Cantonment Man Arrested For DUI, Burglary With Assault, Weapons Charges After Wreck
March 26, 2024
A Cantonment man is facing DUI, weapons, and burglary charges after a Highway 297A wreck.
Kody Stephen Faxlanger, 28, was charged with using or displaying a firearm during a felony, burglary with assault or battery, reckless driving, leaving the scene of a crash involving damage to property, DUI refusal to submit to a DUI test after license suspension, and DUI of alcohol or drugs.
A Florida Highway Patrol trooper responded to a rollover traffic crash in the area of Highway 297A and Eight Mile Creek Road. A homeowner told the trooper that he heard the vehicle crash in his front yard and saw a man approaching the home while stating that he needed to get his gun before returning to the vehicle. The homeowner retreated inside.
He stated that the man, later identified as Faxlanger, entered an unlocked garage and started pounding on an interior door to the home before fleeing. Faxlanger was located by Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputies and detained.
FHP said Faxlanger’s vehicle left the roadway and traveled 542 feet before colliding with a concrete culvert and becoming airborne. The vehicle rolled for 197 before coming to rest in the front yard of a home. Troopers said two 16 ounce beer cans still cold with condensation were located in the vehicle.
The trooper stated Faxlanger had a heavy smell of alcohol on his breath, bloodshot and watery eyes, and slurred speech. He refused to provide a breath sample and was transported to Baptist Hospital for treatment. At the hospital, the trooper said Faxlanger made several spontaneous statements about being the driver of the wrecked vehicle and “ditching” a gun after fleeing. Officers located a 9mm Palmetto Dagger with a loaded 11-round magazine and one round in the chamber. Faxlanger’s driver’s license was nearby.
Faxlanger remained in the Escambia County Jail Tuesday morning with bond set at $13,500.
Century Reports Sewage Spill Due To Employee Negligence
March 26, 2024
The Town of Century has recently reported two sewage spills, including one caused by employee negligence, to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
During a 20-minute period the morning of March 22, a lift station serving the Century Woods Apartment spilled 100 gallons of raw sewage, half of which was recovered.
The lift station was running on bypass pump, but a town employee failed to open a bypass valve, according to a FDEP notice.
The report filed by council member Alicia Johnson as acting superintendent stated the area was vacuumed with a pump truck, lime was applied, and debris was raked up.
On March 19, a lift station on Fourth Street had a 150-gallon sewage spill due to a debris clog. The town reported 50 gallons was recovered.
Pictured: The Century Wastewater Treatment Plant. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
One Killed In Motorcycle, Bicycle Collision
March 26, 2024
One person was killed in a collision between a motorcycle and a bicyclist late Monday afternoon in Escambia County.
A 67-year-old motorcyclist was traveling north on North Palafox Street near Pensacola Boulevard when he struck a 40-year-old bicyclist that was crossing the roadway, the Florida Highway Patrol said. The motorcyclist was pronounced deceased on scene while the bicyclist was transported to Baptist Hospital with serious injuries.
The FHP investigation is continuing.
File photo.
Hundreds Attend Inaugural Beulah Academy Of Science FFA’s Future Farmer Field Day
March 26, 2024
The Beulah Academy of Science FFA Chapter hosted their Inaugural “Future Farmer Field Day” advocacy day program recently.
“The purpose of the day was to bring awareness of the various industries and types of agricultural production in our local area,” educator Allie Eubanks said.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Fourth grade students from Cordova Park Elementary, local homeschool cooperatives, as well as incoming fifth graders for the upcoming school year from eight different elementary schools were in attendance.
BAS FFA hosted almost 20 different vendor booths to spread awareness about agriculture. Vendor booths included: Florida Forest Service, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Escambia County Extension Office, Primus Auditing Service (food inspector), Three Sisters Homestead, local farmers, embryologists and more.
“BAS FFA would like to thank everyone who made this first year such a success,” Eubanks added. “We look forward to seeing everyone next year.”
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
FWC Law Enforcement Report: Deer Out Of Season, Night Hunting
March 26, 2024
The Florida FWC Division of Law Enforcement reported the following recent activity:
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
While patrolling the Escambia River Wildlife Management Area, Officer Hahr observed a truck parked in an area frequented by people who are hunting. He located a subject carrying a rifle. Officer Hahr determined the subject had just shot at an antlerless deer but missed. The subject was charged with attempting to take deer during the closed season in the WMA and warned for attempting to take antlerless deer out of season.
SANTA ROSA COUNTY
While on patrol Officer Mullins received a tip from a hunter about vehicles destroying public land. The officer located a broken-down vehicle covered in mud. He tracked down other vehicles and found them doing donuts off a forest road. Each subject was issued several citations. The subjects were directed to remove their broken vehicle upon leaving the forest.
