Cantonment Man Charged After Drugs, Weapons, Cash Found During Search Warrant Service
March 5, 2021
A Cantonment man is facing multiple drug charges after law enforcement found drugs and weapons after executing a search warrant.
Larry Clay, 22, is charged with trafficking in oxycodone, possession of hydrocodone and violation of probation.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit, SWAT team and High Intensity Patrol Unit served a search warrant in the 60 block Calloway Street in Cantonment. Inside the home, they discovered 11.55 ounces of methamphetamine, 13.8 grams of powdered cocaine, 9.6 grams of crack cocaine, 20.5 grams of oxycodone, 22.1 grams of hydrocodone, $11,172 in cash, along with four pistols, a shotgun and a rifle.
Clay remained in the Escambia County Jail without bond.
Walnut Hill Man Charged With Felony Battery
March 5, 2021
A Walnut Hill man was charged after allegedly beating a man in Bratt.
Thomas Zachariah Mason, Sr., age 31, was booked into the Escambia County Jail on a charge of felony battery.
The victim told the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office that he spent the night with his girlfriend at her sister’s home somewhere on Bratt Road. He and the girlfriend got into an argument and she told him to leave, but he refused because he needed sleep before going to work, an arrest report states.
Mason allegedly went to the residence after a Facebook message from the victim’s girlfriend. At the home, Mason and another man allegedly beat the victim, causing a concussion, multiple bruises, a rib fracture and eye damage, an arrest report states.
Through a search warrant, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office obtained Facebook messages showing the girlfriend contacted Mason and informed him of the altercation between her and the victim, at which time Mason stated that he was on the way, according to an arrest report.
Mason was released from jail on a $25,000 bond.
Community Health Northwest Florida Holding Vaccination Clinics Friday And Saturday
March 5, 2021
Community Health Northwest Florida will hold COVID-19 vaccination clinics on Friday March 5 and Saturday March 6 at Brownsville Community Center for all Florida residents who qualify, including those covered under the governor’s latest Executive order; 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 50 and older who hold specific jobs that put them at high risk.
Vaccine supply is limited and will be administered by appointment only. Preregistration is required.
Any eligible individuals who would like to receive the vaccine may schedule an appointment by calling the Community Health Northwest Florida COVID vaccination scheduling call center at (850) 439-3358. The call center is open Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. until noon. (or whenever all appointment slots are filled).
All participants will be required to show photo ID as well as proof of qualifying condition or job at their appointment.
Northview Beats PHS; Tate Freshmen Over Navarre
March 5, 2021
Northview 17, Pensacola 4
The Northview High Chiefs beat the Pensacola High Tigers 17-4 Thursday night in Pensacola.
Bryce Korinchak drove in four runs on two hits. He had runs on a second inning single, a walk in the fifth and a sixth inning single.
Luke Bridges, Jamarkus Jefferson and Rustin Pope each had two hits for the Chiefs. Kaden Odom and Trent Knighton had a hit apiece.
Jefferson pitched five innings, allowing six hits with four runs and striking out seven. Josh Landis was on the mound for a single inning, sitting down two with no hits
Tate 12, Navarre 5 (Freshmen)
The Tate Aggies Freshmen defeated Navarre 12-5 Thursday.
Joseph Polk went three innings on the mound for Tate, allowing four runs on five hits and striking out three.
Cole McNair pitched two innings, allowing one run, one hit and striking out three.
Conner Hassell had three hits for the Aggies, while McNair had two. Trey Rebber, Ketch King, and Damian Cullen had one hit each.
Pictured: Jamarkus Jefferson on the mound for Northview. NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Homeowner Shoots Suspect During Home Invasion; Six Charged
March 4, 2021
Six people were arrested after a home invasion in which one suspect was shot, and the homeowner’s granddaughter is accused of orchestrating the crime.
During the early morning hours Thursday, ECSO deputies were called to the 7400 block of Jackson Street.
Pensacola Bay Bridge Probably Won’t Reopen In March; More Damage Found
March 4, 2021
The Pensacola Bay Bridge is unlikely to open on March 22 as previously announced by the Florida Department of Transportation because more damage has been found.
As FDOT contractors were conducting repairs to the Pensacola Bay Bridge, it was determined that additional repair work was needed for one of the bridge’s trophy pieces. FDOT said the full replacement of the trophy piece will uphold FDOT’s commitment to provide the safe and efficient reconnection of the communities of Gulf Breeze and Pensacola and the delivery of a bridge that has a 75-year design life.
FDOT is currently conducting a comprehensive assessment of the replacement to determine how it will affect the current reopening schedule. FDOT previously announced its goal to re-open the Pensacola Bay Bridge in phases beginning with restoring two lanes of traffic by the week of March 22.
Trophy pieces, when placed atop piles, constitute bridge piers that are mounted at the end of each span to support the superstructure and transfer loads to the foundations.
Multiple crews are working around the clock to complete repair projects critical to the opening of the Pensacola Bay Bridge.
To date, completed repairs include:
- 30 piles driven.
- Five trophy pieces installed.
- Twenty of 36 beams set.
- Five of eleven partial decks replaced.
- One of two full decks replaced.
FDOT’s phased approach will open two lanes of traffic (one in each direction) for the first 4,000 feet on the Pensacola side. The remaining approximate two miles of the bridge will be open to four lanes of traffic (two in each direction). During this initial phase, the speed limit will be temporarily set at 35 mph and emergency refuge areas will be available on the bridge. The second phase consists of opening the remaining 4,000 feet to four lanes of traffic.
