Cantonment Woman Trapped Under Overturned Vehicle At Kingsfield Bridge
February 27, 2017
A Cantonment woman was critically injured in a single vehicle crash into a ravine Sunday night.
Bonnie Judson, 30, was westbound on Kingsfield Road just after 7:00 p.m. when she ran off the roadway in her 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer and hit a guardrail, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The vehicle continued to travel westbound and hit the guardrail again, causing the vehicle to become airborne.
Judson was ejected and came to rest under the vehicle off the Eleven Mile Creek Bridge. Firefighters, including an Escambia County Fire Rescue Special Operations Team, worked for over half an hour to free the Judson from under the wreckage after securing the vehicle to keep it from further overturning.
Judson was airlifted by LifeFlight helicopter to an area hospital as a “trauma alert”.
The accident remains under FHP investigation.
For more photos from the dramatic rescue, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Century Correctional Institution Inmate Assaults Officer
February 27, 2017
An inmate recently assaulted a correctional officer at Century Correctional Institution, according to information released by the Florida Department of Corrections.
Inmate Jaylin Y. Rue became combative and bit the officer on the knee. Staff responded appropriately, and the Rue was subdued, according to DOC.
Medical staff examined the officer and noted minor injuries. Rue will receive a disciplinary report for this assault, according to corrections staff.
Rue was serving an eight year sentence out of St. Lucie County for robbery with a deadly weapon, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and for possession of a weapon by a convicted felon.
FWC Offering Hunter Safety Class In Molino
February 27, 2017
A hunter safety class will be offered Wednesday, March 1 at the Molino Branch Library at 6 p.m.
All hunters born after 1975 are required to take a hunter safety class to get their hunting license. This class requires completion of the FWC’s free online hunter safety course before attending class. Go to myfwc.com/HunterSafety to register and take the online course.
Contact Paul Averill, Florida Fish and Wildlife Hunter Safety Instructor at 850-982-8070 for more information.
Appeals Court Tosses $23 Billion Escambia County Tobacco Verdict
February 27, 2017
In a sharply worded ruling, a state appeals court has ordered a new trial in the death of a smoker whose estate initially won a more than $23 billion verdict in Escambia County against R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company.
A three-judge panel of the 1st District Court of Appeal, in an 18-page ruling, blasted an attorney for the estate of Michael Johnson Sr., pointing to the “depth and pervasiveness” of improper closing arguments in the Escambia County case.
“It is clear from the record that Robinson’s trial strategy was to utterly vilify their opponent,” appeals-court Judge Thomas Winokur wrote, referring to the personal representative of the estate named in the lawsuit.
“In addition to accusing opposing counsel of participation in a scheme of deception, counsel for Robinson denigrated Reynolds as an unrepentant, anti-military, criminal predator, whom the jury must fight and destroy.” The jury initially awarded nearly $16.9 million in compensatory damages and $23.6 billion in punitive damages.
But the trial judge later tossed out the punitive-damages award as excessive and ordered a new trial for R.J. Reynolds on punitive damages. The ruling will require a new trial on the overall issues in the case, not just punitive damages.
“This case concerns the boundaries of proper closing argument,” Winokur wrote, in a ruling joined by judges Brad Thomas and Harvey Jay. “Plaintiff’s counsel crossed those boundaries repeatedly, flagrantly, and often in defiance of the trial court’s admonishments. The depth and pervasiveness of these improper arguments compel reversal of this case for new trial.”
The case is one of thousands in Florida that are known as “Engle progeny” cases. Such cases are linked to a 2006 Supreme Court ruling that established critical findings about the health dangers of smoking and misrepresentation by cigarette makers.
Gulf Power Warns Of Continuing Scam Against Customers
February 27, 2017
Scammers continue to target Gulf Power customers in a scheme where business owners and residential customers receive calls from a person claiming to represent Gulf Power and demanding payment — or their electric service will be cut off.
Gulf Power continues to work with law enforcement in reporting these incidents, but the company has received an escalated amount of calls from customers reporting fraudulent calls in recent months. Customers are being told their electric bill is past due and that their electricity will be cut off if the customer does not provide a credit card payment or other forms of immediate payment.
Gulf Power advises customers that:
• Gulf Power employees will never call a customer at home seeking any personal information, including credit card numbers.
• Gulf Power representatives will never ask a customer for money when they visit a residence.
• All Gulf Power representatives carry badges with picture identification that includes the employee’s name and the company’s name and logo.
Customers should call Gulf Power at 1-800-225-5797 if they have any questions about the identity of anyone representing Gulf Power.
Gulf Power is working with local law enforcement agencies to identify the perpetrators. If anyone has been victimized by one of these schemes, or has any information about suspects, they are asked to call local law enforcement and to contact Gulf Power at 1-800-225-5797.
Cantonment Man Trapped In Early Morning Crash
February 26, 2017
A Cantonment man was seriously injured in a single vehicle rollover crash early Sunday morning
The Florida Highway Patrol said 43-year old Daniel Goodale lost control on Jacks Branch Road near Old Bridge Road, ran off the roadway and struck a culvert about 12:15 a.m. Officials said 2003 Nissan Altima then went airborne for almost 100 feet before crashing into a ditch. Goodale was trapped in the vehicle after it came to rest on its side. It took firefighters about 30 minutes to stabilize the vehicle and free the driver.
Goodale was not wearing a seat belt and was transported to West Florida Hospital. Any charges in the crash are pending, according to the FHP as they continue their investigation.
The Molino and Cantonment stations of Escambia Fire Rescue and Escambia County EMS also responded to the accident.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Ashlan Harigel Named Miss NHS 2017 (With Photo Gallery)
February 26, 2017
Ashlan Harigel was crowned Miss NHS 2017 Saturday night at Northview High School.
