Fire Lt. Wesley Barnett Named Escambia County Employee Of The Month
March 8, 2021
Escambia Fire Rescue Lieutenant Wesley Shane Barnett has been named as Employee of the Month for March.
Barnett began as a volunteer at the Cantonment Volunteer Fire Department in 2004 before becoming a fulltime firefighter with the county.
According to a proclamation presented by the Escambia County Commission:
Lt. Barnett began his employment with the county on Sept. 20, 2009 and provides excellent service to the citizens of Escambia County through all his assigned duties.
Lt. Barnett can be relied on as an independent decision-maker with issues inside the firehouse, as well as decisions concerning emergency incidents. Lt. Barnett works in a fire district that is isolated from other companies, which requires him, at times, to make decisions otherwise normally assigned to those of a higher rank.
In the early morning hours of Feb. 2, 2021, Lt. Barnett and his crew made a successful rescue of a civilian under structure fire conditions. Lt. Barnett properly utilized his personnel to complete multiple fire ground tasks. Personnel under his direction properly pumped the apparatus, conducted forcible entry, extinguished the fire and completed an aggressive interior search. Lt. Barnett and one of his firefighters made entry through the rear door, went down the hallway and found the victim unconscious in their bed. The victim was removed from the mobile home and ECEMS provide patient care.
In the late afternoon of Feb. 4, 2021, Lt. Barnett and his crew were dispatched to a cardiac arrest incident. Lt. Barnett and the crew of E1 found the patient laying in the middle of the street as a friend of the patient was conducting hands-only CPR. Lt. Barnett and his crew provided rapid basic life support interventions which resulted in a return of circulation.
Lt. Barnett fully embraces the importance of his profession. He continually works hard at training the personnel under his leadership to perform at a high level regardless of time of day or incident. Very few people have the capacity to become quality firefighters. Fortunately, the citizens of Escambia County should be thankful that they have numerous quality firefighters like Lt. Barnett.
Pictured: Escambia County Battalion Chief Dan Brask (left) and Lt. Wesley Barnett, Escambia County Employee of the Month for March. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
AAA: Florida Gas Prices Rise Again
March 8, 2021
Florida gas prices jumped 11 cents last week, according to AAA. The state average is now $2.72 per gallon; the most expensive daily average price since May 2019.
Florida’s average price for gasoline has climbed 26 cents since mid-February, when an arctic blast caused power outages to crude oil refineries in Texas and surrounding states. Many of those refineries are still working to return to full operations.
The average price per gallon in Escambia County was $2.70. A low of $2.63 couple be found Sunday night in Cantonment at two Highway 29 stations, while $2.59 was the low price in Pensacola.
“Florida gas prices could rise again this week,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA — The Auto Club Group. “Crude oil prices surged last week after OPEC and its allies announced plans to extend production cuts beyond April. The move piles more upward pressure on pump prices that were already responding to power outages at petroleum plants in the US. It’s possible gas prices could rise another 10 cents as early as Monday.”
So far this year, Florida gas prices have increased an average of 53 cents per gallon (since January 1). Pump prices increased 18 cents in January, 24 cents in February, and 11 cents so far in March.
Multiple People Injured In Near Head-on Crash On Highway 97
March 7, 2021
At least three people were injured in a near head-on wreck Saturday night on Highway 97.
About 10 p.m., an older model Dodge pickup truck and a Volvo S80 collided in a wooded area on Highway 97 between Tungoil Road and Hendricks Lane south of Walnut Hill. The pickup truck burst into flames after the crash.
One man was airlifted to an area hospital, and two were transported by ambulance to Pensacola hospitals following the crash.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating and has not released further details. The Molino and Walnut Hill stations of Escambia Fire Rescue and Escambia County EMS also responded.
Highway 97 was fully reopened shortly after 1 a.m. Sunday.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Here Are The Road Work Construction Spots To Watch This Week
March 7, 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:
- U.S. 98 (Pensacola Bay Bridge) Replacement – The intersection of North 17th Avenue and Bayfront Parkway will remain closed until spring 2021 as construction continues for the new 17th Avenue interchange. The Visitor’s Center remains 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- Both northbound travel lanes of North Ninth Avenue (S.R. 289) will remain closed at the Carpenters Creek Bridge through Wednesday, March 10. Construction crews are working on drainage issues in the area. One lane of traffic in each direction is available using the southbound travel lanes. Beginning Thursday, March 11, the left lanes of Ninth Avenue north and southbound will be closed at this location as work begins to replace the Carpenters Creek Bridge. The right lanes of Ninth Avenue north and southbound will remain open. Traffic is expected to remain in this configuration through late April.
