Judge: Lawsuit Against Conecuh Woods Landfill Can Proceed
October 27, 2011
An Alabama judge has ruled that a lawsuit can proceed against the developers behind the 5,100 acre Conecuh Woods landfill near Repton, Alabama.
Repton and Repton Mayor Terri Carter have been joined in the suit by a list of plaintiffs, including Escambia County, Ala.; Escambia County, Fla.; Century, Atmore, Brewton, Flomaton and the Escambia County (Fla.) Soil and Water Conservation District.
According to an Escambia County (Fla.) resolution, the county opposes the landfill because it poses a threat to Escambia River, Escambia Bay and Pensacola Bay, as well as the drinking water supply in the county.
In late April, attorneys filed the original suit in Conecuh County Circuit Court on behalf of Repton (pop. 280) and Carter seeking an injunction to block the 5,100 acre Conecuh Woods landfill. The landfill was approved 3-2 by the Conecuh County Commission just a week before the lawsuit was filed contending that the application violated applicable law and the public did not have ample opportunity to comment on the proposal.
Conecuh Woods’ landfill, will include a 1,600 acre “disposal cell” from Range to Repton to near the Big Escambia Creek. Big Escambia Creek flows southward into Escambia County, Alabama, Flomaton and drains through a North Escambia swamp into the Escambia River and then into Escambia and Pensacola bays.
Pictured: Repton (Ala.) Mayor Terry Carter explains her position against the landfill to the Century Town Council earlier this year. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Dept. Of Children And Families Impersonator Sought
October 27, 2011
Law enforcement is investigating at least two incidents where someone impersonated Department of Children and Families’ child protective investigators.
One incident occurred in Santa Rosa County when a mother received a call at work from an unknown male subject who identified himself as “Matt Lyles” and said he was an investigator with DCF. The man said he was investigating a case about her son having bruises. The called was described as very professional and he knew details about her family, including her name, phone number, place of employment, date of birth, address, child’s daycare, husband’s name and his place of employment.
After the phone call, the mother went to her son’s daycare, who said they had not been contacted and did not notify DCF about any issues. The daycare center contacted DCF but the agency did not have an open case with the family.
A second incident occurred in Bay County when an unknown male and female knocked on a family’s door and asked for their baby. The mother told them the baby was with another family member. The male was dressed in a dark-colored uniform that looked like law enforcement or security and the family said he was wearing a “weird” badge. The suspects never produced any identification or explained why they were there to see the child before leaving. The mother called the local DCF office and was informed there was no open case and no one had been sent to see her.
According to DCF, their investigators always carry proper identification. The identity of a DCF investigator can also be determined by calling a state hotline at (800) 962-2873 or a local DCF office.
Escambia Man Charged With DUI Manslaughter
October 27, 2011
An Escambia County man has been charged with DUI manslaughter in connection with a September crash.
The Florida Highway Patrol says Larry C. Johnson, 57, was traveling northbound in the southbound lane of Blue Angel Parkway in a 1995 Saturn at 9:35 p.m. on September 26 when he crashed head-on into a 2006 Land Rover driven by Tanieka Wilson, 29, of Hoover, Alabama. Wilson received minor injuries in the crash, while Johnson was transported to Baptist Hospital in critical condition.
Larry Johnson’s passenger, 54-year old Kenneth L. Johnson of West Palm Beach, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Florida High Patrol said Larry Johnson had a blood alcohol level of .293 at the time of the crash. Johnson surrendered and was booked into the Escambia County Jail on Wednesday morning, October 26. He was being held without bond.
Escambia County’s October Students Of The Month Named
October 27, 2011
Escambia County Students of the Month for October have been named by the Escambia Association for Administrators in Education. The awards are presented monthly to two or three students from participating schools.
The following students were named from participating North Escambia area schools:
- Bratt: Justin Cruce, fifth grade; Zykuria Fountain, kindergarten.
- Jim Allen: Christopher Daniel, fourth grade; Austin Skipper, fourth grade.
- Molino Park: Lillian Hatch, kindergarten; Brier Thompson, kindergarten.
