FWC Law Enforcement Report
August 1, 2018
The Florida FWC Division of Law Enforcement reported the following activity during the weekly period ending July 5 in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
Officers Clark, Allgood, Manning and Long teamed up in two vessels to work a saltwater fisheries enforcement detail in the Gulf of Mexico. During their patrol, they discovered two different for hire charter boats fishing in federal waters that did not have the proper licenses. A vessel captain conducting a charter fishing trip in federal waters for reef fish is required to have a federal reef fish permit. In addition, one of the charter vessels possessed two king mackerel, which requires a separate permit to possess a coastal migratory species on a for hire vessel. Three federal citations were issued for the violations.
Officer Allgood and Captain Glover were on vessel patrol in the Gulf of Mexico south of Pensacola when the officers arrived on an artificial reef where several vessels were fishing. One of the vessels in the group noticed the officers approaching and attempted to leave the area. As Officer Allgood approached the vessel, the operator spun his vessel around to attempt to conceal the left side of the vessel. Officer Allgood maneuvered his patrol vessel to the left side of the subject’s vessel and Captain Glover boarded the vessel. Captain Glover saw an amberjack laying on the deck of the boat which is currently closed for harvest. After inspection of the fish box, Captain Glover found another undersized amberjack on board the vessel. The operator was issued two federal citations for amberjack out of season and not landing fish in whole condition.
Officer Long was on vessel patrol and stopped a vessel for violating the wake zone near Galvez Landing. After a boating safety inspection, Officer Long noticed several fish tails protruding from the cooler on the vessel. A fisheries inspection revealed that the operator was in possession of five king mackerel, two over the daily bag limit. The operator was issued a citation for over the bag limit of king mackerel and violation of the idle speed zone.
SANTA ROSA COUNTY
Lieutenant Hahr was on vessel patrol on the Blackwater River when he stopped a vessel to address a violation of registration numbering. The subject was operating the vessel with a woman and child on board. Lieutenant Hahr saw indicators of impairment from the operator and after field sobriety tasks, determined that the operator was impaired. The man was arrested and cited for operating a vessel while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
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.
Molino 18U Lady Astros Wrap Up Season
August 1, 2018
The Molino 18U Lady Astros softball team has wrapped up a great summer after making the championship game in three state and local tournaments.
The Lady Astros took part in the USSSA Slike Into Summer, USSSA South State and Southern Nationals tournaments.
Pictured: (top, L-R) Coach Donnie Nicholson , Meredith Mogan, McKenzie Parker, Alyssa Baxley, Madison Nelson, Avery Jackson, Haylee Watson, Coach David Synder, Katie Synder, Christa Sanders, Sheridian Mauldin, Coach Kathy Blackmon and Coach Dana Blackman. (bottom, L-R) Haileigh Sutton, Kolby Bray, Kelsey Hodges, Katelyn Harrison, Madison Parker and Heather Knowles
Century Historic Board Limits Fence, Shed Options For Some Residents
August 1, 2018
Tuesday, the Century Historic Preservation Board approved a property owner’s new fence in the Alger-Sullivan Lumber Company Residential Historic District – limiting his options under a new ordinance and restricting a temporary shed.
Felic Fussner filed an application for development to construct an 8-foot privacy fence in the side and rear yard of a home and a storage shed in the 400 block of Front Street, in historic district. He also applied to construct a 4-foot picket fence in the front yard.
At their last meeting, the Century Town council approved new ordinance recommended by the historic board to allow only wooden fences in the historic historic district while reducing the side and rear fence allowable height from eight to six feet. Only transparent picket fences can be used in front yards. The council also agreed to restrict the use of freight containers as storage buildings in the historic district.
“We are not trying to put pressure on you,” board member Regi Burkett told Fussner. “We are tying to protect the historic significance in the district.”
Fussner said he is currently storing tools and materials in a metal freight container on his property — a practice that is now banned. But the board will recommend to the Century Town Council that he be granted a temporary permit for 90 days, with an option to renew for an additional 90 days.
The Century Town Council will consider that historic board’s recommendations on August 6.
Pictured: he Century Historic Preservation Board member Regi Burkett (front left) addresses Felic Fussner (front right) during a board meeting Tuesday. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Trump Goes All In With Desantis At Tampa Rally
August 1, 2018
In a boisterous political rally held in Florida’s largest media market, President Donald Trump on Tuesday thrust his outsized persona into the middle of Florida’s governor’s race, with a full-throated endorsement of U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis.
