Old Truck Prompts Reports Of Burning Gasoline Tanker
November 9, 2012
A wreck of a truck with a lot of mechanical problems prompted fears of a burning gasoline tanker on Highway 29 at Roberts Road Thursday evening.
Some callers to 911 reported black smoke boiling out of a vehicle was not visible, while other callers even reported they thought a gas tanker truck was burning. That prompted the dispatch of five stations of Escambia Fire Rescue and an ambulance to the area.
The first firefighters to arrive in the area reported so much smoke in the air that they could not determine exactly where the reported burning truck was located. They were soon able to find the multicolor Ford F800in the parking lot of Shear Illusions on Highway 95A.
Firefighters reported that the truck was leaking large quantities of hydraulic fluid, oil and other fluids that had burned while the truck was in motion.
There was no driver with the vehicle when firefighters arrived; witnesses said the driver fled on foot when he heard sirens approaching.
The incident was referred to the Florida Highway Patrol for investigation. Further details were not available.
Pictured: When thick smoke finally cleared off Highway 29 Thursday evening, firefighters discovered this truck was the source. NorthEscambia.com photo by Kristi Smith, click to enlarge.
In The End, Florida Finally Goes For Obama
November 9, 2012
Florida finally appeared to go for President Barack Obama on Thursday, ending an entirely academic exercise in which the state was decided almost two days after Obama won re-election.
Unofficial returns on the Florida Division of Elections website showed the Democratic incumbent clinging to a lead of slightly more than 58,000 votes over former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. Even without Florida’s 29 electoral votes, which were viewed as essential for any Romney win, Obama had already carried enough states to claim the presidency.
Still, Democrats touted a final victory after one of their strongest elections in years. U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson won re-election while the party gained seats in Congress and both chambers of the Legislature, though Republicans continue to hold commanding majorities in state government.
Democratic Party Chairman Rod Smith issued a statement congratulating Obama for winning the state.
“Florida Democrats ran the strongest, largest ground game this state has ever seen: out-registering Republicans for eight consecutive months, cutting the GOP’s historical absentee ballot advantage in half, requesting over a million Democratic absentee ballots for the first time in history, and out-pacing Republicans during every day of early voting, and this hard work has paid off,” Smith said.
Meanwhile, Romney Florida adviser Brett Doster told The Miami Herald in a statement that the campaign had lost Florida.
“We thought based on our polling and range of organization that we had done what we needed to win,” Doster said. “Obviously, we didn’t, and for that I and every other operative in Florida has a sick feeling that we left something on the table. I can assure you this won’t happen again.”
Brian Burgess, communications director for the Republican Party of Florida, essentially conceded defeat.
“We’re obviously not happy with the result, but given the wave that we saw all over the country, we’re glad that we gave them enough of a fight in Florida to prolong the battle here as long as we did,” Burgess said in an email. “But we’re not looking back, we’re looking forward to building a stronger coalition of Floridians who believe America can do much better than what we’ve seen over the last four years.”
The odyssey of Florida’s electoral votes began shortly after the polls officially closed. Some voters in Miami-Dade County waited in line until after 1 a.m. Wednesday — after several networks had called the race for Obama. Obama had already claimed 303 electoral votes before Thursday’s announcement, more than the 270 needed to win re-election.
By Brandon Larrabee
The News Service of Florida
NWE Mites Playoff Bound
November 9, 2012
The Northwest Escambia Mites are playoff bound. Their first playoff game will be Saturday, November 17 against East Pensacola with game time and location to be announced.Members of the NWE Mites are (front, L-R) Jacob Findley, Josh Wilson, Kenaundre Richardson, Dillon Grant, Trent Kite, Michael Merchant, Trent Peebles, Ben Wilson, Cody Edwards, (second row) Tripp Gipson, Tyler Kite, Wyatt Windham, Josh Merchant, Jayson Helton, Jason Fayard, Adam Aliff, Ian Gifford, Johnny Windham, (back) Assistant Coach Danny Fuller, Assistant Coach Ronnie Merchant, and Head Coach Josh Edwards. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Woman Sentenced To Prison For Abusing Mentally Disabled Daughter
November 9, 2012
An Escambia County woman was sentenced Thursday to 69 months in state prison for abusing her mentally disabled daughter.
DeeAnn Hale, 59, was charged in April along with friend Clinton Michael Carr and her husband. Carr was sentenced Thursday to five years, six months in prison.
