No Injuries In School Bus Crash; Second Crash For Same Bus In A Month
December 10, 2010
There were no injuries in an accident involving an Escambia County School bus with 15 students on board Friday morning in Century – the second accident in about month for bus 28-06.
The Florida Highway Patrol a SUV driven by Marlena J. Dunsford of Century pulled out of private driveway onto Glover Road into the path of the bus driven by Stephanie Morgan, 36, of Century. The bus was transporting students to Ernest Ward Middle and Northview High schools.
Dunsford and her four-year old passenger were not injured. Dunsford, the driver of the SUV, was charged with driving while license suspended, violation of right of way and no proof of insurance. The bus driver, Morgan, was not charged.
Bus 28-06 was involved in another crash that injured one student last month in Bratt. Morgan, the bus driver, was charged with careless driving in connection with that accident. For more on that accident, click here.
NorthEscambia photos, click to enlarge.
Father And Son Charged With Shooting Into Family’s Home
December 10, 2010
A father and son were arrested Thursday night for firing into house occupied by a family in Pollard, Alabama.
The Escambia County (Ala.) Sheriff’s Office responded to a shots fired call at 8:04 p.m. at 2600 Old Highway 31. Deputies responded to find the homeowner, Melvin McBride, Jr, and his family members unharmed, but they stated that Johnnie Mark Brittingham and another unknown subject came to their residence and fired shots into the occupied residence.
Deputies located the suspects’ vehicle pulling back into Brittingham’s residence on Pineview Cemetary Road in the Pineview community. Johnnie Mark Brittingham, 42, and his father, Cecil Rufus Brittingham, 70, were taken into custody and charged with shooting into an occupied dwelling, a felony.
Both subjects remain at the Escambia County Detention Center in Brewton awaiting a bond hearing.
Pollard, Alabama, is located just east of Flomaton and about two miles north of the Florida state line.
Escambia County School District Considers Random Student Drug Testing
December 10, 2010
The Escambia County School District is considering random student drug testing for the next school year.
Under the proposed policy presented to the school board Thursday, students that participate in athletics, extracurricular activities or park on campus would be subject to the random urine tests. A signed parental consent form would be valid during the entire school year, not just for the duration of the athletic season or extracurricular activity period.
Students whose parents do not consent to the tests would not be allowed to participate in the activities — including any practice, tryout, rehearsal or even sit with the team, club or organization at a game or pep rally.
The drug tests will be conducted by the school health nurse or technician under the plan. If there is a positive result, the student would be required to take a follow-up drug test at a District-approved licensed laboratory within 24 hours. Failure to take the follow-up test would be considered a positive result, according to the proposed plan.
If a student refuses to participate in a random drug test, it will be considered a positive result.
A positive result would result in the student being removed from all extracurricular and athletic activities, including practices, for at least 30 days and would be suspended from driving on the school campus. The student would be referred to a District-approved drug assessment and rehabilitation program.
A student with a positive drug test result would be required to pass a second drug test before participation in future activities at the expense of their parents. They would be subject to additional random drug tests, and they would remain on probation for the rest of their school years in the Escambia County School District. The student would not be allowed to return to any leadership position — such as captain of a squad, club officer or class officer — for the remainder of the school year.
A second positive result would prohibit a student from participation in all athletics and extracurricular activities and from driving on campus for one full calendar year.
Before the random drug testing plan is implemented for the 2011-2012 school year, it must first be approved by the Escambia County School Board.
Man Busted For Meth Lab Week After Fire Destroys His Mobile Home
December 10, 2010
About a week after a possible meth lab accident caused a Cottage Hill man’s mobile home to burn to the ground, he was arrested on multiple drug charges when deputies discovered an alleged meth lab in his motel room.
Deputies went to the Extended Stay Lodge on Pensacola Boulevard to question Raymond Eugene Love, 29, about a “previous possible methamphetamine manufacturing accident that resulted in a fire in his residence”, according to an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office report. Inside the motel room, deputies found the alleged meth lab items, a bag of methamphetamine, a bag of marijuana and a “glass smoking device”.
