Multiple Injuries In Rollover Crash At Highway 29, Neal Road
November 7, 2022
There were multiple injuries in a two vehicle rollover crash on Highway 29 Saturday afternoon.
The wreck happened about 12:30 p.m. on Highway 29 at Neal Road and involved a Kia Telluride that overturned and a Nissan Sentra.
Firefighters were forced to remove the roof from the Kia in order to extricate the injured.
None of the injuries were considered life threatening.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating.
The Ensley and Cantonment stations of Escambia County Rescue, Escambia County EMS and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Florida Gas Prices Jumped 17 Cents On Average Last Week After Gas Tax Holiday Ended
November 7, 2022
As expected, Florida gas prices increased last week, following the expiration of the state’s gas tax holiday on November 1.
Meanwhile, the state average only increased 17 cents per gallon last week; rising from $3.29 on October 31 to $3.46 per gallon on Sunday.
The average price per gallon in Escambia County was $3.27. In North Escambia, a station on Highway 29 in Cantonment was the low price at $3.25 Sunday night, while Pensacola bottomed out at $2.99at one of the warehouse clubs.
“With the reinstatement of Florida’s gas tax, the state average gas price has rebounded to its highest level since September 10th,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Last week’s 17 cent jump amounts to about $2.55 more to fill an average-size tank of gas. Florida’s state average now sits at $1.43 per gallon less than what drivers paid in mid-June. That has drivers paying $21 less for a full tank than they did in the early summer.”
Pictured. Regular unleaded was $3.09 at this station on Nine Mile Road Sunday night. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
UWF Wins Gulf South Conference Championship
November 7, 2022
Of all the heart-thumping, final play wins in UWF’s six-year football history, the Argos 32-31 overtime thriller Saturday night at Valdosta State may now stand alone.
This one brought a Gulf South Conference championship and opportunity for the eighth-ranked Argos to have a home field edge when the NCAA Division II playoffs begin in two weeks.
Quarterback Peewee Jarrett willed UWF to victory, after answering Valdosta State’s overtime touchdown with a fourth-down conversion from the 18, then his 12-yard touchdown pass to Caden Leggett, followed by Jarrett’s power plow into the end zone from the 1-and-a-half yard-line for game-winning, two-point conversion.
It was wow all the way around.
“He called it (2-point play), he wanted it,” said UWF coach Pete Shinnick, who opted to go for the do-or-die 2-point play after a late hit on Jarrett’s overtime touchdown pass moved the ball from the 3 to the 1.5 yard-line.
“It was working for us all night,” said Jarrett, a first-team national junior college All-American a year ago, who transferred in the early summer to win UWF’s starting quarterback role. “I told coach, you brought me here for a reason. I can get you one yard. That was the biggest thing. I told him put it in my hands and we got it done.”
The Argos missed a chance to win the game with 22 seconds left in regulation play when Jarrett dropped a perfect 48-yard pass into Jared Smith’s hands, but the ball was knocked loose a split-second late by a VSU defender in the end zone for an incompletion. On the next play, another Jarrett long ball was intercepted with 13 seconds left to force overtime.
The dramatic win for the Argos (8-1, 5-1 in GSC) was their 14th consecutive road victory, the second-longest streak in Division II. It was a third consecutive win against rival Valdosta State (4-6, 2-5) in a series that has featured three of the past four games decided by five points or less between these teams.
UWF will now close out its regular-season on Nov. 12 with a rematch at Mississippi College, which does not count in the conference standings, but will be vital for UWF to win in order to guarantee a home game when the D-2 playoffs begin. UWF beat Mississippi College 45-17 on Oct. 22 in a GSC game in Pensacola.
Earlier Saturday, the Argos learned that previously unbeaten Delta State, which defeated UWF 45-42 in an epic double overtime game in Pensacola on Sept. 24, had lost at home (52-42) against West Georgia.
Since the GSC does not use a head-to-head matchups to determine a football league champion, the Argos knew they could share the GSC championship, plus enhance their positioning in region rankings for the Division II playoffs.
But UWF trailed 14-7 after a mistake-filled first half. The Argos tied the game three times in the second half but could never gain a lead until the game-deciding play in overtime.
“We found a way, found a way,” said Shinnick, the excitement in his voice easily detectable. “Way to overcome a lot of uncharacteristic plays on our part. I thought Peewee was on fire. He was dialing it up. He was hitting our guys, it was fun to watch.”
It became UWF’s 113th conference championship in school history, an amazing feat for the athletic program, and the second consecutive conference trophy for a football team that started from scratch in 2016.
