Century Considers $92K Waterline To Benefit Business In Flomaton, AL
April 18, 2019
The Town of Century is considering a water line upgrade project to provide fire protection to a business across the state line in Flomaton, Alabama.
The project would upgrade an existing 2-inch water line along Ivey Street in Century to a 6-inch line to provide fire protection to Flomaton Storage. The business is an existing Century water customer.
The town’s water line will not cross the line in Alabama, but the Flomaton business will connect.
The cost of the project is estimated to cost up to $92,220 — $9,250 for engineering, $3,000 for survey work and $79,970 for the install work.
Existing Century water customers on Ivey Street will also connect to the new wate rline.
The Century Town Council has not yet approved the project.
Tate’s Harberson Advances To State Tennis Finals
April 18, 2019
For the second consecutive year, Tate’s Aaron Harberson is going to state on the No. 1 singles line. He defeated Nick Diemer of Gulf Breeze 6-1, 6-3 to advance. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Over 300 Officers Conduct Contraband Shakedown At Holman Prison
April 18, 2019
More than 300 law enforcement officers conducted a shakedown early Thursday morning at Holman Prison in Atmore.
The Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) conducted a joint law enforcement operation in an effort to find and remove illegal contraband from Holman. ADOC officials launched the operation at 4:30 a.m. with support from more than 300 officials from local, county and state law enforcement agencies.
ADOC Deputy Commissioner of Operations, Charles Daniels, led the operation at the maximum security prison that houses an inmate population of 870. ADOC investigations and intelligence agents, correctional emergency response teams, and correctional K-9 drug units took part in the operation. Participating agencies included resources from Pardons and Paroles, AEMA, ADOT, Atmore, Bay Minette, Brewton Police Departments, and support from the Baldwin, Butler, Escambia and Monroe County Sheriff’s Departments.
“The ADOC is conducting these large scale joint operations in a move to eradicate contraband, identify deficiencies, and to take all necessary steps to reverse the trend of increased violence caused by illegal activity inside our prisons,” said Daniels. “We are going to do whatever is necessary to eliminate the contraband problem while sending a message to those who are responsible. Such criminal activity will not be tolerated and anyone who is caught bringing illegal items into our prisons will be charged and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
In February, ADOC conducted a similar joint operation at the St. Clair Correctional Facility in Springville. The successful operation seized more than 160 makeshift weapons, 48 cell phones, 110 grams of marijuana, and 276 grams of the synthetic drug, flakka.
Daniels said ADOC will continue to conduct the unannounced joint operations at other major correctional facilities in the future with assistance from other law enforcement agencies.
Corrections Commissioner Jeff Dunn instituted the joint operations by using all available ADOC and state resources to address the proliferation of drugs and other contraband entering state correctional institutions.
“We are committing all internal and external resources to address the contraband problem inside our prisons to ensure we provide the highest degree of safety and protection for our correctional staff and those who are in our custody. We owe them nothing less,” Dunn said.
Anyone with information on contraband in an Alabama prison can contact ADOC Investigations and Intelligence Division at 1-866-293-7799 with information that may lead to the arrest of anyone attempting to introduce illegal contraband into state prisons.
Pictured top and bottom: Some of the contraband discovered during a raid early Thursday morning at Holman Prison in Atmore. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Wahoos Win 5-2 Over Biloxi
April 18, 2019
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos bounced back from Tuesday’s heartbreaking loss with a hard-fought 5-2 win over the Shuckers Wednesday night at MGM Park.
Pensacola, after not scoring a run until the tenth inning of last night’s loss, wasted no time getting on the board in Wednesday’s middle game. With two on and one out in the first, Braden Webb (L, 0-3) issued back-to-back walks to bring home Jordan Gore. Webb was removed in the first inning after throwing 37 pitches.
The Wahoos were right back at it in the second, plating home two more thanks to RBI singles from Gore and Brian Schales to put the Wahoos up 3-0. Biloxi had a response of their own in the bottom of the second inning plating home a pair of runs.
For the reigning Southern League Pitcher of Week, Devin Smeltzer, the two runs allowed in the second inning were his first two all season. However, he responded in the third and fourth, retiring six of the next seven Shuckers in order.
The game took a turn for the worst in the bottom of the fifth inning when Smeltzer was struck in the back of the head from a line drive off the bat of Max McDowell. Smeltzer lay on the ground motionless for several moments while he was tended to by the medical staffs from both clubs. Fortunately, he was able to rise to his feet and walk off the field on his own power.
Adam Bray (W, 1-1) was called into the game and was brilliant for the Blue Wahoos as the right-hander hurled three shutout innings en route to his first win of the season. Ramon Borrego turned the ball over to Sam Clay in the eighth inning, and the former Georgia Tech product pitched a scoreless eighth and ninth inning to earn his first save of the year.