On April 12, law enforcement discovered that the daughter had been forced to wear a signboard that read “I am a liar and a theif” (sic) around her neck. She was forced to repeatedly walk the perimeter of a backyard pool allegedly as punishment for “stealing” candy from food the family claimed was for the homeless.
The sign was made of two pieces of wet plywood, approximately 3-foot squared, being held around her neck with two heavy metal chains. Deputies asked the girl to kneel down and were able to remove the signs, which were estimated to weigh about 40 pounds. Due to the weight of the signs the chain had slightly embedded into the victim’s neck, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
The woman had also suffered a lacerated scalp which had been stitched closed with a common sewing needle and thread. Further investigation into the woman’s treatment revealed that during the previous 12 months, she had been forced to stay outside 24 hours a day for days on end and deprived of adequate shelter, food and medical attention, according to the State Attorney’s Office.
DeeAnne Hale’s husband, Rondal Hale, was previously convicted of four counts of aggravated abuse of a disabled adult and sentenced to 15 years in prison.
Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
No Serious Injuries In Hwy 29 Crash
November 8, 2012
One person was injured in a two vehicle crash late Thursday morning on Highway 29 near Kingsfield Road.
The accident happened about 11 a.m. when a driver apparently rear-ended a flatbed semi-truck trailer in the southbound lanes of Highway 29. he injured female was transported to a Pensacola hospital by ambulance. Her injuries were not considered life threatening.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Smith, click to enlarge.
Two Charged With Murdering Store Owner (With Exclusive Photos)
November 8, 2012
Two people have been charged with murdering a store owner inside a Davisville lottery store Tuesday afternoon.
Malcolm Troy McGhee, Jr., 24, was arrested early Wednesday morning in Escambia County, Alabama, and is awaiting extradition to Florida.
Brent Dewayne Lambeth, age 20 of Atmore, was arrested Wednesday afternoon by the U.S. Marshals Task Force, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, a Century Correctional Institution K-9 team and the Escambia County (Ala.) Sheriff’s Office. He was taken into custody at or near a trailer in a wooded area on Sandy Hollow Lane near Walnut Hill. He is being held in the Escambia County (Fla.) Jail without bond.
Both men are charged with murder and robbery with a firearm.
The longtime owner of the State Line O’ Yes Lotto on Highway 97 in Davisville, 74-year old Thomas “Tommy” Kroll was shot and killed during an exchange of gunfire during the robbery about 1:30 p.m. Tuesday.
Investigators said they received information from confidential sources that led to the arrests. The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said Kroll’s business was specifically targeted by Lambeth and McGhee because of previous purchases of “Spice” and that the duo “intended on robbing the store of more Spice that day”.
For a photo gallery from the murder scene, click here.
For an earlier story, click here.
For more about Tommy Kroll and words from his wife, click here.
Pictured top: Brent Dewayne Lambeth, a suspect in the murder of a Davisville business owner, was arrested Wednesday afternoon at or near this mobile home in wooded area on Sandy Hollow Road in Walnut Hill. Pictured bottom inset: An Escambia County K-9 unit was on scene. NorthEscambia.com exclusive photos, click to enlarge. Pictured below: The scene following the robbery Tuesday afternoon in Davisville. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Byrneville Elementary Releases First Nine Weeks Honor Roll
November 8, 2012
The following students were named to the first nine weeks honor roll at Byrneville Elementary School:
Mrs. Barberree’s Kindergarten
All Satisfactory
Ayden Atallah
Maddie Mae Driskell
Tyler Gilmore
Olivia Griffis
Damarius Jefferson
Daisy Johnson
Mia Kornegay
Madison Levins
Allie Odom
Jayden White
Mrs. Roger’s Kindergarten
All Satisfactory
Nicole Briscoe
Layla Brown
Ashton Covan
Kerissa Dortch
Anna Dunsford
Hunter Johnson
Kelan Jurey
Evin Matlock
Addisen Millen
Blake Shaw
Mallory Smith
Mrs. Dawson’s First Grade
“A” Honor Roll
Madalyn Grimes
Tyson McBride
“A/B” Honor Roll:
Reygan Steadham
Ms. Thornton’s First Grade
“A” Honor Roll
Alexa Castro
Riley Dawson
