Two Inmates Stabbed At Century Correctional Institution
December 5, 2020
Two inmates were stabbed Friday at Century Correctional Institution.
Ambulances were dispatched at 12:25 to the prison on Tedder Road for a stabbing call, according to Escambia County spokesperson Laura Coale. Two patients were transported to an area hospital by Escambia County EMS and Flomaton Lifeguard ambulance.
“There was an isolated incident involving an inmate-on-inmate assault at Century Correctional Institution. Security staff immediately responded, and the incident was swiftly brought under control,” the Florida Department of Corrections told NorthEscambia.com following the incident.
FDC confirmed that two inmates were injured but did not confirm their identities or the extent of their injuries.
Century Correctional Institution remained under normal operation following the incident.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Cantonment Rotary Club Presents Culinary Scholarships
December 5, 2020
The Cantonment Rotary Club recently awarded Amber “AJ” Gill and Patrick Newburn with the Cantonment Rotary Club Culinary Endowed Scholarship.
“It is an honor to be a student at PSC (Pensacola State College) and I cannot wait to see what the semesters ahead of me hold. With the support you have provided, I can continue toward a career as a chef that will help me provide for myself and my family,” Newburn said.
Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Purple Hearts Presented To Families Of NAS Pensacola Attack Victims
December 5, 2020
Purple Heart medals were presented Friday to the family of the three sailors killed in the terrorist attack last year at NAS Pensacola.
The memorial service and wreath laying marked the one-year anniversary of the December 6, 2019, NAS Pensacola terrorist attack that left four dead, including the shooter, and eight injured.
“It was almost one year ago today during a despicable and cowardly act of terrorism that Ensign Joshua Watson, Petty Officer 3rd Class Mohammed Haitham and Petty Officer 3rd Class Cameron Walters paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to their nation,” said Rear Adm. Pete Garvin, commander, Naval Education and Training Command (NETC), who was the ceremony’s guest speaker. “As we lay this wreath for our three fallen shipmates, we honor their bravery and their sacrifice.”
The ceremony also recognized those who were wounded during the attack – Ensign Kristy Lehmer, Ensign Brianna Thomas, Airman Ryan Blackwell, Airman George Johnson, Jessica Pickett, Capt. Charles Hogue, Deputy Matthew Tinch and Deputy Jonathan Glass.
“Today, we continue to mourn those who lost their lives,” said Garvin. “We also pay tribute to the eight Sailors, Marines, government civilians, Naval Air Station Pensacola security forces and Escambia County Sherriff’s Office deputies who were injured. They all exemplify honor, courage and commitment.”
Garvin commented on the strong relationship between the Pensacola community and the military at NAS Pensacola.
“Here in Pensacola, in the ‘Cradle of Naval Aviation,’ we are a family with an unshakeable foundation, a family that stands the test of time and is unwavering in our defense of the constitution and the country whose course it directs,” said Garvin.
During three separate ceremonies at the National Naval Aviation Museum, Garvin and Capt. Edgardo Moreno, NASC’s commanding officer, presented the Purple Heart Medals posthumously to the families of Watson, Haitham and Walters.
“In these times the war zone is no longer limited to battlefields, it all too often finds its way to bastions where it is least expected,” said Cmdr. Michael Lofgren, NASC’s executive officer, who provided remarks at the ceremonies. “These heroes, selflessly and tirelessly preparing for a battlefield, suddenly and unexpectedly found themselves in a war zone.”
The Purple Heart Medal is a United States military decoration awarded in the name of the President to those wounded or killed while serving, on or after April 5, 1917, with the U.S. military.
Photos by USN/Jason Bortz and USN/Joshua Cox for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
United Airlines To Offer Nonstop Service To Denver From Pensacola International Airport
December 5, 2020
United Airlines will soon begin nonstop service between Denver International Airport (DEN) and Pensacola International Airport (PNS).
Flights will be offered on the weekends beginning Feb. 13, 2021 through Feb. 28, 2021. In March, the flights will change to daily service. The flight to Pensacola departs Denver at 9:45 a.m. (Mountain Time) and the returning flight leaves Pensacola at 3:45 p.m. (Central Standard Time). Total flight time is approximately three hours.
“We are proud to have another addition to the services offered from our airport,” Pensacola International Airport Director Matt Coughlin said. “I know United and other airlines see the potential and strength of our community, and it shows as we continue to grow and come back from the setbacks we’ve seen as a result of COVID-19.”
Pensacola International Airport offers service to 13 destinations through six airlines. United Airlines currently provides nonstop flights to Houston and will add flights to Dulles International Airport starting Dec. 17.
The COVID-19 health pandemic has taken a toll on the airport industry across the world. With added safety precautions in place, Pensacola International Airport has seen a steady increase in air traffic. The number of passengers choosing PNS is exceeding national averages by 30%.
