Dog Found Apparently Shot In The Head In Molino
January 5, 2015
A dog found bleeding and apparently shot in the head in Molino is now in the care of a local family.
The dog , now nicknamed “Lucky”, was found last Thursday afternoon, curled up next to a pole at the corner of Crabtree Church Road and Gibson Road in Molino. There was a blood trail leading up to where the dog was located.
Lucky appears to have a bullet wound on the forehead near its left ear with an apparent exit wound behind its right air. As of Sunday night, the dog is recovered well with a local family that did not wish to be publicly named.
The family is looking for Lucky’sowners. Anyone that knows the owner of the dog can email news@northescambia.com to be put in touch with the family.
Anyone with information about the shooting of the dog should contact the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Top 14 North Escambia Stories Of 2014
January 5, 2015
Here are our picks for the Top 14 Stories of 2014 on NorthEscambia.com :
14. Tate’s Showband Of The South Heads To Philly
The Tate High School Showband of the South marched in the 2014 Dunkin’ Donuts Thanksgiving Day Parade in Philadelphia. As part of tours of Philadelphia and Washington, the students visited Arlington National Cemetery where Showband members placed a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns.
13. West Florida Jaguars State Softball Championship
The West Florida Lady Jaguars won the 4A state championship in almost impossible grand style. The Lady Jags were down 5-1 with two outs in the seventh, before coming back to beat P. K. Yonge 6-5 in Vero Beach.
12. Good Folks, Good Grades
It was nothing short of another great year at Molino Park Elementary School. Principal Alice Woodward was named Escambia County’s Principal of the Year. Sara Calhoun was named the state’s elementary school Reading Teacher of the Year. Monsanto presented the school with a $25,000 technology grant. Molino Park’s school grade from the Florida Department of Education jumped from a “C” to an “A”. At Molino Park Elementary School, 95 percent of third graders were proficient in math on the FCAT, the highest level in Escambia County and better than all but less than a dozen schools in the state.
11. Northview’s FFA One Of The Nation’s Best
The honors just kept pouring in during 2014 for the Northview High School FFA — Outstanding FFA Chapter, State Superior Chapter, State FFA Gold Chapter Rating for hosting the top “Food for America” program in Florida. Then at the National FFA Convention in Louisville, KY, the Northview FFA was awarded the Three Star Chapter designation — the highest status at the national level — on live national television for the second straight year.
10. Train Derailment
During January’s rare ice storm, 23 cars from a CSX train derailed behind the McDavid Sawmill on Champion Drive. Four cars containing a 96 percent concentration phosphoric acid derailed into Fletcher Creek which feeds into Cotton Lake and the Escambia River. Three of the cars were breached, one catastrophically. Officials reported as much as 30,000 gallons of corrosive acid spilled into the creek. Cleanup was declared complete in March,with a long-term monitoring program put into place.
9. New 4-H Facilities
In 2012, the children and teens on the 4-H County Council voted to sell their 240 acre Langley Bell 4-H Center to Navy Federal Credit Union. In 2014, progress began on two new 4-H facilities — one at the Extension Service on Stefani Road and the other off Chalker Road in Molino.
8. Century’s Gas Leak Repaired
Major work came to a close in late 2014 on repairs to a leaking section of natural gas pipe under Highway 29 in Century, three and a half years since the leak was publicly revealed as a “major public safety issue”.
7. Crime And Punishment
The headlines in 2014 were full of crimes — and punishments. From 19 murders across Escambia County, to burglaries in our neighborhoods and street level drugs and associated crimes – the headlines ran the gamut of arrests and sentences from the bench.
6. Century’s Big Plan
Using grant money from the state, Century partnered with the University of West Florida’s Haas Center to develop an economic strategic plan. Already honored by the Florida Chamber Foundation and recognized by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity’s Competitive Florida Partnership, the plan will be implemented in 2015 with the hope of jump starting Century’s economy.
5. LOST Renewal
Voters renewed the Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) for Escambia County and schools during 2014. Project after project has been funded over the previous years of LOST, including the ongoing construction of a new Ernest Ward Middle School in Walnut Hill.
4. Highway 29, Highway 97 Intersection
Perhaps the most “famous” intersection in North Escambia, we reported wreck after wreck at the intersection in 2014, including an accident that claimed the life of a Northview High School student. After a traffic study, Escambia County agreed to foot the bill and the Florida Department of Transportation agreed to install a traffic signal. The year closed with no visible progress on the light’s installation.
3. Ice Storm
Escambia County literally froze in January — closed schools, widespread power outages, pretty much all transportation at a complete standstill — during a freak Florida ice storm.
