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FDLE Says Former Gulf Breeze Mayor, CTA Boss Recorded Teen Boys In His Shower And Stalked Them

Agents with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement arrested Edward Merrill Gray III Monday on eight counts of video voyeurism, one count of interception of oral communication and the misdemeanor charges of stalking and installation of a tracking device.

Gray is the former mayor of Gulf Breeze and was until a few weeks employed by the City of Gulf Breeze as executive director of the Capital Trust Agency (CTA). Century serves as a second signature for CTA’s. Gray’s arrest was not related to his government service, according to FDLE.

Gray, age 68 of 1 Gray Oaks lane in Gulf Breeze, allegedly made secret video recordings of  teen boys inside his home and allegedly stalked them using a GPS tracker.

An 18-year male that did various jobs around Gray’s home told Gulf Breeze Police that he located a video camera concealed in a shoebox in the master bedroom closet where he had changed clothes multiple time prior to showering in the past year. Gulf Breeze Police handed the investigation off to FDLE.

The victim told FDLE investigators that Gray became more controlling and intruded in his personal life by tracking his movements. He said in one incident, Gray located him at a park in Pensacola and believed he was tracking him through his phone.  In another incident, the victim said he told Gray he was home sick, but Gray confronted him on the phone and told him that he knew he was at a friend’s home.

Gray told FDLE that the hidden camera was initially turned on to watch an air conditioning repair man, but he decided to turn it back on because he was suspicious that the teen was possibly sexting in his master bedroom. He eventually admitted that the recording did capture the victim undressing, according to an arrest affidavit.

FDLE executed a search warrant at Gray’s home on August 3, with FDLE seizing devices with eight videos that captured four males nude or undressing in Gray’s master bedroom. A majority of the videos showed Gray starting the camera prior to individuals coming into the bathroom. The victims have all been identified by authorities. FDLE also located about 160 screenshots showing GPS locations, and they said he had installed a tracker on at least one victim’s vehicle.

At least one of the victims was 17-years old.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is asking anyone with information about Gray that may relate to this case of other victims call FDLE Pensacola at (800) 226-8574.

Gray’s bond was set at $101,000, and he was released a few hours after being booked Monday.

For more about Gray, the CTA and Century, click here for a previous story.

UPDATE: Local Escambia County (FL) Hurricane Information, Closures, Plans, Related Actions

Here is the latest local update from Escambia County on Hurricane Sally and related closures, actions and plans.

Current Situation

On Monday, Sept. 14, Escambia County issued resolution R2020-124, declaring a state of local emergency due to imminent threat of Hurricane Sally.

• Escambia County Emergency Operation Center has been activated at a level 2 due to COVID-19 and will be activated for Hurricane Sally beginning Tuesday, Sept. 15 at 7 a.m. We will continue to closely monitor the situation over the next 72 hours to provide our residents with the most up-to-date information.
• There are currently NO evacuations ordered for Escambia County residents, no matter the location. However, conditions can change rapidly. It is vital that residents monitor our local media for the most up-to-date forecasts several times a day and follow any safety directives from Escambia County Emergency Management officials.
• Public works crews are implementing their storm preparation protocol which includes fueling of equipment, stocking vehicles, placing employees on standby for after-hours road clearing, removing trash cans and lifeguard towers from Pensacola Beach, and checking drainage systems.
• County offices will be closed to the public on Tuesday, Sept. 15, including the Tax Collector’s Office, the Supervisor of Elections Office and all offices of Pam Childers, Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller. A decision for Wednesday county offices will be made tomorrow.
• The Perdido Landfill and the Waste Services Transfer Station will be closed to the public on Tuesday, Sept. 15.
• All meetings have been canceled tomorrow including the Board of Electrical Examiners, the Pensacola-Escambia Promotion and Development Commission, Environmental Enforcement Special Magistrate, FloridaWest Economic Development Alliance Board of Directors and Extension Council. The Board of Adjustment meeting will be canceled Wednesday, Sept. 16.
• Pensacola Beach Lifeguards are flying red flags on Pensacola Beach. The water is closed to swimming and wading.
• As a reminder, residents are encouraged to prepare their disaster kits now, which should include seven days of food and water supplies for after the storm arrives. Residents are also encouraged to fuel all vehicles and generators, and prepare all medications needed by family and pets. Individuals should also consider having at least two emergency supply kits, one full kit at home and smaller portable kits in their workplace, vehicle or other places they spend time. Remember, this year’s disaster kit might need to look a little different if you must go to a shelter—make sure to include face coverings, hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes.With possible flooding forecast for our area, please do not drive into hazardous flood water and remember to Turn Around Don’t Drown. Follow these flood safety tips:
  • Get to higher ground – Get out of areas subject to flooding.
  • Do not drive into water – Do not drive or walk into flooded areas. It only takes 6″ of water to knock you off your feet and 2 feet of water to carry away a vehicle.
  • Stay informed – Monitor local radar, television, weather radio, internet or social media for updates.

