Santa Rosa Man Gets Life For Abusing Child In Church Pantry
June 24, 2017
A Santa Rosa County man will spend the rest of his life in prison for molesting a child in a church pantry.
John Thomas Kelley, Sr., age 71 of Milton, was found guilty by a Santa Rosa County jury of lewd or lascivious molestation upon a child less than 12 years of age. Immediately following the trial, Judge David Rimmer designated Kelley as a sexual predator and sentenced him to life in prison.
In June 2016, Kelley invited the 7-year old child into a church pantry where he fondled the child.
In 1987, Kelley was convicted of three counts of lewd or lascivious assault and three counts of attempted sexual battery for crimes he committed upon two children. Due to the law in effect at the time, Kelley was not designated as a sexual pffender or sexual predator or required to register as such.
Wahoos Drop First Game Of Second Half To Chattanooga
June 24, 2017
Pensacola Blue Wahoos first baseman Gavin LaValley crushed his first Double-A home run Friday against Chattanooga Lookouts pitcher Stephen Gonsalves.
LaValley, who was called up from the High-A Daytona Tortugas, led Pensacola’s offense, going 2-4 with a double, as well.
The 23-year-old, who batted fifth in Pensacola’s batting order, was the one bright spot in the Blue Wahoos’, 6-1, loss to Chattanooga in the first game of the second half in the Southern League.
LaValley’s homer on a line drive to left center field was the only run given up by the big lefty Gonsalves at AT&T Field. Before being promoted to Pensacola, LaValley was second in homers with 15 and second in RBIs with 45 in the Florida State League.
Chattanooga’s Gonsalves worked seven innings, giving up three hits, a walk and striking out nine. Gonsalves improved his record to 3-3 in seven starts for the Lookouts and dropped his ERA to 2.85.
Meanwhile, Pensacola starter Keury Mella lasted five innings, giving up five runs on three hits, two walks and four strikeouts. Mella is now 2-5 this season with a 4.70 ERA. Both relievers Alex Powers and Brennan Bernardino struck out the side in the one inning that they both pitched.
Chattanooga went up 5-0 before LaValley’s fifth inning homer. The Lookouts first two runs came in the first inning when shortstop Nick Gordon and right fielder Edgar Corcino both scored on a throwing error to first by Pensacola second baseman Josh VanMeter on a grounder by left fielder LaMonte Wade.
Lookouts center fielder Levi Michael then smacked a three-run homer to right field in the fourth inning for a 5-0 lead.
Pensacola right fielder Aristides Aquino knocked his fifth triple, which is tied for second in the Southern League, for his only hit in four at bats. VanMeter was 1-4 with his 15th double of the year.
One Stabbing Suspect Arrested
June 24, 2017
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office has arrested one of two people wanted in connection with two stabbings last week.
Jerald Jenkins is now jailed for premeditated attempted murder, while Monika Jenkins is wanted for principal to attempted murder.
On June 22, Jerald Jenkins stabbed a victim in the 4500 block of Guerlain Way. Later in the day, he attempted to stab another victim near Fennel Street and Clio Drive, according to investigators.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Monika Jenkins is asked to call CrimeStoppers at (850) 433-STOP or the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620.
Century Man Charged With Attacking Several People
June 23, 2017
A Century man as been charged with battery against several people at a local residence.
Jimmie Jett Moore, 51, was charged with two counts of first degree battery, first degree battery domestic violence and burglary with assault and battery. He remained in the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $28,500.
Deputies with the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to a disturbance in the 9400 block of Ivey Street in Century. A victim told deputies that he was inside his RV when Moore punched him, causing him to fall through the doorway. Moore then punched the victim repeatedly, he claimed.
A witness corroborated the victim’s story. Moore’s mother told deputies she stuck him several times with a broomstick to get him to stop beating the other two men.
Moore also allegedly attacked his live-in girlfriend at a nearby residence on Cottage Street.