“That is great,” Shinnick said. “Congratulations to our players. What a great job, staying true to this thing.”
UWF won the coin toss for overtime possession and elected to play defense. On the first play, Valdosta State’s senior quarterback Ivory Durham took a shotgun snap from the 25 and ran left, then down the sideline for a go-ahead touchdown.
Durham compiled 316 yards total offense Saturday by passing for 196 yards and two touchdowns and rushing for 120 yards and one score.
When UWF got the ball from the 25, Jarrett’s second-down pass was nearly intercepted. He then was called for a delay-of-game penalty to push the ball to the 23. He rushed five yards to 18. On fourth down, he went up to middle to convert a first down and set the stage for his pass to Leggett in the back corner of the end zone.
Now, it was decision time. Go for two to win? Or kick the PAT to force a second overtime.
“Once we got the penalty, it was a no-brainer,” Shinnick said. “I was thinking about doing it even if we didn’t have the penalty. But we got the penalty, the ball at the yard and a half, there was no stopping us.”
There was no debate, either, on what to do.
“When it came down to the play, there was no discussion,” Jarrett said. “I told coach Shinnick, put the ball in my hands and let’s go right up the middle with it.”
As he lined up his team Jarrett saw VSU’s defense was not stacked at the line of scrimmage.
“I was expecting a way different look, a tighter box… and it was kind of loose,” he said. “I don’t know if they expected us to pass or what… I went out there and my eyes were wide, they probably saw that. But I just went right up the gut with it.”
The blocking from UWF’s veteran offensive line provided the initial push and Jarrett easily bulled in for the winner. He finished the game 15-for-34 passing for 309 yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions. He also rushed for 121 yards. Many of his passes, however, were dropped, which skews the passing stats.
The Argos, who won for the first-time at Valdosta State during the regular season (they won a D-2 playoff game there in 2019 to advance to the national semifinals), struggled by their own self-inflicted issues the entire first half.
A holding penalty nullified a touchdown pass by Jarrett on the first possession. A missed field goal followed from 29 yards. An offensive pass interference and holding penalty on separate plays thwarted another drive.
Finally, Jarrett’s 43-yard pass to Nate Howard tied the game midway through the second quarter. But Valdosta State, which honored its first football team from 40 years ago, answered on the ensuing possession with an 11-play, 72-yard drive.
UWF tied the game on the third play of the second half when Jarrett connected with David Durden across the middle and he went 46-yards for a score. But again VSU answered, this time on a 78-yard scoring drive to regain the lead.
The Blazers took the lead on a 44-yard field goal with 9:41 left, but UWF’s Griffin Cerra atoned from the previous miss to convert a 36-yarder with 2:51 left in the game to tie the score.
The game was the first time all season UWF failed to score at least 34 points with an offense that is ranked No. 5 among all D-2 teams. The Argos will now turn focus to the season finale against Mississippi College.
by Bill Vilona, UWF Senior Writer
Photo: Morgan Givens
South Carolina Upsets No. 1 Seed Alabama For SEC Tournament Title (With Photo Gallery)
November 7, 2022
The No. 2 seed South Carolina Gamecocks women’s soccer team upset the No. 1 seed Alabama Crimson Tide Sunday afternoon in Escambia County to win the SEC Tournament Championship 1-0.
The Tide got the first shot of the game off in the seventh minute of play after a hefty back and forth battle, coming off wide to the right. The Gamecocks’ Brianna Behm answered back 10 minutes later, but was blocked by an Alabama defender.
Both teams’ defensive lines put in work, limiting each side to less than five shots throughout the first half (USC 4, UA 5). South Carolina took two corners during the first 45, but couldn’t make the connection.
The teams headed out of the half locked at 0-0.
For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery, click or tap here.
The Gamecocks got things started quickly coming into the second period with a corner kick happening less than two minutes in. There was a scramble in front of the net, but the Tide was able to get the ball out and towards their end of the field.
At 57 minutes in, Behm saw an opportunity behind Alabama goalkeeper McKinley Crone and buried it into the right corner for her first goal of the season (pictured left), putting the Gamecocks up 1-0 over the Tide. Catherine Barry also tallied an assist on the goal.
South Carolina’s offense didn’t quit, putting up several more chances throughout the next 10 minutes.
The Tide put up a heart-stopping shot with less than two minutes to go in regulation, but a team effort and save from senior goalkeeper Heather Hinz sealed the win for South Carolina.
The tournament was played at Ashton Brosnaham Park off 10 Mile Road.
