Train Blocks Fairground Road In Molino For Hours; Crossing Replacements Underway In Atmore
April 19, 2022
Work was underway Monday on railroad crossing replacement in Atmore, and a train blocked a Molino neighborhood for hours.
The Trammel Street crossing in Atmore was closed Monday afternoon. CSX has nor provided any schedule for other crossing replacements.
Also Monday, a CSX train was blocking Fairground Road in Molino. Local residents told NorthEscambia.com that the crossing had been blocked for hours and was still blocked at 9:30 p.m. We reached out to CSX for the reason the train was stopped, but did not receive any response.
Pictured top: Work on the Trammell Street crossing in Atmore on Monday. Pictured below: A train said to be blocking Molino Road Monday into Monday night. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Mark Your Calendar: Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive Returns Next Month
April 19, 2022
Residents in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties can help feed hungry neighbors in need by donating to the Stamp Out Hunger food drive on Saturday, May 14.
This is the 30th year for the National Association of Letter Carriers’ (NALC) annual Stamp Out Hunger food drive – the largest, national, single-day effort to put food on the table for millions of Americans.
Food collected in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties stays local, helping to feed those who are struggling with food insecurity in the community. The NALC food drive was canceled for two years due to the pandemic, and local food banks say the need for a successful event this year is greater than ever.
“Manna has seen the need for food assistance in our community grow significantly since the last Stamp Out Hunger in 2019, and we don’t anticipate it to slow soon,” said Dede Flounlacker, executive director of Manna Food Pantries. “Stamp Out Hunger is the most important annual food drive for many of the area’s food pantries, including Manna. This food drive makes it possible for Manna to feed thousands of children, seniors, veterans, families, and individuals in need. Every food donation collected by letter carriers helps meet the needs of hungry neighbors in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.”
Residents are encouraged to leave a bag of healthy, non-perishable food items, such as canned chicken, canned tuna, canned fruit in 100% juice, dry breakfast items (oatmeal, whole-grain cereal), canned vegetables, peanut butter, and/or dry beans next to their mailbox prior to regular mail delivery on Saturday, May 14. Residents should not donate items in glass containers or items that have been opened or homemade.
Escambia and Santa Rosa letter carriers will collect food donations that will benefit individuals and families served by Manna Food Pantries, Feeding the Gulf Coast, ACTS Ministries, We Care Ministries, and Warrington Emergency Aid Center.
“We are so thankful to the National Association of Letter Carriers and our community for their support through this annual food drive. This food will greatly help our one in seven neighbors struggling with hunger,” says Michael Ledger, president & CEO of Feeding the Gulf Coast. “Feeding the Gulf Coast has distributed more than 4.3 million meals into Santa Rosa and Escambia Counties to address the increase in need over the last year. Food drives such as Stamp Out Hunger make an incredible impact in helping the food bank and its partners provide steady, nutritious meals to the hard-working families and individuals in our community”
Residents of the two-county area will receive a Stamp Out Hunger postcard reminder in the mail, as well as a bag to fill with donation items.
Northview Nabs Win Over Milton; Tate Freshmen Power Past Navarre
April 19, 2022
Northview 6, Milton 1
The Northview Chiefs took an early lead and defeated the Milton Panthers 6-1 Monday night in Milton.
Jamarkus Jefferson went for five and two-thirds innings, allowing one run and three hits while striking out 11. Josh Landis and Cason Burkett closed.
Jefferson led the Chiefs at the plate, going 3-4, and Landis was 2-3. Trent Knighten, Burkett, Ethan Collier, Rustin Pope, Luke Bridges and Kaden Odom had one hit each.
Tate 13, Navarre 6 (Freshman)
The Tate Aggie Freshmen defeated Navarre 13-6
Zane Warrington surrendered two hits and one run in one inning, while striking out one. Brodie Rhodes, Kaydon Biggs, and Nathan Ozuna pitched in relief.
Trevor Land and Warrington had two hits each to led the Aggies at bat. Kaleb Posta, Taite Davis, Braydon Walker and Amir Sardar each had one hit.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Northview Flag Football Tops Escambia
April 19, 2022
The Northview Chiefs defeated the Escambia Gators 37-6 and 22-6 in a flag football double-header Monday night on Escambia High’s Emmitt Smith Field. Several team members posed together for a fun photo following the game. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
John “Ray” McKinley
April 19, 2022
Mr. John “Ray” McKinley, age 88, passed away, Tuesday, April 5, 2022, peacefully at his home in Atmore, AL. He was born in McCullough, AL; and resided most of his life in Atmore, AL. He was a member of Liberty Church of Atmore. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.
He is preceded in death by his father, Mr. and Mrs. John Alfred (Lee Ila Allen) McKinley, three sons, Tony McKinley, Donald McKinley, Joseph McKinley, one step-son, James David Odom, several brothers, and sisters.
He is survived by his loving wife of twenty-two years, Lillie McKinley, of Atmore, AL; two sons, Andy McKinley, of Atmore, AL; Mitchell (Sandra) McKinley, of Atmore, AL; step-son, Timothy Odon, of Atmore, AL; three daughters, Janice Bush, of Robertsdale, AL; Judy (Grady) Harris, of Flomaton, AL; Barbara (Johnny) Burkett, of Atmore, AL; one brother, Billy (Joyce) Stinson, of Uriah, AL; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, other relatives, and friends.
Memorial service will be held Monday, April 25, 2022 at 5:00 PM at Liberty Church with Rev. Fred Brumett, and Rev. Tim Wetzel officiating.
