Century Correctional Institution Staff Member Assaulted By Convicted Child Sex Offender
February 22, 2021
A staff member at the Century prison was recently assaulted by a convicted child sex offender.
Inmate Vincent J. Thomas, 30, assaulted a staff member at Century Correctional Institution, according to the Florida Department of Corrections. Details of the assault were not released.
Thomas is serving a 15 year sentence on Lake County convictions for three counts of lewd and lascivious battery of child age 12-15 years, six counts of production of child pornography, two counts possession of child pornography, cocaine possession and possession of methamphetamine.
Arctic Blast Power Outages Lead To Surge In Florida Gas Prices
February 22, 2021
Florida gas prices shot up last week, as arctic weather wreaked havoc on the Gulf Coast refinery region and caused a surge in fuel prices. Power outages knocked gasoline refineries in Texas and neighboring states offline and interfered with fuel shipments out of the area.
On average, Florida gas prices jumped 15 cents last week. Drivers are now paying an average price of $2.61 per gallon. That’s the highest daily gas price average since July 2019.
The average price per gallon in Escambia County was $2.57, up about 16 cents. The lowest price to be found Sunday night in North Escambia was $2.51 at a Cantonment station.
“This pump price hike is similar to what you’d expect if a hurricane struck the gulf coast region,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA — The Auto Club Group. “Just like the aftermath of a hurricane, workers are working to return to normal operations. Any reports of extended downtime or significant supply impacts could cause another round of rising prices.”
Much of Florida’s gasoline comes from refineries in Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi. So an interruption to the supply line there has a direct impact on prices here. However, Florida is not alone. This region is a major source of gasoline in the United States, accounting for more than 45% of total U.S. petroleum refining capacity. This storm reportedly impacted a little more than half of refinery capacity in the Gulf Coast region.
Although there is not currently a gasoline supply shortage, concerns about reductions in gasoline production caused fuel prices to climb. Crude oil prices rose nearly 3% last week, reaching $61.14 per barrel. Wednesday’s settlement was the highest since January 2020. Wholesale gasoline prices jumped 7% last week, reaching a level not seen since July 2019.
File photo.
Down Home Feel To Law Enforcement: Sheriff Chip Simmons Reopens Molino Precinct
February 21, 2021
Hundreds of community members attended the reopening ribbon cutting for the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Molino Precinct Saturday.
It was a scene that took on the feel of a community festival with balloons, children’s activities, food, demonstrations and the “Star-Spangled Banner” playing as Scout Troop 430 of Molino raised the flag into a blue sky. And that community feel is exactly what Sheriff Chip Simmons hopes the substation will be.
“We want this to be a hub. We don’t want to take anything away from Jimmy’s (a Molino restaurant). You can go eat at Jimmy’s and come over here,” Simmons said. “We think that having a more down home feel to law enforcement is a benefit to everyone. We think that we are going to have a quicker response time. We are certainly going to have deputies and supervision up here that knows the nuances of this area specifically.”
That supervision will come from Lt. Bobby Nelson (pictured left).
“I hope that this building can be a bridge to the community that it has been missing for the last few years.,” Nelson said. “I just want you to know that you are going to get my best and the best from everybody out here…Anything that we can do, were are here for you.”
For a photo gallery, click or tap here.
“We want you to be part of the community. We want you to stop by here, to come in here and say hello,” Simmons said. “If you want to have a meeting, I’ll drive up here. We’ll have a meeting in here.”
“I want thank Sheriff Simmons for standing by his campaign commitment to reopen this office,” Escambia County District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry said.
Simmons said he hopes to add even more deputies to the Molino precinct and a person to staff the office five days a week.
“I can’t be more excited about having this substation open,” District 5 ECUA board member Kevin Stephens said. “I know my wife and my family are feeling a lot better right now having our local law enforcement here closer.”
After officially opening the precinct, Simmons asked for just one thing in return.
“I just want you to do one thing for me. Every night when you go to bed, say a quick prayer and thank God that there are men and women that are willing to do this job,” Simmons said. “There’s a lot of negativity involving law enforcement, but I can tell you this. I work with 700 of the most dedicated, and professional, and decent hardworking men and women that you can ever ask for. So before I go to bed, I thank God for that, and I would ask that you do the same thing. I add an extra blessing tonight and say thank you for the neighborhood, thank you for the neighborhoods that will engage with us, support us, and are just great benefits to our community.”
For a photo gallery, click or tap here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Century Library Renovations Taking A Little Longer Than Planned. Here’s A Little Sneak Peek.
February 21, 2021
Renovations at the Century Branch Library are taking a little longer than first expected.
The library was due to open this week, but due to construction delays that’s been delayed until Tuesday, March 2.
