John Derrick Lloyd turned himself in to the Bay County Sheriff’s Office on Saturday, February 23, 2013, on a warrant issued by the BCSO on a charge of Perjury.

Lloyd was an expert witness in the recent Foxworth Aggravated Child Abuse trial.

John Lloyd, PhD, CPE specializes in biomechanics of head and brain injury, which may be the result of various impacts, including falls, shaking baby syndrome (SBS), motor vehicle accidents, and football concussion / helmet protection.

Dr. Lloyd is Senior Researcher at the Bio-mechanics and Traumatic Brain Injury laboratories at the Tampa VA hospital, where he conducts brain injury research. His scientific discoveries have been published in many journal articles, book chapters and presented at leading conferences.

John has served as an expert on a number of civil and criminal cases, with testimony experience in several states.

John Lloyd wrote a letter to the editor of the Newsherald after the trial.  You can read it HERE!

Visit his website HERE!

Foxworth was tried and sentenced to 4 years on February 18th by Circuit Judge Elija Smiley.

You can read our previous story HERE!

TALLAHASSEE – Today, Governor Rick Scott released the following statement on the threat of sequestration, which will trigger forced budget cuts on Friday, March 1, 2013:

“There is no doubt that budget cuts must be made at the national level, just as we have done here in Florida. But, it is the responsibility of our federal leaders to administer spending reductions thoughtfully and rationally – not in an elementary school game of ‘chicken.’ Instead of cutting with a scalpel, the sequestration process is a meat hammer.

“Sequestration means the Obama Administration and Congress failed to do their job to manage the budget. As thousands of Floridians lose their jobs, the Obama Administration and Congress are getting paid for not doing theirs. That’s just wrong.

“The impacts on Florida’s military installations and defense industries will be severe under the meat hammer of sequestration. Our immediate concerns include dramatic reductions to our National Guard, which threatens our ability to respond to wildfires this spring and hurricanes this summer.

“Now is the time for leadership. It is critical for all national leaders to find a way forward that will not have unwarranted, unnecessary impacts on both our economic and our national security.”

Florida is one of America’s most defense centric states.  Florida hosts three unified combatant commands, 20 major Air Force and Navy installations, and very large segments of the nation’s defense industry which annually contributes over $73.4 billion and more than 754,000 defense industry jobs to the economy.

Estimated defense industry impacts from industry and academic sources include jobs losses from 40,000 to 80,000, and defense spending reductions approaching $1 billion across Florida.  The Florida National Guard estimates an annual impact of $27.2 million, which includes 986 Florida National Guard employees furloughed for 20% of the remaining year ($7.3 million in lost wages).

Apalachicola – Today, Governor Rick Scott was joined by Senator Bill Montford and Representative Halsey Beshears to announce that the Florida Families First Budget invests $3 million in water projects for Apalachicola to enhance the community’s infrastructure while improving water quality in the bay. The Governor also highlighted current activities to assess and improve the area’s fisheries, and efforts to improve the economic conditions of the region.  The Governor was also joined by Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Herschel Vinyard, Executive Director of the Northwest Florida Water Management District Jon Steverson, Executive Director of the Department of Economic Opportunity Jesse Panuccio and Executive Director Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Nick Wiley.

Governor Scott said, “When one community hurts in Florida, we all come together to help – and that’s why the Florida Families First Budget makes important investments in this community. Our budget provides a targeted investment of $3 million for Apalachicola water quality improvement projects, which will provide this area with cleaner water to create healthier fisheries.

The Northwest Florida Water Management District will prioritize critical projects that address storm water needs, which will enhance area infrastructure and improve the quality of water that enters the bay. The district will have the flexibility needed to retrofit storm water infrastructure to keep storm water from impacting the local fisheries.  These initiatives will be crucial for the long-term restoration and sustainability of water resources in Apalachicola Bay, and will work to clean this ecosystem so it provides quality water for oysters.

Included in the $3 million is up to $500,000, to help fund an analysis of the river flows necessary to maintain estuarine resources.

Senator Bill Montford said, “We’re working hard to get this community back up on its feet, and I applaud the Governor for making critical investments in the area to improve the fisheries and infrastructure.  We’ll continue to find ways to protect the generations of families who rely on this bay and the rivers for their livelihoods.”

