Escambia Fire Rescue Responds To Reported Mobile Home Fire In Cantonment
January 13, 2020
Escambia Fire Rescue responded to a mobile reported kitchen fire in Cantonment Monday afternoon.
There were no injuries and no major damage reported in the 1600 block of Old Bridge Road.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Attorney General Barr Says Pensacola NAS Shooting Was Act Of Terrorism As Investigation Details Are Released
January 13, 2020
The deadly shooting December 6 at Naval Air Station Pensacola was an act of terrorism, U.S. Attorney General William Barr said Monday afternoon as findings from the investigation were released.
Saudi Arabian Air Force 2nd Lt. Mohammed Saeed Alshamrani, was “motivated by jihadist ideology”, Barr said, adding he posted a message last September 11 that “the countdown has begun” and visited the 9/11 Memorial in New York City on Thanksgiving weekend. He made additional posts on social media, including one just two hours before the attack.
Barr said reports were not accurate that Alshamrani was accompanied by other Saudi cadets during the attack, but several were in the area and took video of erupting chaos and cooperated with investigators.
The attorney general said 21 Saudi students were being expelled back to Saudi Arabia on Monday for derogatory sentiments, including anti-American messages posted on social media. Some also possessed child pornography. The 21 are not facing charges at this time.
Barr praised two U.S. Marines — Sgt. Ryan Maisel and Staff Sgt. Samuel Mullin — for their response to the shooting. They were outside Building 633 when they heard the gunfire and ran inside to confront the shooter. Their only weapon was a fire extinguisher pulled from a wall. They also performed CPR on victims.
The attorney general also praised the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office for their response; Alshamrani was ultimately shot and killed by ECSO deputies.
Navy Airman Ryan Blackwell, who was shot five times, was also praised by Barr. “Ryan still managed to jump on top of a fellow sailor to keep her from being shot. He further assisted other students and helped them escape, while taking additional fire from the shooter,” he said.
Barr said Apple has not provided substantive assistance in unlocking two iPhones used by the shooter.
FBI Deputy Director David Bowdich said over 500 interviews were conducted during the investigation. He said the shooting lasted about 15 minutes, with Alshamrani engaged by military law enforcement about eight minutes after the first shots were fired. Alshamrani has 180 rounds of ammunition remaining.
Joshua K. Watson, Mohammed S. Haitham and Cameron S. Walters were killed and either others were injured in the attack.
Here Are This Week’s Traffic Trouble Spots
January 13, 2020
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads and projects in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- U.S. 29 Widening from Interstate 10 (I-10) to Nine Mile Road (State Road (S.R.) 10/U.S. 90A)– Drivers will experience the following impacts to traffic the week of Sunday, Jan 12.
o Nine Mile Road at the U.S. 29 Overpass: Alternating lane shifts as crews construct the new southbound bridge.
o U.S. 29 traffic between I-10 and 9 1/2 Mile Road may experience alternating lane closures as crews continue drainage and paving operations.
- U.S. 98 (Pensacola Bay Bridge) Replacement- There will be intermittent lane closures at the following locations from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. the week of Sunday, Jan. 12.
- U.S. 98 east and westbound, from North 14th Avenue in Pensacola to east of the Pensacola Bay Bridge in Gulf Breeze.
- North 17th Avenue in Pensacola between U.S. 98 and the Graffiti Bridge.
- · S.R. 10/U.S. 90A (Nine Mile Road) Widening from S.R. 297 (Pine Forest Road) to U.S. 29- Due to utility conflicts, the temporary closure of Littleton Street at Nine Mile Road has been extended through 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18 as crews perform drainage work. Traffic will be detoured to Milestone Boulevard and Oldenburg Boulevard. Signs and variable message boards are in place to alert drivers of the temporary closure and direct traffic to the alternate routes.
- · U.S. 90 (Nine Mile Road) Widening from Beulah Road to S.R. 297 (Pine Forest Road)- The far right portion of the I-10 off ramp that connects to Nine Mile Road (Exit 5) westbound remains closed. Drivers will be able to access Nine Mile Road east and westbound using the other section of the ramp. The partial ramp closure is needed to reconstruct the ramp and will be in place for approximately three months.
- · U.S. 29 Construction Activities just north of W. Burgess Road- The northbound, outside lane just north of W. Burgess Road will be closed from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday, Jan. 13 through Thursday, Jan. 17 as crews reconstruct a deceleration lane.
