Family Seeks The Person They Believe Burned Their Late Father’s Home
August 31, 2023
A family is looking for answers after they say someone set fire to their late father’s home earlier this week.
The home in the 1500 block of Tommy Street, just a few blocks from Pine Meadow Elementary School, was destroyed by fire before daybreak on Monday. Escambia County Fire Rescue was dispatched just after 5 a.m. and arrived to find fire coming from several windows of the single story home. The fire was brought under control in under an hour, but the home was a complete loss.
The Florida Bureau of Fire and Arson is investigating the cause and origin of the fire and has not yet made a final determination.
The home belonged to John Justice until he passed away earlier this year at the age of 74. The family had been cleaning up the home to sell.
His son, John Henry Wilkes Justice, is offering a $5,000 reward for “the arrest of the arsonist” that he believes started the fire.
“My goal is to turn something bad into something good. My dad always said the only thing bad people fear is good people willing to do the right thing. I’m hoping that there is a good person who knows what has happened. I hope the reward betters their life,” he said. “The weight of losing my father has been bigger than an elephant on our family. I feel everything happens for a reason and we are trying to use this opportunity to get someone bad off the streets and help a good person make a better life (with the reward).”
The family is asking anyone with information to call (850) 384-1773.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Man Indicted For First Degree Murder In Fentanyl Death
August 31, 2023
An Escambia County man has been indicted for first degree murder for a fentanyl death.
The grand jury returned the indictment against 38-year old Quantae Solethia Sanders for first degree murder death caused by the unlawful distribution of fentanyl for the death of Christopher West on January 18, 2023. According to prosecutors, Sanders was linked to the delivery of fentanyl to West just before he died.
The Drug Enforcement Agency has published that fentanyl is 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin, according to the State Attorney’s Office.
Escambia Sheriff’s Office Presents Awards (With Gallery)
August 31, 2023
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office recently honored several individuals during an awards ceremony.
For more photos, click or tap here.
According to the ECSO:
Investigator Dave Bashore was presented the Commendation Medal award. Investigator Bashore’s exemplary work and commitment to the Sexual Offender/Predator unit have played a crucial role in maintaining public safety in Escambia County.
Investigator Gregory Goult was presented the Commendation Medal award. Investigator Goult excels in Economic Crimes and Fraud investigations, showcasing his skill in handling difficult cases. His commitment to Escambia County’s citizens has positively represented himself and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputy Robert Campbell and Deputy Trae Walsingham were presented the Commendation Medal award. In March of 2023, Deputies Campbell, Walsingham, and Edgar responded to a domestic violence complaint. Their proactive pursuit of the suspect, along with their swift and skillful medical response to his deteriorating condition, prevented further harm and showcased their dedication to public safety. Their well-rounded approach, reflects their exceptional professionalism.
Deputy Zachary Banks was presented the Life Saving Medal award. In May of 2023, after his shift, Deputy Banks assisted the Pensacola Police during a house fire. He helped rescue a trapped child and began immediate life-saving efforts.
Deputy Banks performed chest compressions, and others gave oxygen and aided in breathing. Their actions revived the child before EMS took over. Deputy Banks’s brave and quick actions played a crucial role in saving the child.
Deputy Cody Brown was presented the Life Saving Medal award. In May of 2023, when Deputy Brown arrived at a house fire, he quickly joined fire personnel to help an adult female. Using his previous firefighter and EMT experience, he efficiently provided crucial medical aid to the victim, including oxygen and breathing assistance for about 17 minutes until EMS arrived. Deputy Brown’s actions were crucial in saving the woman.
The Investigations/Warrants Unit was presented the Unit Citation award. Members of this unit included: Lieutenant Stephen Cappas, Master Deputy Douglas Shoemaker, Master Deputy Eric Peck, Master Deputy Jeremy Jarman, Master Deputy Travis Peacock, Deputy Dalton Heigele, Lorraine Russell, Diona Murphy, Maria Camargo, Nicole Stout, Susan Merritt, Teresa Lyons, Karen Sztukowski, and Shea Goodale.
The Investigations/Special Victims Unit was presented the Unit Citation award. Members of this unit included: Sergeant Shaun White, Investigator David Bashore, Investigator Suzanne Pollock, Investigator Nate Hamel, Investigator Erin Bullard, Investigator Bernice Andre, Ola Wolff, Kimberly Smith, LaTonja Crocker, Angela Murphy, and Jeremy Horn.
