Gas Prices Slide Headed Toward 4th Holiday
June 30, 2012
Gas prices, which often spike in the summer around the Fourth of July, are instead dropping across Florida. Prices in Escambia County were as low as $3.04 Friday night, including stations in Cantonment and Molino. At some stations in South Alabama, gas has already dipped below $3 a gallon. At the Tom Thumb at West Roberts Road and Highway 29, the price of a gallon of regular unleaded was $3.05 Friday evening. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Congress Approves RESTORE Act
June 30, 2012
Florida and other Gulf states will share the bulk of any monies received from BP under the RESTORE act passed by Congress Friday.
The bill, which was part of a larger transportation measure, earmarks 80 percent of water pollution fines BP is expected to pay for restoration efforts in Gulf States, which bore the brunt of the damage from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010.
The company is facing fines of between $5 billion and $21 billion for violation of the federal Clean Water Act.
Voting against the measure in the House were Republican Reps. Sandy Adams, Bill Posey, Connie Mack, Richard Nugent and Dennis Ross. In the Senate, the Florida delegation split, with Democrat Bill Nelson voting in favor and Republican Marco Rubio voting against.
The RESTORE Act was included in a larger transportation bill. Also included in the bill was a continuation of low-interest rates loans for college students. The interest rates on guaranteed student loans were slated to double if no action was taken.
Wahoos Win 6-1
June 30, 2012
Blue Wahoos right-hander Daniel Corcino fired eight solid innings and gave up just one earned run, while center fielder Ryan LaMarre, third baseman David Vidal and left fielder Bryson Smith all homered to lead Pensacola to a 6-1 victory over the Jackson Generals in front of another sellout crowd of 5,038 on Friday night at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium.
The win evens the series between the two teams at 2-2 and also bumps the Fish’s overall record up to 39-39, as well as 5-4 since the All-Star break. The defeat drops Jackson to a 47-32 mark in 2012, in addition to a 5-4 tally in the second half. The capacity crowd was the second straight for Pensacola in the series, as well as their 25th overall in 38 home openings this year as they maintained their lead in attendance in the Southern League.
In his first start in Pensacola since firing the first eight innings of the first no-hitter in team history just under two weeks ago, Corcino (8.0 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 7 SO) was stellar again for the Fish, yielding just five hits and two walks while also fanning seven in his solid eight frames. Reliever Justin Freeman (1.0 IP, 1 SO) finished off the Generals with a perfect ninth frame, while Jackson starter Brandon Maurer (5.0 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 4 BB, 3 SO) suffered the loss to fall to 5-2 after allowing four earned runs on five hits in five innings of work.
The Blue Wahoos jumped out to an early two-run advantage in the first frame with LaMarre starting the rally with a leadoff double. After walks from 2B Brodie Greene and 1B Beau Mills loaded the bases, LF Josh Fellhauer bounced a ground ball through the hole between shortstop and third base to plate both LaMarre and Greene.
LaMarre would increase the margin to 3-0 in the next inning, launching his third roundtripper of the year over the left field wall, while his run-scoring groundout in the fourth push the Blue Wahoos ahead 4-0. Pensacola then tacked on a pair of insurance runs in the sixth with the longball. Vidal began the frame with his second big fly of the season, while Smith blasted his first homer of the year for Pensacola in just his second game since being promoted from High-A Bakersfield.
The Generals brought across their lone tally in the eighth to dash the Blue Wahoos’ shutout hopes. LF Kalian Sams reached with a base hit up the middle and moved to third on 1B Jharmidy De Jesus’ double, before he was sent home on an RBI groundout by SS Gabriel Noriega.
Smith (3-4, 2 R, 1 HR, 1 RBI) led all hitters with three base knocks in the contest, while LaMarre (2-4, 2 R, 1 2B, 1 HR, 2 RBI) also collected a multi-hit effort for the Blue Wahoos in the win. Jackson CF Denny Almonte (2-4) totaled two of the Generals’ five hits in the contest.
With the series even at 2-2, the two teams will square off in the rubber match on Saturday night, with first pitch set for 6:30 pm at the bayfront stadium. The Blue Wahoos are expected to send RHP J.C. Sulbaran to the mound, while Jackson is expected to counter with RHP Taijuan Walker, who was tabbed by Baseball America before this season as the top prospect in the Seattle Mariners’ organization.
By Andrew Green
Pictured: Daniel Corcino fired eight strong innings in the Blue Wahoos’ 6-1 win Friday. Photo by Chris Nelson for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
For ‘Inspirational Message’ Bill, Few Immediate Effects
June 30, 2012
A controversial law that would allow student prayer at mandatory school events could have limited impact even after it goes into effect Sunday, both supporters and opponents of the “inspirational message” bill say.
