Woman Convicted Of Child Neglect After Toddler Found Wandering In Road, Living In Squalor
February 13, 2014
A Cantonment woman was convicted this week on child neglect charges in connection with an October 2013 case in which her 3-year old was found wandering in a busy roadhundreds of feet from the home where he lived in squalor.
Cynthia Faye Godwin,36, was convicted of three counts of felony child neglect without bodily harm. She was sentenced by Judge Linda Nobles to three years probation, ordered to undergo mental health evaluation and complete a parenting class. She must also abide by a Department of Children and Families case plan, the details of which have not been made public. Godwin, who had been jailed since the October 28 incident, was released from jail following her sentencing.
Michael Roy Godwin has pleaded not guilty to three counts of felony child neglect without bodily harm in the case. His trial is set to begin next week.
Bus driver Daisy Robinson, her bus 1-12 loaded with Ransom Middle School students, found the child in Kingsfield Road in the area of Pauline Street and the railroad tracks, just off Highway 95A. She managed to safely coach the 3-year old onto her bus and radio bus dispatch for help, according to Rob Doss, the Escambia County School District’s director of transportation.
After waiting for a short time period, she moved her bus to the parking lot of a nearby gas station to wait for the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office to arrive. The young boy was not injured.
At the child’s home, deputies found the Godwins outside searching for him, stating that he had walking about about 30 minutes before. Once inside the trailer, a responding deputy reported, “the smell was horrible and the conditions appeared even worse”, according to arrest report.
The deputy reported there were roaches crawling on the floor and counters. There were no drinks or food in the refrigerator or freezer. The refrigerator contained dead roaches, according to the arrest report. The house was in a mess with clothing covering the floors. The three mattresses in the house for the child were very dirty and stained; one of these had dog feces on it.
Florida Executes Child Killer; Victim’s Dad Says Execution Is A Warning
February 13, 2014
As state lawmakers work to toughen laws against sexually violent predators, Juan Carlos Chavez, who committed the notorious 1995 murder of 9-year-old Jimmy Ryce in Miami-Dade County, was executed Wednesday at Florida State Prison near Starke.
Chavez, 46, who was visited only by a “spiritual adviser” on Wednesday, was pronounced dead at 8:17 p.m. The death came despite a last-minute appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.
After the execution, Don Ryce, the father of Jimmy Ryce, said hopefully Chavez’ death will serve as a warning to sexual predators who find themselves on the verge of decisions similar to the one Chavez made nearly 19 years ago.
“I hope they will remember, it will be burned in their mind, four words, ‘Don’t kill the child,’ ” Ryce said during a brief televised press conference. “Because if you do, people will not forget, they will not forgive, we will hunt you down and we will put you to death.”
Chavez was convicted in 1998 of kidnapping, sexual assault and murder of Jimmy Ryce. The brutal crime spurred the Legislature to pass the Jimmy Ryce Involuntary Civil Commitment for Sexually Violent Predators’ Treatment and Care Act, known simply as the Jimmy Ryce Act.
The 1998 law lets the state indefinitely keep violent sexual predators behind bars by requiring them to undergo reviews for the risk of re-offending and to be committed at a secured treatment facility after completing their sentences.
“I doubt that there is anything I can say that would satisfy everybody, even less those who see in me nothing more than someone deserving of punishment,” Chavez wrote in his final statement that also expressed his belief in Christ.
Ryce’s dismembered body was found near an avocado grove three months after being abducted at gunpoint near his Redland school bus stop on Sept. 11, 1995. Ryce’s book bag was found in Chavez’ trailer.
The execution came on a day the state House Appropriations Committee unanimously approved a slate of bills aimed at cracking down on sexually violent predators.
The measures (HB 7013, HB 7017, HB 7019, HB 7021, HB 7025 and HB 7027) would, in part, increase the mandatory minimum sentence for “dangerous sexual felony offenders” from 25 to 50 years; bar sexually violent predators from having their community supervision run at the same time that they are under civil commitment; and increase the amount of personal information that registered sexual predators and offenders must provide to authorities.
The bills were crafted following reports in the South Florida Sun Sentinel that nearly 600 sexually violent predators had been released only to be convicted of new sex offenses — including more than 460 child molestations, 121 rapes and 14 murders.
The companion measures (SB 522, SB 524, SB 526, and SB 528) are scheduled to appear before the Senate Appropriations committee on Feb. 20.
