Groundbreaking Held For ECSO’s New Law Enforcement Memorial Plaza
January 18, 2025
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with the Escambia County Sheriff Foundation, held a groundbreaking ceremony this week for a Law Enforcement Memorial Plaza. The project will honor deputies who made the ultimate sacrifice and serve as a place of remembrance, healing, and connection for the community.
The memorial plaza will become a focal point in front of the main Sheriff’s Office on Leonard Street, reinforcing its symbolic importance. The ECSO said the newly designed space will offer a place where memories are shared, where grief is met with support, and where citizens can all come together–united in appreciation for those who sacrificed their lives for our safety.
The partnership with the Sheriff Foundation will provide the funding and no tax dollars will be used in the construction. The Escambia County Sheriff Foundation is soliciting donations of any size, with recognition opportunities available at various levels. “The Foundation Board is deeply honored to support the creation of this Memorial Plaza,” said Foundation President Whitney C. Lucas. “This project embodies our commitment to honoring the brave heroes of the Sheriff’s Office. We believe this plaza will be a welcoming space of remembrance that invites citizens to connect with their Sheriff’s Office while focusing on the shared values that keep our community strong.”
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate Aggies Cheerleaders Win Regional Title
January 18, 2025
The Tate High School Aggie cheerleaders won a regional title Friday.
The Aggies were named the Florida High School Athletic Association Region 1 Competitive Cheerleading Champions following a competition at Port St. Joe High School.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Two Charged After Atmore Police Facility Burglarized, Police Humvee Stolen
January 18, 2025
Two Baldwin County men have been charged with burglarizing an Atmore Police Department training facility and stealing one of their vehicles.
On Tuesday, January 14, 2025, officers with the Atmore Police Department discovered at an undisclosed area, used by the Atmore Police Department, a gate damaged where property used by the police department to
assist citizens during hurricanes and other weather-related events, was burglarized and items stolen,” APD Chief Chuck Brooks said Friday.
NorthEscambia.com has learned that the “undisclosed area” is an Atmore Police Department training facility (pictured top). We are not disclosing the exact location of the facility at the police department’s request, and because it is not publicly accessible.
After an investigation was launched, police discovered that their military Humvee and additional items had been stolen. The Humvee, Brooks said, has been a vital tool used by the police department to rescue and aid citizens from flooded areas.
Two days later, Atmore Police were alerted that the suspects were back on the training facility’s property. They were able to stop a vehicle at the location that was occupied by two men. One of the men was immediately arrested, and the other fled on foot. An Alabama Department of Corrections Prison Dog Team assisted Atmore Police by tracking the wanted male on foot. Officers did not apprehend the male due to the dogs losing scent of the track. The investigation led officers to Baldwin County where the items stolen on January 14, were recovered.
Two Bay Minette residents — Joseph Edwin Hayles, 20 and Dalton Garret Patterson, 29, were charged with burglary third degree, theft of property third degree, five counts of breaking and entering a vehicle, and possession of controlled property. Both will face additional charges in Baldwin County.
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security were also involved in the investigation.
NorthEscambia.com and courtesy photos, click to enlarge.
Software Error Leads To Incorrect Bills For Century Gas Customers
January 18, 2025
Many Town of Century natural gas customers received surprising, even shocking, bills in the mail, but the town says don’t worry, it was just a software problem.
Customers reached out to us to report bills that suddenly jumped by hundreds of dollars, strange fees, and even a zero-usage bill for hundreds of dollars.
“It makes no sense to me,” Century interim mayor Alicia Johnson said Friday afternoon as she reviewed a gas bill. “I don’t even know what all these fees are, and they don’t add up.”
Johnson said she had town staff reread several meters when complaints began to pour in, but the readings were correct. She discovered that something had gone wrong within in the town’s billing software.
She said support staff from the software vendor will be at the Century Town Hall next week to find and correct the problems.
In the meantime, the town will not require customers to pay the erroneous bills or cut off service. Johnson did, however, suggest that gas customers make what they consider to be a normal payment in order to avoid falling behind when the bills are corrected.
