One Injured In Highway 29, Highway 97 Crash
December 28, 2018
One person was injured in crash Thursday night on Highway 29 at Highway 97. The wreck happened about 6:10 p.m. The adult male was transported to an area hospital by Escambia County EMS. Highway 29 northbound was closed for about an hour by the crash. The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating and has not released further details. The Molino Station of Escambia Fire Rescue and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office also responded. NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge. 
Firefighters Rescue Dog Stuck Under Storage Shed
December 28, 2018
Escambia County firefighters rescued a puppy stuck under a shed Wednesday night.
The puppy got a little carried away while chasing a critter under his owner’s shed, wedging himself tightly under two floor joists about three feet under the shed.
The owners tried their best to get him out, knocking two holes in the plywood before calling Escambia County Fire Rescue for assistance. A crew from the ECFR Ferry Pass Station came to the rescue, prying up the plywood and digging around the dog until he could be freed.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate High Valedictorian To Appear On ‘Who Wants To Be A Millionaire’ Tonight
December 28, 2018
Samantha Brown, the 2017 Tate High School valedictorian, will appear on “Who Wants To Be a Millionaire” beginning tonight.
Millionaire airs at 6:30 p.m. on WEAR 3.
Brown is now a mechanical engineering major at the University of West Florida.
Samantha’s little sister, Maggie Brown, appeared last month in te Jeopardy! Teen Tournament. They actually found out on the same day last summer that they had been selected for their respective shows, according to mom Clarissa Brown. Maggie is a sophomore at Tate.
NorthEscambia.com graphic, click to enlarge.
Pine Forest Road Traffic Stop Leads To Multiple Felony Drug Charges
December 28, 2018
A traffic stop led to the arrest of an Escambia County man on multiple drug charges.
A Florida Highway Patrol trooper stopped a red pickup truck for speeding on Pine Forest Road. Inside the vehicle, the trooper located 36 grams of cocaine, 21.5 grams of methamphetamine, 383 grams of marijuana, 59 Lortab, and 12 THC vape cartridges.
Martego Clark, 44, was charged with trafficking cocaine, trafficking methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance without a prescription, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and driving with a suspended or revoked license. All of the charges are felonies.
Clark was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $47,000 bond.
Escambia Animal Shelter Offering Special Adoption Rates
December 28, 2018
The Escambia County Animal Shelter is offering a special reduced adoption fee of $50 for all dogs and puppies and $20 for all cats and kittens during the month of December. Adoption fees include altering of the animal (spay or neutering services), microchip, heart worm test and the initial vaccinations, including rabies vaccinations. Escambia County residents will be required to purchase a license at the time of adoption. This is an additional $11 over the adoption fees and is paid separately.
While Escambia County Animal Shelter staff want every pet to have a home for the holidays, they highly discourage giving pets as presents, especially surprise presents. The shelter recommends if your friend or loved one has expressed interest in pet adoption, consider wrapping a food bowl and treats to put under the Christmas tree and coming to the shelter together to pick out a lifelong pet that’s right for their lifestyle, family and budget.
The Escambia County Animal Shelter is located at 200 West Fairfield Drive and is open Friday from noon to 5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, contact the shelter at (850) 595-3075.
Free Beans And Rice Giveaway Saturday In Cantonment
December 28, 2018
Saint Monica’s Episcopal Church, will be distributing free white rice and dried beans on Saturday, December 29 from 9 until 11 a.m. (or while supplies last) at the church located at 699 South Hwy 95-A in Cantonment. Free sausage biscuits and hot coffee will be served while supplies last.
There are no guidelines and no paperwork required.
The rice and beans are distributed on the last Saturday of every month.
Charges Dropped Against One Of Two Suspects In Century Armed Home Invasion
December 27, 2018
Charges have dropped against one of two suspects in a January home invasion robbery in Century.
Kendrick Jamar Washington, was previously charged with first degree felony home invasion and aggravated assault. Assistant State Attorney Greg Marcille said there was insufficient evidence to prosecute the case against Washington. He said the victim had previously misidentified the suspect.
Gregory Lavone Williams, 52, is awaiting trial for first degree felony home invasion with a firearm and misdemeanor criminal mischief with property damage in connection with the incident.
Someone knocked on the female victim’s door about 4 a.m. while dressed in a dark colored hoodie and camouflage pants. As she was closing the door, he pulled the door back and shoved the female backward, according to an arrest report, with two men entering the home. A male then allegedly pulled a gun and pointed it the victim’s face while demanding money. The suspect allegedly took the cash and headed it to Williams before both men ran out the front door.
The victim told deputies she had about $1,500 in her purse because she worked as a cocktail waitress at Wind Creek Casino in Atmore and she had cashed her check there but not yet deposited it into the bank.
Retired Escambia County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Caleb Passes Away
December 27, 2018
Retired Escambia County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Caleb passed away Wednesday evening.
Master Deputy Wayne Gulsby and Caleb received several honors at the national level during Caleb’s career at the ECSO.
K-9 Caleb served the citizens of Escambia County from February 2013 until his retirement in 2017.
Authorities Seek Nine Mile Road Attempted Burglary Suspect
December 27, 2018
Authorities are searching for a man that attempted to break into Thompson Tractor on West Nine Mile Road on Christmas Eve.
The suspect is seen on security footage at 10:36 p.m. He exits the vehicle unsuccessfully attempts to break the glass out of door. A manager said this was the third time someone had busted their door glass in the past month. No one has tampered with or stolen anything.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP or the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Here’s How To Dispose Of Your Christmas Tree
December 27, 2018
Need to dispose of your Christmas tree? Here are options:
ECUA Christmas Tree Collections in Escambia and Santa Rosa
ECUA customers in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties may place real wreaths and Christmas trees at the curb with their regular yard waste collection. Customers are asked to remove all tinsel and decorations from their trees before placing them at the curb, and to ensure that trees, or portions thereof, are no more than 6 feet in length. Trees can be placed at the curb with other yard trash and should not be placed in the recycling cans or green garbage containers.
The Florida Forest Service offers the following tips if you chose to burn your Christmas tree:
- Check local ordinances for requirements for outdoor burning.
- Burn only if significant rainfall has occurred in the last three or four days.
- Never burn on dry or windy days.
- Select a burn location that is at least 25 feet from natural areas, 25 feet from your home, 150 feet from other occupied buildings and 50 feet from any paved public roadway.
- Remove all decorations from the tree before you burn.
- Cut the tree into manageable sections, as necessary.
- Clear the burn area free of other flammable materials, such as leaf litter and pine straw.
- Keep a shovel and water hose handy in case the fire starts to escape containment.
- Never leave a fire unattended, and make sure it is out before leaving.
- Never burn a Christmas tree in a fireplace or wood stove.