Exclusive: Ride Along As Deputies Search For Escambia’s Most Wanted
March 22, 2010
A Century man named as one of Escambia County’s most wanted remains free. Friday night, NorthEscambia.com hit the streets with the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office for routine patrol as the search continued for Shawn Demarcus Simmons, 30, of Ivey Street, Century.
Updated: Simmons was captured after this story was originally published. Click here for that story.
During our five hour ride along with Deputy Tod Day, Simmons was target number one. As we drove the streets of Century, Day pointed out the places that Simmons was known to frequent in Century. (Pictured: Deputy Tod Day radios an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office dispatcher.)
“He’s been known to hang out over there,” Day said as we drove through Simmons’ Ivey Street neighborhood. Simmons is wanted for aggravated battery, possession of a weapon by a convicted felon and robbery with a firearm in connection with the February 25 robbery of another Century man. He is also the prime “person of interest” in the March 4 armed robbery of Moyes State Line Food Mart.
We drove past the home of one of his relatives on Backwoods Road multiple times during the night and checked at another Century home that he is known to frequent.
“We are going to clear this house,” Day said as we stopped in front of a run-down house. Day and Sgt. Mike Workman were going to check the abandoned house where tipsters said Simmons would sleep some nights. “If you see him run out, yell at us,” Day said as he trained the spotlight from his vehicle on the house.
Weapons drawn and using just flashlights to see, Day and Workman carefully and methodically checked each room of the house for Simmons. They found lots of birds that flew out of the open doors of the old house, but no Simmons. (Pictured: Sgt. Mike Workman returns his weapon to his holster after clearing an abandoned house in the search for a suspect.)
Since NorthEscambia.com ran a story on March 10 that Simmons had been named one of Escambia County’s most wanted by the Gulf Coast Crime Stoppers program, dozens of tips have come in. Deputies in Century frequently check out those tips, and tips led to a manhunt for Simmons recently in Brewton, another town he is known to frequent.
In the deputy workroom at the Century precinct of the Sheriff’s Office, there is one wanted poster hanging alone — Shawn Demarcus Simmons.
“He’s the one we really want right now,” Workman said. “We are going to get him; his time will run out.”
A Quiet Friday Night
Last Friday night was a rarity of sorts for the deputies of the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Century Precinct. During the average Friday night, deputies answer multiple calls, often faced with traversing 25 to 30 or more miles between simultaneous calls for help. But last Friday night, the total number of calls between 6 and 11 p.m. was zero.
“It was really quiet; it’s not always like that,” Day said as he took a late-night dinner break at Whataburger. The eight-year deputy has been in Century for about a year; he knows that nights with no calls don’t happen often in North Escambia.
Our ride along started on the streets of Century. We were greeted and waved at by many outdoors enjoying the warm early evening. Day was in one of the department’s new Chevrolet Tahoes — a big step up from the older Crown Vics. One of our first stops was a ballpark off Jefferson Avenue and Front Streets where Day said drugs are sometimes a problem. We found a gentleman on a bicycle. (Pictured: Deputy Tod Day is seen on the video monitor in his new Chevrolet Tahoe as he shakes hands with a Century man near the town’s sewage treatment plant.)
“Good evening sir, how are you doing?” Day said before asking him for his identification. Alone on a bicycle and headed toward Century’s sewage treatment plant, he was a “suspicious person”. Finding nothing unusual about the gentleman and no problems with his ID, Day wished him a good evening as we continued our patrol.
At the Cottage Street railroad crossing, the crossing arms were stuck in a down position. We stopped, got the identification number off the railroad’s signal control box and radioed dispatch. An ordinary occurrence with the crossing arms — the dispatcher was already familiar with the box number as he called CSX to report the problem. (Pictured: Deputy Tod Day returns to his patrol vehicle after checking stuck crossing arms on Cottage Street in Century.)
Our patrol continued to Fischer’s Landing, but the flooded river blocked access. Returning along Highway 4, Day came within a short distance of putting a scratch or two on the brand new Tahoe as a trashcan blew off a passing trailer. Blue lights on, Day slowed traffic he removed the can from the roadway.
The next hour was quiet as we patrolled Century, across Highway 168 to Bratt and then to Walnut Hill. As we traveled south along Pine Forest Road, we began the search for the source of a large amount of smoke seen to the south. Our ordinary evening continued as we located an ordinary trash fire on Doran Road. Darkness began to fall as we headed back to Highway 97 and to Molino.