“And upcoming bills for January usage are going to be higher for most people because of the really cold weather,” she added.
Pensacola Cancels MLK Parade Due To ‘UnSafe’ Weather
January 18, 2025
The City of Pensacola has canceled the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade originally scheduled for Monday, January 20 due to weather. The city said the decision was made out of an abundance of caution to prioritize the health and safety of parade attendees, participants, and city employees staffing the event.
Current weather forecasts call for temperatures during parade set-up and the event itself to remain in the 20s, with wind chills dropping into the low teens. Expected wind gusts nearing 30 miles per hour will further exacerbate these conditions, creating a high risk of hypothermia, cold-related injuries, and other medical emergencies for anyone exposed to the elements without adequate clothing or shelter. Given these circumstances, city administration determined it would be unsafe to proceed with the event as planned.
Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves, speaking from Washington, D.C. where he is attending the annual meeting of the United States Conference of Mayors said, “The safety of our community is always our top priority. While we deeply regret having to cancel this important and meaningful event, we cannot ignore the extremely high risks posed by the forecasted weather conditions. We appreciate everyone’s understanding as we make this decision in the best interest of public safety.”
The city is working closely with parade organizers to explore the possibility of rescheduling the parade to a later date, should organizers wish to do so. Additional updates regarding any rescheduling plans will be shared as they become available.
File photos.
Tuesday Snow Chance Up To 80%
January 18, 2025
Here is the complete North Escambia area forecast
Tonight: A 20 percent chance of showers before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 44. Southwest wind 5 to 15 mph becoming northwest after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.
Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a temperature falling to around 40 by 5pm. Northwest wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 20. Wind chill values between 10 and 15. North wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
M.L.King Day: Sunny, with a high near 38. North wind around 10 mph.
Monday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 23. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday: A slight chance of snow before noon, then snow, possibly mixed with freezing rain and sleet. High near 34. North wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Tuesday Night: Snow likely, possibly mixed with freezing rain and sleet before midnight, then a slight chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 18. North wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 34. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 19.
Thursday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 42.
Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 26.
Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 45.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 25.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 53.
Peanuts Night: Ice Flyers Fall To Fayetteville In 9-Round Shootout
January 18, 2025
Despite facing a 3-1 deficit heading into the final frame, the Ice Flyers mounted an impressive comeback to force overtime, though ultimately fell short in a 9-round shootout Friday night — Peanuts Night.
Alex Wilkins opened the scoring for Fayetteville, but the Ice Flyers evened the score when Matt Wiesner benefited from an unusual bounce in the first period.
Marksmen forwards Khristian Acosta and Dalton Hunter propelled Fayetteville to a 3-1 lead with back-to-back goals, scored just 12 seconds apart, to end the second period.
Jake Hamilton gave the Ice Flyers a boost with his sixth goal of the season, cutting the deficit. Jonathan Bartuccio-Pereira tied the game 3-3 with a power-play goal to close out regulation.
Neither team managed to break through in the overtime period, sending the game to a shootout that would ultimately require nine rounds to determine a winner.
The shootout remained scoreless through six rounds until Ice Flyers forward Doug Elgstam finally broke through, sneaking one past Marksmen goaltender Ryan Kenney. However, the celebration was short-lived as Ryan Nolan quickly responded for Fayetteville to even things up. The marathon shootout finally came to an end in the ninth round when John Moncovich secured the victory for the Marksmen.
The Ice Flyers will host the Fayetteville Marksmen on Saturday for game two of their three-game series.
Scoring Summary
First Period
FAY 1, PEN 0
10:11 Alex Wilkins (1) – Unassisted – PP
Fayetteville capitalized on a power play to score the game’s first goal.
FAY 1, PEN 1
17:14 Matt Wiesner (6) – Cayden Cahill
A shot by Matt Wiesner ricocheted off the glass and bounced off the back of the Marksmen’s goalie, Ryan Kenney, to tie things up.