ECSO Fleet Services was presented the Unit Citation award. Members of this unit included: Lieutenant Patrick Crossley, Jake Lucas, Allen Bell, Noah Benjamin, Robbie Kent, Christopher Leverett, Chad Mauldin, Jack Reid, Stephen Ware, Carl Weis, and Malcolm Reid.
The ECSO also congratulated the following individuals for their years of dedication and commitment to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office:
Sergeant Thax Langford – 20 years of service
Master Deputy Eric Peck – 20 years of service
Master Deputy Bryan Poole – 20 years of service
Pamela Gaines – 20 years of service
Henrique Dias – 25 years of service
Teresa Price – 25 years of service
Sergeant Steve Morris – 35 years of service
Joeann Wiggins – 35 years of service
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
90,000 Gallons Of ECUA Drinking Water Headed To Hurricane Idalia Victims
August 31, 2023
ECUA was able to help a Louisiana company tasked with providing drinking water to victims of Hurricane Idalia in Florida.
Macro Companies of Broussard, LA, reached out to the ECUA Tuesday, looking for a water supplier willing to provide thousands of gallons of potable water destined for the Big Bend area. Within a few hours, Bill McElligott, vice-president of Macro Companies and Robert Rogers, ECUA Water & SCADA Operations Manager had a plan in place.
By late afternoon, 15 tanker trucks began rolling in to ECUA’s Ellyson Industrial Park campus to fill up. ECUA set up two locations to expedite the fill-up time where hydrants supplied the tankers an estimated 90,000 gallons of potable water. Drought conditions in Louisiana made it difficult for Macro to source the water locally before setting out to Florida’s Big Bend area.
“Each tanker holds approximately 6,000 gallons, and we are able fill them up in 35 minutes or so, about 170 gallons per minute,” Rogers said. “We are happy to lend a hand and help get this vital resource to where it is will be needed after the storm.”
As of Tuesday, McElligott didn’t know yet where the Florida Department of Emergency Management would specifically direct his convoy of tankers.
“Typically, we are sent to supply nursing homes, dialysis centers, and food preparation stations that are set up in the storm recovery area”, he said.
ECUA will remain on standby as a source of potable water for if the tankers need to be refilled.
Weather Clouds Wahoos’ Rallies In 4-2 Loss
August 31, 2023
With the sun still shining and rain falling, a brilliant rainbow formed before the game above Blue Wahoos Stadium.
That became the best bit of fortune Wednesday with the Blue Wahoos.
After Chattanooga jumped to a 4-0 lead amid some inclement weather, the Blue Wahoos halved the deficit, but left runners in scoring position in the final four innings of a 4-2 loss against the Lookouts.
In each of the last four innings, the Blue Wahoos had two runners on base, but were unable to get a two-out hit or a big blast to change the game.
The Blue Wahoos collected nine hits in the game, including seven of the nine batters in the lineup with at least one hit, but were unable to get a big inning.
Norel González had a pair of singles. Newcomer Tanner Allen, a Mobile area native, playing in his eighth game in the outfield, hit his first home run for the Blue Wahoos with a solo blast in the fifth inning. Catcher Paul McIntosh scored the team’s other run on a balk after moving to third on a wild pitch.
Starting pitcher Patrick Monteverde matched his second-shortest outing with 4.2 innings in a hard-luck loss. He gave up a leadoff triple to the Lookouts’ star centerfielder Blake Dunn, one of the Cincinnati Reds’ top prospects. Dunn then scored on a wild pitch. The Lookouts got three more runs against Monteverde in the second inning with Francisco Urbaez hitting a two-run homer as the big hit.
Three Blue Wahoos relievers – Caleb Wurster, Matt Pushard and Josan Méndez – combined to give up just two hits the rest of the way.
The Lookouts made several big defensive plays to take away hits and right fielder Rece Hinds, a former star at Niceville High, threw out Pensacola’s Cobie Fletcher-Vance in the third inning with a laser throw to the plate as Fletcher-Vance tried to score on a fly ball.
Cody Morissette hit a deep ball to the base of the right-center wall that just missed a homer and Victor Mesa Jr. was robbed on a leaping line-drive catch.
It was that kind of night for the home team.
The third game of the series will be Thursday.
by Bill Vilona, photo Nino Mendez / Pensacola Blue Wahoos
Pedestrian Struck And Killed On Highway 95A
August 30, 2023
A 30-year old pedestrian was killed when he was struck by a vehicle early Wednesday morning on Highway 95A.
The pedestrian was in Highway 95A north of Gateway Lane when he was struck by a southbound pickup truck driven by a 63-year old Pensacola woman, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
The pedestrian was pronounced deceased on scene at 4:36 a.m.
‘I Am In Over My Head’ – New Century Interim Mayor Asks For Consultant To Help Run The Town
August 30, 2023
Newly appointed Century interim Mayor Luis Gomez, Jr. says he needs help to make sure he can properly run the town.
“I know that I am in over my head, but I don’t want the town of Century to suffer due to my lack of experience in this position,” Gomez told his town council a few minutes after he was sworn in Monday night.
Gomez asked the town council to consider contracting with consultant Robert Thompson of DeFuniak Springs, who he said was recommended by the Florida League of Cities.
During the approximate three months Gomez will serve as interim mayor until a permanent replacement is elected, Thompson would assist the town with day to day operations.
Thompson is a former assistant county manager of Las Cruces, New Mexico. He served as city manager in DeFuniak Springs from June 1, 2021, until he declined to renew his 18-month contract in December 2022.
“His credentials speak for themselves. He comes well advertised. He and I spoke a lot this week,” Gomez said. “I researched him, and he’s is top of the line. He can handle anything.”
Thompson declined to say how much he would charge for his services; he said that would be based upon a scope of work created by the town.
Presumably under the town charter’s bid requirements, the scope would become a request for proposals to be solicited from anyone interested. The scope for a consultant will be discussed at the council’s September 5 meeting.
“I refuse to let the Town of Century falter due to my lack of experience in this position,” Gomez said.
Pictured top: Newly appointed Century interim Mayor Luis Gomez, Jr. asks his town council for help from a consultant to run the town. Pictured inset: Consultant Robert Thompson. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Man Charged With Stealing And Selling Metal Roofing
August 30, 2023
A Cantonment man is accused of stealing metal roofing from a yard and selling it to a recycling company at a fraction of its value.
Joshua Lamar Barlow, 44, was charged with fraudulently verifying ownership to a secondhand dealer, dealing in stolen property and petit theft.
Barlow allegedly stole aluminum roofing that was piled in the victim’s yard. A neighbor watched the theft occur and positively identified Barlow from a lineup.
He then sold the metal to a recycler for $15.98, providing his identification and fingerprint, according to an arrest report.
The metal roofing was valued at $600.
Barlow was booked into the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $8,000, but he has an outstanding hold from Santa Rosa County, according to jail records.
Much Of Three Hour Barry District 5 Town Hall Focuses On Development
August 30, 2023
District 5 Escambia County Commissioner Steven Barry spent nearly three hours Tuesday night answering questions at a town hall meeting at the Molino Community Center.
Much of the discussion centered around the growing number of proposed developments in District 5. Residents express concerns ranging from increased traffic, inadequate roads, and inadequate public services such as schools and fire protection.
One attendee drew applause when he asked why Escambia County does not learn from development in Beulah and address infrastructure needs in advance.
“Sounds like a very good idea,” Barry said. “But we have needs that exceed financial resources that we have currently. This is needs for resurfacing, for dirt road paving, for improvements on areas that exist…The likelihood of having an elected board allocate $5-10 million dollars to a road that doesn’t have a need currently is not likely. It’s an unfortunate circumstance, but it’s the truth we have needs that need to be done and you know putting a road in through the woods, just realistically, it’s not going to happen.”
“It’s just not likely to have elected officials that are going to allocate large chunks of money to projects for what might happen in the future,” he added.
Barry cautioned residents to understand that just because a development is proposed does not mean it will ever become reality.
“I understand being upset, and I would gauge the degree of unhappiness about what does happen, not what is proposed to happen,” he said.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Mother And Son Both Indicted With First Degree Murder In Home Depot Fatal Shooting
August 30, 2023
Both the mother and son accused in an Escambia County Home Depot shooting have been indicated for first degree murder.
An Escambia County grand jury returned the murder indictments Tuesday against 20-year old Keith Agee and 50-year old Sheila Agee. Keith Agee was also indicted on two counts of aggravated battery.
They are both accused in the death of 18-year old Brooklyn Sims on August 11 at the Home Depot on Davis Highway.
According to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, the mother and son collaborated in the hours leading up to the murder in a series of text messages. Sheila Agee reportedly gave Sims a ride to work at the store where she was shot by Keith Agee.
Keith Agee and Sheila Agee are both being held without bond and are scheduled for arraignment on September 1.