Escambia Man Killed In Collision With Truck At Highway 29, Highway 97 In Molino
November 16, 2020
An Escambia County man was killed in a two vehicle crash Sunday afternoon on northbound Highway 29 at the Highway 97 intersection in Molino.
The Florida Highway Patrol said a 44-year Pensacola man “failed to maintain awareness of stopped vehicle traffic directly in front of his vehicle”. He drove his Chevrolet Impala directly into the rear of a truck that was hauling a large commercial roll off dumpster.
The driver of the Impala was pronounced deceased at the scene, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The 59-year old driver of the commercial vehicle and his 76-year old passenger were not injured.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Average Gas Price Dips Below $2 A Gallon In Florida
November 16, 2020
Florida gas prices inched lower last week by just a penny, the smallest weekly decline in a month.
Florida drivers are now paying an average price of $1.99 per gallon. The state average is 1 cent less than a week ago, 15 cents less than last month, and nearly 40 cents less than this time last year.
The average price per gallon in Escambia County was $2.09, up a couple of pennies over last week. At least three North Escambia area stations in Cantonment were below $2 Sunday night, including $1.95 at one on Highway 29. Multiple stations were below the $2 mark in Pensacola — as low as $1.83 at two warehouse clubs.
“The gas price plunge stalled out last week, after news of a possible COVID-19 vaccine sent crude oil prices higher,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “The announcement restored some optimism within the fuel market, that fuel demand could eventually rebound. With the vaccine’s widespread release likely months away, it’s likely that gas prices will remain low through the rest of the year.”
Crude oil prices rose $3 a barrel last week. It was an increase of 8% from the week before. Oil prices shot up early in the week upon news of a possible COVID-19 vaccine. However, that optimism cooled off toward the end of the week as reports of rising cases of coronavirus continued to roll in.
40-Year Old Suspect Killed In Cottage Hill Deputy Involved Shooting
November 15, 2020
A suspect was killed in a deputy involved shooting Saturday night in Cottage Hill.
About 9:30 p.m. deputies from the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office were serving an arrest warrant when the suspect attempted to flee in his vehicle. The incident happened at a house in the 2200 block of Handy Road, just off McKenzie Road.
“Deputies were positioned behind the truck when the suspect went in reverse, they quickly moved and the suspect began to drive forward towards the deputies, forcing deputies to fire to stop the suspect,” Amber Southard, spokesperson for the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, told NorthEscambia.com.
Jake Settle, 40, was pronounced deceased on the scene.
No deputies were injured.
As is standard procedure, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating the shooting.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Help The Hungry: Annual Peanut Butter Challenge Underway
November 15, 2020
The annual Peanut Butter Challenge is underway, coordinated by Escambia County Extension, to collect jars of peanut butter to be given to area food pantries this December.
Through November 25, you can donate unopened jars of peanut butter at several locations throughout Escambia County. Drop off boxes can be found at:
- UUF/IFAS Extension – 3740 Stefani Road, Cantonment
- Escambia County Farm Bureau – 153 Highway 97, Molino
- Escambia County Public Safety – 6575 N. W St., Pensacola
- Gilmore Services – 21 E. Fairfield Drive, Pensacola
- Holy Spirit Church – 10650 Gulf Beach Highway, Pensacola
- Perdido Bay United Methodist Church – 13360 Innerarity Point Road, Pensacola
In His Own Words: Escambia School Superintendent Malcolm Thomas On Retirement
November 15, 2020
by Malcolm Thomas, Escambia School District Superintendent
This will be the last opportunity to write to you as the Escambia County School Superintendent. Thank you for allowing me the privilege of serving as the Superintendent of Schools for the past 12 years.
In 2008 when I contemplated becoming the Escambia Superintendent of Schools, I knew I was facing a huge elephant, but I also realized that there is only one way to eat an elephant – one bite at a time. Transforming education is a huge undertaking, which requires systemic and methodical progress. Such transformation takes time, and does not occur in an instant.
Now, as I approach my final workday before retirement, the landscape is markedly improved in so many areas: student achievement, technological resources, facility improvements, and graduation rates – just to name a few.
Because of the support of so many, our district is in a much better position than when we began this journey twelve years ago. It has been the collaborative efforts of both district and community stakeholders, embracing the vision and assisting the push for progress, that has made the difference.
Together, our district has made incredible achievements in the pursuit of student excellence. The dedication and professionalism of district employees humbles me. It has been my honor to serve alongside so many consummate professionals. This district is blessed with many wonderful, dedicated, and talented people who put the best interest of students first.
The shared vision of creating a district where parents want to send their children, where students want to learn, where teachers want to teach and where employees want to work has been integral in moving our district forward. Continued efforts to move forward will mean even more amazing outcomes for our students.
There is much to celebrate. Simply look back to any School Board meeting or review the press releases on the district web site and you will see accomplishments that should make the entire community proud. Students are taking advantage of opportunities to become the best they can be. However, there is much work that remains to be done and new challenges are on the horizon.
