Funeral Services Tuesday For Former Sen. Greg Evers
August 25, 2017
Funeral services have been announced for former Sen. Greg Evers.
Visitation will be held Monday, August 28 from 5-7 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Milton at 6797 Caroline Street.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday August 29 at 1 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Milton.
Arrangements are being handled by Lewis Funeral Homes Inc. in Milton.
Please keep the Evers family in your prayers during this most difficult time,” Senate President Joe Negron, R-Stuart, said.
Evers, a 62-year-old Republican, died late Monday night when his truck ran off a road near his home in Baker and ended up in a creek. Evers, who also served in the House, left the Senate last year to make an unsuccessful bid for Congress.
Three Minor Injuries In Pickup, 18-Wheeler Highway 29 Crash
August 24, 2017
Three people were injured when an 18-wheeler and a pickup collided in Cantonment Thursday afternoon.
The adult female driver of the pickup was transported by ambulance to an area hospital, while her two children were taken by private vehicle for evaluation.
The accident happened about 2:45 p.m. at the intersection of Highway 29 and Muskogee Road. The tractor trailer came to a stop at Highway 29 and Tree Road.
The wreck is under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. Escambia County EMS, the Cantonment Station of Escambia Fire Rescue and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office also responded.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Indoor Organic Farm Promises 500 Jobs For Century, Some Questions Unanswered
August 24, 2017
Century’s empty Alger-Sullivan Lumber Company property could soon be home to an indoor organic farming operation employing up to 500 people, but some questions about the company and their plans remain unanswered.
“We are going to have somewhere between 300-500 jobs,” Stephen Simpkins of the South Carolina company Pisces Organic Farms LLC said. He said the company should be taking employment applications soon.
“We will be growing food inside those facilities which will be renovated. We will be taking applications maybe in the next 90 days for jobs but our primary purpose right now is to set the groundwork so that people know when we get here and get setup, that we are not going anywhere.”
At a recent council meeting, Mayor Henry Hawkins presented Simpkins as the future owner of the sprawling property — 330,200 square feet in eight buildings on 38 acres. The property was heavily damaged in Century’s February 2016 EF-3 tornado, including a collapse of the rear portion of the largest building. Portions of the buildings blew into, and in some cases through, houses along Front Street. Since the tornado, residents have pushed the town and Escambia County to clean up the property. Estimates for a cleanup have approached a million dollars.
Simpkins said the property would be converted into a grow facility for organic farming for products such as lettuce as well fish like shrimp, tilapia and perch. The sustainable operation plans to use solar power. Simpkins said his company was involved in a similar business in North Carolina.
“We got a customer base up the Southeast. We don’t have enough facilities. We can’t produce enough food. It’s organic food, no chemicals, no pesticides,” he said.
“We are not going to be a fly by night operation. We already operate in other states. Matter of fact, we suspended operations last year because our biggest problem is we have more people that want organic food and we don’t have enough square footage. We grow primarily indoors. Which is why that large facility is what we need to protect it from the weather and to protect it from people like Monsanto and a couple of people. You know what I am saying. These are some issues you deal with in modern day farming.”
Simpkins said the sale on the property — which is listed on real estate websites for $1.5 million — had not yet closed. Property records show it is currently owned by a holding company in Navarre.
“We are moving forward with it. We have two closing dates….there are some things we need to put in place right now before we sign the paperwork. The reason is once we sign the final paperwork we can’t use the money from the State of Florida in some instances,” he said. “In other words, if we move forward, we bypass those things the state of Florida has for us to use as far as economic development.”
One the closing is complete, Simpkins said the company would employ 300 people within 120 days and reach 500 employees in a year. He said the company would hire locally in Century first.
Simpkins interrupted his presentation during a regular public meeting of the Century Town Council to object to a NorthEscambia.com photographer taking his picture.
“You was taking that picture of me. So let me tell you this. I am copyrighted, right. Do you know what that means?,” he said.
When asked about Simpkin’s existing business and employees in North Carolina, he replied, “I’m not employing anybody right now. I got some other stuff going on too. We can talk.”