Sand is still available at the following locations:

• Baars Field Athletic Park – 13001 Sorrento Road, Pensacola
• Brent Athletic Park – 4711 N. W St., Pensacola
• Don Sutton Park – 2320 Crabtree Church Road, Molino
• Equestrian Center – 7750 Mobile Highway, Pensacola
• Escambia County Road Department – 601 Highway 297-A, Pensacola
• Ferry Pass Middle School – 8355 Yancey Lane, Pensacola, sand will be on the northwest corner of school property on Parazine Street
• John R. Jones Jr. Athletic Park – 555 E. Nine Mile Road, Pensacola
• Travis M. Nelson Park -  4541 County Road 4, Pensacola
• (NEW) 12950 Gulf Beach Highway, Pensacola (behind the Sheriff’s sub station)

The sand is available on a first come, first serve basis. Residents must bring their own sandbags and shovels.

Schools, Colleges & Universities

Pensacola International Airport

• Pensacola International Airport is closed to all arriving and departing aircraft. Passengers will not be allowed to stay in the terminal building. PNS will remain closed until weather (wind speeds, rain, etc) allow for safe operation. Passengers with flights in or out of PNS should contact their airlines for rescheduling and updates.

Emerald Coast Utilities Authority

• Sanitation collections for ECUA customers in Escambia and Santa Rosa County for Tuesday, Sept. 15, have been canceled following the announced closures of the Perdido and Central Landfills. Information on the resumption of collections will be posted after the re-opening of each landfill is determined by their respective county. All ECUA business offices will be closed Tuesday.
• The ECUA Citizens’ Advisory Committee  meeting scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 15 has been rescheduled to Thursday, Sept. 17 at 2 p.m.

Gulf Islands National Seashore

• Gulf Islands National Seashore has closed the Fort Pickens, Perdido Key/Johnson Beach, Santa Rosa/Opal Beach and Okaloosa areas and evacuated Fort Pickens campground. The areas will remain closed until further notice.
• Highway 399, J. Earl Bowden Way, also closed Sunday night ahead of the storm.

COVID-19 Testing Sites

• Ascension Medical Group Sacred Heart – closed Tuesday, Sept. 14
• FDOH-Escambia Downtown Center – closed Tuesday, Sept. 14
• FDOH-Escambia at Publix (9th Ave. and Bayou Blvd.) – closed Tuesday, Sept. 14
• Community Health Northwest Florida – closed Tuesday, Sept. 14
• Community Health Northwest Florida Cantonment Pediatrics – closed Wednesday, Sept. 15
• UWF – closed through Tuesday, Sept. 15

Council on Aging of West Florida

• COA’s social services department is calling all clients in high-risk areas to advise them of options and determine their readiness for the storm.
• The Retreat adult day care will be closed through Wednesday, Sept. 16.
• Pre-packaged to-go meals distributed from churches and community centers in Santa Rosa will cease operation Tuesday, Sept. 15 and resume Wednesday, Sept. 16.
• Meals on Wheels will also be suspended Tuesday, Sept. 15. Individuals scheduled to receive meals on Tues. will receive their meals on Wednesday.
• To mitigate the risk caused by missed meal-delivery, many high-risk individuals were given shelf-stable, long-lasting meals at the start of hurricane season.
• For questions on Council on Aging programs and services, call 850- 432-1475.

