Public Comment Period Ends Today For Hurricane Sally Infrastructure Grant Projects
March 20, 2023
A public comment period closes today on Rebuild Florida Infrastructure Repair Program projects. The program is designed to fund fund infrastructure restoration and hardening projects in communities impacted by Hurricane Sally.
The Escambia County Commission has selected five project to prioritize:
- Energy-efficient Escambia County Transit Center and solar-powered bus shelters with ADA upgrades
- Upgrades to the Pensacola Bay Center
- Indoor multi-use facility at Ashton Brosnaham Park
- Beach Haven stormwater and septic-to-sewer project
- 11 stormwater projects in Escambia County:
- Carver Park Phase 2
- Brickyard Road
- Woodrun Bridge Replacement
- Pensacola High School Drainage Improvements
- Oakfield Estates/Palafox Street
- Monroe Avenue
- Gulf Beach Highway Pipe Replacement
- Vista Park
- Muldoon Road Drainage Improvements
- Bayou Grande Villas
- Olive Road Street and Drainage
The comment period is open until March 20. Public comments can be email to sallyrecoverygrant@myescambia.com.
Escambia School Board To Consider Return To Elected Superintendent During Tuesday Meeting
March 20, 2023
The Escambia County School Board could vote Tuesday on whether or not to move forward with the potential return to an elected superintendent.
In 2018, Escambia County voters narrowly approved a ballot referendum for an appointed superintendent, with 50.36 voting yes and 49.64 percent voting now. This was the sixth time voters had considered the idea of an appointed superintendent in the county; all of the other attempts failed.
The term of then superintendent Malcolm Thomas ended in 2020, and Dr. Tim Smith was appointed as the new school district boss.
District 1 member Kevin Adams will present a resolution to the school board on Tuesday, that if approved, will officially request a referendum to switch superintendent back to an elected job. The Escambia County Commission would then have to pass a resolution asking the legislature to place the question on the ballot during the presidential preference primary on March 19, 2024.
“I think it is a good time for the citizens to look at where we are at and decide if we need to go back to an elected superintendent.,” Adams said at a previous meeting. “And let them choose.”
Smith, the current appointed superintendent, told the school board that he does not support a return to an elected superintendent.
“I don’t think it’s a good idea to go back to an elected superintendent,” Smith said. “I think it needs to be given a chance.”
“I just hope, somehow, some way, the easy out to kick the superintendent to the curb is not out answer. I think we are better than that,” Smith said. “It’s going to take time…It’s not easy work.”
The Escambia County School Board will consider the superintendent resolution during the regular meeting at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday. While not on the agenda, the board could discuss the issue during a workshop meeting on Monday at 1 p.m., but a vote could not be taken at that time.
ECUA Reports 1,000+ Gallon Sewage Spill On Hamilton Crossing Drive
March 20, 2023
The Emerald Coast Utilities Authority reported a sewage spill over 1,000 gallons Sunday just north of East Kingsfield Road.
The sanitary sewer overflow at 2026 Hamilton Crossing Drive was due to a broken 4-inch PVC force main. The spill was over 1000 gallons and did enter a storm drain. ECUA said samples have been requested to determine if the flow did reach a body of water.
10,000 Pound Food Giveaway Tuesday Afternoon In Cantonment
March 20, 2023
The Cantonment Improvement Committee will hold a drive-thru 10,000 pound food giveaway Tuesday afternoon, March 21 at Carver Park on Webb Street.
The food distribution will begin at 3 p.m. and continue while supplies last for anyone in need of food. People should line up their vehicles, single file on Webb Street facing north; food will be loaded into vehicles. Identification is required.
NorthEscambia.com file photos.
It’s Going To Be Cool On This First Day Of Spring
March 20, 2023
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 56. Wind chill values between 20 and 30 early. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 33. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 66. East wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 44. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 76. East wind around 5 mph becoming south in the afternoon.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 55. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 81. Light southeast wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 64. South wind around 10 mph.
Friday: Partly sunny, with a high near 80.
Friday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64.
Saturday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 80.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 59.
Sunday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 81.
Kara ‘Bean’ Elizabeth Santorelli
March 20, 2023
Kara “Bean” Elizabeth Santorelli, 18, of Molino, FL passed away on March 17th, 2023. She was born in Morehead City, North Carolina on December 19th, 2004.
Kara was a senior at Northview High School and worked at a local restaurant in Molino.
She lived life to the fullest and her light shined bright. In her early years, Kara was an avid runner and ran her first half marathon at age eight, while living in Okinawa, Japan where she came in 4th place overall female. After her family moved to Florida, her favorite thing became spending time at the beach, laying out, boating, and making TikTok videos with her best friend, Hadassah Mascaro. Above all, she loved spending time with her family and her dog, Merlot.
She is preceded in death by her grandfather, Ronnie “Putter” Creech.
Kara is survived by her parents, Mark and Lacey McLaughlin; brothers, Luke, Lance, Travis, and Hunter McLaughlin and Le’ Marion Mixon; maternal grandmother, JaneAnn Creech; two sets of fraternal grandparents, Cathy Redgate and Claude McLaughlin, Deborah Strickler and Daniel Santorelli (Rayma); aunts, Regina Southard (Tony), Laura McLaughlin, Kelly McLaughlin, Corey Case, and Allee Santorelli; cousins, ReAn Silbernagel, Amber Southard, Devin Fuentes, Kennedi Fuentes, Claire Roetter and Camden McLaughlin; boyfriend, Diondre Cardreon; and friends throughout the world.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Kara’s memory by giving to the American Chesapeake Club Rescue. This is one way her legacy on Earth will continue giving to others. Donations can be made by sending a check to ACC Rescue at 12525 Main Street, Springfield, NE, 68059 or through PayPal at accresue@mail.com
Family and friends are invited to Kara’s Sunrise Celebration of Life on Saturday, March 25, 2023, at 6:30 a.m. at Park West on Pensacola Beach, 1235 Fort Pickens Road.