“Pensacola International Airport continues to exceed expectations despite the COVID-19 pandemic, and I am proud to have this incredible economic asset right here in the City of Pensacola,” Pensacola Mayor Grover Robinson said. “I’m excited to see United Airlines adding nonstop flights between Pensacola and Denver, opening up opportunities for new visitors to come enjoy everything our city has to offer while making it easier for Pensacola locals to travel to new destinations.”
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Firefighters Respond To Smoke Inside Byrneville Elementary School
December 4, 2020
Area fire departments responded to Byrneville Elementary School Friday afternoon due to smoke in the building.
School officials said there were popping sounds and followed smoke coming from a computer server closet, which is located in the principal’s office in the 79-year old building.
Arriving firefighters reported a light haze in the building. but they were unable to find any active fire after an extensive search.
The incident happened at 2:05 p.m., five minutes after the afternoon dismissal bell. Remaining students and staff that were still on campus were evacuated.
The Century, Walnut Hill, McDavid stations of Escambia Fire Rescue were initially dispatched to the call. Ladder trucks from Atmore and and Pace were also dispatched. Many of the units were canceled prior to arrival.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
17 Arrested In Escambia County Drug Raid
December 4, 2020
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office arrested 17 people Thursday on drug charges after raiding a home near Montclair Elementary School.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Gun Crime Response Team, Robbery/Homicide Unit, Narcotics Unit and SWAT team along with the ATF, Florida Highway Patrol, and Pensacola Police Department served a search warrant at a home in the 4500 block of Florelle Way.
Inside the home law enforcement discovered 12.6 grams of oxycodone, 228.8 grams of ecstasy pills, one gram of heroin, almost half a kilo of cocaine, 3.3 pounds of marijuana, ten firearms (including four firearms that were reported stolen) $21,389 in cash, and seven vehicles were seized.
Terry Vondell Brand, Billy Ray Carter, Darrell Anthony Diggs, Timothy Terrell Dortch, Tyshon Laprice Leontay Edwards, Kobie Lashun Jenkins, De’Aundre Da’Jun Jordan, Timothy Donail Knight, Gary Fernando Mathis, Nastassya Swayell Piper, Charles Edward Posey, Travaris Jamal Stallworth, Anthony Dion Thompson, Kareem Tijuan Watson, James Wells, Devontae Le’roy Williams and Trenton Levontese Wright were all arrested on drug related charges.
“It’s unfortunate to see this amount of drugs and firearms together. We’re glad we can partner with other law enforcement agencies to get this type of criminal activity off of our streets,” said Chief Deputy and sheriff-elect Chip Simmons.
Did You Feel It? Ground Shaking, Loud Sound Reported Across The Area
December 4, 2020
The sounds of an explosion or rattling and shaking were heard or felt across part of Escambia County early Friday afternoon, and so far no one seems to know why.
Beginning about 12:15 p.m., NorthEscambia.com was flooded with messages and comments from people reporting the incident. As of 12:40 p.m., Escambia County 911 had not received any calls reporting damage.
A majority of the comments were concentrated in the Cantonment and Beulah areas, but other reports were received from across Escambia and Santa Rosa counties
So far, the U.S. Geological Survey has not reported an earthquake.
Woman Is Third Suspect Arrested For Fatal Triple Shooting In Century
December 4, 2020
The third suspect in a fatal triple shooting in Century was arrested Thursday night.
Kiaunna Shane Grice, age 30 of Century, was booked into the Escambia County Jail Thursday night for first degree homicide, home invasion robbery, aggravated battery and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Tacorius Cordale Stallworth, 22, was arrested Wednesday for first degree homicide, home invasion robbery, and aggravated battery.
Jaran Britt Myles, 26, was taken into custody Tuesday night at the Liquor Cabinet on Highway 29 at Old Chemstrand Road. He was jailed without bond on charges including first degree homicide, home invasion robbery, aggravated battery, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of marijuana, possession of cocaine, three counts of possession of a controlled substance without a prescription and possession of drug paraphernalia.
All three suspects are being held in the Escambia County Jail without bond.
RELATED STORY: Myles Was Recently Released From Prison For 2015 Manslaughter
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to the shooting about 11:35 p.m. Monday in the 8200 block of Alger Road, just off North Century Boulevard.
Arrest reports obtained by NorthEscambia.com offer new insight into the fatal triple shooting:
The victim, Joseph Christopher Smith, was found shot to death outside a shed near the mobile home. Multiple shell casings were found near the body, in the shed and leading away from the body. The inside of the shed had a couch, several chairs, tables and lamp. The items were in a state of disarray with the lamp glass shattered.
Two other adult males, Xavier Demarquese Walker and Lavor Chante Johnson were sitting near the mobile home when deputies arrived; both had been shot. They were transported by Escambia County EMS and Flomaton Medstar ambulance to a Pensacola hospital for treatment.