While on patrol, Officer Mullins observed a vehicle and two subjects searching for deer and possibly night hunting. The officer monitored their actions and conducted a check on the individuals. Upon contact, a loaded shotgun was discovered. The subjects were issued open container alcohol citations and notice to appear citations for illegal night hunting.
This report represents some events the FWC handled during the time period; however, it does not include all actions taken by the Division of Law Enforcement. Information provided by FWC.
NorthEscambia.com photo.
ECSO Mourning Loss Of Deputy
March 25, 2024
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is mourning the loss of one of their own, Deputy Sheriff 1st Class Albert George Kalber.
Deputy Kalber passed away peacefully last night, surrounded by family and friends, after a long battle with illness.
“Since 2013, Deputy Kalber provided dedicated service to the citizens of Escambia County. He had a positive impact on all of those who he came into contact with. He will be greatly missed by our Escambia County Sheriff’s Office family. Please join us in keeping his family, friends, and loved ones in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time,” the ECSO said.
Florida Special Olympics Torch Run Begins In Century (With Photo Gallery)
March 25, 2024
The 2024 Law Enforcement Torch Run in support of Florida Special Olympics began in Century Monday morning before continuing to Pensacola.
The torch run started at the Florida/Alabama state line shortly after sunrise Monday morning. Runners from Century Correctional Institution carried the torch from south on Highway 29 from the state line to the Century Chamber of Commerce with an escort from the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
For more photos, click or tap here.
An additional leg of the torch run Monday was set to travel from the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office to Palafox Pier. Deputies from the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, officers from the Pensacola Police Department, Special Agents from the FDLE and U.S. Department of Homeland Security were scheduled to participate in the second part of n the run.
Each year, over 5,000 law enforcement officers from around the state carry the flame to the Special Olympics State Summer Games. The torch will travel over 1,500 miles, through Florida’s 67 counties to the Opening Ceremonies of the Summer Games with the law enforcement “Guardians of the Flame.”
Pictured: The 2024 Law Enforcement Torch Run in support of Florida Special Olympics started at the Florida/Alabama state line in Century Monday morning and continued south in Escambia County. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Tate High School FFA Prepares 54,000 Meals of Hope
March 25, 2024
Tate High School and other students worked last week to package 54,000 meals for the community through the Meals of Hope program.
Volunteers included current students in Tate FFA, Tate Softball, Tate Baseball, Tate Student Council, Tate Yearbook, and Tate FFA Alumni.
For a photo gallery, click here.
“Food insecurity is real within Escambia County,” said Austin Courson, Agricultural Educator and FFA Advisor. “It’s important to FFA and other local organizations to partner together and help fight food insecurity for many within the Pensacola region. This gives our students hands-on experience while encouraging them to work together to meet the needs of our community.”
They exceeded their goal of feeding 50,000 with the Meals of Hope project by packaging the meals in under three hours.
All the packaged meals will be distributed to families in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
“Thank you to our sponsors and student body for coming together to support our local community,” said Principal Laura Touchstone. “It’s gratifying to see our students giving back to the community that’s contributed to Tate High School throughout the years.”
Photos by Tate High Yearbook for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Molino Mid County Historical Society Donates To Escambia Search And Rescue
March 25, 2024
The Molino Mid County Historical Society recently donated $600 to Escambia Search and Rescue at their monthly meeting. The donation is to help with ESAR’s continuing efforts to respond to any emergency when called upon by our local fire and law enforcement agencies. Pictured: Wayne Rhodes from ESAR and Sarah Jenness from the historical society. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Man Charged In Deputy-Involved Shooting In Escambia County
March 25, 2024
An Escambia County man is jailed following a deputy-involved shooting late Saturday night.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to to North “L” and Avery streets shortly before midnight.
During the investigation, a zTrip taxi driver said he picked up a man, later identified as 24-year-old Je’Teris Damon Peaks, in the 500 block. of Paula Avenue, taking him to a Family Dollar at 1717 North. Pace Boulevard. The driver stated that Peaks refused to pay for his fare.
The zTrip driver followed Peaks around the block where Peaks fired a shot at the driver, shattering the back window. The driver then turned the corner and observed a deputy who also heard the gunshots. The driver provided a description of the suspect and the area he was last seen in. Deputies then located Peaks who then fled from and pointed a firearm at them.
Deputies fired at Peaks, striking him. Peaks was arrested after being treated and released at a local hospital.
Peaks was charged with aggravated assault on a law enforcement office and possession of a firearm by convicted felon and resisting arrest. He remained in the Escambia County Jail without bond.
No deputies or the zTrip driver were injured in the incident.
As is standard procedure, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating the officer-involved shooting.