Brianna Smith was named first runner-up, while Morgan Myrick was named second runner-up from among 11 contestants. Other members of the Top 5 were Ashtyn Carnley and Hadley Woodfin.
Other awards were presented as follows:
Miss Congeniality – Alyssa Borelli
Miss Hospitality – Brianna Smith
Miss Physical Fitness – Brianna Smith
Miss Poise and Appearance – Morgan Myrick
For a pageant photo gallery, click here.
A freshman, Harigel is the 15-year old daughter of Dr. Sheldon and Kimberly Harigel. She is currently ranked academically at the top of her class.
Pictured top: Top 5 members Ashton Carnley (left) and Hadley Woodfin, (bottom) second runner-up Morgan Myrick, Miss NHS 2017 Ashlan Harigel and first runner-up Brianna Smith. Pictured inset: Harigel reacts to being named Miss NHS 2017.
Hundreds Attend Annual Farm Auction (With Photo Gallery)
February 26, 2017
Hundreds of people attended the 43rd Annual Walnut Hill Ruritan Club Farm Equipment Auction Saturday in Walnut Hill.
Farm equipment, lawn and garden equipment, household items and more were sold at auction during the event, which is held each year on the last Saturday of February. All proceeds from the auction benefit the Walnut Hill Ruritan Club’s community service projects in the Walnut Hill area.
Pictured: Hundreds attended the annual Walnut Hill Ruritan Club farm equipment auction Saturday in Walnut Hill. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Escambia Man Arrested After Hit And Run
February 26, 2017
An Escambia County man has been arrested by the Florida Highway Patrol in connection with a hit and run crash.
The crash happened on West Scott Street. Troopers were able to locate the vehicle involved in the crash, and after a short pursuit take Brandon Edward Colley into custody.
And Escambia County Sheriff’s Office K-9 was called to search the vehicle and located illegal narcotics in the center console.
According to information released Saturday by the FHP, Colley was charged with leaving the scene of a crash involving property damage, reckless driving, fleeing attempting to elude, possession of an open container, driving on a suspended license and possession of controlled substance.
Colley was wanted on outstanding warrants for multiple counts of dealing in stolen property, passing a forged instrument and grand theft. He is being held in the Escambia County Jail without bond.
FDOT: Weekly Traffic Alerts
February 26, 2017
Drivers will encounter traffic variations on the following state roads in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
· U.S. 98 East (Garden Street) City of Pensacola Parade between “A” Street and Tarragona Street- U.S. 98 East (Garden Street) will be closed to traffic between “A” Street and Tarragona Street in Pensacola from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 24 and from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25 for parade festivities. Traffic will be detoured. Law enforcement will be on site to assist with traffic control.
· State Road (S.R.) 95 Underground Utility Work from N Palafox Street and Texar Drive to N Palafox Street and Lurton Street- Southbound lane closure from 8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 27 to 6 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 28 as crews test and repair air leaks in manhole route.
· Fairfield Drive (S.R. 727/295) Resurfacing from Mobile Highway (S.R. 10A) to North Pace Boulevard (S.R. 292) – Intermittent and alternating lane closures continue between Mobile Highway and North Pace Boulevard from 8:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. as crews perform paving operations.
· I-10/ U.S. 29 Interchange Improvements Phase I- Paving operations will require the following lane and ramp closures from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. the week of Monday, Feb. 27:
o Alternating lane closures on I-10 westbound near U.S. 29 (Exits 10A and 10B) and the I-10 westbound ramp to U.S. 29 north.
o The U.S. 29 north to I-10 westbound ramp will be closed. Traffic will be detoured to make a U-turn at Broad Street to access I-10 westbound.
· Interstate 10 (I-10) Widening from Davis Highway to the Escambia Bay Bridge – Alternating lane closures on Scenic Highway (U.S. 90), south of the I-10 ramps, 8:30 p.m. to 6 a.m. the week of Monday, Feb. 27 to allow crews to install a drainage pipe beneath the roadway. One lane will remain open at all times.
· Perdido Key Drive (S.R. 292) Resurfacing from the Alabama State line to the ICWW (Theo Baars Bridge) – Lane closures will be in effect from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 27 through Saturday, March 4 as crews perform paving operations between the Alabama state line and the ICWW (Theo Baars Bridge). Drivers can expect delays.
· I-110 Routine maintenance from Interstate 10 (I-10) exit to Maxwell Street exit- Alternating lane closures from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 28 through Friday, March 3 as crews repair overhead lighting.
· U.S. 29 (S.R. 95) Widening from I-10 to Nine Mile Road- Alternating lane closures continue from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. on U.S. 29 between I-10 and 9 1/2 Mile Road and on 9 Mile Road near the U.S. 29/9 Mile Road overpass as crews perform drainage operations.
· Nine Mile Road (S.R. 10/U.S. 90A) Widening from Pine Forest Road (S.R. 297) to U.S. 29- A new detour configuration has been implemented on Nine Mile Road between Stefani and Waring roads as crews construct a box culvert under Nine Mile Road. Alternating lane closures continue on Untreiner Avenue as crews perform jack and bore operations. The speed limit throughout the construction zone has been reduced to 35 MPH.
Santa Rosa County:
· S.R. 87 Widening from County Road 184 to north of the Yellow River Bridge- Intermittent lane closures between Hickory Hammock Road and the Yellow River Bridge from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. the week of Monday, Feb. 27 as crew perform paving operations.
· I-10 Resurfacing from east of S.R. 87 to the Okaloosa County Line- Intermittent and alternating inside lane closures between the S.R. 87 interchange and the Okaloosa County line from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 27 through Thursday, Mar. 2 perform construction activities. Motorists are reminded the speed limit is reduced to 60 MPH within the lane closure.