UPDATE: Missing Juvenile From Cantonment Found Safe
March 28, 2021
UPDATE: The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said Sunday night that this missing juvenile has been found found safe.
Previous story:
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is searching for a missing juvenile from Cantonment.
Ashlyn Elizabeth Tidwell, 14, was last seen about 10:30 Saturday night in the 1000 block of Pine Top Lane, just off Neal Road. She was wearing a gray t-shirt and gray pants. She is 5-foot, four-inches, 130 pounds, with black hair and blue eyes.
ECSO said she might be in the area of Michigan Avenue.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620.
Tate Aggies Beat Fort Walton Beach 7-4 Saturday Night At Blue Wahoos Stadium (With Gallery)
March 28, 2021
The Tate Aggies left Blue Wahoos Stadium with a 7-4 win over Fort Walton Beach Saturday night.
Tucker Griffin pitched the win for the Aggies, allowing no hit, no runs and striking out one. Tanner Rouchon, Colton Swiers and Jackson Penton took to the mound in relief, and Jadon Frymon earned the save with the last three outs for Tate.
Zak Licastro led the Aggies at the plate, going 3-3 with a couple of RBIs. Dylan Godwin, Drew Reaves and Fryman had a couple of hits each for Tate, as Penton recorded one.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Photos by Laura Glodfelter for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Molino Man Charged With Drug Trafficking, Weapons Offense After Hotel Search Warrant
March 28, 2021
A Molino man is facing multiple drug and weapons charges, including drug trafficking, after a search warrant was executed at a Pensacola hotel, and a Pensacola woman is also facing charges.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office served the search warrant at the Suburban Extended Stay Hotel in the 3900 block of Barrancas Avenue. Two people, Damion Tobias Bryant of Molino 32-year old Kiersten Marie Heusohn of Pensacola, were inside the room at the time, an arrest report states.
According to investigators, Bryant possessed approximately 267.8 grams of methamphetamine, 37.37 grams of a heroin and fentanyl mixture, 12.1 grams of synthetic marijuana, 22 grams of marijuana, 265 whole and 37 partial Alprazolam pills and two oxycodone pills.
In addition, deputies reported finding $1,475 in cash in the room and a .45 caliber pistol in a pool.
Bryant was charged with trafficking in methamphetamine, trafficking in heroin, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, destruction of evidence, and two counts of possession of a controlled substance. He was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $240,000 bond.
Heusohn was charged with conspiracy to traffic methamphetamine, conspiracy to traffic heroin and destruction of evidence. She was released from jail on a $102,500 bond.
Bryant has eight prior felony convictions, according to his arrest report.
Deadline Is Wednesday To Pay Escambia Real Estate, Tangible Property Taxes
March 28, 2021
It’s time to pay those county taxes.
Escambia County Tax Collector Scott Lunsford said 2020 unpaid real estate and tangible property taxes become delinquent April 1. Penalties of 3 percent for real estate taxes and 1.5 percent for tangible taxes will be assessed. Over $24.5 million remains unpaid, representing approximately 8 percent of the tax roll.
To avoid a penalty, payment must be made by March 31.
Payment can be made:
- online by midnight March 31, at EscambiaTaxCollector.com;
- mailed with a March postmark;
- left by midnight, March 31, in a 24-hour drop box available at all locations; or
- by phone at (850) 438-6500, ext. 3252 by close of business March 31.
Online services at EscambiaTaxCollector.com allow customers to check the status of property taxes, pay online, print a receipt, search records, renew vehicle and vessel registrations and many other services. Current taxes may be paid by eCheck for no additional fee.
Pictured: The Escambia County Tax Collector Office in Molino. NorthEscambia.com photo.
Photos: Oh Those Glorious Southern Azaleas Put On A Show
March 28, 2021
Azaleas are in full bloom across North Escambia with many bushes absolutely solid in beautiful color.
We took our cameras and found a group of heritage azalea bushes believed to be over 50 years old.
For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Traffic Alert: This Week’s List Of Construction Slow Down Spots
March 28, 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:
- Between Beulah Church Road and Mobile Highway (State Road (S.R.) 10A) – Motorists can expect nighttime lane closures Sunday, March 28 to Monday, March 29 for paving operations.
- S.R. 10 (US 90A) E 9 Mile Rd from N Palafox Street to Chemstrand Road – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, March 28 through Friday, April 2 for paving operations.
- U.S. 98 (S.R. 30) Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement - The intersection of North 17th Avenue and Bayfront Parkway will remain closed until spring 2021 as construction continues on the new 17th Avenue interchange. The Visitor’s Center and adjacent boat launch remain accessible from 17th Avenue. Also, the ramp from 17th Avenue to East Gregory Street remains open. Eastbound drivers on Bayfront Parkway should use North 14th Avenue and Cervantes Street (U.S. 90) as a detour route.
