Four Teens Busted After Burglary Attempt At Gas Station, Hair Salon
February 12, 2010
Four teens were busted after they tried to break into two business on South Main Street in Atmore Thursday night.
The teens attempted to burglarize the Tammie;s Cuttin’ Loose hair salon an a BP gas station next door. Two suspects were arrested at the location of the attempted burglaries. A third was located in front of Chen’s Chinese Buffet in a nearby shopping center on Lindberg Avenue, and the fourth was found hiding in the woods behind the BP. The four were taking into custody just before 8 p.m.
County Leaders Tour Old Molino School; Explore Future Uses For Building
February 12, 2010
Several top county officials toured the old Molino School Thursday afternoon with District 5 Commissioner Kevin White. The county is in the process of designing renovations for the facility to become a hub for the North Escambia area.
Among those touring the building was Escambia County Tax Collector Janet Holley who is considering moving her north end office to Molino when her lease at her current Cantonment location expires in 2012.
Supervisor of Elections David Stafford and Property Appraiser Chris Jones are also considering locating in the building.
For more photos from Thursday’s tour of the old Molino School, click here.
In May, 2009, commissioners approved the $400,000 purchase of the building from the Escambia County School District. Commissioners have since approved a budget of $2,089,156 from Local Option Sales Tax monies for the renovation project. DAG Architects is being paid $214,580 to design the renovations.
The campus could also house a 5,000 square foot library, a museum highlighting Molino history, a small health clinic, a business incubator, renovation of the cafeteria and one additional building for community events and private party rental along with other uses.
The school campus includes 9.66 acres and four buildings — the largest of which is 16,630 square feet.
First opened in 1939, the Molino School closed in 2003 when the new Molino Park Elementary School consolidated Molino Elementary and Barrineau Park Elementary.
Pictured top: District 5 Escambia County Commissioner Kevin White and Escambia County Tax Collector Janet Holley discuss potential plans for the old Molino School Thursday afternoon. They are standing in the school’s former auditorium. Pictured inset: The front hallway of the old Molino School. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Tate Beats Pace In Preseason Baseball
February 12, 2010
Tate beat Pace 3-2 in a preseason baseball game Thursday night at Gulf Breeze High School.
The game was tied going into the top of the fifth inning when CT Bradford singled followed by a single by David Casey. Trent Higgenbothem hit a sacrifice fly to score Bradford to make it 1-0 Pace.
In the bottom half of the figth Tevin Padgett doubled to left center. David Lee moved him to third with a sacrifice bunt. Lee Hunter walked. Padgett scored on a pass ball and then Adam Mack singled to bring in hunter to make it 2-1 fort the Aggies.
The top of the seventh Zach Etheridge walked followed by a walk to Bradford. Casey singled to load the bases. Higgenbothem hit an infield single scoring Etheridge to tie it up 2-2. The bottom of the seventh Tate’s Lee hit the first pitch over the right field fence for a walk off home run as the Aggies beat the Patriots 3-2.
ALL AREA SCHOOLS CLOSED FRIDAY
February 12, 2010
All area schools will be closed on Friday.
- Escambia County, Fla. will be closed — make up day has not been announced
- Santa Rosa County will be closed — make up day will be June 10
- Escambia County, Ala. will be closed — make up day on Monday
- Escambia Academy will be closed.
- Baldwin County, Ala. will be closed
- Brewton City Schools will be closed.
All evening events have also been canceled.
Escambia County: Latest Updates
February 11, 2010
Here is the latest update from Escambia County concerning our winter weather:
Escambia County Board of County Commissioners
· Emergency management staff are monitoring the winter storm and coordinating with other local agencies.
· The emergency operation center will not be activated.
Office Closings
· All locations of the Escambia County Health Department will be closed on Friday.
· The Santa Rosa Island Authority will be closed on Friday and on Monday.
· The court system will be open on Monday, February 15.
· Escambia County Circuit Arraignments that were scheduled for Friday, February 12, at 9:00 a.m. have been rescheduled to Monday, February 15, at the M.C. Blanchard Bldg. in Courtroom 401.
· Escambia County Late Pleas in Division “F” before The Honorable Jan Shackelford that were scheduled for Friday, February 12, at 9:00 a.m. have been rescheduled to Monday, February 15, at the M.C. Blanchard Bldg. in Courtroom 307 at 8:30 a.m.
· Santa Rosa County Courts will be closed on Friday, February 12, and will reopen for business as usual on Monday, February 15.
· County offices will be closed Friday, February 12. In addition, Escambia County offices are closed on Monday, February 15 for Presidents’ Day.
· Supervisor of Elections, Tax Collector, Clerk of the Court, Sheriff’s administration and the court system are closed.
· The Property Appraiser’s office will be closed Friday, February 12 but will be open Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon for residents needing to file for homestead exemption.
· Please monitor local media outlets for changes.
