FWC Law Enforcement Report
May 18, 2018
The Florida FWC Division of Law Enforcement reported the following activity during the weekly period ending May 3 in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
Officers Allgood and Manning responded to a call regarding two subjects fishing from a vessel in a restricted no motor zone near Fort McRee. While approaching, they noticed there was a tent set up in the area near the vessel. They approached the tent and spoke to the two subjects who were present. While speaking to them, they noticed drug paraphernalia lying in the tent and one of the subjects had a methamphetamine pipe in his front pocket. Both subjects were found to be in possession of cannabis, cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine. Both subjects were arrested and transported to the Escambia County Jail.
While on patrol, Officer Cushing saw a vessel near the 17th Avenue Boat Ramp without any navigational lights on not making way. A second vessel inbound was hauled by the first vessel to assist getting to the boat ramp. When both vessels neared the boat ramp, Officer Cushing contacted the disabled vessel as the assisting vessel was idling away. Cushing projected his voice several times to get the attention of the assisting vessel operator. The operator seemed hesitant to respond, but the officer eventually contacted him. When questioned about having any fish, he indicated that he only had white trout. When asked to see the fish, the individual was slow to reveal the contents of the live well. Officer Cushing directed him to move a tackle bag and open the lid fully. Inside the live well was a 33-inch redfish. Officer Cushing initiated a fisheries inspection with the other vessel. The operator stated that he had two redfish and a red snapper and some other miscellaneous fish. Officer Cushing inspected the catch. One of the redfish was oversized. Citations were issued to both subjects for the oversized redfish violations and several warnings for the other resource and boating safety violations.
Department of Agriculture Criminal Investigator Shaw advised Environmental Investigator Hughes his agency had received a complaint regarding the storage and disposal of yard trash debris (land clearing debris) on private property in Escambia County. Investigator Shaw stated the yard trash debris had been placed on the property by the complainant’s daughter’s previous boyfriend who operated a commercial stump and tree removal business. After a month-long investigation, an Escambia County Circuit Judge reviewed and issued a warrant for the arrest of a defendant for violation of Section 403.161(1)(b) pursuant to Florida Administrative Code 62-701.300(1)(a) that states “(1) General Prohibition. (a) No person shall store, process, or dispose of solid waste except as authorized at a permitted solid waste management facility or a facility exempt from permitting under this chapter” (1st degree misdemeanor).
SANTA ROSA COUNTY
Officers Jernigan and Arnette responded to a single vessel accident on the Blackwater River. The lone occupant lost control of his 13-foot boat and was thrown from it in a curve of the river. The vessel continued around the curve and ran up into the brush along the riverbank. The man luckily suffered only minor abrasions. The man was issued a citation for violation of a navigation rule.
Officer Ramos conducted a fisheries inspection on three subjects at a boat ramp. The officer found an oversized red drum located in a cooler next to the subjects. One of the subjects admitted to catching the oversized red drum. Officer Ramos continued his investigation and located multiple white baggies with white substances which were field tested and identified as powder and crack cocaine. The subjects were also in possession of crushed Xanax without a prescription. The subject was placed under arrest and transported to the county jail for possession of a controlled substance. He was also issued a warning for the oversized red drum.
Officers have been receiving many complaints about subjects on the Navarre Pier catching their daily bag limit for pompano, taking it home, and then returning to the pier to catch more pompano exceeding their daily bag limit. Santa Rosa County officers formed a targeted enforcement detail to address the violations in which multiple subjects were seen catching pompano, departing the area and returning hours later to catch more pompano. Several subjects were issued notice to appear citations for taking over the daily bag limit of pompano.
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 And Generals Suspended In Ninth
May 18, 2018
Thursday’s opening game at Blue Wahoos Stadium between the Wahoos and Generals has been suspended due to inclement weather. The Generals had just taken the lead before play was halted with two outs in the ninth inning. The game will be resumed tomorrow night at 5:30 p.m. Friday’s regularly scheduled game will start at 6:30 or 30 minutes after the conclusion of the suspended contest.
The Generals ninth inning rally got started with a one-out double from Juniel Querecuto. After a groundout, Wahoos pitcher Robinson Leyer then hit Galli Cribbs and walked the next three Generals to give the visitors a 3-2 lead. As Wahoos manager Jody Davis brought in Rafael De Paula to finish the inning, the rains came down which resulted in play being halted.
Daniel Wright dominated for the Wahoos for seven shutout innings. The Wahoos starter allowed two hits, with no walks, and five strikeouts. Wright finished the night retiring 10 of the last 20 batters he faced. He has not allowed an earned run over his last 13 innings.
Generals starter Justin Donatella struggled early but settled into the game after a bumpy first inning. Shed Long led off the bottom of the first with his fifth home run of the season to give the Wahoos a quick 1-0 lead. After Daniel Sweet walked and stole second, he then scored on Gavin LaValley’s RBI single to double the Wahoos advantage. Brian O’Grady then doubled, but he and LaValley were stranded after Donatella retired the next three batters to end the threat. Donatella wound up pitching seven innings and he retired the last 15 Wahoos he faced.
