Homicide Suspect Surrenders At County Jail
November 27, 2024
A wanted homicide suspect has surrendered at the Escambia County Jail.
Arrington Marcellas Moultrie, 35, turned himself in Tuesday after appearing in media reports and was booked at 1:42 p.m.
He is charged with homicide, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and obstruction of justice-evidence tampering. He was booked into the Escambia County Jail without bond
Moultrie was charged for his alleged involvement in a homicide November 16 in the 6600 block of Hampton Road about 6 p.m. EMS transported the gunshot victim from a nearby Raceway station on Pensacola Boulevard. The victim’s name has not been released.
AAA Urges Thanksgiving Drivers To Ensure Their Vehicle Is Ready For The Road
November 27, 2024
Millions of Americans will hit the road this Thanksgiving. Yet some may travel in a vehicle that isn’t ready for an extended road trip.
AAA estimates 400,000 Americans will need roadside assistance during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. The three most common issues are dead batteries, flat tires, and lockouts.
“Most vehicle problems like these could be prevented with a pre-trip vehicle inspection,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Before you hit the road this Thanksgiving, make sure to check everything from the battery to the tires. That could make the difference between spending Thanksgiving at the table or on the roadside.”
TOP 5 ITEMS ON A VEHICLE CHECKLIST
- Tires
- Battery
- Brakes
- Fluids
- Wiper Blades
TIRES ARE MOST IMPORTANT
If neglected, tires could create serious consequences – ranging from a simple flat to a dangerous blowout on the highway. In 2020, there were 3,069 tire-related crashes in Florida, resulting in 184 serious bodily insures and 61 fatalities, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
Check your tires once a month, at minimum, and before taking a long trip.
Inspect all four tires. Since some new vehicles don’t come with a spare tire, know whether you have one and if it’s inflated too. Look for cuts, gouges or sidewall bulges. Drivers should pay special attention to both tire inflation pressure and tire tread depth:
- Check Tire Inflation Pressure – Check tire pressure when the car has been idle and tires are cool. Inflate as needed to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended pressure. You will find it listed in the owner’s manual and on the sticker on the driver side door. Do NOT use the number on the tire sidewall.
- Check Tire Tread Depth – Insert a quarter upside down into the grooves. If you see the top of George Washington’s head, it is time for new tires. Be sure to check in multiple spots across your tire to diagnose any uneven wear patterns.
BATTERIES ARE VULNERABLE TO TEMPERATURE CHANGES
Changes in temperature can take a toll on your car battery. Have a service professional do a battery check to determine remaining capacity.
Symptoms of a dying battery include:
- Car hesitates or slowly cranks when you’re trying to start it
- A grinding, clicking or buzzing sound when you turn the ignition
- Dim headlights, especially when your car is idling
- The battery warning light is illuminated
- Corrosion, cracks or bulges on your battery
OTHER IMPORTANT ITEMS IN YOUR VEHICLE CHECKLIST
- Brakes – Listen to and feel the brakes – If you hear a grinding sound or feel a vibration when applying the brakes, take your vehicle to an auto repair shop for a brake inspection.
- Top off engine oil and other fluids – Check that engine oil, coolant, brake, transmission and power steering fluids are at the correct levels for safe vehicle operation. When adding fluids, use products that meet the specifications listed in the owner’s manual.
- Replace wiper blades and replenish windshield cleaner – Rubber wiper blades naturally deteriorate over time. If wipers streak or fail to clear the windshield thoroughly, replace the blades. Fill the windshield washer reservoir with fluid formulated to remove insects and other debris, and test to make sure the nozzles spray adequately.
- Replenish emergency kit supplies – AAA recommends keeping a well-stocked emergency kit in your vehicle. Include a cellphone charger, flashlight and extra fresh batteries, first-aid supplies, drinking water, non-perishable snacks for people and pets, car battery booster cables, emergency flares or reflectors, a rain poncho, a basic tool kit, duct tape, gloves and shop rags or paper towels.