2. Jail Explosion
As the flood waters filled the basement of the Escambia County Central Booking and Detention Center, rising water caused gas dryers to disconnect. That gas ignited, setting off an explosion that killed two inmates — 45-year old David Paul Weinstein and 54-year old Robert Earl Simmons of McDavid. A corrections officer, Christopher Hankinson, was left paralyzed from the waist down, while about 180 other inmates and corrections personnel were injured.
1. Spring Floods
Without a doubt, the top story of 2014 was the April flood, with an unbelievable 25 inches of rain falling in about 24 hours in parts of Escambia County. Bridges and roads collapsed or were simply swept away, perhaps hundreds of people were rescued from flooded cars and homes. Over 3,000 homes in Escambia County were damaged or destroyed, and the financial toll was well over $100 million. One person, 67-year-old Betty Faye Word, died when here vehicle was completely submerged on Highway 29 in Cantonment.
NorthEscambia.com photos.
Do Not Call Violations Top State’s Consumer Complaint List
January 5, 2015
Hate those annoying telemarketing calls? You are not alone. Complaints about violations of Florida’s “Do Not Call” laws tops the list of the top 10 consumer complaints released by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Consumers filed more than 44,000 complaints with the department’s consumer assistance center in 2014. The top 10 most common complaints from January 1 through December 22 were:
- Do Not Call – 18,067
- Fuel/Petroleum – 2,193
- Cable – 1,921
- Telemarketing – 1,813
- Motor Vehicle Sales – 1,697
- Credit/Banking – 1,659
- Communications – 1,588
- Motor Vehicle Repair – 1,488
- Landlord/Tenant – 1,328
- Travel/Vacation Plans – 1,271
Complaints about violators of the state’s Do Not Call list are actually down by four percent this year. Over the past year, Do Not Call complaints have resulted in the collection of more than $430,000 in administrative fines.
2014 In Photos: November
January 5, 2015
We are looking back at the top events of 2014 in photos. Today, we are featuring photos from November. For photos from earlier in 2014, click the corresponding month below.
NOVEMBER 2014 PHOTOS:
In one of our most talked about photos of the year, a firefighter pulls a line to begin the battle against a house fire on Highway 97 in Davisville on November 11.
Another photo of the Highway 97 house fire.
The Blue Angels were back in the skies in November over Naval Air Station Pensacola.
Northview High School held a baseball clinic with major leaguer Caleb Gindl of the Milwaukee Brewers.
The Walnut Hill Volunteer Fire Department honored members of the community and the department during a record-setting 45th annual fish fry.
Fire damaged the Cantonment Burger King.
Ernest Ward Middle School honored veterans.
A photo that went viral on a local scale on Facebook — our cameras caught a politician that sweeps around his own door — literally. Atmore Mayor Jim Staff is seen sweeping outside the main entrance to the Atmore City Hall.
The Molino Station of Escambia Fire Rescue held live burn demonstrations.
The Tate High School’s playoff run came to an end as the Aggies lost to Niceville 35-0 in the Region 1-7A semifinal.
About 200 students from schools in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties worked in fields near Jay Monday to harvest turnips and bag sweet potatoes that fed hundreds of needy families for Thanksgiving.
A Georgia church reached out to Century and provided a Thanksgiving lunch.
The Tate High School Showband of the South marched in the 2014 Dunkin’ Donuts Thanksgiving Day Parade in Philadelphia.
The Atmore Fire Department held a “Heroes For Christmas” toy drive.
It was the kind of traffic problem you only see in the country in Oak Grove — a 6,000 pound bale of cotton blocking part of an intersection.
he Northview High School Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) sponsored a student led worship event in the school gymnasium.
A home on Kathleen Avenue was destroyed by a November fire.
Molino Park Elementary School celebrated the receipt of a $25,000 technology grant from Monsanto.
Century worked toward completion on the repair of a leaking section of natural gas pipe under Highway 29 in Century, three and a half years since the leak was publicly revealed as a “major public safety issue”.
Camp Fire USA Century Youth Learning Center held a Thanksgiving feast the children and their parents.
The BP in Davisville was robbed at gunpoint; the gunman arrested in Mississippi after another holdup.
Members of the Tate High School Showband of the South placed a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown at Arlington National Cemetery.
Gas prices for Thanksgiving weekend were at their lowest level in five years.
A t-ball field at Bradberry Park in Walnut Hill received some much needed attention from Eagle Scout candidate Benjamin Stott of Bratt.