Escambia County (FL) High School Football Games All Rescheduled

Escambia County School District High School football games previously scheduled for this week have been rescheduled.  This is a safety measure, in order to allow adequate practice for players prior to games.

• Games will be rescheduled as follows:
• Booker T. Washington High School, the Blue and White game is canceled for Friday, September 18, 2020, and will not be rescheduled.
• Northview High School vs Baker High School game, is canceled for Friday, September 18, 2020; rescheduled for Monday, September 21, 2020, at 7:00 p.m., at Baker High School.
• West Florida High School vs Pensacola High School game, is canceled for Friday, September 18, 2020; rescheduled for Monday, September 21, 2020, at 7:00 p.m., at West Florida High School.
• Tate High School vs Pine Forest High School game, is canceled for Friday, September 18, 2020; rescheduled for Monday, September 21, 2020, at 7:00 p.m., at Tate High School.
• Escambia High School vs Catholic High School game, is canceled for Friday, September 18, 2020; rescheduled for Friday, October 9, 2020, at 7:00 p.m., at Escambia High School.
• The Pine Forest High School Junior Varsity football game previously scheduled for Thursday, September 17, 2020 against Tate High School has been rescheduled for Saturday, September 19, 2020, at 2:00 p.m., at Pine Forest High School.
• The Northview High School Junior Varsity football game previously scheduled for Thursday, September 17, 2020, against Baker High School has been canceled.

Escambia, Santa Rosa Report 72 New COVID-19 Cases, No Deaths On Sunday

There were 72 additional confirmed COVID-19 positive cases and no deaths reported in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties on Sunday, according to the Florida Department of Health.

Escambia County cases increased by 49 to 11,867 An additional 23 cases brought the Santa Rosa County total to 5,126.

Of the 770 tests results returned in Escambia County, 5.6% were positive, and 9.2% were positive from 278 tests in Santa Rosa County. Over the past week, the overall average positivity rate for Escambia County is 5.1%.

There were 73 COVID-19 patients currently hospitalized in Escambia County as of Sunday, according to data from the three local hospitals.

Of the 203 deaths in Escambia County, 96 have been long-term care facility residents or staff. There have been 66 deaths in Santa Rosa County, at least seven of those at the Blackwater River Correctional Facility and 16 in a long-term care facilities.

Statewide, there were 663,994 cases including 656,485 Florida residents. There have been 41,297 hospitalizations* and 12,608 deaths. The Florida Department of Health does not have a clear standard or definition of “recovered” and does not report a number of recovered individuals.

Escambia County cases:

Total cases — 11,867 (+49)
Non-Florida residents — 1,045
Pensacola —8,642 (+90)
Century — 926
—-including 771 Century prison inmates
Cantonment — 869 (+3)
Molino— 141 (+1)
McDavid — 68
Walnut Hill — 17
Bellview — 12
Gonzalez — 7
Perdido Key — 7
Current hospitalizations: 73 (-8)
Deaths — 203
Male — 5,299
Female — 5,498
Youngest — 0
Oldest — 105
Median Age — 39

Santa Rosa County cases:

Total cases — 5,126 (+23)
Non-Florida residents — 50
Milton — 2,718 (+10)
Gulf Breeze — 733 (+2)
Navarre — 637 (+2)
Pace — 407 (+2)
Jay — 144  (+3)
Bagdad — 12
Cumulative Hospitalizations — 296*
Deaths — 66
Male — 2,806
Female — 2,262
Youngest — 2 months
Oldest — 101
Median Age — 40

Florida cases:

Total cases — 663,994
Florida residents — 656,485
Deaths — 12,608
Hospitalizations — 41,297*

*“Hospitalizations” in the statewide and Santa Rosa County totals is a count of all laboratory confirmed cases in which an inpatient hospitalization occurred at any time during the course of illness. These people may no longer be hospitalized. This number does not represent the number of COVID-19 positive persons currently hospitalized. The FDOH does not provide a count of patients currently hospitalized. The Escambia County number is current data compiled each day from the local hospitals.
**Data Sources: Florida Department of Health, Escambia County, City of Pensacola, local hospitals.

