Flomaton’s Da’Quan Johnson Decommits From Troy Days After Official Visit To Duke
December 16, 2019
Flomaton High School senior football star Da’Quan Johnson decommitted from Troy State Sunday night, just days after a trip to Duke University.
Johnson committed to Troy on August 2. He received a scholarship offer from Duke on December 3 and took and official visit to Durham on December 6.
“After talking with my family. I would like to announce my de-commitment from the Troy University,” Johnson posted on Twitter Sunday night. “I sincerely thank all of the coaches at Troy for recruiting me, especially Coach (Brandon) Hall. This is my decision!”
Johnson led the Flomaton Hurricanes to the 3A station championship last season, playing mostly quarterback. He was named Alabama’s 3A Back of the Year. In the championship game against Piedmont, Johnson carried the ball 43 times — a Super 7 record — and was named MVP. He also made 37 tackles on defense last season and had four interceptions.
Flomaton Coach Doug Vickery said in August Johnson picked Troy over South Alabama, Southern Miss, UAB, Tulane, Army, Florida Atlantic and others.
Pictured top: Flomaton’s Da’Quane “Money” Johnson gains yardage for the Hurricanes against Escambia County High School. Pictured below: Johnson has shifted to quarterback to the Canes after a knee injury for starter Zeb Vickery. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Weekly Traffic Alerts: This Week’s Delays On State Roads And Projects
December 16, 2019
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. To avoid inconvenience to the traveling public during the predicted heavy traffic period during the year-end holiday period, there will be no lane closures on state roads from Tuesday, Dec. 24 through Thursday, Jan. 2. These lane closure restrictions include both construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- Cervantes Street (U.S. 90) Temporary Lane Closure from Strong Street to Scenic Highway- The outside, right lane on Cervantes Street will be closed between Strong Street and Scenic Highway from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14 for a 5K race. Law enforcement will be on site.
- U.S. 98 (Garden Street) between A Street and Tarragona Street Temporary Closure- Garden Street will be closed between A and Tarragona street from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14 for the Annual Christmas Parade.
- 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, Dec 15.
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, Dec. 15.
- 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- Stefani Road will remain closed at the intersection of Nine Mile Road through Friday,
Dec. 20 as crews continue drainage work. Traffic will be detoured to Ashland Avenue and 9 1/2 Mile Road. Signs and variable message boards will be in place to alert drivers of the temporary closure and direct traffic to the alternate routes.
- I-110 Bridge Rehabilitation over Texar Street- There will be intermittent and alternating north and southbound lane restrictions on I-110 over Texar Street from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 15 and Monday, Dec. 16 as crews make joint repairs.
- · U.S. 90 (Nine Mile Road) Widening from Beulah Road to S.R. 297 (Pine Forest Road)- Beginning Friday, Dec. 20, the section between I-10 and Navy Federal Way will be open to four travel lanes. To allow work to continue further west, motorists traveling on the outside (right) westbound lane of Nine Mile Road will need to turn right at Navy Federal Way.
- · 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 day and nighttime lane restrictions. Motorists are reminded to watch for crews and heavy equipment entering and exiting the roadway.
- · Hanks Road Bridge Replacement over Breastworks Creek- Construction activities continue. Crews are currently pouring the east bridge 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 late 2019.
- C.R. 168 Bridge Replacement over Unnamed Branch in Northwest Century- Crews are currently pouring the deck slab. Traffic will remain shifted on the temporary diversion until construction of the new bridge has been completed.
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). 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, Dec. 15.
- · S.R. 4 Resurfacing and Drainage Improvements from the Escambia River Bridge to C.R. 87A (Market Road) in Jay- There will also be shoulder closures in the downtown Jay area as crews perform 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 begin in the median area of the roadway. Motorists can expect intermittent daytime lane closures.
- · S.R. 4 Routine Bridge Inspection over Wilson Branch Creek and East Relief- Drivers will encounter intermittent lane restrictions on S.R. 4 over Wilson Branch, 2.7 miles east of U.S. 29, and East Relief, 3.1 miles east of U.S. 29, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday, Dec. 16 as crews perform a routine inspection on the bridges.
