Off-Duty ECSO Deputy From Cantonment Killed By Alleged DUI Driver Near Laurel Hill
October 17, 2022
An off-duty Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputy died and his daughter were seriously injured when their SUV was hit by an alleged drunk driver in Okaloosa County Saturday night.
Master Deputy Kevin Ray of Cantonment and his 15-year old daughter were traveling from Troy, Alabama, when the crash occurred on Highway 85 just east of Laurel Hill, Florida.
Ray had been a member of the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office family for over 20 years. He has been assigned to courthouse security for over 10 years.
“We ask that our community joins us in continued prayers for his family and friends during this difficult time,” the ECSO said in a statement.
A 26-year old man from the Dallas area, Tristen Cole Parker, failed to stop at a stop sign, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Parker’s pickup truck traveled from Robinson Road into the intersection and collided with the side of the SUV driven by Ray.
Ray was pronounced deceased at the scene of the crash at 8:37 p.m. Saturday. His daughter was airlifted to an area hospital in serious condition.
Parker was transported by ambulance to the hospital with minor injuries. He is charged with negligent DUI vehicular manslaughter, DUI with serious bodily injury and driving with a suspended license habitual offender. He was booked into the Okaloosa County Jail without bond.
District Volleyball Tournaments Begin Today For Northview And Tate
October 17, 2022
District volleyball tournaments begin Monday.
In 1A District 1, No. 4 Northview (5-10, 0-5) will host No. 5 Laurel Hill (3-11, 0-4) Monday at 6 p.m.. The winner will take on No. 1 Baker (17-6, 6-0) at 5 p.m. Tuesday. No. 2 Jay (12-4, 4-2) will play No. 3 Central (5-16, 4-3) at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. The championship game is 6:30 p.m. Thursday.
In 6A District 1, No. 4 Tate (12-13, 2-4) hosts No. 5 Milton (6-15, 0-3) at 6 p.m. Monday. The winner will advance to face No. 1 Gulf Breeze (21-3, 4-0) in Gulf Breeze at 6 p.m. Tuesday. No. 2 Navarre and No. 3 Pace face off at 6 p.m. Tuesday at Navarre. The championship game will be Thursday at 6 p.m. at the higher seed.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
IMPACT 100 Awards Over $1.1 Million In Grants To 11 Community Groups
October 17, 2022
IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area, a women’s philanthropic organization, announced 11 grant recipients on Sunday that will each receive a grant of $103,820. That brings the total grants awarded by the women’s philanthropic organization to over $15 million for 142 projects.
The grant recipients are:
ARTS, CULTURE & HISTORY
- Pensacola Little Theatre Inc. – It Starts with Art: Building the Foundation of Arts Education at Pensacola Little Theatre
- Santa Rosa Community Theatre Inc. – Provide a State-of-the-Art Theatre for Santa Rosa County
EDUCATION
- Central Gulf Coast CDF Freedom Schools – Something Inside So Strong
- General Daniel Chappie James Flight Academy, Inc – Outfit New Facility with Equipment and Other Furnishings
ENVIRONMENT & RECREATION
- Keep Pensacola Beautiful, Inc. – KPB Covers More Ground
- Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center, Inc. – From Hatchlings to Adults, Come Join Us on Our Journey
FAMILY
- Escambia County Public Schools Foundation for Excellence, Inc. – Parent University: Bridging Resources and Community Needs
- Pensacola Habitat for Humanity, Inc. – Community Land Trust – Affordable Housing in Perpetuity
HEALTH & WELLNESS
- District One Medical Examiner Support, Inc. – Family Advocacy Representative – providing support to Family, Community, and Staff
- Feeding the Gulf Coast – Feeding the Future
- Healing Paws for Warriors, Inc. – Save a Veteran, Rescue a Dog: Mobile Unit
“IMPACT members were able to choose to meet at either in-person Focus Area Committees or virtual Focus Area Committees,” said Roz Leahy, president of IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area. “Again, this year, hundreds of IMPACT 100 members participated in the process to review each grant application, conduct site visits to all applicants, and select finalists from each Focus Area Committee. We are so thankful for our members who participated and to our volunteer board. Their dedication enables IMPACT 100 to continue serving the community we love.”
