Escambia Commission CARES Act Funding For Rent And Mortgage Assistance, Rapid Testing, Food Delivery
August 21, 2020
The Escambia County Commission on Thursday approved moving forward with rapid testing, food delivery and additional public health campaigns using CARES Act funding.
An application process and date for personal and business CARES Act funding has not yet been announced.
Commissioners previously approved rent, mortgage and utility assistance in response to the COVID-19 pandemic through an agreement with the Florida Housing Finance Corporation to receive $903,834 in Coronavirus Relief Funds. These funds will cap at $3,000 per family for qualifying tenants and homeowners affected by COVID-19. There is a 10-day advertising period required before online applications can be submitted. More information will be released as soon as possible.
The Escambia County Rapid Testing Program will allow for 30,000 tests to be administered by Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital through December 30, 2020. These tests could be used for residents without COVID-19 symptoms and for residents without insurance. This funding will also provide 20,000 ID NOW Rapid Test Kits administered by Community Health Northwest Florida.
The Board also approved food delivery through nonprofit partners and churches as part of the Escambia Serves Food Assistance and Relief Program, allowing Escambia County to continue to serve residents through food distribution programs.
Funding in the amount of $500,000 was approved for public health campaigns through Visit Pensacola as it relates to Coronavirus-related resources for out-of-town visitors. Efforts will focus on publicizing the resumption of activities and steps taken to ensure a safe experience during COVID-19.
A special board meeting will take place on Thursday, Aug. 27 at 9 a.m. to continue the discussion about the Escambia County CARES Act plan and implementation. The Board of County Commissioners will meet to address and put forth additional details and requirements for its residents and businesses seeking the more than $14 million from the Florida Division of Emergency Management.
Visitor Ban At Florida Prisons Extended Until Mid-September
August 21, 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic visitation suspension at Florida prisons has been extended again by the Florida Department of Corrections due to COVID-19.
The visitor ban is in effect this time until at least September 14 at all correctional institutions statewide.
“I want to extend my gratitude to the thousands of families who have recognized the importance of protecting our inmate population by suspending visitation. I look forward to the time we can safely welcome them back to visit their loved ones in person,” said FDC Secretary Mark Inch. “As more and more inmates move out of medical isolation and institutions begin normal operations, we are hopeful visitation will resume very soon. We are developing plans on how to conduct visitation in the safest way possible.”
Inmates will continue to have access to their loved ones through mail, phone calls and video visitation. Legal visits will not be impacted, although attorneys are encouraged to consult with their clients via phone, email or mail during this time
New Chief Medical Examiner Recommended
August 21, 2020
State Attorney Bill Eddins has announced that the Medical Examiner Search Committee has recommended the appointment of Dr. Deanne Oleske as the new chief medical examiner for the First District of Florida.
She will meet with all four counties in the district to negotiate the terms of a contract. Once that is completed, her appointment will be recommended to the Governor. A copy of Dr.
Oleske is currently the associate medical examiner in St. Augustine, including St. Johns, Putnam and Flagler counties.
Dr. Timothy Gallagher continues to serve as interim medical examiner in First District, which includes Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Walton counties.
Fall GED Classes Begin August 31 At The Molino Community Center
August 21, 2020
Fall GED classes will start August 31 at the Molino Community Center.
George Stone Technical College is partnering with the Molino Community Center to offer ABE/GED classes every Monday and Thursday from 6-8 p.m. Students who would like a little extra help can arrive early, from 5-6 p.m., for open lab tutoring.
Tuition is $30 per semester. Students may join at any point; there is an open enrollment policy.
Classes are actively taught by two certified teachers and personalized instruction is given based on each student’s academic level. Tutors are also available during class time.
“We have the proven prescription for success in passing the GED test,” said Patricia Harrison, George Stone counselor. “We use direct instruction, as well as materials that are aligned to the ‘actual’ content of the GED test. When students are ready to take the test, they can feel confident and assured of a passing score.”
To find out more about the Molino GED class, call Patricia Harrison at 850-941-6200 ext. 2361, or attend a class for registration assistance.
Cantonment Man Charged With Stalking In Incident That Ended With Three Vehicle Wreck
August 21, 2020
A Cantonment man is accused of a stalking in an incident that ended with a three vehicle wreck on Highway 29.
Cody Ryan Winters, 27, was charged with felony aggravated stalking and felony third degree possession of a controlled substance without a prescription.
The victim told deputies she was driving south on Highway 29 approaching Muscogee Road with three children in her vehicle when she noticed Winters was weaving in and out of the traffic while following her. The incident last Saturday afternoon ended with a three vehicle crash.
The victim, who has a child with Winters, told deputies as she was looking in her rearview mirror while being chased and collided with the vehicle in front of her. After the wreck, she said Winters stopped in his truck and climbed into her vehicle. He then got back into his vehicle, made a U-turn and sped away northbound on Highway 29, the report states. Witnesses corroborated her statement, according to an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office arrest report.
