Man Indicted For First Degree Murder; Shell Casings Found On Four Streets
May 23, 2019
Bobby Johndal Hawkins was indicted by a grand jury the charges of first degree premeditated murder with a firearm and attempted first degree premeditated murder.
During the early morning hours of April 15, Hawkins allegedly shot and killed 28-year old Kyle Isaiah Baldwin at the intersection of Sonnyboy Lane and East Ensley Street. An Escambia County Sheriff’s deputy observed a Chevrolet Blazer traveling at a high speed up North Palafox Street and was able to stop the vehicle on Highway 29 and Hannah Street.
Baldwin was found slumped over on the front passenger seat and had suffered a fatal gunshot wound to his lower chest area, and he was pronounced deceased on scene. The driver of Baldwin’s vehicle was not injured.
The shots were fired from a 2019 black Cadillac driven by Hawkins as he chased Baldwin’s vehicle through Ensley. Shell casings were recovered along Sonnyboy Lane, Ensley Street, Johnson Avenue and North Palafox Street.
Hawkins’ vehicle was occupied by another individual who also participated in the shooting. That individual has not been identified. Hawkins is being held without bond.
New Phone App Will Give Escambia School Staff An Emergency Alert ‘Panic Button’
May 23, 2019
The Escambia County School District is purchasing a phone app that will give employees a panic button in the palm of their hands in the event of a campus security breach.
The panic button in the Volo app can trigger a lockdown, notifying school staff and law enforcement. The app is “geofenced” — meaning it will only work in specific geographic area such as on a school campus.
Use of the app by employees will be voluntary and training will be offered during the summer break.
The first year of a five-year contract will cost the school district $104,100 under an agreement approved 5-0 by the school board.
FWC Law Enforcement Report
May 23, 2019
The Florida FWC Division of Law Enforcement reported the following activity during the weekly period ending May 9 in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
Officer Long responded to a single vessel accident that occurred in the Gulf of Mexico near the Alabama line. The vessel was found beached with the operator being the only occupant on board. The vessel sustained major damage to the engines and other electrical equipment due to water intrusion after being beached. The operator admitted consuming several alcoholic drinks which caused him to fall asleep. While Officer Long spoke to him, he noticed several signs of impairment. The operator agreed to perform field sobriety exercises, which confirmed he was impaired. Officer Long placed the operator under arrest and transported him to the Escambia County Jail for booking. The operator agreed to give a breath sample which showed his breath alcohol level was .253 G/210L blood alcohol content, which is over three times the legal limit. The operator was also found at fault with the accident and was cited for a navigation rule violation.
SANTA ROSA COUNTY
Officer Hoomes responded to assist a Santa Rosa County deputy who was investigating a suspicious person in Navarre who was in possession of an undersized redfish. Officer Hoomes arrived and determined the redfish was less than 18 inches in total length. The subject had cut the fish up and was using the redfish for bait. The subject was issued a citation for possession of an undersized redfish and issued warnings for failure to land a redfish in whole condition and no saltwater fishing license.
FEDERAL WATERS
While on patrol in the offshore patrol vessel “Vigilance,” Officers P. Rockwell and Matechik boarded a recreational vessel approximately 15 miles south of Pensacola. While approaching the vessel to conduct a fisheries inspection, the vessel operator saw the officers’ approach and quickly attempted to leave the area at a high rate of speed. The Vigilance quickly caught up to the vessel and stopped it. During the fisheries inspection, the officers found the occupants in possession of several undersized gray triggerfish. The violations were addressed, and appropriate action was taken.
This report represents some events the FWC handled over the past week; however, it does not include all actions taken by the Division of Law Enforcement. Information provided by FWC.
NorthEscambia.com photo.
Wahoos Fall To The Smokies 9-3
May 23, 2019
The Blue Wahoos started their longest road trip Wednesday in a tough way.
Their league-best pitching took a hit, after the Tennessee Smokies jumped to a big league and cruised to a 9-3 victory against the Blue Wahoos in the series opener at Smokies Stadium in Kodak, Tenn.
Five relievers followed Blue Wahoos starter Andro Cutera, who faced only 11 batters and gave up six hits and three runs. In the fourth inning, Adam Bray was unable to get an out in the seven batters he faced as the Smokies extended a 3-1 lead into 8-1.
