Escaped Prisoner Captured Inside Church (With Exclusive Photos)
May 20, 2014
An escaped prisoner was taken into custody late Monday night, about 10 hours after he first fled from a work site and sparked a large manhunt near Barrineau Park.
Nolan Ray McDaniel, 25, reportedly made a phone call just after 11 p.m. Monday from a phone inside the Lathram Chapel Methodist Church on Jacks Branch Road.
Escambia County Sheriff’s Deputies and officers from the Escambia County Road Prison surrounded the church. McDaniel did not immediately surrender to authorities; they were forced to search for him. Officers entered and searched the main sanctuary with no success. Officers then entered an adjacent education and fellowship building, emerging a few moments later at about 11:30 p.m. with McDaniel in custody.
McDaniel was an inmate at the Escambia County Road Prison. He had been on the run since about 1:30 Monday afternoon after he was discovered missing from a work site near the area of Jacks Branch Road and Schifko Road — just a short distance from where he was taken into custody.
McDaniel, according to jail records, was arrested April 18 on charges of methamphetamine production, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a listed chemical. His jury trial was set to begin on July 14. He was released in late 2012 from Century Correctional Institution after service a sentence related to a 2009 a domestic violence strangulation case from Santa Rosa County.
McDaniel was charged with escape Monday night, and he was also charged with burglary and criminal mischief for breaking into the church.
Members of Lathram Chapel Methodist Church were quick to praise the actions of the Road Camp officers and Escambia County Sheriff’s deputies. A Bible study was scheduled for early Tuesday morning at the church. “Imagine what would have happened if we’d walked in on him,” one church member said.
Editor’s note: The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said late Monday morning that Nolan did not call authorities from inside the church, but that he called “an acquaintance”.
Pictured: Escaped Escambia County Road Prison inmate Nolan Ray McDaniel was taken into custody without incident late Monday night inside a building at the Lathram Chapel Methodist Church on Jacks Branch Road. NorthEscambia.com exclusive photos, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Man Pleads In Child Porn Case
May 20, 2014
A Cantonment man has pleaded no contest to 10 child pornography charges filed against him after investigators after determined he had downloaded sexually explicit pictures and movies of children from the internet onto his home computer.
Jason Scott Bergen, 42, of 806 Chesapeake Trail was charged with a total of 25 counts of possession of obscene material/child pornography. Fifteen of those child pornography charges were dropped when Bergen entered his plea. He will be sentenced on the remaining charges late this month in Escambia County Circuit Court, following the completion of a presentencing investigation.
Bergen remains free on bond.
Agents with the North Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force initiated a search warrant at Bergen’s residence in late September 20113 after he was identified via the internet as downloading child pornography.
Task force members from the Office of Homeland Security, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Naval Criminal Investigative Service, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and Walton County Sheriff’s Department assisted the Pensacola Police Department with the investigation.
Pictured top and bottom: Law enforcement executes a search warrant in Cantonment Tuesday. The suspect’s address, 806 Chesapeake Trail, is the house to the far right (foreground) of the bottom picture. Reader submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia County Asks Scott For More State Money For Recent Flood And Hurricane Ivan
May 20, 2014
Commission Chairman Lumon May has signed two letters to be sent to Florida Governor Rick Scott asking for additional financial relief related to two disasters experienced by Escambia County nearly a decade apart.
In the first letter, May requested that the State of Florida’s Division of Emergency Management prioritize and complete a reconciliation of all projects related to Hurricane Ivan, which struck the County in September 2004 causing approximately $226 million in damages. Ten years later, the State of Florida still holds more than $4 million in monies owed to Escambia County.
Officials said by closing out all projects related to Hurricane Ivan and releasing the funds, the county would benefit from a multi-million dollar cash flow into its general fund.
In a second letter to the Governor’s Office, C May has requested that the State of Florida cover the local match required under the Federal Emergency Management’s (FEMA) declaration of Public Assistance related to the April 29 flood event.
A FEMA Public Assistance declaration provides aid to state or local governments to pay part of the costs of rebuilding a community’s damaged infrastructure. Generally, under public assistance programs the Federal government pays for 75 percent of the approved project costs, while the state and local governments each pay 12.5 percent. If the Governor honors May’s request, the County would be released from its 12.5 percent obligation.