- · S.R. 87 Pavement Markings Replacement- Traffic will encounter alternating and intermittent minor delays between Nicholas Lake Road and Vonnie Tolbert Road from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday through Thursday until Tuesday, Dec. 31 as crews remove and replace pavement markings in the roadway. Law enforcement will be on site to direct traffic.
- 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.
Five People Injured In Three Vehicle Wreck On Highway 95A
December 15, 2019
Five people were reportedly injured in a three vehicle crash on Highway 95A near East Kingsfield Road Saturday night.
At least one of the injured was transported to an area hospital as a trauma alert following the crash just before 11 p.m.. Two people people involved in the wreck refused medical transport.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating. The Cantonment and Ensley stations of Escambia Fire Rescue, Escambia County EMS and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office also responded to the crash.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Bourbour, click to enlarge.
Two Injured In Highway 97 Crash
December 15, 2019
Two people were injured in a two vehicle crash Saturday night on Highway 97 in Walnut Hill.
Both of the injured were transported to area hospital by Escambia County EMS following the crash just north of White Ash Road about 7:10 p.m.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating. The Molino and Walnut Hill Stations of Escambia Fire Rescue and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office also responded.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Toyz For Kidz Bike Ride Brings Santa To Needy Kids (With Photo Gallery)
December 15, 2019
Santa had some very special helpers Saturday as the LA Bikers rolled through Bratt, Flomaton and Atmore making sure that dozens of needy kids had presents for Christmas this year.
It was the 18th annual Toyz For Kidz Ride organized by the LA Bikers.
Dozens of children received new bicycles and helmets, clothes, shoes and lots of toys. Dozens of bikers took part in the event with stops at Bratt Elementary, Flomaton and the Atmore City Hall.
For a photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
All Eight Injured In NAS Pensacola Shooting Released From The Hospital
December 15, 2019
The last of eight people injured during the December 6 shooting onboard NAS Pensacola has been released from the hospital.
Joshua K. Watson, Mohammed S. Haitham and Cameron S. Walters were killed.
Naval Air Station Pensacola remains open for current DoD ID card holders only. The museum and lighthouse are only open to current DoD ID card holders.
UWF Argos Headed To National Championship Game
December 15, 2019
The UWF football team scored 21 unanswered points in the second half and forced six turnovers in a 28-14 win over previously unbeaten Ferris State at Top Taggart Field in the 2019 NCAA Division 2 National Semifinals Saturday.
UWF (12-2) finished beating an undefeated opponent with a long home winning streak for the third-consecutive week. Saturday’s win in 33-degree temperatures ended FSU’s 14-game home winning streak and was just the second loss by the Bulldogs in the last two seasons.
The six turnovers – including fumble recoveries on three-consecutive Bulldog drives in the second half – tied the school record set earlier this season at West Georgia. UWF scored 18 points off those miscues as they turned a 14-7 deficit into a 28-14 lead.
UWF finished with 366 yards of total offense as Austin Reed threw for 299 yards with three touchdowns. He completed passes to six players, led by seven to Tate Lehtio as the program’s all-time leading receiver had 118 yards, two touchdowns and caught a 2-point conversion.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Lehtio got the scoring started for UWF, hauling in a 34-yard reception by catching a ball over the helmet of a FSU defender on he game’s opening possession.
The Bulldogs tied it at 7-7 late in the first quarter on a Tyler Minor 6-yard run. But that was how it stayed at the half as the teams played field position football.
FSU came out to start the second half with seven-straight rushes that ended with a Dion Earls score from the 11.
After a 3-and-out by the Argos, the Bulldogs turned the ball over on downs near midfield. Austin Williams made the first of his two field goals eight plays later to pull UWF within 14-10.
Then the turnovers started. Ferris drove the ball 71 yards before Sharod Oliver punched the ball away from Xavier Wade at the one and watched it go through the end zone for a touchback. 72 yards later Williams made a 25-yarder to get within 14-13 early in the fourth.
After Ty Cox forced an Earls fumble on the next FSU play, Reed needed just two plays to find Lehtio for an 18-yard strike to put the Argonauts up 21-14 after the conversion.
