FWC Law Enforcement Report
January 5, 2017
The Florida FWC Division of Law Enforcement reported the following activity during the weekly period ending December 29 in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
Multiple agencies responded to a call regarding a man who fell into the Escambia River and was missing. Officers searched the area by land, water and air. Shortly after arriving, FWC Pilot Tolbert and Lieutenant Golloher located the victim by air within a mile from where he fell in (pictured top). Uniformed officers recovered the body by vessel.
SANTA ROSA COUNTY
Officer Hutchinson received information about a subject who shot an antlerless deer out of season with a modern firearm. After an initial investigation, he learned that the individual was a convicted felon and could not legally possess a firearm. Officers Hutchinson and Clark arrived at the individual’s property in the early morning hours and made contact with his brother-in-law who also lives on the property. The officers discovered the antlerless deer carcass inside a barrel that was hanging from a skinning rack. They also discovered an ice chest with the meat from the antlerless deer. After questioning the individual, he agreed to take the officers to where the suspect was living on the property. They drove through the property to a wooded area that had a two‑story shooting house in the bushes. The brother-in-law informed the officers that the suspect lived in the shooting house. The officers made contact with the suspect who admitted to using a modern firearm to shoot the antlerless deer out of season. The officers discovered that the suspect did not have a valid Florida hunting license and that he trespassed onto a nearby hunting club to harvest the deer. The suspect turned over the firearm used to harvest the deer. The officers seized the firearm and the deer meat. The suspect was issued a notice to appear for taking an antlerless deer out of season. Additional charges are pending.
Officer Jones was patrolling the Eglin WMA when he encountered a hunter driving a vehicle on an Eglin Range road well before legal time to enter Eglin property. The officer issued a notice to appear citation for early entry.
Officers Hoomes and Long were patrolling the Roberts Pond in the Eglin WMA when they located footprints leading into a closed area. The officers located a freshly killed antlerless deer approximately 50 yards from where an individual entered the closed area. The officers also located a receipt from a local retail vendor which appeared to have been left as a marker to locate where the illegal deer was killed. The officers located the individual by using information from the receipt and interviewed him about the deer. The suspect admitted to shooting the deer and leaving it in the woods because some hunters in the area saw him attempting to retrieve it. The subject also admitted to dropping the receipt on the edge of the road as a marker when he returned to retrieve the deer. The subject was issued citations for taking an antlerless deer during closed season and for hunting in a closed area in Eglin WMA. He was issued a warning for the willful and wanton waste of wildlife.
Officers Roberson, Hoomes and Long responded to a complaint of individuals hunting with dogs in the Yellow River WMA. The officers located the individuals who were hunting rabbits with dogs. The area is closed to this activity and they were issued citations for the violations.
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.
Pesticide DDT Found In Escambia River, Adjacent Wetlands
January 4, 2017
The pesticide DDT has been found in sediment samples from the Escambia River and its adjacent wetlands, a post-doctoral research associate at the University of West Florida has discovered.
Dr. Geoffrey Marchal, who was hired in April to begin the research, is now testing those sediment samples to see how readily available the pollutant is to the many diverse species that inhabit the bay.
“That’s the big concern,” Marchal said. “If the DDT in the sediment is bioavailable and can go through the food chain, then we have an issue.”
Since DDT and other pollutants can be held very tightly by the sediments, the optimal finding would be that the pollutant is stable in the sediment and out of the reach of wildlife, said Dr. Johan Liebens, a professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences.
“That’s not good, but it’s the best we can hope for in the current situation,” Liebens said of the possibility of that finding.
Marchal’s research is a follow-up to a study performed in 2009 by Liebens and Dr. Carl Mohrherr, who is now a retired professor from UWF. That study showed elevated levels of DDT in the sediments of the Escambia River wetlands that exceeded a Florida government guideline known as the probable effects level.
“We got the results back and they were really very high, at least in the wetlands, in the north end of the bay, not in the bay itself,” Liebens said. “In the bay itself, there was no DDT.”
However, some details of that initial study were difficult to explain, Liebens said
DDT that has been present for a long time typically breaks down into its metabolites – DDD and DDE. But none of those breakdown products were present, Liebens said.
“It’s very, very unusual,” he said. “But one potential explanation was that the DDT was so recent, it didn’t have time to break down.”
And if the DDT has been used recently, it would be illegal. The U.S Environmental Protection Agency banned DDT in 1972 based on its potential hazardous environmental effects, including to wildlife as well as risks to humans.
The sediment samples from the study done by Liebens and Mohrherr, which was funded by the EPA, were taken to a private lab. Another possibility for the 2009 findings was that the lab was not able to detect the DDD and DDE breakdown products in the samples, Liebens said.
“Because it was very hard to explain the numbers that we got back from the lab, we wanted to go back and check and do the analysis in house,” Liebens said.
