Sheriff’s Office Wins New Harley Davidson For Traffic Enforcement Efforts
July 20, 2010
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office has been awarded a 2010 Harley Davidson Road King patrol motorcycle for traffic enforcement enforcement.
Sheriff David Morgan made traffic enforcement a top priority after taking office, and the program was named as one of the state’s top programs. Under the Motor Unit Challenge from the Florida Department of Transportation, Escambia County was the random grand prize winner of the fully equipped $30,000 Harley.
To be Florida’s best in traffic enforcement is not just about writing tickets, according to Panhandle Region Law Enforcement Liason Andrew Johnson. A scoring system rates each participating department using FDOT data on citations, decreases in traffic crashes, increased seat belt usage, education and training.
Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Officers from each of the six recognized programs had the opportunity in Orlando to try their lucky key to start and win the Harley for their department. The fifth officer to try, Lt. Bart Fryer from Escambia County, had the right key and drove the Harley home.
The new Harley has been assigned to Deputy Donny White of the ECSO Traffic Division.
Could A Tsunami Crash Into Our Coast As A Result Of The Oil Spill?
July 20, 2010
The Florida Department of Environmental Management is trying to dispel rumors that the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill could send a tsunami crashing into the Gulf Coast.
The myth’s scenario involves a large release of methane from the Macondo Discovery, the petroleum reservoir into which the Deepwater Horizon production well was drilled. The DEP says the situation is unlikely to produce a tsunami.
“Science does not support the notion of a methane-induced tsunami resulting from Deepwater Horizon activities. However, while the possibility of an induced tsunami is extremely remote, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) continues to take all concerns seriously and is consulting with experts in all related scientific fields,” the DEP said in a news release.
To read the complete release from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, click here.
Flomaton Woman Injured in Florida Wreck
July 20, 2010
A 5o-year old Flomaton woman received minor injuries in a Pensacola wreck Monday after another driver ran a red light.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Jimmy Adams, 53, of Pensacola, ran a red light at the intersection of 9th Avenue and Langley Avenue about 10:35 Monday morning. His 2005 Toyota SUV collided with a 2003 Ford pickup driven by Rene Hullett, 50, of Flomaton.
Hullett and her passengers, Tamara Williams , 51, of Pensacola, received minor injuries that did not require transport to the hospital. Another passenger in the vehicle, a properly restrained two-year old, was not injured.
Adams was charged with failing to stop at the red signal.
Suspect Shot, Killed By Santa Rosa Deputies
July 19, 2010
Authorities have released the name of an armed suspect that was shot and killed by sheriff’s deputies Sunday night in Santa Rosa County.
He was identified as Mark Delane Walker, 41. Five deputies have been placed on administrative leave following the shooting.
The incident occurred at 4472 Tamarind Drive in Pace. According to Sgt. Scott Haines, spokesperson for the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office, the department received two different calls in reference to gunshots coming from a fifth-wheel trailer located on the property. Deputies arrived at 9:15 p.m., with the shooting occurring 39 minutes later at 9:54 p.m.
“Deputies confirmed that the suspect was armed after he encountered deputies while he was armed with a shotgun,” Haines said. “Numerous deputies fired their weapons at the armed suspect. The suspect was later declared deceased at the scene after entry was made into the trailer by SWAT.”
As is normal in all officer-involved shootings, the incident is under investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Authorities have not released the identity of the deputies involved. No further details have been released on the ongoing investigation.
Showalter Not Named Orioles’ Manager – Yet
July 19, 2010
The weekend after mid-season mark in baseball has come and gone, and former Century resident Buck Showalter is not yet the new manager of the Baltimore Orioles.
Several national media outlets reported last week that Showalter would be named the new head Oriole over the weekend, but a replacement for fired manager Dave Tembley has not been named. Showalter has met with Orioles several times.
With experience in the manager’s job for the New York Yankees, the Arizona Diamondbacks, and the Texas Rangers, Showalter was named a “heavy favorite” for the Baltimore job by ESPN.
