K-9 Tracks Down Man For Attempted Vehicle Burglary In Assisting Living Parking Lot
November 25, 2024
A man was arrested after a brief manhunt for allegedly attempting to burglarize a vehicle in the parking lot of an assisted living facility.
Jacob Edward Whalen, 43, was charged with felony attempted vehicle burglary. He was later released on a $5,000 bond.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of an attempted vehicle burglary at Solaris Cantonment Assisted Living on Crossville Street, just off Nine Mile Road where an employee had witnessed a male attempting to break into a vehicle in the facility’s parking lot.
Deputies arrived in time to see Whalen fleeing the scene. He was apprehended by K-9 Walker a short time later in the parking lot of a nearby church.
Escambia County Fire Rescue Fire Academy Holds Graduation
November 25, 2024
Member of the Escambia County Fire Rescue Fire Academy graduated over the weekend during a ceremony at Marcus Pointe Baptist Church.
Escambia County Fire Rescue administration gave directions to the ECFR Training Division to proceed with the development and implementation of the ECFR Fire Academy in May 2024. With the projected growth of Escambia County and the need to provide the highest level of protection for its citizens, the training division conducted a physical abilities test, hired 12 employees as fire cadets, and began their education journey through the Florida State Fire College with a required 492 hours of training to become Firefighter 2-certified.
Three volunteer firefighters joined the fire cadets to continue the training for their state certification test last week. The education offered during the fire academy included Firefighting, emergency medical responder, live fire training and vehicle extrication.
The ECFR Fire Academy instructors are all ECFR firefighters and lieutenants led by Lt. Jason Crabbe.
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FHP Encourages Drivers To Register Emergency Contact Information
November 25, 2024
The Florida Highway Patrol is encouraging Florida drivers to register emergency contact information (ECI).
Last year, FHP and other law enforcement agencies across the state responded to 394,953 crashes, of which over 60% involved injuries.
FHP said timing is critical during an emergency. In many cases, it could the difference between life and death. In such situations, law enforcement and other first responders, including medical professionals, often need to contact family members or friends to notify them of the status of their loved one who was involved. Whether it is information related to transportation to a local medical facility or, in the worst case, a death notification, emergency contact information is crucial.
In 2022, ECI was initiated by Florida mother, Christine Olson, whose daughter Tiffiany died in a fatal crash, and it took over six hours to notify her. Law enforcement agencies and medical facilities have access to this emergency contact information for the purpose of notifying designated individuals in case of an emergency. As of August 2024, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) recorded 20,617,304 licensed drivers who had registered their ECI.
If you haven’t registered an emergency contact, it’s free, easy, and secure to do so through FLHSMV, all you need is a valid Florida driver’s license or ID card. You can register up to two designated people by visiting Emergency Contact Information History – Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (flhsmv.gov).
These Are This Week’s Road Construction Trouble Spots
November 25, 2024
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
In preparation for the Thanksgiving Day holiday weekend, there will be no lane closures or other activities that impede traffic on major state roads beginning at 12 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 27 and ending at 12 a.m. Monday, Dec. 2.
In preparation for the Thanksgiving Day holiday weekend, there will be no lane closures or other activities that impede traffic on major state roads beginning at 12 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 27 and ending at 12 a.m. Monday, Dec. 2.
Escambia County:
- U.S. 98 (Gregory Street) Resurfacing from North Palafox Street to east of 14th Avenue – Drivers on Gregory Street, from North Palafox Street to east of 14th Avenue, will encounter the following construction-related disruptions:
- Westbound inside lane closures, Monday, Nov. 25 and Tuesday, Nov. 26, between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m.
- Intermittent single-lane closures Monday, Dec. 2 through Thursday, Dec. 5, between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m.
- North Palafox Street (U.S. 29) Resurfacing from Cervantes Street to Brent Lane (State Road (S.R.) 296) – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on North Palafox Street, from Cervantes Street to Brent Lane, Sunday, Nov. 24 through Tuesday, Nov. 26 and Monday, Dec. 2 through Saturday, Dec. 7, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., for paving operations.
