Counterfeit Money Passed At Local Businesses
May 12, 2011
Someone has passed counterfeit bills at Century businesses at least twice this week, and deputies are encouraging businesses to take steps to avoid becoming a victim.
On Wednesday, someone passed a counterfeit $50 bill at a Century restaurant, and suspected counterfeit currency was passed at a Century convenience store on Tuesday.
“We encourage businesses to use counterfeit bill detection pens available where office products are sold,” said Deputy Chris Welborn spokesperson for the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. “If a counterfeit bill is detected, we encourage merchants to call us immediately and provide us with an good description of the suspect.” Welborn said, if possible, merchants should provide a tag number of the suspect.
Anyone with information about the counterfeit currency should call the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620.
The United States Secret Service offers helpful information for identifying counterfeit money (click here).
New Warnings About Outdoor Burning; Burn Ban Issued In One Area
May 12, 2011
As our dry weather continues, there’s a new warning about outdoor burning and even a burn ban in one area community.
On Wednesday, the city of Atmore issued a burn ban until further notice in their city limits. There is no burn ban in effect in North Escambia, but officials issued new warnings about outdoor burning Wednesday afternoon.
Officials with the Florida Division of Forestry’s Blackwater Forestry Center are asking residents to use caution if they plan to burn yard debris and be mindful of increasingly dry conditions throughout Escambia, Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties.
While the local area – and the rest of Florida as a whole – is experiencing an increase in drought conditions, that is not the only factor that has local fire crews on high alert.
“We are currently experiencing a moderate drought for this time of the year,” said David Smith, Operations Administrator for Blackwater. “The fire danger indices have remained in the high to very high range for over a week. Wetter areas that usually do not burn, such as swamps and creek drainages, readily burn because of the dry conditions. However, many of these areas still have enough soil moisture to cause significant problems for firefighting equipment.”
“The situation will only worsen without significant, soaking rainfall events,” he said. “With the afternoon thunderstorm season fast approaching, I expect an increase in lightning caused fires in addition to those caused by humans. The public can help the situation greatly by being extremely cautious when burning or postponing burning if possible.”
With these factors in mind, Blackwater officials are not authorizing acreage or pile burns at this time in Escambia, Santa Rosa or Okaloosa counties and asking residents to avoid burning yard debris until conditions improve.
But this is not a burn ban — burn bans are issued by individual counties on the advice of the Division of Forestry.
Molino Park Elementary Names Volunteers Of The Year
May 12, 2011
Molino Park Elementary School has named its 2010-2011 volunteers of the year. They are (pictured L-R) Adult Volunteer Tina Pendleton, Youth Volunteer Brandy Hart and Senior Volunteer Janet Crosby. The were honored with a dinner at New World Landing on May 4 and were also honored at the school Wednesday. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Extension To Host Weed Management Workshop
May 12, 2011
The Escambia Extension Service is hosting a “Weed Management in Pastures, Hayfields and Fence Rows” workshop on Thursday, May 19, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Escambia County Extension, 3740 Stefani Road.
Featured speaker Dr. Barry Brecke, University of Florida Weed Specialist, will join the free workshop discussing topics of weed identification and control, clean fence rows and determining rates of herbicide application. A light supper will be provided. Pre-registration is requested by Tuesday, May 16.
For more information or to register for this workshop please contact Libbie Johnson, Agriculture/Aquaculture Agent, Escambia County Extension, (850) 475-5230.
Animal Shelters May Be Closing
May 12, 2011
Animal shelters in Atmore and Brewton may be closing. According to an announcement on their Facebook page Wednesday, The Humane Society of Escambia County (Ala.) plan to terminate their municipal contracts with both cities and close the shelters by the end of the month.
The Humane Society said that 60-percent of their funding has dissolved and funding from their contracts with Atmore and Brewton is “simply not enough to operate”. Last year, the group lost significant portion of their funding from the Neal Trust.
Shelter employees will lose their jobs, according to the humane society. And they currently seeking homes for about 50 adult dogs, 20 puppies and 25 felines housed at both shelters.
The Humane Society of Escambia County (Ala.) is not affiliated with the Escambia County, Fla., Animal Shelter in Pensacola. The Pensacola Shelter is operated by Escambia County, Fla.
Babe Ruth Softball Highlights
May 12, 2011
Here are game highlights and scores from recent Atmore Babe Ruth Softball action:
Atmore Rotary Club Lions vs. David’s Catfish Marlins 12 – 7
Age Group 6 – 9
Lions
Coach Delisha Crenshaw
Ty’Qaya Brown – 2 hits, 2 runs
India Crenshaw – 1 hit, 1 run
Essence Day – 2 hits, 2 runs
Tyaisa Hall – 1 hit, 1 run
Mary Thompson Lancaster – 2 hits, 2 runs
Ke’Aunyala Mitchell – 2 hits, 2 runs
Adrianna Parker- 2 hits, 2 runs
Marlins
Coach Jessica Schwartz
Ragon Lassiter – 1 hit, 2 runs
Kelly Polletta – 1 hit
Presley, Maddie – 2 hits, 2 runs
Shelby Rice – 1 run
Miah Simmons – 2 runs
Olivia Simmons – 2 hits
Game Highlights – Allison Rice, pitcher, struck out two players from the Lions. Ragon Lassiter got a good hit and made it to first base. Kelly Polletta got a good hit and made it to first base and advanced Ragon Lassiter to second base. Maddie Presley got a good hit and made it to first base.
