard
Pine Forest — Danielle Luckey — Center/ Power Forward
Catholic — Allysa Parungao — Guard
Catholic — Tontiana Lawson — Forward
Catholic — Kinsey King — Guard
Tate — Davia Jones — Guard
Tate — Destiny Wolfe — G
Washington — Jamiyah Bryant — Forward
Washington — Teresa Stallworth — Forward/Center
Pace — Riley Poggi — C
Pace — Shay Crooks — G
Pace — Laikyn Burklow — G
Gulf Breeze — Morgan Taylor — PG/G
Gulf Breeze — McKaylie Uhl — C/PF
Gulf Breeze — Ashley Denny — PF
Northview — Heather Knowles — Point Guard
EAST GIRLS TEAM
Navarre — Olivia Warren — Guard
Navarre — Tailor Ernst — Guard
Navarre — Skylar Burleson — Point Guard
Rocky Bayou — Maddie Athearn — SG
Milton — Madison Leathers — PF
Choctaw — Alexis Becker — pg/2g
Choctaw — Keyosha Warren — pg/2g
Choctaw — Dejah Pettway — SF
Laurel Hill — Kaitlyn Southard — Center
Laurel Hill — Kacy Taylor — Point guard
Central — Faith Bush — Shooting Guard
Jay — Madison Mathis — Center
Jay — Jillian Thorton — Guard
Jay — Carsyn Seib — Forward
Niceville — Nakerra Brown — PG/SG
Crestview — Savana Barry — shooting guard
Crestview — Jaida Reese — 2 guard
Ft. Walton — Madison Seiuli — Forward
Ft. Walton — Tamia Cooper — Guard
Baker — Lauren Adams — Forward
The head coach for the East Boys team is Cameron Belden from Milton High School.
Celebrating The Incredible Kids Of Camp Fire Century (And A Big Birthday)
March 20, 2021
The children a the Camp Fire Century Youth Learning Center recently celebrated Camp Fire’s 111th Birthday and Absolutely Incredible Kids Day.
Parents and staff wrote a letter to each child telling them how they are an absolutely incredible kid. They also celebrated with ice cream, ice cream sandwiches and chocolate chip cookies.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
DeSantis Appoints Final Five Members To Escambia Children’s Trust Board Of Directors
March 20, 2021
On Friday, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of five people to the Escambia Children’s Trust Board of Directors. They are Stephanie White, Rex Northrup, Lonnie Wesley, Tori Woods and David Peaden.
Last November, voters approved the formation of the Children’s Trust to be funded by an increase in ad valorem taxes of up to a maximum of 0.5 mil that will cost the average Escambia County property owner $40 per year beginning in 2022. The tax is expected to generate $8 million or more each year, enabling the trust to provide early childhood education, safety, developmental, preventative, health, and well-being services, including after school and summer enrichment programs.
Five members were appointed to the board to fill positions as mandated by state law — Escambia County School Board member Patty Hightower, Department of Children and Families Northwest Region Managing Director Walter Sachs, Circuit Judge Jennifer Frydrychowicz, Escambia County Commissioner Lumon May and Escambia County School District Superintendent Dr. Tim Smith.
Escambia County nominated 17 people to fill the five remaining seats on the council.
NEW BOARD MEMBERS
Stephanie White
White, of Pensacola, is an attorney focusing on adoption and foster care. She is a member of the University of West Florida Board of Trustees and has been involved with the Florida Adoption Council and the Northwest Chapter of the Florida Association of Women Lawyers. White earned her bachelor’s degree from Vanderbilt University and her juris doctor from Southern Methodist University’s Dedman School of Law.
Rex Northrup
Northrup, of Pensacola, is a retired medical doctor with over 35 years of experience in pediatrics, child health and well-being. He served in a number of positions at Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital and Children’s Medical Services over the course of his career. Northrup has been a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Society of Critical Care Medicine and the Florida Medical Association. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of West Florida and his medical degree from the University of South Florida.
Lonnie Wesley
Wesley, of Pensacola, is the Pastor at Greater Little Rock Baptist Church. Previously, he preached at Greater Fairview Baptist Church and Terry Grove Baptist Church. Prior to his time in ministry, Wesley spent time interning in the public relations offices of the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Alabama State University, his master’s degree from Selma University and his doctor of ministry in biblical preaching from Anderson University.
Tori Woods
Woods, of Pensacola, is a licensed practical nurse currently working in marketing for Centene. Previously, she held positions at Humana, Ascension Sacred Heart, NurseFinders and the Department of Children and Families. She is a past president of the Escambia County Junior League. Woods earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University.
