Jay Falls In State Championship Game
May 10, 2014
The Jay Royals fell to Chiefland, 9-2, in the 1A state championship game in Vero Beach this morning.
The Lady Royals have finished as state runner-ups two of the last three years. They finished their season with a 24-4 record.
Northview FFA Names Chapter Officers
May 10, 2014
The Northview High School FFA has named chapter offers for the upcoming school year.
New officers are:
- President-Haylee Weaver
- Vice-President-Bethany Reynolds
- Secretary- Courtney Weekley
- Treasurer- Moriah MaGhan
- Reporter- Tiffani Cruce
- Sentinel- Tabitha Chavers
- Public Relations- Mitchell Singleton
- Parliamentarian- Hunter Kite
- Historian- Kaitlyn Klinatland
- Chaplain – Cody Kite
- Photographer- Tamara Barrows
The new officers will be installed during the annual Northview FFA banquet on May 16.
The Northview High School FFA has been recognized as one of the top FFA chapters in the state and nation.
Pictured top: Northview FFA officers (L-R) Mitchell Singleton, Haylee Weaver and Courtney Weekley serve breakfast during a recent event at the school. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Man Jumps From Moving Vehicle On Highway 97
May 10, 2014
One person was injured after reportedly jumping from a moving vehicle south of Walnut Hill Friday night.
The incident involved a male about 19-20 years old that was a passenger in a vehicle being driven by a 31-year old female. The two were reportedly involved in a domestic dispute when the male jumped from the car while it was traveling about 50 mph. The female returned to the scene and waived down passing vehicles for help, one of which was driven a Walnut Hill volunteer fireman responding to a nearby medical call.
The male’s injuries were not considered life threatening. He was transported to a West Florida Hospital by ambulance. His name has not been released.
The incident happened on Highway 97 just south of Tungoil Road about 10:10 p.m. An investigation by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is underway.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Chiropractor Sentenced For Fraud
May 10, 2014
An Escambia County chiropractor, has been sentenced after he was caught urging an undercover officer posing as a patient to exaggerate injuries in order to receive a large insurance settlement, according to Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater.
Dr. Russell Dominick, 54, was convicted of racketeering and grand theft and sentenced to six years in prison and 10 years probation. He was the owner of the Dominick Chiropractic Clinic on Pine Forest Road, just south of I-10..
The undercover investigation began when the Department of Financial Services’ Division of Insurance Fraud received a complaint about Dr. Dominick. Patients who were subsequently interviewed about Dr. Dominick reported receiving similar advice about exaggerating injuries.
Dominick was arrested by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, while the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Department of Health assisted with the investigation. The State Attorney’s Office for the First Judicial Circuit prosecuted the case.
Orso Gets Life In 2012 Lottery Store Robbery, Murder
May 10, 2014
Michael Brad Orso, the third suspect to face trial for the November 2012 shooting death of a Davisville lottery store owner was found guilty Friday afternoon of first degree murder sentenced to life in prison.
Orso, age 28 of Atmore, was convicted for his role in the attempted robbery and killing of Thomas Kroll, the owner and operator of the O’Yes Lotto store on Highway 97 in Davisville at the Florida/Alabama line.
Witnesses at trial testified that Orso suggested the lottery store as the target for the robbery, participated in the planning of the robbery, and provided the weapon to be used in the
robbery.
Malcolm “TJ” McGhee was convicted in September 2013 for his role as the shooter and was sentenced to Life in prison. Brent Lambeth, who entered the store with McGhee, entered a plea and provided testimony in the trials of McGhee and Orso. Lambeth is currently awaiting sentencing.
NorthEscambia.com file photos.
Fire Marshal Confirms Jail Explosion Was From Natural Gas
May 10, 2014
The Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office and the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has confirmed that their on-scene investigation into the the April 30 explosion at the Escambia County Jail “determined that the explosion was the result of a natural gas release into the facility”.
“The on-scene phase of our investigation may be complete, but there is still much to be learned,” said Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jeff Atwater. “Our investigators will continue to work day and night with the ATF and the State Attorney’s Office to uncover all of the answers victims and their families deserve to know.”