- U.S. 29 Widening from Interstate 10 (I-10) to Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90) – Motorists can expect intermittent lane closures and shifts, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., on U.S. 29, between I-10 and Nine and Half Mile Road, and on Nine Mile Road at the U.S. 29 Overpass.
- North Ninth Avenue (S.R. 289) Carpenters Creek Bridge Replacement- The north and southbound left lanes of Ninth Avenue over Carpenters Creek will be closed as bridge replacement work begins. The right lanes will remain open. Traffic is expected to continue in this configuration through late April.
- · West Cervantes Pedestrian Safety Improvement Project- Drivers will encounter inside lane closures on West Cervantes Street, between Dominguez Street and A Street beginning Monday, March 29. The lane closures are required to perform median construction work. One lane in each direction will be maintained at all times. The median work and lane closures will begin on the west end of the project, near Dominguez Street, and will progress eastward until the end of the year. Also, be advised that the speed limit will be reduced to 30 m.p.h.
- · I-10 Bridge Repair and Rehabilitation over Perdido River Bridge – Motorists will encounter lane closures and pacing operations beginning Monday, March 29 at 6 a.m.. Traffic will be temporarily slowed to a safe speed by a pilot vehicle during construction activities.
- · S.R. 95 (U.S.29) from South of Muscogee Road (County Road (C.R.) 184) to Atmore Hwy (S.R. 97) – Motorist will encounter intermittent lane closures on both Northbound and Southbound U.S. 29 in the Cantonment area next week, for pavement milling and resurfacing. This will include work in the Muscogee and Becks Lake Roads and Morris Avenue intersections, as well as the CSX Railroad crossing. Lane closures will occur Monday, March 29 through Friday, April 2 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- · U.S. 90 (Scenic Hwy) Tree Trimming South of Deverux Drive – Motorists will encounter intermittent outside, southbound lane closures Tuesday, March 30 from 10 a.m. to 4p.m.
- · Routine Bridge Maintained U.S. 90 (S.R. 10) over Davis Hwy (S.R. 291) – Motorists will encounter lane closures Monday, March 29 form 8 p.m. to 4 a.m.
- · Overhead Lighting Maintenance on I-10 (S.R. 90) – Motorists will encounter nighttime lane closures on I-10 (S.R. 90) at mile marker 5 through 19 Monday, March 29 through Friday, April 2 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m.
- Maritime Duathlon Run Bayfront Parkway (S.R. 196) – Portions of Bayfront Parkway will be temporarily closed for the duration of the duathlon. A traffic detour will be in place during the closures.
Santa Rosa County:
- U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive- Early construction activities are beginning in preparation for the widening and improvements of the 4.25-mile section of U.S. 98 from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive. These activities include utility relocations, clearing, excavation, and drainage improvements. As part of the upgraded drainage system, the project includes the construction of five stormwater ponds. Clearing and excavating of areas for the stormwater ponds are currently underway. There are no traffic impacts associated with the construction of the ponds, but nearby residents and businesses may experience some noise. Access to residences and businesses will be maintained at all times. Major roadway construction activities on the $70.4 million project are anticipated to begin in summer 2021.
- Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – For the latest information visit FDOT.gov/PensacolaBay.
- North side of U.S. 90 (S.R. 10) between Santa Rosa Drive and Summerdale Drive – Motorists will encounter westbound lane closures on the outside lane of U.S. 90 (S.R. 10) for paving maintenance on Sunday, March 28 through Monday, March 29 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m.
All activities are weather-dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Pictured:
Sunny, Near 70 for Monday
March 28, 2021
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: A 20 percent chance of showers before 7pm. Cloudy, then gradually becoming partly cloudy, with a low around 47. North wind around 10 mph.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 69. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers after 1am. Mostly clear, with a low around 52. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Tuesday: A slight chance of showers, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 75. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64. Southeast wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 1pm. High near 78. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming west in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 43. North wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 60. North wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Thursday Night: Clear, with a low around 36. North wind 5 to 15 mph.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 63.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 40.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 68.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 46.
Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 73.
Helping Hand: Food Giveaway Held Saturday In Century
March 28, 2021
Northwest Florida Community Outreach held a food distribution Saturday in Century. The drive-thru event was held at the Century Business Center on Pond Street. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
One New COVID-19 Death, Another 60 Cases Reported In Escambia County
March 28, 2021
THIS IS AN ARCHIVED STORY. SEE NORTHESCAMBIA.COM FOR THE LATEST DATA.
