Escambia Woman Claims $1 Million Lottery Scratch-Off Prize
February 26, 2022
An Escambia County woman has claimed a $1 million top prize in the Florida Lottery’s The Fastest Round to $1,000,000 scratch off game.
Bridget Burgess, 51, chose to receive her winnings as a one-time, lump-sum payment of $790,000.
Burgess purchased her $30 winning scratch-off ticket from Barrancas Food Mart on Barrancas Avenue. The retailer will receive a $2,000 bonus commission for selling the winning ticket.
Man Wanted On Fentanyl And Firearms Charges
February 26, 2022
The Escambia County Sheriff’s office is looking for a man on fentanyl and firearms charges.
On February 23, the ECSO Narcotics Unit served a search warrant at the Pampered Paws Resort in the 4900 block of Mobile Highway. Once inside the pet business, ECSO investigators located a felony amount of fentanyl and five firearms. Investigators determined two of the five guns were stolen.
Cameron Eric Paulchek is wanted for trafficking fentanyl with intent to sell and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He is also wanted for an outstanding battery warrant.
Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP or the ECSO at (850) 436-9620.
The ECSO has not detailed the connection between Paulchek and the business.
Tate Takes Two From Navarre; Escambia Sweeps Northview
February 26, 2022
The Tate Aggies swept two from Navarre Friday, while the Northview Chiefs dropped two to Escambia High.
Tate 10, Navarre 0
Fresh off a 10-0 shutout of Crestview Thursday night, the Tate Aggies shut out Navarre 10-0 Friday night.
Rilee Lowery went four innings, allowing one hit, no runs and striking out four. Ethan McAnally closed allowing one hit, no runs and striking out two.
Madox Land was 2-2 with three RBIs to lead the Aggies at the plate. Drew Reaves, Kirk Mosley, Clif Quiggins and Cade Kelly had one hit each.
Tate 5, Navarre 2 (JV)
The junior varsity Tate Aggies topped Navarre 5-2 Friday.
Gabe Patterson earned the win for the for the JV Aggies, going for three innings, allowing no runs on wo hits and striking out eight. Cameron Partick and Cole McNair closed in relief.
Anthony Longo led the Aggies at the plate, going 2-2. Patterson, Ketch King, Floyd and McNair each added a hit for Tate.
For more Tate varsity and JV photos, click here.
Escambia 4, Northview 3
The Escambia Gators got a late 4-3 win over the Northview Chiefs Friday night in Bratt.
Jamarcus Jefferson allowed five hits and two runs while striking out five in five and a third innings. Cason Burkett threw four and two thirds innings in relief.
Cason Burkett, Luke Bridges, Kaken Odom, Wyatt Scruggs and Trent Knighten had one hit apiece for the Chiefs.
Escambia 6, Northview 2 (JV)
The Northview Chiefs JV fell to Escambia 6-2 Friday.
In three innings, Northview’s C Allen allowed four hits and four runs while striking out three. C Mills allowed one hit and two runs and sat down one in one inning. J White threw one inning.
Pugh went 1-2 for Northview, and Mills was 1-1.
Pictured: Tate varsity and junior varsity beat Navarre Friday. Photos by Laura Glodfelter for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Boil Water Notice Lifted For Highway 297A Area
February 26, 2022
A boil water notice been lifted for ECUA customers in the area of Highway 297A due to a water main break Wednesday morning.
The boil water notice is no longer in effect for customers on Highway 297A and side streets from West Kingsfield Road south to Pinebrook Circle, also including Sceptor Court, Meander Lane, Meander Circle and Brookwood Place.
A 12-inch main at Highway 297A and Meander Lane was broken Wednesday morning.
Map: ECUA
New Weekly COVID-19 Cases In Escambia County Continue To Fall Sharply
February 26, 2022
The number of new COVID-19 cases in Escambia County continues to fall sharply.
There were 273 new COVID-19 cases reported over the last week in Escambia County, according to the Florida Department of Health and the CDC. There were 1,541 cases reported two weeks ago and 542 cases one week ago.
Here is the latest data from FDOH and the CDC:
Escambia County cases:
Total cases: 77,519 (+273)
Positivity rate last week: 7.1%
Current Case Rate per 100k: 83.5
People vaccinated: 170,440 (+134)
Full vaccination rate (age 5+): 58.5%
New hospital admissions: 71
Current hospitalizations (as of Friday): 66
Total deaths reported last 7 days: 0
Santa Rosa County cases:
Total cases: 99,025 (+203)
Positivity rate last week: 16.28%
Current Case Rate per 100k: 108.6
People vaccinated: 99,025 (+74)
Full vaccination rate (age 5+): 56.5%
New hospital admissions: 13
Total deaths last 7 days: 0
Statewide cases:
Florida resident cases: 5,800,561 (+25,640)
Case positivity rate: 5.6%
Case Rate per 100k: 193.3
Deaths: 69,790 (+119)
Data sources: CDC, Florida Department of Health, Escambia County
George Robert Underwood
February 26, 2022
George Robert Underwood passed away Thursday, February 10, 2022, after a twelve-year battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. While the Disease took its toll on his body and mind, it couldn’t break his spirit, take his smile, laughter, or the love he had for his wife of 30 years Marsha Smith Underwood.