- · U.S. 29 Resurfacing from south of Muscogee Road (County Road/C.R. 184) to Atmore Highway (S.R. 97)– Crews continue paving operations and median work. Drivers may encounter intermittent daytime lane restrictions. Motorists are reminded to watch for crews and heavy equipment entering and exiting the roadway.
- · I-10 Maintenance Operations at U.S. 90 (Scenic Highway/Exit 17)- The westbound outside lane will be closed at Scenic Highway from 8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 14 to 5 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 15 as crews perform maintenance work.
- · S.R. 10A (Mobile Highway) Turn Lane Construction east of Beulah Road intersection- East and westbound lane closures from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 14 through Thursday, Jan. 16 as crews make pavement repairs.
- · Hanks Road Bridge Replacement over Breastworks Creek- Construction activities continue. Crews are currently pouring the east side approach slab. The roadway is temporarily closed. Drivers on Hanks Road, west of the bridge, are detoured to C.R. 99 and C.R. 4. Drivers east of the bridge will utilize Pine Barren Road. The project is anticipated to be complete spring 2020.
- C.R. 168 Bridge Replacement over Unnamed Branch in Northwest Century- Crews have poured the bridge deck. Efforts are now focused on pouring the bridge railing, and constructing the roadway approaching both ends of the new bridge. Traffic will remain shifted on the temporary diversion until construction of the new structure is complete.
Santa Rosa County:
- · U.S. 90 Corridor (Pace) Management Improvement Project- There will be construction activities from Lewis Funeral Home to Downtown Motors. Motorists can expect shoulder closures.
- · U.S. 98 Safety Improvement from Villa Woods Circle to Ortega Park Drive- Construction activities are underway along the following seven locations along the corridor: Villa Woods Circle to Marble Court, Oriole Beach Road, Grand Ride Circle to Fordham Parkway, El Rito Drive/College Parkway, American Avenue, Alpine Avenue, and west of Ortega park Drive. Crews will continue working on drainage near the Days Inn through Sunday, Jan. 19. Motorists may encounter lane closures from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.
- · U.S. 98 (Pensacola Bay Bridge) Replacement- There will be intermittent lane closures at the following locations from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. the week of Sunday, Jan. 12.
- · S.R. 4 Resurfacing and Drainage Improvements from the Escambia River Bridge to C.R. 87A (Market Road) in Jay- There will be shoulder closures throughout the project limits for roadway and utility work.
- · S.R. 87 Bridge Rehabilitation and Repair Over Yellow River- Motorists may encounter daytime southbound, inside lane closures as crews begin expansion joint work.
- · S.R. 87 Turn lane and Median Modifications at South Lynn Road- Northbound left turn lane and median modifications work has begun. Operations will take place in the median area of the roadway. Motorists can expect intermittent daytime lane closures.
- U.S. 98 east and westbound, from North 14th Avenue in Pensacola to east of the Pensacola Bay Bridge in Gulf Breeze.
- North 17th Avenue in Pensacola between U.S. 98 and the Graffiti Bridge.
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.
Florida Gas Prices Begin Slow Decline
January 13, 2020
Pump prices in Florida are retreating after logging the most expensive start to a new year since 2014. Florida gas prices reached an average price of nearly $2.53 per gallon last Tuesday, but have since declined a total of 4 cents to $2.49 per gallon.
The average price per gallon was a bit higher in Escambia County at $2.52 Sunday night, while one station in Cantonment was at $2.45.
Rising crude prices dragged gas prices higher in recent weeks. However, oil prices quickly sank as tensions between the US and Iran began to ease. Last week, the price for a barrel of WTI crude dropped nearly $5; going from $64/b on Monday to $59/b on Friday.
“Drivers normally see some of the lowest gas prices of the year in January, but prices have remained elevated compared to recent months, due to the rising price of crude,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Cooling geopolitical tensions between the US and Iran has alleviated some of the upward pressure on gasoline, and now drivers are beginning to see lower prices at the pump. The state average could dip another few pennies this week. Seasonal factors like low gasoline demand and growing supplies should allow gas prices to slip even lower this month. However, seasonal factors will be at play again in the spring. Gas prices are forecast to bounce 20-30 cents higher in the coming months as refineries conduct maintenance and switch to summer gasoline.”