Less than a month before the Aug. 28 gubernatorial primary, Trump opened his speech by telling a raucous crowd of more than 10,000 people packed into the cavernous Expo Hall at the Florida State Fairgrounds that DeSantis was a “good friend” and a “tough, brilliant cookie.”
“He’s going to be your next governor, Ron DeSantis,” Trump said.
DeSantis, a three-term congressman who grew up in nearby Dunedin and represents parts of Northeast Florida, said it was “a true honor to be standing here endorsed by the president of the United States.”
“I appreciate your support. But I appreciate more the leadership you are showing,” DeSantis said, citing Trump’s record on the economy, Israel and U.S. Supreme Court appointments.
DeSantis said Florida “is going in the right direction” but can continue to improve on “economic opportunities,” and “we can fight illegal immigration.”
His last statement drew a loud cheer and chants of “build that wall.” DeSantis said he would support imposing an electronic-verification system to make sure Florida workers have legal immigration status. He also said he would “stop sanctuary cities,” although there are none in Florida.
Trump’s support, which he has also given in tweets, has tilted the Republican primary for governor in favor of DeSantis over Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam. Independent polls have shown momentum among GOP voters for DeSantis in recent weeks, after Putnam, a former congressman and two-term member of the Florida Cabinet, had a solid lead in earlier polls.
Putnam, who was celebrating his 44th birthday Tuesday at a political event highlighting veterans in The Villages retirement community, said he supports Trump and his agenda.
“But this is about being Florida’s governor. This is about leading a $1 trillion economy in the third largest state, and to do that you need to know Florida,” Putnam said. “I know Florida better than any of the other candidates running. I’m confident that there’s an awful lot of Trump-Putnam voters out there who want a governor who actually understands the challenges facing them and puts them first.”
The venue Tuesday was important because the Tampa Bay media market can potentially reach a quarter of the state’s voters and has the largest concentration of Republican voters, said Susan MacManus, a longtime political-science professor at the University of South Florida.
“It’s clear now that DeSantis is playing offense and Putnam is playing defense. We’ll have to see. Putnam probably still has a lot of loyalists who see polls that suggest he could be better against any of the Democratic nominees,” MacManus said.
Several times during Trump’s speech he made sure to mention his support for DeSantis, who has been a frequent guest on the Fox News network and is an ardent defender of the president.
“He’s going to be an incredible governor,” Trump said.
Trump also said he doesn’t “do these endorsements easily,” but then cited his recent endorsement of Brian Kemp, a hard-line conservative who went on to a landslide victory in a Georgia Republican primary for governor.
Incoming Florida House Speaker Jose Oliva, a Miami Lakes Republican who was one of the opening speakers at the Tampa rally, said he supported the president’s decision, noting the differing political agendas of the Republican and Democratic parties.
“At a time we’re engaging in this debate, the sidelines is no place for a leader,” said Oliva, who was one of the first major Tallahassee leaders to endorse DeSantis.
The rally also included an appearance by DeSantis’ wife, Casey DeSantis, who is now featured in a light-hearted Trump-centric commercial for the campaign, along with the couple’s two small children.
“Ron is a conservative warrior. He is a fighter. Like our president, when he makes a promise, he keeps his promise,” she told the crowd.
Linda Kubilius, who attend the rally as part of “Trump Train” of Clearwater women who support the president, said she had already made up her mind to support DeSantis based on his performance in a Fox News debate in late June.
“We saw the debate, and it was DeSantis for me,” the Clearwater Beach resident said, saying Putnam did not “have the answers I wanted to hear.”
She said one of her top concerns for the next governor was dealing with the outbreak of toxic algae that has hit coastal communities in southeast and southwest Florida, after the release of polluted water from Lake Okeechobee.
DeSantis and Putnam meet in the second and final televised debate of the primary campaign Aug. 8 in Jacksonville.
by Lloyd Dunkelberger, The News Service of Florida
Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
No Major Injuries In Major Looking Cantonment Wreck
July 31, 2018
Two people walked away with no major injuries after a major looking wreck in Cantonment Tuesday afternoon.
The accident happened just before 5:00 on Highway 29 at Morris Avenue and involved a Dodge Ram and a Buick Regal.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating. The Cantonment Station of Escambia Fire Rescue and Escambia County Fire Rescue’s Cantonment Station also responded.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Mail Burns As Rural Mail Carrier’s Vehicle Destroyed By Fire
July 31, 2018
A rural mail carrier’s vehicle – and much of the mail they were delivering – burned near McDavid Monday.
