In His Own Words: Deputy Jeremy Cassady, Shot Two Years Ago, Retires
October 31, 2012
Former Escambia County Sheriff’s Deputy Jeremy Cassady, who was shot in the line of duty, has announced his retirement.
He made the announcement Monday on his Facebook page, two years to the day he was shot. Two other deputies and a female were shot that day on Baywind Circle. Phillip Monier was found guilty on eight counts including attempted murder, assault and kidnapping. Cassady later received a kidney and pancreas transplant.
“I am, however, convinced that I survived for a reason, God has a plan for me and I am anxious to see what the future holds,” Cassady wrote.
Below, Cassady explains his retirement decision, in his own, unedited words….
As everyone knows two years ago today my life, as well as my families life was altered forever. Due to the extent of my injuries suffered from that day, I was forced to take a medical retirement and today is my last day as a law enforcement officer. I just would like to say that if I could go back and change anything about that day I wouldn’t. I made a conscience decision to protect my fellow officers that day, as well as an unknown “citizen”. That was the oath I took and growing up in law enforcement helped me Carry out this act. I knew when I stepped into that bedroom that day that it wasn’t going to end well and I did everything I could possibly do to protect everyone in that room, so I rest easy.
Also while I’m at it I have to thank god. I thank god, not for sparing my life that day. But for putting things in order and not harming anyone else more than they were hurt. That day was perfect, my team got me out of the storm, straight to ems, who got me straight to the trauma surgeon who was waiting on me when I arrived. Everything fell into place, and as a law enforcement office our goal is to go home when it’s all said and done. Well I’m not gonna say that it has been an easy two years but I eventually made it home, so I would say I completed my mission. I am however convinced that I survived for a reason, god has a plan for me and I am anxious to see what the future holds.
I could actually go on for days about the appreciation that I felt when I woke up and saw the love and support that the community provided towards my family, and myself I could not fail. At the emergency room it made me feel good that governor Crist was their alongside one of the poorest lady’s on Erres blvd, praying for god to save me. Yes people I will now join the ranks of the old timers, as well as the injured, tube I ain’t gone. I will jump in a cruiser with someone and still go visit my secret snitches, as well as irritate those that need it.
We won that day, but it was a great sacrifice, well worth the effort. You guys need to stop and take the time to realize what you have and how simple life really is, try not to take things for granted so much. On any given day you could end up like me. Appreciate what you have.
I have spent most of this day thinking about the team that day that did what was necessary to save my life, Josh, Kelly, Rick Vinson, and some poor trainee that was crying all over me as she clinched her gun shaking as the shooting continued, I remember and will always be in debt to you guys. Sam, Chad, Melody, Josh, we are not hero’s, but we are all Warriors that did what we had to do that day. Thank you all! What a great family we are at ECSO!!
To the family friends and unknown, I will never be able to say thanks enough for seeing my family, and friends through this tough time. I appreciate everyone that extended a hand in prayer, as well as provided a shoulder for my Wife, family and close friends to lean on when things looked so grim.
To my wife and family, I love you all, and frankly this is what we do! We are tough and we never walk alone into battle.
Alabama Police Chase Ends With Century Manhunt
October 31, 2012
An over 30-mile police chase came to an end with a manhunt in Century.
During the early morning hours Monday, an officer from the Poarch Creek Police Department attempted to stop a vehicle on the Poarch Creek Reservation. The vehicle was wanted by the Atmore Police Department in connection with a felony theft.
The vehicle came to a stop on Jack Springs Road. As the officer approached the vehicle, the black male driver took off and was pursued onto I-65 by the Poarch officer, according to Sharon Delmar, spokesperson for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians.
The Poarch officer continued his pursuit on I-65 to the Flomaton exit, south on Highway 113 to Flomaton and then into Florida on Highway 29. The vehicle continued onto Pond Street in Century, where the black male driver bailed out at the McMurray Park. A female inside the vehicle was detained and questioned before being released.
The Escambia County (Fla.) Sheriff’s Office responded to the park to assist in a search involving a K-9 unit with the Century Correctional Institution. The driver was not located and there were no arrests made Monday morning, according to Sgt. Mike Ward, spokesperson for the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Delmar said evidence related to the theft was recovered inside the vehicle. The Atmore Police Department is expected to seek an arrest warrant for the female.
Need Christmas Assistance? Toys For Tots Kicks Off November 1
October 31, 2012
Applications will be accepted beginning Thursday for those needing assistance from the annual Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots campaign.