The Escambia Academy Cougars won the AISA Class AAA state championship.
Sparks fly as a fireman cuts open the hood of a burning truck on Highway 4 in Davisville.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Bill Seeks To Require Unanimous Juries In Death Penalty Cases
January 5, 2015
Juries would have to be unanimous before recommending the death penalty for defendants in murder cases, under a bill filed by a South Florida lawmaker. The bill, proposed by Rep. Jose Javier Rodriguez, D-Miami, will be considered during the 2015 legislative session.
Under current law, a majority of a jury can recommend that a defendant receive the death penalty, with a judge ultimately deciding whether to impose the sentence. Rodriguez’s bill would create a higher standard, with juries needing to be unanimous in such recommendations.
The bill also would give direction to judges on some jury instructions in death-penalty cases. Those instructions deal with what are known as “aggravating circumstances,” which are factors used to support death-penalty recommendations.
The bill, in part, would require aggravating circumstances to be proven beyond a reasonable doubt and be subject to a unanimous vote. The bill would apply to offenses committed on or after July 1, 2015.
Senior Dining Program Offers Hope
January 4, 2015
The Council on Aging of West Florida’s senior dining site program offers more than a hot meal — it gives seniors an incentive to get up every day, according to Joyce Raney, manager of the Chumuckla senior dining site.
“Many of the participants can’t drive, and live alone,” Raney says. “The senior dining site program offers them fellowship and an opportunity to see their neighbors. They appreciate that they have this to come to every day.”
The senior dining site program is a neighborhood-based program offering nutritious meals, activities and socialization for seniors age 60 and older. Council on Aging operates nearly 20 dining sites in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties including sites in Cantonment, Century, Jay and Chumuckla.
Hours for each site vary, but most are open from 9 a.m. until noon, Monday through Friday. A donation of $2 or more per person is recommended, but it is not mandatory. Donations are returned to the senior dining site program to support the provision of meals and activities at the sites.
Each month, a calendar of the meals and activities is provided at each site. Meals are prepared fresh daily and typically include an entrée, two sides, fresh fruit and milk. Meals meet one-third of the minimum daily nutritional requirements for an adult, complying with the Florida Department of Elder Affairs Guidelines, and are approved by a certified dietician.
Seniors also engage in fun and mentally-stimulating activities at the sites. Common daily activities include puzzles, word games, field trips, guest speakers and bingo.
Deborah Williams, the Century site manager, says participants are dealing with difficult situations like sickness and the death of loved ones.
“Some are not ready to go home when it’s time to go,” Williams says. “Being around others brings them comfort.”
Individuals interested in participating in the senior dining site program or getting loved ones involved, should call Council on Aging of West Florida at (850) 432-1475 or visit
www.coawfla.org for more information.
Pictured top: Cantonment senior dining site participants enjoy lunch. Pictured top inset: A little entertainment at the Cantonment senior dining site. Pictured inset: Lura Thomas receives a donation at the Cantonment site. Pictured below: Participants at the Chumuckla site. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Residents Invited To Storm Water Advisory Workshop
January 4, 2015
Escambia County and the City of Pensacola will hold a joint Storm Water Advisory Team (SWAT) meeting beginning at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, January 6, at the Pensacola Bay Center, 201 East Gregory Street. Members of the public are invited to attend and participate in this interactive workshop.
The SWAT Team meeting will begin with an overview presentation from engineering firms working to address storm water recovery and flood mitigation issues. These presentations will be followed by a discussion on the Pensacola Bay Basin report which includes the Aragon, Delano and Longhollow neighborhoods. The workshop will conclude with small group sessions where interested residents will be encouraged to provide comment on potential alternatives that may developed to provide solutions to future flooding concerns.
2014 In Photos: September
January 4, 2015
We are looking back at the top events of 2014 in photos. Today, we are featuring photos from September.
A Walnut Hill woman returned home, two days after being bitten by a pygmy rattlesnake.
September was peanut harvest time in Escambia County…with enough peanuts harvested for 212 million peanut butter sandwiches.
Puppies in K-9 tracking training at Century Correctional Institution.
Northview High School’s NJROTC Annual Inspection was held at the school, with cadets undergoing face to face scrutiny with a retired Navy commander.
Hundreds of students gathered to pray at their schools in across the area during the annual See You at the Pole event.
About two months after repairs were completed to a collapsed shoulder on Highway 97 in Walnut Hill, the heavily traveled state roadway once again crumbled into a deep gully.
The Tate Aggies bounced bag for a 33-32 overtime win over Pine Forest.