Pictured top: Gov. Rick Scott (center) toured flooding damage in Pensacola on May 8 along with local leaders including Mayor Ashton Hayward (left) and Senate President Don Gaetz (right). NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge. Inset: Escambia County Commissioner Chairman Lumon May.
Escambia County Approved for Federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance
May 20, 2014
The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) has announced that Escambia County has been included in the latest federal declaration for Individual Assistance.
Individuals who have lost their jobs or businesses in Escambia County as a result of recent severe storms and flooding may be entitled to Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) benefits. A federal disaster declaration was received on May 6, authorizing the use of federal funds to provide assistance to individuals affected by the disaster.
Although many affected workers will be covered by the state’s regular reemployment assistance program, those not covered or otherwise eligible may apply for DUA. This is a federally funded program, which assists individuals who become unemployed as a direct result of a declared disaster and who do not qualify for regular reemployment assistance benefits. The program also covers self-employed individuals, workers on and owners of farms and ranches, as well as fishers and others who are not normally covered by state reemployment assistance benefits.
The Department of Economic Opportunity administers the DUA program in Florida in partnership with the United States Department of Labor and funding for the program is provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Applicants must file for disaster benefits within 30 days of the date of public notification. DUA applications must be filed no later than June 9 for Escambia County. To be eligible for either regular state reemployment assistance or DUA, the applicant must be a legal resident. To be eligible for DUA benefits, an individual must not be entitled to regular state reemployment assistance and must have been working in or residing in a county for which the disaster has been officially declared. DUA benefits are available to unemployed individuals for up to 26 weeks from the date of the disaster declaration. The disaster assistance period is May 4 through November 8, 2014.
Federal regulations provide that the unemployment of an individual is caused by a disaster if the individual: (1) becomes unemployed as a direct result of the disaster, i.e. the individual was prevented from working due to damage caused by the disaster at the place of employment; or (2) is unable to reach the place of employment as a direct result of the disaster; or (3) was scheduled to begin work and does not have a job or is unable to reach the job as a direct result of the disaster; or (4) has become the major support for a household because the head of the household has died as a direct result of the disaster; or (5) cannot work because of an injury caused directly by the disaster.
To file a DUA claim, call (800) 681-8102. Hours of operation are 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday.
Recital Photo Gallery: Dancing Around The World
May 20, 2014
Dozens of performers delighted hundreds of people Saturday night during the 19th annual Heather Leonard Danceworks recital at Northview High School.
“Dancing Around the World” featured dance performances with songs that highlighted various cities and countries around the globe.
For a Facebook photo gallery, click here.
Heather Leonard’s Danceworks will offer a Summer Dance Workshop at the Byrneville Community Center June 9-13.
Classes will be offered as follows:
- 8:30 – 9 am — Pre-ballet (ages 3-4)
- 9:15 – 10:15 am — Ballet I (ages 5-7)
- 10:30 – noon — Ballet II and Jazz (ages 8-10)
- 12:30 – 2 p.m. — Ballet III and Jazz (ages 9-teen)
Proper dancewear and dance shoes are required. An optional Summer Dance Workship t-shirt will be available for $15 at registration time. The registration deadline is June 2. Contact Heather Leonard’s Danceworks by email at hldanceworks@gmail.com or on Facebook.
A registration will also be held Thursday at the Byrneville Community Center from 6-7:30 p.m.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Navy Hospital Converting ER To Urgent Care; Veterans Not Eligible
May 20, 2014
On June 1, the Emergency Room at Naval Hospital Pensacola will be converted into an Urgent Care Center that will be open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The UCC will be available to all TRICARE beneficiaries to include TRICARE Prime enrolled at the hospital, TRICARE Prime Network, TRICARE Standard and TRICARE For Life. Veterans enrolled in the Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System have not been authorized by the VA to use NHP’s UCC and should contact their VA healthcare team for their urgent care needs.
Eligible beneficiaries will be able to visit the UCC for acute care symptoms such as minor lacerations and injuries, fevers, sore throats and cough. Beneficiaries enrolled with a Medical Home Port Team at NHP or one of its local branch clinics are highly encouraged to contact their Medical Home Port Team before visiting the UCC.