Franklin County Commissioner Pinki Jackel said, “The Governor and his agencies have been very engaged in the needs of this community – and I’ll continue working to improve the fisheries and support more job growth for area families.”

“Governor Scott recognizes the critical importance of Apalachicola Bay and River as an ecological treasure, an economic driver and a way of life not just for Franklin County residents but for the entire state of Florida,” said DEP Secretary Herschel T. Vinyard, Jr. “The Governor’s Florida Families First budget illustrates his commitment to improving water quality to restore this vital ecosystem.”

“The Scott administration recognizes the importance of this essential industry to our state and the Department of Economic Opportunity will be working to sustain and diversify this community as a vibrant center of business and  continue to be a provider of Florida Fresh seafood for generations to come,” said DEO Executive Director Jesse Panuccio.

“I applaud the Governor’s efforts to provide continued assistance to the oyster producing industry in the Apalachicola area,” said Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Executive Director Nick Wiley. “FWC remains committed to the people of this community as we partner to find solutions to restore the oyster production for which Apalachicola is so well known.”

Current Activities in Franklin County

Currently, the regional workforce board, Franklin County, the Department of Agriculture and Fish And Wildlife Commission are working together to move oysters from poor growing areas to other sites, where the oysters can grow to a good size for oystermen to harvest. Today, there are oysters developing in areas of poor water quality, which impacts the growth of the oyster – and impacts the pocket books of oystermen who are prohibited from selling oysters from these identified reefs.  In a process known as “relaying,” oysters that are developing in poor condition areas are moved to areas with better water quality. From these areas, healthy oysters can develop into something that oystermen can sell, which is great news for families in the area.

Department of Economic Opportunity is coordinating with Franklin County in depositing processed oyster shell on depleted oyster reefs and bay bottom areas to provide a base for oyster larvae to attach and grow.  The benefits of this project provide short term and long term gains to families in the area. First, the partnership with Department Of Economic Opportunity and the county will employ individuals to deposit the oyster shells, providing job opportunities to area families. Second, the shells will provide a great habitat for oysters to attach to and grow in, which benefits the oyster industry here as a whole.

The Fish and Wildlife Commission has been working with the University of Florida to monitor the Big Bend area outside of Apalachicola, which may provide scientists with greater opportunities to better understand the potential of the oyster fisheries. Also, the University of Florida Oyster Recovery Team is studying the decline of oysters in Apalachicola Bay to create short-term and long-term strategies for restoring oyster populations – and their first strategy report is expected this Spring.

The Department of Economic Opportunity is working with the county to develop strategies for the regional economy to ensure the community remains whole.

Governor Scott said, “Let me be clear, our number one goal is restore these fisheries so that generations of families who have relied on the waters of Apalachicola can continue to do so. The Department Of Economic Opportunity is working with Franklin County to complement and enhance the local economy, so families have access to good jobs.”

Through the work, the regional economy is being assessed to find additional opportunities that exist for businesses and families in Apalachicola and what can be done to provide families with a long-term sustainable strategy to ensure families can put food on the table.

Rebecca Knowles of Rebecca Knowles Photography, LLC in Lynn Haven,Florida has earned the Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) designation fromthe Professional Photographic Certification Commission through the Professional
Photographers of America (PPA).

Knowles earned this designation after meeting rigorous requirements measuring her artistic and technical competence.

Specializing in beach & studio portraiture, she is the only Certified Professional Photographer in the Bay County area.

The Professional Photographic Certification Commission currently recognizes less than 2,000 Certified Professional Photographers nationwide.

The Professional Photographic Certification Commission is the leading body for certifying imaging professionals. Certified Professional Photographers must complete a written examination, an image evaluation, and adhere to a stringent code of conduct.

Certification must be renewed on a periodic basis, ensuring continuing confidence of Certified Professional Photographers.

Rebecca Knowles Photography, LLC
1106 Ohio Ave, Suite 4
Lynn Haven, FL 32444
www.RebeccaKnowles.com

According to the BCSO incident report:

Between the dates of 08/06/2012 and 08/20/2012 the above named defendant, Carlos D Small did commit the offense of Lewd and Lascivious Act upon a child.  The defendant did unlawfully handle, fondle or make an assault upon a child under the age of sixteen years (16), to (Withheld) age eleven years of age (11), in a lewd and lascivious manner, by putting his hands down the front of the victims pants and touching her “private area” with his hand, without the intent to commit sexual battery, In violation with section 800.04, Florida Statutes. This offense occurred in Panama City Beach, Bay County, Florida.

