Missing Children’s Day: Search Continues In North Escambia Case
September 10, 2012
A Tate High School student last seen 11 years ago in North Escambia was among those remembered Monday on the 14th annual Florida Missing Children’s Day.
Danielle Arion Bell, 14, was last seen at a party in September 2001 in the 500 block of Cedar Tree Lane, between Highway 29 and Highway 95A in Cantonment.
Witnesses told authorities that Bell left a party with a man that was in his mid-twenties at the time. Escambia County deputies later questioned that man and searched his home, but he was never charged in connection with the case.
During the summer of 2007, Alfredo Gomez Sanchez, Jr. was charged with providing law enforcement with false information about his whereabouts at the time Bell disappeared. He was not implicated in her disappearance.
In October 2010, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Cold Case Unit served a search warrant at the home. As part of that search warrant, a septic tank behind the residence was 
pumped out, and dogs from Escambia County Search and Rescue were also used to search the area. Investigators said nothing was found, and they would not say what new information might have led to the search.
According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Danielle has a scar on her right forearm and blue eyes. She had brown hair at the time of her disappearance. She would now be 24 years old. Danielle, whose nickname was “Dani”, was a member of the Tate Aggies cheerleading squad. The popular teen enjoyed dancing and drawing.
Anyone with information about Bell is asked to call the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit at (850) 436-9580 or Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
Pictured top: Investigators pumped and searched a septic tank at this home on Cedar Tree Lane in Cantonment in October 2010 in the case of missing teen Danielle Arion Bell. Pictured below: A search and rescue K-9 team was also on site. Pictured bottom: A septic tank company employee prepares to pump a septic tank at the home. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Teen Charged After Hit And Run Pedestrian Death
September 10, 2012
A 16-year old is facing charges after a hit and run in a Santa Rosa County accident that claimed the life of a 20-year old pedestrian.
Ricky Shane Weldon was walking north in the center of the northbound lane of Farm Life Road about 8:15 Friday night when he was struck by a 1985 Ford F150 driven by Robert William Chapman, 16. Chapman then fled the scene, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Weldon was knocked into the southbound lane where he was struck by a southbound 2001 GMC Sierra driven by 21-year old Courtney Renee Fleming.
Champman turned himself in to the Santa Rosa Count Sheriff’s Office and the FHP about two hours later. He was charged with leaving the scene with death and transported to the Juvenile Justice Center in Pensacola.
The accident investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol is continuing.
Perdido Couple Dies In Bay Minette Murder Suicide
September 10, 2012
A Perdido, Ala., couple died a in murder-suicide Sunday morning in Bay Minette as their trailer burned in Nokomis, Ala.
The Bay Minette Police Department responded to a BP gas station at Highway 59 and I-65 at 8:25 Sunday morning. An investigation determined that 41-year old Linda Diane Milstid, working as the store clerk, pressed a panic alarm as she saw her husband approach. Mark Anthony Milstid, 41, entered the business with a sawed-off shotgun, shooting and killing Linda Milstid. He then shot himself.
Linda Milstid was pronounced dead on the scene. Mark Milstid was transported to North Baldwin Hospital where he later died.
Police said the couple had an ongoing domestic dispute.
As the shooting was happening at the gas station, the Nokomis (Ala.) Fire Department was dispatched to Coleman Road in Perdido where a trailer belonging to the Milstids was fully engulfed in flames.
Sheriff Shot Friday Returns Home After Surgery
September 10, 2012
Escambia County (Ala.) Sheriff Grover Smith was released from the hospital Sunday, two days after being shot following a deadly standoff in Flomaton. And Monday, he was back at work in his Brewton office.
Fragments from the .357 bullet that hit Smith are still in his arm, along with metal plates to strengthen a shattered bone.
Meanwhile, funeral services were held Sunday for James Arrington Jr., who took his own life Friday after shooting Smith.
The Escambia County (Ala.) Sheriff’s Office was joined by a tactical response team from the Brewton Police Department in an attempt to serve a mental health commitment order to pick up Arrington from his home in Flomaton and transport him to a mental health facility.
Arrington became uncooperative with authorities and barricaded himself alone inside his residence.
When the Brewton tactical team and Smith entered the home about two and a half hours later, Arrington fired his weapon, striking Smith in the forearm. The Alabama Bureau of Investigation’s preliminary investigation has confirmed hat Arrington then shot himself.
For an earlier story and more details, click here.
Pictured top: Investigators remained on scene for hours after the Escambia County (Ala.) Sheriff was shot Friday morning at this home in Flomaton. Pictured top inset: Sheriff Grover Smith. Pictured below: The Escambia County (Fla.) EMS unit that transported the wounded sheriff arrives at the scene Friday morning. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Week Two: Prep Football Standings
September 10, 2012
There are winners and losers after week one of high school football in Florida, but none of the area teams have yet to play a district game.
Here’s a look at last week’s results and this Friday night’s schedule:
Kids Marathon Registration Opens
September 10, 2012
What’s an eight-week marathon? It’s a special kid’s marathon for Pensacola area children ages 5-12 that’s split into three segments— a one-mile kickoff on September 15 at the University of West Florida, followed by a 24 mile run, walk, or wheel-chair over the next eight weeks at school or home, and ending with a final 1.2-mile run following the Pensacola Marathon. Upon completion, the young athletes will have ran, walked, or wheel-chaired a full 26.2 mile marathon.
