Tate Shuts Out Pine Forest; Northview Dominates PCA
March 5, 2016
Tate 10, Pine Forest 0
The Tate Aggies shut out Pine Forest 10-0 Friday night in Cantonment.
Madison Lockman pitched a one-hitter and had seven strikeouts on the way to the win. He also allowed no earned runs and had no walks.
The Aggies scored a couple of runs in both the third and fourth innings before winning on the run-rule with six runs in the sixth.
Leading hitters for the Tate Aggies were Reid Halfacre 3-5, 2 RBIs, run; Hunter NeSmith 3-4, RBI, run; Logan Blackmon 2-4, RBI; Logan McGuffey 1-3, RBI, run.
Northview 14, PCA 1
The Northview Chiefs defeated Pensacola Christian Academy by a score of 14-1 in 5 innings.
Zach Payne picked up the win, moving his record to 1-0 on the season. He pitched 5 complete innings, giving up 1 run on 1 hit, he walked 1 batter and struck out 10.
Leading hitters for the Chiefs were Alston Wiggins (2-2, 3 RBI, 2B, 1 run), Josh Neese (2-2, 2 2B, 2 runs), Thomas Moore (1-3, 3 RBI, 2B, 1 run), Roman Manning (1-2, 1 RBI, 2 runs), Quentin Sampson (1-2, 1 RBI, 3 runs), Seth Killam (1-3), Zach Holland (1-1, 1 run).
Also scoring runs for the Chiefs were Luke Ward (1 run), Devin Stabler (1 run), Zach Payne (1 run), and Roquan Wiggins (1 run).
The Chiefs improve to 4-1 and host Central on Monday night, March 7 at 6:00 p.m.
Northview 17, PCA 0 (JV)
The Northview JV team defeated PCA JV 17-0 in 5 innings on Friday.
Jackson Moore was the winning pitcher, throwing 5 innings, giving up 0 runs on 1 hit while striking out 3 batters.
Leading hitters for the Chiefs were Heath Sheldt (3-3, 3 runs), John Chivington (1-1, 2B, 3 runs), Wesley Hardin (2-2, 2B), Jackson Moore (2-3), Andrew Sharpless (1-3), Sam Stott (1-3), Alex McMinn (1-2), and Trevor Singleton (1-2).
The JV Chiefs improved to 6-1 and play Tate on Tuesday night, March 8.
New Trial Ordered In Murder Of Escambia County Man Set On Fire
March 5, 2016
Pointing to questions about mental competency, an appeals court Friday ordered a new trial for a man convicted in the 2011 murder in Escambia County of a victim who was beaten and set on fire.
Sergio Dupree Moorer was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison in the slaying of John D. Hall.
But a three-judge panel of the strict First District Court of Appeal ruled Friday that a circuit judge erred by not holding a competency hearing for Moorer. The ruling said two experts evaluated Moorer and came to different conclusions about whether he was competent to stand trial.
“In light of the conflicting reports, during a May 6, 2013, status conference, defense counsel and the state agreed it would be necessary for the trial court to set a date to hold a competency hearing; yet, no competency hearing was ever held,” said Friday’s ruling, written by Judge Ronald Swanson and joined by judges Joseph Lewis and Thomas Winokur. “Instead, 15 months later, in August 2014, appellant (Moorer) went to trial and was found guilty by a jury of the … crimes.”
Hall was found on August 21, 2011, in a wooded area near the Marcus Pointe apartment complex. Last seen alive the day before, Hall had been beaten and burned beyond recognition.
Hall’s vehicle was located four days later by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office in the Oakstead Mobile Home Park on Massachusetts Avenue. Moorer was inside the vehicle and fled on foot as deputies arrived. After a short foot chase, he was taken into custody.
Florida Gambling Proposals Are Dead
March 5, 2016
House Speaker Steve Crisafulli, R-Merritt Island, acknowledged Friday that high-profile gambling proposals, including a potential agreement with the Seminole Tribe of Florida, are dead for this year’s legislative session.
Crisafulli addressed the issue after the House did not take up a wide-ranging gambling bill during a floor session. Along with the agreement with the tribe, lawmakers had been considering proposals such as allowing slot machines at more pari-mutuel facilities.
The demise of the gambling proposals was not a surprise, as Senate leaders said Tuesday that their version of the bill was all but doomed. Crisafulli pointed to the issue stalling in the Senate.
“Without a willing partner to pass that legislation, it was not going to get done,” Crisafulli said.
Also appearing unlikely to pass this year is a proposal stemming from a national debate about whether online fantasy sports are an illegal form of gambling. Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fort Walton Beach, on Friday sought to move forward with a proposal that would make clear fantasy sports are not considered gambling in Florida. Gaetz sought to attach the proposal to a bill (HB 1187) that deals with professional regulations. But after a lengthy debate — and facing opposition from some lawmakers, including the sponsor of the bill — Gaetz withdrew his proposed amendment.