NorthEscambia.com asked Simpkins if his company had a website or operated under a different name because an internet search returned very few listings for Simpkins, his South Carolina LLC, or any business in North Carolina.
“We don’t have a website. We took it down on purpose because y’all are nosy….A lot of people start asking questions that are not really relative to the function of a business, right? People start asking questions not relative to the funding, not relative to anything,” Simpkins said.
“I got some other businesses I’m in. OK, let be frank with you. Now were are going to put between 350 and 500 people in this location right here….so the question about North Carolina, I’m here. I’m right here with you.”
“We have a contract in place. Money has been escrowed to the local attorney. It’s a green light,” he said.
During his presentation to the council, Simpkins said “We are going to move here locally, so we will be a fixture in your community…I apologize for not being here before. We have some other stuff going on in some other states…we looked at several different places, and Century was just the perfect place for several reasons.”
“We are not going to be a fly by night operation. We already operate in other states. Matter of fact, we suspended operations last year because our biggest problem is we have more people that want organic food and we don’t have enough square footage. We grow primarily indoors. Which is why that large facility is what we need to protect it from the weather and to protect it from people like Monsanto and a couple of people. You know what I am saying. These are some issues you deal with in modern day farming.”
“We are a food agency working with the USDA and the federal government.” he said.
He also said another company location was shut down because the local residents were not accepting of the business.
“We set up in several communities. In one community we shut down completely because when you come into a community and they don’t accept you with open arms people don’t want to do business with you.”
Century, however, is the perfect fit for the operation, he said.
“We picked Century because number one because it was a community that we could set a business up that it would be sustainable because there are people that need jobs. It’s not over populated so we don’t have to worry about if everybody gets an opportunity. When we say jobs, we are going to hire people that are able to work on the job. We have a veterans’ program, or people coming out of a corrections facility. We don’t discriminate.”
Simpkins said the Century-grown produce and seafood would also be sold locally and even served in a new restaurant.
“We’re actually going to set up a restaurant…we are going to set up a farmer’s store…we’ll have a wide variety of things. Local made cheese, local made things,” he said.
Town Planner Debbie Nickles cautioned Simpkins that the Alger-Sullivan property is currently zoned for industrial use, and it would take a large scale comprehensive plan amendment to change the property use to agricultural for a farming operation. She said that process could take as long as a year.
While the Century Council listened to the presentation from Simpkins, he did not make any formal request and the council took no action regarding his plan.
Following the council meeting, Simpkins refused to provide any further information about his business to NorthEscambia.com, other than to say he had a LLC and a USDA registration. He also refused to provide any contact information.
Pictured top: Century council member Ben Boutwell (seated), Stephen Simpkins of Pisces Organic Produce (center) and Alfred Phillips. Phillips stood with Simpkins during his presentation but did not speak. Pictured below: The Alger-Sullivan Lumber Company following a February 2016 EF-3 tornado. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Northview High Seeks School Advisory Council Members
August 24, 2017
Northview High School is seeking volunteers for their 2017-2018 School Advisory Council. The council meets four times each year after school. Any interested parents and community members are asked to call (850) 327-6681 ext. 221 and let the school know of your interest to serve.
Reader Catches Wednesday Funnel Cloud Photos
August 24, 2017
A NorthEscambia.com reader submitted these photos showing an apparent funnel cloud near Butler Street and I-65 northeast of Atmore Wednesday afternoon.
The National Weather Service in Mobile said radar showed no indication of rotation in the storms that were in that area at the time and that Wednesday’s environment was not conducive for tornadoes.
But based upon the photo and a detailed description from Mike Myrick, the photographer, the National Weather Service determined that this was likely a brief funnel cloud.
NorthEscambia.com reader submitted photo by Mike Myrick, click to enlarge.
Escambia Fire Offering Free Smoke Detector Sign Ups At Elementary Open Houses
August 24, 2017
Escambia County Fire Rescue is partnering with the Escambia County School District to attend open house events for 12 local elementary schools, with a goal of promoting fire safety and the county’s free smoke detector program. ECFR firefighters and staff will be distributing information about the program, and attendees will have the opportunity to sign up to have a free smoke detector installed in their home.
