FWC Law Enforcement Report
July 14, 2015
The Florida FWC Division of Law Enforcement reported the following activity during the weekly period ending July 9 in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
Officers Land and Cushing were on patrol on the FinCat in the Gulf of Mexico on the Fourth of July. Officer Land conducted 12 fisheries inspections. During one inspection, he asked the crew if they had any fish. They replied that they had one greater amberjack. Officer Land discovered a total of three greater amberjack, two of which were undersized. Federal citations will be issued for possession of greater amberjack during closed season and undersized greater amberjack. On another vessel, Officer Land discovered persons in possession of red snapper and gray triggerfish during closed season. Citations for the violations will be issued.
SANTA ROSA COUNTY
Officer Clark and Lieutenant Lambert were on vessel patrol when they noticed a vessel having trouble navigating in an idle speed zone. During a vessel safety stop, Officer Clark noticed several signs of impairment from the operator. He performed poorly on field sobriety exercises and was arrested for BUI. After providing a breath sample of .130 g/210L, the operator was transported to the Escambia County Jail.
Officer Hutchinson received information that several subjects had been illegally night hunting and had taken two bucks in velvet. He and Lieutenant Hahr conducted an investigation and determined that four subjects had activated a deer depredation permit, but hunted three other fields that were not covered under the permit. The officers located two velvet horned bucks that had been removed from the fields just long enough to pose for photos and to remove the back straps from one of the deer. The deer had been dumped and left to rot. The officers determined the bucks had been taken on the fields not covered under the permit and were taken from the county roads adjacent to the fields. They located nine empty rifle casings and blood on the roadways where the deer were shot. Two subjects were charged with three counts of taking deer at night with a gun and light and taking wildlife from a public right of way.
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.
Tate Valedictorian Philips Wins National Merit Scholarship
July 14, 2015
Tate High School Class of 2015 valedictorian Hannah Philips was announced Monday as National Merit Scholarship winner.
Philips received a National Merit Liberty University Scholarship.
Graduating with a final GPA of 5.075, Philips was president of the National Honor Society, the Mu Alpha Theta secretary, and the Science Honor Society treasurer. She is an active member of the Marcus Pointe Baptist youth group and has participated in several missionary trips. Hannah has received a full ride scholarship to Liberty University. She plans to major in biomedical science and will pursue a career in dentistry.
Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA, is a private, evangelical university dedicated to academic excellence and training champions for Christ.
Citizens Insurance Approved For Another Round Of ‘Takeouts’
July 14, 2015
Another 81,050 policies have been approved to move to the private insurance industry from the state-backed Citizens Property Insurance Corp.
The state Office of Insurance Regulation has announced another round of private-insurer “takeouts,” this time going to three companies — Heritage Property & Casualty, Southern Oak and United Property & Casualty.
Heritage, which has quickly grown to the state’s fourth-largest insurance company, is in line to receive up to 40,000 personal residential policies and 50 commercial residential policies. Southern Oak can pick up 15,000 personal residential policies. United Property has been approved for 25,000 personal residential policies and 1,000 commercial residential policies.
The “takeouts” are scheduled to occur September 15 for the 1,050 commercial residential policies and September 22 for the personal residential lines. Based upon prior takeouts, not all the targeted policies will change hands.
Private insurers typically select the least-risky policies. Also, policyholders are allowed to reject takeout offers. The takeout process is designed, at least in part, to help Citizens shed policies and risk.
Citizens reported that it had 590,984 policies as of May 31, a vast decline from a high of 1.5 million policies in 2012.
Atmore’s Police And Fire Chiefs Both Retire; Brooks Named New Police Chief
July 14, 2015
Both Atmore’s police chief and fire chief have handed in their retirement notices, and a new police chief is already on the job.
The retirements of Atmore Police Chief Jason Dean and Atmore Fire Chief Gerry McGhee were announced at a Monday afternoon meeting of the Atmore City Council by Public Safety Director Glenn Carlee.
Chuck Brooks was sworn as the Atmore Police Department’s new police chief. The former sergeant has over 25 years experience in law enforcement, including about two decades as an investigator.
Dean and McGhee will remain with the city temporarily to help transition their departments. A replacement fire chief has not yet been named.
