17,000 Escambia Voters Receive Final Notice To Confirm Their Address
August 13, 2023
Address confirmation final notices have been mailed to more than 17,000 Escambia County voters, according Supervisor of Elections David Stafford.
The notices were mailed to voters who have not voted or requested an address update since the 2018 general election.
Under Florida’s voter list maintenance procedures, voters who receive this notice must respond within 30 days or be placed on the inactive voter list.
Voters on the inactive list may be restored to the active voter list after confirming their current address. A voter who remains on the inactive voter list for two consecutive general elections without updating their registration, requesting a vote-by-mail ballot, or appearing to vote will be removed from the Florida voter registration system.
Notices are sent by forwardable mail, feature the official USPS Election Mail logo, and include a postage-paid, pre-addressed return envelope. Voters can always check the status of their voter registration by visiting EscambiaVotes.gov/am-i-registered or by calling (850) 595-3900 during regular business hours. Most changes to a voter’s record can be made by visiting RegistertoVoteFlorida.gov.
Local Author Cooks Up ‘Breadcrumbz’ To Help Girls Navigate Challenging World
August 13, 2023
It all started one day when Escambia County mom Shannon Addison went to have lunch with her daughter at school and it was a deja vu moment. Everytime the adults in the cafeteria walked away, she could hear the girls at the next table picking on one of the girls sitting with them. It hurt her heart to be reminded of just how mean girls can be to one another, something she had experienced growing up and something she had hoped her daughters would not have to experience. She went home and got on the phone with her mother, who was a teacher, to brainstorm a way to help. By the next day an idea was born. The Breadcrumbz would be a quirky band of characters who would share their stories and hopefully help girls navigate ‘girlhood.’
“As a kid, I was always fascinated by the idea that following a trail of breadcrumbs could guide you to safety. The Breadcrumbz will create this trail for girls by giving them fictional examples of ways to navigate their way to a safe place when dealing with conflict,” Addison explained. ”Many of their experiences are inspired by real-world incidents I remembered or I learned from my daughters. I matched that knowledge with research that focuses on girls and social cruelty.”
The initial group of Breadcrumbz, all of whom have heads that are bread shaped, are Penelope Pumpernickel, Rachel Rye, Samantha Sourdough, and Whitney Wheat.
“When Covid shook our world, so many of us found something we wanted to learn – how to knit, as an example. For me, it was learning to make bread. A friend pointed out the connection to my characters and I had a new goal – to create an interactive baking book for girls. Each of my characters is featured in stories that can be read together by an adult and a young baker while they wait for bread dough to rise and finish while they wait for the bread to bake.” Addison said. “There are prompts provided to help start conversations that will hopefully lead to some insight into what is happening with girls and their peers.”
Young bakers will start by making playdough, a great way to introduce them to how to measure ingredients, how to knead dough, and how to help clean up! Each of the Breadcrumbz helps you learn how to make the type of bread she represents and they have been joined by additional characters, Breanna Brioche and Penelope’s little sister, Poppy, and their dog, Pepper (who looks a lot like Addison’s real dog).
“One question I get often is why is my emphasis on girls? Don’t boys also have to learn how to deal with bullies and hurt feelings? The short answer is yes, however, boys’ bullying behavior differs from that of girls. That said, there isn’t any reason your son can’t participate, and reading the stories might help him understand his sister and his female friends better. It might also be a way for a big brother to help when his little sister is hurt in a way he can’t see – mean words don’t leave visible bruises.”
“I started aiming this whole project toward helping girls because that was what I knew best. I was a girl, I was bullied, and I have two daughters with similar experiences. Learning how to help them allowed me to create stories I hope will help others.” Addison added.
The baking book and coordinating measuring cups, spoons, aprons, and baker’s hats, can be ordered now by visiting her web page, mycrumbyworld.com. For a couple more weeks, you will be directed to a Kickstarter page that offers various combinations of items starting with a preorder for the cookbook. Preordering through Kickstarter will allow you to get the book at a discounted rate while it is active. It concludes with plenty of time for Addison to get the books printed in time for the holidays.
Addison gives back is a Take Stock in Children mentor and as a member of the Escambia County Public Schools Foundation’s board.
Wahoos Drop Fifth Straight
August 13, 2023
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos were held to four hits in a 2-0 loss to the Chattanooga Lookouts on Saturday night, losing their fifth consecutive game for the first time all season.
Patrick Monteverde (L, 8-3) looked like his old self in his return to Double-A, but a first-inning homer from Chattanooga’s Rece Hinds gave the Lookouts all the runs they would need for their second shutout of the series.
Monteverde finished strong, completing 6.0 innings with only the two first-inning runs allowed, as he took the tough-luck loss.
Sam Benschoter (W, 4-9) worked around trouble in the early innings, but kept the Blue Wahoos off the board in 5.0 scoreless innings to earn the win for the Lookouts.
