New AT&T Tower Now Under Construction In Century Park
October 18, 2021
Construction is underway on a new 305 foot tall AT&T cell tower located in a Century park, and that means added revenue for the town.
Earlier this year, the town council approved a five-year lease with options out to 40 years with Diamond Towers for an AT&T tower on a parcel of land in the town’s Anthony Pleasant Park off West Highway 4. It’s a small area tucked away essentially at the back of the park.
Diamond Towers had leased the property at $1,000 for a year. Now that they are moving forward with construction, the lease payment has automatically increased to $1,500 per month for at least five years under the terms of the contract. There will be another $500 per month due for any additional cellular providers collocated on the tower in the future. There are annual options for slight increases.
City officials have expressed their excitement over the new service from AT&T, as most other carriers have poor service within in the town.
Construction on the tower is expected to take just a few more weeks. The tower area will be fenced to prevent access by those using the park.
Pictured: Work Friday afternoon on a new cell tower located at Century’s Anthony Pleasant Park. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Florida Gas Prices Near Steady Over The Past Week
October 18, 2021
Florida gas prices were near steady over the past week, but AAA says an increase could be on the way.
The state average of $3.18 per gallon is a half-cent more than this time last week.
The Escambia County average stood at $3.19 Sunday night. A North Escambia low of $3.15 could be found at two Cantonment stations.
Although gas prices held relatively steady last week, another increase could be on the way. Crude and gasoline futures prices rose again last week, setting new 2021 highs. The price of U.S. crude increased 4% last week. Friday’s settlement of $82.28 per barrel was $3 per barrel more than the week before. Meanwhile gasoline futures prices increased 12 cents on the NYMEX. Wholesale gasoline prices reached a level that — if sustained — could drag the state average above $3.20 per gallon, according to AAA.
“It appears the pain at the pump is going to get worse before it gets better,” said Mark Jenkins spokesman, AAA — The Auto Club Group. “Florida drivers are likely to face another round of rising prices, as global supply concerns keep upward pressure on the price of crude. It’s unclear when the relief at the pump will come, but these elevated prices at the pump are likely to linger through the winter months.”
Reimagine Cantonment Blesses Those In Need With Food, Clothing And More (With Photo Gallery)
October 17, 2021
The hearts and lives of hundreds of area residents in need were touched during Reimagine Cantonment at Carver Park on Saturday.
The faith-based event included a 20,000 pound food giveaway, lunch, fishing lessons with free fishing rods, baby diapers, HIV testing, clothing, haircuts and health tests. Absolutely everything was free. There were also be free children’s activities, including train rides, inflatables, face painting, games, popcorn, and a coloring contest with three participants winning a new bicycle.
For a photo gallery, click or tap here.
Reimagine Cantonment is a project of Doers of the Word Ministry and was sponsored by numerous churches and other organizations, including NorthEscambia.com.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
These Are The Road Constructions Spots That Might Slow You Down This Week
October 17, 2021
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
- Pensacola Bay Bridge (U.S. 98) Replacement - Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures and shifts on the Pensacola Bay Bridge from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 17 through Saturday, Oct. 23. Crews will be using lanes on the current bridge as a platform to pour concrete decks for the westbound (Gulf Breeze to Pensacola) structure.
- 17th Avenue Interchange construction – 17th Avenue southbound is closed at Gregory Street. Access to the Pensacola Visitor’s Center and the boat launch remains open from 17th Avenue through Thursday, Oct. 21. The closure and reopen details are:
- 17th Avenue north and southbound, from north of the CSX railroad trestle (Graffiti Bridge) to Bayfront Parkway, will be closed Thursday, Oct. 21 at 8 p.m. until Monday, Oct. 25 at 5 a.m. The closure will allow crews to complete work to open the new roundabout at 17th Avenue.
