Escambia Man, 75, Arrested For Child Porn After FDLE, NCIS Investigation
July 27, 2024
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) has arrested an Escambia County man on child porn charges.
Lessly Howard Robison, 75, was charged with 20 felony counts of possession of child sex abuse material and one felony count of using a two-way communication device to facilitate a felony.
The investigation began in October of 2022 after agents discovered a peer-to-peer file sharing user downloading child sexual abuse material. Files were downloaded onboard the Pensacola Naval Air Station and off-base. Through the investigative partnership between FDLE and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) agents identified Robison as the user.
Agents served a search warrant at Robison’s residence and seized his laptop. A forensic preview of the laptop located numerous images depicting the sexual abuse of children, FDLE said.
The case is being investigated by the FDLE Pensacola Cyber Squad with assistance from NCIS.
Lessly was released from the Escambia County Jail on a quarter million bond.
Escambia County Youth Employment Program Celebrates Future Workforce
July 27, 2024
Escambia County recently completed another cycle of the Summer Youth Employment Program, helping nearly 200 local youth gain valuable on-the-job experience while working toward their future career goals.
Through the paid internship program, participating youth worked up to 30 hours per week in various county departments, learning a variety of practical job skills along with workplace etiquette such as professional dress, timeliness and respect.
“Our Summer Youth Employment Program is one of the most important programs we offer at Escambia County, because it gives young people an opportunity to experience a professional workplace while helping them determine what career path they may want to pursue,” District 3 Commissioner Lumon May said. “The mentorship and job experience they gain from this program is invaluable, and I’m so proud of all of our participants for their hard work and dedication all summer long. I know their futures are very bright, and I’m excited to see the impact they will make in our community and beyond.”
In addition to learning new skills through their day-to-day work duties, program participants received job readiness training and post-employment briefings, which provided them feedback about their job performance. Youth worked in a variety of county departments this summer, including Animal Welfare, Building Services, Community and Media Relations, Development Services, District 3 County Commissioners Office, Engineering/Traffic, Extension Services, Facilities Management, IT, Library Services, Escambia County Area Transit, Natural Resources Management, Neighborhood and Human Services, Parks and Recreation and Public Safety. Summer youth employees also participated in internships with Community Action Program Committee, Community Health Northwest Florida, Escambia County Public Schools and the Supervisor of Elections Office through the program.
Escambia County’s 2024 Summer Youth Employment Program participants were recognized by D May and Neighborhood and Human Services staff for their hard work this summer during a ceremony at the Brownsville Community Center.
Spohn Delivers 3 RBIs As Blue Wahoos Delight With Win Against Shuckers
July 27, 2024
written by Bill Vilona
Harrison Spohn was just trying to continue his baseball career two years ago, following five collegiate seasons and a long-shot opportunity as an undrafted free agent.
“I don’t take any of this for granted,” said Spohn, the Blue Wahoos’ starting shortstop, who played at California Baptist before accepting a chance in the Miami Marlins minor league system. “It’s been a dream come true.”
Another special memory occurred Friday night when Spohn drove went drove home three runs on two singles, leading the Blue Wahoos to an 8-4 victory against the Biloxi Shuckers in front of a sellout crowd (5,038) at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
The score matched the Blue Wahoos’ victory Tuesday in the series opener. But this one had a different feel.
The Blue Wahoos at the plate produced seven hits, reached six other times on walks and struck out just six times. They seized control early with a 4-run second inning.
After Joe Mack was hit by a pitch and Nathan Martorella – the star of Thursday’s win – reached on a fielder’s choice, Sean Roby then walked to load the bases. Dalvy Rosario’s infield chopper scored Mack, then Spohn followed with a two-run double. Shane Sasaki completed the rally with an RBI single.
Eight of the nine batters in the lineup reached base in a game where the Blue Wahoos opened a 7-1 lead in the fifth inning and got their normal boost from the bullpen to finish the game.
“It was good to get going in that second inning,” Spohn said.It continued in the fifth inning when Jacob Berry’s 2-run single completed 3-run rally. Paul McIntosh started with an RBI single that scored Sasaki.
On the mound, Blue Wahoos starter Paul Campbell was designated for a limited outing, as he recovers from an injury. His last start was June 8. He was strong on Friday night, allowing no hits in his three innings and retiring nine of the 10 batters he faced.
Adam Laskey worked the next four innings, allowing three runs, followed by Woo-Suk Go, who pitched a scoreless eighth and Raffi Vizcaíno, who finished in the ninth.
The Blue Wahoos (52-41 overall) are now 15-6 this season against the Shuckers.