When deputies later located Winters, he told them he was sitting in traffic when he noticed the wreck. He said he drove through traffic to check on his infant daughter because he saw a lot of smoke coming from the vehicle, according to the report. He said while he was helping to get his daughter out of the vehicle, the victim accused him of following her. He denied the allegation.
According to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Winters was previously advised not to contact the woman, a complaint was filed over texts he allegedly sent, and she was previously arrested for battery on him.
A few days later as deputies went to arrest Winters on a warrant in connection with the incident, a search of his person located methamphetamine and marijuana in his left front pocket, an ECSO report states.
NorthEscambia.com photos.
Charges Dropped Against Protester Carried Across Pensacola Bay Bridge On SUV’s Hood
August 20, 2020
Charges have been dropped against the protester carried three miles across the Pensacola Bay Bridge on the hood of a SUV.
Jason Uphaus of the 800 block of South Highway 29 was originally charged with disorderly conduct and criminal mischief.
State Attorney Bill Eddins said that probable cause existed for an arrest, there is insufficient evidence to proceed with the case.
“The charges in this case arose out of an incident that occurred at the foot of the Pensacola Bay Bridge during a demonstration. The victim in this case has failed lo cooperate or communicate with this office during our investigation of this matter. Based on the victim’s lack of cooperation as well as the facts and circumstances of this case, there is insufficient evidence to prove these charges beyond a reasonable doubt,” Eddins said.
One June 6, group of protesters had walked the short distance from the Graffiti Bridge on 17th Avenue to Bayfront Parkway, locking arms and temporarily blocking access to the Pensacola Bay Bridge. The Ford Flex drove at a slow speed through the group, with Uphaus jumping onto the hood of vehicle.
The driver continued slowly, with Uphaus on the hood, three miles across the Pensacola Bay Bridge where the vehicle was stopped by Gulf Breeze Police.
After about 20 minutes, Pensacola Mayor Grover Robinson arrived to speak to the group, and they left the roadway a short time later.
Images for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
One Person Injured In Molino Rollover Crash
August 20, 2020
One person was injured in a single vehicle crash in Molino Thursday morning.
The driver of a Honda Accord ran off the road, struck a culvert, traveled through a fence and overturned multiple times into an open pasture on Nicholson Drive near the Molino Chapel.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour and others, click to enlarge.
Burglar High On Drugs Held At Gunpoint By Resident, ECSO Reports
August 20, 2020
An alleged burglar high on methamphetamine and spice was held at gunpoint until deputies arrived after he walked into a Cottage Hill home.
Matthew Arrington Haveard, age 35 of Cantonment, was charged with felony burglary of an occupied dwelling. He was released from the Escambia County Jail Wednesday on a $5,000 bond.
A resident of Wishbone Road told the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office that he was at home on his computer just after 9 p.m. Monday when he noticed Haveard inside the home. Haveard immediately raised his hands when confronted, and the resident grabbed his handgun before leading Haveard back outside.
The man and his grandmother, the owner of the home, were both inside the residence at the time, and both told deputies they had never seen Haveard before, according to an arrest report.
The Sheriff’s Office said home security video shows Haveard arrive in a Chevrolet pickup truck, walk through an open garage door and enter the residence through a side door.
Haveard told an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputy that he had smoked spice and methamphetamine a couple of hours prior to the incident and did not know where he was, according to the report.
Cantonment Murder Suspect Released On Bond; He’s Charged With Killing Navy Wife In 2001 During Adulterous Affair
August 20, 2020
A Cantonment man accused of murdering his wife nearly 19 year ago has been released on bond.
Gregory Paul Malarik, 57, is charged with first degree premeditated murder with a firearm.
During a bond hearing Wednesday, Judge Jan Shackleford set his bond at $400,000. Records show he was released from Escambia County Jail about 10:30 Wednesday night.
Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office arrested Malarik on July 28 for the 2001 murder of his wife, Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Sherri Malarik. Gregory Malarik, a former Navy Petty Officer 1st Class, was employed by the Naval Aviation Technical Training Center aboard Naval Air Station Pensacola.
The body of Sherri Lynn Malarik was found September 22, 2001, at about 8 a.m. inside a Dodge Caravan in the parking lot of the Winn Dixie and Movie Gallery at 1550 South Highway 29, less than three miles from the couple’s home. She was found by family members who are not named in the report.
An autopsy found that she was murdered – shot twice in the head with a .25 caliber handgun. She was found in the floorboard of the van. Forensic evidence indicated that she was shot while seated in the passenger seat.