- U.S. 90 (Scenic Highway) Resurfacing, from south of I-10 to south of Hyde Park Road – Drivers will encounter a minor traffic shift on southbound Scenic Highway, between Baywood Drive and Scenic Court, Monday, Dec. 2 through Thursday, Dec. 5, as crews perform drainage improvements
- Interstate Circle Bridge Over Eight Mile Creek Construction – Interstate Circle is closed at the Eight Mile Creek Bridge through mid-2025 while crews replace the bridge. Signage is in place to detour drivers around the work zone using Pine Forest Road, Longleaf Drive and Wymart Road.
- Interstate 10 (I-10) at Nine Mile Road Interchange (Exit 5) Construction – Drivers may encounter traffic disruptions at the following locations as crews construct a temporary traffic shift and perform stormwater drainage work:
- Intermittent I-10 inside lane closures near the Nine Mile Road interchange between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., Monday, Nov. 25 through Tuesday, Nov. 26, and Monday, Dec. 2 through Thursday, Dec. 5.
- Nine Mile Road will be reduced to one travel lane in each direction between the I-10 ramps, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., Monday, Nov. 25 through Tuesday, Nov. 26. Law enforcement will be on site, and directional signage will be in place to guide drivers through the work zone.
- I-10 at U.S. 29 Interchange (Exit 10) Construction – Drivers will encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions Sunday, Nov. 24 through Tuesday, Nov. 26, and Monday, Nov. 2 through Thursday, Dec. 5:
- I-10, between U.S. 29 and I-110, is reduced to two travel lanes in each direction.
- Sunday, Nov. 24 through Tuesday, Nov. 26, the left lane of I-10 Eastbound and I-10 Westbound will be closed intermittently near U.S. 29 between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. as crews pour asphalt and install guardrail and barrier wall in preparation for a future traffic shift.
- The U.S. 29 northbound ramp to I-10 eastbound is closed. U.S. 29 northbound drivers are being detoured to make a U-turn at Broad Street onto U.S. 29 southbound to access I-10 eastbound.
- A new, temporary on-ramp for U.S. 29 southbound drivers accessing I-10 eastbound is now open. Detouring traffic to the temporary ramp will allow crews to continue work to reconstruct the I-10/U.S. 29 interchange.
- U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard) Resurfacing between Henry Street and Cottage Street in Century – Drivers on North Century Boulevard, between S.R. 4 and the Alabama State Line, may encounter intermittent lane closures, Sunday, Nov. 24 through Tuesday, Nov. 26 and Monday, Dec. 2 through Saturday, Dec. 7, for paving operations. Signage will be in place to direct drivers safely through the work zone.
Santa Rosa County:
- U.S. 90 Resurfacing from west of Avalon Boulevard to east of Stewart Street – Drivers may encounter intermittent U.S. 90 lane closures, between Avalon Boulevard and Stewart Street, Sunday, Nov. 24 through Tuesday, Nov. 26 and Monday, Dec. 2 through Thursday, Dec. 5, from 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., for milling and paving operations.
- U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive – Motorists will encounter the following traffic impacts:
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- Median and turn-lane closures from Bayshore Road to Tiger Lake Drive.
- Intermittent lane closures and additional median closures between Bayshore Road and Tiger Lake Drive Sunday, Nov. 24 through Tuesday, Nov. 26 and Monday, Dec. 2 through Friday, Dec. 6, from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for stormwater drainage improvements and paving operations.
- U.S. 90 Bridge Replacement over Simpson River – The U.S. 90 eastbound bridge over Simpson River will open to traffic Tuesday, Nov. 26. Work on the westbound bridge is ongoing, with no changes to the westbound traffic pattern at this time. Drivers are reminded that the speed limit is 35 mph throughout the work zone.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather
Central High Cheerleaders Perform At Halftime Of Alabama Game
November 24, 2024
Last weekend, the Central High School cheerleading squad had a chance to perform at the University of Alabama homecoming game and dance at halftime.
“This was such a great experience for our girls and we are so glad that we could take them,” Central cheer assistant coach Kassidi Calloway said.