Senate President Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, has repeatedly said the intention of the legislation will be to make Florida “scorched earth” for sexually violent predators.
“Tonight ends a horrible chapter in the short life of Jimmy Ryce, but his legacy lives on through the lives saved and the children protected by the Jimmy Ryce Act,” Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a prepared statement.
The execution, initially scheduled for 6 p.m., was delayed for more than an hour as the U.S. Supreme Court reviewed and ultimately rejected a final appeal.
The U.S. Supreme Court action came hours after the Florida Supreme Court unanimously rejected a last-minute request for a stay based on a challenge to a new three-drug cocktail used in executions.
A brief order from the state court described the challenge as a “delaying tactic.”
Chavez also lost an appeal Monday at the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
Perdido Dollar General Robbed At Gunpoint
February 13, 2014
The Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an armed robbery at the Dollar General store in Perdido, AL.
About 9:30 p.m. Monday night, two men — one armed with large pistol and the other armed with a large rod, stick or pipe — held up the store.
The suspects demanded money and cigarettes before ordering the two store clerks into a restroom. They fled on foot after taking approximately $1,000 in cash and about 11 packs of Newport cigarettes, according to the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office.
Both men were described as wearing black pants and jackets, bandannas cover their faces and hair and gray gloves. One suspect was wearing a light blue ball cap.
Anyone with information on the robbery is asked to contact the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office at (251) 937-0202.
Perdido, AL, is located just a couple of miles northwest of Nokomis, FL, or about six miles west of Atmore.
Pictured: Surveillance video from the Perdido, AL, Dollar General shows armed bandits holding a clerk at gunpoint Monday night. Images for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
the road to the crown: Meet The Girls (part two)
February 13, 2014
Today, it’s part two of our multi-part series “the road to the crown” as we follow 14 young ladies at Northview High School in their quest for the crown and the title of “Miss NHS 2014″.
Today we introduce you to the second group of contestants. Their biographies, as submitted by the girls, are below along with their photos. You can click any photo below to enlarge. (For the first set of contestants, click here.)
Our series “the road to the crown” will continue tomorrow with biographies and photos of the third set of contestants. The pageant is Saturday night at 7:00, and NorthEscambia.com will have the new Miss Northview High School and all the photos here Sunday morning.
Tickets are available at the Northview High School office.
Madison Brooke Arrington
Madison is 17-years old and a senior at Northview High School. Madison has been a member of the softball team for four years, volleyball team for one year and weightlifting for one year. She has been a Northview cheerleader for three years and is a two-time All-American cheerleader and attended a varsity tour to London. Madison has been a member of the Beta Club for three years, Spanish Club for two years, Rho Kappa for two years, CECF for one year and Glee Club for one year. She was the freshman and sophomore class treasurer and junior and senior class president. She has received the Atmore Rotary Academic All-star award for three years. She has played piano for five years and taken dance classes for 10 years. In her community she is a member of Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church youth group and volunteers time in the nursery.
Her hobbies include scrapbooking, photography, baking, reading, watching Star Wars and spending time with family and friends.
Her future plans are to attend college to become a radiologist and start a family.
Hilery Danielle Scott
Danielle is 18-years old and is a senior at Northview High School. Danielle has been a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for three years, Spanish Club for two years, Science Club for one year, Northview Dance Team for three years, Beta Club for three years and Glee Club for one year. She represented the freshman class on the homecoming court, served as sophomore class secretary, and was first runner up to the 2013 Homecoming queen. She won the talent show as a sophomore and was voted the senior Who’s Who most talented. Danielle has taken voice lessons for three years and piano lessons for seven years. She volunteers time singing for the Red Cross, Relay for Life, Manna Food Drive, Farmer’s Opry, Mayfest, Flomaton Railroad Junction, church events, nursing homes and singing the national anthem for school events. In her community , Danielle volunteers her time at the YMCA each week and is also a frontl ine singer on the praise and worship team at CrossFaith Church and part of the student ministry and Angel Tree ministry.
Her hobbies include singing, playing piano, the ukulele, dancing, creating new make-up looks for herself and others and spending time with family and friends.
Her future plans are to attend the University of West Florida to obtain a degree in music performance so she can continue building God’s Kingdom through music and community. She plans to step out into the unknown with God to see what happens.