Atmore United Bank Silver Eagles vs. Atmore Utilities Board Flames 8 – 5
Age Group 10 – 12
Silver Eagles
Coach Christopher Rowland
Anna Lisa Boatwright – 1 run
Valen Shelly – 1 run
Carson Barnett – 2 runs
Ariel Whatley – 1 hit, 1 run, 1 rbi
Jennifer Weaver – 1 hit, 1 run, 1 rbi
Eboni Williams – 1 run
Summer McCraney – 1 run
Game Highlights – In the first inning, Jennifer Weaver, pitcher, stuck out 3 players in a row. Carson Barnett and Ariel Whatley scored the first two runs for the Silver Eagles. In the second inning, Jennifer Weaver scored the only run of the inning. In the third inning, Valen Shelly, Carson Barnett and Summer McCraney all scored runs. After giving up two runs, three outs were recorded; Anna Lisa Boatwright caught a fly ball, Alexis Cooper and Carson Barnett each fielded a ground ball, getting the runners out a first base. In the fourth inning, Jennifer Weaver struck out two of the final three outs. Eboni Williams stole home to score the seventh run of the game. Anna Lisa Boatwright scored the eighth and final point of the game to seal a 8 – 5 victory over a very tough Flames team.
Flames
Coach Veronica Johnson
Scoteria Riley – 1 hit, 1 run, 2 rbis
Abby Smith – 1 hit, 2 runs, 1 rbi
Ciera Stots – 2 hits, 1 run
Tori Tucker – 1 hit
Bianca White – 1 hit, 1 run, 2 rbis
Game Highlights – Offensively for the Flames, Scoteria Riley hit a two run homerun in the top of the first inning. Abby Smith hit a solo homerun in the second inning. Bianca White hit a solo homerun in the third inning. Ciera Stots had one stolen base. Defensively, Hannah Boothe lead the team with four unassisted outs at first base. Abby Smith, pitcher, recorded three strikeouts and made one unassisted out. Ciera Stots caught a line drive to end the second inning.
Atmore Strikers vs. Atmore Pepsi Challengers 18 – 0
Age Group 13 – 16
Strikers
Coach Shirley Simpkins
Game Highlights – The Strikers recorded seven runs in the top of the first inning, including a homerun by Justice Poole. Ychelle Walker, Ashleigh Simpkins, Courtney Cook, Olivia Tatum, Dara McCullam and Edrobderia Thomas each scored one run. After holding the Challengers a zero, the Strikers added ten runs to their score in the second inning. Ychelle Walker and Alana Johnson scored two runs each and Ashleigh Simpkins, Courtney Cook, Olivia Tatum, Carmesha Crenshaw, Edrabderia Thomas, Justice Poole and Charley Jones all scored one run each.
Atmore Strikers vs. Atmore First National Bank Magnolias 10 – 4
Age Group 13 – 16
Strikers
Coach Shirley Simpkins
Game Highlights – In the top first inning the Magnolias scored 3 runs. Ychelle Walker and Courtney Cook scored for the Strikers leaving the score 2 – 3. In the top of the second inning the Magnolias scored 1 run. The Strikers came back from 2 – 4, scoring eight runs in the bottom of the second inning. Ychelle Walker, Ashleigh Simpkins, Alana Johnson, Courtney Cook, Olivia Tatum, Carmesha Crenshaw, Dara McCullam and Justice Poole each added one run. The final score was 10 – 4.
Magnolias
Coach Paul Steele
Game Highlights – Scoring runs for the Magnolias were Cheyenne Chafin, Stacie George, Jessica Sanspree and Selena Smith. Cheyenne Chafin, Deanna Feely and Stacie George each had one hit. Deanna Feely and Stacie George each had one rbi.
Jay Man Guilty Of Murdering Brewton Teen
May 11, 2011
A Jay man has been found guilty of second degree murder in the shooting death of a Brewton teen at a 2010 party.
Robert Franklin Floyd was found guilty Wednesday afternoon of second degree murder and discharging a firearm into a moving vehicle. Floyd shot into a vehicle occupied by four people on February 27, 2010, killing 18-year old Getyron Lopez Benjamin of Brewton. Floyd now faces up to life in prison; a sentencing date has not yet been set.
During a bonfire party, a vehicle occupied by four people — Benjamin, Gerald Banton, Timothy Smith and Tiffanie Pate — arrived Floyd’s home on Country Mill Road.