The legislative session ends next Friday.
by The News Service of Florida
Kitchen Fire Damages Century Apartment
March 4, 2016
Quick action by residents with fire extinguishers and Escambia Fire Rescue kept a kitchen fire from spreading at Century apartment complex Friday morning.
The fire, which reportedly began with a pot of grease on a stove, was quickly extinguished before it spreading beyond the kitchen in the 300 building of the Century Woods Apartments on West Highway 4.
There were no injuries reported.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Disaster Relief Distribution In Century
March 4, 2016
The Century Church of Christ at 430 East Highway 4 will be providing disaster relief for tornado victims through the weekend.
Distribution times will be Saturday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. and Sunday 1-5 p.m.
If you know anyone in need please call (850) 256-2588 or stop by during distribution hours. Items on hand include food boxes, infant boxes, personal hygiene boxes (anything needed in a bathroom), cleaning buckets, and more. Future support is planned as the needs of the families change.
Molino Man Facing Weapons, Drug Charges
March 4, 2016
A Molino man is facing numerous weapons and drug charges after deputies spotted him speeding on Molino Road.
Clifford McFann, Jr., was charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm while committing a felony, possession of cocaine, introduction of a controlled substance into a detention facility, tampering with evidence, possession of ammunition by a convicted felon, possession of drug paraphernalia, resisting an officer without violence and driving while license suspended.
Deputies observed a vehicle traveling on Molino Road at a high rate of speed. They later located the vehicle parked in a driveway at Brickyard Road and Blake Street, occupied by McFann and a female. McFann got out of the vehicle and refused to follow orders from deputies and began to resist. Deputies then “assisted” McFann to the ground as he continued to struggle, according to an arrest report.
A search of McFann’s vehicle revealed 13 loose rounds of .32 caliber bullets in his left front pocket, and a 32 caliber revolver with five live rounds and one spent casing. The gun was listed as stolen out of Mobile, AL, in 1979.
McFann, a convicted felon, was placed under arrest and transported to the Escambia County Jail. As he was being removed from the patrol vehicle at the jail, the deputy reported that his lips and pants were covered with a blue powdery substance that later tested positive for cocaine. According to the arrest report, McFann had several plastic baggies full of cocaine in his mouth that he had attempted to chew up. He was transported to Baptist Hospital for evaluation.
McFann was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $47,500 bond.
Light Up The Night: New Street Lighting In Cantonment
March 4, 2016
New LED street lights are being installed in the Cantonment area. There are 154 62-watt LED lights being installed in the Cantonment Redevelopment Area (CRA) in the area bordered by Nowak Road, Muscogee Road, Highway 297A and Upland Road. The total cost for the project, funded by the CRA, is $63,192.88.
Pictured: New LED street lights are installed along Callaway Street in Cantonment on Thursday. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Roundup: Wins For Tate, Central, Jay; Loss For Flomaton
March 4, 2016
BASEBALL
Tate 15, Pine Forest 9
The Tate High School Aggies beat the Pine Forest Eagles in a high-scoring game Thursday night, 15-9. The Aggies sealed the win in the ninth inning with six funs. The Aggies scored in the ninth, including a two-run double from Hunter Nesmith.
Josh Kea recorded the win for the Aggies. He pitched 1 2/3 shutout innings. He struck out two, walked none and surrendered one hit.
Tate hitters: Reid Halfacre 1-3, 2R, RBI; Branden Fryman 2-5, 3R; RBI; Hunter Nesmith 3-4, 2RBI, 3R; Reid Halfacre 1-3. RBI, 2R; Mason Land 3-5, 4RBI, 3R; Cole Halfacre 1-2, 2RBI
Tate 11, Pine Forest 2 (JV)
SOFTBALL
Central 6, Flomaton 0
Central blanked Flomaton Thursday 6-0 in a game that was called early due to weather. Lacee Stewart pitched the win in five for Flomaton, allowing no runs, four hits and striking out four.
Jay 7, Freeport 1
The Jay Lady Royals beat Freeport 7-1 Thursday. Destiny Herring earned the win, with three runs on six hits, two strikeouts and a walk in five innings.
Jay hitters: Samantha Steadham 3-4, 4 RBI, 2 doubles, Herring 2-4, 2 runs, Averie Jackson 1-3 RBI, run.
Tate 7, Navarre 1 (JV)
Death Penalty Change Headed To Scott; Local SAO Says Won’t Impact Escambia Cases
March 4, 2016
State lawmakers Tuesday signed off on a measure intended to cure Florida’s death penalty system
Gov. Rick Scott’s aides said he will sign the bill, approved by the Senate in a 35-5 vote after earlier passing the House. The law will take effect immediately once signed by Scott.