Escambia County Fire Rescue will be attending open house events on Thursday, Aug. 31 at the following Escambia County schools:
- Blue Angels Elementary — K-2nd 5:00- 6:00 PM 3rd-5th 6:15 -7:15 PM
- C.A. Weis Elementary– 5:00 – 6:30 PM
- Ferry Pass Elementary — K-2nd 5:30-6:30 3rd-5th 6:00-6:30
- Jim Allen Elementary — 6:00 – 7:00 PM
- Longleaf Elementary — 6:00 – 7:30 PM
- Montclair Elementary — 5:30 – 6:30 PM
- Myrtle Grove Elementary – 6:00 – 7:30 PM
- Oakcrest Elementary — 5:30 – 6:30 PM
- Pleasant Grove Elementary — K-2nd 5:30 – 6:15 3rd-5th 6:30 – 7:15
- Warrington Elementary — 5:00 – 6:30 PM
- West Pensacola Elementary — 6:00 – 7:00 PM
And on Thursday, September 15:
- Molino Park Elementary — 6:00-7:00 PM (general assembly begins at 5:30)
Smoke detectors that are properly installed and maintained play a vital role in reducing fire deaths and injuries. According to the National Fire Protection Association, a working smoke detector cuts the chances of dying in a reported fire in half.
For more information, contact Escambia County Fire Rescue at 850-475-5530 or fire@myescambia.com. For information about obtaining a home smoke detector, call 850-595-HERO (4376). City of Pensacola residents may call 850-436-5200 for smoke detector installation assistance.
Two Receive Minor Injuries In ATV Rollover Accident
August 24, 2017
Two people received minor injuries in an ATV rollover accident on Highway 4 in Century Wednesday afternoon. They were transported by private vehicle to an Atmore hospital. The 4 p.m. accident on West Highway 4 near Pleasant Hill Road is under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Senator Wants To Legalize Fireworks In Florida
August 24, 2017
Sen. Greg Steube is again trying to light the fuse on a proposal to legalize fireworks sales to the general public in Florida. The Sarasota Republican’s proposal would end a decades-old prohibition on fireworks sales.
Many people have gotten around the ban by using loopholes that allow the purchase of fireworks for such things as frightening birds for agriculture-related reasons. Lawmakers have unsuccessfully pushed to end the prohibition for years.
Steube filed the bill for the 2018 legislative session, which starts in January. He proposed an identical measure during the 2017 session, but it was not heard in committee.
by The News Service of Florida
Wahoos Take Series Lead Over The Generals
August 24, 2017
Pensacola catcher Joe Hudson admittedly has struggled at the plate this season but drilled a two-out, two-run double to left field to help the Blue Wahoos rally for a 4-3 lead in the fourth inning.
Hudson’s clutch hit and the Pensacola bullpen led the Blue Wahoos to a 9-3 victory Wednesday over the Jackson Generals at Blue Wahoos Stadium. Pensacola leads the series, 2-1.
Hudson knows hitting .177 is not what he wanted to do this season. But the 26-year-old catcher is 5-for-11, or .455, against the Generals pitching this year.
“Getting a hit is a blessing for a guy like me,” Hudson said. “Taking care of the pitchers is the main take away for me.”
Pensacola manager Pat Kelly said Hudson’s average is deceiving.
“Joe has had some big hits for us,” he said. “He’s hit very well against Jackson.”
Jackson starter Frank Duncan was three outs shy of a nine-inning no-hitter in his last game against the Biloxi Shuckers. The big right hander then had a perfect game for 3.1 innings Wednesday against Pensacola.
“I was just hoping we didn’t get no-hit,” Kelly said.
That’s when the Blue Wahoos, trailing Jackson, 3-0, rallied for four runs in the fourth inning.
Pensacola center fielder broke up Duncan’s perfect game with a hard-hit line drive to center field. With the bases loaded and one out, first baseman Gavin LaValley smoked a grounder that bounced off the third base umpire, scoring Guerrero with Pensacola’s first run.
