10,000 Pound Food Giveaway Held In Walnut Hill
December 6, 2020
A 10,000 pound food giveaway will be held Saturday in Walnut Hill.
The drive-thru event was held by Justified Incarcerated Ministries, Pensacola Caring Hearts and Feeding the Gulf Coast.
The event was originally planned for the Walnut Hill Community Center, but was moved on Saturday to Walnut Hill’s Bradberry Park.
Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
These Are The Road Construction Slowdowns For The Week
December 6, 2020
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.
- · 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, Dec. 6:
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.
- East Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90) Safety Project from North Palafox Street to Chemstrand Road – There will be intermittent daytime westbound right turn lane closures the week of Monday, Dec. 7.
- U.S. 98 Temporary Road Closure from Palafox Street, West Garden Street, and East Garden Street – Motorists will encounter a temporary road closure from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6 for an event.
- U.S. 29 Resurfacing from south of Muscogee Road (County Road 184) to Atmore Highway (S.R. 97)- Motorists can expect north and southbound closures from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 7 through Friday, Dec. 11 as crews lay the final layer of asphalt.
Santa Rosa County:
- Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – For the latest information visit FDOT.gov/PensacolaBay.
- 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.
- S.R. 87 City of Milton Christmas Parade – Motorists will encounter minor traffic delays and temporary closures from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5 for the annual Christmas parade. Local law enforcement will be on site to assist with traffic control.
- S.R. 4 and S.R. 89 Town of Jay Christmas Parade – Motorists will encounter minor traffic delays and temporary closures from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 5 for the annual Christmas parade. Local law enforcement will be on site to assist with traffic control.
- I-10 Emergency Improvements at Avalon Boulevard (S.R. 281/ Exit 22)- Monday, Dec. 7 through Friday, Dec. 11, motorists will encounter nighttime shoulder closures and traffic shifts on the eastbound I-10 exit ramp as crews construct improvements to accommodate 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. Drivers are reminded to use caution, especially at night, when traveling through a work zone and to watch for construction workers and equipment entering and exiting the roadway.
Tate Aggie Cheerleaders Open Competition Season With A Bid To Nationals
December 6, 2020
The Tate High School Aggie competition cheerleading team opened their first weekend of competition at the UCA National Qualifier in Tampa. Their performance earned them a top three finish and a bid to nationals.
Last year, the Tate Aggie cheerleaders won a state championship and placed fifth in the nation.
Photo for NorthEsambia.com, click to enlarge.
Update: Man Wanted For Aggravated Battery Is Back In Jail
December 6, 2020
UPDATE 12:50 PM – This suspect is back in the Escambia County Jail.
Hours after he was released from jail, an Escambia County man is wanted for battery.
Eric James Doyle, 34, was released from the Escambia County Jail about 12:30 a.m. Saturday. By 2:30 p.m., an Escambia County new release said he was wanted for aggravated battery.
He was described as a 170 pound, 5-foot 11-inch white male with brown or black hair and a beard.
Anyone that knows Doyle’s whereabouts is asked to call 911.
Doyle was being held on charges that included aggravated battery. Escambia County, which operates the jail, did not say if he was released by mistake or is accused of a different crime.
Two Inmates Stabbed At Century Correctional Institution
December 5, 2020
Two inmates were stabbed Friday at Century Correctional Institution.
Ambulances were dispatched at 12:25 to the prison on Tedder Road for a stabbing call, according to Escambia County spokesperson Laura Coale. Two patients were transported to an area hospital by Escambia County EMS and Flomaton Lifeguard ambulance.
“There was an isolated incident involving an inmate-on-inmate assault at Century Correctional Institution. Security staff immediately responded, and the incident was swiftly brought under control,” the Florida Department of Corrections told NorthEscambia.com following the incident.
FDC confirmed that two inmates were injured but did not confirm their identities or the extent of their injuries.
Century Correctional Institution remained under normal operation following the incident.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Cantonment Rotary Club Presents Culinary Scholarships
December 5, 2020
The Cantonment Rotary Club recently awarded Amber “AJ” Gill and Patrick Newburn with the Cantonment Rotary Club Culinary Endowed Scholarship.
“It is an honor to be a student at PSC (Pensacola State College) and I cannot wait to see what the semesters ahead of me hold. With the support you have provided, I can continue toward a career as a chef that will help me provide for myself and my family,” Newburn said.
Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Purple Hearts Presented To Families Of NAS Pensacola Attack Victims
December 5, 2020
Purple Heart medals were presented Friday to the family of the three sailors killed in the terrorist attack last year at NAS Pensacola.
The memorial service and wreath laying marked the one-year anniversary of the December 6, 2019, NAS Pensacola terrorist attack that left four dead, including the shooter, and eight injured.
“It was almost one year ago today during a despicable and cowardly act of terrorism that Ensign Joshua Watson, Petty Officer 3rd Class Mohammed Haitham and Petty Officer 3rd Class Cameron Walters paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to their nation,” said Rear Adm. Pete Garvin, commander, Naval Education and Training Command (NETC), who was the ceremony’s guest speaker. “As we lay this wreath for our three fallen shipmates, we honor their bravery and their sacrifice.”
