Three Alarm Fire Damages Town & Country Plaza
August 16, 2020
A three alarm fire damaged several businesses in Town & Country Plaza shopping center on North Pace Boulevard early Sunday morning.
The first reports of the fire came in about 5:10 a.m. The first fire units on scene reported smoke coming from the area of the old Morrison’s restaurant and businesses that included Boost Mobile, Citi Trends and Image Menswear. Initially, the heaviest fire and origination appeared to be in the storefront occupied by the Early Learning Coalition.
Escambia Fire Rescue stations from across much of Escambia County responded to the fire, while crews from as far north as Walnut Hill and Century were moved into standby positions.
The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office.
The first stores at Town & Country Plaza, including Gayfers and Delchamps, opened in October 1956. It was regarded as the first suburban shopping center in Pensacola.
Pictured: Escambia Fire Rescue on scene of a Sunday morning fire at Town & Country Plaza on North Pace Boulevard. Photos WEAR 3 for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Motorcyclist Dead, SUV Driver Serious After County Road 97 Crash
August 16, 2020
A motorcyclist was killed and and a SUV driver was seriously injured in a crash involving a SUV and a motorcycle Saturday night in Cantonment.
The 57-year old motorcyclist from Cantonment was southbound behind a Kia Soul on County Road 97 near Arena Road when the motorcyclist attempted to properly pass, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The driver of the SUV attempted to make a left turn into a driveway and failed to see the motorcycle passing, causing the motorcycle to strike the driver’s side of the Kia about 7:34 p.m.
The motorcyclist was airlifted to a Sacred Heart Hospital by ShandsCair medical helicopter where he was later pronounced deceased.
The driver of the KIA, a 31–year old male from Pensacola, was trapped in his vehicle and extricated by firefighters before being transported by Escambia County EMS to Sacred Heart Hospital. His injuries were not considered life threatening.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the crash. The Cantonment, Ensley and Beulah stations of Escambia Fire Rescue, and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office also responded to the wreck.
The Florida Highway Patrol no longer releases the names of accident victims.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Over 11,000 Early Votes Were Cast In Escambia County. Here’s A Breakdown By Location, Party.
August 16, 2020
Early voting concluded Saturday with more than 11,000 ballots cast in Escambia County.
There were 11,158 votes cast during the early voting period in Escambia County, and there have 23,108 mail in ballots returned.
With 34,721 total ballots cast, turnout for the 2020 Primary Election is at 19.6% so far in Escambia County.
The graphic below shows the early voting turnout in Escambia County by party and location.
Cantonment Improvement Committee, Ascend Cares Hold Book Bag Giveaway
August 16, 2020
Ascend Cares and the Cantonment Improvement Committee held a drive-thru book bag distribution Saturday at Carver Park to help local children get ready for back to school. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Road Construction: Here’s What To Expect This Week On State Roads
August 16, 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:
- Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement- Bridge construction may require the following lane closures from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. the week of Sunday, Aug 16:
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- Intermittent east and westbound lane closures on U.S. 98 from North 14th Avenue in Pensacola to east of the Pensacola Bay Bridge in Gulf Breeze.
- Intermittent lane closures on North 17th Avenue in Pensacola between U.S. 98 and the CSX Railroad overpass (Graffiti Bridge).
- · U.S. 29 Widening from Interstate 10 (I-10) to Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90)– Drivers 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 and pavement operations.
- · U.S. 29 Resurfacing from south of Muscogee Road (County Road 184) to Atmore Highway (State Road (S.R.) 97)- Motorists can expect intermittent daytime lane restrictions as crews continue construction activities at various locations.
- · Mobile Highway (U.S. 90) Intersection Improvements at New Warrington Road (S.R. 295) – Construction activities continue. Drivers can expect lane closures between 9:30 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Santa Rosa County:
- Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement- Bridge construction may require the following lane closures from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. the week of Sunday, Aug 16:
- Intermittent east and westbound lane closures on U.S. 98 from North 14th Avenue in Pensacola to east of the Pensacola Bay Bridge in Gulf Breeze.
- Intermittent lane closures on North 17th Avenue in Pensacola between U.S. 98 and the CSX Railroad overpass (Graffiti Bridge).
