One Critically Injured In Byrneville Rollover Wreck
March 15, 2021
One person was critically injured in a single vehicle wreck early Monday morning in Bryneville.
The crash happened about 3 a.m. near the intersection of Highway 4A and Highway 168, close to the Beulah Chapel Assembly of God.
The driver lost control, ran off the road and overturned into the wood line. The driver was extricated by firefighters and transported to an area hospital by Escambia County EMS as a trauma alert.
The Century and Walnut Hill Stations of Escambia Fire Rescue, Flomaton Fire Department and Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Woman Charged With Exploitation Of Elderly Man
March 15, 2021
A Cantonment woman is charged with taking half ownership of a piece of property belonging to a vulnerable elderly man and spending $9,000 of his money.
Sharon Marie Hazzard, 52, was charged with felony exploitation of the elderly.
According to the Florida Department of Children and Families, the victim was at a high risk of exploitation due to a sixth grade education and a diminished understanding of finances.
“He has no understanding of his income or how his funds were being managed. He is observed to be easily manipulated and agreeable to persons of trust,” the DCF report states.
In April 2016, Hazard convinced the victim to “sign some papers,” according to an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office report, that was actually a quitclaim deed giving her half ownership of the property with rights of survivorship. It was discovered when a property tax late notice was received.
The property is described as an “old, poorly maintained single wide trailer” in Cantonment. The trailer was damaged by Hurricane Sally and until August 2020 did not have a functioning air conditioner. the report notes.
In addition, Hazard had herself added to a Regions Bank account owned by the victim, according to ECSO. Over the course of about nine months, she used about $9,000 from the account to make multiple purchases and ATM withdrawals that did not benefit the elderly victim, the report continues.
When DCF first interviewed the victim, they found that there was very little food in the trailer and that family members stated the man had not received medical care in several years.
Hazard was “unresponsive and did not cooperate’ with the ECSO or DCF’s investigation, the arrest report states. She was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $2,500 bond.
The relationship between Hazzard and the victim is not contained in a redacted arrest report.
The Blues Are Back With Hometown’s First Look At New Jets
March 15, 2021
The Blue Angels are back in town, and they showed off their brand new F/A-18 E/F Super Hornets Sunday afternoon over Pensacola and Pensacola Beach. Photos by Perry Doggrell and others for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Increasing Risk Of Severe Storms By Wednesday
March 15, 2021
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 1am. Cloudy, with a low around 65. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 78. Southwest wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64. South wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Some of the storms could be severe. High near 78. South wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Wednesday Night: Showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could be severe. Low around 61. South wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 72. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 47. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 63. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45.
Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high near 62.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 44.
Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 67.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 46.
Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 71
Escambia County 4-H Members Headed To State Event Competitions
March 15, 2021
The UF/IFAS Escambia County Extension Office recently hosted 4-H County Events consisting of competitions in public speaking, demonstrations and illustrated talks, photography, graphic design and share-the-fun (talent) activities.
The socially distanced event featured 29 youth who submitted 66 different entries.
This year all senior blue ribbon demonstrations and the first place senior public speaker and Share-the-Fun participants will go on to State 4-H Events. The top junior (ages 8-10), intermediate (ages 11-13), and senior (age 14+) photographs will now proceed to the state contest. For graphic design competitions, all blue-ribbon winners will be eligible for the state contest at 4-H University at the University of Florida in July.
The following county winners will advance to state:
Graphic Design:
- Baylee B.
- Syrah Chauvette
- Ryan Clake
- Tucker Padgett
- Ava Chauvette, named Best in Show
- Brayden Clarke
- Maddie Goss
- Gracie Meredith
Share-the-Fun (Talent):
- Kailee Dunlap
Public Speaking:
- Maddie Goss
Demonstrations and Illustrated Talks:
- Alan B.
- Maddie Goss
- Gracie Meredith
- Ethan Thorne
- Hannah Thorne
- Jessica Conti
Photography:
- Zaiyn Chauvette
- Ryan Clarke
- Katherine Ballard
Bicyclist Killed On North Davis Highway Sunday Night
March 15, 2021
A bicyclist was killed Sunday night on North Davis Highway.
A 30-year old man driving a pickup truck was southbound on Davis Highway near Northcross Lane about 10:40 p.m. when a bicyclist crossed into his path, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
FHP was still working to identify the driver, describing him only as a Hispanic male.
File photo.
Florida Gas Prices Are The Highest Since June 2018, AAA Says
March 15, 2021
Florida gas prices surged again early last week, jumping another 15 cents per gallon, according to AAA.
The state average is now $2.87 per gallon – the highest daily average price since June 2018. Florida’s average price has increased 67 cents per gallon since starting the year at $2.20. The main reason for that increase has been the price of crude oil, which increased nearly 40% since January 1, AAA said.