Blue Wahoos right fielder Aristides Aquino hit a bouncer to Jackson shortstop Galli Cribbs who tagged left fielder Josh VanMeter for the second out of the inning and fired to first but Aquino beat the throw. Senzel scored on the play and Pensacola trailed Jackson, 3-2.
With runners on first and second, Hudson doubled in both LaValley and Aquino to complete the comeback, giving Pensacola a 4-3 lead.
Jackson had jumped on Pensacola starter Austin Ross in the second inning, scoring three runs to go ahead, 3-0. It seemed like an insurmountable lead with Pensacola averaging 1.75 runs in its previous four games.
Ross is slowly returning to form after spending a month on the disabled list for shoulder tightness. In four starts the right hander has pitched 14.2 innings, allowed six earned runs, walked two for a 3.68 ERA and earned the win Wednesday. On the season, the 28-year-old improved to 8-0 with a 1.81 ERA, which leads the Southern League.
The franchise record is Tony Cingrani’s 2.12 ERA in Pensacola’s first season in 2012.
Kelly said he is still treating Ross as a rehab pitcher.
“We were concerned in that second inning about overextending him,” Kelly said. “His experience really helped out. He was one out away from finishing the fifth and getting the win.”
The first three Jackson batters reached base in the second inning when right fielder Kelly Dugan lined a single to center field. Jackson second baseman Vladimir Frias doubled off the wall in right center. And then, Generals shortstop Galli Cribbs, hitting 8th in the batting order and batting .197 on the season, doubled into the left field corner to score both Dugan and Frias. Cribbs then scored the third run for Jackson on a sacrifice fly by center fielder Emilio Bonifacio.
But relievers Robert Stock, Nefi Ogando and Andrew McKirahan combined to toss 4.1 scoreless innings on threeX hits, no walks and oneX strikeout.
Also leading Pensacola’s nine-run parade was Gavin LaValley, who had his first four-RBI game in Double-A, going 3-4 with a double and scoring a run. LaValley has three other four-RBI games in and a career high five RBIs on Sept. 4, 2016.
Additionally, Blue Wahoos center fielder Gabriel Guerrero increased his franchise record for hits to 131, going 2-5 with a double, run scored and RBI. Ryan LaMarre owned the record with 127 in 2012.
Hudson, who played for Pensacola last season, really wants another crack at playing in the playoffs.
“We’ve established a precedent of winning here in Pensacola,” Hudson said. “It’s hard playing regular season games when we know already we’re in the playoffs. Last year was a sour ending. I thought we were better than that Mississippi (Braves) team.”
Pensacola tied the Tennessee Smokies for the Southern League record of winning four straight halves. Tennessee did it from 2009 to 2011. The Blue Wahoos are in the hunt this season to win the Southern Division a fifth straight time at 28-30 and just 3.5 games behind the front-runner Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp.
Kelly is already resting up his everyday players and arranging his rotation so Deck McGuire, Jose Lopez and Ross can pitch the first three games of the Southern Division playoffs.
“We’ve had a big turnover player wise, but we’ve had good pitching and play good defense. We haven’t been an offensive juggernaut any of the past three years.”
Boston Murder Suspect Arrested In Atmore
August 24, 2017
A man wanted for murder in Boston has been arrested in Atmore.
Andre Henderson, 34, was arrested by the U.S. Marshals Gulf Coast Regional Task Force as a fugitive from justice. Members of the Boston Police Fugitive Unit traveled to Atmore to take custody of Henderson. He was arrested on Bragg Street.
He was transported back to Boston where he will face arraignment in Dorchester District Court for murder.
Henderson was believed to have been in Atmore for a couple of months.
On Monday June 26, at about 6:27 p.m., officers from the Boston Police Department responded to a call for a person shot in the area of 1357 Blue Hill Avenue. When they arrived, officers located a male victim suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. The victim, later identified as Jorrell Browne, 29, of Boston, was transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.
“I want to commend my officers and our law enforcement partners for their tireless efforts which led to this arrest. This suspect thought he could avoid facing justice by hiding out of state – but you can’t escape the reach of the U.S. Marshals or the Boston Police Department,” Boston Police Commisioner