The Blue Wahoos had their best chance to break through in the seventh, loading the bases with a single and two walks before Pedro Garcia got Nasim Nuñez to tap out to end the threat. Nuñez was 0-for-4, ending his team-record hitting streak at 17 games.
Ryan Meisinger (S, 10) worked a quick ninth to earn the save and lock down another Chattanooga win over the Blue Wahoos.
The Blue Wahoos have not lost six games in a row since dropping seven straight during the 2021 season, and have never been swept in a six-game series in team history. They turn to Evan Fitterer as they look to avoid the sweep on Sunday afternoon.
written by Erik Bremer
Escambia Children’s Trust Holds Town Hall Meeting In Molino
August 13, 2023
The Escambia County’s Children’s Trust held a series of three town hall meetings last week in Escambia County.
An early Tuesday afternoon meeting at the Molino Community Center was attended by just a couple of people not affiliated with the ECT or one of its partner agencies.
During the Molino meeting, attendees were asked for input on how to make the ECT more effective as they craft a future strategic plan. Additional meetings were held Wednesday evening in Brownsville and Thursday afternoon at the Tryon Library.
In November 2020, 61% of participating voters in Escambia County supported the creation of the Children’s Trust to be funded by an increase in ad valorem taxes of up to a maximum of 0.5 mil. The Children’s Trust will provide early childhood education, safety, developmental, preventative, health, and well-being services, including after school and summer enrichment programs.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Five People, Including Children, Injured In Highway 168 Head-on Wreck
August 12, 2023
Five people were injured in a head-on crash Friday evening east of Bratt.
It happened about 7 p.m. on Highway 168 at the Reedy Creek bridge, about a half mile west of Wawbeek Road. The driver of a Ford sedan reportedly crossed into the path of a Dodge Caravan. The vehicles collided head on, and both came to rest against guardrails.
An adult female was airlifted to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola, and a pediatric patient was transported by Escambia County EMS to an area hospital. Another adult and other juveniles were reportedly headed to a hospital by private vehicle.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the crash, which closed Highway 168 for about three hours.
The Walnut and Century stations of Escambia County Rescue and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office also responded.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Low Saturday In The Upper 70s
August 12, 2023
There is an excessive heat warning in effect for Saturday with a heat index reaching up to 117 degrees.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 78. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Sunday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 99. Heat index values as high as 114. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the morning.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 78. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Monday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 99. Light west wind becoming southwest 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 78. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Tuesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 98. West wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94.
Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly clear, with a low around 73.
Thursday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Sunny, with a high near 96.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 74.
Friday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Sunny, with a high near 96.
Two Escambia Men Killed After BMW Crashes Into Rear Of Semi Trailer On I-10
August 12, 2023
Two Escambia County men were killed in a crash Friday afternoon on I-1o in Santa Rosa County.
The men, ages 48 and 27, were in a silver BMW that collided with a rear portion of a flatbed semi-trailer, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Both were pronounced deceased at the scene.
The driver of the semi, a 26-year old man from Chicago, was not injured.
The FHP investigation is continuing. Names were not released.
Here Are The Road Work Construction Spots To Watch Next Week
August 12, 2023
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 truck parking lot at the Escambia County Interstate 10 Welcome Center, located at mile marker four, will be temporarily closed until fall when the Welcome Center improvements are scheduled to be complete. The front and middle car parking lots are open.
- East Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90A) Roadway Improvements 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 has been reduced from 45 mph to 35 mph as vehicles and bicycles share the roadway. The closure and speed limit reduction will be in place until the project is complete later this summer.
- U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard) Resurfacing between Henry Street and Cottage Street in Century – Northbound and southbound traffic on U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard) is shifted to one outside travel lane in each direction between Hatties Boulevard and East Cottage Street. The shift will be in place through August as crews perform drainage improvements.
- Sorrento Road (State Road (S.R. 292) Resurfacing from the Theo Baars Bridge to Bauer Road - Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures, between the Theo Baars Bridge and Bauer Road, Sunday, Aug. 13 through Thursday, Aug. 17 from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. as crews place pavement markings on the roadway. In addition, drivers will encounter daytime lane closures on Doug Ford Drive near Sorrento Road Tuesday, Aug. 15 beginning at 7 a.m. The closure is planned for one day. During the closure, the entrance to the Perdido Bay Country Club Estates neighborhood will be closed. The exit lanes from the neighborhood will be divided so traffic can enter and exit from the south side of the median. Drivers exiting the neighborhood to Sorrento Road westbound will use the “right turn only” lane. Traffic destined for Sorrento Road eastbound will also use the “right turn only” lane and make a U-Turn at the first opportunity west of the intersection.
- Lillian Highway (S.R. 298) Resurfacing 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 will encounter alternating daytime lane closures on Lillian Highway, between U.S. 98 and Blue Angel Parkway, Sunday, Aug. 13 through Thursday, Aug. 17 from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. as crews perform drainage work.