The average price per gallon in Escambia County was $2.80, the lowest metro average in the state. A low of $2.67 could be found in North Escambia Sunday night at a couple of stations in Cantonment.
“Global and domestic supply and demand continues to be the story behind rising prices at the pump,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Although gas prices normally increase in the spring, the price hike is especially pronounced this year, as global crude supplies tighten and domestic refinery issues lead to reduced gasoline supplies. Unfortunately, the pain at the pump may get a little worse before it gets better. Gasoline futures and wholesale prices rose another 10 cents late last week. The increase is said to be based on optimism that gasoline demand will continue to grow. It’s possible that increase could cause gas prices to rise again this week, dragging the state average even closer to $3 a gallon.”
Seven High School Baseball Team To Play This Month At Blue Wahoos Stadium
March 15, 2021
High school baseball returns to Blue Wahoos Stadium during March with five games scheduled between seven local schools.
“High school baseball games are some of our favorite events of the year and we’re very excited to welcome seven local teams to our ballpark in March,” team president Jonathan Griffith said. “Giving young athletes the chance to have the full experience of playing in a professional stadium is so much fun for our staff and part of meeting our mission of improving the quality of life in our community.”
The month’s action will begin on Monday, March 15 with a matchup between Escambia High School and Gulf Breeze High School at 6:30 p.m. Gates will open at the stadium one hour before first pitch. Tickets are $8 and available now at BlueWahoos.com.
Blue Wahoos Stadium will host two games on Friday, March 26 with Tate High School and Choctaw High School playing at 4 p.m. and Navarre High School squaring off against Fort Walton Beach High School at 7 p.m. On Saturday, March 27, Navarre will play West Florida High School at 4 p.m. with Fort Walton taking on Tate at 7 p.m. Day passes good for admission to both games each day are $8 per day and available at BlueWahoos.com.
Face masks are required at Blue Wahoos Stadium. Guests may remove their face mask when seated to enjoy the games with proper physical distancing from other guests, but masks must remain on when moving about the stadium, when on the concourse, and when entering and exiting the facility.
Click schedule above to enlarge.
Journey Lee Asher Britton
March 15, 2021
Infant Journey Lee Asher Britton, age 2 months, passed away on Thursday, March 11, 2021 in Mobile, Alabama.
Preceded in death by his paternal grandmother, Barbara Andrews and maternal grandmother, Regina Wilson.
Survivors include his parents, John and Amy Britton of Flomaton, AL; maternal grandparents, Leroy and Brenda Wilson of Brewton, AL; paternal grandparent, Johnny Andrews of Pace, FL; great grandparents, Joyce and Wood Alfred of Coosada, AL; three brothers, John Britton, Jr., Colton Cardwell, and his twin brother, Emerson Britton all of Flomaton, AL; four sisters, Analyssa Britton, Abigail Britton, Madison Madden and Breanna Britton all of Flomaton, AL and three uncles, Ryan Madden of Brewton, AL, Cedric Andrews of Pensacola, FL and Randall McElhaney of Cookeville, TN.
Graveside services will be held Tuesday, March 16, 2021 at 2:00 P.M. at the Beulah Cemetery with Bro. Rusty Burnham officiating.
Pallbearer will be his dad, John.
Escambia County Reports 31 Additional COVID-19 Cases
March 15, 2021
THIS IS AN ARCHIVED STORY. SEE NORTHESCAMBIA.COM FOR THE LATEST DATA.
There were 31 more COVID-19 cases and no additional deaths reported Sunday in Escambia County by the Florida Department of Health.
Here is the latest data:
Escambia County cases:
Total cases: 34,408 (+31)
Non-Florida residents: 3,563
Recovered: 33,202*
Total deaths: 652
Long-term care facility deaths: 273
Current hospitalizations: 30 (-4)
Number of tests reported last day: 527
Percent positive reported last day: 4.5%
Percent positive reported last week: 4.0%
Escambia County cases by location*:
Pensacola: 25,633 (+21)
Cantonment: 3,105 (+5)
Century: 1,170
—-including 774 Century prison inmates
Molino: 483
McDavid: 206
Bellview: 57
Walnut Hill: 53
Perdido Key: 21
Gonzalez: 13
Santa Rosa County cases:
Total cases: 17,454 (+19)
Non-Florida residents: 220
Total deaths: 274
Long-term care facility deaths: 80
Cumulative Hospitalizations: 825*
Number of tests reported last day: 300
Percent positive reported last day: 6.6%
Santa Rosa County cases by location*:
Milton: 8,324 (+9)
Navarre: 3,598 (+6)
Gulf Breeze: 3,244 (+1)
Pace: 1,391 (+3)
Jay: 544
Bagdad: 32
Florida cases:
Total cases: 1,976,808
Florida residents: 1,940,380
Deaths: 32,255
Hospitalizations: 82,256*
*“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.