No reason for the attacks was given in Moore’s arrest reports.
Moore made several statements while being transported to the Escambia County Jail that he would “take care of the problem” when he is released.
UWF Ranks In Top Three Florida Board of Governors Performance Funding Model
June 23, 2017
The Florida Board of Governors announced Thursday the University of West Florida ranks in the top three top-performing public universities in the state and will secure more than $20 million in new funding for the 2017-18 academic year.
UWF earned 82 points out of 100 on the Board’s performance-based funding model results from the 2015-16 academic year, earning a top spot in the rankings alongside the University of Florida and the University of South Florida.
This is a significant improvement from 2014, the year the performance metrics were first introduced, when UWF was ranked No. 11, receiving 21 points out of the then-50-point scale.
“In the past four years, we’ve seen steady improvements at the System level and for individual universities,” said Tom Kuntz, Board of Governors’ chair. “Especially exciting is that we’ve seen universities in the bottom three soar to the top of the pack as they’ve renewed their focus on student success.”
UWF President Martha Saunders said the University’s success can be attributed to a campuswide effort to invest in long-term strategies that would not only increase the institution’s performance in the selected metrics, but also enhance the overall quality of the education and experience provided.
“This is great news for UWF and a testimony to the hard work of the entire campus over the past few years,” said UWF President Martha Saunders. “The additional funding will go a long way toward supporting the success of our students.”
Among the most successful initiatives developed by the University is an online graduation dashboard that empowers students, faculty and staff to closely monitor degree progression. Designed for undergraduate students, the dashboard features a color-coded “Time to Degree” progress bar, as well as excess hours, financial aid and academic status indicators that note when students need to seek assistance from an advisor. The graduation dashboard also celebrates the accomplishment when the degree is awarded.
Additionally, the University implemented several student completion strategies to enhance academic progress toward four-year graduation rates, including: creating University College to serve as a comprehensive, centralized unit dedicated to student support services and high-impact learning; allocating funding toward student grants and programs to support retention and graduation efforts; developing tools that empower students, faculty and staff to monitor degree progression; and more.
“UWF’s success this year reflects the fact that our faculty and staff have been and are committed to excellence—quality of programs, quality of the student experience and quality of the work each of us does every day,” said Dr. George Ellenberg, interim provost.
Under the performance funding model, the Board of Governors scores each of Florida’s 12 public universities based on 10 metrics designed to incentivize university excellence and improvement. These metrics establish a minimum acceptable level of performance on issues such as graduation and retention rates. The Board, with influence from the governor and Florida State Legislature, selects nine of the metrics, with the last one chosen by each institution’s Board of Trustees.
Each university must reach a benchmark number set by the Board of Governors and not score in the bottom three of all State University System institutions in order not to lose their base funding and to be eligible for new state funding.
The highlights of UWF’s metrics scores for 2015-2016 include:
- The percent of bachelor’s graduates enrolled in postgraduate school or employed and earning $25,000 or more increased by 6.5 percent, from 61 percent to 67.6 percent.
- The academic progress rate increased by 5.2 percent, reaching 70.1 percent overall.
- The number of students earning bachelor’s degrees without excess hours increased by 4.7 percent, from 75.8 percent to 80.5 percent.
All funds will be allocated in fiscal year 2017-2018, which begins July 1.
Health Department Urges Precaution Around Flood Areas
June 23, 2017
The Florida Department of Health in Escambia County is recommending residents take some basic precautions around flood waters.
Although skin contact with flood waters does not, by itself, pose a serious health risk, health hazards are a concern when waters become contaminated. Flood waters may contain waste material with associated bacteria and viruses. The health department is recommending the following precautions to prevent possible illness from flood waters:
Basic hygiene is critical. Wash your hands with soap and water that has been boiled or disinfected before preparing or eating food, after toilet use, after participating in flood cleanup activities, and after handling articles contaminated with flood water or sewage.