Daisy Robinson, an Escambia County School District bus driver, received statewide recognition at the Florida capitol ifor saving a young boy found wandering along in the middle of Kingsfield Road.
The Tate High School Showband of the South was busy with fundraisers for a trip to Philadelphia’s Thanksgiving Day parade.
The Town of Century approved a budget for the next fiscal year that was up $2.2 million.
Firefighters practiced their skills in a training scenario in which a car rear-ended a school bus.
The Century Chamber of Commerce as named the Camp Fire Century Youth Learning Center as the winner of the September Community Pride Award.
The 1A Northview Chiefs practice for a road game against the Class 6A Choctaw Indians.
Prisoners worship in the chapel of the Century Correctional Institution.
Volleyball season was underway in September.
Ransom Middle School staff members responded to the ice bucket challenger for ALS.
The University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension program celebrated 100 years.
NorthEscambia.com photos.
2014 In Photos: October
January 4, 2015
We are looking back at the top events of 2014 in photos. Today, we are featuring photos from October.
Northview High School officially dedicated its stadium as the Tommy Weaver Memorial Stadium in honor of the late Tommy Weaver, a beloved teacher and coach.
A fire destroyed an Atmore business and threatened an entire city block.
Hundreds of students from Bratt Elementary School took a virtual trip to Kenya, thanks to the Global Corner Learning Center.
The tradition of excellence continued for the Tate High School Showband at the Florida Bandmasters Association Music Performance Assessment at Ft. Walton Beach High School, receiving straight Superior ratings in all categories for the 44th consecutive year.
The Automation and Production Technology Academy at Northview High School is being used as a model for similar academies at middle and high schools across the region.
The Florida Chamber Foundation honored the Town of Century for their commitment to regional economic development.
Geometry students at Northview High School completed a really sweet project — scaling ordinary candy packages into supersized replicas.
IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area, a local women’s philanthropy group, awarded 10 grants worth $102,500 each to community groups.
Work continued on a $1.8 million project to replace the Fannie Road Bridge outside Century.
The 1A Northview Chiefs battled to a 35-28 win over the 4A Walton Braves of Defuniak Springs.
An October tradition – the annual Allen Memorial United Methodist Church Men’s Pumpkin Patch was open on Highway 29 in Cantonment.
Northview took on Baker in volleyball action.
Kamryn Brock was name the 2014 Northview High School Homecoming Queen.
The annual Northview High School Homecoming Parade rolled through Bratt.
Community Helpers Day was held at Molino Park Elementary School.
The Ernest Ward Eagles defeated the Excel Panthers 44-20.
A Jay couple was found dead in murder-suicide.
The Tate Aggies beat Washington.
Over 1,230 volunteers from nearly 100 companies were hard at work across Escambia County as part of the United Way’s annual Day of Caring on 54 projects at nonprofit agencies and 30 schools, including painting a gazebo at Bratt Elementary School.
The Community Action Program celebrated the opening of their newest Head Start location in the Molino Community Complex on Highway 95A.
Hundreds attended the annual Molino Park Elementary School Fall Carnival.
The Cantonment Cowboys celebrated homecoming.
Tate High School presented “Saturday the 14th” — a parody of the “Friday the 13th movies”.
The Northview High School FFA chapter was awarded one of the highest national honors presented by the National FFA in Louisville, KY.
There were no injuries when a train slammed into a vehicle in Bogia.
NorthEscambia.com photos.
A Shooting, Stolen Police Cruiser, And High Speed Chase
January 4, 2015
A man that was allegedly responsible for a shooting and stealing both a police cruiser and a SUV was taken into custody after a crash in front of an Escambia County Walmart.
Authorities said 29-year old Michael Mularchuk was involved in a reported shooting complaint on Colbert Street. His vehicle was later spotted near a dumpster in the 1800 block of North Palafox Street. Officers responded to the area and took the suspect into custody after a foot pursuit, handcuffed him and put him into the back of a Pensacola Police cruiser.
As officers were gathering information, Mularchuk managed to escape from the handcuffs, get into the front of the cruiser and flee the scene. He then went to a friend’s house in the 1900 block of West Intendencia Street and stole their GMC Envoy. He fled once again from law enforcement personnel on Gulf Beach Highway but lost control of the vehicle and struck a couple of power poles near Patton Drive and Navy Boulevard.
He was surrounded and taken down by a K-9 in the parking lot of Navy Boulevard Walmart.
Mularchuk was hospitalized after the incident. Once released, he’s facing a variety of charges, including including aggravated assault, vehicle theft, home invasion, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and escape.