Northview Cheerleaders March In Macy’s New York City Parade
November 27, 2015
Two Northview High School varsity cheerleaders marched in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City on Thursday. Pictured above and below are Dariane Guy (left) and Jadlyn Agerton in New York prior to the parade. Pictured bottom is Agerton with the Statue of Liberty. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
All Americans: Local Cheerleaders Take Part In Walt Disney Thanksgiving Parade
November 27, 2015
Eight North Escambia cheerleaders took part in the Walt Disney World Thanksgiving Parade.
Anna Adams , Ashlan Harigel, Lexi Broadhead, Jayda Crabtree and Cloe Smith from Ernest Ward Middle School and Bailey Span, Gabrielle Kline and Shelby Bashore from Northview High School marched through the Magic Kingdom in Orlando Thursday during the annual event.
Pictured top: With Mickey Mouse are (L-R) Anna Adams , Ashlan Harigel, Lexi Broadhead, Shelby Bashore, Jayda Crabtree, Cloe Smith, Gabrielle Kline. Not pictured is Bailey Span. Pictured below: The Walt Disney World Thanksgiving Parade Thursday in Orlando. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Santa Rosa Woman Charged With Sexual Battery On Juvenile
November 27, 2015
The Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a woman for sexual misconduct with a minor.
Kimberly Ann Seevers was arrested for sexual battery on a victim 16 or 17 years old and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. She was released from the Santa Rosa County Jail on a $15,000 bond shortly after her arrest.
The abuse allegedly occurred during period of January 8 to February 26, 2015. The arrest came after the school resource officer at Jay High School received information in regards to a possible sexual relationship between Seevers and juvenile males.
Further details have not been released by the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office.
Man Faces Long List Of Charges After Fleeing Traffic Crash
November 26, 2015
An Escambia County man that fled from a traffic accident is now behind bars on multiple felony charges after a manhunt.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, 22-year old Tyrone Deonta Wilkins left the roadway in his 2004 Chevrolet Malibu near the intersection of Mobile Highway and Massachusetts Avenue, struck two guy wires and a power pole about 9 a.m. Wednesday. The vehicle rotated back into the highway, striking a 2010 Dodge Charger driven by an 18-year old female.
Wilkins jumped out of his vehicle, as witnessed by Escambia County paramedics, and fled on foot. The paramedics gave chase and witnessed him throw down a gun. An Escambia County Sheriff’s Office K-9 unit tracked Wilkins, who surrendered in the woods southwest of the intersection.
Wilkens was charged by the FHP with leaving the scene of a crash involving injuries, leaving the scene of a crash involving property damage, reckless driving causing property damage, no valid driver’s license, driving with suspended license second offense, possession new legend drug without prescription, possession of marijuana, failure to provide insurance in crash, open container of alcohol and not wearing seat belt. The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office charged him with carrying a concealed weapon, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and altering or removing the serial number from a firearm. He remains in the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $50,000.
The driver of the Dodge Charger was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital with minor injuries.
Dancing In The Rain: A Thanksgiving With Childhood Cancer
November 26, 2015
Khai’s story is one of heartbreak, and one of Thanksgiving for the little things in life like dancing in the rain.
Yet, in what seems to be the brutally unfair and tragic world of childhood cancer, the 6-year-old and his parents, Doug and Chloe Davidson, say they have discovered seeds of hope and renewed faith in the power of prayer and have found much to be thankful for this week.
Just a few weeks ago, Khai nearly died from a rare liver condition brought on by chemotherapy treatments for the acute lymphoblastic leukemia, which he has been battling since being diagnosed on April 2.
Khai is back at his home recovering from his month-long brush with death and facing two more years of cancer-fighting treatments. And his family, including 3-year-old brother Dawson, is looking forward to giving thanks on Thursday.
“I’m thankful that we’re all going to be home together for Thanksgiving,” said Chloe, a photographer. “A few weeks ago, we didn’t know if we’d be able to do that. Not just do it because he was in the hospital, but just period.”
Khai snuggled next to his dad, a Plant Crist control operator, on their living room couch listening to his mother’s words. It’s hard to know if he fully understands what “period” means. But it’s clear he knows a lot for his tender age about the medical terminology and the toxic mix of drugs being injected into his body to knock out the cancer forever. He often helps his parents when they search for the right medical terminology. “Phen-ben,” Khai chimes in when Chloe tries to recall the medicine concoction doctors recently tried on him to calm his anxiety and nausea.
Diagnosis cancer
Khai, who has become somewhat of a cancer-battling celebrity through his Facebook page “Keeping up with Khai,” — with over 13,800 likes and counting — seemed to be a typical healthy and spunky boy a year ago.
