Highway 97 Driver Hits Deer, Power Pole
January 29, 2021
A driver reportedly hit a deer before crashing into a power pole Friday morning near Molino.
It happened about 5:40 a.m. on Highway 97 near Pilgrim Trail.
The driver was transported by Escambia County EMS to Atmore Community Hospital.
The crash cut power to about 265 Gulf Power customers.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating. The Molino Station of Escambia Fire Rescue also responded.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia County’s New $142 Million Correctional Facility Is Almost Complete. Here’s A Photo Tour.
January 29, 2021
The new $142 million Escambia County Correctional Facility is set to open in the spring, replacing the Central Booking and Detention Center that was destroyed by an explosion in 2014.
On Thursday, select media members, including NorthEscambia.com, were allowed inside the 304,067 square foot, four story structure.
It is expected to be substantially completed in next month, with a final completion and the first inmates housed by April.
There are 15 housing units, know as “pods” for the inmates. Four dorms are centered around a central multipurpose room that includes a station for corrections officers.
“We have the officer in direct contact with the inmate,” said Escambia County Corrections Lt. Jason Walker. “It allows the inmate to create a professional relationship with the staff. The staff can then help them through their process of being incarcerated.”
Inmates will spend their time inside the pods, with services such as medical treatment, food and video visitation coming to them. There are televisions in the multipurpose rooms, and there access to an attached recreation area with a basketball goal. The rec area has high windows that open to the outside to allow in natural light and fresh air.
“Inmates have the opportunity to go outside and get some fresh air,” said Walker.
The facility has a complete infirmary to provide medical care.
“This was pretty much design to be a mini hospital so that we can handle patients that have direct medical needs,” Walker added.
There is a separate wing for juveniles that will not have contact with adult prisoners.
“They’ll have everything they’ll need, medical, schools, programs, all the recreation, in one wing,” Walker said. “It’s separate so they won’t even intermingle with adults.”
The new Escambia County Correctional Facility will not replace the current jail, which was constructed in the 1980s. The two buildings are connected by an enclosed corridor. Inmates will be divided between the two buildings based up on their security classification. Main services such as food and laundry will be in the new building.
Escambia County Corrections is now hiring correctional officers, detention assistants and medical professionals for the new facility. For more information on how to apply, click or tap here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Northview’s Jayden Jackson Commits To Holmes Community College
January 29, 2021
Northview High School’s all-time career leading rusher Jayden Jackson has committed to play football for Holmes Community College.
Jackson had 5,084 yards for the Chiefs. Last season, he averaged 249.3 rushing yards per game, ranking him No. 8 in the nation, according to Max Preps. His 2,224 rushing yards was second in Florida.
“After long and frustrating months due to COVID and the unlimited transfers and seniors getting an extra year I have made a decision to go JUCO and pursue my football dreams,” Jackson said.
Holmes Community College’s main campus is in Goodman, Mississippi.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Quintette Road Railroad Crossing Has Reopened; Chemstrand, Pauline Closing Next Week
January 29, 2021
CSX completed work on their Quintette Road crossing by Thursday night, and the crossing was reopened to traffic, according to Escambia County officials.
The crossings on Chemstrand Road (just south of Old Chemstrand Road) and on Pauline Street will close next week, according to Escambia County officials. The exact dates and times for the closures have not yet been announced.
CSX is conducting a crosstie replacement, and each crossing will be closed from two to three days. Work may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Pictured: Work on the Quintette Road crossing Thursday afternoon. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Man Killed In Pensacola Wreck
January 29, 2021
A Cantonment man was killed in a three vehicle crash Thursday afternoon in Pensacola.
The Florida Highway Patrol said the 41-year old man was traveling west on Beverly Parkway near Rock Island Place about 4:30 p.m. when his vehicle crossed into path of an oncoming vehicle.
The man was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital were he was pronounced deceased.
The 73-year old driver of the second vehicle and her 14-year old passenger suffered only minor injuries. Her vehicle was rear-ended by a vehicle driven by a 51-year old man who also received only minor injuries.
The Florida Highway Patrol no longer releases the names of traffic crash victims.
File photo.
Woman Injured In Highway 4 Hit And Run Rollover Crash
January 29, 2021
A woman was injured in a rollover hit and run wreck Thursday morning on Highway 4.
The crash happened shortly before 8 a.m. on West Highway 4 just east of Canoe Creek. The woman’s Ford F150 pickup truck was reportedly clipped by a vehicle that had passed her, causing her to lose control. The other driver fled the scene.
The 29-year old woman was transported as a trauma alert by Escambia County EMS to Sacred Heart Hospital.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating. Anyone with information on the crash is asked to call *FHP (*347) from a cell phone, or Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
The Walnut Hill Station of Escambia Fire Rescue also responded.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Escambia County Has Free Trees Remaining From Arbor Day Event
January 29, 2021
Escambia County has trees remaining following last weekend’s Arbor Day event, and they are free.
