Community Mourns Passing Of 4-Year Old Drowning Victim; GoFundMe Launched For Funeral Expenses
June 6, 2021
The community is mourning the loss of four-year old Jaidan Peters who passed away Saturday, four days after he was found unresponsive in a pool near Walnut Hill.
After the accident at a home on Rockaway Creek Road June 1, his mother performed CPR until first responders arrived. He was flown to Sacred Heart Hospital by MedStar Air Care 2.
Family members and friends turned to social media to request ongoing and nightly prayer vigils.
“Jaidan’s family clung to their faith in God and held nightly prayer vigils, never leaving his side,” according to family members. The family did not have health insurance or life insurance, and a GoFundMe has been established to help with those expenses.
Click or tap here to make a donation. A goal of $15,000 was set, and by early Sunday morning over $5,000 had been contributed.
Pictured top: Jaidan Peters, age 4 (courtesy photo). Pictured below: Jaidan was found unresponsive June 1 in a pool near Walnut Hill. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Here Are This Week’s Road Construction Hot Spots
June 6, 2021
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- Pensacola Bay Bridge (U.S. 98) Replacement - The Pensacola Bay Bridge has reopened. The majority of the bridge is now open to four lanes of traffic (two in each direction) except for a two-lane, half-mile segment just west of the bridge’s arch while work continues to complete final repairs. The speed limit is 35 mph.
- 17th Avenue Interchange construction – There is a new, temporary traffic configuration in place for the 17th Avenue interchange in Pensacola. Traffic exiting the Pensacola Bay Bridge now has direct access to both 17th Avenue northbound and Gregory Street westbound. 17th Avenue southbound is currently closed at Bayfront Parkway while work on the interchange continues. Access to the Pensacola Visitors Center and boat launch remains open from 17th Avenue. Westbound access to the bridge is available via Bayfront Parkway, however, there are no left turns permitted from 14th Avenue to Bayfront Parkway. These drivers should detour to Ninth Avenue southbound, turn east onto Chase Street, and then continue east to Bayfront Parkway and the Pensacola Bay Bridge
- North Ninth Avenue (State Road (S.R.) 289) Carpenters Creek Bridge Replacement- All travel lanes are temporarily shifted to the northbound side of the bridge as crews work to replace the southbound portion of the structure.
- Drivers will encounter brief, intermittent lane closures as crews mobilize materials and equipment. The brief, intermittent lane closures and traffic configuration will continue through the end of the year.
- Pile driving work is also underway. Crews will be driving piles during the daytime hours. Nearby residents and commercial property owners may experience noise and vibration.
- · Interstate 10 (I-10) Bridge Repair and Rehabilitation over Perdido River Bridge – Motorists will encounter intermittent nighttime lane closures the week of Monday, June 7 as crews perform paving operations.
- · U.S. 29 from South of Muscogee Road (County Road (C.R.) 184) to Atmore Hwy (S.R. 97) – Motorists will encounter intermittent northbound and southbound lane closures between Morris Avenue and north of Cantonment and north of S.R. 97 in Molino 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, June 6 through Saturday, June 12 as crews perform paving operations. In addition, drivers may encounter lane closures between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. on U.S. 29 between Neal Road and the International Paper Mill as crews perform striping operations.
- West Cervantes (U.S. 90) Pedestrian Safety Improvement Project – Drivers are encountering inside day and nighttime lane closures on West Cervantes Street between Dominguez Street and Shoemaker Street as crews perform median improvement work. One lane in each direction will be maintained. The median work and lane closures will progress eastward on Cervantes Street until the end of the year. Drivers are reminded that the speed limit between Dominguez Street and A Street has been permanently reduced to 30 mph.
- U.S. 29 Widening from I-10 to Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90) – Motorists can expect intermittent lane closures and shifts, on U.S. 29 between I-10 and Nine and Half Mile Road and on Nine Mile Road at the U.S. 29 Overpass 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., Monday, June 7 through Friday, June 11.
- Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90) Widening from Pine Forest (S.R. 297) to U.S. 29 – Drivers will encounter lane closures and shifts between I-10 and Surrey Drive the week of Monday, June 7 between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. to allow crews to pave and repair the asphalt.