The drive strives to provide holiday toys for struggling families in Northwest Florida. Through partnerships with local charitable organizations and community donations, the Toys for Tots team hopes to provide three to five toys per child. Applications will be accepted November 1 through December 10.
To qualify for the local program, children must be ages 1-14 and reside in Escambia or Santa Rosa counties.
In Escambia County, applicants should call 211 or (850) 434-3157.
In Santa Rosa County, applications will be accepted in person at the following locations:
- Jay: Jay Town Hall (3695 Hwy 4) (850) 675-4556
- Gulf Breeze: Early Learning Coalition (3188 Gulf Breeze Pkwy.) (850) 916-5422
- Milton: United Way of Santa Rosa County (6479-A Caroline St.) (850) 983-7200
Applicants will need the following documentation:
- Valid photo ID (driver’s license, college ID, etc.)
- Proof of residency if not on ID (utility bill in client’s name, government letters)
- Proof of income (check stub, bank statement, letter of determination from government)
- Proof of each child’s age (birth certificate, shot record stating birth date, letter from school)
Toys will be distributed to families in need on December 17 and 18 in Escambia County and December 19 in Santa Rosa County. Distribution site locations and times will be provide to clients upon application approval.
Century Proclamation Honors The Life Of Late Rev. Willie Carter
October 31, 2012
The Town of Century has issued a proclamation honoring the life of retired educator Rev. Willie H. Carter who passed away October 7.
The proclamation honored Carter’s service in the community, service to the Century Chamber of Commerce and for “his tireless work for the betterment of the qualify of life of the young people in our community”.
Read the entire proclamation by clicking here.
To read more about Carter’s life, click here for an earlier story.
Pictured top: Rev. Willie Carter (right) prays with Mayor Freddie McCall during a community even in Century. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Gulf Power Sends More Crews To Help With Sandy Restoration
October 31, 2012
A Gulf Power Company storm restoration team left Fredericksburg, Va., Tuesday morning and headed to Plymouth Meeting, Pa.,just north of Philadelphia.
The 70-person team, including 48 line personnel and 22 support personnel, will assist Philadelphia Electric Company once they arrive this afternoon. As of Tuesday morning, PECO was reporting almost 600,000 customers without power.
Advocates Make Suggestions To Expand KidCare
October 31, 2012
With a new crop of lawmakers soon to arrive in Tallahassee, children’s advocates Tuesday released a plan to expand health care coverage to the hundreds of thousands of Florida kids who don’t have it.
The “KidCare Toolbox” includes a history of the program and an explanation of gaps in coverage that advocates have long sought to plug – along with policy tools for fixing them.
“None of this effort is really new,” said Karen Woodall of the Florida Center for Fiscal and Economic Policy. “This is just putting it together all in one place and including families who are impacted, along with advocates and policymakers.”
Last year, just three states had a higher percentage of uninsured children than Florida. In 2011, about 579,000 children statewide were uninsured, including 358,000 low-income children who were qualified for coverage.
Working with private carriers, KidCare cut the percentage of low-income, uninsured children to about 19 percent last year, the lowest since the state began keeping track. But that was higher than the national 9.7 percent rate.
So children’s advocates are offering policy proposals that they say would help solve problems that make it harder for families to enroll or stay enrolled.
KidCare has four main components – Medicaid for children, Florida Healthy Kids, MediKids and Children’s Medical Services – administered by multiple state agencies. That makes it easy for children to fall through the cracks if their ages or family incomes change.
“That transfer does not happen smoothly,” said Diana Ragbeer of The Children’s Trust. “We have been struggling with that disjointedness for years.”
On Tuesday, the advocates outlined proposed policy changes such as making eligibility continuous for 12 months, which would allow children to stay enrolled that long. Also, the changes would make eligibility presumptive, granting coverage to children who qualify but don’t have their paperwork in hand yet.
“We’re using the theme of tools that, if used, would chip away at the number of uninsured kids in the state,” said Woodall, a longtime member of KidCare’s advisory council. “It’s a renewed commitment to pulling in that quality health care and filling in the gaps.”
Katie Betta, a spokeswoman for incoming Senate President Don Gaetz, said in an email that the Niceville Republican “has and will continue to be supportive of KidCare,” though he has not been approached about the initiative announced Tuesday.
Woodall and Ragbeer said the advocates will soon reach out to legislative leaders.