- Ernest Ward: Ashley Davis, seventh grade; Bailee Hinote, sixth grade; Allison Woodfin, eighth grade.
- Ransom: Maurice Hendricks, sixth grade; Emma Jenkins, sixth grade.
- Northview: Devon Cottrell, 11th grade; Ashley Duncan, 11th grade.
- Tate: Madison Bell, 11th grade; Isaac Heller, 11th grade.
Here is the complete list from across Escambia County:
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
- Bellview: Marissa Balkum, kindergarten, Zharius Mayes, third grade.
- Beulah: Myah Harne, fourth grade; Kaitlin Weeden, fourth grade.
- Blue Angels: Brayden Miculka, first grade; Olivia Wells, first grade.
- Bratt: Justin Cruce, fifth grade; Zykuria Fountain, kindergarten.
- Brentwood: Jonathan Cook, first grade; Drake Kelley, first grade.
- Cordova Park: Joel Lett, fourth grade; Ashley Van Matre, fourth grade.
- Ferry Pass: Ayden Bailey, first grade; Julianna Reagin, first grade.
- Global Learning Academy: Joshua Jones, kindergarten; Isaiah Turner, kindergarten.
- Helen Caro: Jazlyn Caza, fourth grade; Brianna Cox, fifth grade.
- Holm: Everett Audorff, fifth grade; Michelle Luther, fifth grade.
- Jim Allen: Christopher Daniel, fourth grade; Austin Skipper, fourth grade.
- Lipscomb: Maddison Harte, third grade; Railynn Hughes, second grade.
- Longleaf: Kaetlen Hamlet, fourth grade; Tiera Robinson, fourth grade.
- McArthur: Jacob Caldwell, fourth grade; Nicholas Piazza, third grade.
- Molino Park: Lillian Hatch, kindergarten; Brier Thompson, kindergarten.
- Montclair: Trevor Tucker, fourth grade; Charlize Wilson, fourth grade.
- Myrtle Grove: Zachary Batten, fourth grade; Breanna Ellard, fourth grade.
- Navy Point: Jada Johnson, fourth grade; Jeffrey Sinclair, first grade.
- Oakcrest: Jasmyne Davis, fourth grade; Jessica Jones, fourth grade.
- Pine Meadow: Angelina Adams, first grade; Skyler Matson, first grade.
- Pleasant Grove: Emily Johnson, kindergarten; Alexander Mejia, kindergarten.
- Semmes: Dilan Adams, fifth grade; Dajuan Thomas, fifth grade.
- Sherwood: Isaiah Brown, fourth grade; Jaynessa Westfall, fourth grade.
- Suter: Chloe Eads, fourth grade; Danielle Ward, fourth grade.
- Warrington: Abrianna Skipper, third grade; Amayia White, third grade.
- Weis: Teya Baldwin, fourth grade; Arianna Riley, fourth grade.
- West Pensacola: Gabriela Guillen-Guillen, first grade; Joshua Smith, first grade.
MIDDLE SCHOOL
- Bailey: Jeffrey Nelson, seventh grade; Maya Woods, seventh grade.
- Bellview: Kayla Knight, eighth grade; Joseph Milsteen, eighth grade.
- Brown Barge: Thomas Cummins, eighth grade; Allyson McGuffin, seventh grade.
- Ernest Ward: Ashley Davis, seventh grade; Bailee Hinote, sixth grade; Allison Woodfin, eighth grade.
- Ferry Pass: Allison Davies, seventh grade; Austin White, seventh grade.
- Ransom: Maurice Hendricks, sixth grade; Emma Jenkins, sixth grade.
- Warrington: Cassandra Harrison, eighth grade; Ti’quilla Hosea, eighth grade.
- Woodham: Da’shawn Clark, seventh grade; Leslie Degraaf, seventh grade.
- Workman: Maximilian Levesque, seventh grade; Lindsey Mitchell, seventh grade.
HIGH SCHOOL
- Northview: Devon Cottrell, 11th grade; Ashley Duncan, 11th grade.
- Pine Forest: Alyssa Enrile, 10th grade; Joseph Gammons, 12th grade.
- Tate: Madison Bell, 11th grade; Isaac Heller, 11th grade.