- The new 17th Avenue interchange in Pensacola is scheduled to open by 5 a.m. Monday, Oct. 25. The new interchange includes a flyover that connects westbound traffic exiting the Pensacola Bay Bridge with East Gregory Street and Bayfront Parkway. Beneath the flyover, a new single-lane roundabout has replaced the traffic signal formerly at 17th Avenue to provide seamless travel between the bridge, 17th Avenue north and southbound, East Gregory Street, and Bayfront Parkway.
- North Ninth Avenue (State Road (S.R.) 289) Carpenters Creek Bridge Replacement- All travel lanes are temporarily shifted to the northbound side of the bridge as crews replace the southbound portion of the structure. Additionally, drivers may encounter intermittent temporary lane closures between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 18 through Friday, Oct. 22 to allow crews to mobilize materials and equipment.
- West Cervantes Street (U.S. 90) Pedestrian Safety Improvement – Drivers will encounter intermittent lane closures between the following locations as crews perform median improvements and install poles for pedestrian traffic signals.
- D and N Streets (inside lane closures)
- P and Q Streets (inside lane closures)
- Y and Shoemaker Streets (inside lane closures)
- Q and N Streets (intermittent outside lane closure)
- Kirk and R Streets (intermittent outside lane closure)
- Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90) Widening from Pine Forest Road (S.R. 297) to U.S. 29 – Drivers will encounter intermittent east and westbound traffic shifts between Pine Forest Road and U.S. 29 as crews place final asphalt and striping.
- Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90) Widening from Beulah Road to Pine Forest Road (S.R. 297) – Drivers will encounter temporary intermittent shifts to allow crews to pave turn lanes, side streets, driveways, and the on- and off-ramps to I-10. Access to all businesses will be maintained, traffic flaggers and signage will be in place to direct traffic.
- Sorrento Road (S.R. 292) Intersection Improvements at Innerarity Point (County Road (C.R.) 292A) – Motorists can expect daytime shoulder closures the week of Monday, Oct. 18 as crews place a watermain.
- U.S. 29 Widening from Interstate 10 (I-10) to Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90) – Drivers will encounter intermittent lane closures and shifts from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. as crews perform paving operations.
- S.R. 291 (Davis Street) Routine Utility Maintenance at Texar Drive Intersection – Motorists can expect intermittent lane closures on the outside eastbound lane of Texar Drive at the Davis Street (S.R. 291) intersection, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 23 as crews upgrade electrical equipment.
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, Oct. 17 through Saturday, Oct. 23. Crews will be using lanes on the current bridge as a platform to pour concrete decks for the westbound (Gulf Breeze to Pensacola) structure. Additional work will include installation of pier lighting.
- I-10 Resurfacing East of S.R. 281 (Avalon Boulevard) to East of S.R. 87 – Motorists can expect intermittent lane closures on the Blackwater River Bridge from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 17 through Thursday, Oct. 21 as crews perform paving operations.
All activities are weather-dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
File photo
Hundreds Without Power For Eight Hours Saturday In Walnut Hill And Bratt Area
October 17, 2021
About 900 Escambia River Electric Cooperative customers were without power for about eight hours Saturday.
A power pole caught fire at Still Road and Howard Hall in Bratt. The location is not far from the Oak Grove power substation so the pole had multiple transmission lines attached.
The power went out about 8:45 a.m. and was restored about 4:45 p.m. in the Walnut Hill, Bratt, Oak Grove, Davisville and Nokomis areas.
The Walnut Hill Station of Escambia Fire Rescue responded Saturday morning to the initial fire report.
The outage was in area generally from Ernest Ward Middle and Highway 164 to the south, Highway 99 and Pine Barren Road to the east, the state line to the north, and Brushy Creek and Nokomis to the west.
Photo/graphics for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Roadside Attractions: North Escambia’s Colorful Fall Flowers
October 17, 2021
Looking for a little fall color? The roadsides throughout North Escambia are covered with lots of fall wildflowers.
From goldenrods to black-eyed Susans, there’s color everywhere.