On 10/23/2012, officers responded to (Withheld) in reference to a possible sexual battery of a child. On arrival, Officer Dinse made contact with the mother of the victim, (Withheld).

The victim’s mother states that approximately two to three weeks ago the victim and victim’s brother went and stayed at the defendants residence located at 3007 Hunt Club Circle.

While at the defendant’s residence the victim’s mother states that the defendant placed his hand down the front of the victim’s pants. After the defendant did this, the victim told her brother what had happened.

On 10/26/2012, A CPT (Child Protection Interview) was scheduled. In the interview the victim disclosed that the defendant placed his hands down the front of her pants and touching her “private area” with his hand making skin on skin contact.

The victim also states that after this occurred the defendant went into the kitchen. The defendant then told the victim not to tell anyone what had happened. This offense occurred at 3007, Hunt Club Circle, Panama City Beach, Bay County Florida.

From Who Was Arrested.com

Name : CARLOS DIONNE SMALL
Address : 3007 HUNT CLUB DR PANAMA CITY BEACH FL
Race : B
Sex : M
Age : 48
Date : 02/25/2013
Offense : LEWD LASCV BEHAVIOR – MOLEST VIC LESS 12YOA OFFENDER 18 YOA OR OL
Bond :
Agency : BCSO

The Bay County Sheriff’s Office located the body of Karl Anthony Woodward, 11/30/64, from the water near Donald Penny boat ramp this morning at approximately 5:30 a.m.

BCSO deputies responded to a call in reference to a verbal altercation between a man and a woman at the Donald Penny boat ramp last evening at 11:15 p.m. When they arrived, deputies found Karl Woodward sitting on the edge of the dock by himself. Deputies spoke with Woodward and it was obvious he was intoxicated. There was a bottle of whiskey near Woodward.

Woodward was belligerent and uncooperative, refusing any help from deputies. As the deputy attempted to assist Woodward to his feet he jumped into the water stating he was going to swim out to his sailboat. Woodward swam to a sailboat anchored in the middle of the bayou, screaming profanities at the deputies and refusing help.

As Woodward’s behavior was erratic and placed himself in danger, deputies used a nearby dingy and a pole to get out to the sailboat and get Woodward to safety. Woodward jumped back into the water, swimming to a nearby barge and tried to climb onto the barge but was unable. Deputies got close enough to throw a rope to Woodward but he refused. They also placed the pole near him, encouraging him to get out of the water but he again refused, going under the water and extending his arm above the water and waving “bye” at them. Finally, Woodward appeared to become distressed and got very still while underwater and then sank out of view.

One of the deputies jumped into the water but due to the low visibility in the water was unable to find Woodward. The deputy searched around the barge and underwater in case Woodward was trapped under the barge but could not find him and finally had to leave the water due to cold temperatures. By this time other deputies arrived and the BCSO Dive Team was called to the scene. A BCSO Air Unit aerial search was done but was unable to find Woodward. The BCSO Dive Team also could not find Woodward until about 5:30 this morning.

Contact was made with Woodward’s wife who stated she and another man had tried to get Woodward out the water earlier in the evening but he had been combative and belligerent with them and they had finally left him sitting on the dock by himself.

 Woodward’s body was turned over to the Medical Examiner.

The Bay County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help to identify a woman believed to have stolen the contents of a purse accidentally left in a grocery cart at the Winn Dixie store on Thomas Drive, Panama City Beach.

The victim contacted the BCSO on February 1, 2013, to report she had accidentally left her purse behind after shopping at the Winn Dixie. When she returned to the store, a witness told her that a white woman drove up and was seen picking the purse up and entering the store with it. The purse was found empty in the ladies restroom in the store.

BCSO Criminal Investigations Division investigators made contact with management at the store and were given security video of the suspect. The woman is described as short and stocky with light brown or possibly red hair and wearing Capri jeans and a grey long-sleeved hoodie.

Investigators were able to track the suspect on video as she picked up the purse, entered the store carrying two purses, entered the ladies restroom, and then left the restroom carrying only one purse.

The suspect was driving a white GMC Jimmy or a Chevy Blazer with four doors and a small square sticker in the lower left corner of the back window.

