Flood Warning Issued For The Escambia River Near Century
March 20, 2022
A flood warning is in effect for the Escambia River near Century until early Wednesday morning. Minor flooding is forecast.
Early Sunday morning, the stage was 16 feet. The river is expected to rise to a crest near 18 feet Monday morning. It will then fall below flood stage late Tuesday evening.
At flood stage of 17 feet, considerable flooding of lowlands occur.
The Perdido River near Barrineau Park is expected to crest at 8.9 feet on Monday, just below action stage of 9.0 feet. Minor flood stage for the Perdido River is 13 feet.
Red Cross Assisting Storm Victims That Lost Everything In Trailer Park North Of Atmore
March 20, 2022
The Red of Alabama is assisting victims of Friday’s destruction at a trailer park north of Atmore.
The Red Cross has conducted damage assessments and has been offering assistance from the Poarch Creek Fire Department’s training facility. Anyone that was a victim of Friday’s storm that still needs assistance can call 1-800-RED CROSS.
The National Weather Service on Saturday determined that straight line winds were responsible for damage at the Big Oak Mobile Home Park on Jack Springs Road. There were 10 injuries and at least nine mobile homes that were destroyed when winds of 90-100 mph hit that area north of Poarch Creek reservation.
For more information, click or tap here.
Pictured: The American Red Cross on the ground offering assistance amid the destruction at this mobile home park north of Atmore. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
No Injures In Crash Involving Kia, Pepsi Truck
March 19, 2022
There were no injuries in a Highway 29 crash Friday afternoon involving a Kia and a Pepsi delivery truck.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the crash, which happened about 2:20 p.m. on Highway 29 near Nine and One Half Mile Road.
The crash did close one lane of southbound Highway temporarily.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Fire Damages RV; Firefighters Save Nearby Structure, Vehicle
March 19, 2022
Fire burned through a recreational vehicle Friday afternoon in Molino.
The fire was reported about 4:50 p.m. on Keck Road, off Chestnut Road.
Firefighters from Escambia Fire Rescue were able to contain the fire to the unoccupied camper and prevented it from spreading to a nearby structure and vehicle.
There was no immediate word on the cause of the fire, and there were no injuries reported.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Master Gardeners Grow Endowment Fund
March 19, 2022
When Ann Luther’s friend asked in 2008 if she wanted to take Master Gardener classes through the UF/IFAS Extension Escambia County office, she had no idea it would become one of her passions.
“I don’t know why, but I’d never heard of it,” Luther said. She had, to be fair, spent years moving from place to place as a military spouse, eventually retiring in Pensacola from a career as an elementary educator and becoming a part-time CPR instructor. Naturally, the teaching aspects of the Florida Master Gardener Volunteer program appealed to her. “I had always liked to garden, but I was never in one place long enough to put much in the ground,” she added.
After completing the course and becoming a UF/IFAS Extension Escambia County Master Gardener Volunteer in 2009, Luther vowed to make people aware of the program. Her involvement grew into many areas of the county’s organization throughout the years, including as a board member.
Growing knowledge throughout Florida
The Florida Master Gardener Volunteer program provides local communities statewide with University of Florida-trained volunteers, like Luther, who are passionate about sharing their gardening knowledge. But each program, coordinated through the local UF/IFAS Extension office, also relies upon fundraising to be able to offer those educational opportunities and outreach.
To reduce the fundraising burden for its future members, the Escambia County group set on a mission three years ago to establish an endowment fund. As 2021 closed, ahead of its five-year goal and despite almost two full years of COVID pandemic-related challenges, the fund reached its $30,000 target. This investment will generate over $1,000 each year for the group’s operations.
“We had a very active Master Gardener board at the time this effort started, and they wanted to find a way for future volunteers to spend less time fundraising and more time teaching,” said Beth Bolles, UF/IFAS Extension Escambia County horticulture agent and coordinator of the county’s program.
Escambia County’s volunteers help community members learn more about growing landscape and food plants successfully, sharing information at churches and public libraries, and through homeowners’ associations and garden clubs.
In a recent effort, Bolles shared, a group of Master Gardener Volunteers helped a local Native American tribe begin growing native plants with a significance to Native American culture. Luther said other projects focus on the military community and veterans’ groups; the volunteers include former military members, too.
‘It’s just my happy place’
“When we got this opportunity to ensure that the Master Gardener program continues after those of us in it now are no longer involved, we all thought that this was such an important opportunity to do something for this wonderful program,” said M.J. Ziemba, who’s been a Master Gardener Volunteer since 2018. “It’s not only wonderful for the people who are in the group; it’s wonderful for the whole community because we then take the information that we learn and help share it.”