- · 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.
- · U.S. 90 Pavement Marking Operations from Avalon Boulevard (S.R. 281) to the Okaloosa County Line-Motorists can expect minor delays Sunday through Thursday from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. until Thursday, Aug. 27 as slow-moving vehicles are used to perform pavement marking operations.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Four Nominated For Escambia County Court Judge
August 16, 2020
The First Judicial Nominating Committee has submitted four names to Gov. Ron DeSantis to fill a vacancy on the Escambia County Court.
The four nominees, in alphabetical order, submitted to the governor are: Barry E. Dickson, Kristina Lightel, Frederic Longmire, and Andrew McGraw.
The Escambia County Court vacancy was created when Judge Jennifer J. Frydrychowicz was elevated to the Circuit Court.
Escambia BOCC Weekly Meeting Schedule
August 16, 2020
Here is a schedule of this week’s Escambia County public meetings:
Tuesday, August 18
Board of Electrical Examiners – 9 a.m., Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place
Wednesday, August 19
Inspection Fund Advisory Board Meeting – 9 a.m., Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place
Development Review Committee – 1 p.m., Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place
Medical Examiners Search Committee – 2 p.m., M.C. Blanchard Judicial Building, 190 W. Government St.
Thursday, August 20
Board of County Commissioners Public Forum – 8:30 a.m., Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place, BCC Meeting Room
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting – 9 a.m., Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place, BCC Meeting Room
Friday, August 21
Value Adjustment Board Organizational Meeting – 9 a.m., Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place, BCC Meeting Room
FHSAA: Fall Sports Can Begin; Escambia County Schools To Announce Plan Next Week
August 15, 2020
The Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) voted Friday to allow fall sports to go ahead — with the caveat that districts can made their own, different decisions.
Escambia County’s decision won’t happen until next week.
The first allowable practice date will be August 24 for football, cross country, volleyball, swimming and bowling. The earliest date for regular season contests will be September 4. The option approved by FHSAA basically keeps fall schedules mostly intact. For football, it eliminates scheduled kick-off classics and week one for most schools.
The FHSAA board also voted to allow schools or districts to opt out of the state series in a sport by September 18. That will allow schools and districts to create their own fall sports calendar with the possibility of regional schedules under FHSAA guidance. It also allows schools to follow guidance from local governments and the health department.
“Today FHSAA made the right choice in giving school districts in Florida the option of beginning fall sports as early as August 24th,” Sen. Marco Rubio said. “Each district can now decide when & how they want to start. It should be a careful and phased approach.”
Under the plan, the first Friday night under the lights for high school football in Florida will be September 4.
The FHSAA board approved the plan on an 11-5 vote over plans that would have delayed the start of the season to October 23 or December 11.
Photos by Jennifer Repine for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Molino Man Charged With Attacks On His Brother, Sister And Mother
August 15, 2020
A Molino man has been charged with attacking his mother, sister and brother.
Dawin Bryant Baxter II, 42, was charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and two counts of battery for the incident on Rosalyn Way.
Baxter, who provided a Brickyard Road address at the time of his arrest, allegedly began yelling at his sister because she was getting on to Baxter because he was not helping to clean the house. He then shoved his sister and mother, according to an arrest report.
When he went toward his sister again, Baxter’s brother placed him in a headlock, the report states. They both went outside where Baxter came at his brother with a knife. Baxter also allegedly bit his brother “extremely hard” on his left forearm, leaving deep bit marks, the ECSO said.
Deputies noted in their report that Baxter was intoxicated and agitated, and he claimed he was the one who was attacked.
Nearly 1,800 Gallons Of Sewage Spilled In Cantonment
August 15, 2020
ECUA reported a nearly 1,800 gallon sanitary sewer overflow Friday afternoon in Cantonment.
ECUA said contractor ran over a valve, causing 1,786 gallons of sewage to be spilled at Booker Street and Ransom Street about noon Friday. The sewage leak flowed for about five minutes and was contained on site, according to a notice from the Florida Department of Environmental Protect.
The valve was repaired by ECUA and the area was cleaned with a biocide agent to eliminate any contamination concerns.