Marchal’s latest research, which was funded by a Scholarly and Creative Activities Committee grant from the UWF Office of Undergraduate Research, found that fewer sites contained DDT and the levels are lower than originally found in the 2009 study.
“The most important point is we found less sites with DDT,” Marchal said. “Originally, nearly all the wetlands were contaminated.”
Marchal is still testing samples in the wetlands research laboratory at UWF. Liebens said he hopes that the findings of the study will be published in a scientific journal, possibly as soon as April.
Whether the researchers make any recommendations to government agencies depends on the results of Marchal’s testing, Liebens said.
“It depends on what we find with the bioavailability,” Liebens said. “If we would find really high levels of bioavailability then we could advise government agencies and draw their attention to what we have found.”
Pictured top: Post doctoral research associate Geoffrey Marchal performs a soxhlet extraction in the lab. Courtesy photo. Pictured inset: The Escambia River at Molino. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
League of Women Voters Allowed Into Gulf Power Rate Case
January 4, 2017
The League of Women Voters of Florida will be able to take part in a regulatory case in which Gulf Power is seeking to raise base electric rates by $106.8 million.
Florida Public Service Commission member Jimmy Patronis, who is handling pre-hearing matters in the case, issued an order Friday allowing the League of Women Voters to intervene. The organization is represented by attorneys from the environmental law firm Earthjustice.
In its petition to intervene, the League of Women Voters pointed to concerns about issues such as energy efficiency and renewable energy.
Patronis wrote that the organization met a legal test for being able to take part in the case but also said all issues such be “germane” to the rate case.
“LWVF (the League of Women Voters) may offer testimony and provide evidence as to whether the rates, rate-structure, and charges proposed by Gulf are fair, just and reasonable,” the order said. “Notwithstanding the granting of intervention, however, I remind the parties that issues shall be limited to those appropriate to the scope of an electric rate case proceeding.”
The Public Service Commission is scheduled to start holding a multi-day hearing on the rate proposal March 20 in Tallahassee. The Pensacola-based Gulf provides electricity to customers in large parts of Northwest Florida.
by The News Service of Florida
Molino Road Set To Close Today For Bridge Replacement
January 4, 2017
Molino Road is scheduled to be closed today to start work to replace the bridge over Penasula Creek, just east of Sunshine Hill Road.
The project scope includes replacing the bridge, completing drainage improvements and signing and marking. A detour will be in place while the new bridge is built. The detour will consist of Highway 29 to Crabtree Church Road to Sunshine Hill Road to Molino Road, or Molino Road to Sunshine Hill Road to Crabtree Church Road to Highway 29.
The project is expected to be completed in approximately 265 calendar days.
The bridge has reached a level of deterioration to warrant replacement and is next on the list of the FDOT’s Five-Year Work Plan. The project will be funded and the construction work will be performed under contract for the Florida Department of Transportation. After completion of the structure, Escambia County will be responsible for the maintenance of the bridge.
The wood piling supported Molino Road Bridge over Penasula Creek was constructed in 1958.
ictured top: The Molino Road bridge over Penasula Creek. Pictured below: The deteriorating wood pilings that support the bridge. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Semi Trailer Fire Destroys Household Belongings
January 4, 2017
Someone lost a semi trailer full of household belongings Tuesday evening at the Florida Welcome Center on I-10.
Firefighters from Florida and Alabama battled the fire in a Bekins Van Lines trailer. The truck driver was able to pull his semi away from the trailer. The cause of the fire was not immediately known, and there were no injuries.
The Beulah and Bellview stations of Escambia Fire Rescue and the Rosinton Volunteer Fire Department from Baldwin County were among the responding units.
NorthEscambia.com reader submitted and Kristi Barbour photos, click to enlarge.
Escambia Sheriff Morgan Sworn In For Third Term
January 4, 2017
Sheriff David Morgan was sworn in for his third term in office this morning by the Honorable Judge Kerra A. Smith. Also pictured is Morgan’s wife, Susan, hold the Bible for the ceremony. Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Keep The Wreath Green: Campaign Ends With 12 Residential Structure Fires
January 4, 2017
The annual “Keep the Wreath Green” fire safety campaign ended December 31 with 12 red bulbs, each representing a residential structure fire with damage.
During the month-long campaign, five-foot wreaths were on display at 18 county fire stations and five city fire stations, with wreaths also placed outside Escambia County’s Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building downtown, the Escambia County Public Safety Building, Pensacola City Hall and Cordova Mall near the food court entrance. Each time firefighters respond to a residential fire with damage, a green light bulb was replaced with a red one to remind citizens of the dangers posed by fires in residential home.
Five of the dozen fires were in the North Escambia area area; scroll down the page for photographs and details on each.