The Blue Wahoos will now try to claim the series on Saturday against the Shuckers
The Blue Wahoos will send righthander Jeff Lindgren (1-1, 4.21 ERA) on the mound. The Shuckers will throw right-hander Logan Henderson (4-2, 3.71). Pregame activities begin at 5:45 to include ceremonial first pitches. The actual game first pitch is at 6:05 p.m.
After Friday’s home game, the Blue Wahoos now have 20 home games remaining in the regular season. They are 28-21 this season at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
Highway 168 Bridge Reopened Friday After Repair Completed
July 26, 2024
A North Escambia bridge that abruptly closed July 3 after it it failed a state inspection has reponed.
The Highway 168 bridge over Hobbs Branch, about three-quarters of a mile east of Pine Barren Road near Bratt, was expected to be closed about 90 days for repairs, according to Escambia County officials.
Escambia County said a permanent repair was completed by Gulf Marine Construction, Inc. , the prime contractor who performed the work on the bridge.
The bridge was reopened Friday with the same weight restrictions as before the closure. The weight restriction is 24 tons for a two-axle vehicle, 28 tons for three axles.
The short wood bridge with a concrete deck was built in 1965.
When NorthEscambia.com photographed the bridge July 3, it was obvious that at least one wooden support was extremely deteriorated and almost completely broken in two (pictured below). It was not possible to photograph the same support the afternoon of July 26 due to a higher water level in the branch.
The Pine Barren Road and Bratt Road detour remains in place for Highway 4 as work continues to complete a new bridge. At last report, completion was expected by late July, barring any weather delays.
Pictured above and first photo below: The Highway 168 bridge over Hobbs Branch on July 26. Pictured last three photos below: The same bridge on July 3. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Bicyclist Critical After Being Struck By Vehicle In Century
July 26, 2024
A bicyclist was critically injured when he was struck by a vehicle Friday morning in Century.
It happened about 9:30 a.m. in the area of the Billy G. Ward Courthouse on North Century Boulevard.
The 44-year-old was airlifted by LifeFlight helicopter to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola. An update on his condition was not available.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Two Century Correctional Officers Charged With Smuggling Drugs Into The Prison
July 26, 2024
Two Century Correctional Institution correctional officers have been were arrested this week for
Ysuna Myteria Staples, age 29 of Atmore, was charged with delivery of synthetic cannabinoids and smuggling contraband into a prison.
Brandi Shaniece Major, age 29 of Mobile, was charged with delivery of synthetic cannabinoids, smuggling contraband into a prison, and trafficking methamphetamine.
All of the charges are felonies.
In February, Staples and Majors were subject to random “pat-downs” before entering the prison for their shifts.
“During these pat-downs, items were felt on each officer’s person that appeared to be contraband,” an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputy wrote in his report.
According to the arrest report:
Major was asked and voluntarily removed three plastic packages from her pants that contained 166.5 grams of methamphetamine and 269 grams of MDPV (methylenedioxypyrovalerone, commonly known as “bath salts”).
Staples was asked and voluntarily removed a single plastic package of 165.5 grams of spice.
The incident was captured on Century CI surveillance cameras.
Major was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $100,000 bond. Staples was released on a $30,000 bond.
More Details Released In Case Of Man Accused Of Killing Estranged Wife
July 26, 2024
Update: The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office initially said the dog that was shot died at the vet after being shot, but said Friday that they were giving incorrect information. The dog is continuing to recover.
More details have been released in the case of an Escambia County man is accused of murdering his estranged wife, who was reported missing, and shooting a dog.
Timothy Joseph Kramer, 51, was charged with first-degree premeditated murder for the death of his wife, 47-year-old Rosa Maria Kramer, and aggravated animal cruelty for the shooting the dog.
An arrest reports says Rosa Kramer left her husband Timothy about two weeks ago and had been living with someone else.
About 6 a.m. Tuesday, she returned to the couple’s former home in the 2600 block of Hillcrest Avenue, about a block from Longleaf Elementary School, in order to collect her belongings before he was to return home from work about 8 a.m.
The report states he actually got off from his overnight job at PetSmart on Davis Highway and returned home about 5 a.m. and parked his truck in the backyard of the home in an attempt to conceal it behind a privacy fence, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said.
Rosa Kramer was reported missing after she missed taking her father to a doctor’s appointment.
The report states a concerned individual called and texted her phone several times with no response. He then messaged her on Facebook, receiving a reply that she was having a drink at the beach. The arrest report states the man messaged back saying “Timothy better not have done anything,” to which a reply was received stating “he did nothing but give me my stuff and I left”.
About 11:30 p.m. Tuesday, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office issued a notice that 47-year-old Rosa Maria Kramer was missing and was last seen about 6 a.m. Tuesday. The sheriff’s office said that time that she was in the company of Timothy Kramer.
