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.
Ernest Ward Basketball Player, 13, Airlifted After Game Injury
December 9, 2010
A 13-year old Ernest Ward Middle School girls basketball player was airlifted to a Pensacola hospital after suffering an apparent head injury during a Thursday night game.
Brianna Parker was transported by LifeFlight to Sacred Heart Hospital. She was released from the hospital Thursday night after being treated for a concussion.
Pictured above: LifeFlight lands at the Walnut Hill Fire Station to transport an injured Ernest Ward Middle School girls basketball player. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Gov. May Not Sign Legislation Stopping Septic Tank Inspections
December 9, 2010
A six-month delay of new requirements that septic tanks be inspected will have to be signed by January 1, when current law calls for the required every-five-years checks to begin. But Gov. Charlie Crist said Wednesday that he has not decided whether or not he will sign the lone piece of new legislation to emerge from last month’s special session that saw lawmakers override several of his vetoes.
That means Crist, who will remain in office until January 4, would likely be the governor who will act on the bill, not Gov.-elect Rick Scott, though the measure hasn’t been sent to him yet. Crist told reporters Wednesday he had not made a final decision.
“If it improves the quality of life for our people, than I’ll support it,” he said after signing an unrelated bill. “If it doesn’t, then I won’t. It’s that simple.” Crist said he was looking forward to reviewing the bill when he received it.
Lawmakers were forced to pass new legislation to delay the septic tank inspections because Crist signed the measure that included it in the spring.
On another big water issue, the soon-to-be ex-governor was also vague. Crist said did not yet have an opinion on outgoing Attorney General Bill McCollum and Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Bronson’s lawsuit against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency over recently announced numeric nutrient limits for state bodies of water.
“The courts will make a decision about the appropriateness of it,” Crist said. Senate President Mike Haridopolos said Wednesday he was not particularly worried about a Crist veto. “If he vetoed it, I guess we’d try to override it,” he said.
Poarch Creek Indians Donate $1.6 Million To Help Area Schools
December 9, 2010
The Poarch Band of Creek Indians announced donations well over $1 million to Atmore area schools Wednesday and the establishment of a fund that could benefit schools in North Escambia.
Donations were made to the following Atmore area schools:
- Escambia County High School/Escambia County Middle School $687,360
- Rachel Patterson Elementary $78,000
- A.C. Moore School $112,547
- Huxford Elementary $337,000
- Escambia Academy $311,500
- Atmore Christian School $100,000.
The remaining $350,000 is in an education endowment and other schools in the surrounding communities will have the opportunity to solicit these funds for various educational needs. Schools in North Escambia are eligible to seek a portion of the $350,000, according to Sharon Delmar, spokesperson for the Tribe.
“Part of being a good neighbor is helping out others in need. Education is the bedrock of productive successful lives for these youngsters; we are happy and proud to be able to make this contribution to their future today,” said Tribal Chairman Buford L. Rolin. The presentation was made during a special ceremony held Wednesday at Escambia County High School in Atmore.
School personnel had an opportunity to provide a list of needs that were used in formulating the donation amounts.
Also Wednesday, the Poarch Band of Creek Indians donated $10,000 to the United Fund of Atmore.
“The United Fund of Atmore is so very thankful for the generosity of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. Without the help of Poarch and other donors the agencies that United Fund supports would definitely suffer and in some cases not be able to function,” said Atmore United Fund Vice President Lee Ann Allen said. “We are truly grateful.”
The $10,000 donation helped move the United Fund of Atmore closer toward their $50,000 goal for 2011.