Longtime Cantonment Pharmacy Owner John Reading, Sr. Passes Away
December 28, 2019
A longtime Cantonment businessman passed away Thursday.
John Thomas Reading, Sr., 89, owned the Cantonment Pharmacy for 43 years. The pharmacy closed in 2014 after the business was sold.
“I’m going to miss seeing the people and the families I’ve know for three or four generations. I even performed marriages for a few of them as a notary,” Reading said in a 2014 interview. “We know the people so well…..we love them.”
Reading was underage when he joined the Navy at just 14, and he later joined the Army Air Corps/Air Force. Family said his life was one adventure after another. He owned several motorcycles and airplanes, was an animal lover and Civil War history expert. He authored 10 novels, was a giver of good advice, and “the teller of the tallest tales”.
He is survived by his wife of 69 years, two children, three grandchildren and numerous other relatives.
For the complete obituary, click here.
Fire Damages Beulah Mobile Home
December 28, 2019
Fire heavily damaged a mobile home in Beulah Friday afternoon.
The fire in the 8000 block of Rebel Acres Lane was reported about 4:30 p.m. There were no injuries reported.
The Beulah, Ensley, Bellview, Osceola and Myrtle Grove stations of Escambia Fire Rescue and Escambia County EMS were dispatched to the blaze.
Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Firefighters Respond To Reported Residential Fire In Century
December 28, 2019
Area fire departments were dispatched to a reported residential structure fire Friday night in Century.
The stove fire was reported out as firefighters arrived on scene on East Pond Street shortly after 6 p.m. They remained on scene to evacuate smoke from the residence and install a smoke detector.
If your home does not have a working smoke detector,call Escambia County Fire Rescue at 850-595-HERO (4376) or 850-436-5200 for city of Pensacola residents to have a free one installed.
The Century and McDavid stations of Escambia Fire Rescue, the Flomaton Fire Department and Jay Fire Department were initially dispatched to the call.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Jim Allen Elementary Names Students Of The Month
December 28, 2019
Jim Allen Elementary School recently named their November Students of the Month. They are Mason Loudon and Jayla Bonner. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Boil Water Notice Lifted For Kingsfield, Highway 297A Area
December 28, 2019
A precautionary boil water notice that was issued for part of Cantonment has been lifted. Results of two independent bacteriological samples show the water is safe to drink, according to the Emerald Coast Utilities Authority.
The boil water notice was issued Wednesday morning for Bentley Oaks Drive to Kingsfield Road, North of Kingsfield Road west of 297A to include: Kahuna Way, Bentley Oaks, Waterbury Way, Waterbury Court, Tall Oak Drive, Bur Oak Drive, Flintstone Drive, Natalies Way, Avalon Street, Slate Drive, Quartz Avenue, Granite Lane, and Brightleaf Circle, and Dolan Drive on the east side of 297A.
This notice was issued after repairs were made to a broken 12-inch water main. Precautionary boil water notices are issued as a part of the standard protocol following any loss of water pressure, whether as a result of planned maintenance activities or unscheduled repairs.
Alabama Deputy Crashes Into Tree In Florida During High Speed Chase
December 27, 2019
An Alabama sheriff’s deputy involved in a high speed chase was injured when her cruiser crashed into a tree Thursday night in Florida.
The female deputy was taken to D.W. McMillan Hospital in Brewton with injuries that were not considered serious following the crash on Fannie Road near Century.
The chase started about 9:20 p.m. Old Fannie Road near Hollywood Drive, east of Flomaton in Escambia County, Alabama. That’s where the Escambia County (AL) Sheriff’s Office, Alabama State Troopers and Flomaton Police were conducting a vehicle checkpoint.
“As a vehicle approached the checkpoint, the driver spun around in a ditch and fled at a high rate of speed,” Escambia County (AL) Sheriff Heath Jackson said.
Law enforcement officers gave chase, with an Escambia County (AL) deputy in the lead. The pursuit continued along Fannie Road about a mile and a half before crossing into Florida. About a half mile into Florida, one deputy lost control in a curve on Fannie Road near Carnley Road, ran off the roadway and struck several trees with a 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe patrol unit.
Jackson said the pursuit was called off by the lead deputy shortly after entering Florida, about the time the female deputy crashed into the trees.
A description of the vehicle that fled was not available Thursday night, and the identify of the driver remained unknown.