Walker stated he was seated in his vehicle when three people approached him, pointed guns at him and told him to get out of the vehicle. He said they “slapped him down” and put in a gun in face, saying “Don’t say nuthin, don’t make a noise”, according to the arrest report. Walker told investigators that he told them that he did not have “nuthin”. He told investigators that he recognized “Run-Run”, the street name used by Myles, and Stallworth, but did not recognize the third person.
Walker said the gunmen walked him over to the shed and told him to knock on the door and say “It’s Xa”. Walker stated that when the door opened, the three suspects pushed past him and went inside. Walker said he “freaked out”, the report states, and jumped on the ground where he was shot in the leg by Stallworth.
The suspects took Smith outside the shed before shooting him multiple time because of money, Walker stated.
Johnson told investigators that he was walking back from the store when he was picked up in a vehicle driven by Smith. He said he went inside the shed with Smith when someone knocked on the door and said “it’s Xa”. Smith opened the door, and the three male suspects entered the shed.
The report states Johnson said one of the men pointed a gun directly at his head and then shot him in the leg. They then started shooting in all directions inside the shed, striking Walker in the leg.
One of the suspect said “Where’s the money” to Smith, who replied “Ain’t no money. Johnson stated that the suspects took Smith outside, and he heard numerous gunshots.
Johnson told deputies that after the suspects shot Smith, they began celebrating by firing their guns and yelling, “Yeah, we caught that [expletives] slackin” before fleeing the scene.
After receiving a tip Tuesday night, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office caught up with Myles as he walked out of the Liquor Cabinet on Highway 29 at Old Chemstrand Road in Gonzalez. Deputies gave him loud verbal commands, but he turned and walked back inside the store. The deputies drew their service weapons, entered the store and continued to give loud verbal commands. Myles entered one of the aisles and made movements near products on the shelf before placing his hands and surrendering, an arrest report states.
After and ECSO K-9 alerted on the vehicle, a search produced 24 MDMA pills, crack cocaine, methamphetamine, Alprazolam pills and suspected fentanyl.
A firearm was located inside the Liquor Cabinet.
Pictured: Deputies look for evidence at the scene of a of a triple shooting in Century as seen early Tuesday morning on Alger Road. NorthEscambia.com exclusive photos, click to enlarge.
Are You Satisfied With Your Internet Service? Escambia County Wants To Know
December 4, 2020
Are you satisfied with your broadband internet service?
Escambia County is performing a a broadband feasibility study. As a part of this effort, the county is asking residents and business owners to participate in a survey that will help collect information about broadband internet access availability.
It’s part of the way Escambia County is working to find creative ways to meet the community’s broadband internet needs.
A speed test will be performed during the survey. For that reason, the survey needs to be completed while connected to the home or business network associated with your response. Do not take this survey on a cellular phone.
The survey can be accessed by clicking or tapping here.
“This study will provide Escambia County with the information needed to analyze, select and implement the best solutions to improve broadband connectivity across the entire county so that our network(s) are an asset for community and economic development,” said District 5 County Commissioner Steven Barry. “District 5 desperately needs improved internet service, so I am very interested in learning more about all the options available in order to make this happen for residents and business owners. We recognize reaching our goal may require a mix of current technologies and multiple phases of implementation. Flexibility, ingenuity and innovation along with a cohesiveness in design will be necessary to reach the ultimate goal of digitally connecting all the county through a world-class, next generation network.”
Here’s The Latest Update On The Pensacola Bay Bridge Repairs
December 4, 2020
Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) contractors will soon begin driving piles and setting beams on the Pensacola Bay Bridge to repair damaged spans on the structure.
The piles act as the vertical support structure that is used to hold up the bridge and beams are horizontal supports designed to span from one support to another. The fabrication of multiple concrete piles, piers, and beams continues in preparation for reconstruction.
FDOT continues to:
- Mobilize multiple contractors working around the clock to facilitate construction and minimize impacts to the existing structure.
- Approve multiple construction design plans and review additional design plans for the permanent repairs that address the reconstruction of spans for the bridge and reestablishment of four lanes of traffic on the bridge at the same condition as expected for new construction.
- Widen 2,000 feet of northbound and southbound S.R. 281 south of the I-10 interchange and widen the eastbound I-10 off ramp at eastbound S.R. 281 off ramp to two lanes to improve travel time on the detour route.
- Meet with stakeholder groups, state and local officials, civic organizations and local business owners to discuss the bridge reconstruction as well as other actions that are being considered to efficiently restore regional connectivity.
- Fund the Escambia County Area Transit’s (ECAT) temporary bus route to help transport passengers for free between Pensacola and Gulf Breeze.
The Pensacola Bay Bridge has a targeted re-opening date of March 2021. Once repairs are complete, all four lanes will be open with no load restrictions. As each repair method is developed, FDOT will be conducting reviews to ensure the contractor is hitting all milestones in the established schedule.
Motorists should continue to use all available detour routes, which include the Garcon Point Bridge and State Road 87. At this time, tolls on the Garcon Point Bridge have been suspended through Sunday, December 13.