Northview High Names Students Of The Month
March 20, 2023
Northview High School recently named their Students of the Month for February. They are Marabelle Hamilton and Heath Parker. They are pictured with Principal Michael Sherrill. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Kriseya Marie Wheeler
March 20, 2023
Our sweetest Kriseya Marie Wheeler, Eya Bean, departed this earthly world on March 8, 2023, at the age of 18. Kriseya was surrounded by her family: her mother, Jennifer Fazande Wheeler; her two brothers, ChrisJen Wheeler and Cloud Wheeler; her paternal grandparents, Marie and Lamar Wheeler; and her daddy, Christopher Wheeler when she departed. She was being constantly reminded of her awesomeness and how much she was appreciated and loved. Kriseya was preceded in departure by her maternal grandparents, Cheryl Cyrus and George Fazande. Kriseya left behind a host of family and friends to both mourn and celebrate her. Kriseya accomplished a great deal of achievements before and after her brain cancer diagnosis eight years ago. She faced cancer with such resilience and fortitude, to inspire all who knew of her story. She was known for her keen intellect, quick wit, and creative spirit. She was also an excellent public speaker and aspiring comedian. Kriseya won several academic awards including 2019-2020 Ransom Middle School and Escambia Co. Student of the Year, the prestigious Katherine Pomeroy Memorial Award, and 1st place in Escambia Co. History Fair, just to name a few. Kriseya was an accomplished, sometimes commissioned, artist in several mediums. Kriseya was an avid outdoorsman, amateur herbalist and mycologist. As part of her final wishes she lived completely off the grid, in a home she helped build, for the last year of her life. She documented many of her adventures on her family YouTube channel, Wheelers Way. To Kriseya, strangers were just friends she had not yet met. Her compassion, empathy, and unwavering concern for others served as an inspiration and support to many in need of love and guidance. She was easily recognized as having wisdom far beyond her years. She was a devout child of God who was most concerned with converting lost souls. A beautiful person who was truly too awesome for this world. Kriseya lived as a wonderful Christian, daughter, sister, and friend, and anyone who had the chance to meet her was truly blessed.
I don’t ask why He took her; I understand. I ask, why was I so blessed to have her?
Kriseya will be laid to rest in Cottage Hill Assembly of God Cemetery beside Jim Allen Elementary. Sidewalk chalk will be by her grave in hopes children will come draw her beautiful pictures.
Family requests donations be made to Faith Chapel Funeral Home to help pay funeral expenses.
Wayne Brewton
March 20, 2023
a lifelong resident of Pensacola, Florida, passed away on March 17th, 2023, at the age of 80. He was born on October 6th, 1942, in Ferry Pass, Florida, to I.D. Sr. and Edna Brewton. He graduated from Pensacola High School, class of 1960. He was married to his loving wife, Carolyn for 61 years.
He was a member of Gonzalez Methodist Church and was a former board member of Gonzalez Utilities.
He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers. Wayne is survived by his wife, Carolyn; daughter and son-in-law, Angela and Dewey Higley of Dolores, Colorado; grand-daughter, Grace Higley of Mesa, Arizona; sister, Claudia Ellis of Tallahassee, Florida; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A graveside service will be held at Pensacola Memorial Gardens Cemetery at 1:00 PM on Friday, March 24th, 2023 with Pastor Andy Perry officiating. After the service, there will be a meal and time for family and friends at Gonzalez Methodist Church, 2026 Pauline St., Gonzalez, Florida.
The family would like to give a special thanks to the staff at Covenant Hospice Inpatient Pallative Care Center and for the many offers of help along the way.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 S. Highway 29 Cantonment, Florida 32533 is entrusted with arrangements. Y
Gas Prices Up Over The Last Week, But AAA Says A Decline Is Likely
March 20, 2023
Florida gas prices jumped 15 cents per gallon last week, but relief may soon be on the way. On Sunday, the state average for regular unleaded was $3.46 per gallon. That’s 12 cents less than this year’s high of $3.58 per gallon.
The average price per gallon in Escambia County was over a quarter lower at $3.20. A low of $3.13 was available Sunday night at a station on Highway 29 in Cantonment, while Pensacola prices were as low as $3 at a station on East Nine Mile Road.
“There were significant losses in the oil market last week which should enable gas prices to move lower again,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “The failure of two U.S. banks raised concerns of a global recession that could eventually hamper fuel demand.”
The U.S. price of oil dropped 13% last week, for a total loss of 17% over two weeks. Friday’s settlement of $66.74 per barrel was the lowest since December 2021. Interestingly, the gasoline market did not take quite as big of a hit, likely because strong springtime demand coupled with refinery maintenance season and the switch to summer gasoline is serving as somewhat of a buoy. Regardless, gasoline futures dropped 24 cents through the past two weeks, which is an indicator that pump prices should move lower, unless fundamentals rebound this week.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.