- · East Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90) Safety Project from North Palafox Street to Chemstrand Road – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, March 7 through Friday, March 12 as crews perform paving operations.
- · I-10 Bridge Repair and Rehabilitation over Perdido River Bridge – Motorists will encounter a 36-hour lane closure beginning Monday, March 8. A 36-hour lane closure with pacing operations (slow-moving) will begin at 6 a.m. Monday, March 8. Traffic will be temporarily slowed to a safe speed by a pilot vehicle to allow crews to perform construction activities.
- I-10 Bridge Repair and Rehabilitation over U.S. 29 – Westbound traffic will encounter intermittent and alternating lane closures from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, March 7 through Thursday, March 11 for bridge repair and rehabilitation work.
- Navy Boulevard (S.R. 295) Underground Utility Operations south of Sunset Boulevard-The southbound outside lane will be closed and traffic rerouted from 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 10 to 5 a.m. Thursday, March 11 as crews conduct maintenance on a natural gas main.
- Davis Highway (S.R. 291) Utility Operations from E. Gadsden and E. Jackson streets- Traffic will encounter intermittent lane restrictions from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 10 as crews perform underground utility operations.
Santa Rosa County:
- S.R. 89 (Dogwood Drive) Utility Operations at Sanders Street in Milton- Intermittent lane restrictions 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Wednesday, March 31 as crews replace utility poles.
- U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive- Early construction activities including utility relocations, clearing, excavation, and drainage improvements have begun. Clearing and excavating of areas for the stormwater ponds are currently underway. There will be 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. Major roadway construction activities are anticipated to begin summer 2021.
- Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – The bridge remains closed.
- U.S. 98 Tree Trimming from Gulf Breeze to the beginning of the National Seashore and Bob Sikes Bridge – Motorists will encounter intermittent east and westbound lane closures from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. until Friday, March 26 as crews trim trees over the roadways and in medians. Operations will begin on the east end working westward toward Gulf Breeze.
- U.S. 90 Turn Lane Construction West of Bell Lane in Pace– Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. from Sunday, March 7 through Friday, March 19 as crews construct an east and westbound turn lane for the New Discount Tire Store.
- U.S. 98 Overhead Sign Maintenance at Trace Boulevard in Gulf Breeze- There will be intermittent eastbound lane restrictions from 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 10 to 5 a.m. Thursday, March 11 as crews perform overhead sign maintenance.
- S.R. 89 North, S.R. 87 North, and S.R. 89 Bypass Roadway Maintenance Operations- Drivers may encounter intermittent lane restrictions until Sunday, April 25 as crews perform roadway maintenance activities along the corridors. Off-duty law enforcement will be on-site to assist with traffic control.
All activities are weather-dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Pictured: Paving operations on westbond Nine Mile Road between Patrick Lane and Security Place. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
FHP Working To Identify Man Killed In Fiery Santa Rosa County Wreck
March 7, 2021
The Florida Highway Patrol has been unable to identify a man killed in a fiery Santa Rosa County crash early Saturday morning.
The single vehicle crash happened about 1:20 a.m. on Jones Road approaching Windham Road. The driver of a SUV left the roadway, collided with two mailboxes and sideswiped a tree. The vehicle then burst into flames and became fully engulfed when it collided with a stump.
FHP is continuing their investigation and working to identify the driver.
President Of FloridaWest Board Submits Resignation
March 7, 2021
Karen Sindel, president of the FloridaWest board of directors, has submitted her resignation.
Sindel announced her resignation from the volunteer position during an Escambia County Commission public form.
She said Escambia County needs an overall strategic plan economic growth that would including funding new, and improving existing, infrastructure. She also commended commissioners for the numerous opportunities afforded to local citizens to offer their input into the planning.
“And now, it is time for another citizen to step up and continue the effort. I am offering my resignation 60 days from this evening, or earlier if a new board member is appointed. Thank you,” Sindell said before turning and walking out of commission chambers.