“The Medical Home Port Teams know their patients best because they see them on a regular basis,” said Capt. Maureen Padden, commanding officer, NHP. “Having continuity of care with the same team of healthcare professionals is a huge benefit to our patients enrolled here because there is a relationship established between the team and patient, which leads to trust and better overall care. Our beneficiaries now have better access to care through their Medical Home Port Teams than ever. We offer same day appointments and a team of healthcare professionals dedicated to the care of our patients.”
After June 1, emergency services at NHP will no longer be available. Tricare beneficiaries in need of emergency services should visit one of the local ERs or call 911. Examples of types of emergencies that should be seen at an ER include chest pains, stroke-like symptoms, difficulty breathing or head traumas. Beneficiaries also have the option of calling the Nurse Advice Line 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-800-TRICARE, option 1. The Nurse Advice Line offers professional healthcare advice and can assist beneficiaries with deciding if they should visit an ER, the UCC or schedule an appointment with their provider.
“You should always err on the side of caution,” said Padden. “If you believe you are having a true emergency, then call 911 or visit an Emergency Room.”
The decision to convert the ER into a UCC was based on Navy Medicine’s efforts to align resources to best meet the operational needs of the Navy, reduce healthcare costs and streamline its resources to provide the best care possible to beneficiaries. The hospital currently sees approximately 50 patients a day in the ER, which is relatively low when compared to the local civilian ERs that can see approximately 200 patients a day.
“A significant portion of the patients currently seen in our ER will be able to be seen in our Urgent Care Center when it opens,” said Padden. “The small number of true emergencies seen at our ER will now be referred to the civilian ERs, with whom we have excellent relationships. We are very fortunate as a naval hospital to be able to provide healthcare to those that have served our country and their families. We will continue to provide the exceptional care that our beneficiaries deserve and expect from us.”
Story by Jason Bortz, and photos by Petty Officer 1st Class James Stenberg for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Photos: Our Baby Mockingbirds
May 20, 2014
A few weeks ago, we posted photos of three mockingbird eggs nestled deep within the fronds of a sago palm at our NorthEscambia.com office. Two of three eggs hatched, and we’re happy to report that the two young birds have now left the nest. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Wahoos Snap Skid And Beat Suns
May 20, 2014
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos (19-26) avoided the sweep and defeated the Jacksonville Suns (21-23), 11-8, in the series finale at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium. The Wahoos offense propelled them to victory, scoring five runs in the sixth and four runs in the eighth.
RHP Mikey O’Brien made his fourth start of the season for the Wahoos. O’Brien had his highest strikeout total of the season with nine. The right-hander threw a solid game but ran into trouble in the sixth inning; he was pulled from the game with the bases loaded and no outs. RHP Drew Hayes couldn’t close the door and allowed all three of O’Brien’s runs to score. Hayes lasted just 0.1 innings and gave up one run on one hit. RHP Brooks Pinckard finished off the sixth inning and ended up earning the win for the Wahoos.
The Wahoos bats exploded after a quiet series against the Suns. Brodie Greene gave the Wahoos the lead in the fifth with a solo home run to left field. Ross Perez came up with the bases loaded in the sixth and cleared them with a double into the right field corner. The Wahoos went ahead thanks to back-to-back triples from Yorman Rodriguez and Juan Duran. Duran added a solo home run in the eighth inning. Greene finished the day 1-for-2 with a couple of runs batted in. Travis Mattair got a hit for the fifth straight game and went 2-for-5. Rey Navarro continued to hit the ball well against the Suns; he finished the game 3-for-4 with two RBI. Devin Lohman added some more insurance for the Wahoos in the eighth with an RBI double. The Wahoos scored at least five runs, so use promo code WAHOOS on all online orders at PapaJohns.com on Tuesday to get 50% off your order.
LHP Justin Nicolino made the start for the Suns. Nicolino gave up eight hits and five runs while striking out three. RHP Collin Cargill came on in relief of Nicolino in the sixth. Cargill took the loss, surrendering four hits and one run in 0.2 innings of work.
The Suns tied the game in the third on a solo shot from Austin Nola; he finished the game 2-for-5 and added a double to his ledger. Brady Shoemaker scored a run and went 2-for-3 with an RBI double. J.T. Realmuto added a double and a run scored. Alex Burg’s two-run home run in the ninth cut the Wahoos lead to three, but the Suns couldn’t complete the comeback.
