More Charges For Man Accused Of Scamming Homeowners For Fences That Were Never Built
August 19, 2022
A man accused of scamming three people out of money for fences that were never built is facing more charges after a story we published earlier this month.
Cody William Brown, 33, is facing new charges of felony fraud, grand theft, three worthless check courts and an organized scheme to defraud. He was released from jail on an $8,000 bond.
In an August 1 article, we reported that Brown was charged at that time with three counts of an organized scheme to defraud, three counts of grand theft, and fraudulent use of a credit card.
A victim on Millstream Drive that saw that article called the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office to report he had contacted Kodiak Fence Company to replace a privacy fence. He stated he provided Brown with his credit card number in June for the $2,325 repair with the understanding that work was to be completed within three days. With no work on communication from Brown, the victim canceled the credit card transaction.
Brown told the victim that he had been sick, but would complete the work, according to an arrest report. On June 24, the victim wrote a $2,025 check that was soon cashed, the report continues.
On July 18, the victim asked for a refund because work had not been completed.
When deputies arrived at the victim’s home, he showed them a previous NorthEscambia.com article about Brown, telling deputies that the mugshot in the article was the man he had met with on two occasions after the fence.
Brown is also facing a new accusation involving a company on Ely Road.
The company had been selling materials to him for other jobs for about three years, and they also hired him for $5,000 to repair their fence, the Sheriff’s Office said. Brown also wrote three bad checks to the company for material that totaled $8,277 according to records.
The victim stated he contacted Brown and only received text messages from Brown claiming that he was in the ICU following an accident. The victim stated the last time he tried to contact Brown, the number had been disconnected.
Man, 72 Took Photos, Videos Under Skirts Of Females From Age 3 To Adults: ECSO Says
August 19, 2022
A 72-year old Escambia County man is accused of taking photos or videos under the skirts or dresses of more than a dozen females, including a young girl.
Vincent John Carlo was charged with voyeurism, video voyeurism, battery, and two counts of video voyeurism of a child less than 16 years of age. He was released from jail on a $75,000 bond.
One June 20, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to a thrift store on the 5700-block of North W Street for a disturbance. Witnesses said Carlo took photos underneath a female’s skirt while in the store but left when he was confronted.
Deputies said video surveillance also showed Carlo walking around the store and holding his cellphone underneath two female victims’ skirts to take photos.
Deputies located Carlo walking about a block away from the store. When he was asked about the incident, he eventually mentioned having many photographs of other victims on his cellphone. The cellphone was located where he had previously tossed it nearby and seized for evidence.
During the investigation, photographs and videos underneath the skirts or dresses of at least 14 female victims from the age of three to adult were located on Carlo’s cellphone, ECSO said. Investigators said these photos or videos were taken without consent at various locations, including the thrift store on W Street and a restaurant on the 8000 block of Lavelle Way from the time between April and June of this year.
Only two of the 14 victims have been identified.
Anyone that has information, or may be a victim, is asked to call the ECSO at (850) 436-9620 or Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
Braves Score Early And Often As Blue Wahoos Fall 8-1
August 19, 2022
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos lost their second in a row on Thursday night, falling 8-1 to the Mississippi Braves.
Zach McCambley (L, 6-8) walked a career-high six batters over 3.2 innings, allowing four runs in the first and three more in the second. Mississippi starter Alan Rangel (W, 5-6) took the early lead and ran with it, allowing only one run over 6.0 innings.
The Braves used a pair of RBI doubles from Drew Lugbauer and Cade Bunnell in the first to jump out to their early lead. Lugbauer’s two-bagger was lost in the twilight by left fielder Davis Bradshaw, setting the tone for a challenging night for Pensacola.
Third baseman Demetrius Sims committed an error in the second inning, setting the stage for a two-run single from Justyn-Henry Malloy. Leading 7-0 after two innings, Mississippi had more than enough run support for Rangel and the Braves bullpen.
Pensacola’s lone run came in the sixth on a sacrifice fly from J.D. Orr. In an offensive bright spot, catcher Will Banfield was 3-for-4 with a pair of singles.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Braves on Friday.
Driver Uninjured In Crash On Wet Highway 97
August 18, 2022
Up to about three inches of rain had fallen north of Molino by 7 a.m. Thursday morning, leading to the ponding of water on some roadways.
This driver lost control in the 2500 block of Highway 97, about a half mile south of Pilgrim Trail. The driver was not injured, and the Florida Highway Patrol is investigating.