The four people exited the vehicle and got into a verbal altercation with Floyd, according to a statement released by the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office the day following the incident.
“Floyd stated that the subjects were there uninvited. Floyd requested that the subjects leave the premises, and words were exchanged between Floyd and the subjects from Brewton. The subjects refused to leave, at which time Floyd allegedly pushed one of the…males and told them once again to leave,” according to Sgt. Scott Haines, spokesperson for the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office.
Floyd told Santa Rosa deputies that the male subject he pushed pulled out a handgun. Floyd he said he retrieved a rifle from his truck, and then he heard gunshots in the direction of the vehicle from Brewton. He also said he saw a muzzle flash coming from their direction.
Banton testified that he revealed a revolver for which he holds a concealed weapons permit. Testimony indicated that he fired the revolver into the air, but not in the direction of Floyd, as they were leaving the party. There were, according to testimony, six shots fired from the vehicle while Floyd fired five.
There were two shots that hit the vehicle, one striking Benjamin in the back seat. He was driven to D.W. McMillan Hospital in Brewton where he was pronounced dead.
Girl, 10, Arrested; All Charges Dropped Against Teacher In Abuse Case
May 11, 2011
Sexual misconduct charges have been dropped against an Escambia County music teacher because the 10-year old victim — now charged with filing a false police report – said she made the story up.
State Attorney Bill Eddins said Wednesday afternoon that the Office of the State Attorney will dismiss all charges against Kenneth Campbell of Cantonment, a music teacher at Spencer-Bibbs Elementary School, for sexual misconduct with a student.
A thorough investigation conducted by the Pensacola Police Department assisted by the Department of Children and Families, and the Office of the State Attorney determined after the initial complaint was filed that the allegations of the student were inconsistent and not corroborated by other facts and circumstances, according to Eddins.
When confronted with the factual inconsistencies, the 10 year old victim admitted to investigators that she had made the allegations up in an effort to change schools..
“The truth needs to be sought out before you ruin somebody’s life,” Campbell said during a press conference at his lawyer’s office Wednesday afternoon.
Late Wednesday afternoon, the Pensacola Police Department said the 1o-year old girl had been arrested on charged with filing a false police report, a first degree misdemeanor. She was released from the Escambia County Jail into the care of a guardian.
“It is really sad that a child would repeatedly make up a story that could end up getting someone arrested and jeopardizing their career,” said Chief Chip W. Simmons.
Initially, the girl told family members the incidents began a few weeks prior to April 19. She said Campbell had rubbed her shoulders in class, fondled her breasts and told her if she told anyone he would hurt her and kill her family. During that time period, the child also developed behavioral problems at home and at school.
Capt. Paul Kelly said the girl was consistent with her allegations during several interviews with detectives and Child Protection Team members.
Based upon the child’s consistency in her allegations, an affidavit was initiated for Campbell, signed by a judge and he was arrested.
Later, officers were called to the child’s home to investigate an allegation she had battered another family member. That claim has been referred to the Department of Children and Family Services as part of the entire case.
Kelly said during follow-up interviews after Campbell’s arrest, the child began to add exaggerated allegations about Campbell.
Eventually, she admitted her allegations against Campbell were false and told detectives she had fabricated the allegations because she didn’t like him and she wanted to change from Spencer Bibbs Elementary to another school.
Pictured: Falsely-accused Spencer Bibbs Elementary School music teacher Kenneth Campbell. Photo courtesy WEAR 3 for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Firefighters Battle Brush Fire
May 11, 2011
Firefighters battled a brush fire off South Pineville Road near Occie Phillips road Wednesday afternoon.
The fire, which was reported about noon, was about two acres in size. There were no structures threatened by the blaze. It was declared under control about 1 p.m.
The Walnut Hill and Molino stations of Escambia Fire Rescue and the Florida Division of Forestry responded to the fire.
One Injured In Highway 29 Log Truck Crash (Updated With Names, Photo Gallery)
May 11, 2011
(Updated) One person was injured in a crash involving a loaded log truck and a highway contractor’s buffer truck Wednesday morning in McDavid.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Daryl Steadman, 59, of East Brewton, was southbound in a tractor-trailer truck loaded with logs when he collided with a Transfiled Services buffer truck towing an arrow-board trailer on Highway 29 near Cox Road about 11 a.m.
The outside lane was closed, as was indicated by a flashing arrow on the truck, for a John Deer Gator pulling a large blower used to removed loose rocks from the highway.
Steadman failed to react quickly enough, braked and veered to the left in an attempt to avoid a collision. His log truck struck the trailer and the utility truck. The driver of the Transfield Services truck, Kenneth Pearson, 23, of Gulf Breeze, was transported by ambulance to Jay Hospital with minor injuries. Steadham was not injured.
Steadham was cited for careless driving by the FHP.
For a photo gallery from the scene, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