The Wahoos are off Tuesday, but stay in Pensacola for a five-game set with the Birmingham Barons starting Wednesday. RHP Daniel Corcino (3-4, 4.21) will start for the Wahoos. RHP Nick McCully (2-3, 6.55) will go for the Suns.
by Tommy Thrall
Rising From The Ashes: Mt Carmel UMC Holds First Sunday Service After Fire
May 19, 2014
Tears of sorrow became songs of joy and praise Sunday morning for the members of the Mt. Carmel United Methodist Church north of Jay.
Sunday morning, Mt. Carmel members, visitors and friends packed their temporary home at the old Cornerstone church building in Jay for their first Sunday service since fire consumed their church building last Wednesday.
Very few physical items survived the fire — the sound system computers work and there are plans to restore candle holders, a pulpit cross and one collection plate that was found. And a church member happened to have the cemetery records at his home at the time of the fire.
But the spirit of the church and its people survived unscathed.
Thanks to the generosity of others and the use of Cornerstone, Mt. Carmel was back worshiping Lord Sunday morning with a screen, projector, sound system, piano and joyful sounds of their own choir.
Across Jay and the surrounding area, numerous churches have joined in praying for Mt. Carmel, with other United Methodist churches in the area conference taking up a love offering to help with immediate expenses.
Church members believe the first that destroyed their church building Wednesday was sparked by lightning. The first firefighter was on the scene moments after the first 911 call, and firefighters from across the area battled the blaze for hours but were unable to save the building. They were reportedly hampered by a lack of an adequate water supply.
Church members gathered and watching helplessly as their church building was destroyed. Many wept, many gathered in prayer for the safety of first responders. Some just stared silently as the fire consumed the building.
Pictured top: Mt. Carmel UMC members held a church service at the old Cornetstone church building in Jay Sunday morning. Pictured inset: The Mt. Carmel UMC Choir. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com. Pictured bottom inset: Church member comfort one another as fire consumes their sanctuary. Pictured below: Fire consumed the Mt. Carmel UMC Church north of Jay last Wednesday morning. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Ernest Ward Presents Year-End Academic Awards (Complete List)
May 19, 2014
Ernest Ward Middle School presented the following academic awards for the 2013-2014 school year during their annual awards program:
Language Arts
- 6th Highest Academic Average – Ashlan Harigel
- 6th Most Improved – Andrew Powell
- 7th Highest Academic Average – Shelby Sloan
- 7th Most Improved – Savannah Hart
- 8th Highest Academic Average – Triston Long
- 8th Most Improved – Joseph Wright
Reading
- 6th Highest Academic Average – Ashlan Harigel
- 6th Most Improved – David Warren
- 7th Highest Academic Average – Morgan Lathan
- 7th Most Improved – Cyanne Boutwell
- 8th Highest Academic Average – Hannah Mascaro
- 8th Most Improved – Tyshe-On Brown
Math
- 6th Highest Academic Average – Ashlan Harigel
- 6th Most Improved – Jeremeya Bell
- 7th Highest Academic Average – Seth Killam
- 7th Most Improved – Gabrielle Kline
- 8th Highest Academic Average – Jarrod Davison
- 8th Most Improved – Tristen Segers
- 8th Algebra Highest Academic Average – Tara Windham
- Algebra Most Improved – James Davis
Science
- 6th Highest Academic Average – Teriana Redmond and Emily Boutwell (Tie)
- 6th Most Improved – Kally White
- 7th Highest Academic Average – Aaliyah Tucker
- 7th Most Improved – Dalton Lamar Brown
- 8th Highest Academic Average – Sarah Perritt
- 8th Most Improved – Rebecca Hawthorne
History
- 6th Highest Academic Average – Ashlan Harigel
- 6th Most Improved – Payton Jackson
- 7th Highest Academic Average – Seth Killam
- 7th Most Improved – Roger Dockens
- 8th Highest Academic Average – Kayla Galvan
- 8th Most Improved – Lari McCann
P.E.
