Molino Park Elementary Wins $1,500 In Wellness Challenge; Ransom Middle And Northview High Place Too
March 29, 2021
Molino Park Elementary School claimed the top spot in the Escambia County School District’s Choose Wellness Challenge, and North Escambia schools were also tops in the middle and high school categories.
The challenge was to see which school or major department could achieve the highest level of participation in the challenge by the end of the school year. Participants completed steps to promote health and wellness, potentially reducing the district’s health care and lost work time costs.
At a 68.5% participating level, Molino Park Elementary was the overall winner. Molino Park also won this year’s “Most Improved” award with an increase of 13.3% over last year’s participation. The school received $1,500 in prize money.
Awards of $250 were also presented to the schools and departments with the highest percentage of participation
The highest percentage participation award at the middle school level went to Ransom Middle School at 55.1%, and the highest percentage participation award at the high school/secondary level went to Northview High School at 53.2%. The highest percentage participation at the major department award sent to the McDaniels Administration Center at 66.4%.
The awards are paid from wellness dollars, not taxpayer funds, according to the school district.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate’s Strike Out Cancer Softball Game Raises Over $22,000
March 29, 2021
The annual Tate and West Florida Strike Out Cancer softball game raised over $22,000 this year.
The proceeds from donations and auctions will go to the American Cancer Society to benefit cancer research and to help those currently battling cancer.
The Tate Lady Aggies won the game 8-1 over WFHS. Abbie Burks pitched a complete game win for the Lady Aggies, allowing one run on two hits and striking out four. Hannah Halfacre and Madison Holland led Tate at the plate with two hits each.
Last year’s Strike Out Cancer game was canceled at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Florida Gas Prices Trend Downward
March 29, 2021
Florida gas prices are showing signs of weakness for the first time this year, according to AAA.
The state average declined a couple of cents last week as domestic gasoline supplies strengthen and global fuel demand-concerns creep back into the fuel market. That downward trend could continue, especially if the Suez Canal is cleared soon.
The average price of gasoline in Florida is $2.88 per gallon, the lowest in 10 days.
The average price per gallon in Escambia County is $2.86, but a low of $2.56 could be found at Pensacola Boulevard station. The lowest price in North Escambia was $2.57 Sunday night on Muscogee Road in Cantonment.
Last week’s oil price decline was enough to potentially send gas prices back below $2.70 per gallon. Unfortunately, those hopes were dashed (for now) when a massive cargo ship ran aground in the Suez Canal, blocking the major artery for fuel shipments. For now, the interruption has not caused crude prices to skyrocket. Domestic crude oil settled the week where it started, at around $61 per barrel.
“The blockage in the Suez Canal appears to be the only thing keeping upward pressure on prices at the moment,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA — The Auto Club Group. “Wholesale gasoline prices are still down 20 cents from two weeks ago. So drivers could see gas prices slip even lower, unless the blockage at the canal raises supply concerns and the price of oil.”
UPDATE: Missing Juvenile From Cantonment Found Safe
March 28, 2021
UPDATE: The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said Sunday night that this missing juvenile has been found found safe.
Previous story:
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is searching for a missing juvenile from Cantonment.
Ashlyn Elizabeth Tidwell, 14, was last seen about 10:30 Saturday night in the 1000 block of Pine Top Lane, just off Neal Road. She was wearing a gray t-shirt and gray pants. She is 5-foot, four-inches, 130 pounds, with black hair and blue eyes.
ECSO said she might be in the area of Michigan Avenue.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620.
Tate Aggies Beat Fort Walton Beach 7-4 Saturday Night At Blue Wahoos Stadium (With Gallery)
March 28, 2021
The Tate Aggies left Blue Wahoos Stadium with a 7-4 win over Fort Walton Beach Saturday night.
Tucker Griffin pitched the win for the Aggies, allowing no hit, no runs and striking out one. Tanner Rouchon, Colton Swiers and Jackson Penton took to the mound in relief, and Jadon Frymon earned the save with the last three outs for Tate.
Zak Licastro led the Aggies at the plate, going 3-3 with a couple of RBIs. Dylan Godwin, Drew Reaves and Fryman had a couple of hits each for Tate, as Penton recorded one.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Photos by Laura Glodfelter for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Molino Man Charged With Drug Trafficking, Weapons Offense After Hotel Search Warrant
March 28, 2021
A Molino man is facing multiple drug and weapons charges, including drug trafficking, after a search warrant was executed at a Pensacola hotel, and a Pensacola woman is also facing charges.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office served the search warrant at the Suburban Extended Stay Hotel in the 3900 block of Barrancas Avenue. Two people, Damion Tobias Bryant of Molino 32-year old Kiersten Marie Heusohn of Pensacola, were inside the room at the time, an arrest report states.
According to investigators, Bryant possessed approximately 267.8 grams of methamphetamine, 37.37 grams of a heroin and fentanyl mixture, 12.1 grams of synthetic marijuana, 22 grams of marijuana, 265 whole and 37 partial Alprazolam pills and two oxycodone pills.
In addition, deputies reported finding $1,475 in cash in the room and a .45 caliber pistol in a pool.
Bryant was charged with trafficking in methamphetamine, trafficking in heroin, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, destruction of evidence, and two counts of possession of a controlled substance. He was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $240,000 bond.
Heusohn was charged with conspiracy to traffic methamphetamine, conspiracy to traffic heroin and destruction of evidence. She was released from jail on a $102,500 bond.
Bryant has eight prior felony convictions, according to his arrest report.
Deadline Is Wednesday To Pay Escambia Real Estate, Tangible Property Taxes
March 28, 2021
It’s time to pay those county taxes.