The ceremony also recognized those who were wounded during the attack – Ensign Kristy Lehmer, Ensign Brianna Thomas, Airman Ryan Blackwell, Airman George Johnson, Jessica Pickett, Capt. Charles Hogue, Deputy Matthew Tinch and Deputy Jonathan Glass.
“Today, we continue to mourn those who lost their lives,” said Garvin. “We also pay tribute to the eight Sailors, Marines, government civilians, Naval Air Station Pensacola security forces and Escambia County Sherriff’s Office deputies who were injured. They all exemplify honor, courage and commitment.”
Garvin commented on the strong relationship between the Pensacola community and the military at NAS Pensacola.
“Here in Pensacola, in the ‘Cradle of Naval Aviation,’ we are a family with an unshakeable foundation, a family that stands the test of time and is unwavering in our defense of the constitution and the country whose course it directs,” said Garvin.
During three separate ceremonies at the National Naval Aviation Museum, Garvin and Capt. Edgardo Moreno, NASC’s commanding officer, presented the Purple Heart Medals posthumously to the families of Watson, Haitham and Walters.
“In these times the war zone is no longer limited to battlefields, it all too often finds its way to bastions where it is least expected,” said Cmdr. Michael Lofgren, NASC’s executive officer, who provided remarks at the ceremonies. “These heroes, selflessly and tirelessly preparing for a battlefield, suddenly and unexpectedly found themselves in a war zone.”
The Purple Heart Medal is a United States military decoration awarded in the name of the President to those wounded or killed while serving, on or after April 5, 1917, with the U.S. military.
Photos by USN/Jason Bortz and USN/Joshua Cox for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
United Airlines To Offer Nonstop Service To Denver From Pensacola International Airport
December 5, 2020
United Airlines will soon begin nonstop service between Denver International Airport (DEN) and Pensacola International Airport (PNS).
Flights will be offered on the weekends beginning Feb. 13, 2021 through Feb. 28, 2021. In March, the flights will change to daily service. The flight to Pensacola departs Denver at 9:45 a.m. (Mountain Time) and the returning flight leaves Pensacola at 3:45 p.m. (Central Standard Time). Total flight time is approximately three hours.
“We are proud to have another addition to the services offered from our airport,” Pensacola International Airport Director Matt Coughlin said. “I know United and other airlines see the potential and strength of our community, and it shows as we continue to grow and come back from the setbacks we’ve seen as a result of COVID-19.”
Pensacola International Airport offers service to 13 destinations through six airlines. United Airlines currently provides nonstop flights to Houston and will add flights to Dulles International Airport starting Dec. 17.
The COVID-19 health pandemic has taken a toll on the airport industry across the world. With added safety precautions in place, Pensacola International Airport has seen a steady increase in air traffic. The number of passengers choosing PNS is exceeding national averages by 30%.
“Pensacola International Airport continues to exceed expectations despite the COVID-19 pandemic, and I am proud to have this incredible economic asset right here in the City of Pensacola,” Pensacola Mayor Grover Robinson said. “I’m excited to see United Airlines adding nonstop flights between Pensacola and Denver, opening up opportunities for new visitors to come enjoy everything our city has to offer while making it easier for Pensacola locals to travel to new destinations.”
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Firefighters Respond To Smoke Inside Byrneville Elementary School
December 4, 2020
Area fire departments responded to Byrneville Elementary School Friday afternoon due to smoke in the building.
School officials said there were popping sounds and followed smoke coming from a computer server closet, which is located in the principal’s office in the 79-year old building.
Arriving firefighters reported a light haze in the building. but they were unable to find any active fire after an extensive search.
The incident happened at 2:05 p.m., five minutes after the afternoon dismissal bell. Remaining students and staff that were still on campus were evacuated.
The Century, Walnut Hill, McDavid stations of Escambia Fire Rescue were initially dispatched to the call. Ladder trucks from Atmore and and Pace were also dispatched. Many of the units were canceled prior to arrival.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
17 Arrested In Escambia County Drug Raid
December 4, 2020
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office arrested 17 people Thursday on drug charges after raiding a home near Montclair Elementary School.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Gun Crime Response Team, Robbery/Homicide Unit, Narcotics Unit and SWAT team along with the ATF, Florida Highway Patrol, and Pensacola Police Department served a search warrant at a home in the 4500 block of Florelle Way.
Inside the home law enforcement discovered 12.6 grams of oxycodone, 228.8 grams of ecstasy pills, one gram of heroin, almost half a kilo of cocaine, 3.3 pounds of marijuana, ten firearms (including four firearms that were reported stolen) $21,389 in cash, and seven vehicles were seized.
Terry Vondell Brand, Billy Ray Carter, Darrell Anthony Diggs, Timothy Terrell Dortch, Tyshon Laprice Leontay Edwards, Kobie Lashun Jenkins, De’Aundre Da’Jun Jordan, Timothy Donail Knight, Gary Fernando Mathis, Nastassya Swayell Piper, Charles Edward Posey, Travaris Jamal Stallworth, Anthony Dion Thompson, Kareem Tijuan Watson, James Wells, Devontae Le’roy Williams and Trenton Levontese Wright were all arrested on drug related charges.
“It’s unfortunate to see this amount of drugs and firearms together. We’re glad we can partner with other law enforcement agencies to get this type of criminal activity off of our streets,” said Chief Deputy and sheriff-elect Chip Simmons.