Former Santa Rosa Sheriff Lieutenant Gets Federal Prison For Lying To FBI
November 22, 2022
A former Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office lieutenant was sentenced to federal prison on Monday for lying to the FBI.
Scott Haines will spend one year plus one day in federal prison followed by one year probation.
Haines pleaded guilty in federal court to making material false statements to the FBI during the course of its investigation
In federal court, Haines admitted that he became personally involved in the real property management and finances of an elderly woman in Santa Rosa County and deposited rental payments from tenants of the elderly woman into his own bank account without authority to do so. When confronted by the FBI and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Haines made material false statements regarding his involvement with the rental properties, the depositing of rental payments into his personal account, and his knowledge and involvement.
In state court, Haines admitted to his personal misuse of the National Crime Information Center database utilized by law enforcement officers and analysts for official purposes.
Haines was demoted from captain to lieutenant following a 2020 sexual harassment investigation. He retired last year after an internal affairs investigation.
File photo: Santa Rosa Sheriff’s Office. Under Florida law, Haines’ mugshot was exempt from release.
Fallen Escambia Fire Chief Dwain Bradshaw Honored At Memorial Service
November 22, 2022
Escambia County Fire Rescue recently honored the late ECFR District Chief Dwain Bradshaw during the Fallen Firefighter Memorial Service at the Florida State Fire College in Ocala. The memorial service is an annual event held to honor firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
Bradshaw, 41, lost his life during the early morning hours of November 2019 in the line of duty on scene of a fatal crash on the Muscogee Bridge. He was a volunteer district chief at the Bellview Station of Escambia Fire Rescue, volunteer assistant district chief for the Beulah Station of Escambia Fire Rescue, and lived a life of public service.
“Participation in this annual event is a tremendous honor to the families of the fallen, and to the institution of our profession,” said ECFR Captain Scott Averill. “I hope that we can continue our ECFR Honor Guard participation in this important event for the foreseeable future.”
ECFR Honor Guard members Averill, Lt. Nick Gradia, Firefighter Dale Dirks and Firefighter Jason Rocco participated in the 2022 Fallen Firefighter Memorial Service.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Atmore Woman Killed In Single Vehicle Wreck
November 22, 2022
An Atmore woman was killed in a single vehicle crash Sunday night.
Tara R. Nelson, 46, was fatally injured when the 2015 Kia Cadenza she was driving left Booneville Road northwest of Atmore, struck a tree and overturned, according to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.
Troopers said Monday that Nelson was not using a seat belt at the time of the crash and was pronounced deceased at the scene of the 7:45 p.m. wreck.
The ALEA investigation continues.
Ransom Middle School Names Students Of The Month
November 22, 2022
Ransom Middle School recently named their Students of the Month for September. They are Aden Bailey and Theresa Nguyen. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
FHP: Over Half Of 4,585 Thanksgiving Crashes Last Year Were Tire-Related
November 22, 2022
There were 4,585 crashes on Florida roads during the five-day Thanksgiving travel period last year.
Over half of them were tire-related, according to the Florida Highway Patrol, resulting in 176 serious bodily injuries and 32 fatalities.
“Florida continues to be a top holiday destination for visitors and residents, making our roads some of the busiest during the upcoming months,” said FLHSMV Executive Director Terry L. Rhodes. “As you prepare to hit the road this Thanksgiving, or at any point this holiday season, make sure you and your vehicle are ready for the trip, always buckle up, and remember that safety is always in season.”
The most crashes last year occurred on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving Day, while the least crashes occurred on Thanksgiving Day during that period.
Century Woman Charged With Cyberstalking
November 21, 2022
A Century woman charged with stalking for allegedly continuing to message someone after being warned not to do so.
Melissa Iris White, 41, was charged with cyberstalking. She was released on a $5,000 bond.
The victim told the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office that White contacted her numerous times by social media and phone, sending messages threatening to kill the victim’s daughter.
According to the ECSO, the victim had a no-contact order in place preventing white from contacting her, and deputies went to her residence in Century to warn her to stop. After deputies left, she sent more messages to the victim, according to an arrest report.
The incident happened in late October, and White was recently arrested on the outstanding warrant.
As a term of her release, she was ordered to have no contact with the victim or the victim’s family.
Northview’s Hudson Named Local Winner In VFW Essay Contest
November 21, 2022
Northview High School freshman Savannah Hudson was named the winner of the Atmore Post #7016 Veterans of Foreign Wars Voice of Democracy Essay Contest. Her essay “Why the Veteran is Important” will now advance to the state level. She was presented a certificate and a $25 check by her English teacher, Roy. Brown. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Bratt PTA Buys iPads For Each Classroom
November 21, 2022
The PTA at Bratt Elementary School was able to give the school a grant for an iPad for each classroom.
Teachers will have the ability to connect their iPads to the TVs in their classroom as they are teaching.
The Bratt PTA was able to make the donation through fundraisers such as selling cookie dough and “grateful grams”.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Flying Out Of Pensacola Soon? The Airport Says Arrive Early And Pack Patience
November 21, 2022
Pensacola International Airport officials are advising passengers traveling during the Thanksgiving holiday to arrive extra early in anticipation of a record-setting travel week.
Airport Assistant Director Erica Grancagnolo said that national trends coupled with a record breaking year at PNS indicate a busier-than-normal Thanksgiving week, which is already one of the busiest travel times each year.
“The passenger numbers we’re already seeing this month, plus the national trends of increased air travel, are sending us a clear message that it’s going to be a very busy Thanksgiving week here at PNS,” said Grancagnolo.
“We encourage passengers to plan ahead and arrive at least two hours before your scheduled departure, so you have plenty of time to park, get checked in, go through security, and make it to your gate. Sometimes travelers don’t need the full two hours before their flight, but all indications are that you’re going to need every bit of that time this coming week,” she said.
In addition to arriving early, Grancagnolo recommended that passengers confirm their flight schedules with their airlines and if possible, check-in early via the airline website or mobile app. Passengers should review the TSA rules for carry-on and checked luggage to avoid any delays at security.
Finally, Grancagnolo suggested one more thing every traveler should include.
“We all want to have time with our families and loved ones over the holidays, including the gate agents, food vendors, parking attendants, flight crew, and TSA staff. It’s the holiday season, so let’s all pack a bit of patience and carry-on some consideration for each other.”
AAA: Florida Gas Prices Are Falling As Thanksgiving Road Trips Near
November 21, 2022
Florida gas prices are falling as millions prepare to hit the road for Thanksgiving. AAA forecasts 2.9 million Floridians will travel for the holiday weekend. Nearly 2.7 million (91%) of them will drive.
“Florida drivers may have something extra to be thankful for this Thanksgiving,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Prices at the pump are likely to drop through the holiday weekend. Gas prices could ultimately fall 20-30 cents per gallon. The downturn is being driven by strong refinery output, which led to a big gain in gasoline supplies.”
Pump prices already dropped 10 cents per gallon last week. On Sunday, Florida gas prices averaged $3.46 per gallon. That’s 10 cents per gallon more than what Thanksgiving travelers last last year. The most expensive Thanksgiving gas price on record was $3.46 per gallon in 2013. Based on current trends, it’s possible the state average could dip below last year’s levels by Thanksgiving day.
The average price in the Pensacola metro was one of the lowest in the state at $3.23. A low of $3.11 could be found in the Cantonment area at a Highway 29 station, while Pensacola Prices bottomed out at $2.92 at the warehouse clubs.