Meredith Johnston
Tyler Riggs
“A/B” Honor Roll:
Adrianna Atallah
Nolin Godwin
Josh Johnson
Aydan Smith
Mrs. Marshman’s Second Grade
“A” Honor Roll
Kaden Odom
Aloysia Dortch
“A/B” Honor Roll
Briana Dunsford
Chase Hampton
Johnnie Howell
Kayla Johnson
Emily Lambeth
Jessica Loftis
Dreama Wright
Mrs. Weaver’s Second Grade
“A” Honor Roll
Drake Allen Driskell
Micaleb Guntrum,
Emily Levins
“A/B” Honor Roll
Leah Anderson
Marina Franklin
Eli Jackson
Zane Rolin
Aleigh Thornton
Mrs. Dunsford’s Third Grade
“A” Honor Roll
Hunter Borelli
Torka Mills
Dillon Spears
“A/B” Honor Roll
Bama Coburn
Josh Dunsford
Tessa Flowers
Kailin Gafford
Jace Gifford
Taylor Levins
James Loftis
Harley Walker
David Ward
Mrs. Gilmore’s Fourth Grade
“A” Honor Roll
Maille Kilcrease
Logan Bryan
“A/B” Honor Roll
Travon Brown
Tyler Rolin
Tyler Merchant
Brianna Colter
Abigail Levins
Heather Knowles
Mrs. Johnston’s Fifth Grade
“A” Honor Roll
Madicyn Bell
Ian Gifford
Alex Glidewell
Chandler Hinote
Alexis Lee
Lea Nall
Cloe Smith
Savannah Steadham
Nicky Trump
Olivia Watson
Ashten Wright
“A/B” Honor Roll
Skyler Busbee
William Johnson
Jake Lambeth
Hannah Merchant
Kelli Merchant
Waylon Milstead
Valorie Padilla
Escambia Woman Breaks Leg Outside Precinct, Votes Anyway
November 8, 2012
One Escambia County woman was really motivated to cast her vote Tuesday morning.
Florida Secretary of State Ken Detzner says a woman fell and broke her leg on the way into a polling place, but still managed to vote.
“There was a report in Escambia County of a woman who had fallen in the parking lot and apparently broke her leg in the parking lot and was carried into the polling place by her husband so she could vote and then transported to the hospital. So we’re grateful for her interest and passion to vote.”
The incident happened at the Mayfair Community Center on South Madison Drive, according to Sonya Daniel, spokesperson for the Escambia County Supervisor of Elections Office.
Elections Supervisor David Stafford has attempted to reach out to the woman, Daniel said, but so far has been unsuccessful in contacting her.
Northview, West Florida, Catholic Compete In 1-2A Cross Country Districts
November 8, 2012
Area schools Northview, West Florida and Pensacola Catholic recently took part in the 1-2A cross county districts in Panama City, with the West Florida Jags taking both the boys and girls runs.
The top 13 finishers from each division advance to the regional competition this weekend in Tallahassee.
Overall team and local individual results were as follows:
GIRLS
- West Florida – 33
- Pensacola Catholic – 54
- Arnold -98
- South Walton – 109
- Rutherford – 113
- Northview – 119
- Bay – 194
3 – Nesbitt, Raleigh, West Florida 20:34.0
4 – Campion, Natalie, Pensacola Catholic 20:40.0
5 – Farr, Rebecca, Pensacola Catholic 20:59.0
6 – Roberts, Kaysi, West Florida 21:06.0
7 – Sanchez, Charlene, West Florida 21:58.0
8 – Sortino, Jordan, West Florida 22:09.0
9 – Wiley, Miranda, West Florida 22:10.0
12 – Lockridge, Kaitlin, Pensacola Catholic 22:40.0
13 – Endacott, Gabrielle, Pensacola Catholic 22:41.0
14 – Arthur, Lynn, West Florida 22:55.0
17 – Moore, Hanna, West Florida 23:42.0
18 – Goetter, Georgia, Northview 23:59.0
20 – Gibson, Dale, Pensacola Catholic 24:32.0
21 – Ehlers, Elizabeth, Pensacola Catholic 24:51.0
22 – Chope, Emma, Pensacola Catholic 25:02.0
23 – Joiner, Ashley, Northview 25:10.0
25 – Davis, Zacarra, Northview 25:17.0
26 – McGahan, Moriah, Northview 25:22.0
27 – Franklin, Jazzlyn, Northview 25:23.0
38 – Reynolds, Bethany , Northview 28:07.0
43 – Solchenberger, Mason , Northview 29:38.6
BOYS
- West Florida – 27
- Pensacola Catholic – 43
- South Walton – 93
- Arnold – 94
- Rutherford – 116
- Bay – 167
- Northview 176
1 – Clark, Alec, West Florida 16:57.0
2 – Remich, Michael, Pensacola Catholic 17:06.0
3 – Chope, John, Pensacola Catholic 17:32.0
4 – Sortino, Mark, West Florida 17:47.0
6 – Wakefield, Dylan, West Florida 18:40.0
7 – Diamond, Garrett, West Florida 18:44.0
9 – Wright, David, West Florida 18:47.0
10 – Byrd, Aaron, Pensacola Catholic 18:49.0
14 – McGahan, Isaac, Northview 19:33.0
15 – Mongeau, David, Pensacola Catholic 19:37.0
16 – Bullock, Alexander, West Florida 19:50.0
17 – Gaines, Carson, West Florida 20:02.0
31 – Marcille, Henry, Pensacola Catholic 21:32.0
39 – Borelli, Joshua, Northview 23:03.0
40 – Coon, Gavin, Northview 24:00.0
44 – Calloway, Zachary, Northview 26:44.0
46 – Rausch, Aaron, Northview 30:06.0
Photos by Candy McGahan for NorthEscambia.com.