“In March, he was playing T-ball, and he began complaining about his legs hurting,” Doug said. “We’d bring him home and give him a warm bath and ice his legs. We just thought it was growing pains.”
Khai’s pain increased until one day he was crying in agony when he got off the school bus. Soon afterward, the vice principal at his school, S.S. Dixon Primary, called.
“He said Khai was refusing to run and didn’t want to do anything … and he didn’t seem like himself,” Doug said. “When he got home, he looked pale. We took him to a doctor for blood work. He had a really high white blood cell count and low red blood count.”
The doctor said it could be one of two things — anemia or leukemia. A bone marrow biopsy the next day confirmed the cancer. A day later, a port was installed in Khai’s chest to start a 28-day round of chemotherapy at Sacred Heart Nemours Clinic in Pensacola.
At the end of the cycle, Chloe and Doug were relieved to learn that Khai’s cancer was in remission. But he was not out of the woods. He started another round of treatments meant to kill any remaining leukemia cells that could not be seen.
On October 9, after a subsequent 49-day treatment involving 19 rounds of nine drugs, Khai developed a fever and was hospitalized at Nemours.
Tests revealed Khai had three different cold virus strains. That’s when the rare liver condition, called veno-occlusive disease, set in. Khai’s belly began swelling and he experienced agonizing pain and breathing difficulty as his liver dramatically enlarged and he retained fluids.
“I was in a lot of pain. I couldn’t even sleep,” Khai said in a weak voice.
October 14, Doug, who was sleeping in Khai’s room, woke up to a doctor alerting him that his son’s condition was life-threatening. He needed to immediately be flown to Wolfson Children’s Hospital in Jacksonville where he could receive a new drug treatment that was in the third stage of clinical trials.
At first, Doug and Chloe were told there was no room on the medical aircraft for them.
“With him being 6 years old, not feeling good and having never flown before, I said, ‘I don’t’ care what you have to do, you have to find a plane that one of us can fly with him’.”
As Doug and Khai were preparing for the flight, Chloe packed and hit Interstate 10 for the nearly six-hour drive to Jacksonville.
“I was really emotional driving there,” she said. “I was thinking, ‘we’re we all coming back together. ‘ I was scared, because the medicine he was going there for had not even been approved by the FDA, and everything I read about the veno disease was scary. Nearly half the people who get it don’t survive.”
At Wolfson, Khai’s condition worsened. If the morphine began wearing off, he’d scream out in pain. Another mix of drugs caused him to become overactive and babble in his sleep.
About a week into the 21-day drug treatment, Khai began showing small signs of recovering.
A few days later, the doctor confirmed the treatment was working and Khai began to slowly recover. He was weakened from not having eaten — only receiving nourishment intravenously — and from being bedridden for nearly a month.
On November 5, he was finally released from Wolfson and returned home the next day.
He’s still weak and tires easily.
“I start limping,” Khai said about what happens when he gets tired.
But when he puts on his signature mask and yellow cape emblazoned with “Unstoppable,” Khai springs into superhero action, jumping around attempting Judo kicks and Karate chops.
Celebrity
Khai’s Facebook page is filled with his ups and downs and community fund drives to raise money for childhood cancer research. His “Khai Strong” motto has become an inspiration for others facing cancer.
Several Florida news outlets featured a story about his favorite Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles visiting him before he was released from Wolfson earlier this month.
Pensacola boxer Roy Jones Jr. tweeted, “My buddy Khai playing catch with Jaguars QB Blake Bortles.”
All of this exposure made his Facebook page “likes” explode and made him recognizable in public.
“When we were in Jacksonville a waitress came up and said, ‘Are you Khai?’ “ Chloe said. “Since we’ve come back, literally everywhere we go, everyone says ‘Hi, Khai.’”
When asked how did he become a celebrity? Khai shrugged and said: “Just because I’m really cool and very special.”
Chloe admits it’s sad he’s gained notoriety from cancer, but says it has also helped him place hundreds of pins on his prayer map, a map of the world with people from nearly every country, including Russia and New Zealand, sending him healing prayers.
The family takes heart in the fact that sharing Khai’s story on Facebook has made a difference. Chloe pointed to a message she received from a woman who follows Khai on Facebook. “I want you to know you possibly saved my nephew’s life. We found out today he has cancer, and the only reason we took him to get blood work is because you shared Khai’s symptoms. I want to tell how grateful we are that you shared Khai’s story.”
Long road ahead
Khai is in remission but is now facing a long series of maintenance treatments to keep the cancer from returning through June 15, 2018.
The couple says they won’t be able to feel true relief until he’s the five-year mark in remission.
“Every time he has labs … every time they draw spinal fluid, we’re waiting to get that phone call hoping and praying they are not saying his cancer is coming back.” Doug said.