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR VEHICLE BREAKS DOWN
- Pull off the road to a safe place
- Turn on emergency flashers to notify other drivers
- Call for roadside assistance
- Stay with your vehicle, unless it is unsafe to do so
Traffic Stop Leads To Two Arrests On Drug Charges
November 27, 2024
An Escambia County Sheriff’s Office traffic stop led to the arrest of two people on drug charges.
A deputy stopped a silver Kia Optima on W Street for a traffic violation during which narcotics were observed in plain view. ECSO said a search of the vehicle yielded methamphetamine, fentanyl, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia.
Daquarius Dashawn Bell, 30, was charged with trafficking in methamphetamine, possession of fentanyl, and possession of marijuana. Jaden Rae King, 21, was charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Bell remained in the Escambia County jail without bond, while King was jailed with bond set at $3,000.
Pictured below: A labeled photo provided by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office showing drugs allegedly seized after a traffic stop. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Farm-City: Volunteers Harvest Thanksgiving Dinner For 1,000 Needy Families (With Gallery)
November 26, 2024
Monday, students and volunteers from Escambia and Santa Rosa counties worked in fields near Jay to harvest vegetables that will help feed 1,000 needy families this week for Thanksgiving.
The event at the University of Florida’s West Florida Research and Education Center is part of Farm to City Week, bringing the bounty of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences farm to the needy of the city.
The students were from agricultural programs and organizations that included FFA members from local schools .
The produce will be distributed to 500 families in Escambia County and 500 more in Santa Rosa County along with a turkey or ham and all the fixings for a Thanksgiving meal from Feeding the Gulf Coast and the Waterfront Rescue Mission. The food will be distributed Tuesday at the Brownsville Community Center on West DeSoto Street from 9 a.m. until noon. Another distribution will take place Tuesday from 9 a.m. until noon at the Milton Community Center at 5629 Byron Street. Both distributions first come, first served with up to two families per vehicle. No walk-ups.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
When Will New ‘Paper Park’ At Former IP Golf Course Open?
November 26, 2024
Construction is continuing at a new park to be known as “Paper Park” on the 68-acre former International Paper golf course in Cantonment. An official opening date for the park is expected in January.
In April, Escambia County leased the property at Highway 29 and Muscogee Road to develop it into a park.
Walking trails have been constructed around the park, and playgrounds have been installed. When we stopped by Sunday morning, several families were already using the playground.
The Escambia County Commission approved the purchase of a play structure and 704 square feet recreational shelter with tables for the property. The total was $369,775.76 for purchase and installation of the GameTime equipment. The recreational area will be open to the public free of charge during daylight hours once completed and opened.
The purchase is being funded from the Cantonment Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA).
Under the lease agreement for, Escambia County will pay a $5,000 lease fee the first year with an annual increase of 5% with the lease reading $6,077.53 by year five.
The Champion Golf Club course has been closed since 2017.
Pictured: The new Paper Park in Cantonment as seen Sunday morning. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Atmore Police Charge Cantonment Man With Drug Trafficking
November 26, 2024
A Cantonment man was charged with trafficking methamphetamine after a traffic stop in Atmore.
Scott Foley, 53, was charged with drug trafficking and booked into the Escambia County (AL) Detention Center.
The Atmore Police Department stopped a vehicle on Highway 21 due to a license plate registration violation.
The driver, later identified as Foley, acted suspiciously and a K-9 unit was called. Police said the K-9 alerted on the vehicle, leading to the discover over 72 grams of methamphetamine, according to Atmore Police.
Cost of Thanksgiving Dinner Declines But Remains Higher Than Pre-Pandemic Levels, Farm Bureau Says
November 26, 2024
Cooking a Thanksgiving feast for your friends and family will cost less than last year but will still be more expensive than before the pandemic. The American Farm Bureau Federation’s 39th annual Thanksgiving dinner survey provides a snapshot of the average cost of this year’s classic holiday feast for 10, which is $58.08 or about $5.80 per person.