The highest rainfall totals were north and west Walnut Hill. By 7 a.m., a weather station at Molino Park Elementary had recorded just over an inch of rain.
There is an 80% to 90% chance of more rain and thunderstorms through Friday.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Big Changes Proposed For Century’s Government In Draft Charter
August 18, 2022
Big changes have been proposed to how the Town of Century governs itself in a new draft charter.
The new roadmap for Century’s government was created by the Century Charter Review Committee — which started as 11-member committee that was cut to six people due to declining participation. With delays due to the pandemic, the committee worked with consultant Buz Eddy for three years to create the 18-page document.
The town charter — the document that establishes the town, outlines its powers and spells out how it should operate. The current charter has not been updated in almost 40 years.
The draft charter has not been formally approved by a vote of the charter review committee. The town council must approve the final proposed charter and schedule it for a vote by the citizens. There’s no definitive timetable, but that could happen in early 2023 during a special election for what will then be two open council seats.
Here’s a look at some of the major changes and other highlights of the draft charter:
- Establishes a consecutive two-term, or eight-year limit for the mayor. A mayor that has reached the term limit may then seek election as a council member. There are no term limits in the current charter.
- A consecutive two-term, or eight-year limit is established for council members. A council that has reached the term limit may then seek election as mayor. There are no term limits in the current charter.
- The mayor and council members will not be paid if they miss a meeting, unless it’s due to an emergency. With two or more unexcused absences per quarter from consecutive meetings, the council can determine with a fourth-fifths vote that the council member or mayor has abandoned their seat.
- The town council shall conduct all meetings using Robert’s Rules of Order.
- The town will create the position of town clerk/finance director, along with a public works director position that reports directly to the mayor. Both will be hired by the mayor with approval by the council. With the approval of the mayor — not the council — the town clerk/finance director and public works director will hire, fire and supervise the employees in their respective departments. (Currently, the council must approve all hires, from the highest to lowest positions in the town.)
- The charter establishes the right of the town clerk/finance director to take part in town council discussion. The clerk has no guaranteed right to take part in discussions under the current charter.
- The mayor will establish an agenda for all council meetings.
- The mayor will provide quarterly reports on finances, administrative activities, and actions of various departments. The mayor will also present an annual budget to the town council.
- The mayor will be able to authorize expenditures up to $5,000, or up to $10,000 in a declared emergency, without town council approval.
- The council will request and receive bids and award contracts for expenditures of $5,001 or more.
- To be eligible to seek election as a council member, one year residency in the town will be required. (There is currently no length of residency requirement for council members, and a 6-month requirement for the mayor.)
- Before being sworn in as mayor or town council member, the individual must agree to complete any state-mandated training or orientation, and complete Sunshine Law and public records law conducted by the town attorney.
Any portion of the draft charter, including the items listed above. could be altered or removed from a final charter. The town council also has the option to reject the charter or never place it on the ballot.
Pictured top: Century Charter Review Committee chairperson Mary Bourgeois speaks as consultant Buz Eddy listens in April 2022. Pictured below: Committee member Kathryn Fleming reviews a draft charter. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Voter Turnout Nearing 10% In Escambia County; Early Voting Continues
August 18, 2022
Almost 7,000 people had voted early in Escambia County as of Wednesday.
According to the Escambia County Supervisor of Elections, 6,997 early votes were cast so far with three early voting days remaining. Voter turnout stood at 9.84% Wednesday night when including 14,745 vote-by-mail ballots received.
The busiest early voting location so far has been the Genealogy Branch Library on 9th Avenue with 1,580 early votes, followed by the Extension Office in Cantonment with 1,360 ballots cast. The slowest location has been the courthouse in Century, with 45 early voters.
Early voting for the 2022 Primary Election in Escambia County continues through Saturday, August 20 at 10 locations throughout the county.
Those locations open daily are:
- Billy G. Ward Courthouse, 7500 N. Century Boulevard, Century (9 a.m. – 6 p.m.)
- Molino Community Center, 6450-A Highway 95A, Molino (9 a.m. – 6 p.m.)
- Escambia County Extension, 3740 Stefani Road, Cantonment (9 a.m. – 6 p.m.)
- Pensacola Interstate Fairgrounds, 6655 Mobile Highway (9 a.m. – 6 p.m.)
- UWF Center for Fine and Performing Arts, Building 82, University Parkway (9 a.m. – 6 p.m.)
- Genealogy Branch Library, 5740 B, 9th Avenue (9 a.m. – 6 p.m.)
