Body Found Inside Vehicle In Brewton Walmart Parking Lot
July 13, 2019
Officials in Brewton say that foul play is not currently suspected after a body was found inside a vehicle in a Walmart parking lot.
About 7:10 p.m. Wednesday, the Brewton Police Department was dispatched to Walmart on Douglas Avenue. Emergency personnel responded and pronounced the individual deceased inside the vehicle.
Brewton Police said late Friday afternoon that no foul play is suspected at this time.
The body was transported to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences where an autopsy will be performed to determine the exact cause of death. The incident remains under investigation.
Pictured: The Walmart in Brewton. File photo.
FDLE: Inmate Threatens 9/11 Style Attacks, ‘Blood Will Run’
July 13, 2019
Florida Department of Law Enforcement agents have arrested Norberto Iglesias, 53, on charges of terrorism; threat to throw, project, place or discharge any destructive device; and written threats to kill, do bodily injury or conduct a mass shooting or act of terrorism. Iglesias is an inmate at Blackwater Correctional Facility serving a 15-year sentence for grand theft and fraud.
The investigation began in April after FDLE received information that Iglesias wrote threatening letters claiming to have information about weapons and explosives throughout Florida. Iglesias threatened that “blood will run” and that people will die as they did during the 9/11 terrorist attacks. He also wrote that Miami will be a “river of blood” as a result of a terrorist war.
During an interview with investigators, Iglesias refused to provide details unless he and another unnamed inmate could serve their prison sentences on house arrest or at a hotel in Miami. Agents say Iglesias fabricated the threats to get out of prison early.
Agents served an arrest warrant on Iglesias, and he was arraigned yesterday in Santa Rosa County. This case will be prosecuted by the Office of the State Attorney, 1st Judicial Circuit.
Photo: Tropical Storm Barry Sunset At Lake Stone
July 13, 2019
Low clouds from Tropical Storm Barry led to a vibrant sunset Friday at Lake Stone near Century. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Eight Things You May Not Know About Watermelons
July 13, 2019
Watermelons mean summer in most places, but perhaps no more so than in Florida, the country’s number one producer of this quintessential summer fruit.
They may be 92 percent water, but there’s more to growing and eating watermelon than you might think, say experts with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.
Florida grows A LOT of watermelon
Florida watermelon farmers sold 800 million pounds of watermelon last year, said Bob Hochmuth, assistant director of the UF/IFAS North Florida Research and Education Center, Suwannee Valley.
“Watermelons are grown throughout the state, with concentrated acreage near Immokalee, Belle Glade, Arcadia and the Suwannee Valley. The Suwannee Valley produces a third of Florida’s watermelon crop,” Hochmuth said.
Watermelon plants love sand
We’re not talking sandy beaches. “Watermelon grows best in well-drained sandy soils, which are common in areas with a lot of watermelon production,” Hochmuth said.
Watermelons need pollinators
Like many fruits and vegetables, watermelon need pollinators to pollinate their flowers in order to reproduce. Without honeybees, native bees, wasps and the like, we would not have watermelon to enjoy, Hochmuth said
Watermelon farmers need science to do well
“UF/IFAS provides several key education programs for watermelon farmers throughout the year,” Hochmuth said. “Most importantly, UF/IFAS Extension agents make farm visits during the growing season to help with disease and pest identification, and other irrigation and fertilizer management decisions.
Watermelon is good for you
Watermelon generally considered a healthy food because of its high water content, which means each serving is relatively low in calories, said Samantha Kennedy, family and consumer sciences agent with UF/IFAS Extension Wakulla County.
“Most are unaware that it contains any protein or fiber, but it does, and many are surprised to learn that it has a decent amount of potassium,” Kennedy said.
It’s a versatile ingredient
While most are familiar with eating watermelon by the slice, there are many ways to include the fruit in your snacks and meals, Kennedy said.
“Add chunks of watermelon to a fresh summer salad for a bit of sweetness, or combine pureed watermelon with frozen lemonade and lime juice for a refreshing drink. You can also throw watermelon slices on the grill for a few seconds for a different twist on a familiar flavor,” she said.
Get them while it’s hot
Watermelon is in season during the hot summer months, Kennedy said. In season produce is generally cheaper and of better quality because it doesn’t have to travel as far to get to the consumer.
Look for heft, balance and a yellow spot
“The Watermelon Board recommends that consumers look for a melon that feels heavy for its size, and looks and feels symmetrical,” Kennedy said. One side of the watermelon should have a creamy, yellow spot—this is where the melon rested on the ground as it ripened.
Pictured: Watermelons for sale on Highway 97 near Pine Forest Road in Davisville. NorthEscambia.com photo.
Escambia Sheriff’s Office Wrangles Goat After Standoff In Century
July 13, 2019
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office took a goat into custody Friday night after a standoff near a Century grocery store.
Deputies were called to the area of the Food Giant on North Century Boulevard about 8:45 p.m. due to the goat on the run. A witness said the goat and deputies ended up in a standoff.
The ECSO’s livestock officer responded and roped the goat about two hours later.