- Washington: Victor Nall, 11th grade.
- West Florida: Joseph Clark, 12th grade; Amber Reeves, 10th grade.
Pictured top left: Northview October Students of the Month Devon Cottrell and Ashley Duncan. Pictured top right: Ernest Ward Students of the Month for October Bailee Highnote (standing), Allison Woodfin (left), and Ashley Davis. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Education Commissioner Recommends Tougher FCAT Scoring
October 27, 2011
Education Commissioner Gerard Robinson said Wednesday he will recommend new “cut” scores that will be used to determine a student’s score on the FCAT 2.0 and new Algebra 1 end-of-course assessment. .
These scores will be used to determine whether a student’s score is labeled at a Level One (the lowest) all the way up to Level Five (the highest). The new scores will be recommended for FCAT 2.0 Reading in grades 3-7 and in FCAT 2.0 in mathematics in grades 3-8 and in all Algebra 1 end-of-course exams. The remaining grades need more time for public input before recommending cut scores, Robinson said.
The State Board of Education will consider whether to approve the new scores at its December meeting.
“Our state has long-established high expectations for our students,” Robinson said in a statement. “As we move forward, it is vitally important that students are well prepared to move to the next level.”
Vienna Sausage, Body Wash And Shampoo Lead To Felony Charge
October 26, 2011
A Walnut Hill man is facing a felony charge for allegedly shoplifting $41 worth of Vienna sausage, shampoo and body wash from a Pensacola Dollar Tree.
Michael Allen Flowers, age 48 of Arthur Brown Road, was booked into the Escambia County Jail, charged with petit theft, third or subsequent offense. His bond was set at $5,000.
Escambia County Sheriff’s deputies caught Flowers running through the parking lot of a Dollar Tree on Davis Highway after the store reported a person matching his description had shoplifted several items.
A search of Flowers’ truck revealed multiple bottle of shampoo, body wash, 20 cans of Vienna sausage, and other merchandise belonging to Dollar Tree, according to an arrest report. Deputies recovered other items still with tags on them that did not belong to the Dollar Tree.
Flowers had previously been convicted of shoplifting in March 1999, larceny in November 2000, and larceny in November 2002.
Ernest Ward Showcases Talent
October 26, 2011
Ernest Ward Middle School held their annual talent show Tuesday night.
For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery from the event, click here.
Awards presented were:
- Kenral Langford, Honorable Mention
- Logan Doremus and Trace Franklin, Honorable Mention
- Abbie Johnson and Liberty Peebles, Audience Choice Award
- Lorri Harrell, Critics Choice Award
The complete list of participants was as follows:
- Koriaun Lewis, played piano and sang “Well Done”
- Alayna Brown and Ashtyn Pressley, sang “The Revelation Song”
- Abbie Johnson and Liberty Peebles, performed skit “The Dud Wars”
- Amber Freeman, sang “Somebody”
- Elizabeth Wright and Amy Branch, performed skit “The Boy Book”
- Reagan Harrell, performed human video routine “Gone without Goodbye”
- Kayla Galvan, sang “Hero”
- Renee McGahan, sang “Sparks Fly”
- Morgan Wiggins, baton routine to “The Way You Make Me Feel”
- Harmoni Till, sang “Never Along”
- Bethany Reynolds, sign language routine to “Bless the Broken Road”
- Kenral Langford, monologue “The Chill”
- Logan Doremus and Trace Franklin, performed skit “Nerd USA”
- Evon Till, sang “Fireflies”
- Lorri Harrell, sang “What Love Really Means”
- Colby and Aaron Dees, performed classic skit “Who’s on First”
- Loudon Leatherberry, sang “Our Song”
Pictured top: Logan Doremus and Trace Franklin perform the skit “Nerd USA” during a talent show Tuesday night at Ernest Ward Middle School. Pictured below: Abbie Johnson and Liberty Peebles performed skit “The Dud Wars”. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Area Law Enforcement To Hold Drug Take Back Day
October 26, 2011
Several area law enforcement agencies will take part in the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day this Saturday, providing individuals the opportunity to voluntarily dispose of unwanted and unused prescription drugs.
