The Outside Collection Box At The Cantonment Post Office Was Broken For Months. We Asked Why. They Fixed It Before Answering.
March 6, 2020
The outside collection box at the Cantonment Post Office had been neatly wrapped in plastic for months. Since at least early November.
A sign taped over the mail chute said “Box Vandalized. Do Not Use. Broken.”
Numerous NorthEscambia.com readers have asked us why or if the post office ever planned to reopen the box. We stopped by and snapped photos of the box Tuesday afternoon, and we emailed an official U.S. Postal Service spokesperson Tuesday night. He read and acknowledged the email Wednesday morning.
The box was fixed by Wednesday afternoon, over four months after it was taken out of service.
“The Postal Service strives to provide the best possible service to our valued customers,” wrote USPS Strategic Communications Specialist Floyd Wagoner wrote in an email dated Wednesday to NorthEscambia.com. “We apologize for any inconvenience that may have been experienced, due to the temporarily damaged blue collection box located at the Cantonment Post Office. An unforeseen delay in replacement components caused the blue collection box to be out-of-service longer than first anticipated. However, we are pleased to inform our customers that blue collection box service at the Cantonment Post Office has resumed today.
Have a question about something we could help with in the North Escambia area? Email news@northescambia.com.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Stuckey Throws Perfect Game In Northview 17-0 Shutout Of Central; Niceville Tops Tate
March 6, 2020
Northview 17, Central 0 (4 innings)
Aubrey Stuckey threw a perfect game Thursday evening to lead the Northview Chiefs over Central 17-0.
Stuckey allowed no hits, no runs and no walks while striking out four in a four inning game shortened by the 10-run mercy rule.
Payton Gilchrist led the Chiefs by driving in six runs, going 3-4 with doubles in the first and fourth. Also for Northview: Heather Knowles 1-2, 3R, 3RBI; Ashley Ragsdale 2R, RBI; Kaitlin Gafford RBI; Anna Sullivan R; Libby Pugh R, RBI; Kaylin Watson 1-2, 3R, RBI; Nevaeh Brown 1-1, R; Kayla Dixon 1-2, 2R; RBI; Aubrey Stuckey R; Emma Gilmore R; Rylee Huskey R.
The Lady Chiefs were also error-free in the field.
Niceville 8, Tate 2
Niceville defeated the Tate Aggies 8-2 Thursday night in Niceville.
Avery Beauchaine, , Madison Holland, Cristina Mason, Hannah Halfacre, Cam Wolfenden and Lilly Locke each had a hit for the Aggies.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Alabama Executes Man For Killing Three Police Officers
March 6, 2020
Alabama death row inmate Nathaniel Woods, 43, was executed Thursday night by lethal injection at the Holman Correctional Facility. The execution was carried out at 8:38 p.m. Woods was pronounced dead at 9:01 p.m.
Woods was sentenced to death for the 2004 capital murder of three Birmingham Police Officers in Jefferson County. Woods did not give a final statement.
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey released the following statement following the execution:
“On June 17, 2004, four Birmingham police officers went to the apartment of Nathaniel Woods, a known drug dealer, to issue a warrant of arrest. Unfortunately, only one of those officers lived to recount the horrendous assault upon him and his fellow officers.
As explained by the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals, the evidence showed that Woods was an integral participant in the intentional murder of these three officers. On the day the officers were killed, Mr. Woods talked to others about killing police officers; he taunted the officers and lured them into his apartment, where he knew they would be met by gunfire; he pointed the gunman to the third police officer; and he escaped with the gunman.
“Each officer died of multiple gunshot wounds. Two officers were shot in the back and one in the head, and none of the officers had an opportunity to discharge return fire. In fact, one officer’s weapon was still holstered.
“The state offered the testimony of 39 witnesses at Woods’ capital murder trial, including Officer Michael Collins, 25 other law enforcement officers, and forensic experts. There is no evidence, and no argument has been made, that Nathaniel Woods tried to stop the gunman from committing these heinous crimes. In fact, he later bragged about his participation in these horrific murders. As such, the jury did not view Woods’ acts as those of an innocent bystander; they believed that he was a fully engaged participant.
“A jury of Mr. Woods’ peers convicted him of four counts of capital murder. In the past 15 years, his conviction has been reviewed at least nine times, and no court has found any reason to overturn the jury’s decision.
“Under Alabama law, someone who helps kill a police officer is just as guilty as the person who directly commits the crime. Since 1983, Alabama has executed two individuals for being an accomplice to capital murder.
“After thorough and careful consideration of the facts surrounding the case, the initial jury’s decision, the many legal challenges and reviews, I concluded that the state of Alabama should carry out Mr. Woods’ lawfully imposed sentence this evening.
“This is not a decision that I take lightly, but I firmly believe in the rule of law and that justice must be served. My thoughts and most sincere prayers are for the families of Officers Chisholm, Owen and Bennett. May the God of all comfort be with these families as they continue to find peace and heal from this terrible crime.”
Tate High Tennis Edges Milton
March 6, 2020
The Tate High Girls Tennis team had a 5-1 home win over Milton Thursday, and the boys team finished the day with a 3-2 edge over Milton with two doubles matches to complete.