Florida Gas Prices Drift Lower As Sally Moves North

Florida gas prices were drifting lower as Tropical Storm Sally moves toward the Gulf Coast. Ten crude oil refineries, with a total processing capacity of 2.64 million barrels per day (more than 25 percent of total gulf coast crude oil refining capacity) stand in the path of the storm.

The average price per gallon Sunday night in Escambia County was $2.15. A North Escambia low of $2.09 could be found at three Cantonment stations Sunday night, while one Nine Mile Road station was at $1.89.

“As of Sunday night, this storm was not having much of an impact on gasoline prices, but that could change this week, depending on the severity of the storm,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “For now, it appears retail prices could continue to decline this week, due to the 10-cent drop in wholesale gasoline prices last week.”

Florida drivers were paying an average price of $2.17 per gallon for regular unleaded gasoline. Sunday’s state average was about the cents per gallon less than a week ago and six cents more than one month ago.

Escambia County Commision Honors State Champion 4-H Meat Judging Teams

The Escambia County Commission recently honored the members of two Escambia County 4-H Meat Judging teams that won state champinships.

The Escambia County 4-H Meat Judging Team won the senior division state championship. Team members are Jessica Conti, Hannah Thorne, Ethan Thorne and Chad Sasser.

Conti was also the over high scoring individual with three teams and 11 individuals competing in the virtual state competition held last Saturday.

Other top placing individuals included Hannah Thorne in second, Ethan Thorne in third and Sasser in 10th place.

Escambia County also brought home the state championship in the intermediate division of the contest as the sole competing team, with team members Tucker Padgett, Gracie Meredith, Alan Bray Crews and Abigail Bray Crews.

As state champions, the Escambia County teams earned the right to represent Florida in the National 4-H Meat Judging Contest at the American Royal Association in Kansas City, Missouri, in October.

Florida Bars Can Reopen At Half Capacity

Florida allowed bars to reopen at 50% capacity on Monday as the state’s COVID-19 cases continue to subside.

Department of Business and Professional Regulation Secretary Halsey Beshears signed an executive order Thursday night that rescinds the restrations his  department placed on bars just three weeks after they reopened in June after coronavirus cases surged.

“In meetings with hundreds of owners of bars and breweries across the state, I’ve heard their stories of struggle, and I’ve observed their serious commitment to making health and safety a continuing priority in their businesses,” Beshears said in a statement. “It’s time that we take this step, and it’s vital that we start moving forward with this sector of our hospitality industry who have endured one of the toughest paths for sustaining a business during this pandemic.”

Alcohol vendors may operate at 50% capacity, allow bar service to seated patrons, and permit outdoor seating and service with appropriate social distancing, according to the order.

Molino Man Killed, Passenger Seriously Injured In Highway 95A Wreck

A Molino man was killed in a single vehicle crash early Sunday morning.

The 22-year old was northbound on Highway 95A near Danielle Lane when he lost control. His car left the roadway, began to rotate and struck a culvert before overturning.  He was pronounced deceased at the scene.

His passenger, a 23-year old Molino man was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected.  He was airlifted to a Pensacola hospital in serious condition.

The Florida Highway Patrol will no longer release the name of crash victims.

Applications Open This Week For Over $7 Million In Escambia CARES Personal, Business Grants

The application period will open Friday for the Escambia CARES Family Emergency Financial Assistance Grant for individuals and families and the Escambia CARES Business Emergency Financial Assistance Grant, each in the total amount of $3,580,331.

Escambia CARES Family Emergency Financial Assistance Grant

Funding for the Escambia CARES Family Emergency Financial Assistance Grant will be available in amounts of $2,000 per household, and will be awarded to approximately 1,790 households in the county. CARES Family Emergency Financial Assistance Grants will be dispersed on a first-qualified, first-served basis.

General Eligibility Requirements

• Applicants must be residents of Escambia County
• Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or a permanent legal resident
• Applicants must be at least 18 years old
• Have a household income of $45,000 or less
• Have been negatively impacted by COVID-19

The application window for the Escambia CARES Family Emergency Financial Assistance Grant will be open from Friday, Sept. 18, through Tuesday, Sept. 22. The application will be available online at myescambia.com/CARES beginning Friday, Sept. 18, at 8 a.m. and will be open until 8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22.

