From FWC

This report represents some events the FWC handled Sept. 6-12 in the Northwest Region. (There were no cases reported in Wakulla County.)

ESCAMBIA COUNTY

  • Officers E. Burkhead and D. Hahr investigated a vessel accident in which two vessels had collided. One of the operators sustained serious injuries due to the collision. The other operator involved in the accident fled the scene without notifying any law enforcement agency or exchanging information with the other operator. A witness to the accident had video showing vessel registration numbers for the vessel that fled the scene. The FWC officers determined who the operator was as well as others on board the vessel. The operator and occupants were interviewed and the vessel damages were documented. An arrest warrant will be obtained for felony fleeing the scene of a boating accident resulting in damages over $2,000 and serious bodily injury.

FRANKLIN COUNTY

  • Officer Stallings observed a vessel returning from offshore and conducted a resource inspection. During the resource inspection, the officer discovered multiple undersized, out-of-season red grouper. The operator was charged for the violations and issued the appropriate citations.

SANTA ROSA COUNTY

  • Officer E. Burkhead and Investigator J. Pifer investigated a boating accident that occurred on Blackwater River. A witness reported a subject operating a vessel had collided with the river’s tree line causing the motor to be completely removed from the vessel. The witness rendered aid to the operator who was unconscious, as well as the occupant, who had sustained minor injuries. The witness stated the operator regained consciousness and became hostile and threatened witnesses to not call law enforcement. The operator then fled the scene of the boating accident. The officers located the vessel involved and the operator a few days after the accident. An arrest warrant will be obtained for fleeing the scene of a reportable boating accident.
  • Officer Bower and Lieutenant Corbin received information that undersized Spanish mackerel were being caught at the Navarre Beach Fishing Pier. The officers checked multiple anglers at the pier. The officers seized 18 undersized Spanish mackerel and issued three subjects notice to appear citations for the undersized fish.

WALTON COUNTY

  • Officer Letcher and Lieutenant Tison were given information about individuals using an illegal gill net on Choctawhatchee Bay. The officers maintained surveillance on seven individuals then while conducting a fisheries inspection, they located a 599-square-foot monofilament gill net staked out in the water near the subjects. A witness provided a sworn written statement that he observed the subjects using the net. Investigator Pifer, Officers R. Brooks and Matichek arrived to assist in the investigation. Multiple subjects were interviewed and admitted to using the illegal net. All seven individuals were arrested for felony charges of use of an illegal gill net and multiple additional misdemeanors. Walton County Sheriff’s Office assisted in transporting the subjects to the jail.

COMMUNITY ORIENTED POLICING

  • Officer Brown taught a hunter safety course with over 35 students. He covered laws and regulations, focusing on key aspects such as hunting seasons, reporting requirements, and licensing. Officer Brown answered multiple questions and educated the students about responsible hunting practices, wildlife conservation, and safety.