FDLE Raids Escambia County Public Safety Office
November 8, 2019
Agents from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement raided the Escambia County Public Safety Building Thursday afternoon.
FDLE seized county records in connection with an investigation.
“The county continues to cooperate with an ongoing state investigation that includes the gathering of records, some of which are housed at the public safety building,” Escambia County Administrator Janice Gilley told NorthEscambia.com.
The Florida Department of Health began an investigation earlier this year into allegations involving the possible falsification of training certificates by Escambia EMS.
In an April 2019 statement, the county said: “While we are unable to comment about specifics of any ongoing investigation, we can tell you that our own processes through our medical director alerted county leadership to possible training discrepancies and other areas of concern within EMS in 2018. A challenge was finding documentable evidence to bring forward for review. An internal investigation began in January 2019 and then was turned over by the county to the Florida Department of Health with a cover letter from our medical director outlining our concerns, as the scope falls under their jurisdiction and expertise.”
File photo.
Human Trafficking, Sexual Battery Charges Dropped Against Cantonment Man
November 8, 2019
Charges including human trafficking have been dropped against a Cantonment man.
John Chess Foster was arrested late last month for human trafficking, sexual battery, false imprisonment and battery due to allegations made by the woman that had lived with him for nearly five years.
The arrest report states the victim told deputies he gets high on methamphetamine, brings guys over and forces her to perform sexual acts on them. She stated that he has facilitated sexual contact between her and over 20 men where he forces her to sit naked before telling her what acts to perform on them and making her bathe with bleach when finished.
He denies the allegations, and now the State Attorney’s Office has dropped all charges because the victim is not cooperating with investigators and information provided by a neighbor contradicts her claims.
The State Attorney’s Office said they are continuing their investigation into the case and looking into if the alleged victim could face charges for filing a false police report.
Wastewater Spill Reported At Gulf Power’s Plant Crist
November 8, 2019
Thousands of gallons of wastewater spilled Thursday at Gulf Power’s Plant Crist.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection said a release of industrial wastewater occurred as a result of malfunction of an air relief valve on the ECUA return water line the power plant.
In response to the incident, Gulf Power isolated the valve and shut-off flow through the line. It is estimated that up to approximately 9,000 gallons was released to the surrounding ground surface over approximately 90 minutes, with a small amount captured by the industrial wastewater system. There was no direct discharge to surface water or wetlands.
File photo.
Events: Arts And Crafts Festivals, Judgement House
November 8, 2019
Here are several events of interest in the North Escambia are happening through the weekend:
Walnut Hill Baptist Church Judgement House
A judgement house live performance will be held at Walnut Hill Baptist Church, November 9, and 10, from 6:30 p.m. until 9 p.m. This is a ten-scene, walk through drama, which effectively presents the gospel through relevant and gripping stories. Guests are led through a series of rooms that portray peoples’ lives which have been cut short through some type of tragedy. Audiences will observe how the deaths dramatically impact families and what people experience beyond the grave. Children under seven are not recommended to attend. Donations will be accepted. Walk ins are welcome, but reservations are recommended. For reservations call 850-382-3071. The church is located at 5741 Arthur Brown Rd in Walnut Hill.
St. Monica’s Arts and Crafts Festival and Chili Cookoff
St. Monica’s Episcopal Church will be hosting their Annual Holiday Arts and Crafts Festival and Chili Cookoff on Saturday, November 9, 2019, from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. The event will feature local artists, crafter, cottage business and other vendors, as well as a competition chili cookoff. Admission and parking are free. Come shop for your holiday gifting and taste and judge the chili selections. There will also be a silent auction. The church is located at 699 S. Hwy 95-A in Cantonment.
Pine Forest UMC Arts & Crafts Festival
Pine Forest United Methodist Church will be hosting their 30th Annual Arts and Crafts Festival and Car Show on Saturday, November 9, 2019, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. The day will feature over 180 arts, crafts and other vendors, as well as food and live music. Free admission. Free parking. Door prizes. The church is located at 2800 Wilde Lake Boulevard in Pensacola. Proceeds benefit community ministries. For more information call (850) 944-0170 or visit www.pineforestumc.org.