- Burgess Road (S.R. 742) Routine Underground Utility Work near Palafox Street – Motorists can expect intermittent eastbound lane closures on Burgess Road near Palafox Street 9 p.m. Thursday, June 10 to 5 a.m. Friday, June 11 as crews conduct maintenance on underground utilities.
- Davis Highway (S.R. 291) Routine Underground Utility Work North of Langley Avenue – Motorists can expect intermittent lane closures North of Langley Avenue (near O ’Charley’s) 8 p.m. Monday, June 14 to 5 a.m. Tuesday, June 15 as utility crews perform operations in the area.
Santa Rosa County:
- Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement- The Pensacola Bay Bridge has re-opened. The majority of the bridge is now open to four lanes of traffic (two in each direction) except for a two-lane, half-mile segment just west of the bridge’s arch while work continues to complete final repairs. The speed limit is 35 mph.
All activities are weather-dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Vacation Bible School Scheduled At Many Area Churches
June 6, 2021
Vacation Bible School is a summertime tradition for many area children that is returning this year. Here is a list of upcoming VBS events in the North Escambia area. To add a VBS to this list and our Events Page, email news@northescambia.com.
Walnut Hill Baptist Church VBS
Walnut Hill Baptist Church will hold a “Rocky Railway” Vacation Bible School June 6-11 from 6:00 until 8:30 p.m.for ages pre-K through fifth grade. Family Night will be Friday night.
Atmore First Assembly of God VBS
Atmore First Assembly of God Church will hold a “Rocky Railway” Vacation Bible School June 7-11 from 8:00 until 11:30 a.m. for ages three through sixth grade.
Southern Harbor Mennonite VBS
Southern Harbor Mennonite Church Vacation Bible School will be June 9-18 from 6:00 until 8:30 p.m. for children ages five years to ninth grade, 6211 West Highway 4.
Little Escambia Baptist VBS
Little Escambia Baptist Church will hold a “Rocky Railway” Vacation Bible School June 14-18 from 8:30 a.m. to noon for ages four through sixth grade. Register at vbspro.events/p/lebc2021
First Baptist Church of Cantonment VBS
First Baptist Church of Cantonment Vacation Bible School “Totally 80’s” Vacation Bible School will be June 21-25 from 6-8:30 p.m. There will be classes for all ages, including parents. There will also be a class for special needs students. Register at https://kideventpro.lifeway.com/myEvent/
Heritage Baptist Church VBS
Heritage Baptist Church will hold “Treasured” Vacation Bible School June 27- July 1 from 6-8 p.m. at 3065 Highway 297A in Cantonment. Register at https://vbspro.events/p/events/a74a20
Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church VBS
Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church will host VBS this year July 11-16 from 4:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. with a light snack provided each night. On Thursday evening, July 15 VBS will be held at the Nadiine McCaw Park on Highway 29 in Century. Ray’s Chapel is located at 170 Bogia Road in McDavid.
Gonzalez United Methodist VBS
Gonzalez United Methodist will hold “Destination Dig” Vacation BIble School July 12-16 from 6-8 p.m. nightly. Register at https://vbspro.events/p/events/ece863
Faith Bible Baptist Church VBS
Faith Bible Baptist Church at 5801 North Century Blvd. will hold “Faith Factory” Vacation Bible School June 12-16 from 6-8:30 p.m. for ages 5-12. For info or bus transportation, call (850) 256-5483.
Poplar Dell Baptist Church VBS
Vacation Bible School “Destination Dig” will be held at Poplar Dell Baptist Church on Hwy 4A in Century Monday-Friday, June 28-July 2 from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. nightly. Supper will be provided each night.
Rain Likely Into Monday
June 6, 2021
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Low around 71. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Monday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 1pm, then showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. High near 84. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
Monday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. Southeast wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 86. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. South wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 87. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 71. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. Light south wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 71. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 89.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 72.
Saturday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 89.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 73.
Sunday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 88.
Tate High’s Class Of 2021 Sets Academic Records, Including School’s Highest Ever GPA
June 6, 2021
The Tate High School class of 2021 set records with the highest valedictory, salutatory, and Top Ten percent GPAs in the school’s history. Valedictorian Katelyn Loudon achieved the highest GPA in the school’s history with a final GPA of 5.725.