The measure, signed into law by Gov. Rick Scott in March, paves the way for local school districts to approve policies allowing students to decide whether to have another student deliver an inspirational message at school events. But districts aren’t likely to approve any of the proposals because of the threat of costly litigation.
“On our advice, they are going nowhere with it,” said Wayne Blanton, executive director of the Florida School Boards Association.
Blanton said only one school district in the state – Clay County – has even considered implementing one of the policies, and decided not to. He said the measure was “a political bill” aimed more at the November elections than the actual policy.
Even one of the bill’s sponsors, Rep. Charles Van Zant, R-Keystone Heights, said he didn’t expect school boards to leap into action right away. But Van Zant said he has heard from districts that are interested in the idea and might look into it early next year — after the November vote.
“I don’t think they’re going to do much of anything simply because there’s so much electioneering going on,” Van Zant said.
Looming over the entire bill is the threat of legal action against any district that tries to implement it. When Scott signed the bill, the ACLU of Florida, the Anti-Defamation League and Americans United for the Separation of Church and State each separately issued warnings to local school districts that going ahead with a policy could subject them to legal challenges.
The Santa Rosa County School District recently spent hundreds of thousands of dollars in a costly series of lawsuits over the role of religion in public schools, sparked in part by prayers at school events.
Van Zant said districts shouldn’t be deterred.
“I told them the ACLU is going to threaten to sue them,” he said. “Don’t worry about it.”
But in a statement issued Friday, ACLU of Florida Executive Director Howard Simon said he didn’t expect many districts to follow Van Zant’s advice.
“Fortunately, Florida educators are likely to be smarter than legislators,” Simon said. “I expect few if any school districts to be enticed by the Legislature’s invitation to adopt an unconstitutional policy and end up in inevitable litigation — and spend scarce tax dollars on lawyers in the courtroom rather than children in the classroom.”
By The News Service of Florida
High Speed Escambia Chase Ends In Alabama, Deputy Involved In Wreck
June 29, 2012
[Updated 10:15 a.m] A high speed police chase that began in Escambia County ended about 20 miles into Baldwin County Thursday evening, injuring one person and causing a wreck involving a deputy and private vehicle.
The driver, 31-year old Michael Joseph Heath of Johnson Avenue, Pensacola, is being held without bond in the Baldwin County Jail as a fugitive from justice. He is awaiting extradition to Escambia County on charges of aggravated battery and aggravated assault, plus additional charges stemming from the pursuit.
Escambia County deputies responded to a disturbance on Mercer Lane about 6 p.m. Thursday. The victim told deputies that her Heath, her ex-boyfriend, had thrown her clothes in the road and left the area. Officers responded to his residence where they observed him drive away in a white Dodge Caravan. Deputies attempted a traffic stop, but Heath failed to stop. He led them from Mobile Highway, to I-10 and to West Kingsfield Road.
Witnesses reported over a half dozen Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputies chasing white Dodge Caravan along West Kingsfied Road at a high rate of speed a short time later. Escambia County EMS was dispatched to West Kingsfield Road after a passenger in the van, 33-year old Timothy Johnson of Pensacola, jumped from the moving van and complained of a shoulder injury. Johnson is not facing any charges.
A short time later an Escambia County Sheriff’s deputy in a marked cruiser and the driver of a Nissan pickup were apparently involved in an accident near the intersection of Muscogee Road and River Annex Road in Cantonment, just a short distance from the Alabama state line. That accident happened about 6:45 p.m.
A rear tire on the Grand Caravan began to come off, and Heath was finally stopped with the assistance of the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office and Alabama State troopers on Highway 112 near Holly Grove Road in Baldwin County, about 20 miles into Alabama. Heath then ran from officers on foot, but was soon apprehended.
Pictured above and bottom: A white Dodge Caravan was chased by Florida deputies into Baldwin County Thursday evening. Pictured below: An Escambia County Sheriff’s deputy was involved in a wreck on Muscogee road near the Alabama state line. Pictured bottom inset: A pickup truck was also involved a Cantonment crash. NorthEscambia.com exclusive photos by Kristi Smith, click to enlarge.
Century Man Critically Injured In Pensacola Wreck
June 29, 2012
A Century man was critically injured Thursday evening when he slammed his 2012 Nissan SUV into a billboard in Pensacola.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, 24-year old Darryl Thomas Frazier was traveling east on Fairfield Drive approaching Fernwood Avenue. Frazier failed to negotiate a curve and continued straight onto the grass shoulder and across Fernwood Avenue where he struck a round metal billboard pole.
Frazier was transported to Baptist Hospital in critical condition.
Troopers said the crash may have been caused by a medical condition.
