13 Suspects Accused Of Traveling To Santa Rosa County For Sex With Underage Girls
August 24, 2022
There were 12 arrests with 45 felony charges after a child sex sting in Santa Rosa County, and one suspect is still on the run.
The suspects all believed they were communicating online with girls age 13-14 and traveled to Santa Rosa County to have sex with the minors, according to Sheriff Bob Johnson.
Treveon Mitchell of Pensacola, pictured above on the bottom row, fled when deputies tried to arrest him. He was later arrested.
Pictured above are suspects:
(Top row, L-R)
- Erick Menchaca, 33, DeFuniak Springs.
- Bryan Mejia, 22, Pensacola.
- Anthony Martinez, 32, Pace.
- Jose Leonardo-Ramirez, 30, Pensacola.
(Second row, L-R)
- Patrick Bradt, 50, Crestview.
- Tristan Thrower, 24, Pensacola.
- Andrew Walters, 29, Gulf Shores.
- Joshua Prows, 35, Milton.
(Third row, L-R)
- Zachary Frantz, 26, Pace.
- James Ray II, 45, Pensacola.
- Terry Deer, 57, Fairhope.
- Michael Preston, 40, Pensacola.
(Bottom row)
- Trevon Mitchell, 27, Pensacola.
Baker Sweeps Northview (With Photo Gallery)
August 24, 2022
The Baker Gators defeated the Northview Chiefs in three straight sets Tuesday night in Bratt, 25-13, 25-12, 25-18.
The Lady Chiefs also dropped their season opener Monday night 3-2 on the road at W.S. Neal.
The Northview Chiefs (0-2) will be on the road Thursday to play the Hoboes of Laurel Hill (0-1).
For a photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Blue Wahoos Fall To Montgomery Biscuits
August 24, 2022
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos played on-time and uninterrupted through a persistent rain on Tuesday night, but fell to the Montgomery Biscuits 9-5 in their series opener.
Paul McIntosh was 2-for-4 with a long two-run homer in the third inning to put Pensacola ahead 5-2, but that would be the last highlight for the Blue Wahoos. Montgomery scored seven unanswered runs, capped by a pair of late home runs from Diego Infante and Niko Hulsizer, as they cruised to victory.
The Biscuits jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the second inning against Pensacola starter Zach King on a two-run single from Hulsizer. Davis Bradshaw evened the score for the Blue Wahoos with a two-run double in the bottom of the inning against Michael Mercado, and a Norel González RBI double in the third was followed by McIntosh’s homer.
Infante completed a fourth-inning comeback for Montgomery with an RBI single, and Greg Jones led off the fifth by drawing a walk against Zack Leban (L, 0-2). He promptly stole second, took third on a throwing error, and scored on a wild pitch to score the go-ahead run.
Pensacola collected just two hits over 5.2 scoreless innings against the Biscuits bullpen, and former Pensacola farmhand Cody Reed (W, 1-0) earned the win with 1.2 perfect innings of relief.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Biscuits on Wednesday.
by Erik Bremer, Pensacola Blue Wahoos
Grand Opening Date Set For New Bellview Library
August 23, 2022
A grand opening date has been set for the new Bellview Library.
A ribbon cutting will take place at 11 a.m. Friday, September 16, according to Escambia County Library Services Director Todd Humble.
“It’s a great day in Bellview; it’s a great day in Escambia County, We are opening the first library in District 1, and it’s going to be an incredible facility and community amenity,” Escambia County District 1 Commissioner Jeff Bergosh told NorthEscambia.com Monday afternoon.
The $3.8 million plus library was due to open back in spring, but materials delays repeatedly pushed that date later.
The main portion of the library will consist of a large open space that is divided into areas such as a lobby, a story time area, a youth area and an adult reading area. This large open space will provide entrances to other support spaces such as multiple study rooms, staff rooms, a computer area and a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) room. The development of the building’s façade was inspired by origami, the art of folding paper, which is why there are angles throughout the building.
At 12,000 square feet, the library is located on about four acres at 6425 Mobile Highway, near Bellview Elementary and Bellview Middle schools. About 2,000 square feet of the structure is a former bank; the remainder is a new addition.
On Saturday, September 17, the Bellview Library will host a 25th anniversary celebration of Harry Potter from 1:30 until 3:30 p.m.
“It’s going to be a big program,” Humble said. “There will be games and crafts.”
Pictured: The Bellview Library still under construction in June 2022. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Woman Indicted For Murder After Her Escambia Jail Cellmate Overdosed On Fentanyl
August 23, 2022
A woman has now been indicted for the fentanyl overdose death of her cellmate at the Escambia County Jail.
An Escambia County grand jury indicted 40-year old Pamela Faye Schwarz, 40, on charged of first degree murder by unlawful distribution of drugs, introduction of contraband into a county detention facility, tampering with evidence and possession of a controlled substance.