Voters Reject 8 Of 11 Amendments
November 8, 2012
Florida voters on Tuesday shot down legislatively proposed constitutional changes dealing with abortion, local government tax caps and a ceremonial shrug at Obamacare as they rejected 8 of 11 proposals put before them by Republican lawmakers.
While rejecting most of the proposals, voters did approve a handful of modest property tax breaks for military veterans, first responders and low-income seniors. Those tax breaks were not generally opposed by local government groups and will not have significant impact on already cash-strapped cities and counties.
But overall, Florida voters rebuffed legislative efforts to make significant constitutional changes, with most measures failing to gain the 60 percent approval rating needed to pass. In many cases, a majority of voters opposed the proposals.
One of the most controversial measures, Amendment 6, would have prohibited state funds from being spent on abortions, unless the health of the mother was in danger. The proposal also whittled away at privacy protections in Florida’s constitution that have been used to overturn abortion restrictions in recent years including a parental consent requirement for minors seeking an abortion.
When the votes were counted, 55 percent of voters rejected the amendment outright, a margin of victory that abortion rights advocates say they hope will curtail legislative attempts to expand restrictions on the procedure.
“We hope that Tallahassee politicians will now turn their attention to expanding health care instead of trying to take away existing health coverage that women need,” said Lillian Tamayo, campaign chairwoman for Vote No On 6.
Another closely watched amendment also went down as voters rejected Amendment 8, which would have made it clear that government money is free to be spent on religious groups.
The proposal was backed by religious groups including the Catholic Church and was seen as a precursor to allowing state education funds to finance religious backed schools. Voters rejected the amendment by a 56-44 percent margin.
Local governments also flexed their muscle Tuesday, defeating a handful of amendments, including one that would have limited the increase in local revenue to inflation and population growth.
The Florida Association of Counties led efforts to scuttle Amendment 3, saying it would hamstring already cash-strapped local officials by limiting the ability of cities and counties to raise necessary revenue.
Voters also rejected Amendment 4, which reduced the cap on tax assessment increases for non-residential property from 10 percent to 5 percent while providing additional exemptions for first-time homebuyers and all homeowners if the market value of their property drops.
Critics said expanding the “Save our Homes” protections to second homes and other commercial property would make it even more difficult to pay for schools, roads and other local infrastructure financed through property taxes.
“The defeat of Amendment 4 is a major win for home rule and Florida’s year-round taxpayers,” said Cragin Mosteller, spokeswoman for the county group. “Voters have clearly signaled their support for the principles of home rule and commonsense tax policy that truly puts Florida’s residents first.”
A slate of three less dramatic property tax proposals, Amendment 2, Amendment 9 and Amendment 11 were the only proposals to meet the 60 percent threshold.
Amendment 2 would allow combat disabled veterans to be eligible for an additional homestead exemption while Amendment 9 would provide a break to the spouses of deceased veterans and emergency responders.
Likewise, low-income seniors would be given an additional homestead tax break under Amendment 11, which garnered just under 61 percent of the vote.
Among other amendments that went down to defeat Tuesday were:
AMENDMENT 1: A ceremonial slap at the federal Patient Protection Act, which would have barred the state from requiring citizens to carry health insurance. The proposal was largely moot as federal law would preempt state law on the health care issue.
AMENDMENT 5: The proposal would have required Senate confirmation for state Supreme Court justices appointed by the governor, making it easier for lawmakers to influence court procedural rules.
AMENDMENT 10: The proposal would have increased the exemption on tangible personal property from $25,000 to $50,000.
AMENDMENT 12: The proposal would have changed the way the student member of the State University System’s Board of Governors is chosen.
By Michael Peltier
The News Service of Florida