Too-Tall Truck Brings Down Power Lines In Molino, Plunges Homes Into The Dark
December 11, 2019
A trucker with an over-height load left a few hundred people in the dark Tuesday night in Molino.
The Florida Highway Patrol said Vincent Washington of Mobile was hauling a load of scrap metal that was 17 feet, 1 inch high, which was 3 feet, 4 inches over the legal height.
The scrap metal pulled down power and cable lines along nearly two miles of Molino Road about 6:15 p.m.. As the truck snagged power lines, it reportedly pulled the electric service masts away from several homes.
Washington was cited for careless driving and having an over dimensional load.
The Molino and Walnut Hill stations of Escambia Fire Rescue, the Florida Highway Patrol and FHP Commercial Vehicle Enforcement responded. Customers of both Gulf Power and Escambia River Electric Cooperative in the area lost power as a result of the incident.
A power outage about the same time in the area of Jacks Branch Road and Green Tree Circle in Cantonment was unrelated and was caused by wind.
Pictured above: Power lines trail behind an over-height scrap truck Tuesday night on Molino Road. Pictured below: Power lines wrapped around the top of the load. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Kittens Rescued From Pipe In Molino
December 11, 2019
Several kittens rescued from a pipe in Molino Monday afternoon are doing well and have new homes in their future.
Following a minor traffic crash at the Tom Thumb on Highway 29 at Highway 97, first responders heard meowing coming from an overflow pipe for a retention pond.
Florida Highway Patrol trooper Aaron Acker and Molino Fire Department volunteer Drew Manning rescued the kittens from the pipe with a little help from Manning’s mom.
Manning took the kittens home and bathed them. We’re told they are now eating well and playing.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Secretary Of The Navy Visits NAS Pensacola, Praises First Responders, Holds Agency Brief
December 11, 2019
Acting Secretary of the Navy Thomas Modly and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Russell Smith visited Naval Air Station Pensacola Tuesday following the active shooter incident on December 6.
During the visit, Modly and Smith praised first responders from the base and the surrounding community for their response to the situation and the care they’re providing for all who are affected by this incident.
“I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the brave men and women for what we ask you to do every day,” said Modly. “Your immense bravery in the line of fire undoubtedly saved the lives of many. Today, as a Navy we grieve for those who were lost and we continue to stand by those who were wounded.”
Department of the Navy patrol officers and master-at-arms with the Naval Security Force were the first responders on the scene and confronted the shooter. NSF was joined by officers from the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office who assisted with the eventual takedown of the shooter. In the end, three sailors and the shooter were killed and eight individuals were injured.
“Our Security Force responded immediately and their quick reaction prevented the situation from being far worse,” said Lt. Steve Pakola, security officer, NAS Pensacola. “We train for these types of situations and their performance was exceptional. They displayed unbelievable bravery when confronted with the shooter, but they performed their job without thought of the risk they faced.”
Following a short tour of the base, the pair joined members of the FBI, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, NCIS, and NAS Pensacola for a leadership brief. The brief was meant to increase interagency communication, coordination, and support for one another.
Pictured: Capt. Tim Kinsella Naval Air Station commanding officer introduces the acting Secretary of the Navy Thomas B. Modly, o Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Holly Barber, one of the first responders of the active shooter incident on NAS Pensacola. SECNAV visited the base on Tuesday. Photo Chief Mass Communication Specialist Dan Mennuto/U.S. Navy for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Molino Park Fifth Graders Visited Environmental Center. And Met A Big Snake.
December 11, 2019
Fifth grade students from Molino Park Elementary School visited the Roy Hyatt Environmental Center Tuesday. They entered the planetarium “blasting off” into space studying the solar system. They also used microscopes to study the flow of energy through an aquatic ecosystem observing a microscopic food chain in a drop of pond water. And they met Todd the Florida king snake. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
FCA Challenger Awards Presented To Area High School Football Players
December 11, 2019
Area high school football players were honored this week at the 51st Annual Fellowship of Christian Athletes’ Challenger Award Banquet at the First Baptist Church of Pensacola.
Guest speaker for the event was Pat Nix, former Auburn quarterback and father of current AU quarterback Box Nix.
Challenger award winners were:
- Dean Hatcher, Tate High
- Trent Peebles, Northview High
- Chris Buddy Page, West Florida High
- Tucker Mandell ,Jay High School
- Khazyren McWilliams, Pine Forest High
- Robert Sherlock, Washington High
- Gabe Johnson, Escambia High
- Calvin McCreary, Pensacola High
- CJ Davis, Catholic High
- Carter Lees, Milton High
- Blake Bullock, Pace High
- Trevor Pugh, Gulf Breeze High
- Matt Morgan, T.R. Miller High
One Challenger Award is presented per team, chosen by a secret ballot with all players voting. The player must exemplify Christian values, sportsmanship and academic achievement.
Pictured top: With former Auburn quarterback Bo Nix are Trent Peebles from Northview High School (left) and Dean Hatcher from Tate High School (right). Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
American Heroes: Navy Posthumously Awards Wings of Gold to NAS Pensacola Shooting Victims
December 10, 2019
The Navy posthumously awarded Wings of Gold Tuesday to all three Sailors killed during the Dec. 6 shooting at Naval Aviation Schools Command aboard Naval Air Station Pensacola.
Acting Secretary of the Navy Thomas B. Modly proclaimed Ensign Joshua K. Watson as a naval aviator, and Airman Mohammed S. Haitham and Airman Apprentice Cameron S. Walters as naval aircrewmen, Dec. 10.