Military Closings
· The Center for Information Dominance Corry Station Commanding Officer Capt. Gary Edwards has suspended normal operations on board Corry Station for Friday February 12.
o Only essential personnel and those who have been scheduled for duty are required to report to work. All other personnel will be excused.
o Administration leave has been granted to CID government civilian staff for Friday.
o The galley on board Corry Station will maintain its normal hours of operation.
o As Monday is a federal holiday, all CID Corry Station staff are required to return to work at 5 a.m. to bring their classrooms back on-line for training; students are expected to return to their normal schedule beginning at 6 a.m. on Tuesday, February 16.
Schools
· Pensacola Christian Academy will be closed on Friday, February 12. Classes will resume on Monday, February 15.
· University of West Florida will be closed on Friday as well.
· All Escambia County public schools will be closed on Friday, February 12 due to the weather.
· Schools will be open on Monday, February 15.
Shelters
· Salvation Army and Waterfront Rescue Mission are the two cold weather shelters open in Escambia County.
· Additional shelters will be opened if these two shelters exceed capacity or if there is a power outage
and a public shelter is needed.
Solid Waste Operations
* The Perdido Landfill and Palafox Transfer Station will be open for commercial and residential haulers normal hours throughout the weekend.
County Events
* The weekend show at the Escambia County Equestrian Center will go on as scheduled. County employees will work as scheduled at this facility.
Santa Rosa County Update
February 11, 2010
The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning, meaning a build up of snow, ice or sleet is possible for Santa Rosa County. Snowfall of up to three inches south of I-10 and two to four inches north of I10 is possible on Friday, February 12. Road conditions may be extremely hazardous. Residents are urged to stay off the roads if possible. The public is also asked to monitor the local media for the latest weather conditions and information.
School/Office Closures for Friday, February 12
· The offices of the Board of County Commissioners are closed. Regular operating hours will resume on Monday, February 15.
· Supervisor of Elections, Tax Collector, Clerk of the Court and the court system are closed and reopen on Monday, February 15.
· Public schools in Santa Rosa County are closed. School will resume on Tuesday, February 16.
· The University of West Florida will be closed, but will have weekend activities.
· All base facilities will be closed on Friday, to include: The Whiting Field Golf Course, Wings Club, Child Development Center; Fitness Center, Navy Exchange Main Store, Bachelor’s Quarters Mini-Mart, Commissary, and Pen Air Federal Credit Union. The Branch Health Clinic will remain open Friday morning for all scheduled appointments, but will close at 1200 noon for all services, including the pharmacy. The Whiting Pines Mini-Mart will remain open during their normal operating hours. Weather permitting, the base will reopen for all normal operations at 7 a.m., Saturday, February 13.
· Pensacola Junior College Milton Campus is closed.
Actions Taken by the County
In preparation for the low temperatures, Santa Rosa County has taken the following steps:
* The emergency operations center is at a level three or monitoring phase.
* Emergency management and public works staff are on standby to respond as needed.
* Public works has sand on standby to place on roadways. Any road closures will be announced as they occur.
* The American Red Cross is on standby to open a public warming shelter if needed for any long-term power outages.
Cold Weather Shelters
· If the temperature cannot be maintained at your home, make temporary arrangements to stay elsewhere, including with friends and family. Two cold weather shelters for the homeless and those who are not able to maintain heat in their homes through Sunday:
* Ferris Hill Baptist Church, 6848 Chaffin Street in Milton
* Billory Baptist Church, 8162 Stillwater Cove in Holley
* Thursday night ONLY, both shelters will open at 5 p.m. and close at 9 a.m. on Friday morning.
Black Ice Safety
Black ice could be a hazard throughout the weekend, even after the storm passes. Black ice forms when the air temperature is warmer than pavement, which causes moisture to rapidly freeze and create a thin, transparent layer of ice on the roadway. It can be one of the most dangerous conditions on roads as it is invisible and can catch drivers off guard and at full speed, resulting in loss of vehicle control. Drivers can increase safety by observing the following tips:
· Be aware that black ice is almost invisible.
· Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses and tunnels and in early morning when the air temperature is rising faster than the pavement temperature.
· Never brake while driving on ice. Applying pressure to your brakes while on ice will cause a vehicle to skid. Brake only during your approach.
· Keep your distance. The distance needed to stop on ice is twice as long as under normal driving circumstances. Keep at least a three-car distance from the vehicle directly in front of you.
General Driving Safety
Snow and ice on most roadways is expected. Santa Rosa County Emergency Management asks residents to take special precautions when driving:
* Drive according to the conditions on the road. Remember bridges, overpasses and infrequently travel roads will freeze first.
* Allow extra time to get to your destination.
* Don’t use cruise control on icy roads.
* Reduce your speed and leave plenty of room to stop. There should be at least three times the normal amount of space between you and the car in front of you.
* To avoid skidding break gently if your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake.
