Driver Identified In Fatal Highway 97 Crash
November 3, 2015
The Florida Highway Patrol has identified the driver killed in a single vehicle crash early Monday morning in Walnut Hill.
The accident was discovered about 5:40 a.m. on Highway 97 just north of Tungoil Road. According to the FHP, 50-year old Glen Shannon Taylor of Atmore was traveling north on Highway 97 in a 2005 Lexus ES330 when he lost control, ran off the roadway and overturned multiple times. Taylor, who was ejected, was pronounced deceased at the scene. There were no passengers in the vehicle.
The wreck had apparently happened some period of time before it was discovered; a time estimate was not immediately known.
The accident is still under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Stolen Wooden Bears Returned To Molino – With A Message
November 3, 2015
A year and a half after they were stolen from a Molino home, two large wooden bears have been recovered and returned with a message.
The bears are one-of-a-kind chainsaw carvings made of juniper wood, worth about $1,300. One stands upright about five-feet tall; the second is on all fours and is about two-feet tall and four-feet long. They were stolen from a yard in the 3500 block of Highway 97 in early April 2014.
The bears were recovered last week in Monroe County, AL, by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from the Escambia County (FL) Sheriff’s Office, according to the homeowner.
“The bears were recovered from the home of the thief. He had re-stained the bears, and they looked better than ever,” owner Lisa Alverson said. “Due to the efforts of NorthEscambia.com and the persistence and determination of the Monroe County Alabama Sheriff’s Office, our property was recovered and returned. Our community can rest assured there will be no further trouble out of this thief for years to come.”
When Monroe County Captain Alford Clark returned the bears to Molino, he brought along a message from the thief. The suspect had a sign hanging on one bear that read “No Trespassing. Violators Will Be Shot. Survivors Will Be Shot Again.”
There’s no word yet on the thief’s identity or any charges against him related to the bears.
Pictured top: Two wooden bears stolen from Molino that were recovered in Monroe County, AL. Pictured inset: Owner Lisa Alverson with a sign that the thief had place on one of the bears. Pictured below: Monroe County Captain Alford Clark returned the bears – and the sign – to Molino. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Two Charged With Four Robberies; Suspect Left His EBT Card Behind
November 3, 2015
Two suspects have been charged in four armed robberies in Escambia County — caught after one suspect left his EBT card behind at one holdup.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office charged 24-year-old Joseph M. Vaughn and 22-year-old Demeko L. Sims with robbery with a firearm, possession of a weapon by a convicted felon and wearing a mask or hood during the commission of a felony. Both were taken into custody without incident during a traffic stop near the intersection of Mobile and Green streets.
The two are believed to have committed four armed robberies during a spree that began October 17th:
- October 17 – Lucky 7, 4901 Lillian Hwy
- October 20 – Mom & Pop, 2600 East Olive Rd
- October 24 - Quick Mart, 6090 West Fairfield Drive
- November 1 - Lucky 7, 4801 Lillian Hwy
Investigators were able to identify the suspects through surveillance video. On all four robberies, Sims was wearing the same pants. He also left his EBT card on the counter during one of the robberies.
Vaughn remains in the Escambia County Jail without bond, while Sims remains jailed with bond set at $900,000.
Rep. Miller To Hold Mobile Office Days In Century, Jay
November 3, 2015
Congressman Jeff Miller has announced mobile office hours for later this month in Century and Jay program.
In order to better serve the needs of constituents who are not close to the Congressman’s Pensacola or Ft. Walton offices, special “mobile office” days have been established. Expanding on the idea first used for “veteran’s assistance days”, members of his staff will be manning the office answering questions about problems with federal agencies or issues affecting the First Congressional District.
“This is just another way we can better serve our growing population in Northwest Florida,” Miller said. “We tried the mobile office concept earlier, and we had such an outstanding turnout that we decided to expand the concept and add more dates and locations to the program.”
