Messy Situation Shuts Down Highway For Six Hours
August 6, 2014
A messy situation shutdown Highway 31 on the west side of Flomaton for about six hours Tuesday afternoon.
A John Deere spreader being driven from Atmore to Samson, Ala., ruptured a hydraulic hose and spilled several gallons of hydraulic fluid over a quarter-mile stretch of Highway 31. The spill was cleaned up by the Flomaton Fire Department and the Century Station of Escambia Fire Rescue.
There were no injuries in the incident.
Reader submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Third Suspect Arrested In Detroit For June 22 Escambia County Murder
August 5, 2014
A third person has been arrested in connection with the June 22 Escambia County murder of 31-year old Tabius Cardell Huff.
Jimmy Jermaine Bonner, 27, was arrested by the U.S. Marshal’s Service in Detroit and extradited back to Escambia County on Monday. Trent Baker, 29, was arrested on June 24 and Jarrod Blackmon, 23, was arrested June 30, both also charged in the murder.
Huff was shot about 10 p.m. June 22 outside a convenience store in the 5300 block of Jackson Street near Edgewood Circle. Huff was pronounced deceased at the scene by Escambia County EMS.
Health Alert Rescinded For Area Around Rolling Hills Pit
August 5, 2014
Effective immediately, in response to air quality monitoring performed by Escambia County, the Florida Department of Health in Escambia County (FDOH-Escambia) is rescinding the health alert that was issued on July 22 for the area surrounding the Wedgewood Community Center and the Rolling Hills Construction and Demolition Landfill.
- Since July 22, daily air quality monitoring has been performed by Escambia County at multiple locations surrounding the Rolling Hills Construction and Demolition Landfill located at 6990 Rolling Hills Road, Pensacola.
- Since the air quality health alert was issued, all air samples taken at these monitoring sites have measured hydrogen sulfide gas concentrations that are below the minimum level of concern for long term exposure to humans.
- Inspections conducted by Escambia County and information from the operators of the landfill have indicated that the operators at the Rolling Hills Construction and Demolition Landfill have taken actions that have assisted in the prevention of further excessive hydrogen sulfide gas emission.
- The health department notes that the odor of hydrogen sulfide gas that can be detected by most people is below the minimum level of concern for long term exposure to humans.
The Florida Department of Health in Escambia County will continue to monitor for health risks in the area surrounding the Wedgewood Community Center and the Rolling Hills Construction and Demolition Landfill. Additional recommendations or alerts may be issued if new information becomes available.
FHP Searching For Driver That Crashed Through Utility Pole, Fence, Landed In Pond
August 5, 2014
A driver hit a utility pole, crashed through a fence and landed in a retention pond Tuesday morning, leaving numerous homes and businesses without power for several hours.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the driver of a 1998 Lincoln Navigator failed to negotiate a curve on Kenmore Road near Palafox Street, causing the accident. The driver and any passengers in the vehicle fled the scene before first responders arrived.
There was no physical description of the driver available. Anyone with information on the crash is asked to call Trooper Kitchen at (850) 484-5000 ext. 347. The accident remains under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol, with charges pending against the driver.
NorthEscambia.com reader submitted photo by Alan Thedford, click to enlarge.
Prison K-9 Team Rescues Lost Child
August 5, 2014
When a two-year old child went missing from her family’s home off Munson Highway in Santa Rosa County Saturday, the Santa Rosa Correctional Institution’s K-9 team jumped into action to quickly find the little girl and return her safely to her family.
The Santa Rosa Correctional Institution K-9 search team consisted of Sergeant Robert Lenzo, Officer Christopher Gilbert, Officer Joshua Chandler and K-9 Luke. Despite the young girl having been missing for two hours, temperatures in the high 90’s and the area crowded with friends, family and volunteers trying to locate her, the K-9 team established her track and found where she had left the residence. They followed the track through the woods and located her approximately one-half mile behind her home in a thick patch of thorns and vines. Sergeant Lenzo crawled into the thicket and freed her from the vines.
The child was quickly turned over to the Santa Rosa Sheriff’s Office deputies who reunited her with her parents.
“I am proud of the brave men and women of the Department of Corrections who serve their communities daily through their public service, including by committing acts of heroism and bravery such as this rescue,” said DOC Secretary Michael Crews. “Ensuring the safety of Florida families is a priority of the Department of Corrections, and the Santa Rosa C.I. K-9 team is a stellar example of that commitment.”
The little girl was playing in her family’s backyard and ran into the woods as her mom stepped inside briefly to get her water.
The Florida Department of Corrections has 38 K-9 programs statewide which are used to support other law enforcement agencies with felon apprehension, searching for missing persons and locating and providing aid to persons in distress. In addition to the team at Santa Rosa C.I., a K-9 team is also located at the Century Correctional Institution.
Pictured top: A little girl that went missing on Saturday meets K-9 Luke. Pictured inset: Ofc. Christopher Gilbert and Ofc. Joshua Chandler after Saturday’s rescue. Reader submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Missing Alabama Man Found In Escambia County By Florida Ag Cops
August 5, 2014
A missing man from Alabama was located Monday morning in Escambia County by agricultural law enforcement officers with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
David Cain of Semmes, Ala, was the subject of a Silver Alert issued on Sunday.
“I’m proud of my department’s agricultural law enforcement officers, who stepped up to help a family in need today,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam. “Thanks to their diligence, David Cain was reunited with his family safely.”
Cain stopped at the agriculture interdiction station on Interstate 10 in Pensacola around 8 a.m. Monday. Agricultural Law Enforcement Officer John Riley spoke with Cain, who appeared confused and said he was trying to find his way back home to Alabama.