Registration for the 5th Annual Pensacola Kids Marathon is now open by visiting www.marathonpensacola.com or by contacting your child’s PE teacher or track coach. Each participant will receive:
- Pensacola KIDS MARATHON T-shirt
- Pensacola KIDS MARATHON medallion
- Official race number
- Training materials
- Official mileage log
- Subway and other refreshments at the Pensacola Marathon finish line and kick-off event
Participants will be able to log their first mile on their training log on Saturday, September 15 at 9 a.m. at the University of West Florida track for the Kids Marathon Kick-Off. They will then have eight weeks to compete the remaining 24 miles in half or one mile increments. The final 1.2 miles will be ran the day of the Pensacola Marathon – Sunday, November 11 at 12:30 p.m. – in which every child will run through the finish line structure and will be awarded their finishers medal.
This program is supported by the Escambia and Santa Rosa county school districts and offers young students ages 5 to 12, their families, and schools a great opportunity to promote physical activity and good nutrition.
Registration information is available at local Subway restaurants, Running Wild, and the Pensacola Sports Association or online at www.marathonpensacola.com. For information go online or call the Pensacola Sports Association at (850) 434-2800.
Covenant Hospice Seeks Volunteers
September 10, 2012
Covenant Hospice is seeking individuals and groups to join its award-winning volunteer team.
Covenant Hospice Volunteer Training will present an overview of hospice care and volunteer choices. Individuals and groups are needed to provide support for Covenant programs including office work, community outreach, and fundraising. Patient and family support volunteers are needed to provide friendly visits, companionship, breaks for caregivers, light housekeeping, transportation, assistance with yard work or home repair, and more. Active duty military and veteran volunteers are needed to support Covenant’s We Honor Veteran’s Program. Working and retired professionals are also needed to share their expertise.
Covenant provides a flexible volunteer schedule with opportunities for one time, periodic or weekly volunteer assignments. Volunteers receive ongoing educational opportunities and are honored annually for their contributions. To register or to learn more, call Hope Ripley or Sharon Oakes at (850) 202-5802/ 202-5948.
A training workshop will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 15 at the Covenant Hospice branch office, located at 6479 Caroline St., Suite B in Milton. The workshop is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be provided.
Nearly 2,500 volunteers support 13 branch locations throughout Florida and Alabama. Covenant’s volunteer program received three Awards of Excellence from Florida Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. Covenant Hospice is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing comprehensive, compassionate services to patients and loved ones during times of life-limiting illnesses.
Photo Gallery: Northview Cheerleaders, Mini Cheerleaders, Band And Dance Team
September 9, 2012
For a a game summary and action photos, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Escambia County Remains On High Alert Due To West Nile Threat
September 9, 2012
Escambia County residents should remain alert and take extra precautions to avoid mosquito bites — that’s the word from the Escambia County Health Department after at least five people in the county have confirmed cases of the West Nile Virus and a “Mosquito Borne Illness Advisory” remains in effect.
The reported cases mean “there is an imminent risk of additional persons becoming infected,” according to the Escambia County Health Department. The health department has not said where in the county the infected persons reside, but the exact location of those infected by West Nile is not important when the disease is spread by birds that can travel several miles and then by mosquitoes to humans.
“There is no place in Escambia County that would be better or worse than any other place,” said Dr. John Lanza, director of the Escambia County Health Department. “The abnormally high number of confirmed cases reaffirms the increased risk of contracting West Nile Virus for everyone in Escambia County.”
“Since most people who contract the disease have mild or no symptoms, there are most likely numerous undiagnosed cases throughout the area. All Escambia County, Florida residents and visitors should take precautions to limit their exposure to mosquitoes,” Lanza said.
Okaloosa County officials confirmed Friday that one person in that county has died as a result of the West Nile virus.
There are been 19 total cases of West Nile reported this year in Florida.
Mosquitoes infected with West Nile Virus can bite and infect humans. Symptoms of infection can range from mild to severe, including development of diseases such as meningitis or encephalitis. Being outdoors, especially during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active, further increases the risk of infection. People with weakened immune systems and individuals over 50 may be at higher risk of the most severe form of the infection.
The Escambia County Health Department recommends that residents follow the Five D’s of mosquito control:
- Dusk – avoid when mosquitoes are most active.
- Dawn – avoid the next most active period.
- DEET – use personal chemical protection to ward off mosquitoes.
- Dress – cover exposed skin to block mosquito access.
- Drain – remove standing water in pots, pet dishes, gutters and other retainers.
The health department also recommends these precautions:
- Apply insect repellent to exposed skin, or onto clothing, but not under clothing.
- In protecting children, read label instructions to be sure the repellent is age-appropriate.
- According to the CDC, mosquito repellents containing oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under the age of three years. DEET is not recommended on children younger than two months old.
- Avoid applying repellents to the hands of children. Adults should apply repellent first to their own hands and then transfer it to the child’s skin and clothing.
Good Budget News: Florida Won’t Face Budget Shortfall
September 9, 2012
The Legislative Budget Commission will get a dose of good news when it meets next Wednesday — a draft financial outlook shows the state likely will not face a budget shortfall for the 2013-14 fiscal year.
Analysts each year provide a long-term outlook to the LBC, showing estimated revenues and anticipated levels of spending.
Lawmakers have repeatedly grappled with shortfalls during the past few years, but the new outlook shows no budget gap for the fiscal year that starts July 1, 2013.
“Fiscal strategies will not be required; the budget is in balance as constitutionally required and is growing more slowly than available revenues,” the draft says.
By The News Service of Florida