The Central High cheerleading roster includes:
- Head coach: Savannah Paramore
- Assistant coaches: Kassadi Calloway, Jescie Roberts
- Amya Allen, 7th grade
- Adalynn Kilburn, 7th grade
- Morgann Caraway, 7th grade
- Isabel Holloway, 8th grade (captain)
- Leiah Brown, 8th grade
- Adela Freeman, 9th grade
- AbbyGail Jakes, 9th grade
- Natalee Morris, 9th grade
- Summer Bowman, 9th grade
- Cambridge Gordon, 10th grade
- Jordan Newbegin, 10th grade
- Ziva Payne, 10th grade
- Savannah Sullivan, 10th grade
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ECSO: Truck Stolen In Bratt, Note Left Behind Claims Woman Was Attacked, Kidnapped
November 24, 2024
An Atmore woman has been charged with stealing a pickup truck in Bratt before allegedly leaving behind a note claiming she was attacked and kidnapped.
Leandra Nicole Morgan, 33, was charged with burglary of an unoccupied structure and grand theft of a motor vehicle, both felonies. She was released on a $12,000 bond.
Morgan was recently extradited to Florida to face charges after being arrested in Escambia County, Alabama.
On August 29, the victim reported that someone entered an attached washroom at his home in the 6000 block of West Highway 4, took a set of spare keys and then stole his 2007 Ford Lariat F-250.
The thief left behind a box with a note written on it which stated, “Please call 911, I was attacked and taken into the the woods. I found my way out and looked here, for help, call (phone number) or (phone number). My name is Lee Lee” Deputies attempted to call the phone numbers but there was no answer.
The stolen vehicle was later located on the side of Bell Fork Road near Atmore.
When Morgan was interviewed later at a residence on Atmosphere Road, she told deutis that her nickname is “Lee Lee”, according to an arrest report. She was arrested by the Escambia County (AL) Sheriff’s Office on outstanding warrants in that county.
Hundreds Of Families Receive Thanksgiving Meal During Food Distribution
November 24, 2024
Hundreds of families received a Thanksgiving meal during a food distribution Saturday morning at Marcus Pointe Baptist Church.
Rep. Michelle Salzman joined Sheriff Chip Simmons, Farm Share and other community partners to sponsor the food distribution. At least 300 families received a chicken and other side dishes for a complete Thanksgiving meal as over 30,000 pounds of food was distributed.
“The Food Distribution will help those who may be struggling and going through a hard time to supplement the holidays for their families,” Salzman said. “The Thanksgiving Giveaway will help our families in Escambia County get a little extra this holiday season. This time of year, it’s even more important that we give what we can to help those in need in our community. Our partners have rallied together again to create a food distribution that can also help get a family through Thanksgiving. The power of community is what we live by.”
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Two Northview High Career Academies Create Food Cart
November 24, 2024
Two of the career academies at Northview High School recently teamed up to put their skills into a real-world food cart.
The Northview Building Construction Academy students constructed the food cart for Culinary Academy students to put it to use providing delicious items on the menu available for sale to faculty and staff.
Northview facility and staff can choose from salads, sandwiches like club or BLT, hot meals including daily specials or pizza, desserts and more. (See the complete menu below.)
The NHS Building Construction Academy examines four content areas for production: safety, quality, construction Skills, and maintenance awareness. Students are exposed to various construction skills that can produce higher quality construction, increase productivity, achieve greater customer satisfaction, and assure a safe and healthy work environment.
The NHS Culinary Academy is a three-year program that is designed to prepare students to work in the food service/hospitality industry and earn industry certifications. Students that complete three years in the programs have the opportunity to earn the Gold Seal scholarship as well as other scholarship opportunities. Three-year program completers have the opportunity to earn the Gold Seal scholarship as well as other scholarship opportunities. They may also be awarded three college credits from PSC to use toward any major of study.
The Culinary Academy was named the Escambia County School District’s 2023 Career Academy of the Year.
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Escambia County Corrections Welcomes 12 New Officer Trainees
November 24, 2024
Escambia County Corrections recently welcomed 12 new officer trainees to the department, where they will work to manage the inmate population and maintain safety in the county jail.
The officer trainees were among 19 graduates in the Corrections Academy at the George Stone Criminal Justice Training Center, marking the completion of a rigorous 420-hour training program designed to prepare them for careers in corrections. New Escambia County Corrections graduates include Brett Boutwell, Michael Cravatt, Hunter Holmes, Mackenzie King, Anthony McMurray, Eric Peterson, Dametrius Pharr, Travis Rush, Markita Sapp, Bryson Whelan, Mark Yuhasz, III, and Loghan Zellers.
Escambia County Corrections Captain Shawn Hankins expressed pride in the graduates and their commitment to public service.