In game two, right-handed pitcher Keury Mella (4-1, 2.00) will take the mound for Pensacola while south paw Alex Young (4-1, 4.64) will take the hill for the Generals.
Wind Damages Auto Repair Shop Roof, Downs Tree In Atmore
May 17, 2018
Winds damaged the roof on an auto repair shop and downed a tree near a house in Atmore Thursday afternoon.
The roof of Tedder’s Auto Repair on Ridgeley Street was peeled back by the winds. About two blocks away on North Trammell Street, wind downed a pecan tree, causing minor damage to a house.
There were no injuries reported.
A severe thunderstorm warning was in effect at the time.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Photos: Canadian Forces Snowbirds Perform At Pensacola NAS
May 17, 2018
The Royal Canadian Air Force Snowbirds demonstration team flies flew over Pensacola Naval Air Station.
Photos by Perry Doggrell for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Temporary Bridge Opens On Highway 97
May 17, 2018
Traffic is now moving on a temporary bridge on Highway 97 over Sandy Hollow Creek near Davisville.
Crews will now begin replacing and adjacent 78-year-old bridge with a new 12-foot wide bridge with eight-foot shoulders and a concrete barrier railing. The bridge approaches will also be resurfaced. The entire project is anticipated to be complete in the fall of this year, weather permitting.
The posted speed limit is 45 mph on the bridge. Also, a weight restriction is in place on the temporary bridgel vehicles weighing over 88,000 pounds and cranes are prohibited.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Ernest Ward Middle Holds Appreciation Day Celebration
May 17, 2018
Ernest Ward Middle School held an Appreciation Day Celebration Wednesday to thank businesses and groups that have supported the school during the past year.
The school recognized Craig and Bonnie Exner, Barrineau Park Historical Society; Christa Wilson, Un-Dents PDR; Annie Nowak, Poarch Creen Indians; Sabrina Owens, EREC; Haley Revette and Nellie Salter, Navy Federal FCU; Billy Danielson, Smith Tractor; Joey Hetrick, Escambia Farm Bureau; William Reynolds, NorthEscambia.com; and Michelle Taylor and Steven Harrell, Escambia County School District.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Ransom Middle Band Performs For Pine Meadow Fifth Graders
May 17, 2018
The Ransom Middle School band performed at Pensacola Meadow Elementary School Wednesday, giving fifth graders a peek at what they could be doing a year from now. Courtesy image for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia County 4-H To Host Boots Vs. Badges Fundraiser In Molino
May 17, 2018
Escambia County 4-H Council will host a Boots Vs. Badges Challenge Saturday to raise funds for the Gulf Coast Kid’s House. The fundraiser will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Escambia County 4-H Center at 5681 Chalker Road, Molino. General admission to the event is $5 per vehicle.
The event will feature U.S. military groups competing against Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputies in a timed obstacle course race at 10:30 a.m., along with a car show at 2 p.m., kids’ activities and vendor booths. A second obstacle course challenge open to the general public will take place at 11:30 a.m.
Admission and competition prices:
- U.S. military and ECSO- Free
- Open Challenge participants (general public) – $10 each
Age range groups for the obstacle course challenge:
- 14-17
- 18-34
- 35-50
- 51-up
Child admission to bounce house, petting zoo and event:
- Ages 3-5 – $3
- Ages 5-13 $5
Vendor booths:
- $25 each, limit to two per 10×10 area
Car show:
- $25 for judged vehicles
- $15 for for display only vehicles
Registration for the car show will take place from 7-10 a.m., and registration for the Boots Vs. Badges Challenge and Open Challenge will take place from 9:15 to 11 a.m. For more information, please contact 4hbvschallenge@gmail.com.
Escambia Man Sentenced For Cigarette Robberies
May 17, 2018
An Escambia County has been sentenced to over a decade in prison for stealing cigarettes from four convenience stores .
James Levoy Foster II, 46, was sentenced by Circuit Judge John Miller to 12.5 years in state prison.
Foster pled guilty to three counts of robbery without a weapon, one count of robbery with a weapon, and one count of resisting an officer without violence. The four convenience store robberies occurred between June 11 and July 17, 2017.
On June 11, 2017, Foster entered the Tom Thumb on Creighton Road, walked behind the cashier’s counter, and began to take several packs of cigarettes. Words were exchanged between the clerk and Foster when the clerk tried to stop him from leaving the store. Foster then knocked the clerk to the ground and walked out of the store.
On June 11, 2017, Foster walked into the Smart Fill convenience store on Davis Highway and attempted to purchase cigarettes with a debit card. After the card was declined, Foster walked around the counter and demanded cigarettes from the clerk while holding a knife. Foster took 13 cartons of cigarettes and then left the store.