- Avoid eating or drinking anything that has been contaminated with flood waters.
- Do not wade through standing water. If you do, bathe and put on clean clothes as soon as possible.
- Avoid contact with flood waters if you have open cuts or sores. If you have any open cuts or sores and cannot avoid contact with flood waters, keep them as clean as possible by washing them with soap to control infection. If a wound develops redness, swelling, or drainage, seek immediate medical attention. People who sustain lacerations and/or puncture wounds and have not had a tetanus vaccination within the past 10 years require a tetanus booster.
- If there is a backup of sewage into your house, wear rubber boots and waterproof gloves during cleanup. Remove and discard absorbent household materials, such as wall coverings, cloth, rugs, and dry wall. Clean walls and hard-surfaced floors with soap and water and disinfect with a solution of 1/4 cup of bleach to one gallon of water. Thoroughly disinfect food contact surfaces (counter-tops, refrigerators, tables) and areas where small children play. Wash all linens and clothing in hot water. Air dry larger items in the sun and spray them with a disinfectant. Steam-clean all carpeting.
If your plumbing is operating slowly or sluggishly, you should:
- Save water as much as possible; the less water used the less sewage the septic tank must process or a sewer line needs to handle. Minimize use of your washing machine. Rental of a portable toilet for a temporary period may be another option.
- Do not have the septic tank pumped. Very high water tables might crush a septic tank that was pumped dry. If the basic problem is high ground water, pumping the tank does nothing to solve that problem.
- If you cannot use your plumbing without creating a sanitary nuisance, i.e., without sewage being exposed, consider moving to a new location until conditions improve.
- Do not have the septic tank and drain field repaired until the ground has dried. Often systems will work when dry conditions return. Any repair must be permitted and inspected by your county health department.
For more information, contact the DOH-Escambia’s Environmental Health division at 850-595-6700 or visit www.escambiahealth.com or www.FloridaDisaster.org.
Florida Consumer Sentiment Continues Downward Slide
June 23, 2017
Consumer sentiment among Floridians dropped in May for the second month in a row, falling 2.4 points to 93.3 from a revised April reading of 95.7.
Among the five components that make up the index, one increased and four decreased.
“Most of the pessimism in May stems from perceptions about the current economic conditions,” said Hector H. Sandoval, director of the Economic Analysis Program at UF’s Bureau of Economic and Business Research.
Perceptions of one’s personal financial situation now compared with a year ago showed the biggest drop, falling 5.9 points from 91 to 85.1. May’s less-positive outlook was shared by all Floridians across age, gender and income groups.
Opinions as to whether now is a good time to buy a major household item such as an appliance declined two points, from 101.7 to 99.7. However, there were increases among those 60 and older and those with income under $50,000.
Expectations of personal finances a year from now dropped 5.2 points from 105.1 to 99.9. Expectations for the U.S. economy were mixed: Anticipated conditions over the next year decreased one-tenth of a point, from 92.8 to 92.7 while expectations of U.S. economic conditions over the next five years increased nine-tenths of a point, from 88.1 to 89.
These three components represent expectations about what lies ahead economically speaking.
“Readings about future economic conditions have shown important signs of deterioration for the past two months. However, in contrast to April, this month’s unfavorable expectations are accompanied by a significant decline in perceptions of present conditions. It seems unlikely that consumers are delaying the purchase of big household items, as they hold unfavorable future expectations as well,” Sandoval said.
According to the latest report from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Florida’s gross domestic product growth rate ranked fifth of all states in 2016, with an annual growth rate of 3 percent. The sector contributing the most to the Florida economy in 2016 was the professional, scientific and technical services sector, followed by the construction and information sectors.
Florida’s unemployment rate declined again in April by three-tenths of a percentage point to 4.5 percent. Compared with April of last year, the number of jobs added statewide was 215,400, a 2.6 percent increase. The industries gaining the most jobs were professional and business services, followed by trade, transportation and utilities.