This is a 5% decrease from 2023, which was 4.5% lower than 2022. Two years of declines don’t erase dramatic increases that led to a record high cost of $64.06 in 2022. Despite the encouraging momentum, a Thanksgiving meal is still 19% higher than it was in 2019, which highlights the impact inflation has had on food prices – and farmers’ costs – since the pandemic.
The centerpiece on most Thanksgiving tables – the turkey – helped bring down the overall cost of dinner. The average price for a 16-pound turkey is $25.67. That is $1.68 per pound, down 6% from last year.
Farm Bureau volunteer shoppers checked prices Nov. 1-7, before most grocery store chains began featuring whole frozen turkeys at sharply lower prices. According to USDA Agricultural Marketing Service data, the average per-pound feature price for whole frozen turkeys declined further during the second week of November. Consumers who have not yet purchased a turkey may find additional savings in the days leading up to Thanksgiving.
“The turkey is traditionally the main attraction on the Thanksgiving table and is typically the most expensive part of the meal,” said AFBF Economist Bernt Nelson. “The American turkey flock is the smallest it’s been since 1985 because of avian influenza, but overall demand has also fallen, resulting in lower prices at the grocery store for families planning a holiday meal.”
The shopping list for Farm Bureau’s informal survey includes turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, rolls, peas, cranberries, a veggie tray, and pumpkin pie with whipped cream, all in quantities sufficient to serve a gathering of 10.
Most ingredients in the survey saw a decline in prices, including fresh vegetables. The drop in prices reflects price volatility in crops this year. The cost of whole milk dropped more than 14%. Favorable weather contributed to the decline in milk pricing. It is important to note, however, that milk prices vary significantly between regions in the U.S.
Items like dinner rolls and cubed stuffing both saw an 8% increase because higher labor costs, among other drivers, are increasing the cost of processed food. Cranberry prices increased almost 12% year-over-year. In 2023, cranberries had the second largest decrease in price of any products in our basket at 18%. The increase this year puts cranberry prices closer to historic norms and, excluding last year, is the least expensive year since 2015.
“We should all be thankful that we live in a country with such an abundant food supply,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “We are seeing modest improvements in the cost of a Thanksgiving dinner for a second year, but America’s families, including farm families, are still being hurt by high inflation.”
“America has one of the most affordable food supplies in the world. In order to maintain that, we need a strong farm bill which enables Americans to pursue their dreams without worrying about feeding their families,” Duvall said. “A new farm bill with a modernized safety net to support those who raise crops and livestock ensures farmers can survive tough economic times and continue to supply food for America’s families, not just for the holidays, but year-round.”
In recognition of changes in Thanksgiving dinner traditions, the Farm Bureau price survey also includes boneless ham, Russet potatoes and frozen green beans, in an expanded menu. Adding these foods to the classic Thanksgiving menu increased the overall cost by $19.26, to $77.34.
This year’s national average cost was calculated using surveys completed with pricing data from all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Farm Bureau volunteer shoppers checked prices in person and online using grocery store apps and websites. They looked for the best possible prices without taking advantage of special promotional coupons or combined purchase deals.
The AFBF Thanksgiving dinner survey was first conducted in 1986. The informal survey provides a record of comparative holiday meal costs over the years. Farm Bureau’s classic survey menu has remained unchanged since 1986 to allow for consistent price comparisons.
Individual Prices
16-pound turkey: $25.67 or $1.68 per pound (down 6.1%)
14-ounces of cubed stuffing mix: $4.08 (up 8.2%)
2 frozen pie crusts: $3.40 (down 2.9%)
Half pint of whipping cream: $1.81 (up 4.7%)
1 pound of frozen peas: $1.73 (down 8.1%)
1 dozen dinner rolls: $4.16 (up 8.4%)
Misc. ingredients to prepare the meal: $3.75 (down 5.1%)
30-ounce can of pumpkin pie mix: $4.15 (down 6.5%)
1 gallon of whole milk: $3.21 (down 14.3%)
3 pounds of sweet potatoes: $2.93 (down 26.2%)
1-pound veggie tray (carrots & celery): $.84 (down 6.4%)
12-ounce bag of fresh cranberries: $2.35 (up 11.8%)
AFBF analysis revealed regional differences in the cost of the meal. The cost for the classic meal was the most affordable in the South at $56.81.