The wreck is under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. The Century Station of Escambia (FL) Fire Rescue, the Escambia County (FL) Sheriff’s Office and MedStar EMS also responded to the crash.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Santa Rosa County K-9 Recovering After Being Hit By A Car
December 27, 2019
A Santa Rosa County K-9 is recovering after being hit by a car late Thursday afternoon.
Deputies were dispatched to Bayou Drive in Milton for a battery where Sgt. Rich Aloy said the suspect refused to comply with multiple commands given by a K-9 deputy. After tasing the suspect was not successful, the deputy deployed K-9 Orkon using a feature that automatically opened his cruiser’s door. A slow moving vehicle that was passing by struck the dog as it exited.
K-9 Orkon was transported to a veterinarian for examination and was cleared with only a minor rash type injury.
“He was in good spirits when he left the vet,” Aloy said. “He will be on light duty for a few days and is expected to fully recover.”
The battery suspect, 42-year old Eric Mayhugh, fled and led other deputies on a foot chase. He was apprehended and booked into the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office without bond on charges including battery, petit theft first degree and resisting an officer.
Pictured top: Santa Rosa County K-9 Orkon was released from the veterinarian with minor injuries Thursday night. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Driver’s License Service, Vehicle Registration Event Returns To Century Next Month
December 27, 2019
Mobile driver’s license and vehicle registration services will return to Century next month for a single day event.
Thee Florida Licensing On Wheels (FLOW) mobile office will be in Century from Tuesday, January 7 2020, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Billy G. Ward Century Courthouse at 7500 North Century Boulevard.
FLOW is a stand-alone mobile office with technology to provide most motorists’ needs. The mobile unit provides a convenient method to renew a driver’s license, obtain a replacement driver’s license, conversion/reciprocation of out-of-state license, change a name or address on a current driver’s license or identification card, and get a first-time identification card. In addition to licensing services, the mobile unit also provides an opportunity to renew or replace a vehicle registration and apply, renew or replace disabled parking placards. Written and driving tests are not available from the FLOW unit.
Citizens can renew vehicle registrations up to three months and driver’s licenses up to 18 months in advance of expiration.
Citizens using the FLOW services are encouraged to visit EscambiaTaxCollector.com and click the “What Do I Bring” button for information on what is needed for these services. Staff from the tax collector’s office will be on hand to answer all FLOW service questions and questions concerning all other tax collector services such as property tax, business tax receipts, concealed weapons licensing, etc. Citizens also can drop off property tax payments (checks only).
Pictured: Florida Licensing On Wheels (FLOW) provided motorist services such as driver’s license renewals during a previous visit to Century. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
FHP Out In Force During Holiday Period
December 27, 2019
The Florida Highway Patrol has joined law enforcement across the nation to crack down on impaired driving by sharing the message “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over”. The enforcement campaign runs through January 1, 2020.
“Florida Highway Patrol troopers and law enforcement officers statewide are trained to spot the signs of impaired driving, and will be out in force this holiday season,” said Colonel Gene S. Spaulding, director of the Florida Highway Patrol. “Impairment can cause drowsiness, an inability to react appropriately in simple situations, and a false sense of alertness. Please make good decisions and Arrive Alive this holiday season. Never drive impaired.”
Data shows that last December there were 549 alcohol impaired driving crashes in Florida, which was the most for any month in 2018, as well as 57 drug impaired and 34 alcohol and drug impaired crashes
Troopers are out in force on the highways to aid motorists and remove impaired drivers from the road. FHP Auxiliary troopers are also volunteering to augment the FHP during the holiday period.
The FHP offers the following travel tips:
- Every time you get in a vehicle, no matter where you are sitting, buckle up.
- Never drive impaired. Don’t get behind the wheel if you have been drinking or took drugs that cause impairment.
- Let your passengers help you navigate or change the music. Don’t drive distracted. Keep your hands on the wheel, eyes on the road and mind on driving.
- Make sure you get enough rest before you drive. Stop to take a break every 100 miles or two hours.
- Move over for stopped emergency, sanitation, utility service vehicles and wreckers when it is safe to do so.
- Be aware of the speed limit and adjust accordingly. In Florida, the limit will never be higher than 70 mph.
The said theirincreased presence throughout Florida helps to deter traffic violations and enhance services to motorists who need assistance while traveling.
Tate High Names Charlery, Ray As Students Of The Month
December 27, 2019
Tate High School recently named Dylainie Charlery and Elias Ray as Students of the Month. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.