As I leave the district, so many of the relationships and experiences will remain in my mind and heart as a new chapter of my life unfolds. The Escambia County Public School District will always have my support, and I look forward to watching the next period of progress.
Our students have brought me great joy and happiness. It is with them in mind that I encourage each of you to join me in supporting the next Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Timothy Smith. He will be assuming the Office of Superintendent while accompanied by a great district team, to begin the next phase of success for our students.
I wish each of you the best in the future.
May God bless you all!
Malcolm Thomas
Superintendent, Escambia School District
Pictured: Malcolm Thomas was selected as Florida’s 2019 Superintendent of the Year by the Florida Association of District School Superintendents. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
God, Laughter And A Little Meanness: Local Couple Celebrates 77th Anniversary
November 15, 2020
Travis and Dorothy Baggett of Atmore recently celebrated their 77th wedding anniversary.
MawMaw, as she is called by her children and great-grandchildren, said it has been a long time — even a lifetime for some perhaps.
From Castleberry, Alabama, Travis is a direct descendant of Jesse Baggett, the original founder of Castleberry. He has outlived all 11 of his siblings. At 19, he met Dorothy Fussell of Evergreen, who had just turned 17 that summer.
“I had just served in World War II as a Navy fireman, and I had made it home. Between her looks and her cooking, she had me,” Travis (PawPaw) admitted. The couple married later that year after only two dates.
“Back then there wasn’t any of this going out on a date too much,” MawMaw said. “If you enjoyed somebody’s company, you just held on to that, and obviously, I guess we have just held on to each other. I wouldn’t know how to be single if I had to.”
The 90-lb. great- grandmother is known throughout the community for baking coconut cakes and pecan pies. “Cooking is my therapy. It’s all I know.”
PawPaw doesn’t complain.
“In all of our 77 years together, he has never eaten leftovers,” she added. MawMaw is getting ready to host the family Thanksgiving with her mouth-watering turkey and dressing — all made from scratch. Her family certainly agrees that she has the touch when it comes to the kitchen.
She has six brothers and six sisters. All are deceased except one, Sarah, who also married a Baggett.
“Travis and I have been through a lot of things,” MawMaw often reminds her grandchildren. “Some of them have been wonderful, and a lot have been so sad that you wonder what God is up to.”
Her family knows that she is referring to the loss of their oldest son, Steve, who was home from the Marines when his death occurred almost 50 years ago.
Travis, a retired Alabama Department of Corrections officer, credits Dorothy’s cooking for keeping him around this long.
“I look back now and know that she has worked hard, raising our boys and me too, always having every little thing done. I had the easy job compared to her at home.”
The couple also says that God, laughter and “a little meanness” is the reason they have had a long-lasting marriage. “Sometimes I have wanted to give up, but family is too important. I believe in commitment. I believe in staying the course,” MawMaw said with a smile.
The Baggetts can’t really get out and go as they once did. After all, PawPaw gave up his driver’s license when he turned 94, but he can still enjoy a good-natured joke and a nice hot meal any day — as long as MawMaw is right there with him and it’s her cookin’ he is eating, especially ham hock and rice.
The Baggetts have four sons: Steve (deceased); Donnie; Ronnie (Margaret); and Garry (Vicki). Their grandchildren are Steven, Krystal, Alex (Kaylee), Melissa, Corry and Lexxi. They also have five great-grandchildren.
This Week’s Traffic Alert – These Are The Spots To Expect Delays
November 15, 2020
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities. In observance of the Thanksgiving holiday, there will be no lane closures on state roads from 7 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 25 to 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 29. These lane closure restrictions include both construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- · Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – The bridge is closed for repairs.
- · U.S. 29 Widening from Interstate 10 (I-10) to Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90) – Drivers may encounter the following lane closures the week of Sunday, Nov. 15:
o Motorists traveling Nine Mile Road at the U.S. 29 Overpass and U.S. 29 traffic between I-10 and Nine and Half Mile Road may experience alternating lane shifts or closures as crews continue drainage, median and pavement operations.
- · West Fairfield Drive (State Road (S.R.) 295) Turn Lane Construction for Family Dollar – The inside eastbound lane will be closed from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 15 through Thursday, Nov. 19 for turn lane construction.
- · East Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90) Safety Project from North Palafox Street to Chemstrand Road – Motorists will encounter intermittent nighttime lane closures as crews continue construction activities. Eastbound traffic can also expect daytime, right turn lane closures.
- · Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90) Widening from Beulah Road (S.R. 99) to Pine Forest (S.R. 297) – Drivers can expect a new temporary traffic pattern on the I-10 westbound off-ramp (Exit 5) from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17. The exit lanes will be shifted to the outside of the roadway allowing crews to install a new traffic signal at this location.