Riley requested Cain’s documentation and ran his identification through the system, which turned up the Silver Alert. A Silver Alert is a national public notification system that broadcasts information about missing individuals, especially those with dementia, developmental disabilities or other health concerns. Public information generally consists of the name and description of the missing person and the missing person’s car and license number.
Cain was reported missing from Semmes, about 75 miles from Pensacola, when he left church on Sunday morning and did not make it to his house. O’Riley contacted Cain’s family, who reunited with him at the interdiction station shortly after they were contacted.
Molino Man Convicted Of Stealing Copper Wire, Now Facing Federal Charge
August 5, 2014
A Molino man was convicted Monday of selling copper wiring stolen from a private contractor working aboard Naval Air Station Pensacola and breaking into a Molino area home. And he’s now facing a federal charge in connection with the crime.
Calvin Antwane Smith, age 28 of Cedartown Road, was sentenced in Escambia Count Circuit Court Monday by Judge Gary Bergosh to 36 months probation on charges of felony fraud providing a false statement verifying ownership of regulated metals, and felony dealing in stolen property. According to investigators, he sold two spools of copper wire to two recycling companies after the wire was stolen from his private contractor employer at NAS Pensacola.
He is now facing a federal charge of larceny within a special maritime jurisdiction for stealing the wire, which was valued at less than $1,000. Arrested by federal authorities, Smith was released on his own recognizance pending a September federal court date.
Two More, Including Air Force Captain, Arrested In Operation Blue Guardian
August 5, 2014
Two more people — including an Air Force captain — have been arrested as part of an undercover sex sting. Five people were previously arrested in Operation Blue Guardian, which focused on adults soliciting and traveling to meeting minor to engage in sexual activity.
Adam Craig Kendrick, 40, was charged with obscene communication using a computer to lure a child for sex, and obscene communication using a two-way device.
Kenneth D. Lebay, 31, was charged with obscene communication using a computer to lure a child for sex, and obscene communication using a two-way device. According to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Lebay is an active duty Air Force captain. He allegedly traveled to a local business to meet what he believed was a juvenile female but was actually an undercover investigator.
For more information on Operation Blue Guardian and previous arrests, click here for an earlier story. The operation was a joint operation between the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Pensacola Police Department and additional state, federal and local agencies.
Georgia Pacific Announces $375 Million Investment In Brewton Mill
August 5, 2014
Georgia-Pacific has announced an investment of more than $375 million in an energy improvement project at its Brewton, Ala., mill. All permits are in place for construction to begin in the next few months, and the project is expected to take approximately 24 months to complete.
“Georgia-Pacific has a track record of investing back into our business to help continuously improve our operations and meet the long-term needs of our customers, our company, our communities and our employees,” said Jim Hannan, CEO and president, Georgia-Pacific. “This investment in our Brewton facility reflects our confidence in the Brewton team to continue to improve the competitiveness of this facility.”
“I’m proud of Georgia-Pacific’s investment to improve the mill in Brewton. This shows the company’s commitment to their employees and the state of Alabama,” said Alabama Governor Robert Bentley. “This major investment will provide long-term and immediate benefits for Escambia County. During the construction phase hundreds of workers are projected to be on site daily which will have a positive impact on the local economy.”
The energy improvement project modernizes and streamlines the current mix of equipment in the mill’s recovery boiler system, which will contribute to more efficient processes and operations.
“We will become self-sufficient in terms of the energy needed for our processes,” said Jeff Joyce, vice president and general manager, Brewton mill. “This will improve our competitive advantage and enhance the long-term viability of the mill.”
Among other benefits of the energy improvement project:
- Improved reliability and energy efficiency
- Workforce influx of approximately 600 (at peak) for construction
- Positive short-term economic benefits to the surrounding community, particularly in the form of retail sales and lodging revenues from contractors
“While we are now gearing up for construction, our teams have been planning and preparing for this project since 2013, including ordering equipment and pre-constructing some components,” said Joyce. “We are very appreciative of the work of those teams and the support we have received from our community and local leaders in securing this project for our mill. We are proud to be here.”
Brewton Mayor Yank Lovelace, Sr., said, “We are thrilled to have Georgia-Pacific in our city, and this investment in Brewton affirms the company’s commitment to our community. We have worked hard to support local industry and welcome economic growth that is the result.”
Escambia County (Ala.) Commission Chairman David Stokes, added, “This will make the Brewton mill competitive for generations to come, giving our people the opportunity to make a good living and raise their families here in Brewton.”
Teams at the Brewton mill produce white-top linerboard and solid bleached cartonboard. The mill is the largest employer in Brewton, with approximately 450 employees. Many of those employees live in the North Escambia area.
Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Feds Looking For Sex Offender Possibly Hiding In Alabama Or Florida
August 5, 2014
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is asking for the public’s help in locating a convicted sex offender that believe may be hiding in Alabama or Florida.
Matthew C. Harbin, 28, of Arab, Ala., is wanted on a federal arrest warrant issued in June for receipt of child pornography in the Northern District of Alabama. He pleaded guilty in 2009 to state charges of transmitting obscene material to a minor.
HSI special agents have reason to believe Harbin may be hiding somewhere in northern or southern Alabama, or Florida, in an attempt to elude law enforcement. HSI also believes Harbin may pose a threat to others or may attempt to flee the country to avoid capture.
Harbin is 6 feet, 2 inches tall, weighs 200 pounds and has brown hair and brown eyes.
HSI requests that anyone with information about this person contact the agency immediately by calling the 24-hour HSI Tip line at 1-866-DHS-2ICE or their local law enforcement agency at 911.