To apply for the Escambia CARES Family Emergency Financial Assistance Grant, applicants will need to provide:

• Certification of COVID-19 impact
• Copy of a valid, state-issued ID
• Copy of Social Security card or other proof of a Social Security number
• Tax-Filers: Copy of the first page of their 2019 federal tax return (IRS form 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ)
• Non-Tax Filers: Self-Certification letter stating the reason why you did not file a 2019 Federal Income Tax Return and/or the type of income you received – Social Security Benefits (SSA, SSI/SSD), Railroad Retirement, Veterans Affairs Pension, Disability Benefits, etc.
• A completed W-9 form. Click here for the fillable W-9 Form.

Those needing assistance or who do not have access to the internet and wish to apply with paper forms instead of online can visit  one of the 12 fully-staffed application assistance centers located throughout the county, with at least one location available in each district.

These locations will be staffed for in-person application assistance during the grant application window, Friday, Sept. 18, through Tuesday, Sept. 22, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays and from noon to 5 p.m. weekends.

• Beulah Senior Citizens Center, 7425 Woodside Dr.
• Brownsville Community Center, 3200 W. DeSoto St.
• Carver Park Resource Center, 208 Webb St.
• Century Branch Library, 7991 N. Century Blvd.
• Dorrie Miller Community Center, 2819 N. Miller St.
• Escambia County Extension Services, 3740 Stefani Road
• Gull Point Community Center, 7000 Spanish Trail
• Lexington Terrace Community Center, 700 S. Old Corry Field Road
• Marie K. Young Wedgewood Community Center, 6405 Wagner Rd.
• Molino Community Center, 6450 Highway 95-A North
• Pensacola Downtown Library, 239 N. Spring St.
• Walnut Hill Community Center, 7850 Highway 97 North

Escambia CARES Business Emergency Financial Assistance Grant

Funding for the Escambia CARES Business Emergency Financial Assistance Grant will be available in amounts of $7,500 for small businesses with up to 25 employees and $15,000 for small businesses with 26-50 employees.

The application process for the Escambia CARES Business Emergency Financial Assistance Grant will open Friday, Sept. 25, and continue through Tuesday, Sept. 29.  The application will be available online at myescambia.com/CARES and will be available in select in-person locations. Those locations will be determined at the next Board of County Commissioners’ meeting on Thursday, Sept. 17.

Businesses wishing to apply for this grant will need to supply:

• A current W-9 form

• Financial documents including a 2019 tax return, IRS form 941 from the first quarter of 2020 or a sole proprietor statement

• Documentation of the amount of loans received from the Paycheck Protection Program

• An active state business registration, license or other documentation of the businesses’ ability to operate in Florida

These grants are part of a larger funding allocation to Escambia County by the federal CARES Act via the State of Florida. Escambia County has been initially allocated more than $14.32 million in funding. The Board of Commissioners has committed half of this funding will go directly to the county’s residents and businesses in the form of direct payments.

Man Charged With Attempted Murder After Allegedly Shooting At Group Of People In Atmore

One person is charged with attempted murder after allegedly opening fire toward a group of people in Atmore.

Amirr Raheem English, age 21 of Atmore, is now behind bars without bond.

Friday afternoon, the Atmore Police Department responded to reported gunfire near the intersection of Robinson and Maxwell streets.

“Witnesses at the scene described two males exiting a blue van and began firing toward a crowd of people. After discharging numerous rounds, the suspects fled the scene,” Atmore Police Chief Chuck Brooks said Saturday.

Atmore Police officers found numerous shell casings in the roadway, and they also learned that a male had been shot and taken to Atmore Community Hospital by private vehicle.

Their investigation led them to Baldwin County Saturday. That’s where Atmore Police Department investigators, the Bay Minette Police Department and the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office took English into custody.

Brooks said more arrests are forthcoming in the case.

The watermark was added to the mugshot by the computer system at the Escambia County (AL) Detention Center.

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