Work began February 2 on an renovations including an enlarged children’s library, improved adult reading area, new furnishings, new carpet, new lighting and fresh new paint throughout.
Improvements are also being made outside the library including additional sidewalk, benches, bicycle repair station and several collaboration tables including an ADA accessible picnic table.
Pictured: A little sneak peak at the colors and carpet in the Century Branch Library. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Here Are This Week’s Traffic Trouble Spots
February 21, 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. In addition, 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.
- Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90) Widening from Pine Forest (State Road (S.R.) 297) to U.S. 29 – Crews continue road widening and drainage improvements. Traffic impacts for the week of Sunday, Feb. 21 include:
- Westbound Nine Mile Road between Pine Forest Road and Untreiner Avenue will be shifted to the newly constructed westbound roadway the week of Sunday, Feb. 21. The traffic shift will allow crews to construct the new inside travel lanes, median, and turn lanes. The shift is expected to remain in place for the next couple of weeks. Traffic control officers will be on-site to direct traffic.
- Drivers will experience intermittent traffic stoppages at the intersection of Nine Mile and Pine Forest road between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 21 and Monday, Feb. 22 as crews pave the intersection. The Nine Mile Road westbound right turn lane to Pine Forest Road will be closed during this time to be reconstructed.
- 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- Southbound drivers on North Ninth Avenue (State Road 289) will encounter intermittent daytime right lane closures approaching the Carpenters Creek Bridge Tuesday, Feb. 23 through Friday, Feb. 26 as crews relocate utility poles.
- W. Cervantes Street Underground Utility Operations- Drivers can expect intermittent lane restrictions from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. on the following days and locations:
- Tuesday, Feb. 23 and Wednesday, Feb. 24: East and westbound from the intersection of North F Street to the intersection of North H Street.
- Wednesday, Feb. 24 and Thursday, Feb. 25: Westbound outside travel lane from the intersection of North E Street to the intersection of North G Street.
- Thursday, Feb. 25 and Friday, Feb. 26: East and westbound from the intersection of North D Street to the intersection of North F Street.
- · East Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90) Safety Project from North Palafox Street to Chemstrand Road – Motorists will encounter intermittent right turn lane closures beginning Monday, Feb. 21.
- · S.R. 8 (I-10) Bridge Repair and Rehabilitation over Perdido River Bridge – Motorists will encounter nighttime, periodic lane closures beginning the week of Monday, Feb. 22. A 36-hour lane closure with pacing operations (slow moving) will begin at 6 a.m. Monday, Feb. 22. Traffic will be temporarily slowed to a safe speed by a pilot vehicle to allow crews to perform construction activities.
Santa Rosa County:
- 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 – For the latest information visit FDOT.gov/PensacolaBay.
- 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. through Friday, March 5 as crews construct an east and westbound turn lane for the New Discount Tire Store.
- 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.
Pictured: The intersection of Nine Mile and Pine Forest roads as seen on Saturday, February 20. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
St. Regis Gas Treating Facility Near Jay Reports Produced Water Leak
February 21, 2021
A produced water leak was reported Saturday at a gas facility near Jay.
The leak was at the St. Regis Gas Treating Facility just east of the intersection of Highway 89 and Exxon Road.
A control room operator received a call from a local resident about a smell. The field pumper was immediately notified, and he identified the leak and isolated the line. The line was depressurized within 15 minutes, and a vacuum truck was called to remove any fluids.
According to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, about 4.95 barrels (208 gallons) of produced water entered Cobb Branch through a concrete ditch.
Oil booms were placed in the concrete ditch and in several locations in Cobb Branch, but no oil sheen was found.
American Adds Nonstop Flight From Pensacola To New York
February 21, 2021
American Airlines has announced it will begin daily, nonstop service from Pensacola International Airport to LaGuardia Airport this summer. The Texas based carrier said the service is scheduled to begin in June and run through September.
LaGuardia Airport, located in the Queens borough of New York City, is the third busiest airport in New York, offering connections to Richmond, Virginia, Detroit, Michigan, Minneapolis, Minnesota, and many other destinations.
American Airlines’ daily flight departs LaGuardia at noon EST and arrives in Pensacola at 1:45 p.m. CST. Flights departing Pensacola will arrive in New York at 6 p.m. EST.
“We have worked to position Pensacola International Airport as a strategic partner for airlines as we all work to recover from the health crisis that has negatively impacted the air industry,” Pensacola International Airport Director Matt Coughlin said. “This announcement today shows that our efforts here in Pensacola are not going unnoticed and that we truly are the Gateway to the Gulf Coast.”
“I’m always excited to see new nonstop destinations at Pensacola International Airport, but one as prominent as New York City is especially exciting,” Mayor Grover Robinson said. “Expanding our nonstop destinations not only provides additional travel opportunities for residents, but also connects new visitors to Pensacola and everything our beautiful city has to offer. Despite challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s great to see Pensacola International Airport continuing to thrive with safety protocols in place for travelers.”
