Escambia Man Accused Of Kidnapping, Robbing And Shooting His Former Coworker
January 17, 2020
An Escambia County man was allegedly kidnapped from his home, robbed and a shot by a former coworker.
On Wednesday, Escambia County deputies were made aware that suspect Robert Robert Rodriguez, 40, had shot a man in Baldwin County and was thought to be returning to Escambia County.
Rodriguez then drove the victim to Champion Mill Road in Seminole, Alabama, shooting him in the chest and leaving him in a ditch, according to the ECSO.
Deputies later located Rodriguez’s car traveling westbound on Michigan Avenue and attempted a traffic stop. Rodriguez fled and deputies pursued. The pursuit came to an end when a “PIT” maneuver was conducted on Fairfield Drive near Chesterfield Road.
Rodriguez was taken to a local hospital for treatment. He is charged with kidnapping, grand theft of a motor vehicle, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and fleeing and eluding a law enforcement officer at a high rate of speed. He is also expected to face charges in Baldwin County.
The condition of the victim has not been made available.
Three Injured In Kingsfield Road Crash
January 16, 2020
Three people were injured in a two vehicle crash Wednesday night.
The collision occurred just after 8 p.m. on East Kingsfield Road at Tate Road. The vehicles came to rest facing opposite directions in a ditch.
The injured were transported by Escambia County EMS with injuries not considered life threatening. The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating and has not released additional details.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Cooler Tonight
January 16, 2020
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53. North wind around 10 mph.
Friday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 67. East wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers after 7pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 56. East wind around 10 mph.
Saturday: A slight chance of showers, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 7am. Cloudy, with a high near 70. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Saturday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 7pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 7pm and 1am, then a chance of showers after 1am. Cloudy, with a low around 48. Light and variable wind becoming north 5 to 10 mph after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Sunday: A 40 percent chance of showers before 7am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 55. North wind around 10 mph.
Sunday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 34. North wind around 10 mph.
M.L.King Day: Mostly sunny, with a high near 51. North wind around 10 mph.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 27.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 48.
Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 29.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 53.
Did You Know Escambia County Has A Veterans Service Officer?
January 16, 2020
Escambia County Veterans Service Officer Andy Huffman is available to assist veterans and their families in Escambia County.
His primary duty is assisting veterans file for disability and non-service connected pension claims and obtain health care benefits with the VA. Assistance is also provided to widows who may be entitled to survivor and/or burial benefits.
Huffman works by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, call (850) 595-2409.
Huffman is retired from the Coast Guard after service as a criminal investigator for over 30 years.
Pictured: Escambia County Veterans Service Officer Andy Huffman (right) meets with veteran James Borham. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
NAS Pensacola Remains Closed To The Public
January 16, 2020
NAS Pensacola, including the museum and lighthouse, remain closed to the general public.
Base access remains available to DoD ID cardholders and veterans with a Veteran Health identification Card (VHIC) from the Department of Veterans Affairs only. The Trusted Travelers Program is still in effect and DoD ID cardholders can escort guests onto the installation and to the museum and lighthouse.
The base has been closed to the public since the December 6 terrorist attack.
Flood Warning Continues For Escambia River At Century
January 16, 2020
A flood warning for the Escambia River at Century has been extended through next Monday afternoon.
Wednesday night, the river stage was 18.2 feet. Minor flooding was occurring and minor flooding is forecast.
Flood stage is 17.0 feet, and the Escambia River will continue to crest near 18.4 feet on Thursday. The river is forecast to fall below flood stage by late Monday morning. At 19.0 feet, low lying pastures will flood. Cattle should be moved to higher ground.
File photo.
Local Student Musicians Perform At All State
January 16, 2020
Eleven student musicians from Escambia County middle and high school music programs successfully auditioned for a position in the 2019-2020 All State bands and choirs. These students traveled to Tampa recently for several days of rehearsal.
This year’s high school participants were:
- Sarah Bryan, Tate High, auditioned and was selected to perform in the All State Symphonic Band playing the piccolo. Her instructors are Jakob Wisdom and Chris Snyder.
- Brandon Mitra, Escambia High, auditioned and was selected to perform in the All State High School Symphonic Band playing the clarinet. His instructors are Doug Holsworth and Dustin Hicklen.
