Overall Crime Rate Falls 9.4% In Escambia County, FDLE Says
January 3, 2021
The overall crime index in Escambia County dropped 9.4% during the first six months of 2020 compared to the previous year, according to new data just released by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
While the overall crime rate decreased, crimes such as murders, rapes, robberies and vehicle thefts increased. Aggravated assaults, burglaries and larcenies decreased.
The countywide report covers crimes investigated by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, the Pensacola Police Department and other agencies like the Florida Highway Patrol, University of West Florida Police Department, and Pensacola State Police Department.
The number of reported murders during the period increased in Escambia County from 11 to 16, rapes from 91 to 94, robberies from 159 to 180, and motor vehicle thefts from 290 to 353. The number of aggravated assaults (including aggravated stalking) dropped from 625 to 552, burglaries decreased from 912 to 767 and larcenies dipped from 3,222 to 2,848.
During the first half of 2020, 35.6% of crimes in Escambia County were cleared, compare to 33.2% in 2019.
The report shows that crime is down across Florida, with crime volume dropping 11.7%, or 31,348 fewer reported index crimes, compared to the first six months of 2019.
Cantonment Man Facing Narcotics Charges After Running From Deputy
January 3, 2021
A Cantonment man is facing multiple narcotics charges after running from a deputy during an incident last year.
Roderick Vernell Lewis, 35, was recently arrested on outstanding warrants for resisting arrest without violence, possession of methamphetamine with the intent to sell, possession of heroin with the intent to sell, possession of a controlled substance without a prescription, possession of drug paraphernalia and tampering with evidence.
On June 7, 2019, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to Ruberia Avenue where a woman said she found her vehicle and the man that failed to return it.
A deputy observed Lewis standing with a large chain. He followed orders to put down the chain, and then ran from the deputy, according to an arrest report. The deputy chased Lewis through several backyards before finding him lying face down under a bush. Lewis refused commands to show his hands, forcing the deputy to draw his service weapon. After multiple commands, Lewis complied.
According to the ECSO, Lewis was observed removing a plastic bag from his pocket and begin digging in the dirt.
After Lewis taken into custody, deputies recovered the plastic bag containing multiple types of narcotics that had been buried in the dirt. The narcotics in the bag tested positive for methamphetamine, ecstasy and heroin.
Deputies determined no charges were warranted in connection with the original complaint involving a car that was not returned.
Roderick remained in the Escambia County Jail Sunday morning with bond set at $26,500.
DeSantis Appoints Four To PSC Board Of Trustees
January 3, 2021
Governor Ron DeSantis has announced the appointment of Kevin Lacz, Marjorie Moore, Troy Tippett and Julian MacQueen to the Pensacola State College District Board of Trustees.
Kevin Lacz
Lacz, of Gulf Breeze, is a Physician’s Assistant with Regenesis and former Navy SEAL who served two tours of duty in Iraq, where his actions earned him a Bronze Star Medal with a Combat V, two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals and two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals. He started Hunting for Healing and has served on the Pensacola State College District Board of Trustees since 2015. Lacz earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Connecticut and his master of medical science from Wake Forest University.
Marjorie Moore
Moore, of Pensacola, is a Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch. She has volunteered her time with Baptist Health Care, Manna Food Pantry, Favor House, Council on Aging of West Florida and the PACE Center for Girls. Moore earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Georgia.
Troy Tippett
Dr. Tippett, of Pensacola, is a Neurosurgeon, Medical Director and Owner of The Neurosurgical Group. He served in and received Honorable Discharges from the United States Air Force and United States Army Reserve. Tippett has been involved with the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, Congress of Neurological Surgeons, Neurosurgical Education and Research Foundation, Florida Medical Association and the Florida Neurosurgical Society. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri and his doctor of medicine from the University of Tennessee.
Julian MacQueen
MacQueen, of Gulf Breeze, is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Innisfree Hotels. He has been recognized as the 2012 Business Leader of the Year by the Pensacola Bay Area Chamber of Commerce and was inducted into the Hotelier Hall of Fame by the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. MacQueen has also volunteered his time with Take Stock in Children, Sacred Heart Hospital, Independence for the Blind of Northwest Florida and From the Ground Up Community Garden. He earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of South Alabama.
These appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
After A Two-Week Break, Road Construction Delays Return On Monday
January 3, 2021
After a two-week break for the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, traffic disruptions will resume Monday on the following state roads and projects in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- · U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – The intersection of North 17th Avenue and Bayfront Parkway will remain closed until spring 2021 as construction continues for the new 17th Avenue interchange. The Visitor’s Center remains accessible from 17th Avenue. In addition, the ramp from 17th Avenue to East Gregory Street remains open. Eastbound drivers on Bayfront Parkway should use North 14th Avenue and Cervantes Street (U.S. 90) as a detour route.
- · U.S. 29 Widening from Interstate 10 (I-10) to Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90)- Motorists can expect intermittent lane closures and shifts on U.S. 29, between I-10 and Nine and Half Mile Road, and Nine Mile Road at the U.S. 29 Overpass from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. the week of Tuesday, January 5.
- · East Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90) Safety Project from North Palafox Street to Chemstrand Road – The contractor will resume daytime asphalt paving operations Tuesday, Jan. 05, on the north side of the project. Westbound traffic can expect intermittent right turn lane closures during the day.
Santa Rosa County:
- Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – The bridge remains closed until spring 2021.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Fire Marshal: It’s Time To Toss That Natural Christmas Tree. And Here’s How To Do That.