David Peaden
Peaden, of Pensacola, is the Executive Director of the Home Builders Association of West Florida. He has been involved with the Pensacola North Rotary Club, Gulf Coast Kid’s House, United Way of Escambia County and the University of West Florida Foundation. Peaden earned his bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Alabama.
Silver Alert Canceled After Missing 74-Year Old Found Safe
March 19, 2021
UPDATE 1:20 PM — Linda Chong has been safely located, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office has issued a Silver Alert for a missing 74-year old woman.
Linda Chong was last seen at the BJ’s Wholesale Club on Davis Highway on March 16 around 4 p.m. She was not reported missing until the following day.
Linda was driving a white Hyundai Azera with handicap Florida tag number Z7YWY.
Anyone with information on her whereabouts is asked to call the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620.
Update: Missing Gonzalez Teen Found Safe
March 19, 2021
UPDATE: Kassidy Leigh Brantley has been safely located.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is searching for a missing teen from Gonzalez.
Kassidy Leigh Brantley, 14, was last seen Thursday, March 18 about 11 p.m. in the 700 block of Rusty Lane off Pauline Street. She is described as 5-feet, 6-inches tall and about 125 pounds. A clothing description was unknown.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620.
Investigation Finds Escambia Deputies Were Justified In Shooting Armed Man At Busy Intersection
March 19, 2021
The State Attorney’s Office has determined that Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputies were justified when they shot and killed an armed felony suspect at a busy intersection last year.
Mickee Fabiano McArthur, 28, was killed after he pointed a gun at deputies at the intersection of 9th and Langley avenues after a vehicle pursuit.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office received a request from a bail bondsman for assistance in arresting McArthur on several local felony warrants including kidnapping, aggravated assault and robbery with a firearm. Deputies began to pursue the suspect in the area of 9th Avenue and Bayou Boulevard, near Target.
After deputies performed a PIT maneuver at 9th and Langley, McArthur fled his vehicle with a firearm in his hand. Seven seconds later, he turned toward deputies with the firearm in his hand, according to a Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigation. Three deputies fired at McArthur, killing him at the scene.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Century Raising Franchise Fees Charged Gulf Power And EREC; Customers Will Pay Up.
March 19, 2021
The Town of Century is in the process of finalizing new franchise agreements with Gulf Power and Escambia River Electric Cooperative.
In 1994, the franchise fees for both utilities were increased from 3% to 5%, and now the council is raising the fee to 6%.
While the franchise fee is technically charged to the utility, both Gulf Power and EREC tell NorthEscambia.com that they pass the full cost of the fee on to their customers.
The town council has held a first reading of a new agreement with Gulf Power that will become official after one more meeting. They are also setting their sights on an increased fee for EREC.
Gulf Power customers with an average 1,000 kwh monthly usage pay about $140 a month, according to Florida Public Service Commission documents. The franchise fee increase will cost customers in the Century town limits about $1.40 per month.
FWC Tightens Deer Regulations Related To Chronic Wasting Disease, Including Import From Alabama
March 19, 2021
At a recent meeting, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved rule changes that prohibit importing or possessing whole carcasses or high-risk parts of deer from any place outside Florida. FWC is also dropping a provision that currently provides a broader exemption for deer imported from Alabama.
Under the approved rules that go into effect July 1, people may import into Florida: deboned meat; finished taxidermy mounts; antlers; hides; and skulls, skull caps and teeth if all soft tissue has been removed. In addition, the rules allow an exception for deer harvested from a property in Georgia or Alabama if such property is bisected by the Florida state line and is under the same ownership. However, the new rule amendments do not include the permit option allowed under a FWC executive order to import whole deer or high-risk parts from properties in Georgia or Alabama.
The FWC has been testing deer for CWD since 2002 and the disease has not been detected in Florida. This infectious disease of the brain and central nervous system is always fatal for members of the deer family and there’s no known cure or effective vaccine. Currently, there is no scientific evidence that CWD can be transmitted to humans.
The abnormal proteins or prions that cause CWD can be transmitted through direct animal-to-animal contact as well as indirectly through contact with the saliva, urine, feces, blood and carcass parts of an infected animal. It can even spread through soil. Leaving CWD infected carcasses or carcass parts on the land can contaminate the soil and the CWD prions are capable of infecting other deer for years.
Suspicious Fire That Destroyed Large Shed In Century Under Investigation
March 19, 2021
A suspicious fire in Century destroyed a large shed.
Firefighters arrived on scene Thursday to find the structure on fire in a lot off Ivey Street in Century, behind the Dollar General store.
The shed, which approximately 12-feet by 24-feet in size, was destroyed in the blaze. There was no electricity or any other utilities connected to the shed.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Florida Bureau of Fire, Ason and Explosives Investigations.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
