Minor Fire At UWF
February 9, 2012
Firefighters responded to a small fire Thursday morning in the gym building at the University of West Florida.
The fire reportedly began in a laundry room about 11 a.m. and was quickly extinguished. Firefighters remained on the scene to clear smoke from the building.
The building was evacuated during the fire; there were no injuries reported.
10 Years Community Control, Probation For Meth Lab
February 9, 2012
A Cantonment man has been sentenced to a total of 10 years community control and probation in connection with a meth lab found at a Cantonment home last year.
Adjudication was withheld in the case of Robert Edward Raines. He was sentenced by judge Michael Allen to 18 months community control to be followed by 8.5 years of probation. He was also ordered to perform 100 hours of community service at 10 hours per month.
Raines was charged with possession of methamphetamines with intent to sell, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of listed chemicals with the intent to manufacture a control substance.
In February 2011, deputies reported finding Raines inside a home in the 1100 block of Muscogee Road with an active methamphetamine lab.
Ethics Commission Dismisses Complaint Over Equestrian Center Hiring
February 9, 2012
The Florida Commission on Ethics announced Wednesday that it dismissed a complaint filed against several Escambia County officials over the hiring of Forest Gibbs as marketing coordinator for the Escambia Equestrian Center.
The complaint by Escambia County resident Jim C. Hunt was filed against Commissioner Wilson Robertson and three members of a hiring committee that originally gave the job to Gibbs. Those staffers were Assistant County Administrator Larry Newsom, Human Resources Supervisor Barbara Keyser, and Chief of Recreation and Special Services Michael Rhodes.
The ethics commission dismissed the complaint due to lack of legal sufficiency.
Gibbs held the Equestrian Center job for about two weeks in October until being fired by County Administrator Randy Oliver following a complaint that Robertson influenced his hiring and landed Gibbs a $63,000 salary, which was higher than was advertised. The commission, including Robertson, called for a state investigation into the process. The State Attorney found no wrongdoing.
Gibbs filed suit in Escambia County Circuit Court against Commissioners Kevin White, Marie Young and Grover Robinson claiming that he was qualified and they improperly removed him from his new job. The suit does not name Escambia County as a defendant. Gene Valentino, who was not at a county meeting in which the board considered the matter, is also not being sued.
Gibbs is seeking unnamed damages in excess of $15,000 plus legal and court costs from White, Young and Robinson.
After re-advertising the position, Pamela Mauldwin of Milton was hired as Equestrian Center manager. She will begin her job on February 28.
Fannie Road Wreck Injures One
February 9, 2012
One person was injured in a single vehicle accident Wednesday night near Century.
The accident happened about 10:15 p.m. on Fannie Road near Carnley Road just northeast of Century. The driver of a GMC SUV apparently lost control and overturned off the roadway. The driver was transported to Jay Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
The Flomaton Fire Department responded to the crash because dispatchers originally believed the accident was in Alabama. The Escambia County (Fla.) Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Highway Patrol also responded.
Further details have not been released by the Florida Highway Patrol.
Gov. Scott Appoints Darlene Dickey Of Molino To Escambia Court
February 9, 2012
Darlene F. Dickey, of Molino, was appointed Wednesday to the Escambia County Court by Gov. Rick Scott.
Dickey, 41, has been general counsel for the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office since 2006. Previously, she practiced with Bozeman, Jenkins and Matthews P.A. from 2003 to 2005 after three years as an assistant state attorney with the First Judicial Circuit.
After completing a bachelor’s degree, she served five years as a law enforcement officer, first with the University of West Florida Police Department, and later as a field training officer with the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. Dickey received a bachelor’s degree from the University of West Florida and a law degree from Florida State University.
“Throughout Darlene’s career, she has gained valuable experience listening to all sides of the issues in order to gain the understanding needed to resolve conflicts, “Gov. Scott said. “Her willingness and ability to apply sound and restrained legal analysis will serve the people of Escambia County well.”
Dickey will fill the vacancy created by the appointment of Judge John F. Simon to the First Judicial Circuit.
Standing Strong: NJROTC Annual Inspection Held (With Photo Gallery)
February 9, 2012
Northview High School’s NJROTC Annual Inspection was held Wednesday at the school, with cadets undergoing face to face scrutiny.
The inspecting officer was Captain Maria Majar, MSC, Executive Officer for the Navy Medicine Operational Training Center in Pensacola. Accompanying her was the Command Master Chief, HMCM (SW) Timothy Perkett.
The day’s events began with a personnel inspection, drill demonstration and a pass-in-review in the school gym. Other events Wednesday included a financial record review, briefings, administrative inspections, supply inspections and more.
“I was absolutely impressed with all of the cadets,” Majar said. “They should all be very, very, extremely proud of themselves.”
For a photo gallery, click here.
