Randy Wood
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Managing Editor WEAR TV (ABC) 3 Ohio native and huge Buckeye Fan
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Articles by Randy Wood
Letter: A message from God (or S&P)
A downgrade by S&P of St. Helena's long-term financial outlook from "stable" to "negative" is a message from God to stop spending money. One applauds the efforts by the city administration to present a 2025 budget that will include cuts to the budget and unfortunately to services. However, given the $6.7 million budget deficit it will obviously be necessary. But the spending should stop now, until such time as revenues justify additional expenditures.
Pensacola's historic Benboe Funeral Home on the verge of demolition
PENSACOLA, Fla. -- A historic funeral home that has served Pensacola's African American community for decades is on the verge of being demolished. The Benboe family has operated it's funeral home since 1937. They've been on Wright Street since 1951. This week, Pensacola's Architectural Review Board considered a permit to have most of that structure demolished. But that demolition request is on hold. Co-owner Zoya Philips says it's time to retire.
Randy Wood’s Leadville 100 MTB Race Report
(Editor’s note: The following is part 1 of a four part series by Randy Wood of Moneta on his journey to finishing the Leadville 100 MTB race Aug. 13.) Race Summary During the last days of 2021, I committed to training and preparing for and completing the Leadville 100 MTB race, scheduled for Aug. 13, 2022. The goal was simple — complete the race. When I made this commitment, I had already finished the race in my mind. On Aug. 13, I raced and finished the Leadville 100 MTB race. Race details follow.
Randy Wood’s Leadville 100 MTB Race Report
(Editor’s note: The following is part 1 of a four part series by Randy Wood of Moneta on his journey to finishing the Leadville 100 MTB race Aug. 13.) Race Summary During the last days of 2021, I committed to training and preparing for and completing the Leadville 100 MTB race, scheduled for Aug. 13, 2022. The goal was simple — complete the race. When I made this commitment, I had already finished the race in my mind. On Aug. 13, I raced and finished the Leadville 100 MTB race. Race details follow.
Pensacola Police officer extends a helping hand to the homeless
PENSACOLA, Fla. -- The homeless in pensacola have many challenges as they navigate life on the street. But they have a friend in the pensacola police.
Navarre neighborhood residents say controlled burn too close for comfort
NAVARRE, Fla. -- Residents in the Navarre area off of East Bay Blvd. got a scare after a permitted debris burn got out of control Wednesday. The burn happened around 10 a. m. on Red Pepper Dr. Officials say a developer was clearing land and the fire escaped the burn pile.
Santa Rosa County Sheriffs expect charges against livestock handler that shot donkey
SANTA ROSA COUNTY, Fla. -- For the first time, Santa Rosa County Sheriff Bob Johnson spoke about the death of a wandering donkey. The animal was killed by a livestock handler, who has done contract work for the sheriff's office for years. They say they have never had an issue with his work before this.
Trial begins for 2 men charged with 2020 Escambia County murder
ESCAMBIA COUNTY, Fla. -- Two men charged in a Escambia County murder from 2020 went to trial Tuesday. Prosecutors say the victim lost his life, in what they describe as a "drug rip-off. " Caption: WEAR. An apartment complex on Klondike Road in Beulah is where prosecutors say Kevin Swann was killed on a Saturday in October 2020.
St. Helena deserves better
Pacaso, recently, sent a mailer to citizens in St. Helena saying that we deserve better ... and they're right. St. Helena does deserves better. Better companies to deal with who don't vilify the city officials and workers. Better companies who don't cause lawsuits that might cost St. Helena millions. Better companies who sell homes to individuals and families who will be taxpaying, full-time concerned citizens. Instead of groups of part-time visitors with little vested interest in the city.
Okaloosa County family gets help after home damaged by tornado
OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. -- An Okaloosa County family is counting their blessings and assessing the damage Monday, after last Friday's tornado heavily damaged their home in Holt. Tiffany Lewis and her kids were in one of several homes there, damaged by what the National Weather Service says was an EF-1 tornado.
First African American female officer sworn into Crestview Police Department
CRESTVIEW, Fla. -- A swearing in of new officers Thursday was a ground breaking moment for the Crestview Police Department. With all the negative stories that have swirled around the nation's police agencies in recent years, there's a positive one that comes from the City of Crestview. Her name is Ayjah Hillsman.
Some Santa Rosa County commissioners support county gas tax suspension
SANTA ROSA COUNTY, Fla. -- The state of Florida is planning a gas tax holiday in October. The federal government is also looking into forms of gas tax suspensions or rollback, amid soaring gas prices. Thursday, Santa Rosa County commissioners considered doing the same.
'They shot the wrong person:' Walton County sheriff speaks on shooting victim
WALTON COUNTY, Fla. -- It was an attack that left a woman paralyzed. Investigators say they've arrested three people, and are looking for a fourth. Walton County's Sheriff Adkinson spoke about the case Tuesday, and so did the woman who nearly lost her life. The incident occurred on Jan.
Multiple rental cars catch fire at the Pensacola International Airport
PENSCAOLA, Fla. -- Multiple rental cars caught fire at the Pensacola International Airport Saturday. Police told Channel 3 news the fire happened around 1 p. m. in a rental car cleaning facility on the north end of the property. Airport Spokesperson Lewis Garvin tells Channel 3 the fire, believed to be electrical in nature, started in a Ford Expedition.
Multiple rental cars catch fire at the Pensacola International Airport
by Randy Wood Sunday, August 29th 2021 Multiple rental cars caught fire at the Pensacola International Airport. (Source: Pensacola Police Department) PENSACOLA, Fla. (WEAR) — Multiple rental cars caught fire at the Pensacola International Airport Saturday. Police told Channel 3 news the fire happened around 1 p.m. in a rental car cleaning facility on the north end of the property.
Multiple rental cars catch fire at the Pensacola International Airport
PENSACOLA, Fla. (WEAR) - Multiple rental cars caught fire at the Pensacola International Airport Saturday. Police told Channel 3 news the fire happened around 1 p. m. in a rental car cleaning facility on the north end of the property. Airport Spokesperson Lewis Garvin tells Channel 3 the fire, believed to be electrical in nature, started in a Ford Expedition.
Changes likely for Destin helicopter business following various complaints
OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. -- A call to either ground -- or change the deal Okaloosa County has with a sightseeing helicopter business. Residents and even the airport director say the company is breaking rules and destroying their quality of life. Caption: WEAR. Helicopters buzz the Destin waterfront almost non-stop during the tourist season.
Santa Rosa County Sheriff test postive for COVID-19
Santa Rosa County Sheriff Bob Johnson has confirmed he has tested positive for COVID-19. The Sheriff told Channel 3 News he was tested last Friday after returning from the Florida Sheriff's Association in Lee County. Sheriff Johnson said he did follow CDC guidelines when attending the conference, but when he returned he felt a bit under the weather.
Panama City beaches reopen with restrictions
The first Florida Panhandle beaches to reopen amid the COVID-19 pandemic will happen Friday morning. Beaches in the unincorporated areas of Bay County and in Panama City Beach will reopen at 6 a. m. Panama City beaches reopen with restrictions (WEAR-TV) The morning hours will end at 9 a. m.
Pensacola man sentenced to death for 1998 Popeyes murder will now serve life in prison
A man who has spent much of his life on Florida’s death row will not be going back there. Timothy Hurst, 41, was convicted of the brutal 1998 stabbing death of Cynthia Harrison. It happened at the Popeyes restaurant on Nine Mile Road. Harrison was stabbed 60 times and the store safe was found open.
One year later: What's next for iconic restaurant Red Bar
Smoke filled the sky over Grayton Beach last February as the Red Bar Restaurant and Tavern burned. The fire, believed to have been electrical, stole a place that people across the country in their hearts. They worried it was gone forever. WEAR.
Proposed pro-life sanctuary in Santa Rosa County to be put on upcoming agenda
A proposed resolution declaring Santa Rosa County a pro-life sanctuary dominated a county meeting on Monday. Although it wasn’t on an agenda, it’s just about all people wanted to talk about. Commissioner Bob Cole brought forth the matter in January. He told Channel 3 News that he wanted the county to be declared a pro-life sanctuary.
Hartung's defense team rests case after challenging timeline of three murders
PENSACOLA, Fla. -- Testimony wrapped up Tuesday in the triple-murder trial of Donald Hartung. Hartung is charged with killing his mother and two half-brothers and faces a possible death sentence if convicted. WEAR. On Tuesday, the defense challenged the timeline of the victims' deaths.
State rests in Hartung trial after presenting evidence of murder weapons
PENSACOLA, Fla. -- The prosecution has rested in the triple-murder trial of Donald Hartung, who is accused killing his mother and two half-brothers in July 2015. On Monday, the jury heard about DNA evidence and testimony from the medical examiner who detailed the injuries that took the lives of the victims. Hartung showed no emotion as autopsy pictures of his mother and brothers were presented as evidence.
Escambia County commissioners discuss renovations for Pensacola Bay Center
The Pensacola Bay Center needs a lot of repairs but building a companion facility rather than a full-blown replacement appears to have the most support. "It's not one site, so it may be two different sites. It may be two different buildings. I don't think it's one,” said Escambia County Commissioner Lumon May.
Century residents who experienced EF-3 tornado brace for weekend weather
The Gulf Coast has seen it has seen its share of tornado activity in recent years. Among the most dangerous were two in February 2016 that were eight days apart. WEAR. One of those ravaged the Town of Century and is still fresh on the minds of folks there.
Commissioner wants review of Escambia harassment policy after employee makes allegations
Last year, Escambia EMS Operations became the subject of an ongoing investigation by the Florida Department of Health (DOH). The allegations claim that training documents were falsified. WEAR. Commissioner Jeff Bergosh says he’s gotten wind of another issue within public safety - an employee that alleges retaliation.
Mardi Gras celebrations begin Saturday in Pensacola
Despite the absence of any organized New Year’s Eve celebration, Pensacolians found plenty of places to ring in 2020. Thanks to the calendar, you can keep on celebrating. That’s because the kickoff for Mardi Gras arrives in the City of Five Flags on Saturday. WEAR.
Proposed wine tariff could double the cost of European wines
Wine is believed to be the world's oldest alcoholic beverage dating back 9,000 years. Europe has a large share of the market. However, a trade dispute with the European Union has the Trump administration proposing a 100% tariff on European vino. WEAR.
Guns in churches: Texas shooting prompts questions about protection
Pastor Larry Boldin has seen a lot in his years at the Striving for Perfection Ministries, a church he founded 23 years ago. He says this weekend’s deadly church shooting at White Settlement, Texas only made him more confident in their decision to add security.
After almost 4 years, Escambia County family holds out hope to find missing girl
The holidays are a painful reminder for the family of Jadekiss McNeal. On December 21st, 2015, the 16-year-old was washing dishes at her grandmother’s home on L Street when she walked outside onto the porch. Family members say she was never seen after that. WEAR.
Loaded rifle found in baby shower present bought at Goodwill
Veronica Alverez-Rodriguez says she couldn’t believe her luck. She found a baby bouncer in a sealed box at the Valparaiso Goodwill store. At $9. 99, she snapped it up and headed to her friend’s baby shower with the perfect gift. To say the expectant parents were stunned when they opened the box is an understatement.
Is basketball coming back to the Bay Center?
The Division I Sunbelt Conference is looking for a place to hold its basketball conference tournament starting in 2021. They’re asking Pensacola to submit a bid. Escambia commissioners learned that Sunbelt representatives toured the Pensacola Bay Center last week. The tournament is currently being held in New Orleans, but the conference wants a new location.
Woman calls Channel 3 newsroom as deputies surround her home
The serving of an arrest warrant created some tense moments in Santa Rosa County. The woman deputies were looking for called our newsroom as they were knocking on her door. The incident happened just north of Milton Wednesday morning. WEAR.
Pensacola Police monitoring speed on new Pensacola Bay Bridge
Channel 3 News rode along with Pensacola Police Department on Wednesday to get a first-hand look at how speeding problems are being addressed on the new Pensacola Bay Bridge. On any given day 50,000 drivers use the Pensacola Bay Bridge. Since the new span opened last month, there's been a concern that speed was leading to accidents.
Groundbreaking ceremony held for luxury apartments coming to Santa Rosa Mall
It was a groundbreaking day for what is a groundbreaking project in Northwest Florida. It will be a mix of old and new, with the goal of providing housing and resurrecting a decades-old building. Like many brick and mortar stores, the Santa Rosa Mall in Mary Esther has seen better days, but things are changing.
Santa Rosa County Emergency Responders Deploy to North Central Florida
Emergency responders from Santa Rosa County are preparing to lend a hand in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian. Pace Fire Chief Robbie Whitfield says five firefighters, and an engine from his department, deployed early Monday morning to North-Central Florida. The same holds true for the Navarre Beach and Midway Fire Departments.
Green burial: Final resting place for those seeking simplicity
Many of us don’t give much thought to our final resting place. One option growing in popularity is a no frills green burial. WEAR. A wooded area in North Walton County used to a be a 350-acre farm. These days, there are no crops or chemicals.
100+ dogs rescued from Florida home
A local shelter is bursting at the seams after dozens of dogs were seized. Many of the animals are in bad shape, but most are expected to recover and find their forever home. They are faces of fear and despair, but because they are here at the Alaqua Animal Refuge near Freeport, they now have a chance.
UPDATE: FWC halts process to euthanize bear
The fallout continues from a bear attack last week that killed a family pet. The bear attack happened in Gulf Breeze on July 28th in the Villa Venyce neighborhood. UPDATE: FWC halts process to euthanize bear (Source: WEAR-TV) The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) originally intended to trap and likely euthanize the adult female bear, but now they say the traps have been removed.
Federal government joins forces with local government to curb violence
The U. S. Attorney says it’s an effort to help curb the rash of violence in our area will reach well beyond Pensacola. On Friday, Channel 3 News reported the City of Pensacola asked for help from the federal government to stop the violence in the area.
Tackling crime rates: Crestview city manager eyes improvements, community input
The City of Crestview is taking steps to reduce crime by changing some of the things that lead to it. Crestview’s Carver Hill community had its troubles over the years. WEAR. "This neighborhood has been in the news a lot lately with some shootings and things like that,” said Crestview City Manager Tom Bolduc.
Swimmers who ignore red flags on Panama City Beach could face jail time
A Gulf Coast Beach Community is taking a stand against swimmers who ignore red flags. According to officials, 12 drownings have been reported on Panama City Beach so far this year. The recent drowning numbers put the city on track to surpass the all-time high of 13 back in 2002.
Fort Walton Beach cracks down on abandon vessels near the waterfront
The City of Fort Walton Beach is initiating a crackdown on rundown boats as they make plans to redo their waterfront. Future plans for the landing were revealed on Tuesday night but as the work moves forward the city wants things to look better on land and on the water.
Double red flags are flying over Northwest Florida beaches
Tropical Storm Barry has created treacherous surf conditions along our stretch of the Gulf Coast. Channel Three News checked with all area beaches. Walton County, Destin, Navarre Beach, Gulf Shores, and Orange Beach are all flying double red flags. Double red flags are flying over local beaches.
Mary Esther city leaders continue to push back over six-lane Highway 98 propsal
Transportation planners continue to get pushback from the City of Mary Esther over plans to a six-lane Highway 98 through their city. That two-mile stretch is part of a planned 24-mile project from Gulf Breeze to Fort Walton Beach. WEAR. In fall 2018, the city passed a resolution opposing it.
navarre corp
The latest effort to incorporate Navarre came before Santa Rosa County commissioners on Monday. Commissioners are now discussing the proposed boundaries and the language of a petition that could be circulated among voters. WEAR. The boundaries they suggest are the county line on the east, East Bay Boulevard on the west end, and the Holley community to the north.
County officials could possibly end recycling in Santa Rosa County
Santa Rosa County is considering to end to its recycling program. Recycling was suspended at the end of April in the county when ECUA cited a diminishing market and problems with recyclables being contaminated. Now ECUA wants to renegotiate their agreement with the county.
New emergency vet clinic coming to Destin
A new pet emergency clinic will open in Northwest Florida on Friday. This emergency vet clinic in Niceville will serve Okaloosa and Walton County residents with pet emergencies. The clinic will operate after hours and on weekends. New emergency vet clinic coming to Destin.
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