On the way back to Century from Molino, we checked several side roads toward the Escambia River. Most were flooded. Along Dawson Road in Bluff Springs, Day pointed out a location where a few drug users had been busted in the past. Nothing unusual on this Friday night.
Another Century unit went out on a traffic stop — four miles away. We headed that way for backup. Everything was fine with the other unit, as we turned around on Highway 29 to do a traffic stop of our own near Glover Road about 8 p.m. due to a vehicle with improper lights. The driver only received a warning.
Headed back into Century, Day spotted a vehicle with no tag. Blue lights were on, and the vehicle stopped in the parking lot of the St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store. The driver’s excuse for no tag turned out to be valid — he had just purchased the vehicle earlier in the day and had not had the opportunity to purchase his tag. The driver was prepared with his insurance information and bill of sale. (Pictured: A traffic stop in Century.)
Things did not turn out as well for the driver on our next traffic stop — he was off to jail. We found him on Freedom Road near Camellia Gardens Apartments. He had just a paper dealer tag on his new used car. Day followed him into the parking lot of the apartment complex before turning on the blue lights.
A records check determined our driver was driving with a suspended license, and he had a trespass warning that forbid him from being on the apartment complex property. The suspect had his son in the backseat of his car. Sgt. Workman joined Day as they waited for a relative to arrive to take the child as dad was arrested. (Pictured: A man accused of driving with a suspended license and trespassing is taken into custody by Sgt. Mike Workman, left, and Deputy Tod Day at Camellia Gardens Apartments in Century.)
The suspect, charged with driving with a suspended license and trespassing, had the unique honor of being the first prisoner placed in handcuffs in the back of the new Tahoe. He was transported back to the Century Precinct for paperwork and fingerprints before his ride to jail.
Then it was back to the streets to look for Simmons.
“We are going to get him,” Workman repeated.
Updated: Simmons was captured after this story was originally published. Click here for that story.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Democrats Applaud Passage Of Health Care Reform Bill; Republicans Fire Back; What Do You Think?
March 22, 2010
Sunday night, the Democratic-controlled Congress approved a health care reform bill that will overhaul the American medical system. Shortly after the bill passed, both Congressmen that represent the North Escambia area spoke out in strong opposition to the plan.
The bill passed 219-212 after a year of bitter debate, with all 178 Republicans in the House and 34 Democrats opposed. The bill now goes to President Barack Obama’s desk for a signature.
The $940 billion legislation will extend health insurance coverage to about 32 million additional Americans. Most Americans will be required to have health insurance or pay a fine, and large employers will be fined if they don’t offer coverage to their employees. The bill also caps expenses for those with insurance, and it will bar insurance companies from denying coverage for pre-existing conditions.
After the bill passed, Congressman Jeff Miller (R-Fla) said, “After over a year of trying to ram through a trillion dollar government takeover of our health care system, Nancy Pelosi and the majority party waited until the middle of the night to take one of the most important votes in history. This bill was written behind closed doors using backroom deals to buy enough votes to pass, and puts the future of our great country at great risk. It does nothing to protect the sanctity of human life, will not lower health care costs for the American family, cuts Medicare by $500 billion, and raises taxes on middle-class Americans. I strongly denounce the passage of this bill and will work for its swift repeal.”
In Alabama, the entire House delegation — five Republicans and two Democrats — voted unanimously against the health care legislation approved late Sunday. In Florida, the vote was split along party lines.
Congressman Jo Bonner (R-Ala) said, “Tonight, a stake was put through the heart of both freedom and liberty. Under the Democrat’s rule, personal responsibility no longer appears to be an American virtue. And the federal government, with 16,000 new IRS agents, will be watching our every move. With a national debt over $12 trillion, and growing every minute, this is not a day for celebration; it is a moment we will all one day come to regret.”
Your thoughts on this story are welcome in the comments section below.
President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, and senior staff, react in the Roosevelt Room of the White House, as the House passes the health care reform bill Sunday night. Courtesy Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Northview Chiefs Track Results
March 22, 2010
The Northview High School track team recently participated in the Crusader Classic at Catholic High School in Pensacola.
Northview competed against West Florida Tech, Gulf Breeze, Pensacola, Marianna and Catholic high schools.