Salzman Withdraws ECUA Term Limit Bill, Instead Looking At Wider Utility Reform
February 20, 2021
Rep. Michelle Salzman has withdrawn a local bill that would have imposed term limits for members of the Emerald Coast Utilities Authority. Instead, Salzman and other legislators across the state are setting their collective sights on ECUA and similar utilities across the state.
Salzman set out to rewrite that legislative act that gives ECUA its authority after a 2018 grand jury investigation that was not made public until September 2020. The freshman District 1 representative’s bill would have limited ECUA board members to three, four-year terms.
“What we have discovered during the course of this process is that this issue is not specific to just our area. There are other ‘ECUA’s’ around Florida and for that reason we are partnering with other legislators across the state to request the office of the Public Counsel to conduct a study of how some utilities in Florida currently operate and report its recommendations back to the legislature,” Salzman told NorthEscambia.com in a text message Friday.
The Escambia County Legislative Delegation had endorsed the bill at a January meeting, and Salzman said the withdrawal was done in partnership with Delegation Chair Sen. Doug Broxson.
“The extensive operational audit of ECUA was officially requested by my office as well as a separate detailed review of all water utilities created by special acts has been ordered as well. Before the end of session we should have a clear picture of how we will move forward with legislation,” she said.
“I have been having the conversation about ECUA with legislators and leaders all over our state. As I mentioned after our January delegation meeting, this is only the beginning. I am and will continue to work on a good resolution for the constituents of not only Escambia County, but all of Florida.”
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Escambia County Wins State Peanut Butter Challenge
February 20, 2021
Escambia County Extension was the winner of the statewide 2020 Peanut Butter Challenge.
Escambia County collected 2,191 jars weighing in at 2,867.5 pounds. The county’s collection was further boosted by an additional 2,880 jars, generously donated by local farmers Rodney and Mike Helton.
The premise of the event was simple — from October 1 until the day before Thanksgiving, participating counties collected jars of peanut butter, often with plenty of help from the local community and organizations. At the end of the event, the collections are tallied, bragging rights earned, and the jars were distributed to local food pantries to feed neighbors in need during the holiday season.
“The Peanut Butter Challenge continues to raise awareness of the importance of the state peanut industry, and helps provide a healthy product to families who do not have easy access to nutritious food,” said Libbie Johnson, agricultural agent for UF/IFAS Extension Escambia County and co-organizer of the Challenge since its inception. “Our communities come through year after year with tremendous responses to our calls for peanut butter donations, and we thank them.”
Peanut butter is an ever-popular item in food pantries for its nutrient density and shelf stability. The project’s expansion this year was partially inspired by the increased demand for food bank assistance as an economic effect of the COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Set For Special Needs Adults With High Risk Conditions
February 20, 2021
Ascension Medical Group Sacred Heart will hold a special COVID-19 vaccination clinic on February 26 for Florida residents with developmental and intellectual disabilities who also have conditions that put them at high risk for serious complications from COVID-19. The clinic will include vaccinations for persons with Down syndrome.
The vaccination clinic will be held at Olive Baptist Church in Pensacola from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adults with Down syndrome have an increased risk of severe illness from the virus that causes COVID-19. Researchers in the United Kingdom have estimated that people with Down syndrome have a fourfold increased risk for hospitalization from COVID-19 and a 10-fold increased risk for COVID-related death.
Down syndrome appeared in the CDC’s December 23 update to its list of higher risk conditions linked to severe COVID-19 complications. Persons with Down syndrome are more likely to have congenital heart defects and chronic heart conditions, as well as diabetes, asthma or a compromised immune system.
The February 26 clinic also will provide vaccinations for persons with developmental disabilities who have chronic medical conditions that make them highly vulnerable to COVID-19 complications. Those regarded as extremely vulnerable to the virus include patients with cancer, COPD, weakened immune systems, chronic kidney diseases, certain heart conditions, obesity, Down syndrome, diabetes, and sickle cell disease.
An appointment scheduled in advance is required to attend the clinic. No walk-in patients will be accepted. A parent or legal guardian may be required to attend to give consent for vaccination.
Florida residents interested in arranging an appointment for the February 26 clinic should send an email to Covid19vaccinesupport@ascension.org. When completing an email request, please add in the subject line: “Clinic for adults with disabilities” and, in the email, include the patient’s first and last name, date of birth, a brief description of the qualifying high-risk medical condition, and the patient’s primary care provider.
Ascension Medical Group staff will give shots with the first dose of the Moderna vaccine to up to 400 people who meet the special needs criteria. All participants will be expected to return for a second dose of the vaccine on March 26.
—