Photo Gallery: First Day Of School In Escambia County
August 12, 2021
Wednesday was the first day of school in Escambia County.
For a gallery of parent submitted photos, click here.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Man Charged With Catalytic Converter Thefts
August 12, 2021
UPDATE: This suspect has been arrested and released from jail on an $11,000 bond.
Authorities are searching for a man wanted in connection with the thefts of catalytic converters from vehicles in the Pensacola Area.
Westley David Dyal, also known as Westley Ryal, age 31, is is wanted for burglary, grand theft, and criminal mischief.
He may be driving a 2005 silver Dodge Durango pictured below.
Anyone having information Dyal’s whereabouts should call Pensacola Police at (850) 435-1901, or to remain anonymous call Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
Scattered Afternoon Showers Likely
August 12, 2021
For the latest tropical weather update, click here.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. Calm wind.
Friday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Friday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Saturday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Saturday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Sunday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming northeast after midnight.
Monday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 89. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Monday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72.
Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Tuesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73.
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Eugene “Uncle Gene” Mack Barnett
August 12, 2021
Eugene “Uncle Gene” Mack Barnett, age 70, passed away on August 10, 2021 in Pensacola, FL.
He was born on April 3, 1951 in Bay Minette, AL to Charlie Barnett, Sr. and Hayes Barnett. He graduated from Baldwin County High School in 1969 and attended Faulkner State Jr. College. Gene owned Gateswood Sporting Goods, but spent a majority of his career at General Electrical Company.
Gene married his High School Sweetheart, the love of his life, Debra McNeill, on September 14, 1972. He loved life and spent so much time with family and friends. He was “Uncle Gene” to most everyone. Gene was an avid outdoorsmen, Master Gardener and storyteller, enthusiastic song leader, and great historian. He was also a member of Clear Springs United Methodist Church and a member of the Bee Tree Hunting Club.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie Barnett, Sr. and Hayes Barnett; brother, Charlie Barnett, Jr.; and nephew, Melvin Barnett.
He is survived by his wife, Debra Barnett; brothers, Buddy (Vanessa) Barnett, George (Anita) Barnett, Joe (Glenda) Barnett, and Jimmy (Brenda) Barnett; sisters, Sue (Ed) Lane and Janie Quick; sister-in-law, Pat McNeill; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be held on Sunday, August 15, 2021 beginning at 5:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held on Monday, August 16, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at Clear Springs United Methodist Church with B.J. Carpenter officiating. Burial will follow at Clear Springs United Methodist Church Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Montie Barnett, Michael Barnett, Matthew Barnett, Jerry Barnett, Rob Barnett, Heath Lane, Scott Lane, John Helms, Jonah Hardy, and Gilbert Sims.
Honorary Pallbearers are Patrick Barnett, Keith McNeill, Sean McNeill, Greg McNeill, Carl Denham, Ron Cook, Terry Turk, Jimmy Racine, Bo Campbell, Forrest Gibbs, Robert Duke, Ron Griffin, Steve Bates, and Dr. Mike Barrett.
Wahoos Hit Five Homers; Trounce Biscuits 7-2
August 12, 2021
On a record setting night in more ways than one, the Blue Wahoos clubbed five home runs against the Biscuits while donning their much-anticipated “Crabzilla” uniforms in their 7-2 win on Wednesday.
The game was meant to be a pitching showcase as Max Meyer (W, 6-1), one of the Marlins top pitching prospects, went head-to-head with Brendan McKay (L, 0-2), a former first-round pick who is working himself back to full strength after tearing his labrum in 2020.
Instead, Meyer shined while McKay struggled.
Pensacola’s starter went six innings and allowed two runs on four hits. What stood out from his performance, however, was his command. The right-hander struck out nine Biscuits while issuing zero walks. It’s the first time in his career he did not issue a walk. His nine strikeouts tie his career high, which he has achieved for the third time this year.
McKay was ambushed in his second rehab outing with Montgomery. The Blue Wahoos smashed three home runs in the bottom of the first, one from Griffin Conine, another from Lazaro Alonso, and a third from Peyton Burdick, which tied Aristides Aquino’s 20 homers back in 2018. Leading 3-0 in the bottom of the third, JJ Bleday crushed his 10th home run of the season to make it 4-0.
Mckay finished his night having allowed four runs (all earned) in 2.2 innings. He finished his outing having thrown 44 pitches (22 strikes).
Pensacola erupted for another big inning in the bottom of the sixth. Jerar Encarnacion led off the frame with a solo home run off Mikey York to make it 5-2. It was Encarnacion’s first since returning to the lineup after sustaining an injury on July 7th and his eighth of the season. After another single from Alonso, Brian Navarreto and Demetrius Sims hit back-to-back RBI doubles to put the Wahoos ahead 7-2.