Anyone with information on this suspect is asked to contact Investigator Chris Coram at the Bay County Sheriff’s Office at 747-4700 or Crime Stoppers at 785-TIPS.

LAKELAND – Today, Governor Rick Scott participated in the 16^th “Let’s Get to Work Day” at Joker Merchant Stadium and announced that he will work to provide $5 million annually to be used only for spring training facilities.  During the workday, the Governor participated in daily operations for the Detroit Tigers Baseball team, including working at the concession stands, managing equipment and working with the grounds crew.

Governor Scott said, “My top priority is growing jobs for Florida families – and spring training has provided families in Florida with countless job opportunities since the 1800s. It’s my job as Governor to make sure Florida remains the number one destination for spring training and that is why we will work to provide $5 million annually to only be used for spring training facilities.  We must protect and enhance this vital business for Florida families.”

While current law provides some ability for local governments to incentivize spring training baseball, there is no predictability or a regular funding stream for spring training in Florida. That means if teams need renovations to their facilities, they must begin at square-one to secure funding and planning from the state and from local governments.  Currently, 15 teams use Florida facilities for spring training, three teams’ leases come up for renewal in 2016, and two come up for renewal in 2017.

Under the initiative, local governments will be required to match at least 50 percent of project costs.  State contributions for each project would be capped at $20 million and the Department of Economic Opportunity would review and approve the match to ensure it provides a return on investment for taxpayers.

More than 1.5 million fans attend spring training games annually, and provide a $750 million benefit to the state each year.  Since the 2000 season, more than 20 million fans have passed through the turnstiles at Florida stadiums.

Governor Scott continued, “We must provide teams a predicable landscape, with an identified funding stream that allows local governments to make targeted investments to keep teams in their communities.”

Senator Jack Latvala said, “Spring training pays huge dividends for our communities. The more we support baseball in Florida, the more opportunities will be expanded for our residents. This $5 million, recurring investment by Gov. Scott will support jobs across our state.”

David Dombrowski, President, CEO and General Manager of the Detroit Tigers said, “Florida has a long-standing tradition with the Detroit Tigers and Major League Baseball Clubs,” Dombrowski said. “The Grapefruit League plays a significant role in the teams’ preparation for each season as well as the development of their players. For 77 years the Tigers’ organization has enjoyed an outstanding relationship with the City of Lakeland calling Joker Marchant Stadium and the complex their “Winter Home. We are excited and  appreciative that the Great State of Florida is doing all it can to continue this partnership for many years to come.”

Frank Coonelly, President of the Pittsburgh Pirates said, “The Pittsburgh Pirates this year celebrate our 45th spring in Bradenton, Florida.  The bond between the organization and the Bradenton community runs deep and strong.  We have been fortunate to have been able to forge meaningful public/private partnerships that have allowed us to build and update outstanding Major League facilities in Bradenton which we use for the year-round development of our Major League and Minor League players and staff.  Each of the two major projects that we completed over the last six years was done primarily with local companies and local workers and resulted in other economic development in the community.  It is critical as we move forward that resources are available at the state level that will allow Clubs to make the necessary capital improvements in their Florida spring training facilities so that the state can retain its 15 Major League Clubs and attract new Clubs to the Grapefruit League.  The Pirates’ relationship with Bradenton is an outstanding example of the type of win-win partnership that state resources can help replicate in other Florida communities.”

John Webb, President of the Florida Sports Foundation said, “We are pleased that Governor Scott has taken such an active role in preserving spring training Baseball for generations to come.  Spring training Baseball is as much a part of Florida as the beautiful beaches and theme parks.  There’s no better place to be in Florida during the month of March than a spring training baseball game.”

The Bay County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help to identify two suspects captured on security video cameras during a residential burglary.

On January 6, 2013, in the Harbour Towne subdivision off Wildwood Road on Panama City Beach, two suspects stole items from a garage and the vehicle that was parked outside the residence. The burglary took place between 4:00 a.m. and 4:30 a.m.

Anyone with information on this burglary is asked to contact the Bay County Sheriff’s Office or Crime Stoppers at 785-TIPS.

The Bay County Sheriff’s Office culminated a multi-agency investigation today with the arrest of Peter Joseph Sherlock, DOB 7-14-73, of South Carolina, for doing roof repair work in Bay County without proper licensing.

