Three Florida Forest Service tractor-plow units (fire suppression bulldozers pulling fireline plows) and one ‘brush truck’ are currently on the scene of a 35-plus acre wildfire right on the Bay County-Calhoun County line near the end of McGill Road/County Road 109 south of Scott’s Ferry Road.
According to the Florida Forest Service, the wildfire was discovered and reported earlier today around 10:30 a.m. by a Florida Forest Service tower person from a Calhoun County firetower (Smith Tower). A fixed-wing aircraft pilot was dispatched to fly over the blaze. He then reported that it is growing and spotting—meaning that embers are being blown by the wind ahead of the actual fire itself causing new smaller fires to start.
"I do believe that this area is, for the most part, remote meaning no homes appear to be immediately threatened," Brian Goddin, a spokesperson for the Florida Forest Service, reports.
The County Record will provide updates as they become available.
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NEWS ALERT: Man Accused of Sexual Battery Sentenced
Simmons
News Editor
A 46-year-old Blountstown man arrested earlier this year for allegedly having sex with a 14-year-old girl has been sentenced.
William Kevin Simmons, 46, has entered a plea of no contest to charges of sexual battery while in a position of authority. He was sentenced to 17 years in state prison, followed by five years probation.
According to the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office, Simmons' wife contacted the girl's mother with concerns about her daughter who often visited the Simmons home. Simmons' wife had reportedly found some text messages on his phone that made her suspicious. The girl's mother questioned her about her relationship with Simmons, leading to the teen disclosing she began having sexual encounters with Simmons over a year ago with an estimated 10 encounters occurring up until January 2012.
Several pieces of evidence were collected from Simmons' SUV and from an area where he allegedly took the teen parking for sexual encounters. The items have been sent to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for processing. A search warrant was also obtained for Simmons' phone, as well as the teen's phone.
Simmons was contacted by Inv. Michael Bryant Jan. 10 and agreed to provide a statement. However, when Inv. Bryant attempted to call him back two days later to set up the interview, Simmons' phone was disconnected or the number had been changed. Simmons' attorney called authorities this week and advised Simmons would surrender. He turned himself in at the Calhoun County Jail Thursday.
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