“For the first time in four years, we’re no longer looking at a (budget) deficit situation,” said Ragbeer. And given state leaders’ emphasis on education, she said, health care is a vital support. “Sick children can’t learn.”
“We think there’s a bipartisan consensus,” agreed Woodall. “We believe that if given the tools to move forward, we’ll be able to make some progress in this legislature.”
By Margie Menzel
The News Service of Florida
Photos: Hundreds Attend Flomaton Fall Festival
October 31, 2012
Hundreds of people from Flomaton, Century and across the area attended the annual Fall Festival in Flomaton Tuesday evening.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Pictured: Scenes from the Flomaton Fall Festival Tuesday night in Flomaton, Alabama. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Wednesday Is Final Day To Request Mailed Absentee Ballot
October 30, 2012
Wednesday is the final day for voters to requested an absentee ballot be mailed to them, according to Escambia County Supervisor of Elections David Stafford.
Voters can make their request by contacting the Supervisor of Elections by mail, phone at (850) 595-3900, fax at (850) 595-3914, email to absentee@escambiavotes.com, or by using an online form at EscambiaVotes.com. Requests must include the voter’s date of birth and address. Absentee voters may track the status of their ballot by clicking Track My Ballot at EscambiaVotes.com.
After Wednesday, a voter may still pick up an absentee ballot in person from the Elections Office. Voted absentee ballots must be received in the Elections Office (not at a polling
location) no later than 7:00 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, November 6.
In addition to absentee voting, early voting is being offered from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. daily through Saturday at five area locations:
- Supervisor of Elections Annex, 292 Muscogee Road, Cantonment
- Tryon Branch Library, 1200 Langley Avenue
- Supervisor of Elections Main Office, 213 Palafox Place, Second Floor
- West Florida Public Library, 200 West Gregory Street
- Southwest Branch Library, 12248 Gulf Beach Highway
Voters can also vote in person at the precinct on Election Day, November 6 from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.
Mother, Son Charged With Molino Indoor Marijuana Grow Operation
October 30, 2012
A mother and son have been arrested in connection with a hydroponic marijuana growing operation raided earlier this month in Molino.
Michael James Hamilton, 45, and his mother, 63-year old Ora Jean Hart, were both charged with marijuana production and possession of drug paraphernalia.
On October 17, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit served a search warrant at 7781 Wesley Circle in Molino. Investigators reported finding 11 marijuana plants with a street value of $22,000 growing inside a garage and a separate shed behind the residence. Deputies also reported finding numerous lights and other equipment used to grow the plants indoors, along with numerous marijuana leaves, seeds and buds.
“There is no reason to lie; I grow the marijuana plants because I have glaucoma,” Hart told investigators, according to an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office arrest report. Hamilton told deputies he has been smoking marijuana for about 20 years, and he learned to grow the plants from the internet, the report states.
Both Hamilton and Hart told deputies that the plants they found were the second batch they had grown. She said she orders the marijuana seeds through the mail.
Pictured inset and below: An indoor marijuana growing operation discovered October 17 in Molino. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Local Teachers Earn Cash Grants For Their Classrooms
October 30, 2012
Several North Escambia teachers are among 97 educators will that will have a little extra money for their classroom projects this year thanks to the Escambia County Public Schools Foundation.
Grant recipients from 45 Escambia County schools and departments were awarded grants of up to $500.
North Escambia area grant recipients were:
- Angela Avery, Ransom Middle School
- Robin Blalock, Tate High School
- Heather Gilman, Bratt Elementary School
- John Hannon, Tate High School
- Chet Truett, Ernest Ward Middle
- Kim D. Whitfield, Ransom Middle
- Sue Ann Young, Ransom Middle
Teachers will be presented with their checks at the Foundation’s Grants for Excellence reception on November 1.
Grant funds, which include $38,704.87 from the Foundation and $3,970.06 from Autism Pensacola, will be used to purchase curriculum and classroom materials for projects ranging from STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) labs to literacy programs that will actively engage students and enhance classroom learning experiences.