The Division of Workman’s Compensation, the Division of Insurance Fraud, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, and the Bay County Sheriff’s Office began to work together to investigate the concerns of a local resident involving Sherlock and roofing work his crew was performing in Bay County. The citizen called the BCSO stating Sherlock had approached him and asked to perform roof repair for a low price.

Investigators discovered that Peter Sherlock was linked to several scams in South Carolina involving construction work. Working undercover, one of the investigators contacted Sherlock to inquire about roof repair. Sherlock stated he had the proper licensing to perform construction work in Bay County and would do the work. When Sherlock arrived with his crew it was determined that two were illegal aliens and that Sherlock did not possess the proper licensing to do roofing work in Bay County.

Sherlock was arrested and charged with 4 counts of Contracting without a License and one count of Workman’s Comp Fraud.

Anyone hiring a contractor is encouraged to ask to see proper licensing. Contractors should have their license in their possession. Licensing can also be verified by contacting the Building Department at the County Office Building on 11^th Street in Panama City.

Joseph Scott Byers faced a jury yesterday, Feb. 28 on charges that included Arson, Attempted Child Abuse and Contributing to the Dependency of a Child.

As many will recall, on March 8, 2012 Byers was arrested after his mobile home was set on fire and riding away with his 3 year old child on a bicycle.  Byers and his son later had to be pull from St. Andrews Bay after the boat they were in sank.

The jury found Byers Not Guilty on the arson and child abuse charge, but found him guilty of contributing to the dependency of a minor, which was a lessor included charge.

Sentencing is scheduled for March 15 in Judge Fensom’s Courtroom.

You can read our ORIGINAL STORY and the arrest details  HERE!

A power outage at lift station number 41 located at 532 East 6th Street in Panama City resulted in approximately 750 gallons of untreated wastewater to flow into a storm drain which empties into Massalina Bayou.

Sewage contamination of water can expose bathers to intestinal viruses, bacteria, and parasites.

The Florida department of health in Bay County advises against swimming in Massalina Bayou between 6th Street and Beach drive until further notice.

For more information, you may contact the Florida Department of Health in Bay County at (850) 872-4660 ext. 1268.

Judy Foister, as local well known hypnotist has been arrested on the charge of giving False Information to Law Enforcement during an investigation.

Her alleged deceit comes as a result of the Sheriff’s Office investigation into the unlicensed construction work of Joseph Sherlock, and illegal alien from South Carolina.

Ms. Foister is the owner of the Gulf Coast Hypnosis Center and Judy’s Sheds on Highway 231.  Ms. Foister is also a published author.

You can read the details of the Sherlock arrest HERE!

Bay County Sheriff’s Office Report

Affiant states that while conducting an investigation on contracting without a license and Workman’s Comp Fraud (2nd degree Felon V) Bay County Sheriff’s Office case number 2013-012732 the listed defendant did knowingly provide a false sworn statement to Sgt Chad King.

Affiant states that the defendant stated that the suspect in case number 2013-012732 had never done any work on any of her properties and that after providing the sworn false statement that she attempted to contact the suspect several times on his cell telephone.

Affiant states that after the suspect (Peter Joseph Sherlock) gave the affiant permission to use his telephone a call was placed to the defendant.

Upon her answering the telephone she began telling who she believed was Sherlock that she had lied to Sgt King and she had provided King with an address in Panama City that Sherlock had not worked on.  She instructed Sherlock not tell lawenforcment that she had paid him the $2500.00 she had paid him for the jor and that he did not do any work
for her, he just gave an estimate for the job on the building in Panama City.

Affiant states that by her sworn statement the employees of Sherlock had to be re-interviewed and investigators had to be sent to the building that the work was completed to confirm that Sherlock was being truthful in the investigation.

Sherlock was charged with a felony and four misdemeanors as a result of this investigation

Affiant states that defendants intent was to mislead and to impede the investigation this offense occurred in Bay County Florida.

March 2, 2013

The Bay County Sheriff’s Office held an auction today to sell surplus equipment and vehicles.

There were about 300 bidders on the nearly 60 vehicles, two motorcycles, two scooters, one school bus, electronic items, used tires, and scrap metal. The amount of money raised was about $80,000.00.

The money will be reinvested into law enforcement equipment and vehicles for the Bay County Sheriff’s Office.