The Sheriff’s Office will make an effort to reunite the goat with its owners. Lost or abandoned animals are ultimately rehabilitated and then auctioned off to good homes, usually at the ECSO Substation on Highway 29 in Molino.
Anyone that has information about the goat’s owner can call the Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620.
Reader submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Health Dept. Issues Water Quality Advisory For Park West On Pensacola Beach
July 13, 2019
The Escambia County Health Department has issued a health advisory for the Gulf side of Park West near the Fort Pickens gate in response to bacteriological sampling.
The bacteriological sampling occurred during water quality monitoring activities, and the level of bacteria has exceeded the level established by state guidelines. The department advises against any water-related activities at the above locations due to the potential for high bacteria levels.
“Water samples gathered at this site showed high-levels of enterococci bacteria, which is naturally present in the intestines of people and animals. Enterococci counts commonly spike after heavy rainfall washes fecal matter from wild animals into nearby water bodies,” says Escambia CHD Director Dr. John Lanza. “We advise against engaging in water-related activities at this site until further notice.”
The Escambia CHD staff will continue to monitor the water quality in the area and advise the public of results
Manhunt In Nokomis And Atmore For Escaped Prison Inmate
July 12, 2019
A manhunt was underway Friday in Nokomis and Atmore for an inmate that escaped from a work release center in Alabama Wednesday night, but he eluded capture.
The US Marshals and officers from the Alabama Department of Corrections were being assisted by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Atmore Police Department and other agencies.
Travis Wyatt Dawson, 41, escaped from Loxley Work Release at about 9 p.m. Wednesday. Authorities believe he was in the area of Rockaway Creek Road and Miller Road Friday. The manhunt was later expanded along Rockaway Creek Road in Atmore.
A perimeter was established and K-9 units were called to the scene. As of about 3 p.m., the original portion of Friday’s manhunt was called off. Authorities were still on the lookout for the escapee. By late afternoon, the manhunt had shifted to Highway 31 west of Atmore.
Dawson was sentenced to 20 years in 2013 on a possession of a controlled substance conviction in Escambia County, AL.
Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call the Alabama Department of Corrections at (800) 831-8825, the Escambia County (FL) Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620 or 911.
Pictured top: Officers from the Alabama Department of Corrections speak to an Escambia County (FL) deputy and a citizen a roadblock on Miller Road in Florida midday Friday. Pictured below: An Escambia County (FL) Road Prison K-9 team searches near a Rockaway Creek Road bridge that spans the Alabama-Florida state line. Pictured bottom: An Escambia County (FL) deputy helps maintain a perimeter around a neighborhood along Rockaway Creek Road at Grubbs Street in Atmore Friday afternoon. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Civilian Acts Canceled; Blue Angels Set To Fly Limited Performances
July 12, 2019
The civilian acts have been canceled for the Blue Angels Air Show at Pensacola Beach, and the Blue Angels will try to fly Saturday and Sunday.
The Blues will perform a limited show at 2 p.m. both days if the weather and winds fall within their limits.
The civilian acts were canceled due to winds from Tropical Storm Barry and a lack of availability of rescue units in the water.
The Santa Rosa Island Authority, FAA and Escambia County Emergency Management will decide at 8 a.m. Saturday if the Blue Angels will fly, and we’ll have the announcement on NorthEscambia.com.
In order to fly, the Blue Angels need the wind to be under 25 knots (28.76 mph) and a visibility of at least three nautical miles (3.45 statute miles).
NorthEscambia.com photo.
Tate High’s Kat Venettozzi Flies With The Blue Angels
July 12, 2019
Tate High School teacher and coach Kat Venettozzi flew with the Blue Angels Thursday morning in advance of the Pensacola Beach Air Show.
Venettozzi pulled 7.2 Gs and did not black out during her flight with U.S. Navy Blue Angels pilot Lt. Cary Rickoff.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
School Grades Are Out: How Did Your Child’s School Score?
July 12, 2019
School grades were released Thursday by the Florida Department of Education.
Among North Escambia area schools, Beulah, Bratt, Byrneville and Lipscomb elementary schools improved by one letter grade. At the middle school level, Ernest Ward also improved a letter grade. No North Escambia area school had a decline in their score.
Bratt, Lipscomb and Molino Park elementary schools are all A-ranked. Overall, the Escambia County School District received a B for the second consecutive year.
Here are the school grades for North Escambia area schools:
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
Beulah improved from a C to a B.
Bratt improved from a B to an A.
Byrneville improved from a C to a B.
Jim Allen held steady with a B.
Kingsfield received their first grade of a B.
Pine Meadow held steady with a B.
Lipscomb improved from a B to an A.
McArthur held steady at a C.
Molino Park remained an A school.
MIDDLE SCHOOLS
Beulah Academy remained at a C.
Beulah Middle received their first grade of a C.
Ernest Ward improved from a C to a B.
Ransom remained a B school.
HIGH SCHOOLS
Northview remained at a C.
Tate held steady with a B.
Complete Escambia County Scores:
