Family Of Cantonment Murder Suspect That Killed Himself In Jail Files Lawsuit
December 29, 2022
The family of a Cantonment murder suspect that took his own life in the county jail has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Escambia County and two corrections officers.
Lukas MacKenzie Snelson, 24, was charged with second degree homicide, grand theft of a motor vehicle and resisting arrest for the death of his grandmother, 75-year old Fran Fournier.
On December 30, 2021, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to the end of Candy Lane in Cantonment for a death investigation. Fournier was found deceased, seated in a recliner with two dog leashes wrapped around her neck, according to an arrest report. Snelson was arrested hours later.
A few days after his arrest, Snelson was found hanging in his cell and later died at a local hospital.
The lawsuit claims Snelson was not provided proper mental health care and was not protected from self-harm.
“Escambia County and its corrections staff were deliberately indifferent to the medical needs and constitutional rights of Mr. Snelson who left behind a 2-year-old son at the time of his death,” the lawsuit states.
“His death could have been prevented if Jail staff assisted him during the 40-minute period when the make-shift rope was tied around his neck, or if someone had changed the broken lights in his cell, used a flashlight during the visual checks, or actually confirmed that he was breathing during the visual checks,” the suit contends.
Below: The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office investigates the murder of a Cantonment woman on Candy Lane on December 30, 2021. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Navy Federal Donates Over 22,000 Toys To Marine Toys For Tots
December 29, 2022
Navy Federal Credit Union has partnered with the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation for 25 years spreading holiday cheer. This year, more than 330 Navy Federal branches participated as drop-off sites worldwide, setting record donation amounts.
“Toys for Tots is fortunate to have a long-time partner like Navy Federal Credit Union,” said retired Marine Colonel Ted Silvester, vice president of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. “Their community service goals align with those the Marine Corps has promoted for over 75 years through our Toys for Tots Program. Navy Federal Credit Union’s support will allow Toys for Tots to deliver hope and the magic of the holidays to children in need in communities
throughout the U.S.”
This year, Navy Federal collected over $33,000 in monetary donations and over 22,000 toys with 92% of their branches worldwide serving as collection sites.
“I’m proud to see how our branch network rallied around Toys for Tots this year, as nearly all of our branches participated,” said Captain Keith Hoskins (USN Retired), executive vice president of Branch Operations at Navy Federal. “Our team members embody our core value of championing communities where we serve, which has amplified our successful partnership with the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.”
North Beulah Neighborhood Cleanup Day Is Next Wednesday
December 29, 2022
Residents of the north Beulah area will have the opportunity to dispose of yard debris and other items free of charge Wednesday, January 4 during a neighborhood cleanup.
During neighborhood cleanups, Escambia County departments team up to bring services to residents in an effort to keep local neighborhoods clean and safe. Participating is easy: Residents in the cleanup area simply leave eligible items at the curb to be disposed of free of charge by Escambia County and partnering agencies.
All debris must be at the curb directly in front of residences in the area by 7 a.m. on the day of the cleanup. Tires and paint cans should be separate from all other debris. Debris piles should not be placed under low-hanging lines or near poles, fences or mailboxes. All items, including containers, will be collected.
Only residents in the designated cleanup area are able to participate in the neighborhood cleanup. Items left at the curb outside of the cleanup area will not be collected. The collection area us from West Nine Mile Road to just north of Frank Reeder Road, and between Tower Ridge Road and Beulah Road (see map above).
Items eligible for removal include:
- Household appliances and electronics
- Household junk and debris
- Bicycles and toys
- Old furniture and mattresses
- Barbecue grills
- Household hazardous waste (old paint, motor oil, chemicals, batteries)
- Tires (limit 10 per household)
Items NOT eligible for removal include:
- Building materials (concrete, bricks, blocks, roofing, drywall or lumber)
- Explosives or ammunition
- Auto parts
- Dirt or sod
- Vehicles or vessels
- 55-gallon drums of fluids
For more information, contact Development Program Manager Max Rogers at (850) 595-3499 or mprogers@myescambia.com.
The neighborhood cleanup initiative involves an aggressive cleanup effort, targeting different neighborhoods throughout the county, with crew members and volunteers picking up a variety of debris and waste, including electronics, furniture and household items.
Since 2016, more than 5,469 tons (10,938,000 pounds) of debris were collected and disposed of through the Community Redevelopment Agency’s Safe Neighborhood Program.
Alabama Troopers Say Rider Died After His ATV Was Struck By Escambia, Florida, Man
December 29, 2022
An Alabama man died after his ATV was struck by a van driven by an Escambia County, Florida, man.
William J. Miller, 67, was critically injured when the 2009 Kawasaki Mule ATV he was operating was struck by the 2009 Chevrolet Express Van driven by 40-year old Jonathan T. Chavers of Escambia County, Florida, according to the Alabama Law Enforcement agency.
Miller was transported to University Hospital in Mobile, where he later succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased on December 22, Alabama troopers said in a statement released on December 28.
The crash happened just after noon on Wednesday, December 21 about eight miles south of Millry, Alabama.
Alabama State Troopers are continuing their investigation into the cause of the crash.
After Protest, Cox Declines To Bid Again On North Escambia Residential Fiber Internet
December 28, 2022
After filing a formal protest of the first Escambia County bid solicitation award for fiber internet to North Escambia homes and county facilities, Cox Communications has declined to submit a second bid.
The county originally accepted proposals to provide fiber to homes north of 10 Mile Road and approved entering into a memorandum of understanding with Escambia River Electric Cooperative in late November. Cox Communications retained a law firm and filed a formal protest against the award.
The county decided to resolicit bids with a deadline of December 22.
In a letter to Escambia County’s purchasing director, Cox said they “determined that the change in geographical scope with regard to areas of the County be served is much further away from our existing fiber network that reaches to Cantonment. Therefore, after careful consideration, we do not think it is feasible for us to respond to the RFP (request for proposals), as amended.”
The first proposal from EREC included only their electric franchise territory, an area essentially north of Barrineau Park Road. As a member owned electric cooperative, EREC would provide fiber internet service to all 4,000 plus homes and businesses in their territory. In the first round, Cox submitted a proposal to provide broadband internet to about 2,500 homes in unspecified areas north of 10 Mile Road.
The New Request For Proposal
In the new solicitation, Escambia County is seeking a company to provide the high speed broadband in an area from Muscogee Road/Becks Lake Road north to the Alabama state line.
In addition to providing broadband services in unserved and underserved areas of the northern part of the county, the county is seeking an estimated 104 miles of fiber to serve 40 county facilities in the geographic region. The broadband service must be capable of achieving symmetrical residential speeds of 1 GB or greater.
The “leading-edge” broadband services” must also list retail prices and include a rate cap for residential customers for the first three years after connection and specify a maximum annual increase percentage.
Escambia County is committing up to $10 million American Rescue Plan Act funds toward the project, with the company owning and operating the network.
Proposals were due by December 22. The county is expected to review those proposals with a possible award by the county commission coming in January.
Second Phase Coming
Escambia County has committed another $12 million in a second phase for a future fiber to the home buildout and service to county buildings to the south of Muscogee Road.
In their letter to the county, Cox hinted that they will bid on that southern phase.
“Cox remains dedicated to providing connectivity to unserved and underserved areas, and we look forward to future partnerships and competing for opportunities with Escambia County,” the company said.
Northview High School Names Students Of The Month
December 28, 2022
Northview High School has named their Students of the Month for November. They are Dequan Shabazz (pictured left) and Braden Glick. They are pictured with Principal Michael Sherrill. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Molino Library Reopen Today Following Water Issues On Tuesday
December 28, 2022
The Molino Library will be open on Wednesday. The branch of the West Florida Libraries in the Molino Community Center on Highway 95A was closed Tuesday due to unspecified water issues.
Sunday: Closed
Monday: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Tuesday: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Wednesday: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Thursday: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Friday: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
House Fires In Bratt, Cantonment, Cottage Hill Add Red Bulbs In Safety Awareness Campaign
December 28, 2022
There are now 13 red bulbs in Escambia County’s “Keep the Wreath Green” December fire safety campaign, representing three recent residential fires. Each time firefighters respond to a residential fire with damage, a green light bulb will be replaced with a red one in wreaths at fire stations across the county to remind citizens of the dangers posed by fires in homes.
State Investigating Bratt House Fire
The Florida Bureau of Fire, Arson & Explosives Investigations is investigating the cause of a fire that left a family without a home Friday evening in Bratt (pictured top). The fire was reported about 5 p.m. in the 4000 block of Still Road, about 1.5 miles south of West Highway 4. The double-wide mobile home was fully involved when the first firefighters arrived on scene. There were no injuries reported, but two dogs were pronounced deceased at the scene. The fire was the 11th red bulb in the wreath.
Christmas Morning Fire Damages Cantonment Home
About 6:25 on Christmas morning, ECFR responded to a house fire in the 700 block of West Roberts Road in Cantonment. The fire was in the attic, so smoke detectors did not alert the occupants. Due to damage in the attic, the residents were displaced until repairs can be made. There were no injuries. This was the 12th red bulb on the fire safety wreath.
Makeshift Residence Destroyed By Fire In Cottage Hill
Improperly used extension cords are being blamed for a fire that destroyed an makeshift residence in Cottage Hill Tuesday morning. The fire was reported about 8:20 a.m. in the 1900 block of Smyers Road, north of Cottage Hill Road. Firefighters arrived to find what Escambia County Fire Rescue said was a “repurposed camper shell” burning. It was a total loss. ECFR said someone was living in the structure, but they were able to escape without injuries. This was the 13th red bub in the wreath.
NorthEscabia.com photo (top) and photo for NorthEscambia.com (lower) click to enlarge.
ECSO’s New K-9 Rigby Named For Constable Killed In Byrneville
December 28, 2022
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office has a new K-9, and he is named in honor of a deputy that died 67-years ago in North Escambia.
K-9 Rigby is named for fallen deputy Constable WM. “Clint” Rigby.
Constable Rigby died on September 4, 1955, at Century hospital due to injuries he received just before midnight the prior day when his patrol car was hit head-on by another vehicle. He was responding to a call when another vehicle crossed the center line and caused the crash on Highway 4 just east of Byrneville.
All About Poinsettias From A Local Grower
December 28, 2022
They are simple and beautiful symbols of Christmastime—these plants with deep red leaves, contrasting with the green ones below–the colors of Christmas on full display. Poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrina) are native to mountainous regions of Mexico, and there are countless varieties with different shades of red, pink, and white available now.
But how did these tropical Mexican plants become such a popular part of Christmas in the United States? To understand that, we should go back to their long history of association with the holiday. Dating back to the 17th century, early missionaries to Mexico used the plant in nativity services. The legend of the “flor de noche buena” (flower of Christmas Eve) tells the story of a small, impoverished child who wanted to bring a gift to church in celebration of Christmas. An angel appeared to the child, saying they should gather weeds at the roadside and bring them to the altar. A miraculous transformation then occurred, in which the plants became a deep red and green plant—the poinsettia we all know and love. This story has long served as an object lesson in giving simply and from the heart, and is told every year at Christmas time.
While Mexicans refer to the plant as the flor de noche buena, it is known as cuetlaxochitl (star flower) in the Aztec language. Aztecs used the plant as a fever reducer, and for producing purple-red dye. Other Spanish-speaking countries typically refer to it as the Flor de Pascua (Christmas flower). The common name poinsettia came from Dr. Joel Roberts Poinsett, who served as the first U.S. Ambassador to Mexico. As a botanist, he was intrigued with the plant, and introduced it to the United States by sending cuttings back to America in the 1830’s.
Local nurseryman William Wendt is in his 29th year growing poinsettias in Santa Rosa County. He mentioned the poinsettia gets a bad rap as toxic to pets, telling me, “your cat would have to eat about 100 plants” to get dangerously sick. Botanically speaking, the red part of the plant is a bract, or modified leaf, while the actual flowers are the bright yellow parts in the center. While encouraging people to purchase and enjoy poinsettias through the holiday season, he did not recommend trying to plant them in the ground. They are cold sensitive and rarely grow well in our area except in a greenhouse. In tropical environments, however, poinsettias can grow into large bushes or small trees.
Pictured: Local nurseryman William Wendt has been growing poinsettias for nearly 30 years. Photo by Carrie Stevenson for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Written by Carrie Stevenson, UF/IFAS Escambia Extension