The Bay County Sheriff’s Office Junior Deputies and Explorers were also present to assist with parking and held a successful fundraiser by selling concessions.

Are you interested in joining an Over Eaters Anonymous Group?  Currently, the closest one is in Tallahassee but we would like to have a closer group.  If you are interested, or just want more information, call (850) 639-3600

St. Andrews Waterfront Farmers Market – Open every Saturday from 8am to 1pm at the St. Andrews Marina and Smith’s Yacht Basin next to The Shrimp Boat Restaurant at 12th Street & Beck Avenue. Rain or Shine. We will be opening for our 9th year in 2013. Come out to shop, walk, and spend your Saturday in Historic St. Andrews. We will see you at the Market! Details: HistoricStAndrews.com/market or (850) 872-7208

March 23rd – 1 – 5 p.m. BCSO Unity Tour Dinner  ~   Proceeds to help maintain and preserve the Nat’l Law Enforcement Officer  Memorial in Washington D.C.   ~    The monument is in memory of all law enforcement officers throughout US history who have died in the line of duty, dating back to the first known death in 1791.  ~  Tickets can be purchased at the 23rd Street Applebee’s or at the Bay County Sheriff’s Office on Hwy 77.  Please help us in our efforts to raise funds for this cause.  The second week in May over 1,600 bicyclists will come  together and ride 300 miles to the  memorial in Washington D.C. to honor these fallen officers.

For more information, call Sally Sparks at 248-2084 or 814-8084 You can view or download the FLIER HERE!

April 6 – Police Unity Golf Tournament – Bay Point Meadows Golf Course ~ Come enjoy a round of golf and support the Police Unity Tour.  For more information, call Sally Sparks at 248-2084 or 814-2084.

You can view the flier Here OR download the registration form HERE!

BCSO Press Release

The Bay County Sheriff’s Office responded today at approximately 9:29 am to conduct a welfare check at 9219 Resota Beach Road. A friend of the residents requested a welfare check due to the fact that the homeowner had not shown up for work the previous evening.

Upon arrival, the deputy found the residence to be unsecured, and conducted a walk-thru of the residence discovering the bodies of a male and a female inside the residence.

The BCSO Criminal Investigations Division, Crime Scene Unit and Medical Examiner’s Office responded to the residence to conduct an investigation into the circumstances of the death. A handgun was recovered from the scene. The incident appears to be a murder/suicide based on the preliminary investigation and evidence recovered at the scene.

The deceased have been identified as Kelley Anna Dickson, W/F, DOB/12-17-1964, and Mack O. Kilpatrick, white male, DOB/07-04-1951.

The investigation is ongoing and autopsies will be conducted by the District 14 Medical Examiner’s Office.

Earlier Story

Bay County Deputies conducted a welfare check in at 9219 Resota Beach Road in Southport around 9:30 am Monday, March 4th. What they found were 2 bodies in an apparent Murder-suicide.

Property recods indicate that the home is owned by Mack Kilpatrick, age 62. It is believe that the female victim is Kelley Dickson, 48, Kilpatrick’s former wife. While they were divorced, they were sharting the home.

Kilpatrick is listed as an owner of Wild Hogs with the Florida Department of Corporations.

Jabarius Pittman entered a straight-up plea Monday to manslaughter with a firearm after ballistics tests in a murder trial scheduled for this week identified him as the actual killer.

Pittman, 17, of 1406 Joe Louis Lane, Apt. G, Calvin Grubbs and Raphael Morris on Sept. 17 attempted to rob Marc Logan and Anotonio Edwards at gunpoint. But the robbery attempt resulted in massive gunfire as Grubbs opened up with an AK-47 assault rifle, spraying bullets throughout the residential neighborhood.

Pittman attempted to run from the area and saw Edwards make a move toward him. Pittman fired a warning shot from his 380 semi-automatic handgun in Edward’s direction as he was running. The bullet missed Edwards but hit Logan, 41, in the head and killed him. Grubbs is scheduled for trial this week on charges of first-degree murder, robbery with a firearm and two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

It was originally thought that Logan was killed by a bullet from Grubbs’ assault rifle, but ballistics tests performed recently in preparation for trial found that Logan was killed by Pittman’s handgun. Before the ballistics tests were done, Pittman entered a plea in November to robbery and agreed to testify truthfully if called to either of his co-defendant’s trials. The plea put him in prison for seven years. But once the test results were discovered, Pittman was facing a new charge of manslaughter with a firearm.