Unlike Luther, Ziemba had learned of the Master Gardener program long before she became a volunteer. She thought of joining right then, sometime in the 1980s, but with four kids and a career in education, “I just didn’t have the time.”
“As soon as I retired in 2017, I signed up,” Ziemba said. “Working in the garden and being with my garden friends… it’s just my happy place.”
Securing continued services
Like other Florida Master Gardener Volunteer groups around the state, the Escambia County volunteers’ plant sales contribute some of their largest fundraising efforts each year.
In addition to the plant sales, though, Bolles said the group also got creative in trying to reach the endowment goal. They hosted a rummage sale, used planned speaking engagements to promote the fund and encourage donations, and created a set of educational postcards, with 100% of the proceeds going toward the endowment.
And although they’ve reached their initial goal, she added, “we know we’re still planning for the future, so we will continue to add to it.”
Read more about the Escambia County Master Gardeners Endowment at go.ufl.edu/mgvendowment.
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Man Wanted For Questioning In Homicide Last Week In Ensley
March 19, 2022
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is looking to question a man in connection with a homicide last week in Ensley.
Christopher Occie McCullough, 38, is wanted for questioning only in a homicide that occurred March 12 in the 700 block of West Johnson Avenue.
A 47-year old man was shot and killed while riding a bicycle. He was found with a single gunshot wound.
Anyone with information on McCullough’s whereabouts is asked to call the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620 or Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
Here Are Next Weeks’ Road Work Slow Down Areas
March 19, 2022
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
- U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures and lane shifts on the Pensacola Bay Bridge from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, March 20 through Saturday, March 26. Crews will be using lanes on the current bridge as a platform to pour concrete decks for the westbound (Gulf Breeze to Pensacola) structure.
- West Cervantes Street (U.S. 90) Pedestrian Safety Improvement – The bus stop on the north side of Cervantes Street at N Street will remain temporarily closed through Friday, March 25 as crews perform construction activities associated with the safety improvement project. E-Cat has been notified of this temporary closure so accommodations to the stops can be made. Riders may use alternate bus stops on the north side of Cervantes Street at L and Q streets. In addition, drivers will encounter the following:
- Inside lane closures and shifts between D and Q streets as crews perform median improvements, signalization installation and construct curb and gutter and sidewalk.
- Outside intermittent lane closures will occur at various locations along West Cervantes, between Dominguez and A Streets, to allow crews to construct Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant sidewalk ramps and traffic pole foundations.
- North Ninth Avenue (State Road (S.R.) 289) Carpenters Creek Bridge Replacement- All travel lanes are temporarily shifted to the southbound side of the bridge as crews construct the northbound portion. Additionally, drivers may encounter intermittent temporary lane closures from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, March 21 through Friday, March 25, as crews mobilize materials and equipment.
- Airport Boulevard (S.R. 750) Maintenance from West of Palafox Street to Davis Highway – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. the week of Monday, March 21 as crews perform concrete operations.
- I-10 Pavement Marking at the Pensacola Weigh Station – The westbound weigh station will be closed beginning Thursday, March 24 through Thursday, March 31 as crews perform restriping operations.
- S.R. 296 (Bayou Boulevard) Routine Underground Utility Maintenance near East Blount Street – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday, March 23 as crews work on underground gas lines.
Santa Rosa County
- Pensacola Bay Bridge (U.S. 98) Replacement – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures and lane shifts on the Pensacola Bay Bridge from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, March 20 through Saturday, March 26. Crews will be using lanes on the current bridge as a platform to pour concrete decks for the westbound (Gulf Breeze to Pensacola) structure.
- U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive – Major roadway construction activities are currently underway. Improvements include widening the roadway from four to six-lanes with a raised median, safety, and drainage upgrades, resurfacing S.R. 281 (Avalon Boulevard) from U.S. 98 to Garcon Point Bridge, extending the existing shared-use path on the south side of U.S. 98 from Gondolier Boulevard, and new signage and pavement markings.
- I-10 Resurfacing East of S.R. 281 (Avalon Boulevard) to East of S.R. 87 – Motorists can expect daytime eastbound shoulder closures at the County Road 191 Overpass Bridge (Exit 26) the week of Monday, March 21 as crews perform construction activities on the barrier wall.
All activities are weather-dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Cantonment Woman Charged With Child Neglect After Young Child Found Running Around Near Nine Mile Road Traffic
March 18, 2022
A Cantonment woman is facing charges after her young child was allegedly found running around alongside Nine Mile Road.
Hannah Louise Rolin, 24, was charged with child neglect and resisting arrest.