Baldwin County High Speed Chase Ends At Atmore Business, Suspect Tased
June 29, 2012
A man was tased in the parking lot of an Atmore business at the end of a high speed chase across parts of two counties Thursday afternoon — with his three children in the vehicle.
Chris Edward Lambeth, age 34 of Bay Minette, was charged with possession of a chemical compound/salvia, possession of drug paraphernalia, resisting arrest, attempting to elude, three counts of reckless endangerment, and multiple traffic offenses. He remained in the Baldwin County Jail early Friday with bond set at $10,500.
The Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office says a deputy was running radar on County Road 61 in Perdido when a red van passed the deputy’s patrol car at 60 mph in a 35 mph zone. The deputy initiated a traffic stop, but then Lambeth gained speed and a chase began.
Lambeth crossed into Escambia County (Ala.) and continued on James Road until he was blocked by a train. At that point, he turned into a field and backtracked his van to Highway 31 where he ran a stop sign and was almost hit by traffic, according to Major Antony Lowery, spokesperson for the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies from Escambia County (Ala.) also joined in the chase.
The chase continued along Highway 31 into Atmore at speeds up to 100 mph. Lambeth then turned on Industrial Drive in Atmore where he turned into the parking lot of the ESCOFAB manufacturing company. The three children in the van then ran inside the business where their mother worked.
Lowery and Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Mike Lambert said Lambeth resisted arrest and was tased. Lambeth told deputies several times that he was trying to kill himself and that he did not want to go back to jail, Lowery said.
Lambeth also had outstanding warrants in Baldwin County on additional charges.
Lambeth will likely face more charges related to the high speed chase in Escambia County, Ala., Lambert said.
Pictured top and bottom inset: A police chase from Baldwin County that reached speeds of 100 mph came to an end in the parking lot of ESCOFAB in Atmore Thursday afternoon. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Northview FFA Food For America Named Best In Florida
June 29, 2012
The Northview High School FFA’s Food For America program was named the best in Florida Thursday during the 84th Florida FFA State Convention in Orlando.
The Northview Food for America Program gave hundreds of elementary school students a chance to learn about agriculture firsthand up close and personal with farm animals, farm equipment and more. About 800 elementary school students and about 100 volunteers took part in the program that featured over two dozen off-campus exhibitors.
The 2012 Food For America program was dedicated to Tommy Weaver, a beloved Northview teacher who passed away during the last school year.
The Food for America award is sponsored by the Florida Department of Agriculture.
For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery from the March event, click here.
Pictured above and below: The Northview High School FFA Food for America program was named the best in Florida Thursday afternoon in Orlando. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Molino Majors Head To State Tourney, Holding Car Wash Saturday
June 29, 2012
The Molino Majors baseball team will head to Brooksville, Fla., on July 13 for the Florida Dixie Youth Baseball Tournament.
The team will hold a car wash and yard sale at Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Molino on Saturday from 8 a.m. until noon with a minimize $5 donation.
Pictured: The Molino Majors baseball team (front, L-R) Heath Sheldt, Joey Nielsen, Leo Salas, Aaron Dees, Nicholas Venable, Carson Daniels, Henry Langford, Timothy Isaacs, (back, L-R) Eli Deese, Austin Cody, Tanner Deese, and Tyler Comans. Team coaches (not pictured) are Jerry Venable, Randy Cody and Ken Daniel, and Charity Sheldt serves at team mom. Photo courtesy Eye Candy Photography for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Two Busted Inside Davisville House, Charged With Burglary
June 29, 2012
Two Illinois residents were jailed after Escambia County Sheriff’s deputies caught them inside an empty house on Highway 97 in Davisville.
Margaret H. Tripamer, age 45 of Oak Lawn, IL, and Lonny R. Gray, age 44 of Ingleside, IL, were both charged with burglary, trespassing and criminal mischief property damage. Both remained in the Escambia County Jail early Friday with bond set at $5,500 each.
The owner of the home in the 11000 block of Highway 97 — the first house south of the Alabama state line — called deputies after he stopped by and saw two people inside the house which is up for sale.
Deputies arrived with the male and female still inside and ordered the pair outside. Gray told deputes that he and Tripamer were interested in purchasing the home. He said he attempted unsuccessfully to contact the realtor, and the duo decided to enter the home and spend the night due to their level of interest in purchasing the house, the arrest report states. He told deputies he thought it would be acceptable since he found the front door open.
Tripamer refused to speak to deputies without talking to a lawyer.
The realtor, Patty Davis of Atmore, told deputies that she had never spoken to either Tripamer or Gray and had no voice messages from either one.
Deputies reported that a backdoor latch was off the hinges and the door had obviously been kicked in. They also found clothing and personal items belonging to the suspects inside the home, according to the report.
Pictured top: Two Illinois residents are charged with burglarizing this home on Highway 97 just south of the Alabama state line. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.