Countywide, the foundation awarded grants to the following:
- Alicia Abbuhl, Warrington Elementary School
- Mark Alberda, West Florida High School
- Theresa Anderson, Oakcrest Elementary School
- Daniel Arndt, ESE/Hall Center
- Angela Avery, Ransom Middle School
- Dr. Alana Battaglia, Escambia High School
- Saundra P. Bell, Hellen Caro Elementary School
- Russell Bertles, Workman Middle School
- Robin Blalock, Tate High School
- Beverly Bledsoe, West Florida High School
- Lisa Branscomb, Montclair Elementary School
- Megan H. Brees, Global Learning Academy
- Rose M. Briggs, George Stone Center
- Mimi Brown, Warrington Elementary School
- Debra L. Brown, West Pensacola Elementary School
- Donna B. Burch, West Florida High School
- Colleen Carbone, Bailey Middle School
- Katherine Carter, Workman Middle School
- Angelina Carter, Blue Angels Elementary School
- Wanda Cobb, Warrington Middle School
- James Coley, Weis Elementary School
- Rosie N. Cooper, Washington High School
- Laurie Cothran, Scenic Heights Elementary School
- Karen Creamer, Washington High School
- Karen Crisco, Scenic Heights Elementary School
- Rena Croker, Longleaf Elementary School
- Leslie R. Cuyuch, Workman Middle School
- Virginia Davis, Oakcrest Elementary School
- Philip Ebert, Ferry Pass Elementary School
- Christie Fine, Lipscomb Elementary School
- Stephanie Gaffney, Navy Point Elementary School
- Marietta Gibb, Cook Elementary School
- Renee Giles, West Florida High School
- Kathy Gilliland, Pine Forest High School
- Heather Gilman, Bratt Elementary School
- ReNae Grant, Semmes Elementary School
- Darlene Z. Hammons, McMillan Center
- John Hannon, Tate High School
- Anna K. Harageones, Ferry Pass Elementary School
- Bobbie T. Harrison, District Extended – Hall Center
- Michelle Helton, Jim Allen Elementary School
- Sarah Henkel, Bailey Middle School
- Laura Hershberger, Bailey Middle School
- R. Lynn Hoffman, Semmes Elementary School
- Shelia Holley, Oakcrest Elementary School
- Thomas Anthony Horne, Workman Middle School
- Barbara Jacobs, Bellview Middle School
- Keitha Jenkins Brown, Escambia High School
- Angela Karalekas, Blue Angels Elementary School
- Joshua Kaye, Hellen Caro Elementary School
- Kyle A. Kaye, West Pensacola Elementary School
- Debra Faye King, McMillan Title 1
- Maurine Kramerich, PATS Center
- Michelle Leitner, Lincoln Park Elementary School
- Matthew MacGregor, Escambia High School
- Jason Majors, Escambia High School
- Emily Marsh, Dixon School of the Arts
- Sarah Mason, Blue Angels Elementary School
- Kevin McAuliffe, Pine Forest High School
- Ruth McAuliffe, Escambia High School
- Lisa McCandless, Warrington Elementary School
- Angela McFarland, West Florida High School
- Nancy Melton-Buffington, Workman Middle School
- Shaina Mitchell, Scenic Heights Elementary School
- Theresa Mosley, Ferry Pass Elementary School
- Angela Mott, Beulah Elementary School
- Kim Nichols, Blue Angels Elementary School
- Margaret Nowak, McMillan PreK Center
- Tracey O’Connor, Ferry Pass Middle School
- Jean Odom, Cook Elementary School
- Rebecca A. Palmquist-Herzog, McMillan PreK Center
- Sharon Powers, Longleaf Elementary School
- Jeff Pribble, Escambia High School
- Lori Puentes, Sherwood Elementary School
- Marcia Rabbysmith, Hellen Caro Elementary School
- Jackie Rabin, Pleasant Grove Elementary
- Linda P. Reinhardt, Workman Middle
- Kasi Rhyne, Bellview Middle
- Dottie Ritchie-Riddle, Global Learning Academy
- Jennifer Shiver, Holm Elementary
- Susan Shockley, West Florida High School
- Leigh Ann South, Oakcrest Elementary
- Cindy Speed, Weis Elementary
- Pam Strubhar, Beulah Elementary
- Tina Taylor, Brown-Barge Middle
- Chet Truett, Ernest Ward Middle
- Jessica Truett, Lakeview Day School
- Alyssa Tucker, Oakcrest Elementary
- Kevin Turner, Washington High
- Genita Turner, Dixon School of the Arts
- Shawn Walker, West Florida High School
- Dr. Roberta Wetzel, Bailey Middle
- Carol Wheeler, Washington High
- Michelle White, Ferry Pass Elementary
- Kim D. Whitfield, Ransom Middle
- Diane Wright, Beulah Elementary
- Sue Ann Young, Ransom Middle