Kendal Brooke Cobb
Kendal is 16-years old and is a junior at Northview High School. Kendal was a member of the junior varsity cheerleading team for one year and has been on the varsity cheerleading team for two years. She has been a member of the softball team for three years and the Beta Club for two years. She has been involved in SGA for three years, serving as president for one year, a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for three years, FFA for three years and DCT for one year serving as vice president. She has been on the homecoming court for three years and was chosen as sophomore and junior maid. She has been class vice president for three years and is the junior prom chairperson. Kendal was chosen as second runner-up to Miss NHS 2013. Kendal has received the Atmore Rotary Academic All-star award for two years. In her community, Kendal has played softball for Northwest Escambia for five years and was All-Star for three years. She currently attends Bratt First Baptist church.
Her hobbies include shopping, hunting, playing guitar, singing in the church choir, spending time and fellowshipping with family and friends.
Her future plans are to attend a major university to become a nurse and to also get married and start a family.
Alyssa Brianna Borelli
Alyssa is 14-years old and is a freshman at Northview High School. At Ernest Ward Middle school, Alyssa graduated at the top of her class and was voted most capable academically. She served as vice president of the National Junior Honor Society, was a member of SGA, the Book Club, Drama Team and chorus. Alyssa was also a member of the Ernest Ward track and swim teams. She was crowned Miss EWMS 2013. At Northview she is an honor student and a member of the NJROTC. In her community, Alyssa is a member of Temple Beth El and First Baptist Church of Flomaton.
Her hobbies include arts and crafts, reading, writing, swimming and being with family and friends.
Her future plans are to earn her degree in education to teach art and math.
Morgan Maxine Ward
Morgan is 16-years old and is a junior at Northview High School. Morgan was a member of the junior varsity cheerleading team for two years, serving as captain for one year and has been on the varsity cheerleading team for one year. She has also been a member of the competition cheer team for two years. Morgan has been a member of the junior varsity basketball team for one year. She has competed in the Miss NHS pageant for three years and placed in the top five one year. Morgan received an honorable mention in the NHS talent show. She served on the prom committee for one year. In her community, Morgan has been a member of Youth Leadership Atmore for one year. Recently, she was chosen to participate in a photo shoot for Middleton’s Clothers and Kay Brown.
Her hobbies include cheerleading, cooking, singing and doing human videos.
Her future plans are to attend college to become a pediatrician and to eventually start a family.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Scott, Ingram Discuss Florida Economy, Jobs
February 13, 2014
Florida Gov. Rick Scott paid a visit to the office of Rep. Clay Ingram Wednesday to discuss the current legislative session.
Scott said it was “great to meet with Rep. Clay Ingram today to discuss how we can better the lives of families in Pensacola and across Florida”.
“I had a good meeting with Governor Scott that focused on lowering the tax and regulatory burdens on Floridians,” Ingram told NorthEscambia.com “I look forward to working with him and my colleagues in the Legislature to continue to grow our economy and enable Florida businesses to create new jobs.”
Pictured: Gov. Rick Scott met with Rep. Clay Ingram Wednesday in Tallahassee. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
FWC Votes To Increase Private Land Turkey Bag Limit
February 13, 2014
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) at its meeting Wednesday in Tampa voted to increase the daily hunting bag limit of wild turkeys on private lands statewide.
The daily harvest limit per hunter will increase from one bearded turkey or gobbler per day to two on private lands. This is a statewide change and will affect both the fall and spring turkey hunting seasons. Only the daily bag limit will increase; the season limit for turkeys will remain at two birds.
That means hunters may still only take a total of two turkeys during the fall (all fall seasons combined) and another two during the spring season, but what changes is that hunters will have the option and flexibility of getting their season limit of two birds in a single day. However, on wildlife management areas, the daily bag limit on turkeys will remain at one bird.
Because of new rules modifying hunting zones in southern Florida, the new turkey daily bag limit on private lands will not go into effect until the 2014-2015 hunting season, which starts in early August. Because of that, the daily bag limit during the upcoming March-April 2014 spring turkey season will still be one turkey.
Man Convicted In Local Travel Fraud Scheme
February 13, 2014
Michael Lee Mitchell has been found guilty of grand theft and aggravated white collar crime by an Escambia County jury.