The Tate Aggies Tennis Girls overall record is now 5-1, and boys pulled toa 3-3 record.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
NAS Pensacola: Everything’s Normal, No Incident On Base
March 5, 2020
Everything is normal onboard Naval Air Station Pensacola Thursday, according to base officials responding to rumors.
Rumors began to circulate that there was something amiss on the base, which was site of a terrorist attack that claimed three lives in December.
NAS Pensacola released the following statement Thursday afternoon:
“There are incorrect reports that a shelter in place announcement was made for NAS Pensacola. There is currently no incident on the base and the base is operating as normal.”
New Convenience Store At Highway 29, Highway 97 In Molino Gets Escambia County Approval
March 5, 2020
Plans for a new convenience store at the intersection of Highway 29 and Highway 97 in Molino received final approval Wednesday afternoon from the Escambia County Development Review Committee.
DGS Holdings of Atmore’s plans to build the store on an 8.22 acre parcel (pictured) directly across Highway 97 from the current Tom Thumb. In late 2017, plans were submitted to Escambia County by Diamond Gasoline of Atmore for a convenience store on the property, but that project was not completed.
Current plans show a 4,700 square foot building with fuel pumps in the front and rear. Water will be provided by Molino Utilities, and the building will be on a septic system.
Developers are proposing a turn lane from Highway 29 southbound and for west access from Highway 97. The turn lanes will require a Florida Department of Transportation access permit that is currently in the application process.
Before construction could begin, an Escambia County building permit must be issued. County records show that building permit applications have been submitted and are awaiting approval.
NorthEscambia.com photos and graphics.
Escambia County Screening 911 Calls As Part Of Coronavirus Prep; Asking Some To ‘Self-Isolate’
March 5, 2020
Escambia County is screening 911 calls for possible Coronavirus (COVID-19) patients, and encouraging those that may have had contact with the virus to “self-isolate” until cleared by the health department to go to a medical facility.
In a statement released Wednesday night, the county said they are staying in contact with the health department and local hospitals about the virus.
“The county is screening 9-1-1 calls. During medical calls, dispatchers are asking if flu-like symptoms are present, and what the patient’s recent travel history entails,” the statement said.
The Escambia County statement also said:
- “In coordination with Escambia County Health Director, if you have traveled to an area that the CDC has issued a Warning Level 3 or Alert Level 2 Travel Health Notice, or have been in close contact with an individual that has traveled to such an area, who develops symptoms of fever, cough, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing within 14 days of such travel, immediately contact the Florida Department of Health and self-isolate until cleared by the FDOH.”
- “If you believe you may have been exposed to COVID-19, please contact the FDOH Call Center (866-779-6121) or FDOH-Escambia’s number (850-595-6500) prior to traveling to any physician’s office, emergency department, hospital, or urgent care center, to ensure proper protective measures are taken to prevent further risk of spread to others. If possible, also review your signs, symptoms and travel history with your physician over the phone. Your physician will evaluate you for other possible causes of respiratory illness and also contact the county health department to access COVID-19 testing. If you are without health insurance or a health care provider, please contact your county health department so the health department can coordinate your medical evaluation and testing.”
The county will follow the “Escambia County Pandemic Influenza Emergency Plan” if need, and a flier about COVID-19 will be posted in public buildings. Fire and EMS first responders have appropriate personal protective equipment, and the fleet maintenance department is working to make sure all services vehicles are disinfected daily.
To view the Escambia County Coronavirus information flyer, click here.
NorthEscambia.com graphic.
Century Mayor Has Returned To Work After Hospitalization
March 5, 2020
Century Mayor Henry Hawkins is improving after his hospitalization earlier this year and has returned to work.
Hawkins was admitted to the hospital on January 22 and spent time in intensive care with flu symptoms along with blood sugar and kidney problems, according to Interim City Manager Vernon Prather. All total, he spend about three weeks in the hospital.
At a town council meeting earlier this week, Prather said Hawkins had returned to work, usually for a few hours on Mondays and Fridays. The position of mayor in Century is a part-time job with no set hours.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Tate High School Names Students Of The Month
March 5, 2020
Tate High School recently named their Students of the Month for January. They are Ana Sanchez-Morales and Kai Burnett-Burrows. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Century Man Charged With Breaking Mom’s TV, Stealing Her Vehicle
March 5, 2020
A Century man has been charged with allegedly breaking his mom’s television and stealing her vehicle.
Darryl Thomas Frazier, 32, was charged with grand theft of a motor vehicle and criminal mischief with property damage. He remained in the Escambia County Jail Thursday with bond set at $7,500.
Frazier’s mother reported that he punched her flat screen television and threw it on the floor, punched the headboard of her bed and took her vehicle without permission while saying “that he was going to Pizza Hut in Flomaton, Alabama, to meet some friends,” according to an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office arrest report.
The mother had a friend drive her to Pizza Hut in Flomaton where she observed her vehicle but did not want to confront Frazier due to his violent tendencies.
Deputies later located the mother’s vehicle and Frazier at the community center on Pond Street in Century.
Frazier told deputies that his mother allowed him to use the vehicle, and that he fell on her television with his buttocks when he tripped. Deputies noted in their report that Frazier’s hand had numerous small cuts that were bleeding and appeared to be caused by glass. He was placed under arrest.