Shots on goal: FAY 11, PEN 18
Second Period
FAY 2, PEN 1
17:48 Khristian Acosta (3) – Alex Ambrosio, John Moncovich
Fayetteville took the lead with Khristian Acosta’s shot on a 2-on-1 rush.
FAY 3, PEN 1
18:00 Dalton Hunter (14) – Unassisted
12 seconds after Acosta’s goal, Dalton Hunter weaved around the Ice Flyers defense and sent a shot past Brody Claeys to extend the Marksmen’s lead to two.
Shots on Goal: FAY 10, PEN 15
3rd Period
FAY 3, PEN 2
13:05 Jake Hamilton (6) – Cayden Cahill
Jake Hamilton’s well-placed shot found its way through traffic and into the back of the net, giving the Ice Flyers the momentum boost they needed for their third period comeback.
FAY 3, PEN 3
15:05 Jonathan Bartuccio-Pereira (5) – Nick Pryce
The Ice Flyers tied things up with Jonathan Bartuccio-Pereira getting a much needed goal on a powerplay opportunity.
Shots on Goal: FAY 3, PEN 14
Overtime
None
Shootout
Ice Flyers – Doug Elgstam
Marksmen – Ryan Nolan
Marksmen – John Moncovich
Total Shots: FAY 30, PEN 52
When Will The New Nine Mile Aldi Store Open?
January 17, 2025
The process of converting one former Escambia County Winn Dixie grocery store into an Aldi is continuing, but Aldi remains quiet on an opening date.
In March 2024, the Germany-based Aldi completed the purchase of all Winn Dixie stores.
The former Winn-Dixie store located at 312 East Nine Mile Road closed for renovations in late September. A new Aldi sign is now up on the building, but Aldi is not confirming a planned opening date.
“We can confirm the Winn-Dixie store located at 312 East Nine Mile Road, Pensacola, FL closed for renovations in September,” an Aldi spokesperson told NorthEscambia.com this week. “The store will reopen to the community as an ALDI over the next several months.”
In Escambia County, Aldi operates standalone stores on South Blue Angel Parkway and Mobile Highway. There is also a store in Pace.
“Associates at this location (Nine Mile Road) have the opportunity to be the first to apply to newly converted ALDI stores,” Aldi said. ” In addition, ALDI is committed to doing its best to minimize the impact and provide support and opportunities to associates at converting stores, including the option to remain with Winn-Dixie and transfer to a neighboring store.”
Meanwhile, Aldi is not saying which, if any, other Winn Dixie stores in Escambia County will be converted to Aldi stores in the future.
“As we work through this transition period, conversion plans are still being finalized, and we will share more information as it becomes available,” the Aldi spokesperson said.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Mississippi Man Faces Up To Life After Escambia County Murder Conviction
January 17, 2025
A Mississippi man faces up to life in prison after being convicted of a 2021 Escambia County murder.
A jury found Dewitt Charles Echols guilty of second degree murder. He will be sentenced in March.
On August 23, 2021, deputies were called to the 10000 block of North Loop Road. Upon arrival, they discovered a 33-year-old James Johnson dead with a gunshot wound sitting in the driver’s seat of a brown Chevrolet Malibu. The engine to the car was still running.
The U.S. Marshal’s Violent Fugitive Task Force arrested Echols in Hattiesburg, Mississippi following the murder.
Rain Tonight; Possible Snow Next Week
January 17, 2025
Here is the complete North Escambia area forecast
Tonight: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm after midnight. Temperature falling to near 52 by 9pm, then rising to around 61 during the remainder of the night. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Saturday: A chance of showers before 9am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 9am and noon, then a chance of showers after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 69. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers before 9pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 41. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming northwest after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.
Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 48. Northwest wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 20. North wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
M.L.King Day: Sunny, with a high near 38. North wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Monday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 22. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday: Snow likely, possibly mixed with freezing rain and sleet, mainly after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 35. North wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Tuesday Night: A chance of snow, freezing rain, and sleet before midnight, then a slight chance of snow and freezing rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 20. North wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 38.
Wednesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 21.
Thursday: A 20 percent chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 46.
Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 29.
Friday: Partly sunny, with a high near 49.