Love was charged with trafficking methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana under 20 grams and with tampering with a fire alarm in connection with the motel room incident. He remained in the Escambia County Jail early Friday morning on $36,500 bond.
Love’s mobile home on Eastman Lane near McKenzie Road burned to the ground the night of November 30. The Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office said Thursday that the official cause of that blaze is still under investigation and no charges have been filed in connection with the fire.
Murder Suspect Found By NorthEscambia.com Get 20 Years
December 10, 2010
A man arrested for murder after NorthEscambia.com spotted his getaway van returning to the scene of the crime pleaded guilty to manslaughter Thursday in Escambia County (Ala.) Circuit Court.
Clarence Luker, 38, will spend the next 20 years behind bars under a plea agreement reached with prosecutors for the murder of Kenneth Porter, 32, in September 2009. Lorraine Gray is also charged with murder in the case; her trial is scheduled to begin Monday.
Porter was shot after a dispute at a trailer park on Nathan Road in Nokomis, Ala. He died about two hours later at a Mobile hospital. Luker and Gray fled the scene in a late model in a late 1980’s two-tone Ford Econoline van. Law enforcement agencies from Alabama and Florida were on the lookout for the van.
When NorthEscambia.com arrived at the murder scene about to take a picture of the trailers were the incident occurred, all law enforcement personnel had been gone from the scene just a short period of time. After our photos were taken, NorthEscambia.com spotted the alleged getaway vehicle around the corner from the murder location, headed toward the murder scene.
When deputies arrived back on Nathan Road about 10 minutes later, they found Gray, the female suspect, in the van parked at the murder scenes. Deputies said she exited the van with her hands up and said “I’m the one you are looking for”.
She was taken into custody just before 11 p.m. and placed in the back of a patrol car. NorthEscambia.com was there as she made a complete confession to Sheriff Grover Smith, telling him that she shot Porter.
“I shot him,” she said. “I’m the one that did it….I took the gun and I shot him.”
Tracking dogs from Fountain Correctional Facility in Atmore and the Century Correctional Institution were called to the scene to search for Luker. As the dogs began their search of the area, Luker was taken into custody about midnight near the intersection of Nathan and James Roads. His clothes were splattered with blood. Luker also admitted to deputies that he was the shooter.
For more exclusive photos from the scene, click here. For our September 25, 2009, story about the murder, click here.
Pictured top: NorthEscambia.com found the suspect’s getaway van returning to the scene of the crime Pictured top inset: Murder suspect Clarence Luker was taken into custody Pictured middle inset: Escambia County (Ala.) Chief Deputy Mike Lambeth as the deputies searched for murder suspect Clarance Luker. Pictured bottom inset: Murder suspect Lorraine Gray speaks to Escambia County (Ala.) Sheriff Grover Smith about the shooting of Kenneth Porter. NorthEscambia.com exclusive file photos, click to enlarge.
Lady Chiefs Weightlifting Team Places In West Fla. Meet
December 10, 2010
Several members of the Northview High School girls weightlifting team placed during their first meet of the season at West Florida High School.
The Northview girls competed in bench press and clean and jerk. West Florida High School placed first overall, followed by Northview in second and Washington High in third.
The following Northview girls placed in their weight class:
- Georgia Geotter, sophomore -4th
- Kasie Braun, freshman -3rd
- Laneicia Gomez, senior -1st
- Mallory Bell, senior -4th
- Sarah Killam, senior -1st
- Audra Martin, freshman -4th
- Brittany Peebles, senior -1st
- Naomi Cooler, senior -2nd
- Te’Andreia Knight, sophomore -3rd
For more photos from the meet, click here.
Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com
Wins For NHS Girls, JV Boys Against Baker
December 10, 2010
The Northview Chiefs split games with the Baker Gators Thursday evening, with wins for the Chiefs’ varsity girls, and junior varsity girls.
