Solari Places Second In State Farm Bureau Speech Contest
November 19, 2013
Northview High School senior Courtney Solari of Molino placed second in the state in the Florida Farm Bureau Youth Speech Contest in Ponte Vedra Beach. She competed against seven other district winners from across the state.
Solari was named the Escambia County Farm Bureau winner in late August and the district winner in September.
Students between 14-18 years old were invited to take part in the contest, delivering a speech about five minutes long on the topic ““Over the past 500 years, how has technology influenced Florida agriculture?”
“Changes in…technology here in Florida have been occurring since the first European settlers introduced Native Americans to new practices and livestock. The Native Americans quickly adapted to these practices, and Florida agriculture has been changing ever since,” Solari said in her speech.
“Technology has helped increase production of many crops, while also diminishing the production of others. These advancements in agriculture are all in an effort for Florida farmers to produce more food while utilizing less land and protecting the environment. No matter how many changes occur though, one thing will remain consistent. Florida agriculture will continue to grow and thrive throughout the future as it has for the last 500 years,” she said.
Pictured: Courtney Solari with Northview FFA Alumni President Angus Brewton (left) and Escambia County Farm Bureau President Jimmy Cunningham. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Man Charged With Shooting At Girlfriend
November 18, 2013
An Escambia County an is behind bars after allegedly trying to shoot his girlfriend early this morning.
Shawn Martese Gulley, 24, was charged with aggravated assault with a firearm, criminal mischief, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, discharging a firearm in public, deadly missiles and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
About 1:30 a.m., deputies responded to the Circle K on Navy Boulevard in reference to shots fired. The clerk advised that he observed a male and female arguing in the parking lot before the male pulled a firearm and shot at a sedan multiple times as the female sped away. One shot struck the taillight of the vehicle.
A perimeter was established and Gulley was captured a short time later and positively identified.
Third Suspect Charged In 2012 Lottery Store Murder
November 18, 2013
A third suspect has been charged with murder in connection with the November 2012 shooting death of a Davisville lottery store owner.
Michael Brad Orso, age 28 of Atmore, is being held in the Escambia County Jail without bond on one count of premeditated first degree murder. He was indicted last week by an Escambia County Grand Jury and arrested in Alabama. He waived extradition from Alabama and was transferred to Florida late Friday afternoon.
“Orso was looked at from the beginning as a possible suspect,” Assistant State Attorney Greg Marcille told NorthEscambia.com. “There was additional information presented to the grand jury last week.”
Marcille said the State Attorney’s Office will not release any further information at this time about Orso’s alleged involvement in the murder.
Two other men — Malcolm McGhee Jr. and Brent Lambeth — were charged in connection with the shooting death of 74-year old Thomas “Tommy” Kroll during a robbery on November 6, 2012, at the State Line O’ Yes Lotto on Highway 97 in Davisville.
Lambeth, 21, has pleaded no contest to second degree murder. Under his plea deal, he will receive no more than 30 years in prison, provided he testifies against his co-defendant and alleged triggerman, 25-year old Malcolm McGhee Jr.
Jury selection is set to begin today in the trial of Malcolm McGhee Jr. on charges of premeditated first degree murder and robbery with a firearm.
Marcille said he does not believe the arrest of Orso just days before the start of McGhee’s trial will have any impact on his case.
The Robbery, Murder
Previously released documents detail the events that unfolded last year inside the iconic pink lottery store at the Florida/Alabama state line. None of those documents mention Orso or allude to the presence of Orso or any other unnamed male during the robbery and shooting.
When Escambia County Sheriff’s deputies arrived at the lottery store on the afternoon of November 6, 2012, they found store owner Thomas Gerald Kroll had been shot and killed. Witnesses at the store told deputies that two suspects wearing ski masks had entered the store, armed with a handgun. Witnesses said they asked “Where’s the man with the money?” before firing two shots and killing Kroll.
Kroll fired at least one shot at the suspects. Authorities have not revealed if Kroll or one of the suspects fired first. One shot struck McGhee. Prosecutors said he was wearing a large cross pendant around his neck that may have saved his life. The bullet struck the cross and did not injure him.” McGhee’s wound was non-penetrating.
The two suspects had fled the scene of the crime before the first law enforcement officers arrived on the scene.
According to official documents, Kristen McGhee told investigators on the day of the murder that she was with Malcolm McGhee and Lambeth when they drove to the O ‘Yes Lotto store for the purpose of purchasing Spice. Lambeth, who was driving, backed their vehicle into a parking space in front of the business. Malcolm McGhee and Lambeth got out of the vehicle, leaving the car doors open and leaving Kristen McGhee inside the vehicle.
Kristen McGhee told investigators that moments later she head four gunshots. Lambeth then ran back to the car,wearing a ski mask over his face, and told Kristen McGhee that Malcolm McGhee had been shot.
Macolm McGhee then got back in the car, official reports state, with a ski mask over his face. He was also armed with a handgun. Malcolm McGhee then “told her he had been shot and he shot the guy that runs the store”, according to an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office report. Kristen McGhree told deputies that both men stated they took Spice from the store during the robbery.
According to official reports, another female, Mallory Young, told investigators that she was with Malcolm McGhee on the date of the robbery when “he asked if she could keep a secret”. He then told her that he had been shot earlier in the day, and he shot the guy that operates the lottery business.