With 1,142 members this year, IMPACT 100 was able to award $103,820 each to eleven nonprofit organizations in our community for a total impact of $1,142,020.
Atmore Police Seeking Man Who Robbed Downtown Main Street Business
October 17, 2022
The Atmore Police Department is investigating the robbery of a downtown business.
The man robbed New York Fashions on North Main Street near the Atmore Chamber of Commerce.
“The victim was found by a customer who immediately called 911. Responding officers arrived on the scene and contacted the victim inside the business with a head wound. It appeared the suspect attempted to restrain the victim but was unsuccessful,” Atmore Police Sgt. Darrell McMann said Sunday afternoon.
The victim was treated for his injuries and released.
“Investigators are following up on leads and checking with nearby businesses for any video footage of the suspect,” McMann added.
The suspect was described as a black male approximately 6-foot 3-inches with a medium build. He was wearing a lighter-colored shirt size XL, dark-colored pants, casual style shoes that may have been gray, and a black face mask.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Atmore Police Department at (251) 368-9141.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Turning Colder Tonight
October 17, 2022
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Mostly cloudy during the early evening, then gradual clearing, with a low around 45. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 61. North wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Tuesday Night: Patchy frost after 5am. Otherwise, mostly clear, with a low around 32. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday: Patchy frost before 9am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 62. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday Night: Areas of frost after 5am. Otherwise, clear, with a low around 31. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Thursday: Areas of frost before 9am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 67. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Thursday Night: Clear, with a low around 39. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 74. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Friday Night: Clear, with a low around 47. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 78.
Saturday Night: Clear, with a low around 49.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 79.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 54.
Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 80.
Gun Violence Round Table Is Tuesday
October 17, 2022
Following a deadly double shooting at a local youth football game, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office will host a Gun Violence Round Table event to address gun violence in our communities and explore potential solutions.
The event will take place at the Brownsville Community Center, 3200 W Desoto Street, on October 18 beginning at 5:30 p.m. Participants can submit questions or comments in written form by arriving by 5 p..m.
Participants scheduled to attend are:
These Are This Week’s Road Construction Trouble Spots
October 17, 2022
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:
- Interstate 10 (I-10) Escambia County Welcome Center – The front parking lot is temporarily closed as crews work to resurface the pavement. The other parking areas remain open. Temporary sidewalk modifications are also in place while work is underway.
- U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures and lane shifts on the Pensacola Bay Bridge Sunday, Oct. 16 through Saturday, Oct. 22 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. On Tuesday, Oct. 18, U.S. 98 westbound (Gulf Breeze to Pensacola) will have lane closures beginning at 10 p.m. due to Bands on the Beach. Crews will be using lanes on the current bridge as a platform to pour concrete decks for the westbound (Gulf Breeze to Pensacola) structure.
- West Cervantes Street (U.S. 90) Pedestrian Safety Improvement – Drivers may encounter intermittent daytime and nighttime single lane closures and lane shifts, between A Street and Dominguez Street. The closures will allow crews to work on the irrigation system and landscaping. In addition, the seven mid-block crossing signals will be activated on Cervantes Street.
- Pace Boulevard from Barrancas Avenue to Massachusetts Avenue – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures on Pace Boulevard and side streets, between Cervantes Street and Barrancas Avenue Sunday, Oct. 16 through Thursday, Oct. 20 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. The work will continue for several weeks as crews work to adjust manholes, and mill and pave the roadways. In addition, pedestrians will encounter alternating sidewalk closures on Pace Boulevard, between Barrancas Avenue and North Palafox Street (U.S. 29), while crews make sidewalk and curb improvements. Pedestrians will be detoured to the signalized intersections to access the sidewalks on the other side of Pace Boulevard.
- I-10 at the Interstate 110 (I-110) Interchange – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures on the following ramps from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 16 through Thursday, Oct. 20 as crews install thermoplastic pavement markings:
- I-110 northbound ramp to I-10 eastbound.