Ferris rans three plays on its next possession before a bad snap hit the motion man and Trent Archie recovered it for UWF. With another short field the Argos used just three plays as Reed and Quentin Randolph connected from the six with 6:59 to play as UWF grabbed a 28-14 lead.
Ferris fumbled one more time in UWF territory as the Argos pounced on it for their sixth turnover.
FSU (12-1) totaled 378 yards with 255 on the ground. Marvin Campbell led the rushing attack with 104 yards on 23 carries.
UWF will now meet No. 4 Minnesota State (14-0) in the D2 National Championship Game next Saturday, Dec. 21 at McKinney ISD Stadium in McKinney, Texas.
UWF is making its second appearance in the national championship game after taking a similar path two years ago, winning four-consecutive road games over higher seeded teams. The program is 34-17 all-time after starting in 2016. The Argonauts are 8-1 in NCAA postseason games and regardless of the outcome next week, will have the highest winning percentage in D2 history among teams who have played a minimum of 10 playoff games.
UWF roads to McKinney has featured wins over No. 16 Wingate (38-17), No. 1 and defending national champion Valdosta State (38-35), No. 6 Lenoir-Rhyne (43-38) and No. 2 Ferris State. The wins over the Blazers, Bears and Bulldogs have ended the three longest home field winning streaks in Division 2.
Minnesota State advanced with a 58-15 win at No. 8 Slippery Rock (13-1).
For a photo gallery, click here.
Photos Morgan Givens/ UWF Athletics for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Wreaths Across America Held
December 15, 2019
Thousands of Christmas wreaths were placed on graves at Barrancas National Cemetery on NAS Pensacola and other area cemeteries on Saturday.
The wreaths were placed as part of the national event “Wreaths Across America”, a tradition that began over 20 years ago at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington. The wreaths were placed to remember and honor veterans through the laying of Remembrance Wreaths on the graves of our country’s fallen heroes and the act of saying the name of each veteran aloud.
Due to the recent shootings on NAS Pensacola, the event on the base was limited to current Dod ID card holders and groups that were previously approved.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate Soccer Earns Saturday Win Over East Hill Christian
December 15, 2019
Tate Aggies Boys Soccer earned another win Saturday night 3-1 over East Hill Christian.
Scores were by senior Matt Johnson, junior Calen Arnevik and sophomore Chase Mills. Junior Nathan Bailey had two assists.
Tate (10-1) will host Navarre on Monday.
Pictured top: Senior Matt Johnson charging into the goal. Pictured below: Senior captain Josh Cagle pushing his team up the field. Pictured below> Junior Calen rnevik taking a shot on goal. NorthEscambia.com photos by Mitch Arnevik, click to enlarge.
Suspect Arrested For Piggly Wiggly Armed Robbery; Investigation Continues Into Grey Goose Holdup
December 14, 2019
The suspect in the armed robbery of a local Piggly Wiggly is in custody, and authorities are continuing to investigate the armed robbery of a nearby liquor store two days later.
Maurice Montraye Ervin, 26, was taken into custody by Atmore Police on a violation of probation warrant and booked into the Escambia County (AL) Detention Center in Brewton. He will be extradited back to Escambia County, Florida, to face an armed robbery charge for the December 4 holdup of the Piggly Wiggly on Highway 97 in Davisville.
Ervin allegedly entered the grocery store at closing time on on December 4 and pointed a pistol at an employee’s head while taking an undisclosed amount of cash, according to the Escambia County (FL) Sheriff’s Office.
The ECSO is continuing to investigate an armed robbery two days later about 1,000 feet away on Highway 97 at the Grey Goose Liquor Store. A black male wearing a camouflage jacket and a camouflage mask walked into the business on December 6 and demanded money, according to the ECSO.
Ervin has not been named a suspect in the Grey Goose robbery.
Also this week, two unrelated arrests were made in connection with an armed robbery in Atmore and the armed robbery of four convenience stores in Pensacola. The suspects were from Atmore and Flomaton. [Read more...]
Anyone with information on any of the robberies is asked to call the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620 or Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.