Popular Convenience Store Chain Wawa Looking For Escambia County Locations
April 18, 2022
Popular convenience store chain Wawa is looking to expand into Escambia County.
Wawa announced Monday afternoon that they are actively looking for potential sites for new stores in the Pensacola area, along with Panama City, Tallahassee and Mobile. Current plans are for Wawa to open up to 40 stores in these markets beginning in 2024.
“Over the years, we’ve been delighted to hear from so many people from so many areas, who are interested in having a Wawa closer to home. We couldn’t be more excited to bring Wawa’s one-of-a-kind brand and offering to these new markets in the near future,” said John Poplawski, Vice President of Real Estate for Wawa. “We look forward to expanding beyond our current reach and serving these new markets with our quality fresh food and beverages and, as always, our deep commitment to the communities in which we operate.”
In 2022, Wawa will mark the 10th anniversary of the opening of its first Florida store. The store opened July 18, 2012, in Orlando across from SeaWorld. Since then Wawa has expanded rapidly throughout the state and will open its 250th store in Florida later this year. Today, Wawa employs almost 10,000 associates across the Sunshine State.
Storms Were Big And Loud, But Left Just A Little Damage
April 18, 2022
Storms that moved through Escambia County prompted two simultaneous tornado warnings, but there were no confirmed touchdowns.
At the Pensacola International Airport, a peak wind guet of 74 mph — hurricane strength — was recorded.
Scattered wind damage was reported in Escambia County.
In Cottage Hill, the wind took the metal roof off a pole wooden barn (pictured above and first below).
On North Chipper Road, the wind downed trees and tossed a trampoline (pictured below). A trampoline was also blown and became lodged against a retaining wall on the I-110 ramp to Airport Boulevard.
At Sam’s Club, a storage shed on display was blown toward Washington High School and blocked a portion of College Parkway (pictured bottom photo).
The last two images below show the areas included in the tornado warnings and an area of circulation near Beulah.
Additional damage was reported in Baldwin and Santa Rosa counties, including the roof of a bakery in Milton.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com click to enlarge.
Escambia County Jobless Rate Drops By Half A Percentage Point
April 18, 2022
The Escambia County unemployment level declined by half a percentage point last month, according to newly released data from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity.
The unemployment rate in Escambia County was 2.7% in March, down from 3.2% in February. That represented 4,049 people out of work out of a county workforce of 148,122. One year ago, Escambia County’s unemployment rate was 5%, or 7,256 people.
Governor Ron DeSantis announced that the Pensacola area gained 8,300 private sector jobs (+5.3%) over the year in March 2022. The Pensacola area labor force increased by 7,138 over the year, a 3.1% increase.
The industries gaining the most jobs over the year were trade, transportation, and utilities (+3,000 jobs), and leisure and hospitality (+2,200 jobs). In March 2022, the Pensacola metro area had the fastest over-the-year job growth rate compared to all the metro areas in the state in trade, transportation, and utilities (+8.8%).
Florida’s statewide unemployment rate dropped to 3.2% in March 2022, marking the 16th consecutive month the state’s unemployment rate has been lower than the national rate, which is currently 3.6%. Florida’s labor force is experiencing steady growth, growing by 325,000, or 3.2%, over the year, faster than the national labor force growth rate of 2.4%. As of March 2022, Florida employers added jobs for the 23rd consecutive month, and Florida outpaced the nation in private sector job growth for the 12th consecutive month.
Inmate Accused Of Assaulting, Injuring Century Correctional Institution Officers
April 18, 2022
Inmate Joshua Christian assaulted officers at Century Correctional Institution, according to the Florida Department of Corrections.
He assaulted officers by striking them with a closed fist and kicking them. Medical staff examined the officers and noted injuries.
“Staff responded appropriately, and the inmate was subdued,” FDC said.
Christian is serving multiple sentences until 2024 for thefts, drug possession, resisting an officer with violence and two other instances of battery on corrections officers.
Beulah Middle, Tate High School FFA Chapters Named As Two Of “Florida’s Finest”
April 18, 2022
The Beulah Middle and Tate High school FFA chapters have been named as two of “Florida’s Finest”.
The selection is based upon the completion of the National Chapter Award program application. Both chapters have excelled in the areas of growing leaders, building communities and strengthening agriculture, and have worked diligently to fulfill the mission and vision of the FFA. The Beulah Middle and Tate High FFA programs will be recognized during the 94th Florida FFA State Convention & Expo to be held at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando this summer.
Beulah Middle School and Tate High School are two of only 30 FFA organizations statewide to be selected for this prestigious recognition. Additionally, Beulah Middle School won first place in the state of Florida for Aquaculture, beating all high schools and middle schools in that competition last weekend in Tampa.
“We are so proud of the great things our students and teachers are accomplishing in our Agriculture classes and in our FFA chapter,” said Beulah Middle School Principal Marietta Britt-McCaskill. “The skills they are learning through these practical, hands-on experiences will serve them well in school and in the workplace for the rest of their lives.”
The annual state FFA convention and expo is the highlight of Florida FFA’s year. Nearly 5,000 FFA members, advisors, administrators, alumni, parents and industry partners come together to celebrate the achievements won by the past and present generations of agriculturalists, while continuing to develop their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success.
While at the convention, FFA members and guests will experience motivational speakers, award presentations, exciting exhibits, challenging Career and Leadership Development Events, and plenty of entertaining activities. Attendees can take a stroll through the Florida FFA Expo in search of the perfect career connection, attend a workshop to brush up on those leadership skills, or simply interact and share ideas with FFA members and advisors from across the state.