Pictured: Chuck Brooks (on right in top photo, on left in inset photo), was sworn in as the new Atmore Police Chief Monday afternoon. Photos by Lauren Brooks for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
John Johnson Running For Escambia Sheriff
July 14, 2015
John D. Johnson of Oak Grove has prefiled to run for Escambia County Sheriff as a Republican.
Johnson is a 34-year law enforcement veteran, first employed in 1979 by the Commanche County Sheriff’s Department in Lawton, OK. He moved to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office in 1982, where he served for nine years, both as a patrol deputy and an investigator in the narcotics unit.
He was recruited as a special agent by the DEA in 1991. After graduating from the DEA Basic Agent School at the FBI Academy in Quantico, VA, Johnson was assigned to the newly established DEA office in Pensacola where he supervised criminal investigations across the United States, Mexico and the Caribbean.
In his 22 years with the DEA, Johnson served both as a special agent and the resident agent in charge of the Pensacola office. During his career, Johnson has received numerous local, state, national and international awards and commendations for his exemplary service, including the Enrique” Kiki” Camarena award from the Benevolent and Protected Order of the Elks in 2002 and the Miami Field Division Agent of the Year award in 2010.
Johnson is a Florida certified law enforcement officer and has attended thousands of hours of specialized law enforcement training. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a Master’s degree in public administration from Troy University, graduating with high honors.
After retiring from the DEA, Johnson became an adjunct instructor at the University Of West Florida College Of Professional Studies and a government contractor.
“I feel my 34 year career in law enforcement, as well as my academic credentials make me the best candidate to serve the citizens of Escambia County as their sheriff. I look forward to meeting them on the campaign trail to discuss the many issues facing our community,” Johnson said in a released statement.
Wahoos Win Record Sixth Straight
July 14, 2015
The Pensacola Blue s set franchise records Monday night by winning its sixth game in a row and sweeping its first five-game series.
Not only that, Pensacola is now 11-7 in the second half of the Southern League season and in sole possession of first place in the South Division. The last time the Blue Wahoos were in first place this late in the season was July 22, 2012.
The Blue Wahoos defeated the Montgomery Biscuits, 6-2, on Monday in front of 4,143 at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium.
How have they turned around a last place team in the first half to a first place team in the second half?
Pitching and defense, says Blue Wahoos manager Pat Kelly.
“All along I have thought this was a good ball club,” Kelly said. “Pitching and defense wins this league.”
During the first half, Pensacola finished in last place at 25-43 and 18 games behind the Biloxi Shuckers, who were 43-25. Kelly has said that Biloxi is the only team that he thought was better than Pensacola, winning eight of 10 games against the Blue Wahoos to start the year.
They face the hottest team in the Southern League North Division next — the Birmingham Barons. After winning, 2-0, over Jackson Generals Monday, the Barons are 14-3.
“They may be hotter than us,” Kelly said of the Barons. “It’ll be a good test for us. Our motto has been to win every series.”
Pitching and defense beat the Biscuits Monday night.
Tim Adleman earned his fourth win in a row and improved to 6-6 on the season with a 1.95 ERA. He allowed a solo home run by Montgomery catcher Justin O’Conner. In seven innings he gave up five hits, one walk and struck out five.
In his past four games, Adleman has allowed three earned runs in 28 innings for a 0.96 ERA. He also has given up 20 hits, four walks and struck out 24.
Plus, the Blue Wahoos turned three double plays and leads the Southern League with 102 double plays total.
Pensacola utility infielder Ray Chang, who is batting .323 this season, says player development is great but winning is even better. He endured a 59-79 record in 2013 and 60-80 in 2014.
“It feels great,” Chang said. “Throughout my career, I have not been a part of too many winning clubs. The last two years were rough. To start off the way we have in the second half gives the fans something to cheer about. It has been awesome.”
Pensacola catcher Kyle Skipworth hit his third homer in three games and fourth in six when he launched a bomb to straight away center field that scored three runs and put the Blue Wahoos ahead, 3-1, in the fourth inning.
“We’re just enjoying it right now,” said Skipworth, who said he didn’t want to know how many games the team has won in a row.
Adleman, the Blue Wahoos mainstay in the rotation this year, said he hopes to keep winning.
“It would be nice to win the second half and send the Blue Wahoos to the playoffs,” he said. “It would be fun, a lot of fun.”