If you want to take a North Escambia fall wildflower tour, grab the allergy pills and camera, get off Highway 29, and hit the less-traveled side roads.
The photos on this page were taken on McBride Road near Byrneville.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
No. 1 UWF Falls To No. 12 West Georgia
October 17, 2021
The high-wire acts to victory which have earmarked the University of West Florida’s historic football success ran out of late-game magic.
It spoiled Saturday what could have been the perfect UWF Homecoming Game in the Argos long-awaited return to Blue Wahoos Stadium.
After digging out of a 17-0 first-half deficit, the unbeaten, No. 1-ranked Argos took the lead, then lost it on a game-changing turnover, eventually leading into No. 12 ranked West Georgia’s 30-26 upset victory.
The loss before a school record crowd of 7,052 snapped an 11-game winning streak, which included UWF’s astonishing post-season run in 2019 to the NCAA Division II national championship.
For a photo gallery, click or tap here.
“Being in that place I feel like our guys have handled every situation really, really well. (Saturday) we didn’t,” said UWF coach Pete Shinnick. “And I’ve got to do a better job of finding a way of getting them in a position to play great football every time we step out.
“We had our opportunities and didn’t take advantage of them. I’ve got to put our team in the best situation to do that. Right now it’s one game, it’s one moment. We have a lot of football in front of us.”
West Georgia (6-1) sealed its third win at Blue Wahoos Stadium by running out the final 6:27 of the game. It followed a near-miss go-ahead touchdown when UWF quarterback Austin Reed’s pass to Shomari Mason on a fourth-down play from the 7 couldn’t be corralled.
From that point, the Wolves methodically produced five first downs, then a kneel-down at the Argos 34 as time expired. Incredibly, in this rivalry, the road team has won each time.
“Unfortunately, they just did a great job of holding the ball those last seven minutes and we didn’t get the ball back,” Reed said. “But I appreciate Coach Shinnick having the trust in us on fourth down to let us go out there and make plays.”
“This team is not done. We’ve got a lot more left to do.”
Reed found rhythm after a tough start to complete 31 of 52 passes for 410 yards and three touchdowns. All three of those were caught by Ka’Ron Ashley, matching a school record for most single-game TD receptions. He caught 12 passes for 160 yards.
Hours earlier, West Georgia wasted little time quieting the record crowd. After the opening kickoff sailed through the endzone, the Wolves drove 75 yards in eight plays for the game’s first touchdown.
The Argos had their first offensive chance end in frustration. Aided by two personal foul penalties on West Georgia that created first downs, the Argos had a first-and-goal situation from the 8.
But two running plays were thwarted. Reed was stopped inches short on a keeper.
That typified how little went right for UWF in the first half.
“Everything worked for them and not much for us,” Shinnick said.
Until the final 68 seconds of the first half.
Trailing 17-0, UWF got a spark when cornerback Sharod Oliver tackled West Georgia running back Jace Jordan in the end zone for a safety. That play with 1:08 left before halftime was set up when UWF punter Steve Dawson pinned the Wolves at the 1 with his terrific punt.
Two plays later, the Argos had their first points. Ironically, the last safety produced by UWF’s defense was also against West Georgia in 2019.
On the ensuing free kick, the ball went out of bounds at the Argos 2. By rule, the 30 yard advance from the kickoff spot at the 20 gave UWF desired field position at midfield.
Reed then delivered his sharpest sequence. He connected on a pair of downfield throws, then hit Ashley over the middle in the end zone for UWF’s first touchdown.
Reed then went 4-for-4 on passes on the first possession of the third quarter, leading to a 34-yard touchdown to Ashley, which cut the deficit to 17-16.
Seven minutes later, the duo hooked up on a 21-yard pass to take the lead.
But the game changed when West Georgia safety Mike Miller picked up a fumble that was stripped from UWF receiver David Durden. He went 34 yards through track to give the Wolves the lead.