The Florida Department of Health reported one additional COVID-19 death and 60 new cases in Escambia County on Saturday.
Here is the latest data:
Escambia County cases:
Total cases: 34,749 (+60)
Non-Florida residents: 3,595
Recovered: 33,205*
Total deaths: 664 (+1)
Long-term care facility deaths: 277
Current hospitalizations: 27 (-4)
Number of tests reported last day: 594
Percent positive reported last day: 8.0%
Percent positive reported last week: 2.7%
Escambia County cases by location*:
Pensacola: 25,914 (+50)
Cantonment: 3,127 (+5)
Century: 1,172
—-including 774 Century prison inmates
Molino: 484
McDavid: 209
Bellview: 57
Walnut Hill: 53
Perdido Key: 21
Gonzalez: 13
Santa Rosa County cases:
Total cases: 17,693 (+9)
Non-Florida residents: 221
Total deaths: 278 (+1)
Long-term care facility deaths: 81 (+1)
Cumulative Hospitalizations: 850*
Number of tests reported last day: 334
Percent positive reported last day: 3.5%
Santa Rosa County cases by location*:
Milton: 8,443 (+7)
Navarre: 3,654 (+3)
Gulf Breeze: 3,277
Pace: 1,419
Jay: 545
Bagdad: 32
Florida cases:
Total cases: 2,039,062
Florida residents: 2,001,325
Deaths: 33,142
Hospitalizations: 84,531
*“Hospitalizations” in the statewide and Santa Rosa County totals is a count of all laboratory confirmed cases in which an inpatient hospitalization occurred at any time during the course of illness. Most of these people are longer be hospitalized. The FDOH does not provide a count of patients currently hospitalized. The Escambia County number is current data compiled each day from the local hospitals.
**On cases by location, the city is based upon zip code and is not always received as part of the initial notification. There may be a delay in reporting locations, and locations will not total the daily case increase as a result.
***The Florida Department of Health does not have a clear standard or definition of “recovered” and does not report a number of recovered individuals. Escambia County is reporting an approximate recovery number defined as the total cases prior to last month, minus deaths. In other words, anyone that tested positive more than a month ago is presumed to have recovered by Escambia County.
**Data Sources: Florida Department of Health, Escambia County, City of Pensacola, local hospitals.
One On The Run, Two Arrested After Shots Fired, SWAT Standoff On Olive Road
March 27, 2021
Two people are in custody and another is wanted after a series of events at an Olive Road store led to shots fired between deputies and suspects both early Saturday morning and again Saturday afternoon.
Here’s what the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office says what happened:
The ECSO responded to a call about a suspicious vehicle parked in the back lot of Blue Angel Groceries on Olive Road and Whitmire Road, near Olive Baptist Church.
When the deputy arrived, he located a suspect sleeping in his vehicle. The deputy observed a handgun and numerous narcotics in plain sight on the floorboard between the suspect’s feet, according to the ECSO.
The deputy woke the suspect and attempted to take him into custody. The suspect exited the vehicle and engaged in two physical altercations with the deputy while attempting to flee on foot. The suspect then returned to his vehicle and reached toward where the firearm was located, forcing the deputy to fire at him.
The suspect escaped on foot. A perimeter was established, but the suspect was not located.
ECSO said a large quantity of narcotics and a firearm were located inside the suspect’s vehicle. The suspect was identified as John Lee Johnson Jr.
There were no injuries reported.
During the investigation, one of the witnesses provided a false identity to investigators. It was determined that the witness, later identified as Hassan Moorer, had active warrants for aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, larceny, robbery with a deadly weapon, aggravated battery with bodily harm and robbery with a firearm.
ECSO said deputies returned to the Blue Angel Grocery looking for Moorer Saturday afternoon, and they were directed to the back of the open store by an employee. When deputies entered the building and announced their presence, they were met with an individual, who was not Moorer, pointing a firearm in their direction. Deputies fired at the individual and were able to secure the area.
The ECSO SWAT Team was activated and arrived on scene. The individual surrendered and there were no injuries. His name has not been released due to the ongoing investigation into the firearm being pointed at the deputies. Per protocol, the deputies have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
ECSO is still looking for Johnson, who is wanted in connection with the morning incident for battery of a law enforcement officer, resisting with violence, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm while in commission of a felony, sale/manufacture/deliver cocaine, sale/manufacture/deliver ecstasy, and sale/manufacture/deliver controlled substances.
Moorer was captured Saturday night. He was wanted for aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, larceny, robbery with a deadly weapon, aggravated battery with bodily harm and robbery with a firearm.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