This was an unorthodox game compared to Tuesday’s pitching duel. The Wahoo batters were hit five different times, including Joe Cronin who was hit three times including once in the head by Aaron Kurcz. Cronin would however remain in the game uninjured. Pensacola also drew seven walks and stranded 16 men on base by the game’s conclusion.
The Wahoos have two chances to pick up their third series win of the season beginning tomorrow night when RHP Griffin Jax (0-0, 0.00) takes the hill for Pensacola. He will be opposed by RHP Thomas Jankins (1-0, 2.25)
Nine Mile Traffic Slowed By A Boat
April 17, 2019
Nine Mile Road traffic was slowed Wednesday afternoon by boat.
The boat apparently slid off a trailer and came to rest in middle of Nine Mile near Stefani Road.
Reader submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com.
Homicide Arrest Made For Monday Shooting Death In Ensley
April 17, 2019
An Escambia County man is now behind bars charged in connection with a deadly shooting early Monday morning in Ensley.
Bobby Johndal Hawkins is charged with homicide for the death of 28-year old Kyle Isaiah Baldwin. He was shot on East Ensley Street near Vickie Street around 2 a.m. Monday.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said this in ongoing investigation and more arrests could be made in this case.
A deputy was leaving the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office precinct on Hood Drive, next to Walmart, early Monday morning when they heard multiple gunshots. The deputy soon noticed a vehicle being driven erratically, and the driver pulled the vehicle over a short distance away near Hannah Street and Highway 29. A passenger in the vehicle was dead from gunshot wounds.
The driver was questioned and released.
High School Softball, Baseball Roundup
April 17, 2019
SOFTBALL
Northview 14, Chipley 0
The Northview Lady Chiefs shut out Chipley 14-0 in five innings Tuesday night in Chipley.
Tori Herrington pitched the win with nine strikeouts.
At the plate for Northview: Herrington 1-2; Ashley Ragsdale 3-4, 2RBI; Aubree Love 2-4, 2 RBI; Mikayla Jeneske 2-3, RBI; Heather Knowles 1-3, 2RBI; Lydia Smith 1-3, 2RBI; Valen Shelley 1-1.
Niceville 5, Tate 3 (10 innings)
The Tate Lady Aggies fell to Niceville Tuesday night 5-3 in 10 innings.
At the end of seven, the game was tied at 3-all when Niceville scored two runs in the top of the 10th.
Shelby McLean led the Lady Aggies with two hits in four at bats.
Avery Beauchanie allowed five run on 12 hits while walking three and striking out three in a full 10 innings on the mound for Tate.
Williams, John Pinette, Tekoah Roby, and Christian Munoz all had multiple hits for Pine Forest
BASEBALL
Choctawhatchee 14, Tate 9
The Tate Aggies fell to a Choctawhatchee Tuesday night 14-9.
Trevor Norton, Mason Land and Jordan Jarman had two hits each to lead the Aggies.
Tate 6 Choctawhatchee 4 (JV)
The junior varsity Tate Aggies beat Choctaw 6-4 Tuesday.
Pine Forest 5, Pensacola Catholic 4
Pine Forest defeated Pensacola Catholic 5-4 Tuesday.
Timmy Williams earned the win for Pine Forest, allowing four hits and one run on three hits while walking one and striking out one.
‘Dysfunctional’ Environment, ‘Paramilitary’ Structure In Escambia EMS Described In 2018 Memo
April 17, 2019
NorthEscambia.com has obtained an internal county memo that describes a “dysfunctional professional environment” and a “paramilitary” structure in Escambia County EMS six weeks after a new medical director joined the organization.
Dr. Rayme Edler became medical director in early May 2018, responsible for overseeing all county medical staff under EMS and the county jail. Escambia County EMS operates under her medical license.
In a June 2018 internal memo, Human Resources Director Eric Kleinert informed then Public Safety Director Mike Weaver about his review of EMS complaints.
Kleinert stated that he had completed his review of “competing complaints” between Edler and four members of EMS administration — then EMS Chief Steve White, Section Chief Kate Kenney, Commander Rebecca Brownfield, and Captain Jim Bonoyer.
“At present, the complainants have contributed to the establishment of a dysfunctional professional environment within EMS. None of the parties are satisfied with the current arrangement and wish to have the situation cured. Therefore, I will focus on the way going forward based on the observations I have made on the situation,” Kleinert wrote.
Kleiner recommended a course of action to resolve the issues, including a better understanding between all parties of responsibilities and levels of authority. “This is to include the supremacy of the Medical Director’s authority in matter under her purview,” he wrote.
The HR director also recommended that Weaver review “the culture associated with the paramilitary organizational structure that has been recently adopted by EMS”.