The ECSO pinged the phone of both Kramers, with only response from Timothy’s phone at a Milton apartment complex.
The report states Milton Police located him there with a woman who said Timothy contacted her and said he had just shot Rosa in self-defense. Deputies found that her story was true, and she was not charged as an accessory.
Deputies went to the Hillcrest Avenue home and found Rosa deceased in a bedroom with two gunshot wounds, one of which was in her head. A dog was also found with a gunshot wound to the mouth. It was transported to a veterinarian for treatment.
Timothy Kramer requested a lawyer and refused to speak to investigators, the report says. He remained in the Escambia County Jail Thursday morning without bond.
Florida Forest Service Announces $2 Million For Florida Landowners To Improve Forest Health
July 26, 2024
Thursday, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson and the Florida Forest Service announced $2 million is now available to Florida landowners through the Florida’s Future Forests Program to improve forest health. In its fourth year, the program offers landowners cost-share opportunities to help enhance the capacity of Florida’s forests, which provide clean air, clean water, wildlife habitat, recreation, and thousands of essential products.
“A majority of our state’s forests are privately owned so Florida landowners are key to maintaining and conserving our forests and natural resources for future generations,” said Simpson. “This important program helps landowners offset the initial cost of site preparation, seedlings, and the planting of seedlings.”
The Florida’s Future Forests Program is open to non-industrial, private landowners, local governments, and registered nonprofit organizations. To obtain an application and learn more about the Florida’s Future Forests Program, visit FDACS.gov/FutureForests.
Applicants may request funding for tree establishment practices on a minimum of 10 acres and up to 250 acres. Since 2021, the Florida Legislature has appropriated approximately $14 million for this program. These funds have already been used to create 26,000 acres of healthy forests in Florida.
The Florida Legislature funded the program with a total of $4 million this fiscal year. In addition to the initial $2 million offering, an additional $2 million will be released later this fiscal year to fund future site preparation and planting.
To learn more in Escambia County, contact Escambia County Forester Cathy Hardin at (850) 587-5237 or Cathy.Hardin@FDACS.gov.
Friends Of The Library Hot Summer Book Sale Going On Through Sunday
July 26, 2024
The Friends of the West Florida Public Library HOT Summer Book Sale is going on through Sunday.
For every 10th items (books, DVD’s, audiobooks, and CDs) purchased, library supporters will be invited to select an 11th item – for free! This includes all books, (paperback, hardback, kids’ books, etc.) except those in the Collector’s Corner. The books in Collector’s Corner are always individually priced.
The books will be sorted by genre to make it easier to find your favorite novels, children’s books, books about gardening and decorating, biographies, and so many more.
Friday, July 26, 2024, 3-7 p.m., $5 admission (free for members), Hot Summer Sale: Buy 10 items and get one more for free.
Saturday, July 27, 2024, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., free admission, Half-off prices all day! Hot Summer Sale: Buy 10 items and get one more for free.
Sunday, July 28, 2024, 9a.m. – 3 p.m., free admission | $7 bag sale (Collector’s Corner closes on Sunday at 12:30 p.m.)
The sale will be held at the downtown library, located at 239 North Spring Street. Debit and credit cards will be accepted.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Animal Shelter Has Free Cat And Dog Adoptions Through July 31
July 26, 2024
The animal shelter in Escambia County has free cat and dog adoptions through the end of July.
Adoptions are free for cats and dogs one year or older through Wednesday, July 31. Puppies are available for $50 and kittens are $25. An $11 licensing fee will be applied to all adoptions for Escambia County residents.
“We are so excited to participate in the Bissell adoption event again,” said Escambia County Director for the Department of Animal Welfare John Robinson. “These events provide us with an opportunity to allow our community to see all of the wonderful dogs and cats that we currently have available at the Animal Welfare and Adoption Center. We encourage you to come visit us over these next three weeks and meet our amazing animals who are ready to be part of a family.”
Robinson emphasized that while Bissell’s event makes adoptions even more affordable for families, it also raises awareness for pets that are sometimes overlooked in the shelter.
“We have over 200 pets available for adoption, and our team understands it can be overwhelming to walk through the kennels if you don’t know what you’re looking for,” said Robinson. “We’re here to help with the entire process. Let us make it easy for you to complete your family by helping you find the perfect pet.”
View all adoptable pets at the Animal Welfare and Adoption Center on 24petconnect.com.
The Escambia County Animal Welfare and Adoption Center is located at 200 W. Fairfield Drive. Hours of operation are Monday-Friday, 12-5 p.m., and Saturday from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.