Mitchell, a resident of South Carolina , sent a sales team to Pensacola during July and August 2008 and fraudulently sold travel club memberships under the name of Elite Escapes International to approximately 50 area citizens, obtaining over $84,000.00 from them. Mitchell solicited the public through mail and telephone calls and offered free gifts to attend the sales presentations.
Victims who attended the presentations were promised discounted travel in exchange for their money. But those victims were never provided what they were promised, according to prosecutors.
Mitchell faces up to 45 years in prison when he is sentenced in April.
One Injured In Highway 97 Car, 18-Wheeler Crash
February 12, 2014
A Milton man was seriously injured in a two vehicle crash involving an 18-wheeler and a car Wednesday morning on Highway 97 in Walnut Hill.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, 34-year old Jason Turner of Milton was southbound in a curve on Highway 97 south of Howell Road when he allowed his 2012 Chrysler 200 to cross the center line and into the path of a northbound 2012 International semi. The semi driver, 23-year old David Creach of Pensacola, saw the vehicle enter the northbound lane veered to right shoulder until its right side was against the tree line.
Turner continued until he struck the two axles of the semi trailer, with his vehicle then rotating across Highway 97, coming to rest partially in the southbound lane. The semi continued in a northerly path until it came to a controlled stop in the wood line on the northbound shoulder of Highway 97.
Turner was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital in serious condition. The driver of the truck sustained minor injuries but was not transported to the hospital.
According to the FHP, Turner was cited for failing to drive within a single lane. Highway 97 was completely shutdown by the 8:12 a.m. wreck, with lane closures continuing until the roadway was completely reopened about 2 p.m.
The Walnut Hill Station of Escambia Fire Rescue, Atmore Ambulance and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office also responded to the crash.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Slight Chance More Rain Tonight; Sunny For Thursday
February 12, 2014
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
- Tonight: A 20 percent chance of rain before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 32. Northwest wind around 10 mph.
- Thursday: Partly sunny, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 56. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
- Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 34. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
- Friday: Sunny, with a high near 67. Light west wind becoming southwest 10 to 15 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.
- Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers before midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 40. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph becoming north after midnight.
- Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 62. North wind around 5 mph becoming south in the afternoon.
- Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 39. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
- Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 70. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.
- Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 46. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
- Washington’s Birthday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 72.
- Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 51.
- Tuesday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 71.
- Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 48.
- Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 71.
Burglar Shot In Walnut Hill Enters Plea
February 12, 2014
A burglar shot last summer by a Walnut Hill homeowner has pleaded no contest to the charges against him.
Ricky DeWayne Taylor, now 34, broke into the victim’s home on Rockaway Creek Road and began removing items. The victim unexpectedly returned and caught Taylor and co-defendant Teresa Sunday in the act. Sunday, who was acquainted with the victim, had called him earlier that day to lure him away from the home to meet her at a local pool hall.
The victim held them at gunpoint with a .38 caliber revolver and contacted the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. As the victim was speaking with dispatchers, Taylor lunged toward him. The homeowner fired a .38 caliber revolver, striking Taylor in the leg and grazing Sunday on the left cheek. Taylor was alert and conscious when he was transferred to LifeFlight to be airlifted to Baptist Hospital in Pensacola. He was charged with burglary, larceny, criminal mischief property damage and battery.
Sunday, age 35 of Century, pleaded guilty to charges of burglary of an unoccupied dwelling and grand theft of a dwelling. In January, she was sentenced by Judge Michael Allen to five years in state prison.
Taylor was also charged with burglary and grand theft on Klondike Road on May 10, 2013. Deputies say he parked his Lincoln Town Car with Alabama plates near a home in the 8000 block of Klondike. He then allegedly took a duffle bag, five extension cords and a five gallon gas can from a barn and placed them outside, according to an arrest report.
The resident walked outside and confronted Taylor near the duffle bag outside of his barn. Taylor ran and the victim gave chase but was unable to keep up. The victim noticed the out of place Lincoln Town Car in the neighborhood and photographed the tag. After the victim returned home, he drove around in an attempt to located the suspect and passed the Lincoln, being driven by the man he chased from his yard.
Deputies were able to trace the Lincoln to Taylor from the tag photo, and the victim positively identified Taylor from a photo lineup.
Taylor will be sentenced next week in both cases by Judge Michael Allen. He remains free on bond until his sentencing.
Pictured: The scene on May17, 2013, at a burglary victim’s home on Rockaway Creek Road in Walnut Hill. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