The legislation was prompted by a Jan. 12 U.S. Supreme Court ruling, in an Escambia County Popeye’s Chicken murder case known as Hurst v. Florida, that struck down the state’s death-penalty sentencing system as unconstitutional. The decision effectively put the death penalty on hold in Florida.
The legislation on its way to Scott would require at least 10 jurors to recommend death for the penalty to be imposed — a compromise between the House and the Senate, which had originally favored unanimous jury recommendations. Prosecutors, including Attorney General Pam Bondi, pushed for the 10-2 recommendation, arguing that unanimity would allow a single juror to hijack the process. Any vote by the jury that is less than 10 t0 2 will result in the automatic imposition of a life in prison sentence. If the jury recommends death, the judge will still have the option handing down of a life sentence.
State Attorney Bill Eddins said the state is currently seeking a death sentence in 13 cases in the First Judicial Circuit, including six in Escambia County.
“This office believes that each of these cases are still eligible for death under the new law and this office will continue to seek that sentence,” Eddins said. “The state will file notices in each of these cases of its intent to seek the death penalty and the appropriate aggravating factors.”
One of the Escambia County cases in which the State Attorney’s Office is seeking the death penalty is that of accused triple murderer Donald Wayne Hartung (pictured) for the death of his mother and two half-brothers, Voncile Smith, John Smith, and Richard Smith. All three bodies were found on July 31 in their home on Deerfield Drive. All three were beaten with a claw hammer and their throats slit, and Richard Smith was also shot in the head.
The News Service of Florida contributed to this report.
Meet The Girls: Miss EWMS Pageant Is Saturday Night
March 4, 2016
The 2016 Miss Ernest Ward Middle School pageant will be held at 6:00 Saturday night at the school.
The contestants with their biographies, as submitted by the girls, are below. You can click any photo below to enlarge.
Bailey Madison Seibert is the 14-year old daughter of Steve and Lynn Seibert. Bailey is a member of the National Junior Honor Society and is head photographer of the EWMS yearbook. She is a member of the Ernest Ward chorus and has been invited numerous times to sing with the All- County chorus. She is also a member of Teens for Christ at Ernest Ward and an active teen missionary for Highland Baptist Church. Bailey has maintained A/B honor roll throughout school. She won first place in bio chemistry at the science fair and the award from the Daughters of the American Revolution for her history fair project on the Berlin Wall. Bailey has been accepted to West Florida School of Advanced Technology for the critical care and emergency medicine field. Her hobbies include playing softball, target shooting with her bow and arrow, composing poetry, photography, and spending time with family and friends.. Bailey’s future plans include a job as an EMT and higher education to include medical science.
Wylder Amelia Gibson is the 12-year old daughter of Jammie and April Gibson. Wylder is a member of the FFA, the student government association and the Ernest Ward Band. Last year, Wylder won the Gold President’s Award for Educational Excellence. She has taken dance lessons for seven years and is currently a member of Heather Leonard’s Danceworks. Wylder is also a piano student under the direction of Holly Driver. She is a member of Little Escambia Baptist Church in Flomaton.Wylder’s hobbies include reading, hunting with her daddy, helping out with goats and cattle on the family farm, and spending time with family and friends. Wylder’s future plans are to get her forensic anthropology degree from the University of Alabama and work for the FBI.
Ashlan Kaile Harigel is the 14-year old daughter of Dr. Sheldon and Kimberly Harigel. She is a straight A honor student and held the highest GPA for Ernest Ward Middle School for the 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 school years. Ashlan is on the volleyball team, is an EWMS cheer captain, a member of the FFA, student government association, and the National Juniot Honor Society. Last summer, Ashlan was chosen as a UCA All-American Cheerleader and represented Ernest Ward in the 2015 Disney World Thanksgiving Day Parade. Ashlan was seond runner-up for the 2014 EWMS pageant and first runner-up for the 2015 EWMS pageant. She enjoys doing charity work with her youth group, spending time with her family, cheering, showing livestock, playing volleyball, dancing and most of all reading. Ashlan’s future plans include graduating with honors as valedictorian of her class and getting an academic scholarship. She wants to follow in her father’s footsteps and study in the medical field. She plans to become a chief pediatric plastic surgeon. Ashlan also plans to help her mother birth the dream of opening a troubled and abused youth shelter.
Lillian Joan Worden is the 11-year old daughter of Robert and Heather Worden. Lillian is a member of the Teens for Christ. She also plays softball, soccer and cheers. Lillian’s hobbies include shopping, reading, sewing and making bracelets. Lillian’s future plans are to go to college to become a nurse so that she can help others.
Madison Lynne Jogan is the 14-year old daughter of John and Stephanie Jogan. Madison is a member of the Ernest Ward chorus. She has participated in cheerleading at Olive and Hillcrest Baptist churches She has also been awarded second place in the Tropicana Speech Contest. Madison’s hobbies include singing, cheering, photography, drawing and baking. She plans to pursue a law degree after high school. Madison would also like to open a bakery with her mom and grandmother.