On July 11, 2017, Foster walked into the Mom and Pop’s Convenience Mart on Olive Road and demanded the clerk give him several packs of cigarettes. When the clerk refused, Foster threatened to jump behind the counter and take them. The clerk then provided several packs of cigarettes to Foster. Before leaving the store, Foster threatened the clerk to not call 911.
On July 17, 2017, Foster went inside the Circle K on Garden Street, walked behind the counter, and started to take several cartons of cigarettes. He began telling the clerks that “He didn’t want to hurt them, but if they called the cops he would.” Foster then walked out of the store with the cigarette cartons.
Foster was arrested on July 18, 2017. He admitted to committing all four robberies.
Foster’s prior criminal history includes convictions for battery, trespass, grand theft, aggravated assault with a weapon, burglary, grand theft auto, criminal mischief, disorderly conduct, petit theft and resisting officers.
FEMA Chief Preaches Local Prepardness For Disasters
May 17, 2018
Local officials across Florida shouldn’t rely on the federal government to be on the ground everywhere a day or days after the next natural disaster, the head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency said Wednesday during the annual Governor’s Conference on Hurricanes.
FEMA Administrator Brock Long bluntly stressed that his agency and others that offer disaster assistance have been stretched thin after a series of 2017 storms and wildfires, as well as the ongoing volcanic eruption in Hawaii, so local officials should have their own plans to provide water and other essential services for the first few days following a disaster.
“If you don’t have the ability to do things such as provide your own food and water and your own commodities to your citizens for the first 48 to 72 hours, and I’m asking you to consider pre-event management concepts, I’m questioning whether or not you’re an EMAP (Emergency Management Accreditation Program) accredited emergency management agency,” Long said while appearing at the week-long training event at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach.
“If you’re waiting on FEMA to run your commodities, that’s not the solution,” Long added. “I can’t guarantee that we can be right on time to backfill everything you need.”
With the start of the six-month hurricane season two weeks away, Long said FEMA isn’t “going to back away” when disasters strike. But he said local and state capabilities need to be strengthened, such as signing deals with private water bottlers and debris haulers and hardening local communications systems.
He talked of a need to revamp the national flood-insurance program, saying that due to “affordability” about 80 percent of homeowners in Houston didn’t have flood insurance before Hurricane Harvey hit last year.
Long said he’s also trying to revamp FEMA’s business model, as he estimated the agency spent about $300 million a day responding to disasters in 2017, with hotel bills at $3.5 million a day for displaced residents due to hurricanes Irma in Florida, Maria in Puerto Rico and Harvey in Texas, as well as floods, tornadoes and fires.
“The bottom line is that my operational capacity internally does not grow with the number of events that we have,” Long said.
Long’s comment came after Rep. Jeanette Nunez, a Miami Republican who oversaw the state House’s response to Hurricane Irma, encouraged emergency managers to keep pushing for storm hardening projects. She noted many storm-related proposals failed to advance during this year’s legislative session when lawmakers redirected $400 million to respond to the February massacre at Parkland’s Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.
“We really had to struggle at the end to find a way to keep our budget balanced but also address that particular tragedy,” Nunez said.
Lawmakers approved storm-related money for such things as farm repairs, affordable housing in Monroe County and to help students displaced from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Still, many of the high-profile measures crafted in response to hurricanes Irma and Maria failed to win support. They included strengthening the electric grid, creating a strategic fuel-reserve task force, requiring the Division of Emergency Management to use certified sign-language interpreters during emergency broadcasts and using rail-tank cars to bring fuel into evacuation areas to avoid a repeat of runs on gas stations.
“Those are good baselines to start for the upcoming session, next year,” said Nunez, the chairwoman of the House Select Committee on Hurricane Response and Preparedness who will not return for the 2019 session due to term limits.
Meanwhile, Gov. Rick Scott told people attending the conference to “pray” Florida won’t be impacted by hurricanes for the third consecutive year.
“Hopefully we won’t have any hurricanes. It would be nice not to have, in my eighth year, any hurricanes,” Scott said.
Scott also praised people attending the conference for their work to restore services following hurricanes the past two years.
The governor’s office announced on Wednesday the state has submitted a $616 million request to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for ongoing Hurricane Irma recovery efforts.
HUD has 45 days to respond to the state’s request for the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery program money, which would go into providing assistance to impacted businesses, repairing homes, building new affordable rental units and buying land for affordable housing.
The federal program requires at least 80 percent of the money go to the hardest-hit counties and ZIP codes. As part of the state’s request, the areas listed in the application include Brevard, Broward, Collier, Duval, Lee, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Orange, Polk and Volusia counties, as well as ZIP codes 32136 in Flagler County, 32091 in Bradford County, 32068 in Clay County and 34266 in DeSoto County.
The money would also help Puerto Ricans who have relocated to Florida due to Hurricane Maria.
by Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida