Tag Archive for lee florida

Two Active Wildfires In Madison County

Dixie County:

— DATE/TIME REPORTED: 5/30/2011 @ 12:26 pm

— LOCATION: Highway 19 South near Tennille

— ACRES BURNED: 35

— CAUSE: Unknown

— 100% CONTAINTED ON 5/30/2011 @ 4:51 pm

—UPDATE 5/31/2011:
> Reinforcing fire lines today
> Continuing to monitor fire
> Drivers in area should use caution due to the possibility of smoke on Highway 19 South in Tennille

Madison County:

— DATE/TIME REPORTED: 5/30/2011 @ 12:00pm

— LOCATION: 145 North/Mt. Horeb Church Road.

— ACRES BURNED: 1.5

— CAUSE: Escaped Yard Trash Burn

— 100% CONTAINTED ON 5/30/2011 @1:00pm

— Notice of Violation was issued to the responsible party

—UPDATE 5/31/2011:
> Fire will be checked again today.

Madison County:

— DATE/TIME REPORTED: 5/19/2011 @ 2:06pm

— LOCATION: US Highway 90 E; approximately 1 mile East of Apache in Lee.

— ACRES BURNED: 3

— CAUSE: Escaped Unauthorized Debris Burn

— 100% CONTAINTED ON 5/19/2011 @3:04pm

— Notice of Violation was issued to the responsible party

—UPDATE 5/31/2011:
>11,296 gallons of water have been utilized so far to extinguish the fire.
>Smoke is still visible on fire.
>Fire will be checked again today.

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Video: Aucilla Christian May Court Enters And May Queen Is Announced

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Obituary: Ernestine Ezell Kinsey

Kinsey, Ernestine

Mrs. Ernestine Ezell Kinsey, age 84, died Monday, May 9, at her home in Lee. Visitation will be held at Lee First Baptist Church on Tuesday May 10th from 6-8 PM. Funeral services will be held at Lee First Baptist on Wednesday, May 11th at 11 AM.
Ernestine was born in Archer, Florida on February 24, 1927 then moved to Lee, Florida with her family in 1931. Her parents were the late William Berry Ezell and Candace Missouri Williams Ezell. Ernestine married Simon Abe Kinsey, Jr. of Lee, in 1945.
Ernestine was an active member of Lee Baptist Church. Among many responsibilities through the years, she taught Sunday school at Madison First Baptist Church, East Hill Baptist in Tallahassee and at Lee First Baptist for over 50 years.

She graduated from Madison County High School in 1944. She went on to attend Florida Southern in Lakeland where she earned a BA in Education and then earned her Masters in Education from Florida State University.

Ernestine taught elementary school in Madison for five years, moved to Tallahassee with her family in 1965 and continued in education as a classroom teacher and media specialist at Sealey elementary. After retiring from the Leon county she moved back to Lee in 1985. She worked as a media specialist at Lee, Greenville and Pinetta elementary schools, establishing library programs in each school. She retired from her education career in 1993.

After her retirement from education, Ernestine became involved in the Lee community. She was appointed to the Lee Town Council and the council elected her Mayor in 1995. She served as Mayor until her resignation November 2010. Ernestine felt the time she served as Mayor was one of the most rewarding periods in her life and was very proud of the accomplishments that were made during those years. She was Madison County Citizen of the Year in 2000.

Ernestine is survived by her husband of 65 years, Simon Abe Kinsey, Jr., three sons, Bobby Kinsey (Debbie) of Lee, Fl; Abe Kinsey (Ann) of Oyster Bay, FL; William Kinsey (Wanda) of Crawfordville, Fl and one daughter, Candy Sisto (Tony) of Las Vegas, Nv. Her grandchildren are Kelly Kinsey Noonan (Jeremy), Casey Kinsey (Erin), Shannon Kinsey (Courtney), Angela Kinsey Gilbreath (Larry), Abbey Kinsey Smith (Brian), Alisha Kinsey, Ashley Kinsey, Austin Kinsey and Justin Brooks Sisto (Jennifer). Ernestine is also survived by four sisters, Frances Keyes, Juanita Baxley (Stanley), Montene Bennet, and Patricia Rowell (Auley) and two brothers Ronnie Ezell (Carol) and Shelby Ezell ( Betty). Her oldest brother Charles and two brothers in law, Frank Bennet and R. B. Keyes preceded her in death.

Ernestine was blessed with 10 great-grandchildren; Samuel, Lucy, Lydia, Wyatt, MaKenna, Shay, Brielle, Eden, Josiah, and Peyton. She was anticipating three more great-grandchildren this year.
Her loving caretakers for many years were Sharon Valdez and Eula Donaldson.
Ernestine Kinsey was a woman of great faith, character and integrity who loved her family unconditionally.

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Lee Woman Selected In First Round Of Texaco Country Showdown

SPIRIT OF THE SUWANNEE MUSIC PARK, LIVE OAK, FLA – Last week six contestants were selected to go to the finals of the Texaco Country Showdown’s North Florida competition at the beautiful Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park (SOSMP) in Live Oak, Fla.

Those winners were Sondra Hunt of Worthington Springs, Dan Adcock of Georgia, Brittney Lawrence of Saint Johns, Sarah Starling of Lee, Jr. Hernandez of Gilchrist County and Scotty Williams of Lake City.

Who knows, you could be one of the winners this week but first, you must sign up by calling the SOSMP at 386-364-1683 by Friday!

Winners from all three competitions will compete June 11 at the SOSMP in the finale North Florida competition. The local winner will go on to compete statewide in the fall for a chance to win $1,000. The state winner goes on to one of five regional contests across the nation with one winner from each region going to Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium in January of 2012 to vie for the title of Best New Act in Country Music and $100,000 in prize money!

The North Florida contest is sponsored by radio station WQHL 98.1 along with The Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park. WQHL’s famous radio personality Kevin Thomas is the emcee for all the Texaco events.

If you can sing country music, you should immediately call the SOSMP at 386-364-1683 to get your entry form and other information. This is probably the best chance you will ever have to win $100,000 in cash and to become a country music star! Don’t hold back because you think you’re not good enough….give yourself a chance and call now. Deadline each week to sign up is Friday by calling the SOSMP at 386-364-1683. Remaining contests are this week, May 14, and next week, May 21.

All participants are consistently judged on five core criteria: Marketability in Country Music, Vocal/Instrumental Ability, Originality of Performance, Stage Presence/Charisma and Talent. Optional bonus points can be awarded to acts with original music in the Songwriting category.

Doors to the Music Hall will open at 5 p.m. Friday night for the Mike Mullis Variety Show with the show beginning at 8 p.m. Saturday night the doors open at 5 p.m. with the Texaco Country Showdown beginning at beginning at 7 p.m. As always, the SOS Café and Restaurant will have available each night at regular prices delicious food and beverages, including prime rib available Saturday night along with the regular menu.

For more information about this event, call us at 386-364-1683, email us at spirit@musicliveshere.com or go to www.musicliveshere.com. You may also contact the SOSMP to inquire about any of the many exciting events coming up this year at the SOSMP such as the 311 Pow Wow, Suwannee River (gospel) Jubilee, Blackwater Music Festival, Memorial Day Getaway, Bear Creek Music and Art Festival, Tropical Night Rocks the Suwannee, July 4th Weekend Getaway and more!

The Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park is located at 3076 95th Drive 4.5 miles north of Live Oak, Fl off US 129 at the famous Suwannee River. The park is 4.5 miles south of Interstate 75 and 4.5 miles north of Interstate 10 off US 129. Keep an eye out for the SOSMP sign and white painted board fence!

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Ernestine Kinsey Passes Away

Kinsey, Ernestine

Ernestine Kinsey, 84, educator and former Mayor of Lee, passed away after a long illness on Monday, May 9, at home with members of her family with her.
Visitation will be Tuesday evening, May 10, from 6-8 p.m. at Lee First Baptist Church.
The funeral will be held Wednesday morning, May 11, at 11 a.m. at Lee First Baptist Church.

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Video: Rich Quackenbush Sings “God Bless America” at National Day of Prayer Ceremony

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Bar Hours In Lee Could Be Changing

By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
Closing hours for the local bar were one of the topics of discussion at the Lee Town Council meeting held Tuesday, March 3.
This writer learned during a phone interview with Town Manager Sarah Anderson that a proposal has been brought before the board to have the bar close at 11 p.m. instead of midnight each night. Neighbors had complained of people leaving the bar after midnight and had requested a time change.
The board opted to have Anderson and Town Attorney Bailey Browning proceed with drawing up the amendment to the local statute. A public reading will be held. At that meeting, they may or may not set a date for a public hearing.
Some members of the community asked questions on construction of the town’s wastewater system. Others expressed concerns about the system and the time that it is taking to install it and do necessary cleanup.

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Video: Crucifixion Drama at Lee United Methodist Church

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Town of Lee Old Time Days Swap Meet/Yard Sale Set For Saturday

The Town of Lee Old Time Days Swap Meet/Yard Sale will be held Saturday, April 9, from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Lee Ball Field.

Events will include live entertainment, booths (food, churches, service groups, children’s games, Relay for Life, books, plants), a car show, steam engines, antique tractors, bounce houses, and an auction (cakes, gift cards, quilts and other items).

The cost of vendor booths will be $40 with electricity, $30 without electricity and $10 with yard sale tables. You must bring your own table.
For vendor/yard sale/swappers application, please contact Carol Bynum at (850) 971-7246 or Lee Town Hall at (850) 971-5867.

All proceeds benefit the Lee Volunteer Fire Department.

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Jacob’s Ladder

Jacob Bembry, Editor

Jacob Bembry, Editor

The Consequences Of A Twix Bar

She had done it to me before but never had she put me in the predicament I now found myself in. “Uh-oh,” I thought, “I’m going to go to jail.” I could see the headlines emblazoned across the front of the newspaper, “Editor Arrested.” Then I thought, maybe we could send her to jail. After all, evidences of the crime were on her mouth. The judge would probably release her on her own recognizance. Me? The judge would probably keep in jail.

I looked at my hands. All the evidence a prosecutor would ever need to prosecute me was in my right hand.

I looked at Abbie, who looked perturbed that I had taken the Twix bar out of her hand before she had finished eating it. We were in Winn-Dixie and I had just paid for my items and I did not have enough money left to pay for the candy, which Abbie had picked up in the line. She had opened it and started munching.

We were now criminals. Should we take it on the lam or should we turn ourselves in? I made the executive decision to do neither. Instead, I turned to a superhero. I had one of the store managers page my younger brother, Super Danny, who was also in the store.

Faster than a speeding bullet, Danny arrived on the scene and paid for the candy bar. All was once again well in Metropolis.

I told Abbie not to do that again, but I can’t really fault her. She was hungry at the time and that candy bar looked so good to her. She did not realize that I did not have the money to pay for it. Other times, I would let her eat something in a store and take the wrapper and pay for it at the checkout counter.

Sometimes, there are temptations that look so good to us. Like the gold and red-colored wrapping on the Twix bar that Abbie took, they are bright and shiny. When we yield to temptations, they become sins and sins have consequences. When Abbie, who knew no better, took that Twix bar, there was a consequence. It had to be paid for and, fortunately, Danny was in the store to help us out with it. Sins have to be paid for and, fortunately, we have an advocate there for us also. Jesus Christ died on the Cross for our sins. When we mess up, He is there to help us, but He tells us to resist temptation and not to yield to it.

The consequences we face when we sin can be much more overwhelming than the consequences of the Twix bar Abbie picked up in the store.

Please visit www.jacobbembry.us for “Jacob’s Ladder” and other writings by Jacob Bembry.

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Downed Tree Blocks Road, Cuts Power

joeyknighttutens

By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
A tree fell on a power line on Old Blue Springs Road on Sunday evening, March 27.
The tree hit the power line and dragged it down, blocking the road.
Tri-County Electric was contacted. Terry Barrs and Steven Richardson arrived and had to turn off part of the line so repairs could be made.
Also assisting at the scene were members of the Lee Volunteer Fire Department and Joey Knight, from the Madison County Sheriff’s Office.

CTommy Greene, March 27, 2011

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Obituary: James Lee von Roden

James Lee von Roden, age 49, died Saturday, March 12, 2011 in Madison.

Funeral services will be 11:00 Wednesday, March 16, 2011 at Beggs Funeral Home with burial at Stonewall Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday from 5 – 7 PM at Beggs Funeral Home.

He was born in Little Rock, AK and moved to Lee in 1998 coming from Tarpon Springs, Florida. He was the owner and operator of Von’s Auto in Madison, and was Capt. of the Lee Volunteer Fire Dept. He was a member of Lee 1st United Methodist Church.

He is survived by his wife Shirley von Roden of Lee; 2 daugthers: Lori Salsgiver Dowdy of Lee and Stephanie Kelly of New Port Richey; 2 brothers: Jack von Roden of New Port Rickey and Mark von Roden of Largo; 1 sister, and 4 grandchildren: Zacchary, T. J. Sophia and Abbey.

Donations may be made to the Lee Volunteer Fire Dept., PO box 25, Lee, Florida 32059.

Funeral arrangements by Beggs Funeral Home (850) 973-2258.

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Obituary: Eugene A. “Mitch” Mitchell

EugeneMitchell

Eugene A. “Mitch” Mitchell, age 82, of Madison, and a former Moulton, Iowa resident, died Sunday, February 27, 2011 at Lake City VA Medical Center in Lake City. He was born the son of Charles H. and Martha J. (Wood) Mitchell on July 27, 1928 in Dean, Iowa. He attended the Moulton Community School in Moulton, Iowa.

Eugene served in the Merchant Marine just prior to beginning his United States Army duty. He would serve his country during the Korean Conflict with the United States Army as an MP, from 1951 until his honorable discharge in 1953. He was first united in marriage to Dorothy Loop; they were later divorced. He was then united in marriage to Deloris Johnson, who would precede him in death. On June 9, 1979, Eugene was united in marriage to Josephine Bernett-Bagby in Des Moines, Iowa; she, too, would precede him in death. Later, on October 9, 1997, he would be united in marriage to Jeanette Hughes in Angola, Indiana. Prior to his retirement, Eugene worked all phases of construction including work as a drywaller and painter in the Detroit, Michigan and Blue Island, Illinois areas. He was also a member of the Methodist faith.

Eugene is preceded in death by his parents; wives, Delores Mitchell and Josephine Mitchell; brother, Ronald C. Mitchell; sisters, Marvel Vincent, Esther Janro and Iris Mitchell.

Eugene is survived by his wife, Jeanette Hughes-Mitchell of Madison, Florida; son, Larry Mitchell of Chicago, Illinois; daughter, Kathy McLaughlin of Peculiar, Missouri; step-sons, John Crosby of Chicago, Illinois, Robert Mlsna of Tennessee, and Gary Bagby of Waukee, Iowa, Matthew Truax of Kani City, Gifu, Japan; step-daughters, Dawn Miller of Menomonie, Wisconsin, Monica Faley of Pinon, Arizona, Wendy King of Jacksonville, Florida; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, March 19, 2011 at 2 p.m. at the Lee United Methodist Church in Lee with Rev Richard Quackenbush officiating. Later, another memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 2, 2011 at 2 p.m. at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Moulton, Iowa with Rev. Ben Wheeler officiating. Internment of ashes will follow at the Sunset View Cemetery north of Moulton, Iowa with full military honors by the Burl McClure Post 280 of American Legion in Moulton.

The Schmidt Family Funeral Home of Moulton, Iowa is caring for the Mitchell family at this time and condolences can be sent at: schmidtfamilyfuneralhome.com

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Lee Fire Captain Dies Suddenly While Responding To A Fire Call

Re: Captain James Von Roden of the Lee Community Volunteer Fire Department.
While responding to the fire station, Captain Von Roden collapsed and was transported to the local hospital where he was pronounced deceased. At this time, arrangements are incomplete. For more information, please contact Chief Reese Thomas at 850-464-0393

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Jacob’s Ladder

Jacob Bembry, Editor

Jacob Bembry, Editor

Abbie The Ambassador

I wrote last week about my mentally-challenged sister, Abbie, and her God-given ability to make friends. This past Saturday, I saw that Abbie also has some of the gifts of an ambassador.
For the first time in her life, Abbie, went to a manicurist. I took her to TL Nails to have her fingernails done. Believe me, Abbie did not act like an ambassador at first. If I were to evoke memories of seeing film clips of Nikita Kruschev pounding his shoe on a table and telling America that he was going to bury us, it would be closer to the truth. Abbie is a very protective person and no one – and I mean no one – had better try cutting her fingernails.
Even as small as Abbie is, she would have made two of the girl who was doing her nail. Another problem I thought that they had – and I was later proven wrong – was that they could not communicate with each other. The girl could not speak English, and well, Abbie (although she can) just won’t speak most of the time.
Anyway, after I wrestled Abbie’s hands to the table and held them while the manicurist – if I remember her name right, I think it was Thien Ho – trimmed and filed her nails. After she had finished that part, and put lotion on Abbie’s arms and massage them a bit – Abbie liked her. Enter Abbie the Ambassador.
At times like that, if Abbie reminds me of anyone, it is my grandmother, Ava Lee Sealey. She becomes the sweetest person ever, if the situation suits her.
I am always proud of Abbie, but there are some times more than others, my heart swells with pride that she is my sister. Despite her handicaps and shortcomings, she has so many qualities that I wished that I possessed myself. She is truly a gift from God.
I just wonder if President Obama could appoint her as an ambassador. She would probably do better than most of the ambassadors they have now.

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OPEN ACREAGE BURN AUTHORIZATIONS FOR District 5 (Taylor, Dixie, Madison, Lafayette)

Restrictions: Routine Authorizations, Must have heavy equipment on-site.

Dixie County
- 100 acres near Sutton Grade Rd/SE CR 349, Private Landowner

Lafayette County
- 15 acres near US 27/SE Walter Henderson Rd, Private Landowner
- 3 acres near US 27/CR 400, Private Landowner
- 10 acres near NW CR 292/NW Ezell Landing Rd, Private Landowner
- 1 acre near US 27/NW CR 292, Private Landowner

Madison County
- 60 acres south of Rollercoaster Hill/US 90, Private Landowner
- 40 acres near NE Colin Kelly Hwy/NE Oak Hill Rd, Private Landowner
- 78 acres near NE Rocky Ford Rd/CR 591, Private Landowner
- 10 acres near NE Persimmon Dr/Paw Paw St, Private Landowner
- 40 acres near NW CR 253/NE Garefowl St, Private Landowner
- 100 acres near HWY 53/Little Buck’s Pl, Private Landowner
- 20 acres near CR 146/CR 150, Private Landowner
- 12 acres near US 90/West Farm Rd, Private Landowner
- 100 acres southwest of Interstate 10/CR 150, Private Landowner
- 40 acres near CR 146/CR 150, Private Landowner
- 20 acres appx 2.5 miles south of Lamont (CR 257/US 19), Private Landowner
- 16 acres near CR 140/NE Phlox Way, Private Landowner
- 30 acres near US 90/Masdemia, Private Landowner

Taylor County
- 70 acres near CR 14/Aucilla River Estates, Private Landowner
- 20 acres west of US 19/Athena Rd, Private Landowner
- 30 appx 1 mile south of Salem (US 19/Fish Creek Rd), Private Landowner
- 289 acres near Beach Rd/Tennille Turnpike, Landowner: FWC
- 152 acres southeast of Beach Rd/Salem Tower Rd, Landowner: FWC
- 4 acres near E Royal Oak Dr/Sea Meadows Dr (Leisure Retreats Area), Private Landowner
- 12 acres near CR 255/ CR 359, Private Landowner
- 200 acres near Beach Rd/J L Gibson Rd, Private Landowner
- 250 acres appx 3 miles south of Salem (US 19/Fish Creek Rd), Private Landowner

Disclaimer: Open Burn Authorizations listed are as of 10:30 am on 03-08-2011. Any burn authorizations opened after 10:30 am will not be listed. This list does not include open pile burning authorizations. If you see or hear of any possible wildfire, please call 911 or your local Division of Forestry Office Immediately @ 850-838-2299 (# covers Taylor, Dixie, Madison, Lafayette)

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Lee VFD Hosting Fish Fry Fundraiser

The Lee Volunteer Fire Department will hold a fish dinner fundraiser on Saturday, March 5, from 4-7 p.m. at the Lee Fire Department. They will be serving catfish, grouper, cheese grits, coleslaw, baked beans, dessert and beverage for $8.00.

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Lee Man Injured

By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
A Lee man suffered minor injuries in a two-vehicle accident on Monday, Feb. 28.
According to a Florida Highway Patrol report, Willie M. Pickles, 73, of Lee, was pulling north onto County Road 255 from the eastbound exit ramp of Interstate 10. Pickles was driving a 2005 Toyota van.
At the same time, Frank L. Tellis, 56, of Troy, Ala., was traveling north on County Road 255 in a 2007 Peterbilt semi.
Pickles failed to see the semi approaching and pulled into the path of the tractor-trailer.
The van was struck by the Peterbilt.
Pickles was treated at the scene for minor injuries.
Pickles’ passenger, Lindsay McLeod was not injured in the crash.
Tellis suffered not injuries in the wreck.
Madison County Sheriff’s Deputy Kevin Stout assisted FHP at the scene.
FHP Trooper Tom Roderick was the investigating officer.

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Ministerial Association Announces 40 Days Of Prayer

The Madison County Ministerial Association believes that the Scriptures remind the church that it needs to be in prayer as the people of God. Second Chronicles 7:14 addresses that issue: “If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and heal their land.”

As such, the Madison County Ministerial Association invites you and your congregation to join with them as “Madison County Prays” during the Lenten season. From 6 p.m. on Ash Wednesday, March 9, to 6 p.m. on April 18, we will unite in prayer.

The Ministerial Association is asking local churches to covenant with them in prayer for a 24-hour period. Each church can focus on prayer as they feel called to do so. The church may want to have a public prayer session, a 24-hour vigil, special services, open your church, prayer walk your neighborhoods or just ask folks to be in prayer specifically during that time. You may even want to join with another congregation to fill that day with prayer. Our goal is to flood the whole 40-day period with the prayers of God’s people.

If you would like to join in this prayer initiative, please plan to attend the kick-off at Madison Church of God on March 8 from 7-8 p.m. The church is located on the left of Highway 145 (Valdosta Highway), just past Rocky Ford Road. If you’re unable to attend the prayer rally and would still like to join the Ministerial Association during the 40 days of prayer, please call Kay Harris at (850) 973-3238. She will be glad to answer any questions you might have and supply you with materials that will help your church pray according to what God has in store for you.

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Woman Critically Injured

PAM_2211

By Jacob Bembry

Greene Publishing, Inc.

            A woman was critically injured in a one-car accident at the intersection of NE State Road 6 and NE Old Blue Springs Road Thursday evening, Feb. 24.

            According to a Florida Highway Patrol report, Katherine G. Coker, 41, of Santa Rosa Beach, was eastbound on NE State Road 6, when she abruptly steered left.

            Coker lost control of her 2001 Dodge, went off the roadway and onto the north grass shoulder of NE State Road 6. The car overturned three times, ejecting the driver out of the vehicle.

            Coker was transported to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital by Madison County EMS.

            Madison County Sheriff’s Deputy Jason Whitfield and Reserve Deputy Franklin Kramer assisted FHP with the traffic crash.

            FHP Trooper Tom Roderick was the investigating officer.

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