* Put extra distance between you and the car in front of you.
* If your car starts to slide, turn your wheels in the direction it is sliding to straighten it out.
* Turn on your lights to see and be seen.
* Clear snow and ice off the headlights, tail lights, mirrors and license plates.
* Stop the car when necessary to keep the windows clear.
* Check the windshield wipers to make sure they are not frozen to the windshield.
* Slow down. Wear seat belts. Never drink and drive.
General Safety
· Citizens are urged to remember the five P’s of cold weather- protect people, protect pets, protect plants, protect pipes and practice fire safety.
· In the event of long-term power outages, be extremely careful when using generators, lanterns, gas powered appliances or when cooking on charcoal grills or gas grills. These appliances produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide that can cause poisoning in only a matter of minutes. Equipment or appliances that produce carbon monoxide should never be used indoors. Opening doors and windows or using fans will not stop carbon monoxide build-up.
Man Accused Of Dumping Cantonment Woman’s Body In Dumpster Remains Jailed
February 11, 2010
Scott Joseph Thompson will remain behind bars for now as he awaits trial on charges that he murdered Cheryl Cain, the Cantonment woman whose body was found in a Pensacola dumpster back in March.
Thompson’s court appointed attorney, Cheryl Alverson, had asked the court to allow bond for Thompson, but she withdrew that request this week just prior to a hearing. He remains in the Escambia County Jail without bond.
Thompson, 30, has been held without bond since his arrest on June 9. When he was arrested on the second degree murder charges, he was already in the Escambia County Jail for violating probation on 2007 narcotics charges, according to court records, waiting for a bed to become available in a drug treatment facility.
Cain’s body was found in a dumpster behind a Highway 29 gas station in Pensacola on March 25.
DNA evidence from the dumpster and in Cain’s car were used to charge Thompson with murder, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Department. Thompson’s DNA was reportedly found in Cain’s vehicle, which was located after the murder at a Pensacola motel.
Cain’s wallet was found under Thompson’s bed, authorities said. Thompson was the roommate of Cain’s ex-boyfriend, according to authorities.
In July, Thompson plead not guilty to the murder charges. He will be back in court in late February for a docket hearing, and his jury trial is scheduled to being in March.
Northview Grad Named As Auburn University Tigerette
February 11, 2010
Northview High School graduate Levy Laurens Daniel has been named a 2010-2011 Auburn University Tigerette.
As a Tigerette, Daniel will serve as a public relations representative for the Auburn Athletic Department. The young people selected for this prestigious organization will work with the Athletic Department, Tigers Unlimited, and the Alumni Association, as well as at various community functions. They also work through the Office of University Recruitment in recruiting prospective students. They continue as an honored legacy and proud tradition of Auburn University.
Ms. Daniel, a junior, recently transferred to Auburn University after completing her Associates of Psychology at Pensacola Junior College. She is on Auburn University’s Dean’s List, and was invited to join the National Society of Collegiate Scholars recognizing students who are in the top 20 percent of their class. She is seeking a degree in psychology.
Daniel is a 2007 graduate of Northview High School. She is the daughter of Danny and Deborah Daniel of Atmore.
Santa Rosa Man Dies From H1N1
February 11, 2010
The H1N1 flu is now being blamed for the death of an area resident.
The Santa Rosa County Health Department has received confirmation that the death of a 34-year old man was related to H1N1. His identity and community of residence will not be released.
“Our hearts and prayers go out to the family,” said Sandra L. Park, Santa Rosa County Health Department administrator. “The loss of a loved one is always a tragedy.”
It was the second H1n1 death in the county; a 52-year old man died in September. In Florida, the deaths of 202 have been associated with H1N1, and over 1,233 have been hospitalized with confirmed H1N1.
The H1N1 flu vaccine is still available at health departments in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
Sheriff’s Office Rolls Out Armored SWAT Vehicle
February 11, 2010
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office unveiled its new SWAT Tactical Rescue Vehicle Wednesday afternoon.
The 19,000 pound fully armored vehicle was funded with about $230,000 in local option sales tax dollars earmarked for vehicle purchases.
“It wasn’t cheap, but if it can save one person’s life, it will be well worth it,” said Escambia County Chief Deputy Larry Aiken. “We don’t want to ever have to us it, but when we do, we will have the peace of mind that we can protect our personnel or a member of the public.”
Aiken said it can be used to position SWAT members at a scene or used to rescue someone while providing a high degree of safety. The vehicle can stop a high power projectile dead in its tracks.
None of the surround law enforcement agencies have such a fully armored vehicle, Aiken said. Escambia’s new tactical rescue vehicle will be made available for other agencies if the need arises.
Pictured top: The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office new SWAT Tactical Rescue Vehicle. Pictured inset: Sheriff David Morgan inspects the new armored vehicle. Pictured bottom: Chief Deputy Larry Aiken (left) looks inside. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