Argos Volleyball Earns 18th Straight NCAA Tournament Appearance
November 26, 2024
The University of West Florida women’s volleyball team has made its 18th straight NCAA DII Tournament appearance. During the NCAA selection show on Monday evening, it was announced that the Argos earned the No. 6 seed in the South Region.
UWF will take on No. 3 seed Tampa in the first round. The Argos played Tampa back in September when the Spartans were ranked No. 1 in the nation. Since that game, UWF has not lost a match, having won 22 straight and only dropping a total of six sets during that span. The Argos enter the NCAA tournament as one of the hottest teams in the country.
“We are excited to compete in another South Region Championship,” said head coach Melissa Wolter. “Our region is deep, but we are part of the depth. We had a chance to play Tampa earlier this fall so we are familiar with them. But both teams have changed a lot since then. Our team is excited about this opportunity and will take it one match at a time. But make no mistake, we are playing to win!”
No. 1 seed Lynn University will serve as the host for the South Region bracket. Tournament play will begin on Thursday, Dec. 5.
West Florida (27-5, 20-0 GSC) won the Gulf South Conference Championship on Sunday, defeating Alabama Huntsville, 3-1.
Photo: Jon Rose/UWF for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Trump Backs Jimmy Patronis For Gaetz Seat; Michelle Salzman Not Running
November 25, 2024
Florida Rep. Michelle Salzman has withdrawn from a Congressional run after President-elect Donald Trump endorsed Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis Monday morning.
Salzman announced on social media that she would endorse Patronis for Congress as she continues here work for Florida District 1 in the Florida Legislature.
“Politics is an ever-changing chessboard. Our first priority as elected officials should be our constituents. If we put them first, we all win! Jimmy Patronis has been endorsed by the leader of our party and that should be enough for us to get behind him.” Salzman wrote in post with a picture of her with Patronis at Trump rally.
“Put me to work, Mr. President,” Patronis wrote on X in response to the Trump endorsement.
“As your next Congressman, Jimmy would work tirelessly alongside of me to Grow our Economy, Secure our Border, Stop Migrant Crime, Strengthen our Incredible Military/Vets, Restore American Energy DOMINANCE, and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment,” Trump posted on his social media platform Truth Social.
Gaetz resigned his Florida’s First Congressional District seat after Trump announced he was the president-elect’s pick for U.S. attorney general. Trump later picked former Florida attorney general Pam Bondi after Gaetz withdrew from consideration.
Florida Rep. Joel Rudman has also announced his intentions to run for the Congressional seat. Rudman, Patronis and any other candidate that currently holds office will be required to resign to run by today. Salzman has not submitted a resignation.
Cantonment Man Sentenced To Prison For Drug Possession, Evidence Tampering, Fleeing
November 25, 2024
A Cantonment man has been sentenced to station prison in a 2023 drug and evidence tampering case.
Charlie Clifford Davis, 54, was convicted of possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana tampering with evidence, fleeing and eluding, driving with a suspended license third or subsequent offense, possession of drug paraphernalia, and improper tag.
He was sentenced to 18 months in state prison by Judge Coleman Robinson.
In September 2023, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office attempted a traffic stop near Durand Avenue and Elliot Street. Deputies said the driver of the vehicle threw a clear plastic bag containing a “large quantity” of methamphetamine out of the driver’s side window and continued driving until eventually stopping.
Deputies located more methamphetamine in the driver’s floorboard area, the driver’s seat, and on the driver’s door of the vehicle, the ECSO said. Deputies also located marijuana and drug paraphernalia inside the vehicle.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