Showalter’s father was a high school coach and principal, moving to Century in the late 1950’s. Showalter played Little League ball in Century in a thriving program. Century’s modern day Showalter Park is named after him.
Photo courtesy ESPN.
Economist: Florida Hits Recession Bottom And Stays There
July 19, 2010
Florida’s economy has hit bottom in the recession but appears likely to continue scraping along with the state’s housing market still serving as an anchor, state economists said.
The state’s Economic Estimating Conference concluded Florida’s unemployment rate is on track to continue what has been a three-month improvement from a 12.4 percent peak, with manufacturing and health care industries now hiring. But the construction industry, which has lost 28,000 jobs over the past year, is forecast as facing another slowdown because of the deepening housing slump.
Tim Campbell, an analyst with the state’s Economic and Demographic Research Office, said housing has been staggered by a steady 50,000 foreclosures a month combined with tightening credit markets, resulting in a 14 percent decline in home construction through 2010’s first quarter.
“It’s really a recession within a recession,” Campbell said. “I think Florida has essentially hit bottom. But we’re at a flat part at the bottom of the recession.”
Economists conceded they still don’t have a good handle on the Gulf oil spill’s impact on the state’s economy. While much of the tourism decline is concentrated in the Panhandle, analysts conceded it is having a ripple effect across the state.
Along with the spill’s effect on tourism, the weak economy globally is reducing the pace of visitors to Florida from Europe and Japan. “We’re seeing a slight reduction in the number of visitors coming here, and that’s having a major impact,” said Clyde Diao, an economist with Gov. Charlie Crist’s office.
by The News Service Florida
Aldersgate’s A-maize-ing Outing
July 19, 2010
Members of Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Molino recently had an “a-maize-ing” time at “Bratt’s A-maize-ing” cornfield maze. The six acre cornfield maze is located on Highway 4 just west of North Highway 99.
Have news items, announcements or photos from your church? Email them to news@northescambia.com
Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Deputies Seek Help To Solve 1996 Murder
July 19, 2010
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in solving a cold case murder from 14 years ago.
On the morning of July4, 1996, 69-year old Everett Jerome Mack was reported missing by a family member. He was reportedly last seen at his home in the 2000 block of Kelso Road near Nine Mile Road the afternoon of July 3, 1996.
The following day, Mack’s body was found in the water in the area of the Highway 90 bridge over the Escambia River. An investigation determined that Mack was murdered. Investigators still do not know the person or persons responsible for his death.
Anyone with any information whatsoever about what happened to Everett Jerome Mack or the events that led up to his July 4, 1996, disappearance is asked to contact the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit at (850) 436-9580 or Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
Pictured above: Murder victim Everett Jerome Mack when he was about 65 years old. Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Man With Multiple Alcohol-Related Convictions Charged With DUI After Highway 97 Incident
July 18, 2010
A McDavid man with a long history of alcoh0l-related driving convictions was arrested and charged with DUI after an early Sunday morning incident on Highway 97 in Molino.
Michael Aaron Killam, 30, was charged with DUI fourth or subsequent offense, refusal to submit to a DUI test an driving with a suspended license. He was released from the Escambia County Jail on $12,000 bond.
Several stations of Escambia Fire Rescue were dispatched to a possible accident on Highway 97 near Molino Park Elementary School about 5:40 a.m. Sunday. Rather than an accident, they found Killam, apparently passed out or asleep behind the wheel of a Nissan Frontier truck in the ditch alongside the roadway.
Killam was taken into custody by the Florida Highway Patrol after he failed a field sobriety test.
Killam was arrested in late May, 2009 for driving under the influence, driving while his license was suspended, resisting arrest without violence and for threatening a deputy and his family. He was also issued traffic citations for an open container of alcohol and failure to drive in a single lane.