Salutatorians Maggie Brown and Michael Dixon tied to the exact decimal GPA of 5.55. They are both the younger siblings of former Tate valedictorians (Samantha Brown, Class of 2017, and John Dixon, Class of 2019) Their GPAs are greater than their siblings’ past achievements, but missed the mark to get the valedictory award among this competitive class.
This year’s Top 10 Percent, in a class of 479 students (The Top 48), were head to head in the GPA battle. The anchor, Ethan Middleton, received his gold tassel with a final GPA of 4.6652. The Top 20 graduates’ GPAs all surpassed an outstanding 5.0. Tate’s Class of 2021 will graduate with 130 students (top 27%) achieving summa cum laude honors with a GPA greater than 4.0.
Valedictorian: Katelyn Loudon (Final GPA: 5.725)
Katelyn is a four-year member of Tate’s Biomedical Science Academy, is an AP Scholar with distinction, and is the Escambia County Council PTA Student of the Year. She has completed her certifications for basic life support, patient care Technician, and certified medical administrative assistant.
Clubs and Honor Societies: National Honor Society (president); Science Honor Society (president); Mu Alpha Theta; Rho Kappa; National English Honor Society; National Technical Honor Society; Aggie Advanced Institute
In the fall, Katelyn plans to attend the University of West Florida. She has been awarded the Academic Excellence Merit Scholarship valued at $20,000, is a Florida Bright Futures Academic Scholar, and received scholarships from Boardwalk Pipelines, the Elks’ National Foundation, and the Freedom Foundation at Valley Forge. Katelyn plans to major in nursing and pursue a career as an emergency room nurse practitioner or physician associate.
Salutatorian: Maggie Brown (Final GPA: 5.55)
In 2018, Maggie was a quarterfinalist on Jeopardy’s Teen Tournament, was on the 2020 Senior Homecoming Court, was appointed to the 2021 Senior Hall of Fame, and volunteers as assistant coach of Ransom Middle School’s Academic Team and is a Science Saturday Robotics volunteer at the Institute of Human and Machine Cognition.
Clubs and Honor Societies: Academic Team (team captain); member of the Escambia County Academic All-Stars Team and is a state champion; Aggie Advanced Institute; Rho Kappa (president); Foreign Language Club (president); National Honor Society (vice president); Mu Alpha Theta (treasurer).
In the fall, Maggie plans to attend the University of West Florida. She has been accepted to the honors program, and plans to major in international studies and minor in art history. She has been awarded the Academic Excellence Merit Scholarship valued at $20,000, in addition to receiving a grant from Pensacola Interstate Fair, and being a Florida Bright Futures Academic Scholar.
Salutatorian: Michael S. Dixon (Final GPA: 5.55)
Michael is a National Merit Finalist, a four-year member of the Showband of the South, and was this year’s head drum major.
Clubs and Honor Societies: Academic Team, Aggie Advanced Institute, National Honor Society, Science Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Rho-Kappa, and Tri-M Musician’s Honor Society.
Band Honors/Awards: Assistant drum major his junior year, and head drum major his senior year. He was the principal French horn all four years; first chair horn in All-County band all four years; member of All-State bands in 2018 and 2021; received superior ratings at local and state solo and ensemble competitions on both French horn and piano. Recipient of the Escambia County Mira Award for music.
In the fall, Michael plans to attend the University of Florida to double major in music composition and psychology. He has been accepted into UF’s Honors Program, and has received the Benacquisto Scholarship (full ride) in addition to the University of Florida Presidential Scholarship, Band Scholarship, and Friends of Music Scholarship. He also was awarded the Better Business Bureau’s Student Ethics Scholarship and the Tate Showband Bill Slayton Scholarship.