- County Road (C.R.) 4 over Canoe Creek Bridge – C.R. 4, between Byrneville and Bratt, will be closed through fall 2024 as crews replace the Canoe Creek bridge. Traffic is directed through a 5.6-mile detour using Bratt Road to Pine Barren Road, then back to C.R. 4.
- North Palafox Street (U.S. 29/S.R. 95) Resurfacing from Cervantes Street (S.R. 10A) to Brent Lane (S.R. 296) – Drivers may encounter alternating lane closures between Cervantes Street and Brent Lane Sunday, Aug. 13 through Thursday, Aug. 17 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Crews will be performing sidewalk work.
- S.R. 296 (Bayou Boulevard) Routine Maintenance from Springhill Drive to North Davis Highway – Motorists will encounter intermittent westbound lane closures Monday, Aug. 14 through Thursday, Aug. 17 for tree trimming operations.
- U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – Drivers may encounter alternating lane closures on the Pensacola Bay Bridge Sunday, Aug. 13 through Saturday, Aug. 19 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. as crews work on the lighting system. On Tuesday, Aug. 15, U.S. 98 westbound (Gulf Breeze to Pensacola) will have lane closures beginning at 10 p.m. due to Bands on the Beach.
Santa Rosa County:
- U.S. 98 (S.R. 30/Gulf Breeze Parkway/Navarre Parkway) Resurfacing of specific areas from Abercrombie Road to Calle De Palencia Street - Drivers on U.S. 98 (Navarre Parkway), between S.R. 87 and Calle De Palencia Street, may encounter intermittent lane closures from 8:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. as crews perform 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 Tiger Park Lane and Bayshore Road Sunday, Aug. 13, through Friday, Aug. 18, from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for stormwater drainage improvements and paving operations.
- I-10 Resurfacing from S.R. 281 (Avalon Boulevard) to east of S.R. 87 – Motorists will encounter nighttime east and westbound lane closures Monday, Aug. 14 and Thursday, Aug. 17 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for paving operations.
- U.S. 90 Bridge Replacement over Simpson River – The outside (right) lane of U.S. 90 eastbound on the Simpson River Bridge will be closed Monday, Aug. 14 and Thursday, Aug. 17 from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. Crews will be placing concrete for the new bridge. Drivers are reminded that the speed limit is 35 mph through the work zone.
- U.S. 98 Turn Lane Construction West of Tiger Lake Drive – Motorists will encounter intermittent southbound lane closures Monday, Aug. 13 through Sunday, Aug. 27 for the constructing of a new turn lane.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather. \
PSC Student Tiffany Daniels Missing For 10 Years
August 12, 2023
Saturday marked 10 years since 25-year old Tiffany Daniels went missing, last seen leaving Pensacola State College where she worked as a theater technician.
Her 1999 Toyota 4Runner was found August 20, 2013, in a parking lot of Park West, near Ft. Pickens, on Pensacola Beach. Her bicycle and phone were in the vehicle. Extensive searches were conducted in the area near where her vehicle was found.
“It’s like she literally vanished,” her mother Cindy Daniels said at the time.
Daniels is 5-feet 7-inches tall with blond hair and blue eyes. She has tattoos of plants growing from seeds on the top of both feet. Anyone who may have information on Daniels’ location, or her activities before, during and after her disappearance are asked to contact the Pensacola Police Department at (850) 435-1900 or their local law enforcement agency.
Wahoos Fall 12-7 In Fourth Straight Loss
August 12, 2023
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos dropped their fourth in a row on Friday night, falling 12-7 to the Chattanooga Lookouts.
Nasim Nuñez was 2-for-4 with a stolen base and an RBI, doubling to begin the ballgame and extending his hitting streak to a team-record 17 games.
Nuñez came around to score on a Victor Mesa Jr. double to give the Blue Wahoos an early 1-0 lead, but the rest of the night would be dominated by the Lookouts. M.D. Johnson (L, 1-5) allowed three runs in the second and three more in the third before departing.
José Devers got the Blue Wahoos back in the game with a two-run single in the third inning, but Lookouts starter Thomas Farr was effectively relieved by Eddy Demurias (W, 1-0) and Michael Byrne as the Chattanooga offense stretched out their lead in the middle innings. Pensacola reliever Jake Walters allowed five runs, four earned, in 2.0 innings of work and departed with the Lookouts leading 11-5 after five innings.
Bennett Hostetler added a solo homer for the Blue Wahoos in the eighth inning, his ninth of the year, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the early deficit. Andy Fisher finished off the 12-7 Lookouts win with a spotless ninth inning.
The Blue Wahoos have lost four straight for only the second time this year, and have not lost five in a row since late in the 2022 season. They turn to returning lefty Patrick Monteverde, who remains the Southern League Leader in wins and ERA despite spending the past two weeks with Triple-A Jacksonville, as they try to stop the skid on Saturday.
written by Erik Bremer