“We are excited to welcome these graduates to our department,” Captain Hankins said. “Corrections officers play a critical role in the criminal justice system, and we are confident that these individuals will contribute to the safety and well-being of our community. Their dedication to excellence during their training is a testament to the importance of a well-rounded, rigorous education in criminal justice.”
Over the course of three months, the trainees underwent an intensive curriculum that combined physical training, academic studies, and hands-on certifications. The program, recognized for its demanding nature, equipped the students with the skills and knowledge necessary to handle the complexities of working in corrections.
The training curriculum covered essential topics including defensive tactics, physical fitness, and specialized certifications such as CPR, first aid, and firearms. Students also participated in academic courses that explored the legal, ethical and procedural aspects of corrections work.
“The graduates leave here not only physically fit, but with the academic and practical knowledge needed to perform their duties with professionalism and integrity,” said Escambia County Corrections Lieutenant Ashley Griffin, who also teaches at the academy. “They’ve worked hard, and they’re now ready to serve their communities in one of the most challenging and important fields in law enforcement.”
For graduate Mackenzie King, one of the most rewarding aspects of the academy was the opportunity to work alongside her classmates in hands-on training sessions.
“My favorite parts were firearms and defensive tactics because it was fun, and you got to practice all the techniques with your coworkers,” King said. “The most challenging part for me was the academic side, especially the test-taking, but it was all worth it in the end.”
Eric Peterson, who also graduated from the academy, shared advice for anyone considering a career in corrections.
“Keep going and don’t quit,” Peterson said. “It might be tough some days, but you learn something new every day. You grow with your classmates throughout the academy, and that makes it all worthwhile.”
To further encourage qualified individuals to pursue careers in corrections, Escambia County Corrections is offering sign-on bonuses for certified corrections officers and officer trainees. Certified corrections officers are eligible for an $8,000 sign-on bonus, and officer trainees who wish to join the George Stone Corrections Academy and become certified are eligible for a $5,000 sign-on bonus, plus a paid scholarship to attend the Corrections Academy.
The next Corrections Academy at the George Stone Criminal Justice Training Center will begin in February 2025, providing another opportunity for aspiring officers to enter the profession and receive the training required for success.
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Special Election To Replace Matt Gaetz In Congress Set For April Fools’ Day
November 23, 2024
A special election will be held on April Fool’s Day to fill the House seat vacated by Matt Gaetz, and the current officer holders that want to run must resign by Monday.
The Florida Department of State announced the special election timeline Friday afternoon.
“At Gov. Ron DeSantis’ direction, this special election is being conducted as quickly as statutorily possible,” Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd said in a press release. “We are committed to ensuring this election is held as soon as we are allowed to hold it by state law.”
The special primary election will be held on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, and the general election will be held on Tuesday, April 1, 2025.
Two state legislators that have said they are running — Michelle Salzman and Joel Rudman –for the seat. Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis has also indicated that he may run. Each one of them, and any other current elected official that decides to run, will be required to resign by Monday under Florida’s so-called resign to run law. A two-day qualifying period will be open December 5-6.
The Florida 1st Congressional District seat — which represents Escambia, Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties with a portion of Walton County, was held by Matt Gaetz until he resigned after being nominated for U.S. attorney general by President-elect Donald Trump. Gaetz later withdrew his nomination and Trump nominated former Florida AG Pam Bondi to lead the Justice Department.
The complete special election timeline is as follows:
- Friday, November 22 – Gov. Ron DeSantis issued executive order setting election
- Sunday, November 24 – Notice of election is published
- Monday, November 25 – Final day for current elected officials to submit resignations
- December 5-6 – Qualifying period for candidates on December 5, ending at noon on December 6
- December 14 – Vote-by-mail ballots sent to absent stateside and overseas military and U.S. civilians
- December 19 – Vote-by-mail ballots sent to domestic voters
- December 30 – Voter registration ends for special primary election
- January 18-25 – Early voting
- January 28 – Special primary election day
- February 11 – Deadline to certify primary election results
- February 15 – Vote-by-mail ballots sent to absent stateside and overseas military and U.S. civilians
- February 20 – Vote-by-mail ballots sent to absent stateside and overseas military and U.S. civilians
- March 3 – Voter registration ends for special election
- March 22-29 – Early voting
- April 1 – Special election day