Century Honors Veterans (With Photo Gallery)
November 8, 2019
The Town of Century held their eighth annual Veterans Day Program Thursday afternoon.
The program featured a flag presentation by the Northview High School NJROTC Color Guard and patriotic music from Byrneville Elementary School fourth and fifth graders.
Guest speaker was veteran Kevin Stead, U.S. Marines. He served with the VMAQ-4 Seahawks as a technician on the EA-6A aircraft.
Stead stressed the importance of those that served. He also highlighted the service of veteran Dwain Bradshaw, an Escambia County fire chief killed at the scene of fatal motorcycle crash on Wednesday. Stead led a moment of silence in his honor.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Funeral Services Announced For Fallen Fire Chief
November 8, 2019
Services have been announced for a fallen Escambia County fire fighter killed while on a call Wednesday.
Services for Chief Dwain Bradshaw will be as follows:
Visitation:
Tuesday, November 12
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Hillcrest Baptist Church
800 East Nine Mile Road
Funeral Services:
Tuesday, November 12
11:00 a.m.
Hillcrest Baptist Church
800 East Nine Mile Road
Graveside Service:
Pensacola Memorial Gardens
7433 Pine Forest Road
Traffic Delays But No Injuries In Highway 97, Highway 29 Wreck
November 7, 2019
There were no injuries in a crash that shut down part of the Highway 97 at Highway 29 intersection for two hours Thursday night.
Both drivers refused medical transport to the hospital after the wreck about 6 p.m. The roadway reopened about 8 p.m.
The crash is under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. The Molino Station of Escambia Fire Rescue, Escambia EMS and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office also responded.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Man Identified As Motorcyclist Killed In Crash That Led To Second Crash, Fire Chief Death
November 7, 2019
The motorcyclist in a crash Wednesday near the Muscogee Bridge that led to the death of a fire chief has been identified as an Escambia County man.
Keith Owens, age 57, of Pensacola collided with a 2011 International semi driven by 52-year old Patrick Bankester of Bay Minette on Alabama Highway 112 near the state line and Muscogee Road. Bankester was not injured. Owens was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Fire Chief Dwain S. Bradshaw, 41, was among those that responded to a 3:50 a.m. crash.
Clifton Harrison, age 59 of Mobile, was traveling east on Highway 112 in a loaded 1999 Freightliner log truck (pictured below). Alabama State Troopers said he struck two unoccupied vehicles — a 2007 Peterbilt and a 2011 Dodge truck — before leaving the roadway and striking Bradshaw. The log truck came to rest off the roadway on its side.
Bradshaw was airlifted to Sacred Heart Hospital where he was later pronounced deceased. He was the district chief at the Bellview Fire Station and the assistant chief at the Beulah Fire Station.
Alabama troopers are continuing their investigation into the exact cause of the crashes.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Man Charged With Battery Of His Girlfriend
November 7, 2019
A Cantonment man with history of battery convictions has been charged with the battery of his girlfriend.
Jason John Day, 45, was charged with felony battery and criminal mischief against the woman he had lived with for the past month. Thursday, he remained in the Escambia County Jail without bond.
He allegedly hit her on the buttocks, threw clothes at her, spat on her, pushed her down and kicked in a door causing damage to the door, door frame and wall. He was heavily intoxicated at the time, according to an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office report.
Day has at least three prior batter convictions from Niceville, Jacksonville and Jacksonville Beach, according to the ECSO.
Want To Help The Family Of Fallen Fire Chief? Here’s How To Donate
November 7, 2019
According to Escambia County, donations for the family of fallen volunteer fire Chief Dwain Bradshaw can be made to:
“Escambia County Professional Firefighters Charity C/O Dwain Bradshaw” at any BBVA/Compass Bank. All donations will be given directly to the family.
Bradshaw leaves behind a wife and two daughters.
A GoFundMe account has also been established. Click here.
Previous stories:
Escambia County Mourns Loss Of Fire Rescue District Chief Dwain Bradshaw
Fire Chief Passes Away After Being Hit By Log Truck At Fatal Motorcycle Crash Scene