All Florida Teachers Now Eligible For COVID-19 Vaccinations Regardless of Age
March 4, 2021
COVID-19 vaccinations are now open to all Florida teachers and staff, along with child care workers, regardless of age.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the new policy on Thursday following a Biden administration mandate. An order previously issued by DeSantis allowed vaccines for only those educators age 50 and over.
“The federal government put that order in,” DeSantis said from a press conference early Thursday. “So they’ve made the teachers, regardless of age, eligible. So they are eligible to get vaccinated per that order.”
But DeSantis said Florida will continue to push for the vaccination of seniors.
“Our view is just if your are 25, you are at less risk that somebody that’s 80. That’s just the bottom line,” the governor said. “The age based approach, we think, is the most effective to reduce mortality. At the same time, the federal government is one sending us the vaccine. If they want it to be for all ages, then they have the ability to go and do that.”
“But one our number one goal right now is to get through the senior population.”
Pictured: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks about teacher vaccinations at a press conference in Crystal River Thursday morning. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Alabama Gov. Ivey Extends Mask Mandate One Final Time, Says It Will Be Lifted For Good April 9
March 4, 2021
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey has extended the state’s mask mandate for another five weeks, but after that it will end, she announced during a press conference Thursday morning in Montgomery.
“Let me be abundantly clear. After April 9, I will not keep the mask order in effect,” Ivey said.
“Folks, we are not there yet, but goodness knows we are getting closer,” Ivey said. “If we keep it up and get through Easter, I think we will be in much better shape.”
Other changes announced by the governor included:
- Outdoor programs will be allowed at senior centers within guidelines
- Summer camps will be able to resume operations this year
- Seating limits at restaurants will be lifted
- Up to two caregivers will now be allowed to visit people in nursing homes and hospitals
“We are finally rounding the corner,” Ivey said.
Newly Renovated Century Branch Library Reopens (With Photo Tour)
March 4, 2021
The Century Branch Library reopened Tuesday after being closed for a month for renovation.
One of the most notable features of the new library design is a much improved use of space. The children’s area has been expanded, now incorporating what was formerly a storage room. The adult area, shelving and the circulation desk have been rearranged, creating a large open reading area that can be used for events and library programs.
And, it’s like a park inside the library.
That’s how Escambia County Director of Library Services Todd Humble describes the newly renovated library.
“We are pleased to present a bright, open and airy space for our residents to enjoy within the Century Branch Library. The design concept behind this renovation was to represent nature,” Humble said as he describe the new, modern look of the library. “The paint color on the walls is blue to simulate the sky and the carpet pattern was chosen to simulate a patio. The color of the furniture was selected for a bright contemporary look, which will include orange, green and light blue colors.”
There will be two aquariums in the library on North Century Boulevard, one of which will include fish that might be caught in the Century area.
“The adult section will incorporate flowers and trees in the artwork. The lobby will include artwork of squirrels. The idea is to create a peaceful and inviting experience for residents to enjoy nature within the library.”
And then there’s the pod chair, likely to become very popular with library patrons. It’s comfy, with soft fabric inside. The hard dome-shaped outside shell provides sound isolation, making for a quiet reading spot.
Due to shipping and other delays, the renovation project is not quite compete. An official grand opening ceremony will be scheduled for a later date.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Century Reschedules COVID-19 Grant Hearing After Oversight Leads To Wrong Address In Public Notice
March 4, 2021
The Town of Century has rescheduled a grant application public hearing after a simple oversight led to public notices that listed two different locations for the meeting.
The public hearing will allow the town to apply for coronavirus funding through a Small Cities Community Development Block Grant from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity. The grants will be awarded in amounts ranging from $200,000 to $5 million for neighborhood revitalization, commercial revitalization, economic development, public service, planning or housing.
A public notice distributed in the council’s agenda pack and a public notice posted on the front door of Century Town Hall both listed the location of Monday’s night’s public meeting as Century Town Hall on North Century Boulevard. However, the town council voted in January to move all of their meetings to the Century Community Center on West Highway 4 beginning February 1 in order for more social distancing space and to allow for more public participation.
Town planner Debbie Nickles told the council that a public notice submitted for publication in a local weekly printed newspaper had the correct meeting location of the community center, which is where the council meeting was being held.
An improper public notice would be in violation of the Florida Sunshine Law and might invalidate Century’s grant application.
“I believe we will need to have another public hearing because the address is incorrect, although a number of people obviously figured out where the meeting was,” interim City Manager Vernon Prather said. “It is listed at 7995 North Century Boulevard (town hall). We’re not there so we have enough, we need to re-advertise. We’re trying to make transition from the old address to the new address.”
“Make sure we are all on the same page at the same time because people came by tonight with questions and concerns,” council member Sandra Jackson said in comments directed to town staff. “One person print, the next person proofread so we can go on and conduct the town’s business in a professional manner.”
The public hearing has been rescheduled for Tuesday, March 9 at 7 p.m. at the Century Community Center on West Highway 4. The public is encourage to attend to offer input on how the funds could be spent if the town is awarded a grant.
Pictured: Consultant Robin Phillips discusses a Community Development Block Grant. Pictured below: Members of the public attended the Town of Century council meeting. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