George was a proud United States Marine and the epitome of a modern-day John Wayne – fair, loyal, tough, and courageous. He was never petty, never shirked a task, never went looking for a fight, but never backed down from one either. As Captain of the Uniform Patrol Division the Pensacola Police Department he was proud to mentoring rookie officers and always had your back. If you worked for the Pensacola Police Department between 1970 and 1997, George Underwood knew your name and was one of the first people to wish you Happy Birthday every year. He inspired hundreds of Police Officers to be better human beings by his words and example. He was one of the finest Captains to ever serve in the storied history of the Pensacola Police Department.
Born on August 1, 1934 in Newark, New Jersey to John J. Underwood, Jr., and Helen Underwood, he grew up working at his father’s gas station and playing football and basketball. Despite spending his youth in the north, he did not like snow. Upon graduation from high school, he attended Community College in New Jersey before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps in 1953. While in the Marines he was assigned to several different security positions which kindled an interest in law enforcement.
George began his career in law enforcement walking a beat in Washington D.C. in 1960. He did not have a patrol car so any suspects he apprehended were handcuffed to light poles or parking meters while he walked to the nearest call box to call for a paddy wagon. From D.C. he served as a U.S. Border Patrol agent in Harlingen, Texas, where he discovered that he did not like riding horses. His next stop was a job as a police officer in Oakland, California.
In late 1967, George left Oakland and returned to Pensacola. In 1970 he was hired by the Police Department where he would spend the next 28 years of his professional life and meet the love of his life. Along the way he earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of West Florida in 1974 and a Master of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Troy State University in 1977. He is a 1975 Graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. More importantly he raised a son, Kenneth B. Underwood and daughter, Sheila J. Underwood, whom he loved dutifully and dearly.
His hard work, competence, loyalty, and persistence translated into a meteoric rise in the ranks of the Pensacola Police Department. In 1978 while a Sargent of the Detective Bureau he oversaw the most famous arrest in Pensacola history – the capture of serial killer Ted Bundy. George was among the group that led the handcuffed killer into the Escambia County Courthouse. In what seemed like a blink of an eye, he became Captain of the largest Division of the Department – the Uniformed Patrol Division where he oversaw 100 officers. One of the more stressful and difficult divisions, George was known as a tough, but fair Captain who would vigorously defend an officer he felt was in the right. George had a profound impact on the lives of countless police officers. His contributions to the Department are too numerous and varied to list. At his retirement in 1997 the Department honored him by naming the road around the Pensacola Police Department “George Underwood Way.”
Married in 1990, George Underwood and Marsha Smith became “George & Marsha.” George & Marsha loved to be together and loved the outdoors. After borrowing a tent from friends to go on a campout they graduated to a pop-up camper, then a series of recreational vehicles. George enjoyed campground life and wherever they travelled he never met a stranger. Never afraid of adventure, in 1999-2000 they hosted a Brazilian exchange student Gustavo Seabra who they regard as their “Brazilian Son.” After retirement George & Marsha said goodbye to their RV and bought a chalet in Pine Mountain, Georgia. George & Marsha loved Pine Mountain where they spent time relaxing together and with family – fishing, cooking, sight-seeing, chasing dogs, and watching the Atlanta Braves. George kept a journal recounting the adventures of each day they spent together at the chalet.
George’s influence extended beyond law enforcement deep into the community including service on the Board of Directors for the Northwest Florida Crippled Children’s Association (now known as the New Horizons of Northwest Florida) and the Escambia AIDS Services and Education Board. He was an active Lifetime member of the Marine Corps League Pensacola J.R. Spears Jr. Chapter #66. George donated gallons of Blood throughout his life and after seeing the loving care his son Kenneth received from Hospice at the end of his life, George became a tireless volunteer and advocate for Hospice – not one for the spotlight, George led as he always did through service – taking out the garbage, making coffee, and visiting with the families of patients – especially veterans. For his work in law enforcement and the community he was recognized with a Distinguished Service Award from the Council on Crime and Delinquency in 1995. In typical George fashion, when asked about the honor he said simply, “I guess they couldn’t think of anyone else to give it to.” Truth told – there was no one more deserving.
George is preceded in death by his parents, John J. and Helen Underwood and his son Kenneth B. Underwood.