Jordan Jade Wilson is the 12-year old daughter of Christa and Will Wilson. Jordan was the recipient of the Cox Hero Award for Bratt Elementary last year due to the success of overcoming a disability. She has played on an Atmore city league soccer team and danced with Heather Leonard’s Danceworks. Jordan has also played softball for Molino and Poarch. Jordan’s hobbies include being outside, playing soccer, hunting, fishing, singing and helping with the care of her little brother who has Autism. Jordan plans to raise funds so that a child with autism can attend summer camp. Her future plans are to attend an art institute and pursue fashion design.
Brystal Marie Rhodes is the 11-year old daughter of Michael and Ashley Rhodes. Brystal is a member of the FFA and the yearbook staff. She is also a member of the Emerald Coast Equestrian Team and the United States Hunter Jumper Association. She has won many competitions jumping with her horse, Aztec. Her hobbies include horse riding, basketball and spending time with her family and friends.
Raleigh Patricia Woodfin is the 13-year old daughter of Walt and Jennifer Woodfin. She is a member of the Barrineau Park 4-H where she shows hogs and has participated in community service projects such as book and shoe drives, care packages for soldiers, and delivering baked goods to local firehouses. She has also volunteered at the Ronald McDonald House cooking meals and donating pop tabs and household items. She serves as vice-president of the Ernest Ward FFA. She is also a member of the National Junior Honor Society and maintains A-B honor roll. Raleigh is also a member of the Ernest Ward volleyball team. Raleigh’s hobbies participating in Escambia County 4-H leadership events, raising, training, and showing livestock, volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House and spending time with family and friends. Her future plans are attend the University of West Florida and major in pre-law. She would like to advocate for grandparent’s rights.
Kally Lee White is the fourteen year old daughter of Kelly White and Jason Wood. Kally is a member of Saint Elizabeth Catholic Church and volunteers with the church’s outreach to help the Alfred Washburn Center and the Ronald McDonald House.. She is an office assistant at Ernest Ward and has also been a cheerleader. Kally cheered for ACE TRIBE competitive cheer company for four years and also helped coach a special needs team who took home the national championship. Her hobbies include tumbling, hunting, fishing, and spending time with family and friends. Kally plans to attend Florida State University after high school and receive a doctorate of dental surgery and continue in the family business.
Taviana Allyse Parker is the 12-year old daughter of Joseph and Sheley Parker. Taviana has participated on the Sunshine Math Team and the Battle of the Books Club. She is a member of the yearbook staff, Ernest Ward Honor Society and has been in the FFA. Taviana also participated in the Brewton Dance Studio for ballet, tap, jazz, tumbling, and hip-hop dance team. Her dance team has danced all over the south and even earned an invitation to New York to practice along side the famous Rockettes. Taviana’s hobbies are dancing, sewing, arts and crafts, shopping, designing clothing, and spending time with family and friends. Her future plans are to graduate from high school and attend college to pursue a nursing degree.
Cloe Madison Smith is the 14-year old daughter of Tammy Jo Smith and the late Michael F. Smith. Cloe is a member of the volleyball team and an EWMS cheer captian. She was selected last summer as a UCA All-American cheerleader and represented Ernest Ward in the 2015 Disney World Thanksgiving Day Parade. She is also a straight A student and a member of the National Junior Honor Society. Cloe has won first place in the Ernest Ward science fair for chemistry and third place overall. Cloe has acted in plays with the Missoula Children’s Theater and most recently with the Greater Escambia Council for the Arts. Her hobbies include acting, singing, dancing, playing the X-box, watching movies, and spending time with family and friends. Cloe’s future plans are to attend college for performing arts.
Jayda Clair Crabtree is the 13-year old daughter of Louis and Layna Crabtree. Jayda is a captain of the Ernest Ward Cheerleading Team, a member of the basketball team, the volleyball team, and the swim and dive team. At cheerleading summer camp, Jayda was chosen as UCA All-American cheerleader for the second straight year and represented Ernest Ward in the 2014 and 2015 Thanksgiving Day parades in Disney World. Jada placed second in the Escambia County School District dive competition this year. She has also won multiple awards in swimming. Jayda is also an honor roll student at Ernest Ward and in the National Junior Honor Society. She is also a member of the student government association. Jayda also helps coach the Northwest Escambia senior football cheer and competition team. Jayda’s hobbies include photography, exercising with her family, listening to music, practicing sports, texting with friends, drawing and spending time with family and friends. Her future plans include graduating high school while receiving her associates degree in fine art from Pensacola State College and then attending the University of West Florida to receive her master’s degree in art production. Jayda would like to become an art producer.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.