On December 26, fire destroyed a wood frame home on West Pond Street in Century. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office.
Five people — three adults and two children. were displaced by a fire December 22 on Rawlings Drive at Greenbriar Boulvard. A clothes dryer in the laundry room was confirmed as the source of the fire, with flames spreading to the kitchen and smoke damage throughout the home. Damage was estimated at $50,000.
A fire on Luth Road in Molino on December 29 displaced a family. Crews arrived on scene to find an active fire in the attic, with light smoke showing from the 2 ½ story residential structure. Preliminary reports indicated the fire started from a fireplace chimney in the 5,500 square foot structure.
Fire destroyed a two story home in the 1200 block of West 9 ½ Mile Road on December 30. The fire was reported about 5:30 am. with heavy flames through the roof when firefighters arrived. Initial reports indicated the fire may have originated in the garage of the home. Two adults and two teenagers were displaced from the home.
A December 11 fire in the 8900 block of Mobile Highway in Beulah left four people without a home. One firefighter was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital in stable condition for fatigue. The Florida State Fire Marshal is investigating the cause of the fire.
NorthEscambia.com photos.
Lunsford Sworn In As Escambia County’s New Tax Collector
January 4, 2017
New Escambia County Tax Collector Scott Lunsford was sworn into office Tuesday by Judge Amy Brodersen.
“I am very honored and humbled to serve the citizens of Escambia County as their tax collector,” Lunsford said. “My commitment is to serve the public with integrity, innovation, fiscal responsibility, and respect.”
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
County Road 97A Boggy Creek Bridge Replacement Project To Begin
January 4, 2017
Construction activities are set to begin this week on County Road 97A over Boggy Creek near Enon. The existing bridge will be replaced with a new, modern structure with 12-foot travel lanes, eight foot shoulders and a solid concrete barrier railing. The bridge approaches will also be replaced.
Crews will begin clearing trees and shrubs to build a temporary detour bridge. Once completed, traffic will be shifted to the temporary bridge as crews construct the new structure. Work is anticipated to be complete in eight months, weather permitting, on the $3,041,965 project.
Drivers are reminded to slow down to the posted speed limit of 30 mph use caution and be aware of the ‘S’ shaped curve when approaching the temporary bridge. There will be weight restriction on the temporary detour bridge. Vehicles weighing over 88,000 ponds and cranes will be prohibited.
The bridge to be replaced was constructed in 1969.
2016 In Photos: September
January 4, 2017
Today, we continue our look back at the year 2016 in photos with a look at September.
The Century Health and Rehabilitation Center hosted a free cookout for first responders, honoring local area fire, EMT, and law enforcement employees and volunteers.
Ernest Ward Middle School defeated Escambia County Middle School in Atmore.
Escambia County Administrator Jack Brown was presented the Distinguished Service Award for outstanding service to rural Escambia County by the Escambia County Farm Bureau during their annual meeting in Molino.
Hundreds of students gathered to pray at their schools across the area during the annual See You at the Pole event.
An adult male was shot by his mother at her home near Walnut Hill.
Flomaton celebrated Railroad Junction Day.
A young girl cools down from the heat in a misting fan.
The Molino Station of Escambia Fire Rescue held an open house, including a live burn demonstration.
Senior Deputy Ronnie Gill, school resource officer at Ernest Ward Middle School, was awarded the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Meritorious Service Medal for the crucial role he plays in breaking down the barriers between law enforcement and youth.
Northview beat the Vancleave (MS) Bulldogs on the road, 25-3.
Northview High School Majorette Captain Brianna Smith.
The Tate High School Aggies ruined homecoming for the Pensacola School Tigers 45-21.
The Northview Chiefs cruised to 41-6 win over Chipley.
The Northview High School Chiefs lost to Gulf Breeze 30-6 in junior varsity football action in Bratt.
The Century Town Council approved a property tax increase to offset revenue lost when hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of property was destroyed during an EF-3 tornado.
A new splash pad in Century opened for a few days but promptly closed due to a valve problem.
Thousands of people from churches across the area united on September 11 for a night of prayer for our region, our county and the Body of Christ across the world. Pastor Ted Traylor of Olive Baptist Church and Pastor Joey Rogers of Pace Assembly Ministries worked together to host the event to unit the community through prayer.
Homecoming Queen Gloria Jones was crowned at Tate High School.
The Blue Angels return home on a September evening.
The University of West Florida won their first ever football home opener.
A Cantonment convenience store was robbed. An arrest was made a few days later.
A packed house was on hand for Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump’s second visit to the Pensacola Civic Center. The crowd was estimated at about 12,000 people, while “thousands more” could not get in, according to Trump.
In a game that came down to a fourth quarter battle, the Northview Chiefs defeated the Escambia Academy Cougars 21-14 at Tommy Weaver Stadium in Bratt.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.