If he’s not faced with anymore complications, doctors say he has a 94 percent chance of surviving the leukemia.
“If it does come back, the next step is a bone marrow transplant,” Doug said.
“But we won’t go there,” Chloe counters. “It’s just scary … the what-ifs. The word relapse is scary.”
If all goes well, Khai will be able to return to school after Christmas break in January, which in his fragile state right now, is a foreboding thought for his parents, even though they long for him to return to some childhood normalcy.
While his parents talk about his condition, Khai becomes more solemn and buries his face in the couch. When his parents ask him what’s wrong, after a long pause and moan, he finally whines, “I’m bored.”
His parents laughed at the very, normal childlike response.
It could be worse
Even though their journey with cancer has been tough and heartbreaking the family does what they can to help other families facing similar and worse challenges.
“Compared to some of his friends who don’t have a chance, we’ve always danced in the rain and tried to make the best of a bad situation,” said Chloe, referring to a popular quote from inspirational author and artist Vivian Greene.
Khai even takes cupcakes and greeting cards to children he knows who are still hospitalized, some of whom will not leave the hospital alive.
“It makes me feel happy,” Khai said about the gesture.
When the family sits down to enjoy their Thanksgiving feast, those families whose will weigh heavy on their minds.
“For us, it’s going to be hard on Thursday because we’ve gotten to know a lot of families who will be sitting in the hospital for Thanksgiving,” Doug said. “But for us to have the ability to stay home and have a normal Thanksgiving … that’s what I’m thankful for.”
Photos: Camp Fire Kids Celebrate Thanksgiving With Feast
November 26, 2015
Camp Fire USA Century Youth Learning Center held a Thanksgiving feast this week for children and their parents. The daycare’s children, dressed as Pilgrims or Native Americans, enjoyed a full Thanksgiving meal following a special Thanksgiving production on stage at the Century Community Center.
For a photo gallery from the event, click here.
Pictured: Children enjoyed a Thanksgiving feast at the Camp Fire USA Century Youth Learning Center. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Miracle League Holds Annual Turkey Fry
November 26, 2015
The Miracle League of Pensacola held their annual turkey fry fundraiser Wednesday. Volunteers with the Miracle League spent their day frying turkeys for a minimum $20 donation, with all of the proceeds going to benefit the Miracle League. NorthEscambia.com photos by Jennifer Repine, click to enlarge.
Molino Man Charged With Sex Crime Against Minor
November 26, 2015
A Molino man has been arrested for an alleged sex crime against a minor.
John Thomas Hughes, of the 6000 block of Highway 95A, was arrested on a count of lewd and lascivious behavior. He remained in the Escambia County Jail with bond set a half million dollars.
Hughes allegedly initiated sexual contact with an underage female who got away and locked herself in a bathroom at her home, according to an arrest report.
Hughes denied the allegations, telling investigators that he believed the juvenile made up the story. Hughes changed his story and contradicted himself several times during an interview with investigators, according to an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office report.
Thanksgiving Dinner Cost Up Slightly This Year
November 26, 2015
The American Farm Bureau Federation’s 30th annual informal price survey of classic items found on the Thanksgiving Day dinner table indicates the average cost of this year’s feast for 10 is $50.11, a 70-cent increase from last year’s average of $49.41.
The big ticket item – a 16-pound turkey – came in at a total of $23.04 this year. That’s roughly $1.44 per pound, an increase of less than 9 cents per pound, or a total of $1.39 per whole turkey, compared to 2014.
“Retail prices seem to have stabilized quite a bit for turkey, which is the centerpiece of the meal in our marketbasket,” AFBF Deputy Chief Economist John Anderson said. “There were some production disruptions earlier this year due to the highly pathogenic Avian influenza outbreak in the Midwest. Turkey production is down this year but not dramatically. Our survey shows a modest increase in turkey prices compared to last year. But we’re now starting to see retailers feature turkeys aggressively for the holiday. According to USDA retail price reports, featured prices fell sharply just last week and were actually lower than last year,” he added.
The AFBF survey shopping list includes turkey, bread stuffing, sweet potatoes, rolls with butter, peas, cranberries, a relish tray of carrots and celery, pumpkin pie with whipped cream, and beverages of coffee and milk, all in quantities sufficient to serve a family of 10. There is also plenty for leftovers.
Foods showing the largest increases this year in addition to turkey were pumpkin pie mix, a dozen brown-n-serve rolls, cubed bread stuffing and pie shells. A 30-ounce can of pumpkin pie mix was $3.20; a 14-ounce package of cubed bread stuffing, $2.61; and two nine-inch pie shells, $2.47.
“Despite concerns earlier this fall about pumpkin production due to wet weather, the supply of canned product will be adequate for this holiday season,” Anderson said.