He is survived by his wife Marsha, his daughter Sheila J. Underwood of Pace; his mother-in-law, Betty Horne Smith of Pensacola; his “Brazilian Son” Gustavo Seabra of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; his brother and sister-in-law Tom & Dinah Remington of Santa Rosa Beach Florida and his nephews & nieces: Scott & Amie Remington (Pensacola); Mary Blake & Kirby Williams (Santa Rosa Beach); Betsy & Pat Hart (Pensacola); Sara Smith (Colorado Springs, CO) and Nick Smith (San Francisco, CA); great-nieces & nephews, Virginia Remington, Betsy Williams, Mac Williams, James Williams, Tom Remington, Harry Remington, Mary Scott Hart, Libby Hart, and Chris Hart. He will be missed by his Pensacola Police Department Family, countless friends, community members, his family, and most of all his beloved Marsha.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Caregivers at The Residence and YourLife Memory Care Facilities for their love and care for George.
If you knew George – then you know he would not want his obituary to exclude the following advice: keep your eyes open and your back to the wall.
A memorial service will be held 1:00pm Thursday, March 3, 2022 at Gadsden Street United Methodist Church in Pensacola, followed by Police Honor Guard escort to Barrancas National Cemetery on-board Pensacola Naval Air Station for internment with full military honors by the United States Marine Corps.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in George’s name to Gadsden Street United Methodist Church, 901 East Gadsden Street, Pensacola, Florida 32503
Woman Charged With Allegedly Stealing Items Valued At $8,000 From Barn
February 25, 2022
An Atmore woman is accused of stealing items from a barn in Escambia County, Florida.
Kelsey Alanna Taylor, 25, was charged with felony burglary of an unoccupied structure and felony grand theft.
Taylor and another suspect allegedly took a 54-inch Grasshopper zero turn mower, air compressor, shop fan and a string trimmer from an Escambia County barn. The total value of the items was placed at $8,000. The second suspect’s name was redacted from the arrest report because their arrest was pending at the time.
The victim told the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office that at no time did anyone have permission to remove items from the barn.
Taylor and the second suspect told deputies that they were given permission to remove items from the barn to replace items they already had stored in the barn that were damaged by water. Both admitted to taking the fan, string trimmer and air compressor with permission, but denied that they removed the lawnmower, according to an arrest report. At last report, the mower had not been recovered.
Taylor and the second suspect sold the air compressor and shop fan for $200, the report states.
Taylor was arrested in Escambia County, Alabama, and later extradited to Florida to face the charges against her. She was later released from the Escambia County (FL) jail on a $10,000 bond.
Annual Walnut Hill Ruritan Farm Auction Is This Saturday
February 25, 2022
The 47th Annual Walnut Hill Ruritan Club Farm Equipment Auction will be held this Saturday, February 26, beginning at 9:30 a.m.
The auction includes not only farm equipment, but also household items like tools and small equipment, lawn and garden items, antiques and more.
The sale takes place at the Walnut Hill Community Center, 7850 Highway 97, just north of Ernest Ward Middle School. The deadline for adding lots is 8:00 the morning of the auction.
This is an open, no reserve sale. Ten percent of the price will be assessed to the buyer for all lots sold, with a $500 maximum. There is a $5 minimum fee per lot, and sellers must be present to “no sale” a lot. Settlement must be made the day of the sale with cash, check, cashier’s check or credit card. All sellers will be paid by a check in the mail.
For more information or consignments, call (850) 294-0395 or (850) 380-9973.
Low In The Upper 40s Tonight
February 25, 2022
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 48. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high near 71. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 50. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Sunday: A 40 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 64. Light and variable wind becoming northwest 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 40. North wind around 10 mph.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 63. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 41. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 68. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 43. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 71.
Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 46.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 73.
Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 47.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 76.
Tri-City Children’s Choir Rehearsals Begin Next Week; Still Time To Register Your Child
February 25, 2022
Rehearsals begin next week for the Tri-City Children’s Choir (TCCC), a regional initiative of the Pensacola Children’s Chorus, and there’s still time to register.
TCCC will welcome young singers in grades 2-6 who reside in the Century, Flomaton, Jay and surrounding area.
The choir will be under the direction of Holley Driver, a Century-based music teacher.
Singers will meet weekly on Thursdays, with the spring session March 3-May 12 from 4:30 until 5:15 p.m. at Century First United Methodist Church, 530 Church Street. TCCC is a tuition-based program and costs $5-$15 per week. Families may choose the weekly amount that works best for their household finances, and scholarships are also available.
For more information on joining the choir, or make a contribution, visit www.tricitychoir.org.
Driver taught music in the Escambia County School District for over 15 years, served as the choral director at Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Molino for nine years, and teaches in her own studio.