For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery, click or tap here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Ronald W. Lassitter
November 7, 2022
Mr. Ronald W. Lassitter age 66, passed away peacefully, Sunday, November 6, 2022, at his home in Booneville, AL. with his family at his bedside. He was a lifelong resident of Booneville, AL; and retired from building homes for many years.
Mr. Lassitter enjoyed spending time with his family, friends, and especially his grandchildren. He was an avid Alabama Football Fan, and enjoyed riding motorcycles. He enjoyed hunting, spending time on the houseboat and river fishing.
He is preceded in death by his father, Rubert Ray Lassitter.
He is survived by his mother, Elouise Lassitter, of Booneville, AL; loving wife of 33 years, Taffy Lassitter, of Booneville, AL; two sons, Jason (Jennifer) Lassitter, of Rabun, AL; Blake Perry (Charity Hacker) of Bay Minette, AL; two daughters, Ashley Lassitter (Clay Davis) of Foley, AL; Somer Lassitter, of Atmore, AL; one brother Ray (Diane) Lassitter, of Nokomis, AL; five grandchildren, Parker Lassitter, Jace Lassitter, Ronni-Claire Johnson, Lexie McKenzie, Khaleesi Davis, numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, November 10, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC. with Rev. Marshall Wall and Rev. Don Davis officiating.
Burial will follow at Judson Creek Indian Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, November 9, 2022 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC.
Pallbearers will be Larry Paul, Donnie Smith, Robert Emmons, Matt Cox, Chris Dunn, and Tommy Morrow.
Honorary pallbearers will be Jeff Kelly, Bruce Vickery, Mike Vickery, Jordan Tolbert, and Matthew Scott.
The family would like to say; Thank You! to Debbie (Sis) Albritton, Savannah Scott, and Amanda Rolin, for being there and helping care for Ronald, and helping Taffy during this difficult time.
Walnut Hill VFD Honors Firefighters, Community Members During Fish Fry (With Photo Gallery)
November 6, 2022
The Walnut Hill Volunteer Fire Department honored members of the community and the department during their 53rd annual fish fry Saturday.
Andrew Peters was named Firefighter of the Year, an award chosen by his fellow firefighters. AJ Beachy was named Officer of the Year and recognized for his service to the department.
Melvin Iutzi and Sandra Iutzi received the Walnut Hill Volunteer Fire Department’s Community Service Award for outstanding and dedicated service to the community.
There were 777 catfish or grilled chicken plates sold. Plates included a choice of grilled catfish, fried catfish or grilled chicken, plus baked beans, coleslaw, homemade bread and homemade desserts. Proceeds will be used to provide assistance to displaced fire victims in the area.
Door prizes were awarded throughout the event, and there was also a blood drive.
For more photos, click or tap here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Over 34,000 Early Votes Cast In Escambia County
November 6, 2022
Early voting ended Saturday in Escambia County with over 34,000 ballots cast, bringing the overall voter turnout to 27.56% in advance of the November 8 general election.
There were a total of 34,215 early ballots cast as of Saturday, along with 27.530 vote-by-mail ballots received.
The busiest early voting location was the Genealogy Branch Library with 7,439 early voters; the slowest was the Billy G. Ward Courthouse in Century with 281 early voters. A breakdown is in the graphic below for all sites.
On Election Day, Tuesday, November 8, the polls will be open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.
Vote-by-mail ballots must be received in the Elections Office no later than 7 p.m. on Election Day.
Inez Chancery of McDavid Celebrates Her 100th Birthday
November 6, 2022
Inez Chancery of McDavid is celebrating her 100th birthday.
She has five children, eight grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and eight great-great-grandchildren.
Her birthday is Tuesday, but friends and family celebrated with her Saturday afternoon at Grace Baptist Church.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Debbie Williams Named Escambia County Employee Of The Month
November 6, 2022
Debbie Williams has been named the Escambia County November 2022 Employee of the Month.
Williams is an environmental specialist in theNatural Resources Management department.
Williams began her career with Escambia County in September 1999. As an environmental specialist, she provides citizens with technical assistance to address land management concerns such as soil erosion and drainage issues. In addition, she plays an active role in land management activities on county-owned property, including timber, recreation and wildlife. Debbie also partners with the Natural Resources Conservation Service through the United States Department of Agriculture to help implement the conservation of land, water and aid, as well as cost-share programs for local farm producers and timber landowners.
She serves as the point of contact for the Escambia Soil and Water Conservation District, where she has taken on new challenges as board member eligibility requirements recently changed. She has been deeply engaged with many parties as these amendments take effect, including the Escambia County Supervisor of Elections, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and the Association of Florida Conservation Districts.