Escambia County deputy James Gilman was on Pine Barren Road the morning of May 20, 2009, at a brush fire when Killam made a u-turn in the roadway to avoid approaching Gilman’s patrol car and fire trucks. He sped away, prompting Gilman to follow. After observing Killam cross the yellow center and side white lines of the highway several times, Gilman initiated a traffic stop on Highway 164, according to Sheriff’s Office records.
That’s when Gilman said Killam headed for the passenger seat, reaching into the floorboard. After Killam was removed from the vehicle, he refused a field sobriety test and stated that his license was already suspended for DUI.
Killam was found guilty and sentenced to community control for 12 months, 24 months probation, 90 days in jail and community service. He was also ordered to avoid the possession or consumption of alcohol, ordered to use an ignition interlock system to test for the presence of alcohol before driving, and his driver’s license was revoked for 10 years.
Escambia County Court records show the following convictions for Killam:
- DUI, third conviction within 10 years after prior conviction
- Driving with license suspended
- Threatening a public servant
- Resisting arrest without violence
- Driving with license suspended, third or subsequent conviction
- Open container of alcohol in vehicle
- Failure to drive in a single lane
- Open container of alcohol in vehicle
- Trespassing
- DUI, third conviction within 10 years
- Refusal to submit to DUI test
- Driving with license suspended, second conviction
- DUI property damage, second offense
- Refusal to submit to DUI test
- Driving with license suspended
- Open container of alcohol in vehicle
- Failure to display registration
- Careless driving
- DUI property damage
- failure to leave info at accident
- Unlawful speed
- Careless driving
Pictured top: Michael Aaron Killam of McDavid is given a field sobriety test early Sunday morning along Highway 97 in Molino. Pictured below: Killam is taken into custody. Pictured inset: A Florida Highway Patrol trooper pours out an apparent container of beer found in the driver’s truck. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Leaders Limit Special Session Agenda
July 18, 2010
Legislative leaders have moved to end speculation about adding property-tax breaks, immigration reform or a host of other issues to the special session called next week by Gov. Charlie Crist to craft a ballot measure banning oil-drilling in Florida waters.
House Speaker Larry Cretul, R-Ocala, said he agreed with Senate President Jeff Atwater’s proposal to return to the Capitol by early September to address other measures stemming from the Gulf oil spill and Florida’s economic fallout.
But Cretul also may have signaled dim prospects for Crist’s push for a drilling ban. In a memo to House members, Cretul ambiguously said that he agreed with Atwater that “we are not ready to legislate with respect to the oil spill.”
“You can expect your stay to be very short next week,” Cretul assured fellow House members.
Still, neither Cretul nor Atwater provided any insight into how they plan to deal with Crist’s proposal for a November ballot measure. House Republicans have almost unanimously derided Crist’s push to ban drilling, with one Central Florida lawmaker Thursday saying the governor should be censured for wasting taxpayer money by calling lawmakers into session.
Instead, Atwater and Cretul agreed that legislators should plan on returning to the Capitol in another month. As a prelude, Atwater also recommended adding several House members to an existing Senate committee and charging it with developing “a legislative package that truly meets the needs of this emergency.”
“Floridians will not be well served by hastily drafted legislation designed more for political consumption than meaningful economic relief,” Atwater said in his letter to Cretul.
The leaders said a second special session may be the time to consider other action, which other lawmakers have said may include steps to improve the state’s recovery of millions of dollars in claims from BP and provide property-tax reimbursements for Gulf coast residents and businesses.
Cretul said a September session would be called once “we can identify those subjects upon which we can act.”
The exchange between the two leaders ends what in recent days has proved a free-for-all of measures that could be tacked onto next week’s agenda, including extending state unemployment eligibility standards and enacting an Arizona-style immigration law.
Crist has called lawmakers into a four-day special session beginning Tuesday to put on the November ballot a proposed constitutional amendment banning oil-drilling within Florida waters, over opposition from most ruling Republicans who say the measure is unnecessary, since state law already bars such exploration.