- I-110 northbound ramp to I-10 westbound.
- I-110 northbound ramp to Davis Highway.
- Davis Highway on-ramp to I-110 southbound.
- I-10 eastbound ramp to I-110 southbound.
- Sorrento Road Resurfacing from the Theo Baars Bridge to Bauer Road – Drivers will encounter the following lane closures Sunday, Oct. 16 through Thursday, Oct. 20 from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.:
- Reduction to one lane and traffic flagging operation from Innerarity Point Road to Bauer Road as crews mill and pave the roadway.
- Reduction to one lane and traffic flagging operations between Doug Ford Road and Bauer Road as crews perform shoulder widening and drainage work.
- · Barrancas Avenue Routine Maintenance from Manchester Street to the Bayou Chico Bridge – Drivers will encounter the following traffic impacts:
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- Daytime single lane closures on the Bayou Chico Bridge as crews remove and replace the striping on the bridge. The closures will be in place several days until the work is complete.
- Alternating lane closures on Barrancas Avenue, between Manchester Street and the Bayou Chico Bridge, from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 16 through Thursday, Oct. 20. The closures will allow crews to work on the manholes and place thermoplastic striping on the roadway.
- East Nine Mile Road. (U.S. 90A) from Chemstrand Road to East of Baldridge Drive – The bicycle lanes are temporarily closed to allow crews to widen the turn lanes and construct new five-foot bicycle lanes. In addition, the speed limit on this section of East Nine Mile Road will be reduced from 45 mph to 35 mph as vehicles and bicycles will now share the roadway. The closure and speed limit reduction will be in place until the project is complete next summer.
- Sorrento Road (S.R. 292) Intersection Improvements at Innerarity Point (County Road 292A) – Motorists can expect intermittent lane closures Sunday, Oct. 9 through Friday, Oct. 14 from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for construction operations.
- North Ninth Avenue (S.R. 289) Carpenters Creek Bridge Replacement – The Ninth Avenue northbound bridge over Carpenter’s Creek is slated to open next week. Four travel lanes, two in each direction, will be open when traffic is placed in final configuration Tuesday, Oct. 18. Drivers will continue to encounter intermittent and alternating lane closures as crews continue to place the final layer or “friction course” of asphalt and perform final work activities.
- Pensacola Boulevard (U.S. 29), from Brent Lane (S.R. 296) to north of I-10 – Traffic has been slightly shifted to the outside in both directions. The traffic shift will be in place for several weeks as crews repair the median barrier wall.
- West Garden Street (U.S. 98) Routine Underground Utility Maintenance near G Street – Motorists can expect intermittent lane closures Tuesday, Oct. 18 from 4 a.m. to 4 p.m. for utility maintenance.
- I-10 Routine Bridge Maintenance over Escambia Bay Bridge – Motorists can expect intermittent lane closures Monday, Oct. 17 from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. for routine maintenance.
Santa Rosa County:
- Pensacola Bay Bridge (U.S. 98) Replacement – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures and lane shifts on the Pensacola Bay Bridge Sunday, Oct. 16 through Saturday, Oct. 22 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. On Tuesday, Oct. 18, U.S. 98 westbound (Gulf Breeze to Pensacola) will have lane closures beginning at 10 p.m. due to Bands on the Beach. Crews will be using lanes on the current bridge as a platform to pour concrete decks for the westbound (Gulf Breeze to Pensacola) structure.
- U.S. 90 Bridge Replacement over Simpson River - Construction crews will temporarily shift eastbound traffic to the westbound bridge over Simpson River Wednesday, Oct. 19. The shift is expected to be in place through March 2023. During this time, there will be two westbound lanes and one eastbound travel lane using the westbound bridge. Due to the traffic shift, there will not be dedicated bike lanes on the bridge. Drivers are urged to use extra caution as they will be temporarily sharing the bridge with cyclists. Drivers are also reminded that the speed limit is 35 mph through the work zone.
- I-10 Resurfacing East of S.R. 281 (Avalon Boulevard) to East of S.R. 87 – Motorists can expect intermittent nighttime and daytime lane closures Monday, Oct. 17 through Friday, Oct. 21 for construction activities.