The FloridaWest Economic Development Alliance was created in October 2014 when economic development was separated and moved out from under the present-day Greater Pensacola Chamber. FloridaWest EDA operates as a publicly/privately-funded organization.
The mission of FloridaWest EDA is to promote industry and commerce, enhance the business climate and stimulate economic prosperity, support workforce development, promote community development and encourage political action.
Community Health Northwest Florida Schedules Walk-in Vaccination Clinic For Monday
March 7, 2021
Community Health Northwest Florida is holding a walk-in vaccination clinic on Monday, March 8 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Brownsville Community Center, 3200 W. DeSoto Street in Pensacola for all residents of Florida who qualify, including those covered under the governor’s latest executive orders.
Currently the amended order expands the groups eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in Florida to include persons under 65 who are “medically vulnerable,” as well as individuals who hold specific jobs that put them at high risk. All participants will be required to show photo ID as well as proof of qualifying condition/job when they arrive.
Eligibility criteria for the Walk-In COVID event is:
- Persons 65 years of age and older;
- Adults 18 and older deemed medically vulnerable by a physician with the following:
- Patients may have their doctor fill out a State of Florida “COVID Vulnerability Determination” form or bring a doctor’s note/prescription stating the condition that qualifies the patient or current prescription bottles of the medication that treats the preexisting condition.
- If a current Community Health Northwest Florida patient and medically vulnerable, no form is required.
- All K-12 school employees, all ages; must show a badge from their school. (Current Executive Order does not include educators beyond K-12).
- Daycare workers; badge or paystub required as proof of employment in day care setting.
- Case workers from Children’s Home Society and Lakeview/Families First Network.
- Long-term care facility residents and staff;
- Health care personnel with direct patient contact;
- Sworn law enforcement officers 50 years of age and older;
- Firefighters 50 years of age and older.
More information about COVID-19 vaccine events is available by calling (850) 439-3358.
Another Charge Filed Against Cantonment Woman Who Allegedly Punched, Spit On ‘Frail’ Elderly Woman In Parking Lot
March 6, 2021
An additional felony charge has been filed against a Cantonment woman accused of punching a “frail” elderly woman in the face and spitting on her after a minor vehicle collision in a local Dollar General Parking lot.
Allisha Dawn Jarvis, 25, was first charged with battery on a person 65 years old or older. Court and arrest records show that she has now also been charged with felony burglary with assault and battery.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office arrived at the Dollar General at Highway 29 and North Tate School Road to find a 72-year old woman in the parking lot bleeding from her nose. She told deputies she was turning around in the parking lot when she accidentally hit a Ford Expedition that was leaving the parking lot.
The victim stated she was still in her vehicle when Jarvis approached and “violently punched” her in the face through a rolled-down window before spitting on her, according to an arrest report.
Jarvis told deputies that she walked up to the victim’s vehicle window and cussed at the elderly woman, but she stated she never punched her in the face, the report states.
An Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputy wrote in his report that the victim was “extremely frail” at 5-foot, three-inches tall and weighing only about 90 pounds. Jarvis, the report states, is about the same height and weighs 147 pounds.
The deputy stated the elderly woman had a slight cut on her nose that was bleeding and “you could clearly see dried spit on her collar.”
A witness confirmed the victim’s statements.
The burglary charged stemmed from Jarvis reaching into the victim’s vehicle.
Jarvis was later released from the Escambia County Jail on a $10,000 bond for the burglary charge and $7,500 for the assault charge.
Beulah Elementary Students Take Virtual Field Trip To Beulah Middle Agricultural Lab
March 6, 2021
Beulah Elementary School took a virtual trip to the agricultural lab at Beulah Middle School Friday.
“Covid has changed a lot of things this year, but this amazing group of young people have not given up or lost heart. In the past, they have loved our trips to Beulah Elementary and teaching the students there about agriculture. Since field trips are currently limited, they had to think outside the box this year,” Beulah Middle School agriscience teacher Leanne Jenkins said.
“They seriously knocked it out of the park today with their “virtual field trip” of the agriculture land lab. It was engaging, so informative and downright fun,” Jenkin said.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate High Concert Bands Perform Friday Night Concert (With Video)
March 6, 2021
The Tate High School Showband of the South held a program Friday night at Pete Gindl Stadium.
All three Tate concert bands performed their MPA replacement program.
Videos are below or are available on Facebook.