The following Northview students placed during the competition:
Girls High Jump
5th Gomez, L Northview HS 4-02.00
6th Floyd, T Northview HS 4-02.00
Boys High Jump
4th Gibson, J Northview HS 5-06.00
Boys Triple Jump
5th Gibson, J Northview HS 36-08.50
Girls 4×800 Meter Relay
5th Northview HS 12:49.00
Boys 4×800 Meter Relay
6th Northview HS 10:57.00
Girls 100 Meter Hurdles
2nd Floyd, T Northview HS 18.78
5th Fiellin, H Northview HS 21.96
Girls 4×100 Meter Relay
6th Northview HS 56.49
Girls 300 Meter Hurdles
5th Holland, A Northview HS 58.74
Girls 4×400 Meter Relay
6th Northview HS 5:44.66
Boys 4×400 Meter Relay
6th Northview HS 4:31.39
Pictured top: Laneicia Gomez in the high jump for Northview. Pictured inset: Lauren McCall for the Chiefs. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Florida Bright Futures Scholarships Could Be Harder To Get
March 22, 2010
Florida’s popular Bright Futures scholarship program would prove tougher to get under plans approved Friday by Senate panels trying to close a budget gap of as much as $3.2 billion.
The Senate plan boosts funding for the state’s Bright Futures’ scholarship program by $31.4 million over the current year’s $418.9 million level. But the Senate is on track to phase-in a system where the popular scholarships that provide either 75 percent or 100 percent of base tuition become tougher to get.Almost 180,000 Florida students are expected to be eligible for the scholarships next year, according to legislative analysts, bringing the program’s price to $450 million, compared with $75 million when the scholarships were launched in 1997.
Legislators began reining-in the costs last year with program changes that look certain to continue in 2010-11. The Senate Higher Education budget committee Friday approved legislation (CS/SB 1344) that phases-in stricter qualifying standards, making students graduating in 2013 attain a 1280 SAT score for a full scholarship – compared to 1270 currently – and 1290, for students the next year.
Those getting 75 percent of their base tuition covered would face new standards a year earlier – needing to score 980 on the SAT in 2012, compared to 970 currently. That level would rise to a 1050 SAT by 2014.
“We don’t know if the House will go along with us,” said Higher Education budget chair Evelyn Lynn, R-Ormond Beach. “But we still have to get a better handle on Bright Futures.”
Area Pipeline Company Works To Raise $128 Million
March 22, 2010
Genesis Energy LP has announced an effort to raise $128 million from the sale of new units.
The action will move cash from operations to the unit owners. Genesis’ operations include pipelines in the North Escambia area, both in Alabama and Florida.
The company announced the commencement of a secondary public offering of 6,000,000 common units owned by Denbury Onshore, LLC and Denbury Gathering & Marketing, Inc., each an affiliate of Denbury Resources Inc., and James E. Davison, one of the directors of their general partner, and two other members of the Davison family. The underwriters have been granted a 30-day option to purchase up to 937,500 additional common units owned by the Davisons.
Genesis will not receive any of the proceeds from this offering and the number of our outstanding common units will remain unchanged.
After a 52-week low of $9.50 per share, Genesis stock (GEL) closed earlier last week at a 52-week high of $21.67.
Surprise Plea From Man Accused Of Shooting Former Century Resident In Face
March 21, 2010
In a surprise move, a Bay Minette teen entered a no contest plea in court on charges that he shot a Century native in the face last June.
Ellis Jarel McArthur, 18, of Bay Minette, Ala., entered the no contest plea to second degree murder in Escambia County Circuit Court. McArthur was charged with the shooting death of Jeffrey Kimbrough, 41, of Pensacola. Kimbrough was a former resident of Century. McArthur will remain in the Escambia County Jail without bond until he is sentenced on May 12.
Kimbrough was born in Century and attended Century Elementary and Carver Middle school. During the time he lived in Century, Kimbrough was a member of Century Volunteer Fire Department where he obtained the rank of captain. After moving from Century, he served as a volunteer for the Pensacola Fire Department. He was employed the last five years at the Pensacola Civic Center.
He was survived by his wife of 24 years Clara Ann Nettle; children Bridgett, Leroca, Elandarge and Tamara; mother Carrie Kimbrough; four brothers and three sisters. His funeral was held at New Life Baptist Church in Century, and internment was in the Century Cemetery.