The State Fire Marshal’s Office and the ATF will continue their investigation along with the State Attorney’s Office to answer the many remaining questions related to the events preceding the explosion. Further details have not been released, but a full reported will be released at the conclusion of the investigation.
Meanwhile, Fire Marshal has returned control of the Escambia County Central Booking and Detention Center to the county.
The Fire Marshal’s Office and the ATF took control of the property following an April 30th explosion that killed two inmates and injured 184 inmates and corrections staff.
Fire Marshal Investigator Joseph Steadham said in a letter to the Escambia County Commission that the building is continuing to deteriorate, reaching a point that it’s no longer safe for investigators to go inside. However, Steadham noted that the investigation into the cause of the explosion is continuing.
A fence is being constructed around the building to keep people out.
Wahoos Come From Behind For 4-2 Win Over The Lookouts
May 10, 2014
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos (16-19) came from behind to win the rubber match against the Chattanooga Lookouts (14-20), 4-2. First baseman Travis Mattair’s two-run double capped a three-run eighth, which gave the Wahoos the lead and eventually the win.
RHP Mikey O’Brien made his second start of the season for the Wahoos. O’Brien, starting in the place of injured RHP Carlos Contreras, pitched well going 5.0 innings and giving up just two runs on three hits. Justin Freeman pitched a scoreless eighth and ninth while striking out three Lookout batters to earn the win for the Wahoos.
Shortstop Devin Lohman continued his hot series against the Lookouts with a solo home run in the second that cut the Lookouts lead to just one. Juan Silverio came up with a big RBI single in the bottom of the eighth to tie the game at two before Mattair put the Wahoos ahead with his double.
RHP Garrett Gould had his best start of the season for the Lookouts, going a season-high 6.0 innings with a season-high nine strikeouts in the series finale. Gould gave up 1 R/ER on four hits and took a no decision. Gould allowed two runs or less for the third straight start. Juan Noriega took the loss for the Lookouts; the right-hander gave up 3 R/1 on three hits.
Chattanooga’s first baseman O’Koyea Dickson homered for the third time this series. Dickson’s first inning home run gave the Lookouts a quick 2-0 lead. It was the fourth time in the series that the Lookouts scored in the first inning.
The Wahoos will head to Birmingham to begin a five-game series starting Saturday evening. RHP Daniel Corcino (3-3, 4.35) will get the start for the Wahoos, while RHP Nick McCully (2-2, 6.33) will go for the Barons.
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos beat the Chattanooga Lookouts 4-2. Photo by (Warren Thompson/ Pensacola Blue Wahoos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
by Tommy Thralll
Escambia Disaster Recovery Center Opens Sunday
May 9, 2014
The Escambia County Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) opens Sunday, May 11, at the Brownsville Community Center, 3100 West Desoto Street, Pensacola. Applicants may go to a Disaster Recovery Center for information about FEMA or other disaster assistance, or for questions related to your case.
The hours of operations are:
- Sundays, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Mondays – Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Services will include:
- Guidance regarding disaster recovery
- Clarification of any written correspondence received
- Housing Assistance and Rental Resource information
- Answers to questions, resolution to problems and referrals to agencies that may provide further assistance
- Status of applications being processed by FEMA
- Small Business Administration (SBA) program information if there is a SBA Representative at the Disaster Recovery Center site
Applicants may also register by calling FEMA at (800) 621-3362 or TTY (800) 462-7585. If you use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call (800) 621-3362. Operators are multilingual and calls are answered seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. CDT. You also can register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by smart phone or tablet at m.femagov.
Tate Falls In State Semifinals
May 9, 2014
The Tate High School Lady Aggies were defeated 5-0 by St. Thomas Aquinas in the state 7A semifinals this afternoon in Vero Beach.
Jay Lady Royals Win 1A Semifinal Game
May 9, 2014
The Jay Lady Royals won their 1A state semifinals game 14-8 over Bell in seven innings this afternoon. The Royals earned a 13-0 advantage in the first inning before going on for the win in Vero Beach.
Jay will face Chiefland at 10:05 central time Saturday morning for the 1A state championship..