According to Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons, Schwarz was remanded into custody from drug court and taken to the Escambia County Jail last May and placed into a cell with a 52-year old female later identified as Shirley Barney. There was no one else in the cell.
Prosecutors contend that the Defendant smuggled fentanyl and para-fluorofentanyl (synthetic fentanyl) into the jail and gave it to her cellmate who later died from an overdose of the drugs.
Instead of calling for help, Sheriff Chip Simmons said Schwarz helped her cellmate into bed before flushing the rest of the drugs down the toilet.
Several hours later, the victim was found unresponsive. Her death was caused by a fentanyl overdose, according to the Medical Examiner’s Office.
Schwarz remains in the Escambia County Jail without bond.
Funeral Services Set For Longtime Century Fire Chief Regi Burkett
August 23, 2022
Funeral services have been announced for Regi Burkett, longtime chief of the Century Station of Escambia County Fire Rescue.
Burkett passed away Saturday at the age of 62, surrounded by his family at his bedside. Burkett spent nearly 40 years in the fire service to his community.
His funeral service will be held Saturday at 2 p.m. at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home in Atmore with Rev. Mitch Herring and Rev. Tim Floyd officiating. Burial will follow at Beulah Chapel Assembly of God Cemetery in Byrneville.
He joined the Century Volunteer Fire Department in April 1978. He advanced through the ranks before being named chief in 1987. He served as Century’s fire chief until his retirement in July 2017.
Burkett is survived by his loving wife of 43 years Ann Burkett, son Ryan Burkett, daughter Casey Roach and numerous other family and friends.
For his complete obituary, click or tap here.
Person Struck By Lightning On UWF Campus
August 23, 2022
One person was struck by lightning at the University of West Florida on Monday.
It happened just before 2:00 Monday afternoon on the UWF campus. The injured person was transported to an Alabama hospital for treatment, according to Escambia County 911.
An update on the individual’s condition was not made available.
Rebuild Of Olive At Davis Traffic Light Was Successful, Officials Say
August 23, 2022
Escambia County says the traffic light at Olive Road and Davis Highway was successfully rebuilt on Sunday.
Prior to the work, the light would often go into flash mode during and after inclement weather.
The county said work started at 7 a.m. Sunday, and the light was operating successfully by 3:30 p.m. Law enforcement, the contractor, Escambia County and the Florida Department of Transportation were on-site during the process.
There were “minimal delays” following service dismissals at the nearby Olive Baptist Church, according to the county.
“Having been a longtime resident of this area, I understand the frustration that comes when motorists experience delays at this light,” said District 4 Commissioner Robert Bender, whose district encompasses the intersection. “Ensuring this light was in working condition was a top priority of mine. We expect this complete rebuild to prevent the signal from going into flash mode, even during moderate rainfalls. I’m thankful to our staff, the contractor crews and our partners at FDOT for working so quickly to make sure the light was in working condition.”
Century Woman, Atmore Man Facing Drug Charges After Trespassing Complaint
August 23, 2022
A Century woman and an Atmore man are facing multiple drug charges after a trespassing incident in Atmore.
The Atmore Police Department reported finding 49-year old Teresa Michelle Davis and 41-year old Shawn Edward Brown inside a vehicle parked in the driveway of a home.
The officer confirmed that Brown had a trespass warning at the property and placed him under arrest. While speaking with Davis, the officer observed a clear container and foil inside the vehicle with a clear crystal-like substance that field tested positive for methamphetamine. The total quantity was about one gram.
Officers said Brown damaged a wooden shelf and began striking a door while in a holding cell at the Atmore Police Department.
Brown was charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, criminal trespass third degree, and criminal mischief third degree. Davis was charged with possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Both remained in the Escambia County (AL) Detention Center without bond Tuesday morning.
Lightning Strikes 12-Inch Water Main; Boil Water Notice Issued For Chisholm Road Area
August 22, 2022
A precautionary boil water notice has been issued after lightning struck a 12-inch water main on Sunday.
The PBWN is in effect for 8620-8863 Chisholm Road, Regency Oak Drive and Lake Ridge Lane — all just south of Nine Mile Road.
Residents located in the specified boil water notice area are advised to boil water for one minute at a rolling boil or to use eight drops of regular unscented household bleach per gallon of water, for water to be used for drinking or cooking purposes. Two independent bacteriological samples have been initiated and the advisory will be lifted as soon as possible. This process routinely takes 48 hours and the notice will be rescinded at that time.
ECUA crews have completed the repairs and flushed out the lines. Residents within the area and nearby are advised that there is a possibility of discolored water as a result of the utility work, and to flush their home’s plumbing by running their taps for a few minutes. If problems persist, customers are asked to contact ECUA Customer Service at (850) 476-0480 for assistance.
Precautionary boil water notices are issued as a part of the standard protocol following any loss of water pressure, whether as a result of planned maintenance activities or unscheduled repairs.
(This story will be updated when the notice has been lifted.)