The investigation revealed he was engaged in an extramarital affair with Jennifer f who, at that time, was his co-worker. Spohn later disclosed that he wanted to end the marriage but, having previously been married, did not want to go through another divorce proceeding. She related a conversation in which Gregory Malarick suggested he should just kill Sherri.
Investigators said they believed Gregory Malarik drove Sherri Malarik to the Winn Dixie in the minivan. Gregory told Spohn to meet him later that evening at the Winn Dixie to pick him up. When Spohn arrived at Winn Dixie at the appointed time, Gregory was there with the van, got into her vehicle, and told her to drive normally. Once out on Highway 29, Gregory discarded what appeared to be a long-haired wig. Spohn then dropped Gregory off at the marital residence.
Swabs taken from his hands the day of the murder were positive for gunshot residue, and pants believed to have been worn the night of the murder were found to have gunpowder in the left front pocket, the report states.
In 2017, a NCIS investigator examined phone records from the Malarik residence from the night of September 21, 2001. He found that multiple calls were made at 6:29 p.m., 7:59 p.m., 8 p.m. at 8:47 p.m. “This provided two periods of time sufficient for Malarik to have committed the homicide, transported (Sherri) Malarik’s body to Winn Dixie, and returned home,” the report states.
Multiple children in the home were interviewed in 2001 and have since been re-interviewed. All provided statements generally consistent with a timeframe provided by Gregory Malarik. However, one child said that Gregory Malarik called Sherri Malarik into the backyard on September 21, 2001. Shortly after seeing her go in the backyard, the child said they heard a “pop” similar to a firecracker. Gregory Malarik then immediately walked back inside, showered and changed clothes, the report states, before leaving for 10 to 15 minutes. That was sufficient time, the investigation found, to drive the victim to Winn Dixie.
The .25 caliber handgun used in the murder was never recovered, but the investigation revealed Gregory Malarik owned such a weapon at the time of the homicide.
The arrest report states that emails recovered show Gregory Malarik and his mistress had discussed “how to trick a polygraph” as early July 31, 2001.
An email from Sherri Malarik to her sister stated: “I believe that there is spiritual warfare going on in my home and Greg just can’t see it…He is simply upset because he feel that I put other people before him when I listed to the possibility of masonry being something other than it seems…He feels as if I betrayed him. Please keep us in your prayers…we need all the help we can get.”
Spohn was re-interviewed in May 7, 2002, and gave a similar account to her 2001 statements. Spohn was interviewed again on March 6, 2020, during which she gave testimony that was inconsistent with her original statement, the arrest report states, leading investigators to believe her original statement about returning a lawn mower was a cover story. Those statements were redacted. Investigators believe she assisted in the homicide and the destruction of evidence which had been preplanned, possibility for several months as indicated by emails.
Escambia Superintendent Candidate Pool Narrowed To Four
August 20, 2020
The pool of candidates to become the next Escambia County school superintendent is now down from six to four.
The Escambia County School Board removed one name from the list this week, and one other candidate has withdrawn his name from consideration.
The four remaining semi-finalists are:
- Dr. Earl Johnson – Executive director Leadership/Operations Flagler County Schools (FL), 13,000 students, 2017 to present. Previous: High school and elementary principal Flagler County, 2004-2017.
- Keith C. Rittel — Superintendent, Provo, UT, 18,000 students, 2012-present. Previous: Deputy superintendent, Clover Park (Lakewood, WA), 12,000 students, 2008-2012.
- Dr. Timothy A. Smith – Executive area director of high schools, Orange County (FL), 212,000 students, June 2018 to present. Previous: Principal of Winter Park High School (FL), 3,400 students, July 2010-June 2018.
- Keith Leonard – assistant superintendent of Human Resource Services Escambia County, 40,500 students, June 2020-present. Previous: Director of Human Resources, Escambia County, 2007-2020.
Vincent Cotter withdrew from consideration due to family obligations, and the board did not advance Marques Stewart.
Board members expressed concern that Stewart did not have enough experience at the district level. Stewart, a 1996 Woodham High School graduate, is currently a 9th grade principal at an Atlanta high school and spent four years at middle school principal.
The only finalist to receive a vote from all five school board members was Smith, who has been in school administration in Orange County for three decades. The other three semi-finalists received three votes each from board members.
“I like the fact that he comes from a large district. He’s in Florida. He’s got education degrees, but his undergraduate degree was in business,” Board Chair Patty Hightower said. “He also mentions the military, needing to address the military and communicate well with the military.”
The school board will invite the four semi-finalists to Escambia County August 26-28. August 27 will be a day of interviews that will be streamed online for the public to see, and the public will have a chance to submit questions. Each of the four will also take part in one-on-one interviews with school board members.
In November 2018, Escambia County citizens voted to move from an elected to an appointed superintendent. Malcolm Thomas, the current elected superintendent, will retire in November. The school hopes to name his replacement by September 1 with an anticipated start date of November 17.