January 3, 2021
A top state official is warning it’s time to remove that natural Christmas from your home, and that’s an easy task if you are an Emerald Coast Utilities Authority customer.
State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis said it’s important Christmas trees from your home quickly and safely this holiday season to avoid fire-related tragedies. More than 29 percent of home fires that begin with Christmas trees occur in January.
“A live Christmas tree can go up in flames in an instant, so it’s critical that you remove your tree and store your decorations quickly after the holidays. Make sure to safely remove lighting and check for any broken bulbs or wiring before storing them in a dry place. It’s important to keep your live trees and other disposable decorations away from your home while awaiting trash pickup. Always remember that dried wood and pine needles can be a fire hazard,” Patronis said.
ECUA Christmas Tree Collections
In Escambia County, ECUA will pick up Christmas trees from customers for free with the regular collection of yard waste.
“When it’s time to take down the Christmas decorations, place your real tree or natural wreaths out by the curb on your usual collection day for pick-up as part of your ECUA regular yard waste collection,” ECUA spokesperson Jim Roberts said.
Natural trees should be free of decoration and tinsel, and the tree stand should be removed. Trees should not be placed in he street.
The trees will be composted with other yard waste at the ECUA Biosolids Composting Facility.
The Florida Forest Service offers the following tips if you chose to burn your Christmas tree:
- Check local ordinances for requirements for outdoor burning.
- Burn only if significant rainfall has occurred in the last three or four days.
- Never burn on dry or windy days.
- Select a burn location that is at least 25 feet from natural areas, 25 feet from your home, 150 feet from other occupied buildings and 50 feet from any paved public roadway.
- Remove all decorations from the tree before you burn.
- Cut the tree into manageable sections, as necessary.
- Clear the burn area free of other flammable materials, such as leaf litter and pine straw.
- Keep a shovel and water hose handy in case the fire starts to escape containment.
- Never leave a fire unattended, and make sure it is out before leaving.
- Never burn a Christmas tree in a fireplace or wood stove.
Florida’s Minimum Wage Increases On The Way To $15 An Hour
January 2, 2021
Florida’s minimum wage increase by a minimal amount on New Year’s Day.
The minimum wage for non-tipped workers increased from $8.56 an hour to $8.65 an hour, and the minimum for tipped workers increased to $5.63. The increases were due to a legislatively mandated cost of living increase.
During 2020, Florida voters approved a constitutional amendment to eventually increase the minimum wage to $15 an hour passed with about 61% of the vote, greater than the 60% needed to pass.
On September 30, 2021, Florida’s minimum wage will increase to $10 an hour and then increase by another dollar each year on the way to $15 an hour in 2026.
Escambia Man Struck And Killed While Standing Outside His Disabled SUV
January 2, 2021
An Escambia County man was struck and killed while standing behind his disabled vehicle.
The Florida Highway Highway Patrol said the 37-year old man was standing behind his disabled SUV on the Highway 90 Escambia River Bridge about 9 p.m. Thursday. A 22-year old Pace man traveling westbound on Highway 90 in a pickup truck did not see the stopped SUV and hit both the SUV and the man.
The man’s pickup continued into the eastbound lanes and struck another pickup truck. The 48-year old driver and his 14-year old passenger suffered minor injuries. Both were from Pace.
The 22-year old Pace man that struck the SUV suffered only minor injuries.
The FHP is continuing their investigation.
Meet Zyan, Escambia County’s First Baby Of 2021
January 2, 2021
Meet Zyan Lovette, Escambia County’s first baby born in 2021.
He was born Friday at Ascension Sacred Heart at 7:13 a.m., weighing in at 6 pounds 8 ounces, to mom Savannah Lovett from Pensacola.
Photos Ascension Sacred Heart for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia County (AL) Students Will Return To School On Staggered Schedule
January 2, 2021
Escambia County (AL) students will return to school next week on a staggered schedule.
The schedule for traditional (on campus) students is as follows:
- Students with a last name beginning with A-G will return on Monday, January 4
- Students with a last name beginning with H-M will return on Tuesday, January 5.
- Students with a last name beginning with N-Z will return on Wednesday, January 6.
The staggered schedule applies to all students in all grades in the Escambia County (AL) School District.
Students at home on staggered days should be engaged through virtual/remote lessons, according to the district.
File photo.
United Way Of West Florida Names New Board Members
January 2, 2021
United Way of West Florida has installed eight new board members.
They are:
Megan Burke of Pensacola Opera and Pensacola Young Professionals
Matt Couch of Clark Partington
DJ Echols of LandrumHR
Johanna Freeman of Underwood Anderson Insurance
Wesley Hall of Escambia County Government
Aaron Jones of ServisFirst Bank
Kim LeDuff of the University of West Florida
Dan Schebler of Santa Rosa County.
Board officers for 2020-2021 are:
Jack Lowrey, chair
Amy Miller of Port of Pensacola, chair-elect
Marla Purvis of Lighthouse Health Plan LLC, secretary
Clare Haenszel of Warren Averett CPAs & Advisors, treasurer
Wes Hudgens of Gulf Power Company, campaign chair.
“Our board members go above and beyond to support UWWF’s work through their volunteerism and financial support,” said Laura P. Gilliam, UWWF president and CEO. “I am proud to work alongside this group of community leaders who are passionate about creating a better tomorrow for every person living in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.”