Byrneville Community Center Cool Again; Copper Thief Still Wanted
July 15, 2011
The Byrneville Community Center is as cool as ever and back in business just a few days after an air conditioning copper theft.
Community center managers reported Monday morning that the copper had been stripped from one of three air conditioning units. By Thursday, Escambia County Facilities Management had replaced the A/C.
Betty Porz, a board member at the county-owned Byrneville Community Center, said the building is booked solid this time of the year with family reunions and other events that need the air conditioning in top working order.
“It’s cooling great,” Porz said Thursday afternoon.
Meanwhile, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is continuing their investigation into the theft.
“We hope evidence gathered by the sheriff’s department will open a door to make an arrest in this case,” Porz said. “We still hope someone will come forward and tell what they know.”
Anyone with information about the theft should contact the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620 or Gulf Coast Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
Pictured above and below: Crime scene investigators with the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office retrieve fingerprints Monday morning from air conditioning units at the Byrneville Community Center. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Escambia River No Longer Providing DIRECTV Customer Service, Billing
July 15, 2011
As of today, Escambia River Rural Services, a division of Escambia River Electric Cooperative, will no longer provide customer service for DIRECTV.
Some DIRECTV customers in the North Escambia area that purchased their systems from Escambia River or have electric service from EREC have received their customer service and billing services from Escambia River rather than from the satellite company.
Escambia River’s contract to provide DIRECTV customer service expires July 15, according to Sabrina Owen, EREC’s director of marketing.
DIRECTV customers will need to contact DIRECTV at 800-531-5000 or online at directv.com.
“Escambia River Rural Services will continue as a DIRECTV retailer and will still be selling and installing DIRECTV systems,” Owens said. “We thank you for allowing us to be a part of your satellite television experience for the past 18 years.”
The Book Closes On ‘Harry Potter’ Film Series
July 15, 2011
The final Harry Potter film hit the big screen at 12:01 this morning, with throngs of fans lining up at theaters along the Gulf Coast anxiously anticipating the moment. “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2″ is the end for the Harry Potter series, 10 years after the first film and 14 years after the book release.
Did you see the movie? Tell us about it in the comments below, and email any photos you have to news@northescambia.com.
Pictured above left: Sisters Lydia (left) and Haylee Weaver of Molino wait to see the final Harry Potter late Thursday night at the Ridge Cinema 8 in Pace. Pictured above right: Northview High Senior Taylor Rigby (left) and junior Ashley Cunningham pose with Voldemort at the Rave on Bayou Boulevard in Pensacola. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Federal Judge Denies NRA Intervention In Doctor Gun Question Law
July 15, 2011
A federal judge has rejected the National Rifle Association’s attempt to formally intervene in a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of Florida’s new “docs v. glocks” law.
U.S. District Judge Marcia G. Cooke issued an order turning down the NRA, which lobbied to pass the law during the spring legislative session. Cooke said state lawyers could adequately defend the law without the NRA intervening.
“The NRA seeks to defend the constitutionality of the Firearms Owner’s Privacy Law,’’ Cooke wrote, using the name that lawmakers attached to the measure. “The State Defendants, as representatives of the State of Florida, have the same objective. The NRA has not presented any evidence to suggest that the State Defendants may not adequately represent its interests.’’
The controversial law is aimed at restricting doctors from asking patients about gun ownership. A group of doctors filed the lawsuit, because they charge the law violates their First Amendment rights.
Cooke held a hearing Wednesday on the doctors’ request for an injunction against the law.
By The News Service of Florida
Casey Anthony Fallout: Details On Juror Silence Bill
July 15, 2011
More details emerged Thursday about a proposed bill to prevent jurors from making money off the cases they hear. The bill is prompted by the high-profile Casey Anthony murder trial.
Rep. Scott Randolph, D-Orlando, said he wants to create a “cooling off” period of 270 days after a juror’s dismissal. During that period, members of jury cannot profit from disclosing information about their experience.
The bill would make violations a felony punishable by fines of up to $10,000. Another bill Randolph wants to suggest involves jury privacy. He wants to keep the names of jurors private, unless the juror wants to come forward.
“The purpose of this legislation is to preserve the integrity of the jury process,” Randolph said in a statement. “It balances the First Amendment freedom of speech with the sixth amendment guarantee to a fair trial.”
Photos: St. Monica’s Vacation Bible School
July 15, 2011
Son Harvest Country Fair Vacation Bible School ended Friday at St. Monica’s Episcopal Church in Cantonment. During the week, the children enjoyed a variety of activities, crafts, dressed as scarecrows and even learned about bees and pollination from Roy Smith of R&J Apiaries.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Pictured above and below: VBS at St. Monica’s Episcopal Church in Molino. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge..
Do you have new or photos you would like to share from your church? Email news@northescambia.com
Lightning Sparks Fire That Destroys Large Storage Shed In Bratt
July 14, 2011
A fire believed to be sparked by lightning destroyed a large storage shed in Bratt this evening.
The 20 x 30 foot shed was fully involved when the first firefighters arrived in the 5700 block of Dortch Road just after 6 p.m. Firefighters were able to keep the fire from spreading to a nearby home. The fire was reported to be out about 7:05 p.m.
There were no injuries reported.
The Walnut Hill, Century, McDavid and Molino stations of Escambia Fire Rescue responded to the blaze.
Pictured: Fire destroyed a 600 square foot storage shed on Dortch Road in Bratt Thursday evening. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Atmore Man In Custody In Connection With Brewton Shooting
July 14, 2011
An Atmore man is now in custody, charged with a shooting earlier this week in Brewton.
Ricki Tolbert, age 18, has been charged with first degree assault in connection with shooting an 18-year old Brewton resident at a party at the Brewton Masonic Lodge. The victim was transported to an area hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
Pictured: Shooting suspect Ricki Tolbert of Atmore. Photo provided the Brewton Police Department, click to enlarge.
Strong Winds Cause Minor Damage At Two Flomaton Businesses
July 14, 2011
Strong winds caused minor damage in Flomaton Thursday afternoon at two businesses at the intersection of Highway 113 and Highway 31.
A roll up door was blown in at Rowland’s Tires, and two large pieces of sheet metal were ripped from the side of the building. At a nearby McDonald’s, a portion of a sign was blown away.
There were no injuries reported.
Pictured top: Contractors work to finish repairs at Rowland’s Tire in Flomaton after sheet metal were blown off the building Thursday afternoon. Pictured left: A portion of the “Golden Arches” was missing after the store. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Male Charged As Adult In Sexual Assault Of Young Boy
July 14, 2011
A 17-year old Century male has been charged as an adult for the alleged sexual assault of another male under 12.
Michael Alexander Dubose of West Highway 4, is charged with two felony counts of sexual battery on victim under 12. He remains in the Escambia County Jail.
The victim told investigators at the Gulf Coast Kids House that Dubose had sexual relations with him over a one year period at two different units at Century Woods Apartments, according to an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office arrest report.