In Escambia County, CVS has donated gift cards to the take back effort and each person turning in outdated and unneeded medications will receive a $5 gift card while supplies last.
Escambia County Sheriff’s Office (9 am – 2 pm):
- Molino ESCO Precinct, 5844 North Hwy 29, Molino
- CVS, Perdido Key
- CVS, Brent and Hwy 29
- CVS, Hwy 29 and Kingsfield
- CVS, Davis Hwy and Olive Road
- CVS,Palafox and 9 Mile Road
Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office (10 am – 2pm):
- Main Sheriff’s Office, 5755 E. Milton Rd., Milton
- Navarre District Office, 8597 High School Blvd, Navarre
Poarch Creek Tribal Police Departmen (10 am – 2pm):
- Poarch Creek PD, Jack Springs Road, Atmore
Pictured above: Some of the prescription drugs collected earlier this year during a drug take back day at the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Century Precinct. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Cross Country: Northview, Jay, Tate, EWMS, Miller And More
October 26, 2011
Over 140 runners took part in a cross country meet Tuesday afternoon at Northview High School, with T.R. Miller and Pensacola Christian Academy taking top honors.
Baker, Central, Ernest Ward, Jay, Northview, Pensacola Christian, Tate and T.R. Miller took part in the meet hosted by Northview High School.
For a photo gallery from the event, click here.
Results were as follows:
Fastest Boy — Dylan Scott – Baker (17:21)
Fastest Girl — Karisa Nelson – T.R. Miller (18:31)
Team Results –Girls
- 1st TR Miller 27 Points
- 2nd Jay 38 Points
- 3rd PCA 107 Points
- 4th Northview 133 Points
- 5th Baker 145 Points
- 6th Central 181 Points
Team Results — Boys
- 1st PCA 42 Points
- 2nd TR Miller 56 Points
- 3rd Tate 74 Points
- 4th Central 147 Points
- 5th Northview 258 Points
Northview High School
- Top Girls — Georgia Goetter, Lakelynn Parker, Zacarra Davis, Jazzlyn Franklin, Ashley Joiner
- Top Boys — Jarrett Parker, Dakota Craft, Jonathon Moretz, Jack Floyd, Joshua Borelli
- Top Girls — Jessica Thornton, Jorga Agrait, Allison, Savannah Brisn, Ally Settle
- Top Boys – Micah Kemp, Mark Foley
- Top Girls — Bethany Reynolds, Victoria Amerson, Jessica Barrows
- Top Boys — Zachary Calloway, Gavin Coon, Logan Calloway, Jared Townley
- Top Girls — Bethany Davis, Tina Blakely, Hannah Philips, Jessi Whaley
- Top Boys — Thomas Simons Jared Blakely, Daniel Keely, Devante Bonhann, Luke Barnhill
- Top Girls — Kennedy Fuller, Beth Smith, Brandi Bradley, Allaina Morrow, Courtney Rutherford
- Top Boys — Kyle Fuller, Nolan Frady, Keifer Boyett, Morgan Givens, Nick Pooley
- Top Girls — Lauren Cochran, Ann Brock, Katarina Zayas, Monica Smith, Grace Tegenkamp
- Top Boys — Kenneth Cochran, Jared Cirone, Richard Moses, Daniel Posey, Kobi Jekel
- Top Girls — Karisa Nelson, Allie Nelson, Katie Nelson, Amber Nelson, Breann Huff
- Top Boys — Rob Stokes, Andrew Pollite, Christian Carlson, Carter Frezell, Ryan Snowden
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Mark Your Calendars — Walnut Hill VFD Sets Annual Fish Fry
October 26, 2011
Mark your calendars — the Walnut Hill Volunteer Fire Department has scheduled their 42nd Annual Catfish Fry.
The event will be Saturday, November 5 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Walnut Hill Fire Station on Highway 97.
Plates will be $7 each with your choice of catfish fillets or grilled chicken, plus baked beans, cole slaw, hush puppies, homemade bread and cake. There will also be drawing for door prizes beginning at 1 p.m.
The Northwest Florida Blood Center Bloodmobile will also be on hand for a blood drive.