The Top 10% honors graduates are as follows:
1. Katelyn Michelle Loudon
2. Maggie Ruth Brown
2. Michael Robert Dixon
4. Quang Tam Vo
5. John Thomas Semple
6. Kobi Seth Menser
7. Morgan Kelly Anderson
8. Jonathan David French
9. Haley Grace Vranich
10. Brianna Marie Deason
11. Bailey Nicole Jenkins
12. Jackson Cecil Chatwood
13. Brentley Marie Garrett
14. Evelyn Campbell
15. Bristol Denae Kelley
16. Gwenivier Elise Ward
17. Staci Marie Saucier
18. Samantha Guerrier
19. Joseph Pusateri
20. Eva Marie Miller
21. Abigail Breanne West
22. Maddison D’Rea Dorion
23. Courtney Ryan Adams
24. Jessica Jean Conti
25. Allison Suzanne Jefferis
26. Adam Cooper Lee
27. Nicholas Chase Walsh
28. Mia M Brown
29. Jonathan Evan Chisolm
30. Joanna Jiang
31. Kiera Jolie Goodyear
32. Kendall Jordyn Blackmon
33. Jacob Ryan Hutto
34. Aaron Stephen Neshem
35. Jacob Heath Greeson
36. Jacob Lawson Chatwood
37. Sidney Claire Stojak
38. Chandler Gray Hastings
39. Lindsey Carole Morris
40. Tayler Lynn Bridges
41. Layah Denae Seals
42. Matthew William Luebke
43. Cristian Alexander Bates
44. Jordan Tyler Jarman
45. Emily Rene’ Johnson
46. Natalee Ann Stuart
47. Armonie Michele Hughes Nettles
48. Ethan Daniel Middleton
Biographical information was provided by the students.
Man Charged With DUI Manslaughter After Escambia County Wreck Kills Woman
June 6, 2021
A Tennessee man was charged with DUI manslaughter after a fatal wreck Saturday in Escambia County.
The Florida Highway Patrol said 37-year old Albert Winn Lewis of Fayetteville, Tennessee, ran a stop sign at the intersection of Gulf Beach Highway and Bauer Road about 1:45 a.m.. His Dodge Challenger collided with a vehicle driven by a 55-year old Pensacola woman who died from her injuries.
Troopers said Lewis was arrested for DUI manslaughter and additional charges are possible depending on the outcome of their investigation.
The name of the victim has not been released.
Garcon Point Bridge Toll Suspended For Another 30 Days
June 6, 2021
The Garcon Point Bridge toll suspension has been suspended for another 30 days while traffic is limited on the recently reopened Pensacola Bay Bridge.
Tolls are now suspended on the Garcon Point Bridge through Tuesday, July 6.
“The extension allows the Garcon Point Bridge to continue serving as an alternate route while the Pensacola Bay Bridge is being repaired from damage sustained during Hurricane Sally,” the Florida Department of Transportation said in a release.
The Pensacola Bay Bridge reopened on May 28, but traffic is reduced from four lanes to two across a section of the three mile long bridge.
Meyer, Bleday Lead Blue Wahoos Past Mississippi
June 6, 2021
Max Meyer dazzled as usual. JJ Bleday wowed again.
Peyton Burdick returned to recent form.
And the Blue Wahoos won again.
Three of the team’s most acclaimed players were part of an impressive display in a 4-1 victory Saturday night against the Mississippi Braves, delighting an overflow crowd at Blue Wahoos Stadium before post-game fireworks lit the bayfront sky.
“It’s a fun team,” said Meyer, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2020 Major League Baseball draft by the Miami Marlins, after allowing just three hits in six innings for his longest start in pro ball.
“Even if you are up or down, we’re still going to play how we play,” said Meyer, who improved his record to 3-1 and lowered his earned run average to 1.86. “All these guys are rooting for each other.”
Amid a game played in just two hours, 15 minutes — this may have been the Blue Wahoos best overall home game experience this season.
And that’s saying a lot.
The spectators including Miami Marlins general manager Kim Ng, the first woman in history to serve as general manager of a team in any of the big four North American sports – MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL.
She watched the Blue Wahoos up-close for the first time and saw a team that has combined stellar pitching, sound defense and timely hits into an 18-11 record.
“The leadership on this team has been great,” said Bleday, whose two-out, two-run homer in the sixth inning broke a tie game. “If one guy doesn’t get the job done he hands it off the next dude and he is able to get it done and get it started.
“Our pitchers and relievers have just done a tremendous job of keeping us in the game.”