The bullpen responded admirably after a difficult showing yesterday. Two Wahoo relievers pitched the final three innings in scoreless fashion, including a perfect ninth inning from Dylan Bice to close out the game.
Two Injured In Fire At Adult Assisted Care Facility
August 11, 2021
Two people were injured in a fire Wednesday morning at the Northview Community Center.
Flames and smoke were visible when firefighters arrived at the adult assisted care center at 10050 Hillview Drive, near the University of West Florida. Staff reported everyone had evacuated, and Escambia County Fire Rescue did not find any victims inside the facility during two searches.
Two people were transported to area hospitals suffering from possible smoke inhalation.
“Quick actions by first arriving fire crews as well as a working sprinkler system contained the fire to the room of origin,” ECFR said in a statement. Alarms also functioned inside the single-story, 41-year old wood frame facility. Damage to the building was considered minor.
The State Fire Marshal is investigating the cause of the fire.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Share Your First Day Of School Photos
August 11, 2021
It’s a NorthEscambia.com tradition…share you first day of school photos with us! We are asking that you share your photos on this post on Facebook, or tag @NorthEscambia on Facebook.
Pictured: “First Day of School” sign at Jim Allen Elementary School. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Woman Charged With Aiding Escape, Weapons Offenses
August 11, 2021
A Cantonment woman has been charged for allegedly helping a man escape from deputies in the Wedgewood area.
An Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputy responded to Wagner Road due to multiple reports of reckless four-wheelers and dirt bikes in the area. The deputy observed a man push start a Honda four wheeler that matched the description of one that had fled from deputies multiple times in the past. The deputy attempted to stop the four wheeler on the a public right of way with emergency lights and sirens activated, but the man jumped off and started to flee, an arrest report states.
That’s when deputies say Lacashia Monique Moultrie handed off a dirt bike to him, allowing him to escape. Moultrie told deputies that the man meant “nothing to her.”
A search following the arrest revealed a 9 mm Ruger pistol with six rounds in the magazine inside Moultrie’s backpack, according to the ECSO.
Moultrie was charged with aiding escape, possession of a concealed weapon without a permit, and possession of a concealed firearm during the commission of a felony. She was released on a $25,000 bond.
An arrest report notes the incident was captured by the video system in the deputy’s vehicle.
FEMA Testing Alert System This Afternoon; Your Phone Will Likely Alarm
August 11, 2021
FEMA will conduct a nation test of the Emergency Alert System at about 1:20 p.m. local time.
The test will alert most smartphones, much like severe weather and child abduction alerts, if the user has opted in to receive test message.
The test will also go to televisions and radios.
DeSantis Passes Out $1,000 Bonuses To Escambia County Deputies
August 11, 2021
Tuesday, Gov. Ron DeSantis presented $1,000 bonus checks to deputies at the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office for their work during the pandemic.
DeSantis joined Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons in presentig the one-time bonuses through the “Florida’s Heroes” initiative.
“Florida’s first responder relief checks allow us to show our appreciation to the law enforcement officers who have remained on the front lines, continuing to keep our neighborhoods safe,” DeSantis said during the afternoon press conference at the ECSO. “Over the course of the past year and a half, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office has protected and served us all, no matter the circumstance.”
The initiative is to recognize law enforcement officers, paramedics, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), and firefighters in the state of Florida with a one-time relief payment of up to $1,000 as an appreciation of the many selfless sacrifices made throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
“When law enforcement takes the oath to serve and protect our communities it means we stand at the front line of disasters, whether it’s a hurricane or global pandemic,” said Simmons. “The men and women of the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office didn’t get the option to stay home. We still had to protect and serve even though our families may have been battling the effects of COVID-19. I want to thank Governor DeSantis for his steadfast support of law enforcement and all first responders. He has maintained his support in word and deed, and it matters to the frontline heroes. In these difficult times, it is good to know that we have the support of our community and support from the highest levels of state government.”
The Department of Economic Opportunity was allocated approximately $208 million to distribute one-time relief payment of up to $1,000 to over 193,000 first responders, including more than 49,000 sworn law enforcement officers, 40,000 EMTs, 35,000 firefighters and 33,000 paramedics across the state. Payments will be issued and mailed to employee mailing addresses provided by the employer.
“Law enforcement officers in our state make countless sacrifices as they serve our communities,” said DEO Secretary Dane Eagle said during the presentation. “It is an honor to support Governor DeSantis in his mission to provide relief checks to our first responders in Florida.”
Pictured: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons handed out one-time $1,000 bonus checks to deputies Tuesday. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