Mobile office days will be held as follows on Tuesday, November 17:
- 10:00-11:30 a.m.: Century Chamber of Commerce (Visitor Information Center), 7811 N. Century Blvd
- 1:00-2:30 p.m.: Jay City Hall, 3695 Highway 4
FWC Law Enforcement Report
November 3, 2015
The Florida FWC Division of Law Enforcement reported the following activity during the weekly period ending October 29 in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
SANTA ROSA COUNTY
Officer Lewis was on forest patrol in Blackwater River State Forest in a primitive campsite when he observed a group in possession of alcoholic beverages. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited in this area. A computer check on one of the subjects came back with a warrant out of Okaloosa County for larceny and criminal mischief. The subject was arrested and transported to the Santa Rosa County Jail and issued a warning for the alcohol violation.
Officer Ramos was patrolling Blackwater River State Forest and encountered a vehicle whose operator had been firing multiple rifle rounds. During a conversation with the operator, Officer Ramos discovered an empty bag of corn in the vehicle. A short while later, he found an area at the end of the road where fresh corn had been placed on the ground in the management area. Officers Ramos and Hutchinson visited the operator of the vehicle from earlier and the man admitted to placing bait in the management area. He was issued a citation.
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
No information submitted this week for Escambia County.
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.
Book Fair At Jim Allen Elementary This Week
November 3, 2015
The annual Scholastic Book Fair is going on this week at Jim Allen Elementary School. The book fair will continue for students through 11 a.m. Friday. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
All Blood Types Needed: Blood Drive Saturday In Walnut Hill
November 3, 2015
There is an increased need for O Negative blood in the area, according to OneBlood’s Bettery Roberts, and there is an increased need for all types to prepare for the upcoming holiday week.
A Big Red Bus Blood Drive will take place Saturday in Walnut Hill from 10 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. at the annual Fish Fry at the Walnut Hill Volunteer Fire Department at 7760 Highway 97.
Blood Donors will receive the “Don’t Be A Turkey! Donate Blood!” T Shirt though November 19 on both Big Red buses and at the two centers 1999 East Nine Mile Road and 2209 North 9th Avenue.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
County Grant Now Available For Neighborhood Redevelopment Efforts
November 3, 2015
The Escambia County Neighborhood Enterprise Division recently announced that it has extended the fall cycle for its Neighborhood Renewal Initiative Mini-Grant Program, which aims to further encourage community and volunteer-based redevelopment efforts within local neighborhoods.
The grant is funded through the county’s Community Development Block Grant Program and is offered to neighborhood organizations located within the boundaries of one of the county’s Community Redevelopment Areas. Local organizations that meet this criteria are eligible to apply for up to $500 for projects, including the following:
- Small scale improvements to existing parks, recreation areas or community neighborhood facilities
- Beautification projects targeting neighborhood entrances to subdivisions
- Graffiti removal or such improvements designed to eliminate blighted areas
- Neighborhood Watch supplies
The deadline to submit a grant application is Monday, Nov. 30 (click to download application).
For more information about the grant program or application process, contact Meredith Nunnari, Escambia County Neighborhood Enterprise Division, at (850) 595-0022, ext. 3, or at mrnunnari@myescambia.com.
Local Rotary Clubs Hold Military Appreciation Luncheon
November 3, 2015
The Combined Rotary Clubs of Pensacola (CROP) honored our military men and women at its annual Military Appreciation Luncheon on Monday at New World Landing. Rear Admiral Don Quinn, USN (Ret), a Five Flags Rotarian, was the guest speaker. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Firefighters Respond To Flomaton Church’s Chicken Restaurant
November 2, 2015
Firefighters were called to a fire at Church’s Chicken in Flomaton Monday night.
A fire on the roof was reported shortly after 8:30 p.m. The fire was reported to be out shortly after firefighters from Alabama and Florida arrived on the scene.
There were no injuries reported, and there was no major damage apparent.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