He decided Monday to plead to the new charge, and an attempted robbery with a firearm, and agreed again to testify in Grubbs’ trial this week. Grubbs’ charges were revised to reflect the new evidence. Instead of facing a charge of premeditated first-degree murder, Grubbs is charged with felony first-degree murder — meaning he was engaged in a robbery when someone involved was killed.

The state doesn’t have to prove that Grubbs intended to kill Logan, only that Logan died while Grubbs was attempting to rob him. The penalty is the same, life in prison, if Grubbs is convicted of the charge. Pittman faces up to 35 years in prison and his penalty will be left to Circuit Judge Elijah Smiley to decide on April 15. Testimony in Grubbs’ trial is expected to begin Tuesday morning and go into Wednesday.

Our Original Story:

Calvin Grubbs is on trial for 2nd degree murder in Judge Smiley’s court room.

On September 17th, Grubbs killed Marc Logan during an attempted robbery on 11th Street.  He is also charged with Robbery and Felon in Possession of a Firearm.

You can read the original BCSO press release HERE and the arrest report HERE.   During a statewide felon roundup, Grubbs was arrested again.  You can read that arrest  HERE!

Grubbs  has 3 co-defendants.  One has a plea hearing today, and Jabarus Pittman, age 17 will be tried as an adult.  The State IS NOT seeking the death penalty in any of the cases.

On the night of February 16, 2013 the defendant, Ozzy Michael Schneider, committed Lewd and Lascivious Molestation against (Name Withheld) in violation of Florida State Statute 800 04(5b).

To Wit: The victim stayed with her grandmother on 02/16/2013. During a CPT interview at the Gulf Coast Children’s Advocacy Center the victim stated the defendant entered into the room and sat down next to her.

The victim stated the defendant attempted to place his hand down her pants but she resisted by holding her pants up. The victim stated the defendant then held her hand behind her back, placed his hand down her pants and groped her
vagina.

Your affiant Inv. A Willis, is also in possession of a note the defendant exchanged with the victim in which he asks “you don’t think I’m too old do you?” . The defendant also “I just dont want you to feel wierd; your the prettiest girl ever I couldn’t wait to see you”.

The defendant goes on to write “plz dont fall asleep I promise we will have fun tonight”.

Based on the disclosure by the victim in the CPT interview as well as the defendants note he wrote to her your affiant believes there is probable cause to show the defendant committed the above stated offense.

This offense occurred in Bay County, Florida.

The Bay County Special Olympics games will take place on Friday, March 8, 2013, at Tommy Oliver Stadium.

Opening ceremonies begin at 9:30 a.m.  Everyone is welcome to attend and cheer on all of the athletes who participate.

TALLAHASSEE – Today, during a meeting of the Florida Cabinet, Governor Rick Scott announced that according to preliminary estimates released by VISIT FLORIDA,visitors to the Sunshine State spent a record $71.8 billion, an increase of 6.8 percent over 2011.  This represents a record year of spending in 2012 by tourists in Florida, exceeding the previous highs of $67.2 billion in 2011 and $65.5 billion in 2007.

Governor Scott said, “Today’s news from VISIT FLORIDA demonstrates ‘It’s Working.’ Travelers to Florida spent an additional $4.6 billion in 2012, marking the second consecutive record year for visitor spending in the Sunshine State. Florida’s tourism industry is critical to Florida families as it serves as a vital source of revenue to the state and a key driver of employment – and that’s why our Florida Families First Budget commits $75 million to VISIT FLORIDA, so we can better grow jobs and opportunities for Florida families.”

As the state’s official destination marketing organization, VISIT FLORIDA is responsible for serving the citizens of Florida through the growth and development of the tourism industry. VISIT FLORIDA creates innovative cooperative marketing programs that enhance the industry’s ability to successfully promote the Florida tourism product across the U.S. and around the globe.

“Last year, visitors spent over 500 million vacation nights and nearly $72 billion in the Sunshine State,” said Will Seccombe, President and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA.  “While it’s still very early in 2013, all indications are that VISIT FLORIDA is well positioned to build on the previous two years’ momentum as we strive to make Florida the No. 1 travel destination in the world.”

To view additional Florida tourism data, go the Research page on VISIT FLORIDA’s media website.