It was the second-most runs allowed by the Blue Wahoos this season. The Blue Wahoos (28-18) entered Wednesday with a 2.61 earned run average, the lowest among all 30 Double-A teams, and watched it jump 15 points tonight.
The Smokies (23-22), the Chicago Cubs affiliate, counter in this series with the Southern League’s best team batting average (.247) and they padded their league-best hit total Wednesday with 12 hits, all singles.
But with the Mobile BayBears beating Biloxi, the Blue Wahoos did not lose ground Wednesday atop the standings with a four game lead.
It was Cutura’s first start for the Blue Wahoos since April 19. He has been on the injured list since making his last appearance in a relief role on April 25.
The game followed the first off day for both teams in 20 days. The Blue Wahoos left at mid-day Tuesday for the 525 mile trip to Kodak, located just outside of Knoxville.
Tennessee shortstop Vimael Machin went 4-for-5 in the game and drove in three runs. First baseman Jared Young also had three RBI.
The Blue Wahoos briefly tied the game in the top of the second when Caleb Hamilton led off with a double, moved to third on Ben Rortvedt’s single and scored on Ernie De La Trinidad’s sacrifice fly.
But in the bottom of the second, after Cutura retired the first two batters, he gave up two singles, along with a wild pitch that led to the first run. He was lifted after the next two batters reached on a walk and single.
The Blue Wahoos got two runs in the fifth on RBI singles from Mitchell Kranson and Rortvedt, who went 3-for-4 in the game. Hamilton and Alex Kirilloff each had two hits.
The teams will play the second game of this series Thursday.
Photo Gallery: Northview High Class Of 2019 Graduation
May 23, 2019
The Northview High School Class of 2019 graduated last Saturday.
For a photo gallery, click here. (Editor’s note: This Facebook photo gallery is provided as a public service. Feel free to *share* or tag the posts, but do not download and post the copyrighted photos.)
For an earlier story with a list of all graduates, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Dump Truck Driver Seriously Injured In Highway 97 Rollover Crash
May 22, 2019
A dump truck driver was seriously injured when his truck overturned, shutting down Highway 97 in Molino Wednesday afternoon.
Kevin Davis, age 32 of Milton, was southbound on Highway 29 when he attempted to turn north on Highway 97 about 3:15 p.m. Davis was traveling too fast to safely make the turn, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. His right tires ran off onto the west shoulder, then proceeded to lift off the ground. The truck continued in the turn on only the driver’s side tires on the ground before overturning across the the southbound lanes of Highway 97. There were no other vehicles involved in the crash.
After being extricated from the truck, Davis was transported by ambulance to the Molino Station of Escambia Fire Rescue and then airlifted to a Pensacola hospital.
No charges were immediately filed against Davis.
Highway 97 was closed for several hours as the wreckage and load of sand were cleaned up. The Molino and Cantonment stations of Escambia Fire Rescue and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office also responded.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Century Files State And Federal Taxes Months Late, Amasses Thousands In Fees And Penalties
May 22, 2019
NorthEscambia.com has learned the Town of Century has been months late in filing and paying state and federal taxes, despite numerous notices and collection warnings, while amassing thousands of dollars in fees and penalties this fiscal year.
Internal Revenue Service Payroll Taxes
The town was assessed $2,346.61 for failure to file and pay their fourth quarter 2018 payroll taxes on time to the Internal Revenue Service.
Century is semi-weekly payroll tax depositor, meaning they are required to remit payroll taxes for each week’s payroll to the IRS by the following Wednesday. A Form 941 must be filed quarterly to report payroll taxes, and it should have a zero balance if the semi-weekly deposits are made, according to Council President Ann Brooks, who is an accountant by trade.
According to documents obtained by NorthEscambia.com, the town’s 2018 last quarter payroll report (Form 941) was due January 31, but was not received by the IRS until February 28 and showed a balance due of $14,060.26. There was also a late filing penalty of $639.08.
And documents also show The first quarter 2019 form showed a balance due of $30,470.40.
“There would be a zero balance due on the 941 form if we paid our payroll taxes when they were required to be paid. We will receive a notice from IRS assessing large penalties and interest for failure to timely pay our first quarter 2019 payroll taxes,” Brooks said.
So far in the second quarter of 2019, the payroll tax deposits due by April 24 and May 1 had not be made as of Monday, May 20.