- Alyssa Pascoe, Pensacola High, auditioned and was selected to perform in the All State High School Honor Band playing the oboe. Her instructor at PHS is Armand Navarro.
- Jeremiah D. Fortune, Booker T. Washington High, auditioned and was selected to perform in the All State TTBB Choir. His instructor is Micah Roland.
- Nathaniel Holzknecht, Booker T. Washington High, auditioned and was selected to perform in the All State Concert Choir. His instructor is Micah Roland.
- Jack Lloyd, Booker T. Washington High, auditioned and was selected to perform in the All State High School Symphonic Band playing the clarinet. His instructors are Lawrence Young, Jr., Michael Young and Jennifer Smith.
This year’s middle school participants were:
- Lily Bullard, Jim Bailey Middle, auditioned and was selected to perform in the All State Middle School Honor Band playing the flute.
- Kailee Norris, Brown Barge Middle, auditioned and was selected to perform in the All State Middle School Honor Band playing the trumpet. Her instructor is Angela Nass-Hillman.
- William Walley, Ferry Pass Middle, auditioned and was selected to perform in the All State Middle School Honor Band playing the trombone. His instructor is Russell L. Bertles.
- Thomas Glasser, Ransom Middle, auditioned and was selected to perform in the All State Middle School Concert Chorus. His instructor at Ransom is Angela Horne.
- Andrew Walker, Ransom Middle, auditioned and was selected to perform in the All State Honor Band playing the trombone. His instructor is Janie Walker.
Pictured: Sarah Bryan, Tate High, auditioned and was selected to perform in the All State Symphonic Band playing the piccolo. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Youth Basketball: Atmore Grizzlies 16, Century Magic 14
January 16, 2020
Submitted.
After being down 16-7 in the fourth quarter Kimora Davis hit a 15 foot jump shot to spark the magic with 2 minutes remaining in the game. Later Vincent Longmire and Keyunta Ewing followed with a jump shot and a layup respectfully to bring the Magic within 3, 16-13. Ewing then made a steal and was fouled while going for a layup with 2 seconds remaining in the game.
Ewing then made the first free throw to make the score 16-14 and intentionally missed his second attempt. Longmire then rebounded the missed free throw and layed it in tying the game 16-16 with 0.3 seconds on the clock and apparently forcing overtime as the crowd erupted.
After a 5 minute discussion the referees determined there was a lane violation by the Magic and removed the 2 points by Longmire. The game ended 16-14 as the Century Magic fell short to the Atmore Grizzlies in a spectacular game in Atmore.
Julius B. Darby
January 16, 2020
Julius B. Darby, 79, of Cantonment, FL passed away on January 14, 2020.
Mr. Darby was born on February 10, 1940 in McCullough, AL to Willis Bradford and Bonnie Lou Darby. He was a long-time and active member of Community of Christ Church. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening and spending time with family.
Julius is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Nell Elizabeth Darby; son, Doug Darby (Linda); daughter, Jennifer Jeffords (Lee); siblings, Wynette Chandler, Lois Darby, and Carlos Darby; 2 grandchildren, Elizabeth Godwin and Hannah Darby; 2 great grandchildren, Colby Darby and Ivy Godwin, along with several nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be Friday, January 17, 2020 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. with a funeral service beginning at 10:30 a.m. located at Eastern Gate Memorial Funeral Home in Pensacola, FL.
An interment will follow the funeral service at Berrydale Crossroads Cemetery in Milton, FL. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cancer Center of Pensacola. Eastern Gate Memorial Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.
Ronald C. Constance
January 16, 2020
Lieutenant Colonel Ronald C. Constance of Cantonment, Florida passed away on January 14, 2020 after a hard battle with cancer.
Ron was a proud Marine who served his country for 32 years. He was a great husband, Father, Papa, and friend to all who knew him.
He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Linda; his children, Kristy, Ronnie (Bob), Connie, and Randy; nine grandchildren, Aaron, Jacquline, Joshua, Rylee, Landon, Kali, Lilly, Mason, and Kelcie; and two sisters, Lauri
Constance and Corrine Constance.
Funeral services will be held at 4 PM on Saturday, January 18, 2020 at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North with Pastor Alan Haas officiating. Inurnment will follow in Barrancas National Cemetery at a later date.
The family will receive friends from 2 PM to 4 PM at the funeral home.