Kimbrough was shot June 14, 2009, in the 1500 block of Gulf Beach Highway in the Warrington community in the southwest part of the county. The incident occurred at the Heritage Oaks Mobile Home Park, which had been without water for about a week due to a bill that the park owner did not pay to the Peoples Water Service.
Escambia County Sheriff’s deputies said Kimbrough confronted McArthur about a stolen wallet. That is when, according to deputies, McArthur pulled out a handgun and shot Kimbrough in the face. Kimbrough died a short time later at Baptist Hospital in Pensacola.
The shooting incident occurred not far from where members of Pensacola’s First Assembly of God Church were holding services, grilling hot dogs and giving away water to the trailer park residents. Several members of the church witnessed the shooting.
NWE Opening Day Photos
March 21, 2010
Saturday was opening day for Northwest Escambia Little League and NorthEscambia.com was there.
- For a photo gallery from Opening Ceremonies, click here.
- For a photo gallery from Wee Ball between Drew’s Dream Team and the Corn Huskers, click here.
- For a photo gallery from Bondurants versus Alabama Wing House, click here.
- For a photo gallery from Alto versus FNB&T, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
International Visitors Learn About Voting In Escambia
March 21, 2010
Several international visitors recently learned about the American elections process and methods in Escambia County.
The Gulf Coast Citizen Diplomacy Council arranged for a group of visitors with the State Department’s International Visitor Leadership Program to tour the Escambia County Supervisor of Elections Office. Participants in the program were here representing Lebanon, Sudan, Turkmenistan, Bulgaria and Serbia.
Escambia County Supervisor of Elections David Stafford demonstrated Optical Scan and Touch Screen voting equipment as well as paper and electronic poll books used in Escambia County elections. Participants had the opportunity to discuss recent changes in voting methods and technologies and were given the opportunity to try each voting method in a demonstration election.
Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
One Trapped After Early Morning Accident
March 20, 2010
One person was trapped for about 20 minutes following an early morning North Escambia accident.
The accident was reported about 3:20 a.m. Saturday.
Firefighters were forced to use chainsaws to cut their way to a vehicle in a wooded area near the intersection of Quintette Road and Highway 95A.
One person was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital by ambulance following the crash.
The wreck is still under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. Further details were not available.
Hundreds Take Part In Northview FFA Food For America Program
March 20, 2010
About 600 elementary school students from schools from Byrneville and Bratt to Pensacola Beach attended the annual “Food for America” program Friday at Northview High School. About 800 people total either attended or worked with the program.
The program, sponsored the National FFA Organization and conducted by the Northview FFA, gave the students a chance to learn about agriculture firsthand as they got up close and personal with farm animals, farm equipment and more. The students even had the opportunity to make their own butter and enjoy it on crackers.
The Northview FFA has participated in the program for 15 years, placing second in the state last year. Northview has placed in the top five in the state for the last ten years.
Friday’s program at Northview was dedicated to Philip Caler, a fellow FFA member from Booker, Texas, who accidentally fell 40 feet from the third floor at the October, 2009, FFA National Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana — an event that was attended by Northview students. He has remained in a coma most of the time since the accident.
“It is our hope and prayer that Philip will indeed make a complete recovery,” read a note attached to balloons released in Caler’s honor Friday at Northview. “We are dedicating this day to Philip, and would like you to join us…to live each day to the fullest, take time to laugh each and every day with friends and family, and strive to cultivate friendships that will last a lifetime.”
Click here for a complete NorthEscambia.com photo gallery with dozens of pictures from the event.
FFA students from both Northview and Ernest Ward Middle School conducted the program, including from Northview FFA: President Micah Byars, Vice President Lydia Weaver, Secretary Stephanie Solari, Treasurer Allison Vidak, Reporter Heather Kite, Sentinel Gavin Hinote, Parliamentarian Wes Chancery, Photographer and Historian Shelby Lewis, Chaplain Devin Bell and Advisors Perry Byars and Tommy Weaver.
Pictured above: Pictured top:A students pets a horse at Northview High School FFA’s Food for America Program on Friday. Pictured top inset: Students from Pensacola Beach Elementary School learn about bees. Pictured bottom inset: Northview FFA members release balloons to honor a Philp Caler, FFA member from Texas who has been in a coma for months. Pictured below: Tasting homemade butter. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