There are about 70 trees in one gallon containers available, including overcup and willow oaks, which will grow into large shade trees.
Interested Escambia County residents can stop by the Escambia County Extension Office at 3740 Stefani Road in Cantonment between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Photo for NorthEsambia.com, click to enlarge.
Missing Escambia County Senior Found; Silver Alert Canceled
January 28, 2021
UPDATE: The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said midday Friday that this missing man has been found safe.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office has issued a Silver Alert for a missing 74-year old man.
Jack M. Isenhower was last seen about 9 a.m. in the 4500 block of Baysprings Drive, the ECSO said Thursday night.
He was driving a white 2010 Ford pickup (picture below with unique markings) with FL tag #531UBT. Isenhower may be in need of medical attention.
If you have any information or see this vehicle, please call the ECSO at (850) 436-9620.
Couple Charged With The Death of Their Infant Child
January 28, 2021
A Pensacola couple has been charged with killing their infant child in 2018.
The infant’s father, 31-year old Quadarris Saulsberry, was charged with homicide and child neglect causing great bodily harm or death. The mother, 24-year old Brianna Scott, was charged with child neglect causing great bodily harm or death.
The incident that led to the death of the child happened December 29, 2018, at Pensacola Village at 500 East Fairfield Drive.
“I am heartbroken over the loss of this child,” Interim Pensacola Police Department Chief Kevin Christman said.
“At the same time I am proud of the way Detectives Lisa Alverson and Keith Tourney relentlessly pursued this case in order to bring justice for this victim,” he said. “The Pensacola Police Department is, and always will be, committed to solving horrible crimes such as this one, no matter how long it takes.”
New Location Identified For 300 Foot Cell Tower In Century
January 28, 2021
Earlier this month, the Century Town Council could not reach a consensus on a location to allow a new 300-foot tall cell tower to be built, but now the mayor believes he has found a location that will be agreeable to all involved.
Motions to approve a variance and lease property by the library or the town’s maintenance shop to a tower company both failed to even receive a second during the January 19 council meeting.
Mayor Ben Boutwell tells NorthEscambia.com that he worked with Diamond Towers to find another location that would alleviate council concerns, provide ongoing income for the town and provide much needed improved cellular coverage.
“If our town is going to progress, we need the coverage. I was not going to let that die,” he said.
Monday night, Boutwell will propose a lease with Diamond Towers for an AT&T tower on a small parcel of land in the town’s Anthony Pleasant Park off West Highway 4. It’s small area tucked away essentially at the back of the park.
“It will be a great spot,” Boutwell said. “It will be out of the way on a big area back there that’s never been used. It’s away from residents, surrounded by a wooded area so you would not see the base. It’s not too far from Highway 29 and is still in the area where AT&T needed it.”
Two parcels owned by the town were previously under consideration for the tower site:
- A 0.698 acre lot directly south of the Century Branch Library. The tower would be located less than 50 feet from the library property, which is owned by Escambia County.
- A 0.68 acre area located on the northeast corner of the town’s maintenance building property on Alger Road, just across the railroad tracks from the playground at Showalter Park.
“I would not want a tower in my neighborhood,” council member Sandra McMurray Jackson said of the Alger Road location at the council’s last meeting. “They don’t want it on Alger Road…I’m going to respect those residents.” She said Alger Road residents were concerned about possible ill effects to their health, and she said there would be no changing their minds.
Council President Luis Gomez said January 19 that he did not think the tower belonged along Highway 29, between the library and a commercial building he owns. He said that while he personally does not want it located on Highway 29, it is important to consider that someone might want to locate a business on the property in the future.
“We need cellphone service in Century,” Gomez said. “No one wants to put a business in Century with the stagnant service we have.”
A motion by council member James Smith to locate the tower at the town’s shop on Alger Road and a motion by Jackson to locate it on Highway 29 both failed at the last council meeting to reach a vote due to a lack of seconds.
Diamond Towers had requested a variance to the required 200 foot setback requirement for the tower. At 300 feet, the tower would be about the equivalent of a 30 story building, according to interim City Manager Vernon Prather.
If the council had approved, Diamond Towers would have leased one of the two properties at $1,000 total for one year with an optional extension for one more year at $1,000. Once a tower was constructed, Diamond’s lease would have increased to $1,500 per month for at least five years, with another $500 per month due for additional cellular providers collocated on the tower.
A similar lease option for the Anthony Pleasant Park location is expected to go before the council at their February 1 meeting.
Pictured: The entrance sign at Anthony Pleasant Park in Century. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.