Florida Department of Revenue Problems
Century’s tax problems don’t end with the IRS but also extend to the Florida Department of Revenue, which is threatening collection activities.
The town’s January, February, March and April gross receipts tax returns were not filed and paid until May 15. The returns and payments are due by the 20th of each month.
Century received a Florida Department of Revenue “Notice of Final Assessment” dated January 14 and another letter on May 14 stating the town had failed to respond to previous communications about the delinquent returns. Another letter received May 13 warned that the failure to file the delinquent tax forms and pay amounts due would result in collection activities.
Documents show that during this fiscal year, the Florida Department of Revenue also sent notices to the town in October and November of 2018 and two notices in February 2019 assessing late fees and interest for failing to file and pay taxes for August, September, November and December 2018.
Who Is Responsible?
Brooks said billing clerk Toni Simmons is responsible for providing information from the town’s billing software to Chief Deputy Clerk of Finance Kristina Wood who then prepares the state returns.
“Kristina stated that she has repeatedly requested from Toni the information necessary to file the sales tax and gross receipts tax returns and has informed Kim, the Mayor, and Robert that the requested information had not been provided,” Brooks said. The “Robert” she referenced is Robert Hudson, the town’s accountant, and “Kim” is Kim Godwin, town clerk.
Simmons provided the information needed to file Florida Department of Revenue forms for January through April on May 15. The penalty for a late return or payment is 10% for each month, up to 50% of of the original tax.
“The town council is not being informed about many problems, but the council is responsible for issues we are never made aware of. The council has previously voted that anytime a late fee or penalty is incurred it is to be brought to the council’s attention, but that is not happening,” Brooks said. “in the list of services that Robert Hudson agreed to provide to the town, among other things, he will review the monthly filings with the state of Florida before submission and preparation of the quarterly payroll tax returns and instruct personnel to properly compute and record the payroll tax deposit for each payroll.”
Pictured top: Robert Hudson, Century’s accountant, discusses taxes with the Century Town Council. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Appeals Court Upholds Conviction Of Cantonment Man For Store Robbery
May 22, 2019
An appeals court has upheld a 15-year sentence for a Cantonment man for the 2016 robbery of a Cantonment convenience store.
On September 10, 2016, Jonathan Mark Vito entered the Tom Thumb on Highway 29 and Woodbury Court and displayed to the clerk what appeared to be a firearm and demanded money. He then fled the scene with the money, beer and cigarettes. He was later identified in the surveillance video by a previous co-worker and a relative.
Vito was charged with robbery with a firearm, but pleaded guilty to robbery without a weapon, which carries a maximum 20-year sentence. His lawyers requested 18-months, but Circuit Judge John Miller imposed a 15-year sentence in July 2017.
Vito attempted to withdraw his guilty plea after sentencing, saying he did not read well and really did not understand he could face such a lengthy sentence.
At a hearing, Vito swore that he read and signed the written plea agreement, understood all the rights he was giving up by entering the plea, was entering the plea freely and voluntarily, was not coerced, and was satisfied with his lawyer’s performance.
Post conviction, Vito contended that he entered the plea involuntarily and had understood that he would receive drug treatment, not prison time. His motion to withdraw his plea was denied.
On appeal, he asserted for the first time that the trial court failed to follow proper procedure regarding his plea. The Florida First District Court of Appeal found otherwise and upheld the original 15-year sentence.
Vito has prior convictions for trafficking in stolen property, pawnbroker transaction fraud, theft, fleeing and eluding, and several other misdemeanor charges.
NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
On The Radio: Jim Allen Fourth Graders Present Play
May 22, 2019
Fourth grade students at Jim Allen Elementary School presented the play “On The Radio” Tuesday. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Kingsfield Road Man Caught In Alabama With 48 Pounds Of Marijuana Worth $170K
May 22, 2019
An Escambia County man was caught in Alabama with 48 pounds of high grade marijuana worth $170,000, according to authorities.
Tony Phan, 47, is charged with marijuana trafficking and remained in the Baldwin County Jail without bond.
Phan was pulled over on I-10 due to a traffic violation. A K-9 alerted on the vehicle for the presence of illegal narcotics, and deputies found the 48 pounds of marijuana in the back seat of the vehicle.
The Baldwin Sheriff’s Office said the marijuana originated in the state of Washington and was being transported to the Pensacola area.
Phan is a resident of the 3000 block of Kingsfield Road, according to jail records.