“It is my honor today to present the Wings of Gold to the families of these three American heroes who were among the first to respond to horrific attacks upon our own naval family and tragically, were also our Sailors who made the ultimate sacrifice in protecting their brothers and sisters in arms,” said Modly. “Although this authorization pales in comparison to their immense bravery in the line of fire, this winging represents the symbolic achievement of the coveted goal that all three came to Pensacola to accomplish: to join the long line of naval aviators, flight officers, and aircrewmen who have served the cause of freedom so valiantly for over a century. Airman Haitham, Airman Walters, and Ensign Watson represent the highest virtues of naval aviation, and undoubtedly belong in that great fraternity of selfless service to our Navy, our Department, and our Nation.”
Chief of Naval Air Training Rear Adm. Daniel Dwyer oversees all undergraduate Naval Aviation training and is the designation authority for all naval aviators.
“The selfless acts of heroism displayed by these young Sailors the morning of Dec. 6 are nothing short of incredible,” Dwyer said. “They each embody the warrior ethos we expect and require of all wingmen. There is no doubt in my mind they each would have led the charge in their respective Naval Aviation careers. We are deeply saddened by this tragedy and our hearts are truly with the families and friends of our Shipmates.”
Commander, Naval Air Forces Vice Adm. DeWolfe H. Miller III is responsible for all Naval Aviation units. He expressed his condolences to the families of the Sailors and spoke of their bravery in the face of mortal danger.
“Ensign Watson, Airman Haitham and Airman Apprentice Walters are heroes,” Miller said. “Their actions and sacrifice embodied the competence, courage and character of those who wear Naval Aviation Wings of Gold. These wings were presented in honor of their brave actions and in everlasting memory of their sacrifice.”
Student naval aviators are selected based on their aptitude for flight training. A recent U.S. Naval Academy graduate, Watson possessed the education, skills, and tenacity required of naval aviators and was set to begin the rigorous training toward earning his coveted Wings of Gold. Naval aircrewmen, often said to be the Navy’s “guardian angels,” undergo some of the Navy’s most physically challenging training. Candidates must be comfortable in the water, and pass demanding physical fitness standards. Both Haitham and Walters possessed the strength, skill, and determination required of the Navy’s aircrewmen.
Navy Suspends Flight Training For Saudi Students Following NAS Pensacola Shooting
December 10, 2019
The U.S. Navy has temporarily suspended flight training for over 300 Saudi Arabian students following last week’s deadly shooting at NAS Pensacola.
Saudi Flight student Mohammed Saeed Alshamrani shot and killed three sailors and injured eight others Friday morning.
The order impacts about 140 students at NAS Pensacola, 35 at nearby Whiting Field and nearly 130 at NAS Mayport.
Navy Commander Clay Doss says classroom training is starting this week, and flight training for other students will resume. He says it’s not clear how long the flight stand-down for the Saudi students will continue
Saudi Defense Attaché Meets With Saudi Students At NAS Pensacola
December 10, 2019
On Monday, Saudi Arabia Defense Attaché Major General Fawaz Al Fawaz (second from right) met with the Saudi students who remain restricted to the NAS Pensacola base by their Saudi commanding officer.
“The FBI and our partners appreciate the continued cooperation by the Saudi government as our investigation continues,” the FBI said in a statement.
Photo for Northescambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate High School Now Off Lockdown; Suspect Manhunt In Area
December 10, 2019
Tate High School was placed a precautionary lockdown Tuesday morning, but that lockdown has now been lifted.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office was attempting to serve a battery domestic violence arrest warrant on an individual in the area near the campus when the suspect fled, according to ECSO Maj. Andrew Hobbs. The suspect did not run onto the campus.
The Tate campus was put on a “code yellow” lockdown.
A description of the suspect was not immediately available, and there was no word on his capture.
Pictured: An Escambia County deputy on the perimeter of a manhunt area Tuesday morning. NorthEscambia.com photo by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
FBI: Saudi National NAS Shooter Was Able To Legally Purchase Gun; ABC Reports It Was Sold In Escambia County
December 10, 2019
The FBI is explaining more about how the Saudi national NAS Pensacola shooter was able to legally purchase a gun in Florida, and a national news agency is reporting it was bought from and Escambia County dealer.
Shooter Mohammed Alshamrani, 21, a second lieutenant in the Royal Saudi Air Force, purchased the Glock Model 45 9mm handgun on July 20, 2019, from a federal firearms licensed dealer in Florida, FBI Public Affairs Office Amanda Videll said late Tuesday morning. “The preliminary investigation into the firearm purchase has not revealed any information to suggest that the sale was unlawful.”
ABC News is reporting the gun was purchased at Uber’s Lock and Gun located on West Fairfield Drive near 57th Avenue. The FBI has confirmed the gun was purchased in Florida, but has not confirmed the exact location.
“The exception under which (Alshamrani) qualified to purchase a firearm was a valid Florida hunting license, but he may have qualified under other exceptions as well,” Videll said. “Under federal law, an alien who is admitted to the US under a nonimmigrant visa is prohibited from having a gun and ammo unless the alien falls within one of the exceptions provided.”
Alshamrani opened fire Friday morning in a classroom building on NAS Pensacola, killing three sailors – Ensign Joshua Kaleb Watson, 21; Airman Mohammed Sameh Haitham, 19; and Airmen Apprentice Cameron Scott Walters, 21. Eight others were wounded before Alshamrani was shot and killed by law enforcement.
Picture: Uber’s Lock & Gun on West Fairfield Drive. Photos courtesy Chorus Nylander/WEAR 3 for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