- Main Library, 239 Spring Street (9 a.m. – 6 p.m.)
- Supervisor of Elections Office, 213 Palafox Place, Second Floor (8 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
- Southwest Branch Library, 12248 Gulf Beach Highway (9 a.m. – 6 p.m.)
- Brownsville Community Center, 3200 W. DeSoto Street (9 a.m. – 6 p.m.)
Voters may choose any one of the 10 locations, each of which is also equipped with a ballot marking device.
Molino Woman Charged With Burglary, Battery
August 18, 2022
A Cantonment woman allegedly forced her way into a local home after knocking on the door.
Christine Elizabeth Haynes, 42, is facing charges of first degree felony burglary with a battery and misdemeanor battery causing bodily harm.
Haynes allegedly knocked on a door, punched an adult female resident in the eye, and forced her way into the home. Haynes’ biological child resides in the home, but she does not have custody, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office report said.
Deputies said Haynes attempted to open the child’s room door, but it was locked. The adult female retrieved a firearm, and Haynes left the residence.
The adult female suffered bruising and swelling on her right eye and also had scratches on her neck, chest and arms, deputies said.
Haynes was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $27,500 bond
Miracle League New Player Registration Is Saturday
August 18, 2022
The Miracle League of Pensacola will hold new player registration on Saturday.
The new player registration will take place from 9 a.m. until noon at the Miracle League Park on Nine Mile Road.
Those who registered for the spring of 2022 do not need to register for the fall.
In Pensacola, DeSantis Announces Veterans To Teachers Pathway
August 18, 2022
Speaking in Pensacola Wednesday, Gov. Ron DeSantis highlighted proposals for the 2023 Legislative Session that he said will help support and grow Florida’s teaching workforce and leverage the talents of Florida’s retired veterans and first responders.
The governor announced that the Florida Department of Education will adopt military-friendly policies that will increase educational and employment opportunities for veterans and active service members. The action provides a pathway for them to obtain a temporary teaching certificate before receiving their bachelor’s degree and assist veterans in gaining college credit for military experience and coursework.
“In Florida, we are leading by example with innovative teacher recruitment initiatives and in our support of military and veteran families,” DeSantis said. “These proposals and actions will create new avenues for veterans, first responders and aspiring teachers to excel and continue to serve their communities while building meaningful careers. We are able to make these important actions because we understand that having great teachers in our classrooms will help us develop great students.”
“Today’s changes reaffirm Governor DeSantis’ commitment to supporting Florida’s military heroes,” said Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr. “We are proud to have qualified and knowledgeable veterans in the classroom, which will increase the value of a student’s education.”
Military Veterans Certification Pathway
- Minimum of 48 months of military service with an honorable/medical discharge;
- Minimum of 60 college credits;
- Passing score on a Florida subject area examination;
- Employment in a Florida school district, including charter schools; and
- Cleared background screening.
Veterans who successfully obtain their 5-year temporary teaching certificate will be assigned a classroom mentor for a minimum of two years. They must also earn their bachelor’s degree during the 5-year period and may not teach subject areas that require master’s degree. The temporary certificate cannot be renewed once it expires, nor does it apply to military spouses or families.
Articulation Between and Among Universities, Florida Colleges and School Districts
DOE also amended a rule to expand opportunities for veterans and military servicemembers to be awarded postsecondary credit for equivalent training and education acquired in the military. The board implemented a specific list of college credits and clock hours that will now be guaranteed to former and current military members beginning in the 2022-23 academic year at any Florida state college, university or district technical center.
Pictured: Governor Ron DeSantis at Cordova Park Elementary School in Pensacola on Wednesday.
Escambia Names Williams Emergency Coordinator
August 18, 2022
Escambia County has named Scottlin Williams as emergency coordinator. She succeeds Travis Tompkins who became emergency manager.
Williams previously worked as a broadcast meteorologist at a Jackson, Mississippi, television station.
“I am honored and grateful to begin my career with Escambia County,” Williams said. “I look forward to working with the Emergency Management team and others in the public safety sector while using my meteorological expertise to provide critical information to help our citizens be prepared for any hazard that could affect our community.”
“We’re very happy to have someone with Scottlin’s background on our team,” Tompkins added. “Having a meteorologist on staff brings our organization to a whole new level. I am confident we will see great things from her.”
Williams holds a bachelor of science degree in geosciences with a concentration in broadcast meteorology and an emphasis in communication from Mississippi State University.