The incident happened back on March 10. Drivers in the 400 block of Nine Mile Road, in the area across from Home Depot, saw a small child running “extremely close” to traffic with no adults around. The good Samaritans were unable to locate the child’s parent, so they called law enforcement while taking care of the child.
According to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, the child appeared exhausted and slept for an hour while under their care before Rolin was located. The child had small cuts on his feet and a larger cut on the palm of his hand that appeared to be a day or two old. His diaper was completely full of feces and leaking from the top and bottom.
Deputies purchased diapers and EMS assisted in changing the child. The child was evaluated on scene by EMS and released to the Department of Children and Families.
As deputies were on scene, a representative of the property owner arrived to board up the house because transients were sleeping inside.
Deputies made contact with Rolin, who first told them the child was with a friend she thought was named Jason. She was placed under arrest, but began to resist once one wrist was handcuffed, according to the report.
The deputy called for backup, as she attempted to headbutt the deputy. He pushed her toward a vehicle, and her head hit the windshield causing it to crack, the report continues. Both the deputy and a witness inside the vehicle stated it appeared Rolin intentionally slammed her head into the windshield out of anger.
According to an arrest report, ECSO had contact with Rolin at the property two days prior to the incident. Multiple transients ran from the house while others were found inside. Deputies reported Rolin walked out holding the child. She told deputies that she lived in Cantonment but was present only to see if her friends needed food.
Deputies described the home as being full of clothes, garbage and food to the point that the floors could barely be seen.
“The house did have power but was extremely filthy with flies and strong odors throughout. This house was a health hazard and not safe for an adult let alone a small child to reside in,” a deputy wrote in the report.
Rolin remained in the Escambia County Jail Friday morning with bond set at $10,000.
Tate Aggies Win Aggie Classic Championship (With Photo Gallery)
March 18, 2022
The Tate Aggies won the Aggie Classic Thursday night as they shut out Broken Arrow of Tulsa, Oklahoma, 7-0.
Josiah Glodfelter earned the championship win for Tate. He allowed no hits and no runs while striking out 10 in six innings. Drew Reaves tossed one inning in relief, allowing one hit and striking out three.
Bray Touchstone hit a homer in the first inning for the Tate.
Frankie Randall went 2-3 to lead the Aggies at the plate. Reavers, Touchstone, Madox Land, Clif Quiggins, and Cade Kelley each added an Aggie hit.
For a photo gallery, click or tap here.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Laura Glodfelter, click to enlarge.
FWC Law Enforcement Report: Derelict Vessels, Deer Violations
March 18, 2022
The Florida FWC Division of Law Enforcement reported the following recent activity:
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
Senior Officer Specialist Pettey completed two derelict vessel investigations. Both vessels are owned by the same individual. The owner failed to bring the vessels in compliance after being cited twice for leaving the vessels in an at-risk status. Officer Pettey determined the vessels were now derelict per Florida Statue and issued the owner Notice to Appear citations for both vessels. If the vessels are not brought into compliance within 21 days, they will be removed from the waters of the state. The owner will be responsible for the cost of the removal.
SANTA ROSA COUNTY
Officer Roberson was on patrol at Quintette Boat Ramp when he observed a vessel pulling up to the ramp on Escambia River. Officer Roberson contacted three individuals who had a legal buck on their boat. Officer Roberson asked them if they had killed anymore deer this year, and one of the subjects stated they killed a four-point buck off the river. Officer Roberson asked if they had any pictures of it and the subject showed him the four-point. Officer Roberson noticed that the antlers did not have three points on one side and neither of the main beams seemed to be at least 10 inches in length which is the legal requirements for any antlered deer taken north of Interstate 10. Officer Roberson met the subject at their house where the antlers were located, and he measured them and found they were under 10 inches. Officer Roberson issued the subject a Notice to Appear.
Officer Roberson received information that two individuals had killed two deer off Escambia River Wildlife Management Area (WMA). Upon further investigation neither of the deer had been logged or reported within the 24-hour time frame from when they had killed the deer. K-9 Officer Hutchinson and Officer Roberson went to the first individual’s location, and they admitted to not logging their deer and they were issued citations. Both officers then went to the second individual’s location, and they admitted to not logging their deer. They had killed three other deer this season and one of them was not logged or reported. K-9 Officer Hutchinson and Officer Roberson also found that the meat from the two deer from Escambia River were at this location as well in a cooler. The deer had been in two coolers going on eight days, one of the coolers with the deer meat was spoiled and had no ice in it. The other cooler had ice, but the meat was spoiling as well. Upon further investigation, this subject had their relatives’ antlers and they had not logged or reported that deer as well. Officer Roberson cited the subject for not logging or reporting the deer, no hunting license, and issued a Notice to Appear for the willful and wanton waste of the deer meat.