That played out again Saturday with Meyer dueling with Mississippi Braves’ righthander Jose Rodriguez, signed as a free agent by the Atlanta Braves on April 21.
Meyer matched his pro career high Saturday with nine strikeouts, yielded just one walk and threw 60 strikes in his 82 pitches.
The only dent in a stellar pitching line was a home run off a 93-mph fastball by Greyson Jenista to lead off the third inning.
After that, Meyer retired the next six batters he faced. He finished his outing by striking out the side in the sixth inning.
“That one home run, I went down and in, and I was trying to go down and up a little bit,” Meyer said. “He put a good swing on it and stuff like that happens.
“I went around the whole order. I mixed up how I threw to guys every at bat, so I feel like I was keeping them off balance a little bit.”
Meyer, the former University of Minnesota star, kept the capacity crowd (5,038) enthralled by how fast he works and how often he records outs. It was the first time he started on a Saturday night home game.
“Honestly, when I’m pitching I don’t really notice how big the crowd is. I am just dialed in,” Meyer said. “It’s just me and the catcher, but a little more adrenalin and it’s always fun pitching to a packed crowd.”
With the game tied 1-1, Bleday bombed a changeup from Rodriguez into the crowd of kids sitting on the grass berm beyond the right field wall. Total distance was 393 feet.
His two-run homer was his third home run this season, second in three days. All three have been in this ballpark. He scored Burdick, who led off the inning with a triple.
“It felt great, because I missed the changeups in the previous two at-bats,” said Bleday, the Marlins’ No. 1 pick in 2019 out of Vanderbilt and former Panama City Mosley High star.
“I was right on ‘em, but I was just a tick early pulling off a bit and getting a little antsy with it,” Bleday said. “But he came back and he hung one middle away and I put a good swing on it.”
The Blue Wahoos got their first run on Demetrius Sims’ RBI single to score catcher Nick Fortes. In their first four hits, the Blue Wahoos went double, single, triple, home run, for a team cycle.
Burdick, who went 2-for-4 after a hitless start in the series, added insurance with his RBI single in the eighth inning.
“The leadership on this team has been great,” Bleday said. “If one guy doesn’t get the job done he hands it off the next dude and he is able to get it done and get it started. Our pitchers and relievers have just done a tremendous job of keeping us in the game.”
The series and homestand will conclude Sunday with a 4:05 game. Following the game, the Blue Wahoos will have Monday off before taking a road trip to Chattanooga, Tenn. to face the Chattanooga Lookouts – the Cincinnati Reds Double-A affiliate.
by Bill Vilona, Blue Wahoos senior writer
Final OLF-8 Design Plan Accepted By Escambia Commission
June 5, 2021
The Escambia County Commission has accepted a final design for the OLF-8 property on Nine Mile Road.
The OLF-8 design is a consensus after months of discussion and debate about the balance between commercial, residential and community space on the 630-acre parcel.
The final “Adjusted Hybrid Plan” is a combination of commerce, residential and amenities. It allocates 271 acres to commerce and industrial; 61 acres to residential including duplexes, townhomes and multifamily; 47 acres to a mixed-use center such as residential over retail and office over retail; and 45 acres to trails and public amenities such as a post office, school, day care and community garden.
The plan next goes to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity for land use approval and to the planning board this summer for master plan code updates. With approval, the commission will vote on final approval for the OLF-8 Master Plan in early October.
To read the full 71 page OLF-8 plan, click or tap here.
In January 2019, Escambia County acquired OLF-8 in a land swap with the U.S. Navy for property in Santa Rosa County. The county hired DPZ CoDesign to develop the best plan for OLF-8, and the firm presented four plans ranging from a commerce park based concept to designs with a mix of commerce, residential and green space on the 500 plus acre site along Nine Mile Road in Beulah.
Click graphics to enlarge.
Good Chance Of Rain Through The Weekend And Into Early Next Week
June 5, 2021
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. Southeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Sunday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 1pm, then showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. High near 79. South wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Sunday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. Southeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Monday: Showers and thunderstorms. High near 81. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Monday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 85. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Wednesday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 85. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 70. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 86.
Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 70.
Friday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 87.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 71.
Saturday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 88.