Items that declined modestly in price were mainly dairy items including one gallon of whole milk, $3.25; a combined group of miscellaneous items, including coffee and ingredients necessary to prepare the meal (butter, evaporated milk, onions, eggs, sugar and flour), $3.18; a half pint of whipping cream, $1.94; and 12 ounces of fresh cranberries, $2.29. A one-pound relish tray of carrots and celery (79 cents) and one pound of green peas ($1.52) also decreased slightly in price.
The average cost of the dinner has remained around $49 since 2011. This year’s survey totaled over $50 for the first time.
“America’s farmers and ranchers are able to provide a bounty of food for a classic Thanksgiving dinner that many of us look forward to all year,” Anderson said. “We are fortunate to be able to provide a special holiday meal for 10 people for just over $5 per serving.”
39 Arrested in Sheriff’s Office Warrants Sweep
November 26, 2015
Sheriff David Morgan announced at a news conference Wednesday morning that a recently concluded warrant sweep ended with the arrest of 39 people on 54 outstanding warrants.
The arrests, for offenses that ranged from moving traffic violations to sex crimes, took place November 18-20.
Those arrested during the warrants sweep were:
- Austin Beck (DOB: 1/21/1995) FT-Sex Offense
- Rasheed Dickens (DOB: 7/17/1995) Sexual Assault Battery
- Tonya Gers (DOB: 10/4/1985) Fraud
- Christopher Graham (DOB: 02/28/1976) VOP Felony Battery
- Marshall Jones (DOB: 12/11/1981) Aggravated Assault
- Kersey Minniefield (DOB 10/9/1991) VOP Battery, Larceny
- Susan Nix (DOB: 1/1/1955) Moving Traffic Violation
- Adrian Joseph Phillips Jr. (DOB: 3/10/1992) Trafficking Cocaine
- Reginald Pitts (DOB: 8/1/1972) Grand Theft/Dealing in Stolen Prop
- Jennifer Powell (DOB: 7/16/1988) VOP Aggravated Battery
- Christopher Pritchett (DOB: 4/7/85) Dealing in Stolen Property, Larceny, Burglary
- Willie Puryear (DOB: 5/24/1979) Sex Offender Violation/Larceny
- Henry Salter (DOB: 4/12/1956) Bond revoked – Burglary/Grand Theft
- Nikya Stanley (DOB: 4/1/1993) Larceny
- Nakia Thomas (DOB: 7/21/1985) Aggravated Battery, Larceny
- Dylan Ankney (DOB: 1/11/1992) VOP x 2
- Willie Bruce (DOB: 10/22/1994) VOP Resisting Officer without Violence
- Tracy Floyd (DOB: 1/20/1974) Fraud – Impersonation
- Heidi Gibson (DOB: 2/6/1968) Hit & Run, Traffic Violation, DWLS – 3rd of Subsq Off
- Larry Gorham (DOB: 8/28/1959) Revoked Bond – Aggravated Battery w/ Deadly Weapon
- David Harger (DOB: 6/9/1993) VOP – Lewd & Lascivious VOP – Grand Theft Firearm
- Davyon Hartjen (DOB: 7/9/1974) – Fraud/Grand Theft
- Brittany Jackson (DOB: 2/3/1994) Larceny
- Kearia Jones (DOB: 2/9/1991) Battery
- Robert Newberry (DOB: 12/25/1959) Possession of Ammunition by Convicted Felon
- John Rondeau (DOB: 6/20/1967) Possession of Firearm by Convicted Felon
- Melvin Stevens (DOB: 4/28/1977) VOP – Battery D/V
- Amanda Clark (DOB: 12/2/1976) Larceny
- Justine Crisostomo (DOB: 2/23/1989) VOP – Possession of Controlled Substance without Rx
- Taneisha Curry (DOB: 2/5/1989) VOP – Possession of Marijuana
- John Hughes (DOB: 4/16/1983) Lewd & Lascivious Behavior
- Shameico Jefferson (DOB: 1/23/1981) Larceny VOP – DWL/R – Habitual
- Jerry Lilly (DOB: 5/17/1990) VOP – Possession of Marijuana, Criminal Mischief – damage property
- Lance McAnulty (DOB: 4/8/1993) VOP – Possession of Controlled substance, Possession of Drug Equipment
- OTTIC- Juvenile
- Deantre Morrell (DOB: 12/31/1995) Criminal Mischief – Damage property, Larceny, Grand Theft x 3
- James Robles (DOB: 1/1/1975) VOP – Grand Theft – $300 or more but less than $5,000 x 2
- Decody Herring (DOB: 1/10/1991) Possession of Firearm by Convicted Felon
- Jared Woodson (DOB: 10/18/1968) Possession of Weapon by Convicted Felon, Aggravated Assault, Weapon Offense