- 6th-8th Outstanding Achievement – Payton Jackson
Agriculture
- 6th – 8th Outstanding Achievement – Emma Fennell
Culinary
- 6th – 8th Outstanding Achievement – Madelyn Lathan
Manufacturing
- 6th – 8th Outstanding Achievement – Aaron Dees
Business/Graphic Arts
- 6th – 8th Outstanding Achievement – Julie Coleman
Band/Chorus
- 6th – 8th Outstanding Achievement – Triston Long
A Honor Roll (6th Grade)
- Keaton Brown
- Micah Calhoun
- Ashlan Harigel
- Anna King
- Teriana Redmond
- Bailey VanPelt
A-B Honor Roll (6th Grade)
- Addison Albritton
- Cassidy Boutwell
- Emily Boutwell
- Juliana Bryan
- Benjamin Cantrell
- Karlee’ Criswell
- Courtney Devore
- Jason Fayard
- Amanda Franklin
- Ian Gifford
- Jordan Godwin
- McKinzie Kent
- Ansleigh Maholovich
- Colby Morris
- Cassandra Mullins
- Christopher Nordman
- Joseph Parker
- Kinzie Rackard
- Savannah Roley
- Savannah Spence
- Savannah Steadham
- Josiah Stillwell
- Nicholas Trump
- Brianna White
- Raeleigh Woodfin
- Ashten Wright
A Honor Roll (7th Grade)
- Kaylin Glenn
- Seth Killam
- Shelby Sloan
- Austin Smith
A-B Honor Roll (7th Grade)
- Lexxi Baggett
- Jacob Borelli
- Ashtyn Carnley
- Logan Chavers
- Nikoal Creamer
- Crystal Douglas
- Kendall Enfinger
- Dalton Hamilton
- Taryn Janes
- Helen Kemp
- Tanner Levins
- Jazmine Norman
- Delaney Reynolds
- Kyrha Shisk
- Lydia Smith
- Aaliyah Tucker
A Honor Roll (8th Grade)
- Elisabeth Amerson
- Julie Coleman
- Kayla Galvan
- Madelyn Lathan
- Lari McCann
- Sarah Perritt
- Tara Windham
A-B Honor Roll (8th Grade)
- Anna Belle Barberree
- Alayna Brown
- Dawson Brown
- Logan Calloway
- Jarrod Davison
- Aaron Dees
- Siobaun English
- Jason Fischer
- Kayla Godwin
- Bailee Hinote
- Michael Jones
- Mallory Lathan
- Triston Long
- Hannah Mascaro
- Hannah Nelson
- Celeste North
- Olivia Reber
- Alicia Salas
- Tori Smith
- Sabra Stewart
- Myisha Syria
- Destiny Watson
- Jacob White
Duke Talent Search
- Rebekah Amerson
- Brandon Santos
- Kyrha Shisk
Presidential Awards
- Elisabeth Amerson
- Anna Belle Barberree
- Alayna Brown
- Dawson Brown
- Logan Calloway
- Alexandra Carter
- Julie Coleman
- Jerni Crabtree
- Jarrod Davison
- Aaron Dees
- Miracle Deloach
- Siobaun English
- Jason Fischer
- Kayla Galvan
- Kayla Godwin
- Shavon Hall
- Laura Hammond
- Bria Hardy
- Bailee Hinote
- Michael Jones
- Cody Kite
- Madelyn Lathan
- Mallory Lathan
- Triston Long
- Hannah Mascaro
- Katelyn Mattheiss
- Lari McCann
- Robin Nahkala
- Hannah Nelson
- Celeste North
- Jordan Parham
- Sarah Perritt
- Claudia Olivia Reber
- Alicia Salas
- Tori Smith
- Hunter Spence
- Sabra Stewart
- Myisha Syria
- Destiny Watson
- Jacob White
- Tara Windham
Honor Society Awards
- 6th Grade Highest Academic Average Overall – Ashlan Harigel
- 7th Grade Highest Academic Average Overall – Seth Killam
- 8th Grade Highest Academic Average Overall – Tara Windham
- Overall Highest Academic Average 6-8 – Ashlan Harigel
Patriot’s Pen Awards
- Bailey Van Pelt
- Jacob Hawkins
- Nicholas Trump
Citizen of the Year
- Kayla Galvan
Ruritan Award
- Dawson Brown
Principal Awards
- Javon Brown
- Jordan Capps
- Shavon Hall
- Jack Nielsen