Pedestrian Killed While Crossing Davis Highway
January 13, 2020
A pedestrian was struck and kill on Davis Highway near West Florida Hospital.
The Florida Highway Patrol said 17-year old Mason Rivkin of Pensacola was traveling north about 6 p.m. on Davis Highway in a 2012 Toyota Camry when a pedestrian wearing black clothing crossed the roadway outside a crosswalk. Rivkin was unable to see 61-year old Verlinda Jackson in time to stop the vehicle.
Jackson was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital where she succumbed to her injuries. Rivkin and his 15-year old passenger were not injured.
No charges were filed.
Correctional Officers In Century Assaulted In Three Separate Incidents
January 13, 2020
Correctional officers in Century were recently assaulted by inmates in three separate incidents, according to the Florida Department of Corrections.
On January 2, Century Work Camp inmate Phillip Reynolds assaulted officers by kicking them in the jaw and striking them in the arm.
On January 3, Century Correctional Institution inmate Gage Eastburn assaulted an officer by biting their left hand. Medical staff examined the officer and noted injuries.
Then on January 6, Century CI inmate Tyller Heyen assaulted an officer by pinning his hand between a door and door jamb.
In all three cases, FDC said staff responded appropriately, and the inmate was subdued.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
14th Annual Cantonment MLK Parade Set For Monday, January 20
January 13, 2020
The 14th Annual Cantonment MLK Parade will roll at 4 p.m. on Monday, January 20.
“This parade is held in regards to the kids and the adults that are unable to attend the Pensacola MLK parade as well as the joy it bring to the entire community,” founder and coordinator Mary Floyd said. “I will need your help in making this a successful MLK parade for the Cantonment and surrounding communities.”
There are no entry fees required, but it is required that entries have plenty of candy or trinkets for children, and organizers are asking that each car or float display a symbol or picture that pertains to the work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Participants are asked to line up beginning at 3 p.m. at the Carver Park at 208 Webb Street. Floats, cars, horses and motorcycles are welcome.
For more information, call Floyd at (850) 390-1912.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
New 448 Area Code Coming To The 850. Here’s When It Happens.
January 12, 2020
A schedule to roll out the new 448 area code for Northwest Florida has been announced.
The current 850 area code will run out of available phone numbers in early 2022, and state regulators late last year approved the addition of the 448 area code to alleviate the number crunch. The new area code would cover the same area as the current 850 area code, which includes Escambia County to Tallahassee.
Phone companies will begin network preparation and customer education about the new area code on February 22, 2020.
During a permissive dialing period beginning August 22, 2020, phone subscribers may dial local calls within the overlay area on either a 7-digit or 10-digit basis, but will be encouraged to dial 10-digits. After the permissive period ends on February 20, 2021, all calls must be dialed using 10-digits.
The earliest date someone may receive a number with the new 448 area code will be March 20, 2021.
All existing customers will retain the 850 area code and would not have to change their telephone numbers, according to the Florida Public Service Commission.
Cantonment Woman Facing Multiple Drug Charges After Window Tint Violation Traffic Stop
January 12, 2020
A Cantonment woman is facing multiple felony drug charges after a traffic stop for illegal window tint.
Angel Diane Maroone, 22, was charged with possession of a controlled substance without a prescription (Xanax), possession of methamphetamine, possession of cocaine, introduction of contraband into a detention facility, possession of drug paraphernalia and knowingly driving with a suspended license.
An Escambia County Sheriff’s deputy conducted a traffic stop in the area of Davis Highway and University Parkway on a vehicle that appeared to have window tint that was too dark.
The deputy tested the window tint, which allowed on a 12% light transmission, darker than the legal limit of 28%. The deputy observed Maroone to be nervous, smoking two cigarettes in six minutes.
Inside the vehicle, the deputy located a pink bag containing a small amount of methamphetamine, a “very large chunk” of methamphetamine, and a clear plastic bag containing Xanax. When Maroone was booked into the Escambia County Jail, corrections staff found a a plastic bag containing cocaine inside a body cavity, according to an arrest report.
Maroone remained in the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $10,000.
High Winds Damage Agricultural Shed Near Walnut Hill
January 12, 2020
High winds Saturday afternoon damaged an agricultural shed on Highway 97 near Pelt Road near Walnut Hill. There was a wind advisory and severe thunderstorm warning in effect at the time. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.