Varsity Boys
Baker 47, Northview 45
The Northview varsity Chiefs and the Baker Gators were tied 45-45 headed into the final minutes of their game Thursday night in Bratt. But with a couple of free throws, the Gators pulled out a 47-45 victor.
Varsity Girls
Northview 43, Baker 37
JV Boys
Northview 29, Baker 23
JV Girls
Baker 30, Northview 13
United Way Raises $2.4 Million
December 10, 2010
The United Way of Escambia County announced announced Thursday that it has raised $2.4 million, exceeding their goal for 2010-2011.
Based on reports from 325 of about 377 participating workplace campaigns, the projected total is $2.4 million. The projected total surpasses the goal of $2,370,000 and is an increase of 3.8 percent over last year’s total of $2,311,000, United Way said in a news release.
“We are excited to celebrate victory today with so many people who make this Campaign possible every year,” said Jean Norman, president/CEO of United Way of Escambia County. “We were especially blessed to have a visionary Campaign leadership team, including Chair Jim Donatelli of Regions Bank. Inspired by Jim’s leadership and strategies, volunteers took campaign to a new level this year, and I think we will see that trend continue for years to come.”
At the celebration, United Way recognized schools, organizations and businesses that went above and beyond with their fundraising efforts. The Spirit of Giving Award winners are:
COMPANIES:
- Under 40 employees: Advantage Staffing
- 40-99 employees: Council on Aging of West Florida
- 100-399 employees: Pall Life Sciences Inc.
- 400 + employees: Ascend Performance Materials
SCHOOLS:
- Elementary School Division: Blue Angels Elementary School
- Middle School Division: Ransom Middle School (winner for 4th consecutive year)
- High School Division: Pensacola High School (winner for 8th consecutive year)
- Support Services Department Division: Custodial Services and Maintenance Department
- Special Center Division: Judy Andrews Center
Josh Broxson of Rodney Rich & Co. was named Loaned Executive of the Year for his conscientious volunteerism and outstanding communication throughout the campaign. Coordinator of the Year Awards were presented to Teresa Myrick (Ascend Performance Materials), Natasha Reynolds (City of Pensacola), Janice Bozant (Covenant Hospice) the Virginia College Campaign Team, and Jim Beagle (School District Custodial Services and Maintenance Department).
Undesignated funds from the 2010-2011 campaign will be allocated by a volunteer committee of United Way donors. Funded programs will be announced in April 2011, and funds will be allocated monthly between July 2010 and June 2011. United Way invites any donor to become a funds distribution volunteer by calling United Way at 444-7140.
United Way of Escambia County also will send designated funding to an estimated 75 nonprofit agencies as directed by the donor.
There is still time to help in the effort to advance the common good and improve conditions for all Escambia County residents. To make a pledge to United Way of Escambia County, call 444-7145 or visit www.UnitedWayEscambia.org.
Deputies Seek Walnut Hill Man On Felony Warrants
December 10, 2010
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in finding a Walnut Hill man wanted on outstanding felony warrants.
Floyd Scott Mooney, Jr., 39, has three warrants for violating a domestic violence injunction, including two charges related to aggravated stalking, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Floyd Scott Mooney is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP or the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620. Callers to Crime Stoppers may be eligible for up to a $1,000 reward.
North Hwy 99 Closed In Oak Grove For About 30 Days
December 9, 2010
The bridge over Pine Barren Creek on North Highway 99 was closed to traffic Thursday afternoon after a routine inspection revealed a structural problem.
The bridge is located at the Oak Grove Park, just north of Gobbler Road. Escambia County’s recommended north/south detour is Gobbler Road and Still Road. Preliminary estimates are that repairs will take about 30 days, according to Sonya Daniel, Escambia County public information manager.
The roadway is heavily traveled and is a primary route for school traffic to and from Bratt Elementary, Ernest Ward Middle and Northview High schools.
Pictured above: And Escambia County Road Department crew closed the North Highway 99 bridge over Pine Barren Creek late Thursday afternoon. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.