Escambia County Tax Collector Scott Lunsford said 2020 unpaid real estate and tangible property taxes become delinquent April 1. Penalties of 3 percent for real estate taxes and 1.5 percent for tangible taxes will be assessed. Over $24.5 million remains unpaid, representing approximately 8 percent of the tax roll.
To avoid a penalty, payment must be made by March 31.
Payment can be made:
- online by midnight March 31, at EscambiaTaxCollector.com;
- mailed with a March postmark;
- left by midnight, March 31, in a 24-hour drop box available at all locations; or
- by phone at (850) 438-6500, ext. 3252 by close of business March 31.
Online services at EscambiaTaxCollector.com allow customers to check the status of property taxes, pay online, print a receipt, search records, renew vehicle and vessel registrations and many other services. Current taxes may be paid by eCheck for no additional fee.
Pictured: The Escambia County Tax Collector Office in Molino. NorthEscambia.com photo.
Photos: Oh Those Glorious Southern Azaleas Put On A Show
March 28, 2021
Azaleas are in full bloom across North Escambia with many bushes absolutely solid in beautiful color.
We took our cameras and found a group of heritage azalea bushes believed to be over 50 years old.
For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Traffic Alert: This Week’s List Of Construction Slow Down Spots
March 28, 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:
- Between Beulah Church Road and Mobile Highway (State Road (S.R.) 10A) – Motorists can expect nighttime lane closures Sunday, March 28 to Monday, March 29 for paving operations.
- S.R. 10 (US 90A) E 9 Mile Rd from N Palafox Street to Chemstrand Road – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, March 28 through Friday, April 2 for paving operations.
- U.S. 98 (S.R. 30) Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement - The intersection of North 17th Avenue and Bayfront Parkway will remain closed until spring 2021 as construction continues on the new 17th Avenue interchange. The Visitor’s Center and adjacent boat launch remain accessible from 17th Avenue. Also, the ramp from 17th Avenue to East Gregory Street remains open. Eastbound drivers on Bayfront Parkway should use North 14th Avenue and Cervantes Street (U.S. 90) as a detour route.
- U.S. 29 Widening from Interstate 10 (I-10) to Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90) – Motorists can expect intermittent lane closures and shifts, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., on U.S. 29, between I-10 and Nine and Half Mile Road, and on Nine Mile Road at the U.S. 29 Overpass.
- North Ninth Avenue (S.R. 289) Carpenters Creek Bridge Replacement- The north and southbound left lanes of Ninth Avenue over Carpenters Creek will be closed as bridge replacement work begins. The right lanes will remain open. Traffic is expected to continue in this configuration through late April.
- · West Cervantes Pedestrian Safety Improvement Project- Drivers will encounter inside lane closures on West Cervantes Street, between Dominguez Street and A Street beginning Monday, March 29. The lane closures are required to perform median construction work. One lane in each direction will be maintained at all times. The median work and lane closures will begin on the west end of the project, near Dominguez Street, and will progress eastward until the end of the year. Also, be advised that the speed limit will be reduced to 30 m.p.h.
- · I-10 Bridge Repair and Rehabilitation over Perdido River Bridge – Motorists will encounter lane closures and pacing operations beginning Monday, March 29 at 6 a.m.. Traffic will be temporarily slowed to a safe speed by a pilot vehicle during construction activities.
- · S.R. 95 (U.S.29) from South of Muscogee Road (County Road (C.R.) 184) to Atmore Hwy (S.R. 97) – Motorist will encounter intermittent lane closures on both Northbound and Southbound U.S. 29 in the Cantonment area next week, for pavement milling and resurfacing. This will include work in the Muscogee and Becks Lake Roads and Morris Avenue intersections, as well as the CSX Railroad crossing. Lane closures will occur Monday, March 29 through Friday, April 2 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- · U.S. 90 (Scenic Hwy) Tree Trimming South of Deverux Drive – Motorists will encounter intermittent outside, southbound lane closures Tuesday, March 30 from 10 a.m. to 4p.m.
- · Routine Bridge Maintained U.S. 90 (S.R. 10) over Davis Hwy (S.R. 291) – Motorists will encounter lane closures Monday, March 29 form 8 p.m. to 4 a.m.
- · Overhead Lighting Maintenance on I-10 (S.R. 90) – Motorists will encounter nighttime lane closures on I-10 (S.R. 90) at mile marker 5 through 19 Monday, March 29 through Friday, April 2 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m.
- Maritime Duathlon Run Bayfront Parkway (S.R. 196) – Portions of Bayfront Parkway will be temporarily closed for the duration of the duathlon. A traffic detour will be in place during the closures.
Santa Rosa County:
- U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive- Early construction activities are beginning in preparation for the widening and improvements of the 4.25-mile section of U.S. 98 from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive. These activities include utility relocations, clearing, excavation, and drainage improvements. As part of the upgraded drainage system, the project includes the construction of five stormwater ponds. Clearing and excavating of areas for the stormwater ponds are currently underway. There are no traffic impacts associated with the construction of the ponds, but nearby residents and businesses may experience some noise. Access to residences and businesses will be maintained at all times. Major roadway construction activities on the $70.4 million project are anticipated to begin in summer 2021.
- Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – For the latest information visit FDOT.gov/PensacolaBay.
- North side of U.S. 90 (S.R. 10) between Santa Rosa Drive and Summerdale Drive – Motorists will encounter westbound lane closures on the outside lane of U.S. 90 (S.R. 10) for paving maintenance on Sunday, March 28 through Monday, March 29 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m.
All activities are weather-dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Pictured:
Helping Hand: Food Giveaway Held Saturday In Century
March 28, 2021
Northwest Florida Community Outreach held a food distribution Saturday in Century. The drive-thru event was held at the Century Business Center on Pond Street. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