White resigned less than two weeks after the June 2018 memo. Fire Chief Rusty Nail was named EMS chief after White’s resignation. Nail submitted his resignation this month. Weaver resigned earlier this month, and Kleinert has submitted his resignation effective May 17. There has been no connection, if any, made public between the resignations and the memo.
According to a report aired earlier this month by NorthEscambia.com news partner WEAR 3, Edler filed a complaint last month with the Florida Department of Health with concerns about department protocols, missing signatures on IV certifications and falsification of credentials.
NorthEscambia.com has requested a copy of the letter from the county, but we have been told it is not public record.
“While I am aware that the local tv station did televise a letter dated March 19, 2019 to the State Dept. of Health, I consider that document to be confidential and exempt from public records disclosure at this time as a pending agency investigation record. The letter and complaint associated with that matter are exempt until further action of the agency involved,” County Attorney Alison Rogers wrote in an email to NorthEscambia.com on Tuesday.
NorthEscambia.com file photos.
Atmore And Bratt Burglaries Solved, Guns Recovered; Arrests Made
April 17, 2019
Authorities in two states say they have solved multiple burglaries in the area, and two people are now behind bars.
The Atmore Police Department, Escambia County (FL) Sheriff’s Office and the Alabama Drug Enforcement Task Force executed a search warrant at a residence on Harris Street in Atmore on Monday.
Jylyn Kevon Cooper, 18, was taken into custody at the scene of the search and charged with receiving stolen property fourth degree, receiving stolen property second degree, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia, according to the Atmore Police Department. A unnamed 17-year old juvenile was also charged with receiving stolen property third degree.
The charges stemmed from multiple burglaries in the Atmore area, according to Atmore Police Chief Chuck Brooks. He said authorities also recovered multiple stolen guns from a house on Brown Street.
Multiple weapons and rare coins were recovered from the Atmore burglaries and two burglaries that occurred April 12 on McElhaney Road in Bratt.
Most of the items stolen from McElhaney Road in Florida were recovered in Atmore, according to Major Andrew Hobbs of the Escambia County (FL) Sheriff’s Office. He said Tuesday the agency was seeking arrest warrants in connection with the case.
Authorities said the burglaries may be connected to at least one burglary outside Atmore in Escambia County, AL.
There Are Now Eight Candidates In The Running For Escambia County Administrator
April 17, 2019
With the addition of two names Tuesday, there are now eight finalists set for interviews for Escambia County administrator.
Commission Chairman Lumon May added Kimberly Washington of Molino and Ricardo Mendez of Miami. He previously expressed displeasure with the lack of diversity among the finalists.
They join three candidates on a rankings list compiled by the Florida Association of Counties for the county, and three other candidates previously added to the list by commissioners.
Commissioner Steven Barry added Janice Gilley of Molino to the list. Commissioner Robert Bender added Cedric Alexander of Pensacola, and Commissioner Jeff Bergosh added Christopher Martin of Gulf Breeze.
The commissioners will meet with candidate one-on-one the morning of April 29 before the candidates appear before the entire board in the afternoon.
The finalists are:
- Craig Coffey from Flagler Beach, FL. County administrator in Flagler County from 2007-2019, has 20 years experience as a city/county manager with extensive Florida county government experience and 11 years additional local government experience.
- Patrick Thompson from Woodbury, MN. County administrator in St. Croix County, WI. Over 36 years local government experience.
- David Strahl from O’Fallon, MO. County administrator in City of O’Fallon, MO. 30 plus years local government administration experience, none in county government.
- Christopher Martin from Gulf Breeze. He served as the commanding officer of Pensacola Naval Air Station and spent 27 years in the Navy.
- Janice Gilley from Molino. She has held the position of vice president of External Affairs at the University of West Florida for 10 years. She served one year as the national policy director for the Foundation for Excellence in Education, one year as deputy chief of staff for the Florida House of Representatives and served as policy director and deputy policy director for year in the Executive Office of the Governor in Florida. She served as an Escambia County commissioner from 2002-2004.
- Cedric Alexander from Pensacola. He has 13 years government experience including deputy chief in the Office of the Mayor in Rochester, NY, public safety director in Dekalb County, GA, and a federal security director for the Department of Homeland Security.
- Ricardo Mendez of Miami. He was most recently finance director in Sweetwater, FL, and previously served as COO/CFO of Harrisburg, PA. Additional experience includes planning and development for the Seminole Tribe of Florida, and time with the Palm Beach School District, City of Miami Beach, and Miami-Dade County.
- Kimberly Washington of Molino. Currently engineering manager with Mississippi Power, also worked as their compliance and support manager. She also worked with Alabama Power and Gulf Power.
The county paid the Florida Association of County Managers $5,000 to create a short list from the 120 plus applicants.