McGhee and Young have not been charged with any crime in connection with the incident.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
FFA Smoked Butt, Turkey Sale Underway
November 18, 2013
The annual Northview High School FFA Alumni Smoked Turkey and Boston Butt Sale is now underway, just in time for Thanksgiving.
In the annual fund raiser, you can choose either a seven to nine pound smoked Boston butt or a 10-12 pound smoked turkey for $28 each.
Boston butts will be available for pickup on Monday, November 25, and the the smoked turkeys will be available for pickup on Tuesday, November 26.
Proceeds from the sale will go to benefit the Northview High School FFA Scholarship Fund. The sale is sponsored by Archie’s Catering Smokehouse in Molino. For a printable order form, click here. Orders must be placed by Thursday, November 21.
For more information, call (850) 327-6681, ext. 248.
Lumon May To Be Named Chairman Of Escambia Commission
November 18, 2013
District 3 Commissioner Lumon May will become the new chairman of the Escambia County Commission during a special ceremony this week.
The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners will hold a Changing of the Chairmanship ceremony during the Thursday, November 21, regular Board meeting at 5:30 p.m.
May will succeed District 2 Commissioner Gene Valentino of the five-member board. May, who was elected to office in 2012, will serve as chairman for one year. The chairmanship of the Escambia County Commission changes each year on a rotating schedule.
Portion Of Bratt Road To Be Paved
November 18, 2013
Work begins as early as this week to pave a dirt portion of Bratt Road.
The project includes the dirt road paving and drainage improvements on Bratt Road from Pine Barren Road east about 1.25 miles to the existing paved roadway. The county road department has provided pipe installation and grading, while a contractor will perform the paving. Work is expected to take up to about two weeks.
The project does not include the section of Bratt Road from Pine Barren Road to the Travis Nelson Park and West Highway 4.
Pictured: Bratt Road at Pine Barren Road. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Atmore Author Albritton To Discuss Florida Panhandle Novels
November 18, 2013
Local author Lloyd Albritton of Atmore will discuss “The Panhandle Novel: Can Fiction Preserve History and Tradition” in a Viva 500 Literary Reflection Tuesday at the Pensacola Cultural Center.
His talk opens the third open mic sponsored by West Florida Literary Federation as November marks National Novel Writing month.
Albritton is the author of Baby Blue, a fictional story of murder and family tragedy set in the summer of 1951 in Escambia County, Florida. Albritton’s storytelling techniques and colorful characters are likened to those of Garrison Keillor and Will Rogers.
The evening begins with refreshments at 6:30, with Albritton speaking at 7 p.m. followed by an open mic. The event and is free and open to the public.
I-10 To Be Widened From Davis To Scenic
November 18, 2013
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has started work on a $43.1 million construction project in Escambia County to widen I-10 to six lanes from east of the Davis Highway interchange to the Escambia Bay Bridge. In addition, construction crews will widen Scenic Highway (U.S. 90) between Whisper Way and Northpointe Parkway, replacing the Scenic Highway overpass.
Other features of the project include:
- Installation of sound walls on both sides of I-10, from east of Davis Highway to Scenic Highway
- Addition of a sidewalk and bicycle lane on Scenic Highway, from north of the Quality Inn to north of Northpointe Parkway
- Addition of highway lighting along I-10 from east of Davis Highway to Scenic Highway and on Scenic Highway from Whisper Way to Northpointe Parkway
- Construction of storm retention ponds
- Drainage improvements
What to expect:
Phase one of the project, widening Scenic Highway between Whisper Way and Northpointe Parkway and replacing the overpass, will begin November 2013. Construction impacts to Scenic Highway will include:
- Periodic nighttime lane closures, 8:30 p.m. to 8 a.m.
- Periodic lane shifts
- Temporary modification of entrances for properties adjacent to Scenic Highway
- Driveway replacements
Access to businesses and other private property will be maintained at all times.
- Work to widen I-10 from four to six travel lanes, from east of Davis Highway to the Escambia Bay Bridge, will begin January 2014. Construction impacts will include:
- Periodic nighttime lane closures, 7 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.
- Periodic lane shifts
- Speed limit reduction from 60 mph during various phases of construction work
- Installation of sound walls adjacent to I-10
The entire project is planned for completion in fall 2016. All construction activities may be rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
West Florida’s Nachelle Watson Signs With Florida A&M
November 18, 2013
West Florida High School’s Nachelle Watson has signed a softball scholarship with Florida A&M University. Watson, a Cantonment resident, played first base for the West Florida Lady Jags. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Molino Christmas Parade Set For December 7
November 18, 2013
The 11th Annual Molino Christmas Parade is set for Saturday, December 7 at 11 a.m.
The parade route starts at the west end of Crabtree Church Road and ends and the Molino Ballpark were Santa Will be waiting to visit with all the good little boys and girls.
To participate in the parade, preregister at Fran’s Diner or the day of the parade. Registration fees are $30 for floats; $20 for vehicles, motorcycles, tractors or golf carts; and $15 each for horses. No 4-wheelers or go-carts. All proceeds go directly back to the community to help children in need.
For more information, contact Charity at (850) 324-4463 or Fran’s Diner at (850) 587-2803.
Donations such as toys and non-perishable food can be dropped off at Fran’s Diner. T he parade rain date will be Sunday, December 8 at 2:30 p.m.
Pictured: The 2012 Molino Christmas Parade. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
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