Escambia Neighborhood Renewal Initiative Grant Program Deadline Extended
June 23, 2017
The Escambia County Neighborhood & Human Services Department has extended the spring cycle for its Neighborhood Renewal Initiative Program, funded through the county’s Community Development Block Grant Program. Applications are due Friday, June 30.
Neighborhood organizations located within the boundaries of one of the county’s Community Redevelopment Areas are eligible to apply for up to $500 for projects that promote community and volunteer-based redevelopment efforts in a targeted neighborhood. Past applicants have completed neighborhood beautification projects, neighborhood signs and house numbering projects.
Applications can be submitted to the Neighborhood & Human Services Department at cra@myescambia.com, dropped off or mailed to 221 Palafox Place, Suite 305, Attn: Lily Blackburn. Click here for an application.
To determine if your property is located within a CRA District, click here and search your address from the drop down menu at the top of the screen. For more information, please contact Lily Blackburn with the Community Redevelopment Agency at 850-595-3585 or cra@myescambia.com.
TS Cindy: Blackwater River State Forest Reports Damage And Closures
June 23, 2017
Tropical Storm Cindy caused significant flooding throughout the western portion of Blackwater River State Forest. Numerous major roads remain closed as flood waters continue to rise in area streams and rivers. The campground at the Coldwater Horse Stables will remain closed until Monday, June 26 as flood waters from Coldwater Creek continue to flow into the campground.
“Most of Blackwater River State Forest received substantial rainfall prior to Tropical Storm Cindy. The additional 6 to 12 inches of rain immediately caused streams, rivers and road ditches to overflow. The ground was already saturated, so we experienced significant flooding and road damage throughout the western portion of the state forest” said David Smith, Operations Administrator for Blackwater. “Although floodwaters continue to recede from many of the roads, many of the creeks and rivers rose another 8-12 inches today, preventing reopening of many forest bridges and the closure of the Coldwater campground.”
Currently only the Coldwater campground will be closed due to flooding. All other recreational facilities and campgrounds will remain open through the weekend.
Portions of several major roads in Blackwater River State Forest were closed due to severe flood damage or high water levels on the bridges. The following major roads are partially closed due to flood damage or high water: Bryant Bridge Road, Deaton Bridge Road, Charlie Foster Road, Bud Bass Road, Gordon Land Road, Red Rock Road, Indian Ford Road, Simmons Road, Pleasant Home Road, Melvin Holley Road and Mattie Kennedy Road.
Barricades have been placed on roads too dangerous for vehicular traffic. The public is urged to heed the warnings for these areas. “The Florida Forest Service has only been able to inspect the major forest roads at this time. Barricades were placed on roads and bridges deemed unsafe for public use. These barricades will be removed after the areas are inspected to ensure public safety” added Smith. “Many of the smaller access roads and trails are inaccessible at this time and the public is urged to refrain from using these roads. People visiting Blackwater River State Forest should only drive on the paved roads until conditions improve.”
Florida Forest Service personnel, in cooperation with local county personnel will continue to monitor road conditions within and around Blackwater River State Forest. Roads and bridges will be reopened when conditions improve.
Pictured: Horse Stables Bridge in the Blackwater State Park. Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Inmate Dead After Altercation At Century Correctional Institution
June 22, 2017
The Florida Department of Corrections has released the name of an inmate apparently murdered Monday at the Century Correctional Institution.
On June 19, inmate Jorge Slaughter was pronounced deceased at Century CI from an apparent inmate on inmate altercation.
“The death is currently under investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, with assistance from the Department’s Office of the Inspector General.,” Ashley Cook, press secretary for the Florida Department of Corrections, said in an email to NorthEscambia.com.
Slaughter, 30, was serving a 30 year sentence out of Miami-Dade for armed burglary, grand theft and robbery.