- · East Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90) Safety Project from North Palafox Street to Chemstrand Road – Motorists will encounter intermittent nighttime lane closures as crews continue construction activities. Eastbound traffic can also expect daytime, right turn lane closures.
- · U.S. 29 Resurfacing from south of Muscogee Road (County Road 184) to Atmore Highway (S.R. 97)- Motorists can expect intermittent daytime lane restrictions as crews lay the final layer of asphalt.
- · Mobile Highway (U.S. 90) Intersection Improvements at New Warrington Road (S.R. 295) – Drivers can expect intermittent lane closures between 9:30 p.m. and 6 a.m. as construction activities continue.
Santa Rosa County:
- Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – The bridge is closed for repairs.
- S.R. 87 Resurfacing from Clear Creek to S.R. 4- Drivers can expect intermittent daytime lane closures along the 14-mile corridor through fall 2020 as crews perform paving operations.
- I-10 Emergency Improvements at Avalon Boulevard (S.R. 281/ Exit 22)- Sunday, Nov. 15 through Friday, Nov. 20, motorists will encounter nighttime shoulder and lane closures as crews construct improvements for accommodating additional traffic due to the closure of Pensacola Bay Bridge. Alternating and intermittent lane restrictions will take place on Avalon Boulevard at the I-10 intersection from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. as crews perform widening and turn lane extensions.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Florida Lottery Relaxes Some COVID-19 Claim Restrictions
November 15, 2020
Florida Lottery players with prizes valued at $600 or greater can schedule appointments to file claims at Florida Lottery Headquarters and district offices. P
Previously, the threshold was set at $5,000 or greater due to COVID-19.
Appointment availability is also expanding; claim appointments will now be offered Monday – Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., EST (Pensacola’s hours will be 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., CST). The first hour of each day will remain reserved for players 65 and older and those with serious underlying medical conditions.
In following local county and/or city ordinances, players must wear a face covering and submit to a mandatory health screening in accordance with DOH and CDC guidelines prior to entering a lottery office. In an effort to limit the number of people in an office at one time, players are also asked to attend their claim appointment by themselves unless they require the assistance of another person for medical reasons.
Secured drop boxes are also available inside each lottery district office for players to drop off winning tickets along with a completed winner claim form and a copy of an acceptable form of identification. The drop boxes are accessible Monday – Friday during specified drop box hours; no appointment is needed.
For more information on the documentation needed to claim a prize, visit www.flalottery.com/howToClaim.
Pedestrian Struck And Killed By Two Vehicles On Highway 29 At West Roberts
November 14, 2020
A 29-year old Pensacola man was killed when he was struck by two vehicles Friday night on Highway 29 at West Roberts Road.
The Florida Highway Patrol said both vehicles were northbound on Highway 29 in the outside lane as the pedestrian was walking from the shoulder into the roadway at 6:36 p.m. Troopers said he walked into the path of a SUV driven by a 50-year old Brewton man. The pedestrian was then hit by a box truck driven by a 23-year old Cantonment man.
The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene by Escambia County EMS. The two drivers were not injured.
The Florida Highway Patrol no longer releases the names of traffic crash victims.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Northview Gets Exciting 32-12 Playoff Win Over Chipley (With Photo Gallery)
November 14, 2020
The Northview Chiefs beat the Chipley Tigers 32-12 Friday night in the 1A regional quarterfinals.
Just two weeks ago, Northview handily beat Chipley 45-13.
After scoreless first quarter Friday night at Tommy Weaver Memorial Stadium in Bratt, sophomore Kaden Odom scrambled on a quarterback keeper for a touchdown to put the Chiefs on the scoreboard first at 7-0 with 9:55 remaining in the second.
After a Chipley score, senior standout Jayden Jackson stepped in as QB and scored from 67-yards out to put Northview back on top 13-6.
With 1:07 to go in the half, the Chiefs snapped to Jackson again, and he was in from six yards out to make it 19-6. Jackson added another touchdown with 6:12 to go in the third, 26-6.
First year Northview High School head coach Wes Summerford stepped up to his team after the game and opened with “I’m excited”.
“I’m excited about the way they responded in the second half, you know had a little slower start which was kind of unusual as a late, but I loved the way they responded,” Summerford told NorthEscambia.com after the win. “I’m excited for these guys. I preached all week about the playoffs. I said you stick together, and you play together anything can happen.”
The Chiefs (7-1) will host the Vernon Yellowjackets (5-1) next Friday night at 7:30 in the regional semifinals. Summerford said he believes his team is ready, with just a little fine tuning needed to prepare.
“I think that we have a good defensive game and our offense has been rolling is it,” Summerford said. “We are just gonna touch up on the little things. We are always going to do what we do, but we’re gonna touch up on the fundamentals.”
The Northview Chiefs are in a unique position if they roll on with the wins. They will play the next three playoff games at home before the state championship game on December 12 in Tallahassee.
NorthEscambia.com photos by William Reynolds, click to enlarge.