On Thursday, a House joint resolution was unveiled sponsored by a pair of Gulf Coast Democrats, Reps. Keith Fitzgerald of Sarasota and Rick Kriseman of St. Petersburg. But Crist has gained little support from Republicans, with even Atwater’s “political consumption” reference a possibly veiled shot at the state’s chief executive.
The House’s view of the session may have been underscored by Rep. Sandy Adams, R-Oviedo, who said Thursday she is sponsoring a resolution to censure Crist. She accused the governor of wasting hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars by calling what she said is an unneeded session.
For his part, Crist has said the House’s push for oil-exploration the past two years affirms the need to have voters consider a drilling ban.
While Sen. Alex Villalobos, R-Miami, is expected to introduce an oil-drilling amendment similar to that proposed by the two House Democrats, Atwater in his letter doesn’t appear to share his view about Crist’s proposed ballot measure. Atwater refused the House the past two springs when it pushed to bring oil-drilling as close as three miles from Florida’s coastline, but when Crist called the session last week, the Senate president responded only by saying he hoped other economic issues could be added to the agenda.
By Thursday, however, Atwater seemed to abandon that hope.
Sen. Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, also managed to take a veiled shot at Crist. Gaetz, whose Select Committee on Florida’s Economy is being positioned by Atwater to put together the legislation for the post-Aug. 24 primary special session, said the governor’s hurry-up call for a session has blunted the possibility of fully developing other spill-related bills.
“It is unfortunate that the timing and call of next week’s special session did not take into account the economic aspects of the oil spill,” Gaetz said in a letter released by Atwater’s office. “Sadly, the clock has tolled on that opportunity.”
Among other steps, Gaetz had been looking to enact legislation providing property-tax reductions to Gulf coast residents and businesses. Property appraisers in the Panhandle’s Santa Rosa and Escambia counties earlier this summer wrote Crist warning that properties would lose value this year because of the spill – but taxpayers would still face bills based on assessments in place at the start of 2010.
The Legislature has approved various tax relief measures five times since 1985, following hurricanes, wildfires and tornadoes in Florida. The most recent, $1,500 property-tax reimbursements were handed out in 2007 to Central Florida residents whose houses were destroyed or heavily damaged by tornadoes.
Providing tax relief this time around, though, is proving more troublesome.
With businesses the length of the Gulf coast complaining about the slow tourist season, any attempt give property-tax breaks is likely to draw complaints from lawmakers whose districts are left out.
The Florida Constitution also sets Jan. 1 as the effective date for the value of homestead properties. Although tax bills aren’t due until fall, the constitutional requirement is a barrier lawmakers would have to navigate in trying to reset values for residents, Gaetz told the News Service of Florida.
“Everybody knows it should be done, can be done,” Gaetz said of the tax give-back. “But how we do it is still elusive.”
Before the exchange of letters from legislative leaders, the state’s largest labor union, the Florida AFL-CIO, on Thursday added to the call for more action next week. AFL-CIO President Mike Williams said lawmakers should extend unemployment benefits and modernize state compensation laws to cover more jobless Floridians.
Unemployment benefits have run out for about 200,000 Floridians since federal emergency benefits expired at the beginning of June, officials said.
The state’s $60 billion tourism industry has been staggered by at least a 20 percent decline in recent months, Visit Florida officials acknowledge. Along the Panhandle, the usually lucrative summer season has evolved into a grim summer of waiting for oil, sharply reducing what for many beach-reliant businesses is the bulk of their annual revenue. That’s despite the fact that little oil has actually washed ashore in the state.
University of Central Florida economist Sean Snaith predicted earlier this summer that even a 10 percent decline in Florida tourism along the Gulf coast would drain $2.2 billion from the state’s economy and cost 39,000 jobs. If tourism was cut in half, Snaith warned, the economic cost could top $10 billion and erase almost 200,000 jobs.
by John Kennedy, The News Service Florida