About half of the cadets were recognized as “outstanding” in their uniforms. Those receiving the Outstanding Personal Appearance Award were: Jordyn Dunsford, Brittany Martin, Dylan Cartwright, Talia Syria, Haley Maddox, Andrea Miles, Victoria Wright, Kasie Braun, Kira Cartwright, Courtney Jones, Jeniya Odom, Lakelynn Parker, Tori Jordan, Dakota Craft, Kelsea Cohen, Jasmine Maher, Kayla Nahkala, Johnny Robbins, Cheyenne Godwin, Jaylen Parker, Kyle Hunter, Miranda Morris, Shauna Walker, Aaliyah Creamer, Kayla Miles, Amber Francis, Sean Allister, Natassja Scott, Ashley Joiner, Irene Stewart, Angelique Brown, Christina Donald, Jarrett Parker, Garrett Turner, Lane Carnley, Blaze Harkness, Michelle Carnley, Kent Smith and Cari Thompson.
Pictured: Northview High School’s NJROTC Annual Inspection Wednesday morning at the school. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Escambia Fire Rescue, Century Correctional Ink Aid Agreement
February 9, 2012
Escambia Fire Rescue and the Florida Department of Corrections have entered into an agreement to maintain support during an actual or anticipated emergency at Century Correctional Institution.
The Memorandum of Agreement — similar to a mutual aid agreement — provides that Escambia Fire Rescue will respond to Century CI for fire suppression and investigation, rescue of inmates or other persons that may have become trapped and will provide fire prevention and safety education. Escambia Fire Rescue will also serve as the point of contact for Century CI to request ambulance and emergency medical services.
The five year agreement also provides for Escambia Fire Rescue key personnel to tour the facility and participate in joint exercises.
Pictured: Escambia Fire Rescue responded to a fire at a covered picnic area at Century Correctional Institution in May 2010. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
FEMA Recognizes Escambia County
February 9, 2012
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) presented Escambia County with a plaque in recognition of the County’s participation and success in the National Flood Insurance Program Community Rating System (CRS). The recognition was a result of the County’s commitment and efforts to reduce loss of lives and property damage caused by flooding, restore environmental functions of floodplains, and hold development standards that exceed minimum requirements.
The County’s current rating is a class 6 and depending on current flood insurance, a citizen could be eligible for up to a 20 percent discount.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policies issued on or after May 1, 2011, in special flood hazard areas qualify for a 20 percent premium discount. Standard rated flood insurance policies in zones B, C, X, D, AR and A99 are limited to a 10 percent CRS discount. Preferred risk policies in zones B, C and X are not eligible for a discount.
Homeowners should contact their insurance provider to find out what zone they live in and if they qualify for the discount. Premium reductions are subject to change.
The Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency uses the CRS as part of the NFIP to evaluate floodplain management activities designed to minimize flood risk and provide public education. Escambia County is evaluated every five years.
Residents Report Shake, Rattle Wednesday Afternoon
February 8, 2012
Residents across part of Escambia County reported a strong shaking just before 2:00 Wednesday afternoon, and the event was recorded on seismic equipment at Pensacola State College.
A seismograph located at PSC record a strong “spike” at 1:52 p.m. The spike was not like that seen in an earthquake, officials said, but more like would be seen from a sonic boom or some sort of an explosion. Emergency officials did not receive an reports of an explosion in the county.
Most of the reports of shaking came from the southern two-thirds of the county — from the coast to just north of Cantonment.
There was a similar report of shaking or an explosion felt across North Escambia and into south Alabama on January 14. There was never any official explanation of the event.
Woman Charged After Deputies Find Rolling Meth Lab In Century
February 8, 2012
[EXCLUSIVE] A Brewton woman was jailed after deputies discovered a rolling meth lab during a traffic stop in Century Tuesday night.
Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputies discovered the “one pot” methamphetamine lab in a Chevrolet 1500 pickup truck following a traffic stop in the 100 block of Henry Street in Century about 10:35 p.m.
For a photo gallery from the scene, click here.
The driver of the vehicle, 37-year old Marilyn Natasha Satterwhite, was charged with methamphetamine trafficking, possession of methamphetamine with the intent to sell, manufacture or deliver, and driving without a license. She was booked into the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $45,500.
Satterwhite told deputies that she did not know how the meth lab ended up in her truck. She said she had just picked up two passengers just prior to the traffic stop.
Deputies determined the two adult male passengers were not involved. They were released at the scene.
In addition to the active meth lab in the bed of the truck, deputies found various ingredients commonly used in the meth making process. They also discovered a Mason jar with a black liquid that could not immediately be positively identified.
A hazardous materials team from the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Rapid Response unit responded to the scene and worked into the early morning hours Wednesday to neutralize the meth labs and associated chemicals.
For a photo gallery from the scene, click here.
Pictured top: A suspected “one pot” meth lab bursts into flames as it is being neutralized by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Rapid Response team early Wednesday morning on Henry Street in Century. Pictured inset: The suspected “one pot” meth lab. Pictured below: Deputies in full hazmat gear work to neutralize the meth lab. NorthEscambia.com exclusive photos, click to enlarge.