Pensacola’s main closer Zack Weiss, who has a team-leading nine saves, added: “We just want to be competitive and give ourselves a chance to make the post season. It’s nice to get rolling. We’re not thinking about the first half.”
After second baseman Zach Vincej singled to lead off the first inning for Pensacola, Montgomery right-hander Austin Pruitt struck out five of the next six batters between the first and second innings.
Vincej also scored during a three-run eighth inning on a double into the left field corner by third baseman Marquez Smith. Vincej singled in three at bats to extend his hitting streak to eight games. He’s batting .444 (12-27) over that span.
The 24-year-old is hitting .248 this season, raising his average from .210 on July 2. This series against Montgomery, Vincej went 7-14 or .500 with three runs, one RBI and a walk.
No matter what happens, Kelly said he likes this team.
“At no time do they quit,” he said. “They always play hard.”
The Blue Washoos start a five-game series at 7:05 p.m. Wednesday, July 15-19 with the Chicago White Sox Double-A affiliate Birmingham Barons. Pensacola returns home to host a two-game series at 6:35 p.m. Monday, July 20-21 with the Miami Marlins Double-A affiliate Jacksonville Suns.
Police: Missing, Endangered Flomaton Teen Found Safe
July 13, 2015
A Flomaton teenager reported missing over two weeks ago has been found.
Jasmine Nicole Smith, 16, was located about 3:00 this afternoon in Central Alabama, according to Flomaton Police Chief Bryan Davis. He declined to release complete details, but Davis said the girl is “fine” and in good condition. Davis said additional details will be released later by Flomaton Police.
Smith was reported missing from her residence in Flomaton on June 27. On July 9, police upgraded the case from a runaway to missing/endangered status after receiving information from a family member that the teen was in physical danger. Flomaton Police warned July 8 that because Smith is a juvenile, anyone harboring her without the consent of a parent “is committing a crime and will be prosecuted”.
Highway 97 Temporary Bridge Nears Completion
July 13, 2015
Work is nearing completion on a temporary bridge in Walnut Hill, part of the replacement of a 75-year old Highway 97 bridge over Little Pine Barren Creek in Walnut Hill.
Last week, the approach lanes to the temporary bridge were paved, after months of work that began on the structure at the end of March.
The work is part of a $2.5 million contract which consist of replacing the existing structurally deficient bridge, including roadway reconstruction, milling and resurfacing, guardrail, drainage, new signs and pavement markings. Drivers will utilize a temporary roadway and bridge during construction of the new bridge. Work is anticipated to be completed in the spring of 2016. No overweight loads will be permitted onto the temporary bridge (loads weighing over 88-thousand pounds).
The bridge is located at the intersection of Wiggins Lake Road, about one mile north of Ernest Ward Middle School. The bridge was constructed in 1940.
There’s no word yet from the Florida Department of Transportation as to when traffic will shift to the new temporary bridge.
Pictured: A temporary bridge nears completion on Highway 97 in Walnut Hill. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Justices Could Hear Satellite TV Tax Fight
July 13, 2015
The Department of Revenue has filed a notice of appeal in the Florida Supreme Court after a lower court ruled that a state law is unconstitutional because it imposes a higher tax rate on satellite-television companies than on their cable-TV competitors.
The department is seeking to overturn a ruling last month by the 1st District Court of Appeal, which also ordered that a circuit court determine how much money should be refunded to satellite-TV companies.
The case focuses on the state communications-services tax being set at 6.65 percent for cable TV and 10.8 percent for satellite service. The appeals court, in a 2-1 decision, found that the tax is discriminatory and violates the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution.
Alleged Drunk Driver Plows Into Deputy’s SUV
July 13, 2015
An alleged drunk driver was jailed after slamming his SUV into an Escambia County Sheriff’s deputy in a marked Tahoe.
Joseph Gavin Merritt, 34, was eastbound on Gulf Beach Highway in a 2003 Chevrolet Suburban about 11:30 Saturday night. Merritt crossed the center line into the path of Deputy William Hallford, 51. Hallford swerved in an unsuccessful attempt to avoid a collision.
Hallford was transported to Baptist Hospital with minor injuries.
Merritt was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and refusal to submit to a lawful DUI test. He was later released from the Escambia County Jail on a $1,000 bond.