Williams also oversees the Escambia County Geocache Tour, which was designed to route residents and visitors to the area’s environmental restoration projects and unique environmental habitats. She also serves as the county representative on the Escambia County Farm Tour Committee, which has successfully showcased the agricultural community in Escambia County over the years.
“Debbie has always been an exceptional public servant who has served as an invaluable asset to the agricultural community in Escambia County for many years,” said Natural Resources Conservation Manager Adam Parden. “We are very grateful and honored that her contributions and hard work are being recognized.”
Outside of her duties with the county, Debbie is an active member of the Florida Farm Bureau and in the equestrian community, routinely volunteering time with the Northview High School FFA.
Here Are This Week’s Road Construction Slow Down Areas
November 6, 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, Nov. 6 through Saturday, Nov. 12 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Crews will be using lanes on the current bridge as a platform to perform miscellaneous construction activities on the westbound (Gulf Breeze to Pensacola) structure.
- Saufley Field Road (State Road (S.R.) 296), from the Naval Air Station Entrance to West of Mobile Highway (U.S. 90) – Drivers will encounter single lane closures with traffic flagging operations on Parda Road as crews remove and reconstruct a portion of the roadway. The closures will continue for the next several weeks.
- Pace Boulevard from Barrancas Avenue to Massachusetts Avenue – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures and sidewalk closures on Pace Boulevard and side streets, between Barrancas Avenue and North Palafox Street (U.S. 29) through Wednesday, Nov. 30 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. The work will allow crews to adjust manholes, mill and pave the roadways, and 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 – The $1.5 million safety improvement project is complete. The project began in spring 2022 and included milling and resurfacing and applying an anti-skid surface to the ramps, adding audible edge lines along the outside edges of the ramps, installing raised rumble strips across the I-110 northbound to I-10 eastbound travel lanes, reducing the speed limit from 45 mph to 35 mph on the I-110 northbound ramp to I-10 westbound, and improving guardrail, signage, and pavement markings.
- · Barrancas Avenue Routine Maintenance from Manchester Street to the Bayou Chico Bridge – Drivers will encounter intermittent lane closures on Barrancas Avenue, between Manchester Street and the Bayou Chico Bridge, Sunday, Nov. 6 through Sunday, Nov. 12. The closures will allow crews to perform final work list items.
- 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 has been 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.
- North Ninth Avenue (S.R. 289) Carpenters Creek Bridge Replacement – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures Sunday, Nov. 6 through Thursday, Nov. 12 from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. as crews pave the roadway.
- Pensacola Boulevard (U.S. 29), from Brent Lane (S.R. 296) to North of I-10 – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures Sunday, Nov. 6 through Thursday, Nov. 12 from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. as crews pave the roadway
- Lillian Highway (S.R. 298), from North of U.S. 98 to east of Fairfield Drive (S.R. 727) and Lillian Highway at Blue Angel Parkway (S.R. 173) - Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on Lillian Highway, between U.S. 98 and Blue Angel Highway, for erosion control operations. Shoulder closures will be present throughout the project for erosion control installation.
- Sorrento Road Turn Lane Construction at the new Pleasant Grove Elementary – Motorist will encounter intermittent lane closures west of Blue Angel Parkway beginning 8 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 6 through 5:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 8 for construction activities.
- North Palafox Street Routine Maintenance at the Intersection of Bayliss Court – Motorist will encounter intermittent lane closures Monday, Nov. 7 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. for routine maintenance.
- Scenic Highway (U.S. 90) Routine Maintenance near Langley Avenue – Motorist will encounter intermittent lane closures Wednesday, Nov. 9 from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. for routine maintenance.
- Airport Boulevard Routine Maintenance near Creek Station Drive – Motorist will encounter intermittent lane closures Wednesday, Nov. 9 from 9 p.m. to 2 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, Nov. 6 through Saturday, Nov. 12 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Crews will be using lanes on the current bridge as a platform to perform miscellaneous construction activities on the westbound (Gulf Breeze to Pensacola) structure.
- U.S. 90 Bridge Replacement over Simpson River - Construction crews have temporarily shifted eastbound traffic to the westbound bridge over Simpson River. 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 lane closures Monday, Nov. 7 through Friday, Nov. 11 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, Nov. 6 through Friday, Nov. 10 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. 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.
- U.S. 98 Turn Lane Construction West of S.R. 87 – Motorist will encounter intermittent lane closures Wednesday, Nov. 9 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for construction activities.
All activities are weather-dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.