The Kia Rio was fully involved in fire when firefighters arrived on scene on West Bogia Road about a mile west of Highway 29. The mail carrier escaped the vehicle without injury. But most of the mail inside was destroyed or heavily damaged.
Officials from the U.S. Postal Service collected the damaged mail from the vehicle.
“The Post Office will deliver the mail that is still deliverable and will send letters to the customers on the route informing them of the fire,” Postal Inspector Adel Valdes said.
Residents can also call (850) 256-5141.
The McDavid and Century stations of Escambia Fire Rescue responded to the fire. The exact cause of the fire was not immediately known.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Deputies Help Elderly Cantonment Marine Corp Veteran In Need
July 31, 2018
Deputies from the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office cleaned up the yard of an elderly Cantonment resident after recognizing that he was in need.
Deputies completed a welfare check on the 87-year old man near Tate High School after neighbors had noticed a change in his home since he lost his wife to cancer.
“Someone was concerned about the resident of this house. When we got here, we saw immediately how it was overgrown,” Deputy Jake Bandurski said.
“After talking to him, we realized there was a little more to it. He was a 24-year Marine Corp veteran,” he said. “About five years ago, he lost his wife to cancer. Ever since then, his house really hasn’t been the same. His neighbors had noticed that ever since his wife passed away, he really hasn’t had the willingness to take care of himself, or his house, or his yard.”
Deputies from the Ensley and Warrington precincts used their own lawn equipment and tools to get his yard back into shape.
“Every one of them showed up today just very willing, every one open to helping out someone that was wasn’t physically able or mentally able to help themselves,” he said.
“Pretty much what ever people could bring…riding mowers, hand tools, pressure washers….whatever people could bring, they did bring. Even if they didn’t have any tools and all they could bring is their hands and a pair of gloves, they are out here helping out.”
“If you see someone in your community…that looks like something hasn’t been right, if their yard is overgrown, just try and talk to them. These are your neighbors. Everyone has a story,” Bandurski said.
Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
High School Football Teams Open Practice
July 31, 2018
High school football practices got underway in Florida Monday. The practices are non-contact for the first five days. Pictured: The Northview Chiefs on the first day of practice Monday. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
No Injuries In Hwy 297A, Kingsfield Crash
July 31, 2018
Six people involved in a two vehicle crash Monday night in Cantonment were not injured.
The accident happened about 9:13 p.m. at Highway 297A and West Kingsfield Road.
The crash is under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. The Cantonment Station of Escambia Fire Rescue and Escambia County EMS also responded.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Wahoos Stop Skids With 6-3 Win Over The Shuckers
July 31, 2018
Tony Santillan (W, 4-0) struck out a season-high 11 over 5.2 shut-out innings, and the Wahoos rattled off 13 hits in their 6-3 win over the Shuckers Shuckers, Monday night at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
Despite allowing baserunners in each of the first four innings, he held the Shuckers to three hits and racked up seven strikeouts as he entered the fifth. That is where he got his first 1-2-3 inning and finished off the frame by striking out Troy Stokes Jr. and Keston Hiura for his eighth and ninth of the game. After his 97th and final pitch, Santillan exited the game with 11 strikeouts and walked off the mound to a standing ovation. He retired the final six batters he faced, five on strikeouts.
The Wahoos struck quickly against Jon Perrin (L, 0-2) who was making a spot start for the Shuckers after Kodi Medeiros was traded to the White Sox last week. In the first inning, Aristides Aquino singled to right to score Jose Siri, giving the Wahoos a quick 1-0 lead. The Wahoos didn’t waste any time extending their lead adding four runs in the bottom of the second. Jose Siri and TJ Friedl both had RBI singles, pushing the lead to 3-0. Siri scored on a throwing error after swiping his third stolen base of the game. Taylor Featherston continued his hot start with the Wahoos with an RBI single in the inning to make it 5-0. Featherston and Siri led the way offensively for the Wahoos, combining for six hits and three runs driven in. Siri scored three runs of his own to go along with his three stolen bases.
The Wahoos will look to even up the series on Tuesday. RHP Daniel Wright (6-6, 3.70) will take the mound for the Wahoos against Shuckers starter, LHP Cameron Roegner (0-0, 0.00).