“We were driving and really unstoppable at that point,” Shinnick said. “Just clicking, moving. That kind of added a little heaviness to us, because now we’re down.”
But not for long. Kicker Griffin Cerra booted a 42-yard field goal with 14:37 left to give the Argos the lead again.
On the ensuing possession, however, West Georgia drove 76 yards on 10 plays for a go-ahead touchdown pass that became the winning score.
“We couldn’t keep getting away with how we started,” Reed said. “We got away with it at Texas A&M Commerce and we got away with it at Delta State and this time a team didn’t let us get away with it.”
The Argos will get a chance to move forward at home next Saturday (Oct. 22) when facing Shorter at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
“I really, really like our team,” Shinnick said. “I’m confident we can bounce back. This one really hurts. This stings, because you only get so many opportunities to win games and you only get so many opportunities to stay undefeated.”
For a photo gallery, click or tap here.
Photos Morgan Givens/University of West Florida for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia County Named ‘Best Disability Employer’ Over 21 Other Counties
October 17, 2021
Escambia County has been named the Best Disability Employer in Area 1 from the Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. Area 1 spans from Pensacola to Live Oak; Escambia County was selected as the recipient out of 21 other counties.
The Escambia County Commission and human resources staff have brought “on the job training” individuals into positions that allow them to learn valuable skills and show how their talents can be utilized for the benefit of all. Those who are hired are staffed throughout Escambia County’s various departments, including planning and building services, human resources, facilities, and public safety.
“We’ve been working with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation for many years, so it’s an honor to be recognized with this award” said Human Resources Director Crystal Dadura. “People with all types of abilities need the opportunity to enhance their skill sets, and Escambia County is proud to provide that opportunity for them.”
The Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation’s mission is to help people with disabilities find and maintain employment and enhance their independence. This is accomplished through their vision to become the first place people with disabilities turn when seeking employment and a top resource for employers in need of qualified employees.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Alleged Triggerman In Ladarius Clardy Murder Is Now Behind Bars
October 16, 2021
The alleged triggerman in the murder of football standout Ladarius Clardy is now in the Escambia County Jail.
Kobie Lashun Jenkins, Jr. is being held without bond on multiple charges including first degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder. Jenkins, 21, was booked into the Escambia County Jail Friday night after reportedly turning himself in.
Authorities are still searching for Timothy Knight Jr., 20, and Terrell Taquez Parker, 23, are wanted for principal first degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder and one count of attempted murder.
Amos Dehontiguan Snowden Jr. and his brother Da’Quavion Snowden, Jr. are both charged with first degree principal to murder and conspiracy to commit murder. Both remain in the Escambia County Jail without bond.
Clardy, a former standout Pine Forest High School quarterback, was shot and found dead in a vehicle crash. His vehicle was found with over 50 bullet holes in a ravine at Hollywood Avenue and Fairfield Drive about 1 a.m. on July 1.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Knight or Parker is asked to call the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620, Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP, or 911.
Crestview Gets Close 7-3 Win Over The Tate Aggies (With Gallery)
October 16, 2021
The Tate Aggies fought hard Friday night but came up short in a 7-3 loss to the Bulldogs in Crestview Friday night.
For a photo gallery, click or tap here.
Crestview (5-3) took a 7-0 lead over the Aggies with a 13-yard run.
In the fourth quarter, Tate sophomore Ward O’Brien handed off to senior Warren Henke for a 24-yard run to the Crestview 8-yard line. On fourth down, Henke got control of a high snap but was stopped at about the 3-yard line.
On a fourth down Crestview punt, Kabron Purifoy blocked it, once again putting the Aggies within reach of the end zone. On third down, it was O’Brien to Diego Dukes, but he was stopped at about the 15-yard line.
O’Brien nailed a 26-yard field goal to make it 7-3 with 8:12 to go in the fourth quarter.
The Tate Aggies (1-7) are off next Friday night before hosting Niceville on October 29.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Jennifer Repine, click to enlarge.