- U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive – Motorists will encounter the following traffic impacts:
- Median and turn-lane closures from Bayshore Road to Tiger Point Drive.
- Intermittent lane closures and additional median closures between S.R. 281 and Bayshore Road, Sunday, Oct. 16 through Friday, Oct. 21 from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for stormwater drainage improvements and paving operations.
- Settlers Colony Boulevard will remain closed to complete necessary drainage improvements. This closure will remain in effect for approximately 30 days. Motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians will access Settlers Colony Boulevard via Venetian Way and Coronado Drive. Detour signs will be in place. Residents may experience noise, vibrations, and dust during daytime hours as part of this drainage improvement effort.
- S.R. 87 Routine Bridge Inspection over Yellow River – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures south of I-10 Tuesday, Oct. 18 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for routine bridge inspection.
- S.R. 4 Roadway Maintenance East of Magaha Road in Jay – Motorists will encounter intermittent daytime lane closures Monday, Oct. 17 through Friday, Oct. 21 for paving operations.
- U.S. 98 Turn Lane Construction at Rosewood Avenue – Motorist will encounter intermittent outside westbound lane closures Saturday, Oct. 22 through Tuesday, Oct. 25 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for paving operations.
All activities are weather-dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Florida Gas Prices Climb 7 Cents On Average In The Last Week
October 17, 2022
Florida gas prices averaged $3.40 a gallon on Sunday. That’s 7 cents per gallon more than a week ago, 22 cents more than this time last year, yet 3 cents less than last month.
The average in Escambia County was $3.25. Sunday night, a low of $3.22 could be found in Cantonment, while Pensacola was as low $3.03 on Nine Mile Road.
“Drivers faced another round of rising gas prices last week, as retail prices at the pump continued to adjust to the big jump in oil prices which occurred more than a week ago,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “The 17% oil price hike was largely in response to OPEC’s announcement that it would cut oil production by 2 million barrels per day in effort to raise oil prices. The resulting gas price hike effectively erased any discounts created by the state gas tax holiday. Fortunately, oil prices took a step back last week, which should ease upward pressure at the pump.”
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Woman Shot In The Face In Cantonment, Suspect Later Shot Himself, ECSO Says
October 16, 2022
A woman was shot in the face and the suspect died after being found with a gunshot wound early Sunday morning in Cantonment.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of an unknown problem at 12:45 Sunday morning on Fishhook Lane, near the Perdido River west of Jacks Branch Road.
According to ECSO Sgt. Melony Peterson, the victim reported that she was shot in the face and was transported to an area hospital for treatment. She is expected to recover.
Peterson said she had gotten into an argument with a man believed to be her cousin.
About an hour later, the adult male suspect shot himself near the original crime scene and was transported to an area hospital where he later died, according to the ECSO.
The incident remained under investigation and further details were not immediately known.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Children Found Safe, Suspect Arrested After Kidnapping, Amber Alert
October 16, 2022
UPDATE: At 3:35 a.m., the children were found safe and the suspect was arrested in Philadelphia, Mississippi.
An amber alert was issued late Saturday night for a 2-year old kidnapped from Pensacola.
According to the Pensacola Police Department, 22-year-old Alyanna Gully is wanted for the kidnapping of 2-year old Jazarah Stallworth at about 10:47 p.m. from 6115 North Davis Highway. Gully also took her own 2-year old child Aila Jones and a 17-year old. The teen was dropped off in the Cantonment area at Highway 29 and Roberts Road. Investigators said Gully may have been heading to Atlanta, driving a 2014 white Ford Fusion with Florida tag #05DFWD.
Jazarah Stallworth was last seen wearing a pink shirt, Minnie Mouse shorts and white socks. Aila Jones was last seen wearing pink pajamas with unicorns.
Gully was described as a 22-year old black female, about 5-foot 5 inches tall, 140 pounds with black hair and brown eyes.
Anyone that knows the whereabouts of Gully or the children is asked to call 911 immediately.